Selling The City episode 1 recap: Eleonora and Jade clash at a luncheon while other agents question their exclusion

Selling The City episode 1 premiered on January 3, 2025, on Netflix. The real estate reality show follows Douglas Elliman agents as they try to close deals on some of the biggest properties in New York City.

Episode 1 introduced Eleanora Srugo and her team of real estate agents. She shared her expectations from her team and reminded them that they had high goals to meet.

Later in the episode, Jade hosted a luncheon where tensions flared during a disagreement with Eleanora. Meanwhile, Abigail, Gisselle, and Jordyn, who weren’t invited to the gathering, speculated about the reasons behind their exclusion.

Titled Workin' for a Birkin, the synopsis for the episode read:

"A chic work luncheon turns awkward when tensions escalate between Eleonora and Jade. Back in the office, other agents wonder why they weren't invited."

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What happened in Selling The City episode 1?

Douglas Elliman agents introduce themselves

Selling The City episode 1 kicked off with Douglas Elliman agents introducing themselves. Eleanora Srugo noted that she was one of the top individual brokers at Douglas Elliman and currently led her own team. Moreover, she had just experienced one of the biggest years of her career, which included a $75 million deal.

Meanwhile, Jade Chan shared that she managed over two billion dollars of new development in Manhattan and can "pretty much run laps around anyone".

"I'm a free spirit. So I do what I want, and I sell what I want when I want to," Jordyn Taylor chimed in.

Gisselle Meneses Nunez shared that as a "single mom and newly licensed in New York," she embraced every opportunity the city had to offer.

After a brief meeting with her team, Eleanora headed to showcase her latest luxury property: a five-penthouse combination spanning two floors. Boasting an impressive 5,600 square feet and soaring 21-foot ceilings, it was a "build-your-own" property.

With an asking price of $33,000,000 and a commission of $990,000 on the line, Eleanora managed to close the deal with her client.

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Eleanora and Jade share an awkward moment at the luncheon

Later in episode 1 of Selling the City, Jade hosted a luncheon at a restaurant in the 53 West 53 building to celebrate selling one of its apartments with her fellow Douglas Elliman agent, Steve Gold.

Jade invited Justin, Eleanora, Taylor, Steve, and his wife Luiza. During the meeting, she informed everyone about an opportunity: Douglas Elliman was offering agents a 100% commission for closing deals in the building where they were dining.

However, Eleanora was quick to voice her concerns, stating that she didn't like the "commission impact," especially where she brought her client.

"I will bring the buyer to the best apartment for them," the Selling The City star added.

Jade bristled at Eleanora’s response, feeling that her exciting news had been unnecessarily criticized in front of the group.

As the group was leaving the luncheon, Jade asked Eleanora if she was upset with her as she felt that her castmate was being "nasty" to her. Eleanora, however, dismissed the conversation and before walking away, she claimed that she didn’t know what Jade was talking about.

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Abigail, Gisselle, and Jordyn share their thoughts on Jade

While their fellow Selling the City cast mates were at the luncheon, Abigail, Gisselle, and Jordyn sat done to figure out why Jade hadn’t invited them. Abigail speculated that Jade’s decision stemmed from personal dislike.

"I know Jade doesn't like me. Like, everyone tells me she says things about me... She told Eleonora that she thinks I'm thirsty... for her friendship," she said.

She went on to say that she and her teammates had worked hard to earn their spot on the team, emphasizing that they deserved to be part of the firm just as much as anyone else.

"It's like an insecurity, though. It's like she's like the odd man out. And we've created this, like, powerhouse. She probably feels left out, and I think it's like a defense mechanism," Jordyn chimed.

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Selling The City episodes 1 to 8 are now available on Netflix.