The program – a Swedish-Andalusian variant of real estate agents' soap operas like "Selling Sunset" – follows the real estate firm Homerun Brokers, whose young employees mediate exclusive homes to wealthy individuals in Marbella.
One of the program's participants is Olivia Wickerts, 40 years old and originally from Stockholm. But she is not one of the real estate agents, which she is keen to point out.
There are very many real estate agents in Marbella, but I am not one of them. I am the one who does the job so that the real estate agents have something to sell, she says.
While they are walking around in their loafers with small tassels, I am the one who builds the houses, draws them, has my architects.
"A bit dissatisfied"
Wickerts runs a company that renovates and furnishes luxury villas in the area. Homerun was the exclusive real estate agent for one of her houses, which led to her participation in the reality series. In retrospect, she is not entirely satisfied with the hired firm.
It's a bit dissatisfied. We'll see if it becomes chaos down here when it's shown. It's a very small town, and it's really important to do the right thing, which I always strive for. I'm not worried myself, but when it comes to Netflix, you never know how things will be portrayed.
"The only reason"
At the same time, she hopes that the program, which she has not yet seen herself, shows other sides of Marbella than just luxury homes.
There is incredibly much more than just this shopping luxury life. Fantastic nature, hiking, and incredible beaches just a few minutes away.
Mostly, she hopes that the program will benefit her major commitment to animal welfare. Wickerts organizes charity events and has herself adopted several animals – dogs, horses, and a donkey.
The only reason I said yes to being on something like this was that I wanted to get something meaningful out of it. I want to be able to convey what's going on down here and around the world for animals and how you can help.
"Real Estate Agents in Marbella" premieres on October 1.
Corrected: In an earlier version, there was an incorrect number of animals.
Swedish reality series in six episodes on Netflix, following real estate agents at Homerun Brokers through luxury home sales, parties, and intrigues in Marbella.
Marbella on the Spanish sun coast has been a destination for rich and famous people since the 1960s, many of whom are from Sweden. Pernilla Wahlgren, Charlotte Perrelli, and Jan Emanuel are some of the Swedish celebrities who have settled in the area.
Following in the footsteps of American real estate agent soap operas like "Selling Sunset", "Selling the OC", and "Buying Beverly Hills".
