HGTV’s “Selling New York” follows CORE agents as they navigate the country’s most competitive—and compelling—real estate market. Here’s our behind-the-scenes look at Episode 403, which first aired on October 27, 2011. For more SNY epilogues, click here.
In “Trophy Properties” one of New York City’s premier agents, Vickey Barron, made her “Selling New York” debut, showcasing her exquisite $14M West Village townhouse listing at 38 Bethune Street. Known for her creativity and unorthodox marketing strategies, Vickey exhibited an ability to execute an incredibly inventive plan that left a lasting impression on buyers, sellers and viewers alike.
Keep on reading for some exclusive behind-the-scenes information about what didn’t make it into last night’s episode of “Selling New York” and what happened after the cameras stopped rolling!
1) DIY decorating is not as easy as it looks on TV. While staging an apartment is commonplace amongst brokers, Vickey refused to simply place a coffee table, a few paintings and some candles strategically throughout the apartment. Instead, Vickey opted to fully decorate the entire townhouse—on her own dollar! She drove to her favorite furniture store, ABC Carpet & Home, and purchased everything from area rugs to couches. She then hired a private moving company to deliver everything to 38 Bethune, where she stayed up until 4 AM placing furniture and hanging artwork from her own personal collection. Luckily everything fit perfectly into 38 Bethune because her purchases were all final sale.
2) Nothing’s perfect, especially on a deadline. “There was no question as to whether I was going to get this done,” Vickey said of her efforts to decorate on a short turnaround time in order to prepare the townhouse for CORE’s Spring Open House event. While she admits that the décor is not perfect, her only regret is that she didn’t decorate sooner. “Before the furniture, the townhouse was quirky. The footprint wasn’t clear,” Vickey said. “With the furniture, however, 38 Bethune makes sense to potential buyers, who can now envision themselves making the townhouse their home.”
3) No animals were hurt during the filming of this television show–but one was healed! While setting up 38 Bethune’s terrace for the Open House event, Vickey discovered that a dove with a broken wing was taking refuge in a planter. In between showing brokers and buyers around the newly decorated townhouse, Vickey was frantically calling veterinarians and bird doctors to help the dove. She finally located a bird expert on the Upper East Side, who Vickey personally paid to care for the dove and ensure a speedy recovery.
4) The limits were pushed, then pushed some more. Vickey is known for coming up with unconventional methods to make a deal. The owner met her eccentric idea to allow a potential buyer and her kids to spend time in the townhouse with some hesitation, but Vickey says that achieving success in real estate always comes from a place of trust, and the seller ultimately realized the value in executing this idea. Vickey also broke the basic real estate practice of keeping buyers and sellers as separate as possible, and planned an intimate dinner with the owner and the potential buyer at the townhouse. The owner of 38 Bethune—which is actually a converted carriage house from the 1800s—was able to explain the quality and value of his custom workmanship. In the end, many people think of unconventional ideas, but very few actually follow through. However, Vickey is more than just a thinker; if she has an idea—no matter how outrageous it may be—she will ensure it is executed.
5) No buyer yet, but interest is building. While 38 Bethune has not sold, Vickey has no fear that “it will happen” when the timing is right. In fact, she is currently in talks with an extremely interested party. And after seeing Vickey in action during this episode, it is clear that she won’t stop—or sleep—until she pairs 38 Bethune with the right buyer.