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Todd is working on a documentary.
It's called "Popular."
GALLAGHER: I'm looking for an apartment.
I need it for short-term rental.
The budget is in exchange for placement in the film.
It's not gonna be easy to convince a developer or landlord
to give an apartment away for free.
TEKA: The space is great.
It just needs, like, a heart and soul.
A friend of mine is producing a documentary film.
She's really interested in doing a fundraiser.
VICKEY: My number-one commitment
is to rent or sell the apartment.
If in addition to that,
I can raise some money for a good cause,
well, that'll be a bonus.
-- Captions by VITAC --
Closed Captions provided by Scripps Networks, LLC.
Oh, I see Alison. I think she's sitting back there.
Oh, there she is. Yeah.
SABRINA: We're here today meeting Alison Brod who is
one of the most successful publicists in the city.
Hi. How are you?
Nice to meet you.
SAMANTHA: Hi, everybody.
Alison wants to meet with us today
'cause she wants to introduce us to
her client Todd Gallagher.
He's a filmmaker, and he's going to be
looking for an apartment in New York City.
ALISON: Todd is working on a documentary.
It's called "Popular."
And it's exploring popularity from all ends.
And a lot of it is filming with celebrities,
so I need a place that is appropriate for that.
So, I'm looking for an apartment.
I need it for a short-term rental.
Two months.
And it should be something also nice enough
that I get the experience of what it's like
to be popular in New York City.
GALLAGHER: There are so many factors
that go into choosing an apartment
that it says a lot about who that person is
and how popular they are,
so it's important we have an apartment
that's reflective of that for the film.
The key is obviously gonna be your budget
if you want something cool and fabulous.
The budget is in exchange for placement in the film,
I get the condo.
There's no price that you can put on popularity, right?
SAMANTHA: That is exactly right.
We don't feel like we have to spend.
We feel like a trade is more appropriate.
It's not gonna be easy to convince a developer or landlord
to give an apartment away for two months for free,
especially if it's a fabulous apartment.
That's a lot of money
directly out of someone's pocket.
Everybody has their own story,
and everybody generally wants to be popular.
So, that's one of the reasons why
we're getting so much traction on this
and why you should give us a free apartment.
[ Laughter ]
MICHELE: We actually want to please Alison.
She represents a lot of celebrity clients.
We want to keep getting her referrals,
so it's really important that we do a good job for her
and find Todd a really, really spectacular apartment.
I think it sounds like fun.
I'll take an apartment while you're at it.
[ Laughter ]
So, anyway, the apartment is amazing.
It's got a great living, dining area,
open kitchen, but it just needs help.
VICKEY: I'm at 12 West 18th Street,
and I'm about to show the apartment
to my daughter Teka who's an agent at CORE.
I just need you to help me.
You're totally gonna reel me in to this, aren't you?
Yes.
The owners are overseas
and they had it on the market with another broker,
and it did not get rented.
And now they either want to rent it or sell it.
This space is great.
Right? I love the width.
It's open. It's airy.
What exactly are you thinking of doing here?
The whole enchilada -- it's getting done.
The space is great.
It just needs, like, a heart and soul.
And did you buy this sofa?
Of course, I did.
And that I had from the other listing
that we just sold.
TEKA: My mother has been drawn to staging real estate
since I was a little kid.
I would be in the car with her,
and all of a sudden, [Screeches]
we're going left 'cause we'd see
some sort of open house or real-estate event.
So, it's been happening since I can remember.
It's just in our blood.
This kitchen is big.
It is.
So, this, we have what they used as the master bedroom.
Okay.
And this room is a challenge.
Hmm.
It was listed as a three bedroom.
That is a stretch.
Well, there isn't a door.
Yeah, that's problem number one.
But they used it as a three bedroom,
but just without furniture, you don't get it.
I get this one.
This will be a cute baby's room.
