August 2022 Covergirl: Selling Sunset Star & Luxury Realtor, Maya Vander
Maya Vander began her career in the public eye in 2019 with the premiere of the reality show Selling Sunset. A quick fan favorite, Maya has been known for her kind, non-confrontational, and family-centered personality throughout the show’s five seasons. Maya and her husband Dave have two children, Aiden and Elle, whom she frequently (and passionately) talks about. Fans watched Maya grow as a real estate agent, journey through pregnancy, and navigate becoming a mother. With her family living in Miami, Florida, Maya has started her own group, the Maya Vander Group, in the Miami area, additionally teaching real estate training courses. She has also announced her realty group would be joining Compass, a luxury real estate conglomerate. As Maya transitions out of the show Selling Sunset, there is no doubt that fans will remain invested in her real estate career.
Photography: Lindy Lin
Maya moved to Los Angeles in 2002 after growing up in Israel. However, throughout her life, Maya has lived in many countries, including the Netherlands, Spain, and Singapore, leading to her speaking three languages: Dutch, English, and Hebrew. Since her family has a history of property investment, it is not surprising that she chose to pursue a career in real estate. Maya’s knowledge and appreciation for various countries, cultures, and languages immensely benefit her role as a real estate agent as she works with clients from all over the world.
Prior to working with The Oppenheim Group, the realty group in Selling Sunset, Maya had worked for Nourmand & Associates and Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Maya has also worked with Douglas Elliman Real Estate in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area and now has established her own group, The Maya Vander Group. The Maya Vander Group now has three realtor associates working underneath Maya and has plenty of raving testimonials. More information can be found at Featured Properties - Maya Vander Group where the group features many multimillion-dollar properties in Miami and surrounding areas.
Photography: Lindy Lin
How did you come to land a role on the hit Netflix reality show, “Selling Sunset?”
I was already working in real estate and was the first agent at the Oppenheim Group. Once the rest of the girls joined, we had a billboard placed on Sunset Plaza as an advertisement. A producer saw it and approached Jason with the idea of filming a reality show. A few months later, we shot the demo, and here we are. It did not happen overnight; one year passed between filming the demo and the premiere of the first season. However, we all worked as active agents at the firm before the show began.
How do you manage life as a mother to young children and a reality TV star?
It's been hectic, but each day, I try to prioritize what is important with my assistant and the three girls on my team. That allows me to focus on clients, get deals done, and still be a present mother, even with the other opportunities that came from the show. I am still very much old-school when it comes to planning: I have a calendar, I write things down, and I time-block if I can.
What advice would you give someone who wants to kickstart their career in the real estate industry?
You have to put in the hours; you have to dedicate yourself to the business and be consistent because it takes time. This business is like a roller coaster: some deals are difficult, and some are not easy to close. I wish it was as easy as it seems on the show. Yes, we have easy clients here and there, but most take more than just a phone call to close the deal. On top of working as a realtor, you will also become a therapist: a friend who listens to the clients’ needs, and who knows how to solve problems.
What is one quality that you believe makes for a successful realtor?
Have passion—you have to love this business. If you only pursue this career for the money, you will not go far. Sure, the commission checks are great, but you need to have that “real estate bug.”
What has been your favorite part about being on Selling Sunset, and why?
I personally love the real estate aspect and seeing the great houses on the show. I think that filming brings a lot of fun, and we always have a good time. I feel truly lucky to be part of the show—being a part of such a big success, having people recognize me, and inspiring others is amazing. I knew that we had something good when we filmed the demo, but I did not anticipate how big it would become. It is crazy, the number of people that watch “Selling Sunset.”
Photography: Selling Sunset, Netflix
If you could sell a house to one person in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Wow, that is a good one. I cannot pick one, but my top three are:
David Ben-Gurion: the former Israeli minister.
Gal Gadot: I just like her and think she is awesome.
Meghan Markel: I love her and the show “Suits.”
What is something that you are excited about for your future, and why?
I am excited to build my team here in Miami and grow my business. I want to expand my family after my recent loss…family is so important. I am lastly excited to just live in Miami and enjoy the city, while taking it easy traveling coast to coast. □
Article Credits
Maya’s Instagram: @themayavander
Maya’s Online Courses: Keys to Becoming a Successful Real Estate Agent
Maya’s Website: Maya Vander Group
Photography Credits: @lindylinphoto