What You Don't Know About Million Dollar Listing
"Million Dollar Listing" is one of the most popular reality TV shows on Bravo because it's full of luxury. The series features some of the most eye-popping and exclusive mansions, the real estate agents are knowledgeable, quick-witted, and easy on the eyes, the clients are rich and powerful, and often there is fiery drama. What's not to like? The long-running show takes place in Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Malibu. It launched in 2006 and was one of the first programs to let viewers inside the private nests of the rich and sometimes famous.
However, "Million Dollar Listing" doesn't just look at fancy homes. The show also explores the personal lives of the A-list real estate agents. The first batch of agents on the show included Josh Flagg, Madison Hildebrand, and Chad Rogers. Later Josh Altman came aboard. Down the road, more agents were included, like James Harris, David Parnes, and Tracy Tutor. The show will be back soon for season 14, so expect more sizzle from the sellers. Here is a look at some of the more private details of the "Million Dollar Listing" agents.
Fredrik Eklund has been sober since 2020
The stress of being a top real estate agent can take a toll on anyone. At times, Fredrik Eklund took to alcohol to cope with his stressful job, according to People. The property wiz gave up drinking in 2020 to clear his mind and body, and the Stockholm, Sweden native successfully kicked his habit to the curb.
Eklund took to Instagram again in April 2022 to give his fans an update: "18 months without alcohol today," he said. "Some ways I've changed: feeling good early in the morning, full use of my intelligence, joy in my work, the love and trust of my children, lack of remorse, the confidence of my friends, the respect of my family, the trust in a happy future, the appreciation of the beauties of nature, knowing what it is all about." Overall he just felt more present, which was ideal for his work. His husband, kids, and dogs must love this happier version of the star.
Josh Altman sold a house to Britney Spears this year
Josh Altman has worked with one of the most famous female pop singers of all time. According to TMZ, he sold a house to Britney Spears after she decided she was too isolated in the sleepy town of Thousand Oaks. The star wanted a new pad to call home with her husband, Sam Asghari, a personal trainer and budding actor. The property is a Mediterranean-style mansion in Calabasas, California, which Spears snapped up for $11.8 million. Brothers Josh and Matt Altman handled the listing with Todd Bernstein of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
The 11,650-square-foot two-story home is on 1.6 acres, making it perfect for the pop icon. The best part about the sprawling property is the large swimming pool with a long, curvy water slide in the backyard. Spears may make new friends because the "Toxic" singer's neighbors are almost as famous as her: newlyweds Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker. Spears is not the only celebrity Altman has worked with. The author of "Million Dollar Agent: Brokering the Dream" has also helped sell a home for Reba McEntire (via Los Angeles Times). In 2015, Altman helped the Grammy-winning singer sell her $9 million home in the exclusive Beverly Park neighborhood.
Josh Flagg has a new romance
Josh Flagg's love life has seen plenty of ups and downs recently. Fans were shocked when Josh Flagg announced in March 2022 that he had split from his husband of five years, Bobby Boyd. However, Flagg is doing better these days with a new love in his life. The real estate expert is in a relationship with Andrew Beyer, per People. "After Bobby and I split, I did start to see somebody," Flagg said. "We were friends for a while. It just happened organically. I like him very much, and he's a very nice guy."
It turns out Flagg had known Beyer for five years before they began a romantic relationship. The pair have a lot to talk about as they have the same careers: Beyer is a real estate agent at the Aaron Kirman Group, a real estate brokerage in Los Angeles. It looks as if things are getting serious between the two. In July, Flagg shared a romantic photo with Beyer while on vacation at the Hotel Du Cap in the South Of France (via Instagram). He called his partner the "love of my life."
Million Dollar Listing New York has been paused
It looks like the show might not go on. "Million Dollar Listing New York" was paused after airing for nine seasons on Bravo, according to Variety. The spin-off real estate show will not return anytime soon, but it's also not canceled. Bravo is known for putting shows on hold only to bring them back years later. "The Real Housewives Of Miami" is a good example. The series kicked off in 2012 and made stars Ryan Serhant, Steve Gold, and Kirsten Jordan. Fredrik Eklund from "Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles" went onto the show to help spike ratings, but he announced earlier this year he was leaving the entire franchise to focus on something new.
