“Real estate will humble you — no matter how expensive the listing is.” – Taylor Durland

In this episode of Somewhere in New York, Taylor Durland and Joseph Pullen pull back the curtain on what actually happens behind the scenes of New York City real estate — the moments clients never see and brokers rarely talk about.

They open with life in and around Times Square, contrasting the city’s glitz with the far less polished reality of residential buildings. From pigeons inside apartments to uncomfortable encounters during showings, the conversation quickly makes one thing clear: this job is rarely glamorous, and often deeply humbling.

From there, the discussion moves into what real estate actually demands. The inability to outsource the human side of the job. The responsibility that comes with being trusted inside someone’s home. And the quiet, unspoken work brokers do to protect both property and people — whether that means cleaning up messes, managing awkward situations, or maintaining discretion at all costs.

They explore the tension between high-end branding and everyday reality, pushing back on the idea that luxury transactions are somehow “above” the fundamentals. Whether it’s a $25 million co-op or a modest walk-up, the core responsibility stays the same: show up, adapt, and create a positive experience.

The episode closes with reflections on integrity, flexibility, and why professionalism is most visible when things go wrong — not when everything goes according to plan.

1. Real estate is far more humbling than it appears from the outside.
2. High-end listings don’t eliminate basic, unglamorous work.
3. The human element of the job can’t be automated or outsourced.
4. Discretion and trust are central to working inside private homes.
5. Brokers are stewards of a space, not just salespeople.
6. Adaptability often matters more than polish.
7. Awkward and uncomfortable moments are part of the job.
8. Integrity shows up when it would be easier not to care.

Cold open: Times Square vs real residential life

Behind-the-scenes incidents brokers don’t advertise

Why real estate is inherently humbling

The limits of automation and AI in property sales

High-end branding vs real-world responsibility

Discretion, trust, and protecting private spaces

Awkward showings and professional restraint

What integrity looks like when things go sideways

Wrap: doing the job no matter the circumstances

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