Check out our interview with Netflix’s “Selling Sunset” star and high end luxury market realtor Mary Fitzgerald.
Mary stars in the original reality/docu-series for Netflix (Season 2 streaming now). A realtor in the high end luxury market, the show follows Mary and her colleagues at The Oppenheim Group.
The series was nominated for a Critics’ Choice Real TV Award. Mary’s storyline for Season 2 follows her blossoming relationship with her fiancé Romain Bonnet while navigating the office tension and drama left from Season 1.
Follow Mary at @themaryfitzgerald
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Highly-motivated / down-to-earth/ adventurous
Where did you grow up?
Lapel, Indiana… in the middle of a corn field
How’s a typical day in your life?
Every day is different, which I love! I usually start the day with researching new listings, then either head out to show properties, or go into the office for client meetings, scheduling appointments, negotiating deals, etc.
If we are filming Selling Sunset, I have to make sure to let production know my schedule along with any changes as they come up so they can follow along to film it.
How did you get in the industry?
I’ve always loved looking at real estate. I used to move almost every year bc I loved the process of the search, seeing new places, and finally finding “the one”. After spending way too much money moving apartments each year, I decided to get my license in 2008 so I could make money doing what I love instead of spending it!
What part of your job do you find the most challenging?
Without a doubt, convincing sellers that Zestimates are not typically accurate is the ongoing and most challenging issue I face with clients.
How did you get selected for the Netflix show “Selling Sunset?”
Adam Divillo approached our brokerage about the show after seeing a photo of us in a magazine for real estate. He interviewed all of the agents for the show, and apparently I was a good fit and passed the test, because here I am! lol
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How has your life changed after this?
Haha, I have people interested in my life and following everything I do and say, so I still have to wrap my mind around that.
How is your relationship with the other cast members/co-workers?
It’s good, most of the time! I try to stay out of the drama whenever possible, but on occasion it is inevitable.
What we can expect of Season 2?
Insanely beautiful homes, tons of drama, and crazy twists and turns in relationships both inside the office and in our personal lives.
Any advice to other people thinking about sharing their lives on TV?
This is easier said than done, but I would say not to listen to the negativity on social media. I luckily haven’t experienced too much hate, but it does happen when you put your life out for the public to comment on, and you have to be prepared and not take it to heart.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
I think the greatest lesson I’ve learned is to just remember who I am, and not try to change to be like others or to what they want me to be.
I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and where I’m at in my life, and as long as I’m and just be the best version of me.
What’s next for Mary Fitzgerald in 2020?
In 2020 my goal is to double my sales/income again this year, purchase my first flip project, and finally take a break from work and go on a well deserved vacation with Romain!
What do you think makes a woman beautiful and why?
Her inner beauty!
A woman with integrity, motivation, confidence, and a sense of self-worth truly makes a woman beautiful and desirable.
How would you explain your fashion style?
West coast chic… if that’s a real thing lol
Something people don’t know about you?
I was a tomboy growing up and still to this day tend to hang out and be closer to guys than girls. Don’t get me wrong, I have lots of girlfriends, I’ve just always been more of a “guys girl”.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 year?
I would like to add in flipping homes with Romain. We have an incredible opportunity to do this with me finding incredible deals, making commission on the purchase, saving money on the sales commission, and Romain would do the remodel and oversee the project as he does now with our client’s remodel projects, and also Jason’s homes.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Barack & Michelle Obama- They are incredibly inspiring to me, not only as a power couple, but I love the “realness” of them. They were able to work their way up to the most powerful position in the world, doing it with grace, humor, and a determination to make a difference. Regardless of political beliefs, I truly believe they have the ability to inspire, give hope, and teach us all that we are all capable of anything we set our minds to. As a woman in real estate competing against many successful men, this applies to me directly.
How do you stay fit?
Hot yoga and pilates a few times a week. I also am on the go and showing homes all day, so I get a significant amount of “stair time” everyday.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love all veggies and eat them everyday… raw, sauteed, grilled, steamed, etc.
And your favorite cheat food?
CANDY! I love candy of all kinds, but my favorite is sour candy like Sour Patch Kids and sour gummy worms.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
My perfect Sunday would be starting the day with hot yoga/hot pilates, then brunch with friends before heading to my open house and of course I would sell it!
What do you like to watch on TV?
Romantic Comedies are my favorites. I love anything that is a “feel good” show where I am happy and uplifted after I watch it. There is enough stressful and scary stuff going on in the world, so when I watch TV I like to escape and feel relaxed and happy from it.
Do you support any charities?
Absolutely! I love Food on Foot located in Hollywood. I was introduced to the charity through Jason, and am very impressed with what they do. You actually saw us volunteering there on Season 1 of Selling Sunset.
What do you think of Social Media?
This is a tough one for me!! I definitely see the value in it, and appreciate all that it brings to connect people, allow fans to engage with celebrities or people they look up to, and it also creates opportunities for influencers. Maybe it’s because of my age, my hectic work schedule, or maybe just who I am as a person, I’m not quite sure. I definitely see the value in social media though, and strive to get better and carve out time in my crazy schedule to utilize the platforms more and take advantage of all of the benefits that they offer. Especially being able to connect and chat with fans of the show!
Where can we follow you?
IG: @themaryfitzgerald
FB: @marycfitzgerald & @maryfitzgerald.luxuryhomes
Twitter: @maryfitzgerald_
Favorite….
Drink: Spicy mezcal Margaritas
Travel Destination: I love Italy and Greece…and also all tropical beach destinations with a cocktail in hand! LOL
Music: Ed Sheeran & Drake
Sports Team: Warriors
Photo credit: Aria Askari