VICKEY: In New York City, there's a lot of competition
among agents and listings,
and to get those buyers through your front door,
creativity will win 100%.
Like, this was a good start,
but we kind of need to do a lot.
I prefer to purchase and identify
the proper pieces for my listings.
I want it to look unique, and I want to be perfect.
And are you thinking of doing an event?
Yeah.
I don't want to do your just typical party
because it was listed before,
so if brokers saw it when it was empty.
They may have an impression
and not want to bring clients back.
You know what? I'll call my friend Todd.
He will help me get the event together.
I just need the stuff in here before I have an event.
We're gonna definitely have to go to the storage unit.
I think I have a few things in there we can use.
So, the next step is I need to
get Teka in that storage unit.
We have to identify what I have.
Then we have to go shopping for what I don't have.
And then I need to get ahold of Todd
to see if I can recruit him to be on board for our event.
All right, perfect.
SAMANTHA: As you can see, we are on the river.
GALLAGHER: Okay.
MICHELE: We're actually at the Rushmore today
at 80 Riverside Boulevard with Todd Gallagher,
and we're trying to find him an apartment
for his "Popular" documentary.
Come on in.
Whoa.
There are a lot of celebrities
that have chosen this building
because of the amenities, which are amazing.
The apartments really have good-sized rooms.
SAMANTHA: You've got a big eat-in kitchen.
We know you probably won't be doing much cooking,
GALLAGHER: No.
Alison has given me strict orders to not eat.
If you want to be popular, you can't eat.
[ Laughter ]
So, you've got a huge bedroom...
...for our popular guy.
Fantastic.
The one concern is, from my understanding,
popular people like to go to nightclubs.
Is this an area for that?
BOTH: No.
GALLAGHER: This does not seem ideal to me, location-wise,
'cause it's sort of in the suburbs of New York.
I'm sort of a hip, downtown kind of guy.
I need to be in the middle of the action.
And we'll need this in a week.
SAMANTHA: That's very short notice, also.
You didn't mention that.
This is not available for two to three weeks.
Are flexible at all?
Could you push some things back?
There's not a lot of flexibility.
How are we gonna find him some place
that's ready in a week?
Let's go see what we can do.
Well, we have to see what we can do pretty fast
if you have to be in it in a week.
And then we also have to
rethink the situation.
Yeah.
SAMANTHA: What mom and I have to do right now
is shuffle back to the office,
get on the phone with all the developers that we know,
and hope that somebody gets what he's looking for
and is able to make it happen
in the time frame that Todd needs.
VICKEY: I'm at the Lucky Rice night market.
We're right in Dumbo, under the Manhattan Bridge.
I'm getting ready to meet with Todd Leong,
a friend of mine who's an event planner, a foodie.
He's the ideal person to help me
come up with an event to help sell this property.
How are you?
Good to see you.
I know you're probably swamped now,
but some time tonight,
if we could just slip away for a minute.
I just want to talk.
No problem.
You want to do it now or later?
We can do it now.
You want to? Okay. Perfect.
LEONG: I'm one of the producers of the Lucky Rice Festival.
This is a week-long Asian culinary festival.
It's looking amazing in there.
Vickey, she always loves doing interesting events in her spaces
to bring people in to experience the space.
We've always talked about doing something,
so she came tonight because
she's got a new space she needs to move
and was looking for some help.
I want something that's not done,
something kind of creative.
I've got a great idea for you.
A friend of mine is producing a documentary film.
It's about the Internet in China
and the flow of information.
We were talking the other day,
and she's really interested in doing a fundraiser event...
...for people that might be
interested in helping her out.
So, I was trying to think of a venue,
where we could do it and where, you know,.
there wouldn't be that much cost involved.
So, this could be perfect.
If it's a fundraiser, then we have to think of
how we're gonna raise money.
So, maybe what we can do is
I can have people to donate services
that would help an agent sell a property,
like the photographer.
I just met an architect that does great renderings.
