Some celebs have more skills than the world knows them for. A few even have real estate licenses that make them qualified agents for real estate transactions.
Here are well-known names who might be able to help you the next time you want to buy or sell a house.
5 Celebrities Who Are Also Real Estate Agents
1. Kendra Wilkinson
Kendra Wilkinson gained popularity as one of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends on the series The Girls Next Door. After the show, she went on to make appearances on various TV programs, movies, and music videos and even secured her very own reality show.
What is she up to today? Kendra has built a name as a luxury real estate agent, having obtained her license in Los Angeles in 2020. She also starred in Kendra Sells Hollywood, a real estate reality series that aired for two seasons on Discovery+.
2. Elizabeth Olsen
Many people know Elizabeth Olsen as the younger sister of the twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen of the Full House fame.
Her acting career took a new turn with her portrayal of Scarlet Witch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise. And her talents in cinema have won her a number of awards, too.
But a little known fact about Elizabeth is that she obtained a real estate license and worked with a realtor friend of her sister when she first moved to New York. Coincidentally, her father was also a real estate agent, which could be how she got the inspiration for one of her first career paths.
3. Kelly Bensimon
As a model, Kelly Bensimon has appeared in top fashion magazines, from Cosmopolitan and Elle to Harper’s Bazaar.
The Real Housewives of New York City made her a much-loved celeb on television, too.
But Kelly has moved on to many other ventures, putting her diverse skills to the test. For instance, she has launched jewelry collections, published a number of books, and worked as an editor for several fashion magazines.
Today, she also works as a real estate agent in New York at Douglas Elliman. She got her license in 2018 and has appeared in Million Dollar Listing New York as well.
4. Tamra Judge
Tamra Judge is best known for her appearances on The Real Housewives of Orange County, starring in 13 seasons so far.
But she has tried her hands at real estate before that, which she returned to during her time away from the show. She has been with Agent Inc. for some time, putting her license to good use.
5. Mauricio Umansky
Mauricio Umansky is a real estate agent and television personality. He is best known for appearing in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Buying Beverly Hills, and Dancing with the Stars.
Umansky is the founder of the Agency, a real estate brokerage with a portfolio of luxury real estate. He, according to the website of the Agency, sold the most homes in the US with a price of above $20 million.
Want to Become a Real Estate Agent? Here Are the Essential Steps to Get Started
When the housing market is on an upward trajectory, the middlemen (and women) who make the biggest deals happen get to take home millions of dollars in commissions.
If you want to become part of this lucrative industry, here are the steps you must take to succeed as a real estate agent.
1. Obtain Your License
Requirements for getting a real estate agent license vary among states.
Pre-qualifying criteria generally include age, education, permanent residency, background checks, and a variety of other factors. You can find all the details from your state’s relevant regulatory office by visiting their website or calling them.
You should also check the specific process to obtain your license, the fees involved, and post-qualifying requirements.
After that, identify an accredited school that offers pre-licensing courses for real estate agents and sign up for lessons. Some offer online classes, while others may conduct classroom sessions.
Once you complete the course, you can sit for the exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions. If you pass the test, you can then apply for your license by submitting the required documents and fees.
How long it will take you to obtain your license will depend on the state you are residing in. This is because the number of hours a pre-licensing course demands can vary from state to state.
On average, you could aim to become a licensed real estate agent within six months if you are willing to commit your time to it.
2. Join a Brokerage
With a license in hand, you must next find a suitable brokerage to join.
The company you select will be a stepping stone to your new career. So, make sure it can offer plenty of learning and mentorship opportunities for you to grow as an agent.
There would also be desk fees and other expenses, such as the cost of marketing materials. Remember to check on these with the brokerage while discussing their commission structure.
3. Network. Network. Network.
Building a strong network is critical for succeeding as a real estate agent.
Your family, friends, neighbors, and even builders, lenders, and others in your industry could direct you to lucrative opportunities when it comes to finding leads. So, be proactive in attending as many personal and professional gatherings as possible, from barbecues and fundraisers to industry forums.
4. Market Yourself
As a real estate agent, you must be ready to approach a client on short notice. So, have your business card and sales pitch ready.
Building your reputation online, especially on social media, is also important for showcasing your expertise, creating awareness, and generating leads.
5. Become a Member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Currently, there are over 1.5 million realtors in the US. To become one, you must apply for membership with the National Association of Realtors.
This will add credibility to your agent profile and give you access to essential tools and resources.
To Conclude
When the housing market is on an uptrend, real estate agents get access to lucrative earning opportunities, especially in the luxury property segment. This is why even famous stars have opted to get their license.
If you are considering a career as an agent, too, ensure you join a reputed brokerage after obtaining your real estate agent license. Networking, building a personal brand online, and getting your membership with the NAR are also critical for success.
