Fredrik Eklund basically invented the modern celebrity broker. You know the vibe: the high kicks, the tailored suits that probably cost more than a Honda Civic, and that relentless "more is more" energy that fueled Million Dollar Listing for over a decade. But then, he just... stopped.
When Fredrik announced his departure from the Bravo franchise in early 2022, it felt like the air went out of the room for a lot of fans. He’d spent 11 years between the New York and Los Angeles versions of the show, and honestly, the dynamic shifted the second he walked away. People kept asking: where did he go? Is he still selling? Did he finally burn out on the 24/7 hustle of high-stakes real estate?
The truth is, Fredrik Eklund didn't disappear; he just got a lot bigger.
The Million Dollar Listing Exit and Why It Actually Happened
Moving on from a show that made you a household name is terrifying. Most reality stars cling to their spot until the network pushes them out, but Fredrik made the call himself. He’d already moved his family—his husband Derek Kaplan and their twins, Milla and Fredrik Jr.—to Los Angeles. He was trying to bridge the gap between two coasts, filming two shows, and running a team that was expanding faster than most brokerages could handle.
He was tired.
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Not "I need a weekend off" tired, but "I’ve sold $28 billion in real estate and I’m still chasing a camera crew" tired. He told the producers and Andy Cohen that it was time for a new chapter. Naturally, some of his co-stars had feelings about it. Tracy Tutor famously said she wasn't "signing up for that friendship" after he left, which is just classic real estate drama for you.
Where He Is in 2026: The Miami Expansion
If you’ve been following him on Instagram, you know the New York and LA days are mostly in the rearview. Fredrik has gone all-in on Miami. As of 2026, he’s not just an agent there; he’s basically the face of the city’s luxury development boom.
He’s currently spearheading massive projects like the Ritz-Carlton Residences in South Beach. This isn't just about showing up for a ribbon-cutting, either. He’s actually in the design meetings, arguing over floor plans and unit mixes. He recently mentioned that he treats these new developments like his "babies."
But the biggest news for fans of his TV persona? He’s coming back.
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The New Miami Show
It’s been confirmed that Fredrik is developing a new reality series focused specifically on his team’s life and business in Miami. He’s partnered with Evolution Media—the same powerhouse behind Vanderpump Rules and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. He wants to show "the future Miami," which honestly sounds like a lot of glass towers, infinity pools, and probably some very expensive boats.
The Eklund | Gomes Empire: Beyond the Camera
While we all watched him on Million Dollar Listing, Fredrik and his partner John Gomes were quietly building a "super team" that has no real equal in the industry. They stayed with Douglas Elliman, signing a massive multi-year deal that keeps them anchored to the firm while allowing them to expand like a franchise.
- Total Sales: Over $28 billion and counting.
- The Team: Around 90 to 100 agents across 13 different markets.
- The Reach: They aren't just in NYC and LA anymore. They’ve moved into Texas (specifically Austin and Dallas) and even started getting licensed in Nashville.
They’ve also started selling things that aren't houses. Think yachts and private jets. It’s a full-lifestyle play for the ultra-wealthy. If you have $50 million to drop on a penthouse, you probably also need a way to get there and a boat to park out front.
The AI and Tech Pivot
Here is something most people get wrong about Fredrik: they think he’s just a "personality." In reality, he’s a massive tech nerd. In the last year or so, he’s been pushing a ChatGPT-powered interface for property searches and launched an AI real estate expert designed to help agents grow their markets.
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He’s also leaned heavily into the co-ownership model. In early 2026, he announced a major partnership with Pacaso, a company that lets people buy shares of luxury vacation homes. It’s a smart move. Even rich people are starting to realize that owning 100% of a $10 million home you only use four weeks a year is kinda dumb.
Why He Still Matters in Real Estate
Fredrik’s story is still one of the wildest "immigrant hustle" tales in the business. He came to New York with no money and no connections. He famously worked in adult films for a brief period—something he’s been totally open about—and used that same "IDGAF" confidence to break into the most competitive real estate market on the planet.
Today, he’s less about the "high kick" for the sake of a viral moment and more about mentorship. He’s been vocal about guiding Gen Z agents, telling them to "absorb everything" and not to expect a big paycheck on day one.
Actionable Takeaways from the Eklund Method
If you’re looking to apply some of that Million Dollar Listing energy to your own career or investments, here’s how he actually operates behind the scenes:
- Market Diversification is Survival: Fredrik didn't stay in New York when the market got weird. He moved to LA, then Florida, then Texas. Never tie your entire net worth to one zip code.
- The "Sell Yourself" Rule: People don't buy the apartment; they buy the person selling it. Fredrik’s colorful socks and eccentric personality were a choice. They made him memorable in a sea of guys in grey suits.
- New Development is the Real Money: While resale is fine, the real wealth in real estate comes from being involved in the birth of a building. Positioning, branding, and selling out a 100-unit tower is how you hit those billion-dollar milestones.
- Embrace the Tech: Don't fight AI. Use it to automate the boring stuff so you can spend more time doing "high-value" tasks, like having dinner with a client who can drop $20 million on a whim.
Fredrik Eklund’s time on Million Dollar Listing might be over, but his influence on how we perceive luxury real estate is permanent. He turned a boring transaction into a spectator sport. Whether you love him or think he’s a bit much, you can’t argue with $28 billion in sales.
Keep an eye out for his Miami debut on the small screen soon—it’s likely to be even flashier than his New York days.