By Deborah Ball, RE/MAX Times Online Associate Editor

She's well known around Cleveland as a can-do Realtor who goes the extra mile for her clients.

Now television viewers will get to know Katy Brahler as a real estate expert on HGTV's "House Hunters."

The reality show's producers asked Brahler to audition after seeing her Web site and catchy slogan, "Katy can. Katy will. Katy did. Call Katy." And although she wasn't looking for the on-air opportunity, Brahler couldn't let it pass her by.

"This is huge exposure for me and my business," says the Sales Associate with RE/MAX Real Estate Group in Rocky Point, Ohio.

"My phone was ringing off the hook with buyers and sellers calling about their showings and listings while I was filming for three days straight. It was chaotic, but well worth the time."

Taped in July, the episode features Brahler and her buyers - a young couple looking to move up - perusing three new-construction homes. The couple had specific requirements: a single-family home, an attached two-car garage, a basement, and at least three bedrooms - all in a nice neighborhood for under $275,000.

Brahler explains the pros and cons of each listing to the buyers, and helps them make an offer on their favorite home. Until the episode airs, however, she can't reveal which one they pick.

Although the exposure will be "monumental" and her clients are excited about seeing her episode, being on camera was no small feat, she says.

"If you're camera shy, this isn't for you," Brahler says. "Because it's reality TV, there's no script to read from or director giving you cues. You have to do your homework - just like any transaction - and know what you're talking about."

Brahler enjoyed her role so much that she sent an audition tape to the show's producers for a future episode featuring a San Antonio couple relocating to the area.

After viewers see her episode later this year, Brahler hopes they have a more positive impression of Realtors.

"We bring a lot of value to the table for buyers and sellers," she says. "Once clients have been through the buying process with a professional, seasoned agent - or hear about others' positive encounter - they realize how important we are in this process."

Check HGTV's Web site for Brahler's episode, which airs April 12 at 9 p.m. ET.

Posted 3/2/09