The series stood out for giving viewers a look inside some of the most spectacular apartments in Manhattan's best highrise buildings. Viewers got to see the private lives of the agents. Serhant was open about his family as he shared a look at his engagement and wedding to wife Emilia Bechrakis with viewers. The show also saw two spin-offs: "Bethenny & Fredrik" and "Sell It Like Serhant," which are no longer in production.
Fredrik Eklund quit the show in January
In January 2022, Fredrik Eklund rocked "Million Dollar Listing" fans when he announced on Instagram that he was walking away from the entire Bravo franchise. He said on social media, "I let Andy, the producers, and the executives know last week how grateful I am. Eternally grateful, I mean what an incredible run we had together." There was talk that his departure had to do with a fight Eklund got into with Josh Flagg over clients (via Entertainment Tonight).
Eklund and Flagg argued during season 12 over clients. "In previous years, maybe, I would have, like, backed off and, like, made up and cried and be nice and, like, let's hug it out," Eklund said to Entertainment Tonight. "I'm not going to do that anymore, and I don't need to anymore. I'm like, I'm not going to feel less because somebody says I'm less." Flagg did not seem to have much love for Eklund either, as he called the agent a "complete phony" when he was a guest on Cohen's "Watch What Happens Live" (via The Hollywood Reporter). TV viewers may see more of this Swedish agent. Eklund mentioned that another TV show might be in his future.
Josh Flagg was robbed in 2021
As a successful person who lives in the public eye, it's easy to attract unwanted attention. In this case, it cost the victim a fortune. "Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles" star Josh Flagg had a big shock in November 2021 when he found out that he had his identity stolen by a criminal. The thief did not go small, and racked up massive charges.
The thief used Flagg's American Express credit card for a shopping spree at upscale jewelry store Cartier that put the real estate agent over $100,000 in the hole, per Instagram. Flagg wrote on his social media: "Someone spent over 100k on my Amex at Cartier but the real problem is using speaker phone." Flagg had a hard time hearing the customer service representative at the credit card company who delivered the bad news. It's good Flagg has been selling plenty of high-ticket homes to make up for the eye-watering loss.
The show loves celebrity guest stars
A famous face now and then on a reality TV show can really spike ratings. The "Million Dollar Listing" franchise seems aware of that. Famous stars often pop up to add some glamour to the home-selling game. One of the most notable was "Father Stu" actor Mark Wahlberg, who made a cameo on a 2019 episode of "Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles," according to DailyMail. The actor appeared on Josh Altman's cell phone as the agent discussed selling the star's old seven-bedroom Beverly Hills home for almost $16 million.
Kelly Bensimon from "The Real Housewives Of New York" was on "Million Dollar Listing New York" in 2021 (via Bravo). The reality TV star turned real estate agent tried to work with Fredrick Eklund on a sale, but it fell through. Eklund felt pressured to sell "Rocky" actor Dolph Lundgren's $4 million home in 60 days earlier this year (via Bravo). Another star who appeared on the show is Michael Rapaport (via Bravo).
Tyler Whitman said he filmed while drunk
Tyler Whitman has not been shy about admitting he sometimes had a few too many cocktails when filming "Million Dollar Listing New York." Whitman, who has been sober since 2020, told Page Six in 2021 that he had been tipsy when shooting the Bravo show.
"There were times that the producers and nobody that I was filming with knew but where I knew I was very drunk for the actual scenes, and it was hard for me to watch that," said Whitman. "Now I see myself, you know, in sobriety, I'm so much more grounded. I'm more patient. I'm more confident. I have what I call sober reactions, which is where I stand up for myself, but with dignity and respect." He regretted being unkind to his co-star Kirsten Jordan, something he would never do sober. Whitman added that he and Fredrick Eklund connected over their sobriety journeys and cemented their friendship.
Tracy Tutor has a boyfriend who is 20 years younger
Tracy Tutor's love life is certainly heating up the past two years. In 2020, Tracy Tutor fell for personal trainer Erik Anderson whom she met when she was pumping iron at the Dogpound gym in Los Angeles. Though he is 20 years younger than her, they seem to be getting along very well. They have been doing so great that he has met her two daughters, Juliet and Scarlett, and he has appeared on her show "Million Dollar Listing" in 2021, according to People. Tutor's partner is a positive influence in her life.