Brokers will come to the event,
and they can bid on these services,
and then the money'll go for the documentary.
Perfect.
It's not just throwing a party.
It has meaning, and that excites me.
Yay! Great idea.
Excellent.
Oh, I knew you'd have a good idea.
Happy to help.
MICHELE: We are really excited to show you this property.
Number one, this developer is very excited,
and that's, like, half the battle.
And the apartment is in an amazing location.
Looks nice already.
MICHELE: Today, we're at 400 Fifth Avenue,
and we're going into the residences on top of The Setai.
It's really difficult to find buildings
where they understand the value of
having someone like Todd Gallagher
in their apartment.
So, I'm a little concerned that
if Todd does not like this apartment,
we may not find anything nearly as nice.
Welcome to the residences at 400 Fifth Avenue.
Please have a look around.
Looks amazing.
SAMANTHA: This view is unbelievable.
This would be great to shoot interviews.
This room is amazing.
Clooney there, Pitt there.
Jolie, Corbin Bernsen -- they're all here.
Fantastic.
Now here is another very cozy room
with a beautiful east view.
GALLAGHER: This is gorgeous.
SAMANTHA: So, it's a hotel with a condo on top,
which is great for what you're doing
because you're kind of set up here.
They have a concierge.
They have room service. They have maid service.
Anything that means less work for me, I'm into.
Here you have a fabulous master bedroom.
A corner -- a totally different exposure.
This is the first apartment I've ever been in
where there's a view of Madison Square Garden.
Really?
There it is.
That's amazing.
It is unusual enough in New York City
to have a client that's looking for
a very short-term rental with furniture, but add to that
that he's not gonna pay for the apartment.
In trade, he's gonna give unbelievable publicity.
We are lucky that we have this building on board,
and we've got to hope that Todd realizes that and takes it.
I personally love it. I think it's fantastic.
It's got everything I need.
But it's a huge decision.
It's gonna have a major impact on the film.
And also, I have other people I have to run it by --
producers, Alison, for one...
SAMANTHA: You've got your entourage.
...to make sure Alison likes it.
She's the "Popular" guru.
Yes. Exactly.
I can tell that I'm almost certain
we need to see some more places.
We haven't seen that much,
so I think for a decision that big,
I think we need to see more.
Just know that you run the risk of losing this.
Now, we don't mean to be pushy, but it is our nature.
[ Laughs ]
Let's give just a couple more options.
If we can do that, I'll be happy.
Everyone will be happy with me.
I think that's good.
I'm a little concerned that
there are not a lot of other options,
and we're kind of running out of time,
because he's starting to film very soon,
so the clock is definitely ticking.
VICKEY: I can't decide.
I think I want it on that wall.
VICKEY: I'm here at 12 West 18th Street
getting ready to stage and place
the items that I brought in.
So cute.
This is my granddaughter, actually.
Oh, my gosh.
I'm fortunate to have a number of people
helping me select items,
place items, hang the artwork.
And without them, I could never get this done.
Oh, I like that.
But more importantly, I need to get the owner on the phone,
because after all of this effort,
I want to talk to her about
having a fundraiser to draw brokers in,
and the fundraiser'll benefit a documentary.
And since she loves the arts,
I'm hopeful that she'll agree to it,
but you never know.
She could say "no."
I have items donated
which will help a broker brand themself
and also get a property properly sold.
So, I think that that's going to
attract brokers into the apartment,
which -- exposure is what it's all about.
WOMAN: Oh, that sounds great, Vickey.
But I really need it sold or rented
by the end of the month.
Okay, so I can put this all together
and have the event next week
if you agree that it's a good idea.
You know, whatever you decide is fine with me.
Thank you, and it's gonna be great.
I wish you could be here to attend.
That would be fun.
Oh, me, too.
So, the next steps --
I need to make sure people are here at the event,
and I also have to make sure we have a mixologist.
