realestate

Catfish Host Nēv Schulman Starts NYC Real Estate: Commission Plans

Nēv Schulman, host of MTV's "Catfish" since 2012, now launching a real‑estate career in NYC.

F
or years, Nēv Schulman has been linked to his 2010 documentary *Catfish* and its MTV spin‑off *Catfish: The TV Show*. Now, at 40, he’s adding “real‑estate broker” to his résumé.

    Born and raised in New York City, Schulman grew up surrounded by property deals. His father, Robert Schulman, spent decades as a broker at Coldwell Banker Warburg, while his grandfather, Lowell Schulman, was a builder‑developer until his death in 2017. “Living in so many New York neighborhoods taught me that an apartment is more than a space—it’s a sanctuary,” he told CNBC Make It. “I’ve always loved that sense of belonging.”

    Watching his dad work, Schulman absorbed real‑estate lessons and life advice. When his father suggested he join the family business, the idea sparked a new career path. “It felt like the right moment to try something different,” he said.

    Schulman and his wife, Laura Perlongo, have three children under ten and reside in Brooklyn. He became a licensed agent in August but hasn’t closed a deal yet. “I’m not sure I’ll ever see that first commission check,” he laughed, “but it’ll hit my account and disappear into the cost of raising a family in New York.” He plans to use part of the money to celebrate with his dad and to honor the legacy his father and grandfather built.

    “I want to carry on the family tradition,” Schulman said. “Beyond that, I hope people see me as a trustworthy friend—someone who takes a client’s needs seriously and delivers results.” His reputation from *Catfish* has helped him build that image.

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Nēv Schulman launches NYC real estate commission plans.