Since its 2019 debut, the Netflix series "Selling Sunset" has faced persistent questions about its authenticity. Viewers and even rival real estate professionals have wondered whether the cast members are primarily actors or legitimate, high-powered agents. The high-stakes drama and glamorous lifestyles often overshadow the core business of selling multi-million dollar properties in Los Angeles.
An investigation into public records and brokerage history reveals a complex but clear picture. The Oppenheim Group is a long-standing, legitimate real estate brokerage, and the majority of its on-screen agents hold active licenses and are closing deals. However, the status of each cast member's license varies, adding a layer of truth to some of the industry skepticism.
Key Takeaways
- The Oppenheim Group is a real brokerage with over $4.5 billion in total sales and a history dating back to the 19th century.
- Most current cast members of "Selling Sunset" hold active California real estate licenses, with verifiable sales records.
- Public records show that two agents featured on the show, Amanza Smith and Chelsea Lazkani, currently have expired licenses.
- Several cast members balance their real estate careers with other significant business ventures, from food brands to acting.
Verifying the Credentials of the Cast
The central question surrounding the show is whether its stars are qualified to sell real estate. According to the California Department of Real Estate, the answer for most is yes. The brokerage, led by Jason and Brett Oppenheim, requires its agents to be licensed, but the current status of each agent's credentials offers a detailed look into their professional standing.
Active and Selling Agents
Several of the show's most prominent figures are not only licensed but also actively closing deals. Chrishell Stause, a former soap opera actress, obtained her real estate license in 2016. Recent Multiple Listing Service (MLS) records show she closed a $4.1 million sale in February 2025, demonstrating continued activity in the market.
Mary Bonnet, who holds the title of Vice President at The Oppenheim Group, is one of the most experienced agents. She earned her license in 2008 and has a career sales volume exceeding $105 million.
Other active agents include:
- Emma Hernan: Licensed in 2019, she recorded a $4.3 million sale in June 2024.
- Bre Tiesi: Licensed in 2017, she recently sold a home for $4.6 million in February 2025.
- Nicole Young: She became an agent in 2016 and logged a $1.7 million sale in May 2025.
- Alanna Gold: A newer agent licensed in 2020, her last recorded sale was for $1.4 million in November 2023.
Newest Agent on the Block
Sandra Vergara, a new face for season 9 and the cousin of actress Sofia Vergara, is the most recently licensed agent in the group, obtaining her credentials in May 2025.
The Case of the Expired Licenses
Not everyone on the show currently has an active license to sell real estate. Chelsea Lazkani, who joined the brokerage after working at Rodeo Realty, earned her license in 2017. However, public records indicate it expired in June 2025.
Similarly, Amanza Smith's license, which she obtained in 2020, expired in March 2024. Smith has since transitioned her role at the company, focusing on her design skills. Her official bio now lists her as the brokerage's "in-house interior design expert," a move that leverages her talents while aligning with her current professional status.
The Oppenheim Group: A Legacy in Los Angeles Real Estate
While the agents' licenses are a key part of the story, the legitimacy of the brokerage itself is equally important. The Oppenheim Group is not a set piece created for television; it's a functioning business with deep roots in Los Angeles history.
A Fifth-Generation Business
The company's lineage traces back to 1889 when Jason and Brett Oppenheim's ancestor, Jacob Stern, founded The Stern Realty Co. He was one of the city's pioneering real estate developers. The twins, who are fifth-generation real estate professionals, rebranded the family business as The Oppenheim Group in 2013 after brief careers in law.
The brokerage boasts impressive numbers. According to its official website, The Oppenheim Group has managed more than $4.5 billion in sales across its four offices in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, San Diego, and Cabo San Lucas. Both Jason and Brett Oppenheim are licensed brokers, a higher designation than a real estate agent. Jason obtained his broker's license in 2009, and Brett earned his in 2007.
In 2020, Brett Oppenheim left the brokerage to launch his own firm, Oppenheim Real Estate, a move that was confirmed by former cast member Christine Quinn at the time.
More Than Just Real Estate
For many of the stars of "Selling Sunset," real estate is just one part of a larger entrepreneurial portfolio. Their visibility on a global Netflix show has provided a platform to launch and promote other business interests.
"Any insinuation that the agents on our show are not experienced, successful, or licensed, evidences a complete disregard for the facts," Jason Oppenheim stated in 2020, defending his team's credentials.
This defense highlights the dual nature of their careers as both agents and television personalities. Emma Hernan has successfully ventured into the food industry with her plant-based frozen food company, Coast to Coast Kitchen, which is known for its vegan empanadas.
Alanna Gold has a unique investment outside of traditional homes: she is a part-owner of Pioneertown, a small desert town in California originally built as a 1940s Old West movie set. Meanwhile, Chrishell Stause has returned to her entertainment roots, appearing on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2020 and continuing to take on acting roles.
This blend of real estate, entertainment, and entrepreneurship defines the modern reality of the "Selling Sunset" cast. While public records confirm their professional qualifications in real estate, their success is also built on a foundation of personal branding and diverse business ventures amplified by the power of television.