I have food coming.
The presentation is everything.
So, you can't go through all of this
and not have it well-executed.
We've been scrambling to try to get somebody
to go along with what we want to do here.
MICHELE: Today we're at the Azure on the Upper East Side
with Todd Gallagher.
Even though we showed him what we thought was
the perfect apartment, he does want to see more.
We've been working really hard and we are getting frustrated,
but we would do anything for Alison.
GALLAGHER: It's gonna take a lot to beat The Setai.
Well, we told you that.
But this building does have great views.
Okay.
GALLAGHER: So, is there an office?
Is there anywhere I can work from?
Actually, there's an office right this way.
It's nice and quiet and private.
Nice. That's important.
SABRINA: Right, and the very big windows.
It's very bright. It's a very happy place to work.
MICHELE: Now you have a very private master
'cause it's on the far end of the apartment,
which is nice.
But you still have your gorgeous view.
GALLAGHER: Excellent.
Now do we have room service here?
That, I have to say no.
This place is spacious -- very, very nice.
Kitchen's great.
Fake fruit, tea kettle --
this is what I need.
MICHELE: I think the space is amazing,
but it's very far east,
and if you're trying to be popular
and you're going out every night,
it might not be the best place to be.
So, first of all, I want to say that
this place is beautiful,
and I appreciate very much
the effort, work, stick-to-itiveness --
I don't like the way this is heading.
There's usually a big "but"
after that kind of a sentence.
SABRINA: Or a "however" coming after this.
...however, after talking to Alison, the producers,
and then seeing this,
I really think The Setai is the right place.
The Setai is more centrally located.
It's more glamorous. It's got more amenities.
I think it just makes more sense overall.
Hopefully, it's still available.
We don't even know if it's still available.
GALLAGHER: If I end up missing out on 400 Fifth, The Setai,
I'll be disappointed because
it's the best spot for what I'm doing.
Mom's very persuasive.
We'll have mom make the phone call.
If The Setai is no longer available,
could this be the backup?
Absolutely. This place is fantastic.
I just think The Setai, for what we're doing,
is the one.
SABRINA: I'm hoping it's still gonna work out, but who knows?
The developers could change their mind.
Time is the killer of all deals, especially in New York City.
VICKEY: You're like a scientist.
Hi.
My pleasure.
I'm at 12 West 18th Street,
and this is the night for our big event.
I've got a fundraiser that's going on.
Diana's is the producer of "Code Red,"
the documentary I was telling you about.
Thank you so much for having us.
This is an amazing apartment.
I'm just so happy to be able to participate
and hopefully raise some money tonight.
My number-one commitment
is to rent or sell the apartment.
If in addition to that
I can raise some money for a good cause,
well, that'll be a bonus.
I really would love to thank everyone
that took the time to come tonight,
and I also want to just encourage you to
please take a moment to look at each of the bid sheets,
and if you don't want to bid on any of the items,
we have a lovely large glass jar
that some people have already thrown money in.
Thank you very much.
As far as the staging
and the placement of the furniture and art,
it's looking great.
If I had a little more time, it could be better.
But I think I've accomplished the goal,
and that is to understand the size of the rooms.
JILL: I could probably use this
as a study, though, instead, right?
VICKEY: Oh, absolutely.
Or a huge walk-in closet with a desk in it.
Oh, that sounds good too.
I think when I'm looking at a space,
it's always helpful to see it in use.
I like seeing it laid out,
'cause it helps me imagine how I would use this space.
DOUG: So, Vickey, I love the place.
I have two people --
one for rent and one for buy.
Oh, perfect.
Well, let's take a look at the place.
I love it so far.
So, this is a spacious bathroom.
I mean this is like what you get
in a large California bathroom.
It's really beautiful.
DOUG: This could really work for my tenant.
You know, I've shown them a lot of stuff
and they're done with looking.
And the location could not be better.
