Puerto Vallarta’s star real estate agent Taniel Chemsian is back again for another season on House Hunters International. Taniel makes his sixth appearance in an episode airing Oct 8, entitled “I Love Lucy and So Does Phil,” where Taniel helps a Hollywood press agent and his labradoodle Lucy find the ultimate pet-friendly, ocean view home. This episode also includes a special appearance by Lisa Vanderpump.
Did I mention I also met THE LUCY? Such a beautiful gem.
Having it be your 6th appearance on House Hunters International , do you still feel starstruck when you look in the mirror?
I think my mother might be more starstruck than anyone I know, along with Puerto Vallarta devotees. Many of my American and Canadian clients have said how much they love seeing their beloved resort town featured on such a high profile show. And I can’t agree more. The destination and buyers are the real stars of the show. Having HHI broadcast to millions of viewers in 50+ countries around the globe has shed an incredible amount of international exposure on this once little hidden gem in Banderas Bay. We hope to keep the momentum going with the premiere of our latest episode on October 8.
What’s it like to do your job on screen and how’s it different, or DOES it feel different as opposed to when you’re a real estate agent not on camera.
Considering each episode is around 22 minutes, we really don’t have time to go through all the details regarding property ownership in Puerto Vallarta, as I normally would with my clients. When that camera starts rolling, we need to hit all the key points for the sake of broadcast timing. Because of the show’s format, some viewers may get the impression that I am meeting the buyers for the first time when they see us during the ‘meet and greet’. Whereas in reality, I may have been working with these buyers for months or even years. Again, due to time restraints, we can’t follow the entire history of the buyer/agent relationship, from the early stages of the client’s home search to finally seeing them get the keys to their new house and moving in (Though that would make for a great new show!). All we have time for is for the buyers and I try to ’summarize’ the buying process by going from Point A to Point B in less than half an hour. In reality, if I could sell a house every 30 minutes, I’d likely be on the Forbes list! Alas, the real world is a bit different, and that’s ok.
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Taniel Chemsian, Lucy, Phil and Puerto Vallarta’s very own resident entertainer Kim Kuzma, who assisted her American friend in the decision making process.
Photo Credit: Carl Timothy
Tell me a little bit about the new episode thats airing October 8!
The new episode airing on October 8 is quite different on many levels. For one, one of the buyers, Lucy, is a service dog, which makes for interesting conversation when it comes to her likes and dislikes of a house. I still don’t know if one bark means ‘yes, I love it’ or ‘really, Taniel? Are you kidding me?’ All I caught on was when she would roll her eyes at something. We also have an amazing Canadian snowbird songstress that is the voice of reason as she consults with the buyers regarding the different buildings and areas of interest. Kim has been coming to Puerto Vallarta for years, and considers this her second home, so she knows all the Ins and-outs of the city and coincidently was a friend of the buyer for over 5 years. Last but not least, the fabulously effervescent Lisa Vanderpump, from The Real House Wives Of Beverly Hills, makes a special guest appearance. I think this is the first time in HHI history with a real life celebrity cameo appearance. So make sure to tune in at 10:30pm Eastern/Pacific and 9:30pm Central, for this all out powerhouse episode.
What has been the most memorable client you’ve had on the show before? (Good or Bad)
I think it will be obvious when you tune in on October 8 at 10:30 ET/PT and 9:30pm CT/MT.
If you can sum it up, What’s the process for you to find the perfect home for your clients
First and foremost, an agent needs to really listen to the client. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had buyers tell me they stopped working with other agents because they were showing them properties that were no where near what they were looking for. If an agent can’t take the time to really listen to their client’s needs, then you can’t provide them with great service. Once the agent has allowed the client to share their wants, needs and expectations, they can then funnel that information and put together a strategy in finding them the right home. The same goes for a doctor, lawyer, graphics designer, counselor; they need to listen to what the client/patient is trying to convey regarding their pain, problem, challenge or issues, before they can start helping them out.
Have there been any misses?
Just as in any business, there has been ups, downs and some misses. It’s overcoming the downs and misses that makes you a better agent (and hopefully a better person). If life were to continuously go on without a glitch, and all of a sudden disaster strikes one day, you may not know how to handle it and find yourself in disarray. But if you are given a curve ball every once in a while, you may wind up learning how to deal with these challenges and pull the deal through. Sometimes the misses and downs makes you appreciate things more and keep you more grounded.
You represent some of the finest properties and developments in Puerto Vallarta. How did you get so good at what you do?
I’ve been fortunate to have a fantastic mentor (Carl Timothy) from day one of selling real estate in Puerto Vallarta. Working for his firm, Timothy Real Estate Group, has been the best move I could have ever made. Working in a positive and healthy environment, and with a great team, has allowed me encouragement and an opportunity to grow my business.
When you’re not saving the world from terrible house choices, what does Taniel like to do?
Watch Netflix.
Air date: Thurs. October 8 at 10:30 ET/PT and 9:30pm CT/MT. Check local listings to confirm time and cable channel in your area.
