Disclaimer: Views and opinions are based on my personal practice as a real estate professional outside of U.S. In addition, please don’t proceed if you don’t like to read spoilers from the show.

Selling Sunset sold us real estate reality when the sun sets.

Not a fan of tongue twister? Okay, let me untwist that.

Selling Sunset is the latest reality TV craze set in no other than Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, USA. I’ve always had a soft spot for L.A. We’re talking gorgeous weather, vibrant energy and lots of fun stuff going on.

So when this realtor reality dropped as a Netflix original series, I surprised myself for not jumping at the first chance to see it. Even though I had a glimpse of the trailer, I’m not really a fan of reality TV. Also, I didn’t feel the need to watch what seemed like a mini Mean Girl-esque series.

But as timing would have it, some real estate agents and friends asked me about this new show. They said they found it amusing, to say the least. But because they’re not familiar with technicalities of real estate, they were very curious how real the show is. Despite my mentioning that real estate practices in U.S. and Asia are different, they were persuasive that I at least give it a peek.

So naturally, I gave in. #TGIF, I concocted my go-to drink (recently) of fresh and crisp lime soda, whipped up a not-so-healthy dinner (pasta!) and settled on my sweet spot prepared to Netflix party the night away.

What is this?!

Well, if I’m gonna be honest, 20 minutes into the Pilot and I almost quit watching the whole thing.

Why? Because some scenes just didn’t sit well with me. However, out of principle, I managed to convince myself to stay at it. I just thought, what’s one episode that you never have to see again except for tonight. Go ahead and finish just this one.

As you can probably guess what happened next: I binged watched Selling Sunset in one evening. That’s a total of 8 episodes, 30 minutes each! I guess at the end of it, I found some key points worth noting down for and that’s what I’m going to share with you today.

Let’s start with my favourite highlights of the show:

GOOD

• Print media advertising and brand marketing of The Oppenheim Group
• Stunning videography of the beautiful houses.
• The charity event for Food on Foot.
• Jason Oppenheim feeding on the office culture that goes beyond the office hours.
• Jason’s advice towards the new girl at the office, Chrishell, on how important it is to have a back-up offer on a property that hasn’t secured initial deposit. He’s a sharp shooter and was painted as a good leader of his team.

It’s better to ask questions especially when you’re new in the firm or in the profession.

• Team meetings of The Oppenheim Group. Asking for updates on each realtor tracks their performance, and it can also pave way for potential co-brokerage that keeps commissions within the company.
• Cool, calm and collected moment of exotic Israeli realtor, Maya, during negotiation in her deal with Chrishell
• Newly-engaged Mary’s deal on the modern contemporary house which I thought puts her on a genuine and sweet yet professional light.
• Heather’s hardball bargain with agent Kelsey even before the start of an open house that would have impressed their clients.

While there are parts of the show I thought were hilarious, of course, there are scenes that are worthy for the cringe-worthy list:

BAD

• Selling Sunset series Queen Bee, Christine, referring to one of the female clients with a b-word during interview. Obviously, that reflects poorly on professionalism but I presume the producers did not want to cut the scene to get reviews like this.
• Heather taking a phone call from her boyfriend in the middle of a meeting with a home stager. In actuality, I advice against taking phone calls during meeting even with a non-buyer to show some courtesy.
• Mary not being open-minded during her conversation when bestie Christine was concern on whether her engagement with Romain is perhaps a little too soon. (I stalked Mary’s IG to see if they’re still together)
• Davina not getting enough screen time. I wanted to see her making a killing in the new real estate development deals. Although she did get into a big heated finale so that’s probably more killer for the ratings.
• Lastly, WHO SOLD THE USD$40M MANSION?! I so badly wanted to see more offers that’s why I put this under the bad list. Sorry, not sorry. Is there going to be a Season 2 where they will reveal who closed the deal?? (Heather and Christine were the first to show off the property, but at this point it could be anyone.)

What’s the verdict?

Okay, if you love reality TV shows, L.A., glamour and drama, then Selling Sunset is for you.

If you’re not working in real estate, this show can still be entertaining (the producer was same as the highly-successful The Hills) and even in some way inspiring. But if you are a real estate professional, then I would recommend for you to see it.

My, do I think it’s fake and scripted? Well, in what reality do you see agents having perfectly coiffed hair while strutting down LAX after long-haul flights a la Rosie HW? In what part of the very busy life of agents with families, client demands and other priorities can they look immaculate in office and cocktail parties at all times? By now you must already know that when it comes to reality TV, some scenes are omitted and plenty are exaggerated.

The real reality here is that it’s 2019. No one has the luxury to sit in the couch just to get dragged on the endless drama of reality TV. It seems that as of now, even reality shows have adapted the fast fashion model ecosystem.

So if the stars of Selling Sunset’s reality could be my way to escape from the stress of my own reality, then I wouldn’t mind trying on the new collection when the next season comes.

Alyssa Barroso is a real estate professional whose work has influenced overseas investors to high-end and luxury off-plan residential developments within South East Asia. You can see more of her travel and lifestyle pursuits on Instagram @alyssabarrosointl