The location is phenomenal.
The reason I feel so compelled and committed
to getting this apartment rented or sold
is it's been sitting empty.
It was in the hands of another broker,
and you don't want to own real estate
and have it sit empty.
VICKEY: So, I think people are
responding well to the apartment.
People are bidding.
I want to raise a lot of money, though.
GALLAGHER: I appreciate you guys making time.
I know we're all hectic.
More hectic for someone as popular as you are
than it is for us.
MICHELE: Samantha, Sabrina, and I
are with Todd Gallagher,
and we are meeting him today
to tell him some really good news.
Fantastic.
The Setai has agreed to have
the most popular guy in town live there for free.
I'm assuming you're referring to me.
[ Laughs ]
Yes.
The only catch is
they really could only commit to a month,
and I know you needed it for more.
Look.
A month is a month.
SAMANTHA: Right.
And this was really short notice.
I do understand that.
Thank you very much.
I'm very happy. I'll take it.
You'll take it -- Thank goodness.
The Setai was his favorite
of the places that we showed him.
Number one, the location is perfect.
It's near all the clubs.
Plus it's a great place for him
to interview his celebrities,
and everything about it, I think, is perfect.
So, now that we found you the place for the month,
we'll continue to look
and work on finding you something
for when that month is up.
That's fantastic.
Now, in that month, I have a better idea.
I think it's time to get a place in New York.
Have you heard the term "bicoastal,"
and I mean "b-u-y coastal."
He just coined a new term.
"B-u-y coastal."
Every popular person I know is bicoastal.
I got the place in L.A. I need a place in New York.
Let's get serious.
So, can you guys help me find a place to buy?
Absolutely.
And that's obviously more what we do.
But we have a catch.
Uh-oh.
This is when you know that she's
such a good rider and negotiator.
Okay.
At multiple events.
With hair and makeup.
Sundance.
Wherever you go, we're going.
We're going to all the great festivals,
all the great fashion weeks.
MICHELE: Considering that we had
almost no time at all to find him a place,
we're so glad that we were able to
persuade The Setai to give him an apartment.
TEKA: So, how do you think the event went?
Oh, I thought it went amazing.
I thought the place looked unbelievable.
You're welcome.
I know.
I'm here at City Bakery with my daughter Teka.
We're gonna have some lunch and talk about
the activity at 12 West 18th Street.
Traffic's picked up,
and we have two offers.
Are you serious?
Oh, yeah. Two offers came in.
I know.
No.
I'm gonna keep it a secret.
No. [ Chuckles ]
No, I have to call her.
Let's call her.
The event was a huge success,
and to be able to call the owners
and not only share that the apartment looked amazing,
we were able to raise some money,
and we ended up with two offers --
that is an exciting phone call.
The first one is to purchase the apartment
for $1,975,000,
and then the other one is to rent the apartment,
And it's for $7,600 a month.
WOMAN: That's amazing, Vickey.
Wow.
You know, I have to tell you that
looking at these photos,
my husband and I have been talking
and we're actually thinking about
maybe renting for a while instead of selling
because we may want to move back to New York at some point,
maybe in a couple of years.
I didn't see that coming,
but certainly we had it on the market
for rent or for sale.
Listen, I don't blame you.
I think it's an amazing apartment,
and it's a compliment to us
if you think it looks great
with what we've done with it.
WOMAN: Okay. Thank you so much, Vickey.
Bye.
Wait, so, what just happened?
She -- she -- it's a compliment, actually.
She's saying, "you know what?
"The photos looked so amazing.
We're looking at them online."
And now they may want to
just not sell it and just rent it
'cause they may want to move back one day.
VICKEY: I mean, fortunately,
the way I look at business in Manhattan, especially,
is it's a business of abundance.
It's one listing, one sale.
There'll be another.
At the end of the day,
what's important is that they're happy.
And it appears to me that
they're gonna be happier renting than selling.