Mauricio Umansky has carved a significant niche for himself in the competitive world of luxury real estate, becoming a household name through his charismatic personality and successful ventures. Born on June 25, 1970, in Mexico City, Umansky’s journey has been one of entrepreneurial spirit, high-stakes deals, and a foray into the captivating world of reality television. This article delves into the various facets of his life, exploring his rise in the real estate industry, his role as a reality TV personality, his personal life, and the ventures that have solidified his position as a prominent figure in the celebrity and business landscape.

Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings

Umansky’s family immigrated to the United States when he was a child, settling in Los Angeles. His entrepreneurial drive manifested early in his career. After briefly attending the University of Southern California, he ventured into the clothing industry, launching his own line called 90265. This early business endeavor proved successful, and he eventually sold the company for a profit, demonstrating his innate business acumen. This initial success laid the groundwork for his future endeavors, showcasing his ability to identify opportunities and capitalize on them.

The Ascent in Real Estate: From Hilton & Hyland to The Agency

Umansky’s entry into the real estate world began at Hilton & Hyland, a prominent Beverly Hills brokerage co-owned by his brother-in-law, Richard Hilton (Kathy Hilton’s husband). This proved to be a pivotal step in his career. His first real estate transaction was a significant $7.5 million sale in Brentwood, California, a clear indication of his potential in the luxury market. He quickly rose through the ranks at Hilton & Hyland, becoming their top-producing agent for eight consecutive years and contributing significantly to the firm’s sales volume.

After years of success within Hilton & Hyland, Umansky, along with Billy Rose and Blair Chang, embarked on a new venture in 2011, co-founding The Agency RE. This Beverly Hills-based real estate brokerage was envisioned as a global, boutique firm that would leverage innovative marketing strategies and cutting-edge technology. Umansky’s vision for The Agency was to create a collaborative environment focused on client service and exceptional results.

Under Umansky’s leadership as CEO, The Agency has experienced remarkable growth, expanding to over 110 offices across the globe and specializing in luxury property sales. The firm has handled transactions for some of the world’s most noteworthy properties, including the iconic Playboy Mansion. By 2022, The Agency had achieved a staggering $41 billion in total sales volume, solidifying its position as a major player in the high-end real estate market. Umansky’s personal accomplishments within the industry are equally impressive; he has amassed nearly $5 billion in real estate transactions throughout his career and has been consistently ranked among the based on total sales transactions.

Interestingly, while Mauricio Umansky started his real estate career at Hilton & Hyland, the company is currently owned by Lori Hyland, who became the 100% shareholder and owner in December 2022 after agreeing to terms with co-founder Rick Hilton.

Reality Television Stardom: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Buying Beverly Hills

Umansky’s profile expanded significantly beyond the real estate world through his appearances in reality television. He made his debut in 2005 on MTV’s Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica and later appeared in an episode of I Want to Be a Hilton. However, it was his role as a recurring figure and eventually a main cast member on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH), starring his wife Kyle Richards, that brought him widespread recognition. Since the show’s inception in 2010, Umansky has been a constant presence, offering viewers a glimpse into his personal and professional life, navigating high-stakes real estate deals alongside the drama and dynamics of the Housewives franchise. His charismatic personality and successful career made him a fan favorite.

In 2022, Umansky took center stage with his own Netflix reality series, Buying Beverly Hills. The show centers around The Agency and its agents, including his daughters Farrah Brittany (his stepdaughter) and Alexia Umansky, as they navigate the competitive luxury real estate market in Beverly Hills. Buying Beverly Hills offers viewers an inside look at the high-pressure world of selling multi-million dollar homes, showcasing Umansky’s expertise and the inner workings of his successful brokerage. The show has further cemented his status as a prominent figure in both the real estate and entertainment industries, allowing audiences to see him in a leadership role within his company and as a father figure to his daughters working in the business.

