The glittering world of luxury real estate on Netflix’s Selling Sunset has long sparked questions: are these glamorous agents genuinely licensed? This comprehensive guide dives into the facts, confirming the license status, and impressive sales records of the Oppenheim Group’s stars, revealing who is active and whose licenses have unfortunately expired.
Ever since Netflix first showcased the opulent lives and high-stakes dealings of The Oppenheim Group on Selling Sunset in 2019, one question has consistently echoed through the halls of fan communities and even among Hollywood’s elite: are these agents actually licensed real estate professionals?
The skepticism gained significant traction when superfan Chrissy Teigen famously tweeted in 2020, “I look at L.A. real estate a lot and have never seen any of these people lol [neither] have our agents, who I have obsessively asked.” This viral sentiment fueled a long-standing debate, putting the authenticity of the show’s stars under intense scrutiny. However, Jason Oppenheim, president and founder of The Oppenheim Group, swiftly countered these claims.
In an interview with People in August 2020, Oppenheim stated, “Any insinuation that the agents on our show are not experienced, successful, or licensed, evidences a complete disregard for the facts. Even a superficial investigation would identify previous team photos, hundreds of millions in transacted sales, and more than 50 years of combined licensed real estate experience from these agents.” This robust defense, echoed by Chrishell Stause sharing old Instagram posts as proof, solidified the show’s stance against the detractors.
The latest season of Selling Sunset, which premiered on October 29, 2025, continues to feature a cast of licensed real estate agents. However, not everyone’s license remains active, adding a new layer to the ongoing discussion. Let’s break down the licensing status of the show’s prominent figures, based on records from the California Department of Real Estate and other authoritative sources.
Adam Rose/Netflix
Selling Sunset. (L to R) Mary Fitzgerald, Jason Oppenheim, Nicole Young, Amanza Smith, Heather Rae, Bre Tiesi, Davina Potratz, Brett Oppenheim, Emma Hernan, Chelsea Lazkani, Chrishell Stause in season 6 of Selling Sunset.
The Truth About “Selling Sunset” Licenses: A Cast-by-Cast Breakdown
While most of the cast holds active licenses, it’s worth noting the journey and current status of each individual. The California Department of Real Estate serves as the ultimate arbiter, confirming the legitimacy of these reality TV stars’ professional claims.
Long-Standing Agents: The OGs
- Davina Potratz: The cast member with the longest tenure in real estate, Davina obtained her license in 2006. She had transacted many deals before officially joining The Oppenheim Group in 2018.
- Mary Bonnet (formerly Fitzgerald): A pillar of The Oppenheim Group and now its Vice President, Mary secured her real estate license in 2008. Her career boasts over $105 million in real estate sales, as detailed in her official bio.
- Maya Vander: Maya earned her real estate license in 2011.
- Heather Rae Young: Heather obtained her license in 2014.
- Christine Quinn: Although no longer with the brokerage, Christine became a licensed agent in 2016, the same year as Chrishell.
The Newer Faces and Their Status
- Chrishell Stause: Known for her acting career on Days of our Lives, Chrishell obtained her real estate license in 2016. She continues to be an active agent, with a recent sale of a $4.1 million house in February 2025, according to The Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Her license will remain active until 2028.
- Chelsea Lazkani: Chelsea received her real estate license in 2017. Prior to joining The Oppenheim Group, she worked for Rodeo Realty. However, records indicate her license expired in June 2025.
- Bre Tiesi: Bre also earned her license in 2017, working with Agents of LA and Forward Beverly Hills before her time at The Oppenheim Group. Her most recent sale was a $4.6 million home in February 2025, verifiable through the MLS.
- Emma Hernan: Emma obtained her license in 2019, two years before making her debut on Selling Sunset season 4. Her latest documented sale on the MLS was a $4.3 million property in June 2024.
- Amanza Smith: While Amanza earned her license in 2020, her real estate license expired in March 2024. She has since transitioned her focus within The Oppenheim Group, serving as their in-house interior design expert, as noted in her bio.
- Alanna Gold: Joining Selling Sunset in season 8, Alanna received her license during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Before The Oppenheim Group, she worked for the Westside Estate Agency, with her last recorded sale in November 2023 for $1.4 million, according to the MLS.
- Nicole Young: Nicole became a licensed real estate agent in 2016. Her recent activities include a $1.7 million house sale in May 2025, per Zillow.
- Sandra Vergara: The newest addition to the Selling Sunset cast, Sandra obtained her license in May 2025. She is notably the cousin and adoptive sister of actress Sofia Vergara, as reported by Netflix’s Tudum.
Courtesy of Netflix
Emma Hernan, Chrishell Stause, Chelsea Lazkani, Nicole Young, and Jason Oppenheim on ‘Selling Sunset’.
The Oppenheim Group: More Than Just a TV Set
Beyond the individual agents, the legitimacy of The Oppenheim Group itself has occasionally been questioned. However, the brokerage boasts a rich history deeply rooted in Los Angeles real estate. Jason and his twin brother Brett Oppenheim are fifth-generation real estate agents, carrying on a legacy that began in 1889 with their ancestor, Jacob Stern, who founded The Stern Realty Co. and became one of L.A.’s first real estate moguls.
After successful careers as lawyers, Jason and Brett revitalized the family business, rebranding it as The Oppenheim Group in 2013. Their official website proudly states that the brokerage has surpassed $4.5 billion in sales across its four offices in L.A., Newport Beach, San Diego, and Cabo San Lucas.
Both brothers are licensed real estate brokers. Jason obtained his broker’s license in 2009, while Brett earned his in 2007, both having worked as agents for several years prior. In 2020, Brett ventured to establish his own brokerage, Oppenheim Real Estate, a move confirmed by former cast member Christine Quinn to Glamour that year.
Courtesy of Netflix
Jason Oppenheim and Brett Oppenheim on ‘Selling Sunset’.
Beyond the Listings: Cast Members’ Other Ventures
For many of the Selling Sunset stars, their ambition extends beyond luxury home sales. They’ve strategically diversified their careers, leveraging their reality TV fame into various entrepreneurial and entertainment endeavors.
- Emma Hernan: Capitalizing on her plant-based lifestyle, Emma launched Coast to Coast Kitchen in 2022, a frozen food brand celebrated for its popular mini empanadas.
- Alanna Gold: Demonstrating a unique investment strategy, Alanna co-owns a portion of Pioneertown, a distinctive old-west themed town located in the California desert.
- Chrishell Stause: Remaining connected to her roots, Chrishell has continued acting in various projects and notably competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2020, where she earned an impressive 8th place finish.
Araya Doheny/Getty
Amanza Smith and Emma Hernan attend as Netflix hosts Open House Cocktail Party on June 23, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California.
In conclusion, the assertion that the Selling Sunset cast members are not legitimate real estate agents is largely unfounded. While a couple of licenses are currently expired, the majority of the cast, past and present, hold valid California real estate licenses and have a verifiable track record of sales. The Oppenheim Group itself stands as a historically significant and highly successful brokerage. The blend of genuine professional prowess and compelling personal narratives continues to be the winning formula behind the show’s enduring appeal, cementing its place as a fan favorite.