In January, she shared a gushy birthday post for Erik, calling him her "cowboy." She wrote: "I am so incredibly proud of all that you have accomplished and I know that this year will be the best yet! Cheers to you today and always baby ... Love You!" (via Instagram). In May, she was happy with Anderson and still having a great time (via Bravo). This romance is a second chance at love for Tutor, who finalized her divorce from husband Jason Maltas in 2018 (via Bravo).
Madison Hildebrand left the show for his mental health
Sometimes it is better to move on, which this agent did. Madison Hildebrand left "Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles" after 10 seasons because he felt the stress was making him depressed. He became worried about his overall mental health. He told Metrosource, "If you go back far enough, you'll catch up to the period where I was hanging on by the tiniest thread to stay positive. There were a lot of dark moments." He added that the fame from working on the series was the main reason he had to get off.
The star celebrated the end of his reign at Bravo with a memorable 40th birthday bash in Tulum, Mexico. Hildebrand now runs a full-service luxury brand, The Malibu Life, and he spends a lot of time working out, meditating, and spending time with friends at his beach home to unwind. He is in a happy place in both his career and personal life.
James Harris and David Parnes now work for Kyle Richards' husband
British-born agents James Harris and David Parnes now work for Kyle Richards' husband Mauricio Umansky at The Agency, according to Insider. Umansky, who stars on "The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills" with his glamorous wife Richards, likes to work with collaborative and team-oriented people.
Harris and Parnes were just such people. They are known on "Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles" for being polite and professional. The duo helped stars such as Big Sean, Rihanna, and the NBA's Kevin Durant find their perfect nest (via The Hollywood Reporter). "When inventory is low, it can become a challenge to find the right property," said Parnes. "Many times, we have to reach out to a current celeb client to see if they are willing to sell to another celeb client." Thanks to the celebrity clientele The Agency attracts, including Eva Longoria and Madonna, it's easy to work with the luminaries.
Josh Flagg once jumped in Suzanne Somers' outdoor bathtub
Talk about making a splash with a client! Josh Flagg once jumped into Suzanne Somers' outdoor bathtub, per Bravo. The stunt occurred during an October 2021 episode of the show filmed at the "Three's Company" star's Palm Springs estate. Somers and her husband, Alan Hamel, were shocked by Flagg's unusual move.
Ultimately he lost the listing when Somers and Hamel told the agent they found the buyer on their own and didn't feel they had to pay him the $200,000 commission. Flagg was miffed because he had already put a lot of work into trying to sell the property. The seven-bedroom home and 28-acre property sold for $8.5 million in 2021 (via People). The beautiful estate features 10 bathrooms, a chef's kitchen, four villas, wine cellar, and a dining room with wet bar. There's a lot to love about this property.
Fredrik Eklund has very cute kids
Fredrik Eklund is a proud father of two cute children. They are four-year-old twins, Milla and Fredrik Jr. Eklund and his husband Derek Kaplan welcomed the little ones via surrogate in 2017, according to People. While their surrogate experienced several miscarriages, the couple eventually received happy news that the in vitro fertilization process was successful. They shared the good news of the children's birth on social media and called it the best moment of their lives (via Instagram).
The real estate guru posts about them often on his social media accounts, playing in the backyard of his Los Angeles mansion or traveling with him to Italy and Aspen. However, he makes sure they are grounded and has already introduced them to giving back. Eklund often takes the children to events to raise awareness about homelessness (via People). Congratulations to the happy family of four!
Tracy Tutor is a best-selling author
It turns out this high-level real estate veteran is also good with words. The blonde beauty has written the inspirational book "Fear Is Just a Four-Letter Word," which has made it onto "The Wall Street Journal" bestseller list, according to Amazon. The book offers advice about dealing with big egos and bullies in the workplace while ensuring everyone gets along (and makes money).
In 2020, Tutor chatted up the book on her social media and said not to be afraid to make people mad while you climb to the top (via Instagram). The author also shared: "Dig deep and do you, or else you'll spend your entire life dependent on the validation that you may or may not get from someone else. At a certain point, you have to put out there what you're going to put out." She urged fans to accept themselves for who they are and never hide their true personalities because there is no point in trying to be someone else. Wise words!