Personal Life: Marriage to Kyle Richards and Family

Mauricio Umansky married actress and reality television personality Kyle Richards in 1996. Richards is also the sister of Kathy Hilton and Kim Richards, both of whom have also appeared on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.  Mauricio is also the stepfather to Farrah Brittany, Kyle’s daughter from a previous marriage, who is also a successful agent at The Agency. Their family life has been a significant aspect of their portrayal on reality television, showcasing their close bond and family dynamics.

However, after 27 years of marriage, the couple announced their separation in July 2023. This news has been a significant topic of discussion among fans of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Buying Beverly Hills. Despite their separation, both Mauricio and Kyle have publicly stated that their split was amicable, and they continue to co-parent their daughters. The latest updates suggest that while they are living separate lives, they have not yet initiated divorce proceedings and maintain a friendly relationship. Kyle has admitted to still harboring hope for a potential reconciliation, while Mauricio has been seen exploring new relationships. The separation has been a storyline in the current season of RHOBH, with Kyle expressing the emotional challenges of navigating this new chapter.

Dancing with the Stars

In 2023, Umansky further expanded his reality TV portfolio by participating in season 32 of Dancing with the Stars. He was partnered with professional dancer Emma Slater. His participation in the show garnered significant media attention, particularly in light of his recent separation from Kyle Richards. Photos of Umansky and Slater holding hands outside of rehearsals sparked dating rumors, which both vehemently denied, stating that they were just good friends. Kyle Richards also admitted on Watch What Happens Live that seeing those photos was “very hard” and “hurt her feelings.” Umansky’s journey on Dancing with the Stars lasted for eight episodes, showcasing a different side of his personality and further increasing his visibility in popular culture.

Net Worth and Business Acumen

Mauricio Umansky’s success in real estate and his foray into reality television have contributed significantly to his net worth. While individual estimates vary, his net worth is generally reported to be around $100 million as of early 2025. This figure often includes his combined assets with his estranged wife, Kyle Richards, whose individual net worth is also estimated to be in the same range. The bulk of his wealth is attributed to his successful real estate career and his ownership stake in The Agency. His appearance on Buying Beverly Hills likely also contributes to his earnings.

Beyond traditional real estate, Umansky continues to innovate within the industry. In late 2024, he announced the launch of “The Mauricio Umansky Network,” the first interactive network focused on real estate professionals. This platform aims to provide mentorship, coaching, and guidance from top real estate experts to both current and aspiring professionals, showcasing Umansky’s commitment to sharing his expertise and fostering growth within the industry.

Philanthropy

While Umansky is known for his high-profile career and luxurious lifestyle, he is also involved in philanthropic endeavors. He and Kyle Richards have supported various charitable causes over the years, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the community.

Final Thoughts

Mauricio Umansky’s journey is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and engaging personality. From his early success in the clothing industry to his meteoric rise in the luxury real estate market with The Agency, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to achieve remarkable success. His foray into reality television, through The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Buying Beverly Hills, has broadened his reach and made him a recognizable face to a wider audience. While his personal life has recently undergone significant changes, his professional drive and innovative spirit continue to propel him forward, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the world of luxury real estate and reality entertainment. His latest venture, “The Mauricio Umansky Network,” further underscores his commitment to the industry and his desire to mentor the next generation of real estate professionals.

FAQs

Who is Mauricio Umansky?

Mauricio Umansky is a Mexican-American luxury real estate agent, entrepreneur, and reality television personality. He is the co-founder and CEO of The Agency RE, a prominent real estate brokerage firm. He gained further public recognition through his appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alongside his estranged wife, Kyle Richards, and his own Netflix reality series, Buying Beverly Hills.

How did Mauricio Umansky get into real estate?

Umansky’s entry into real estate came through his connection to the Hilton family. He started his career at Hilton & Hyland, a brokerage co-owned by his brother-in-law, Richard Hilton (Kathy Hilton’s husband).

What is The Agency RE?

The Agency RE is a luxury real estate brokerage firm co-founded by Mauricio Umansky, Billy Rose, and Blair Chang in 2011. Headquartered in Beverly Hills, it has grown into a global network of over 110 offices, specializing in high-end property sales and leveraging innovative marketing and technology.

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