Kendra Wilkinson, known as a former star of “The Girls Next Door,” has made an impressive transition into the luxury real estate market since obtaining her real estate license in June 2020. She leveraged her fame into a successful career highlighted by her work with top agencies like Mauricio Umansky’s The Agency and Douglas Elliman. Within just a few years, Wilkinson established herself in the industry, marking her journey with the Discovery+ and HBO Max docuseries “Kendra Sells Hollywood,” which aired from 2021 to 2023. While considering stepping away from real estate at one point, she reflected humorously about her missed opportunity to sell the iconic Playboy Mansion, where she lived for four years.
Wilkinson’s venture into real estate began amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a time she utilized to study and ultimately pass her real estate exam on her first attempt. Her announcement on Instagram showcased her excitement and gratitude for this achievement, celebrating her hard work with a toast of champagne. Following her licensing, she joined The Agency, an elite firm well-known for its presence in luxury real estate and featured prominently in reality television. However, her journey took her to Douglas Elliman in 2021, where she continued to carve out her niche in the competitive market.
The docuseries “Kendra Sells Hollywood” was a significant highlight for Wilkinson, as it provided a platform for viewers to follow her journey as she navigated the challenges of selling high-end properties in Los Angeles. Her enthusiasm for showcasing this new chapter in her life was palpable, as she expressed her eagerness to compete with seasoned professionals in the area. However, the series was eventually canceled in 2023 after its second season was moved to HBO Max, marking the end of that particular exploration into her real estate career.
In 2023, after facing personal difficulties, including a hospitalization for a panic attack, Wilkinson unexpectedly announced her retirement from real estate through social media. She conveyed how overwhelming the industry could be and expressed her need to focus on her mental health and family at that time. While acknowledging the difficulty of establishing herself in a high-stress environment, she remained open to potentially returning to the field in the future, citing the importance of prioritizing her well-being first.
Not long after her retirement announcement, Wilkinson experienced a turnaround, revealing to People in September 2024 that she was re-entering the real estate market. She clarified that her earlier decision was made during a particularly tough day and that her passion for real estate outweighed the stress it brought. With many deals on the horizon, she expressed a renewed commitment to her career and acknowledged the challenges while also celebrating her love for the work.
Reflecting on her career, Wilkinson shared a humorous regret about not pursuing real estate while living at the Playboy Mansion, surrounded by celebrities and affluent individuals. She mused about the opportunities she missed during that time and emphasized that despite the length of her career, she was indeed thriving in real estate now. Wilkinson’s journey through hardship, momentary setbacks, and eventual resurgence reflects her resilience and unyielding passion, illustrating her drive to succeed in a competitive and demanding field.
