Netflix’s latest real estate series, Owning Manhattan dropped this month and I have a lot of thoughts. The last one got me particularly heated so apologies in advance to any real estate agents watching this.
The first season follows Ryan Serhant (Million Dollar Listing New York) and the employees of his 3 year old real estate agency: Serhant. You can watch the trailer here if you want more context.
But let’s jump straight into my notes:
Positives
Ryan. I’ve watched Ryan since the early days, he’s super entertaining and lovable. Exactly the kind of role model who deserves screen time. He’s a pro in front of the cameras but I still think he came across as the kind of boss anyone would love to have. There was only one thing I disagreed with him on but more about that later.
The cinematography. There’s been countless seasons of real estate shows. It’s not easy to think of something new but I felt like “Owning Manhattan had a really quirky vibe. Especially the first few minutes of the first episode was filled with a bunch of establishing shots that were interesting.
The Penthouse Quote. In episode one we’re introduced to Ryan’s $250 million penthouse listing. In his interview he makes some comments that basically all homes as lived in the same. And I 100% agree. This philosophy is why I started Real Homes Review. When you break it down the same building blocks are used for every home. All style of home deserves appreciation, not just mansions.
Share Joy. Ryan knows how to make a sound bite. Another quote from him that I’ll apply to real estate from now on is: a sale is a transfer of enthusiasm. It feels so much more wholesome than the usual snarky sales mottos. It paints a picture of 2 happy parties.
Negatives
Performers Everywhere. The pipeline of wannabe actors and singers to real estate agent needs to be studied. The sudden explosion of glamourised real estate shows, mostly produced by Netflix, probably isn’t helping. It’s not a crime to want to be a performer but most of the personality aspects that go along with that dream aren’t characteristics I want in my agent.
Emotional Warfare. It’s well known that real estate agents can be untrustworthy. And in this scene Ryan spells out, proudly, how he manipulates buyers. He explained how he negotiates by playing with their human emotions and doesn’t even need to use numbers to get a deal done. I understand the science behind this as a sales tool. Doesn’t mean I have to like it. Buying a property is emotional, it’s an important decision. A little bit of suggestion I understand, describe my life as I walk through the home, do your research and mention how the kitchen will be great for my large family. But anything more feels dirty and manipulative. We shouldn’t be preyed on while looking for our life home. No one can make competent decisions when they’re having to protect themselves from sales attacks.
King Ryan. I’m being petty with this one because I’m 99% sure that it’s all for the camera. But the blind idolisation by all these agents for their righteous leader Ryan was pushing the line of concern. I wouldn’t be surprised if every single episode had some variation of an agent saying they didn’t want to let him down or Ryan having to reassure someone they hadn’t let him down. I don’t believe any of you are that contrite when every other sentence out of your mouth is self-assured snark.
Record Breaking. Real estate agents (at least TV ones) are always talking about setting sales records. What really angers me is that to achieve this goal someone else loses. We’re the poor suckers paying the price. They’re so comfortable exploiting others for their own gain when in some cases they can’t even cover their own rent.
“Owning Manhattan” had its ups and downs but overall showcased the properties more than the personal drama. It reminded me of why I started Real Homes Review in the first place, to point out the bullshit and recognise that every home has positives and negatives. Doesn’t mean I won’t be waiting for Season 2 though!