When Lucie Holt departed London — and her job as a mortgage broker — for New York City 15 years ago, real estate sales seemed like a natural fit. But the British broker never thought the career choice would land her on national television.
Holt, now a senior vice president at Citi Habitats, made her TV debut last month on HGTV’s “Selling New York,” the real estate reality show that’s become a must-see for residential brokers in the city.
Until now, the show has followed the ups and downs of New York real estate with brokers from three firms — Core, Gumley Haft Kleier and Warburg. Holt’s debut marks a departure for the show, which began its fifth season last month: Her appearance was the first time a broker from outside those three firms got a story line of their own. Other outside brokers will be featured this season as well, though their names were not disclosed last month.
Holt was approached by “Selling New York” producers, who knew her and thought she’d be good for the part. Accepting their offer to appear on the show, she said, was a no-brainer.
To get enough footage for her debut episode (plus a possible second appearance this season), a camera crew followed Holt around for four days last fall.
The episode shows her securing a one-bedroom apartment in a new development in Harlem for an Italian investor for just under $1 million. She then helps the buyer lease out the apartment, and negotiates a deal for him to buy another unit, a two-bedroom next door, for slightly over $1 million. The show projected her gross commissions to be $40,500 for the smaller apartment and $69,000 for the larger one (note: correction appended).
Holt said she was a bit self-conscious in front of the cameras — “Initially, you do want to look good and feel good” — but she eventually forgot about them.
“At first, you’re aware of the camera,” Holt said. “But then you’re really not.”
Brian Balthazar, director of programming for HGTV, said the station was “thrilled” with Holt’s performance.
“It would be great to have her on the show again,” he said.
Holt, who recently sold a $2 million, 1,700-square-foot apartment in Chelsea, said she’s crossing her fingers that the extra publicity will help her business.
“Of course, it’s not guaranteed,” she said. “But I hope so —let’s put it that way.”