ABC's "Next Step Realty NYC" is up for something different and this time they will be exploring the other end of the market and that is rentals for fresh college graduates.
According to The Real Deal, the program airs every Tuesday nights and collaborates with Manhattan-based rental brokerage. The brokerage is led by CEO Blair Brandt and they put much focus on newly graduate's renters.
Brandt said that when he co-founded the firm in 2010 he did not imagine that he will be doing a reality show. The production company approached him and shared what the show is all about. They pitched him the idea.
"I went from zero to 60. When you're running a business where the service you are providing is working 90 percent of the time, the missing ingredient becomes exposure," Brandt said.
Mr. Brandt shared that the usual average transaction of his firm is around $4,000 two-bedroom apartment. However, there are times that they get cheaper deals just like the recent one which is $2,270 rent. This is for a 707-square-foot one-bedroom located in Midtown East and the renters are two friends who will be splitting the expense.
Like other reality TV shows, this one also has its own dramas to cover. It has been said that Brandt is dating one of his co-workers. This leads to some gossips about promotion battle.
"Half of it is internal stuff in the company: politics, romance, relationships, drama, promotions, demotions," he said. "The other half is real estate porn," Brandt added.
The show may be putting much emphasis on new college graduates as renters but the talk about luxury is still there especially when it comes to New York City real estate. As a matter of fact, one of its segments include a fresh graduate gal who is leasing an 850-square-foot two-bedroom in Midtown for $6,700 per month who happened to be receiving check payments from her dad.
As of the moment there are already 10 episodes filmed. It is not yet certain to how far the show will expand but that should be something to look forward to.
