How Tracy Tutor went from selling suits at the mall to raking in $250 million in real-estate deals last year and boasting celebrity clients like Janet Jackson and Channing Tatum

Dan LatuApr 22, 2023, 18:30 IST

Tutor in 2022.Presley Ann/Stringer/Getty

Before starring on Bravo's "Million Dollar Listing," Californian Tracy Tutor wanted to be an actor.
Sick of auditions, she leveraged her knowledge of Los Angeles to become a real-estate agent.

Tracy Tutor was born in 1975 and grew up in Hidden Hills, California, a gated community about an hour northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Her family raised horses in the backyard, she told Insider.

The security gate at Hidden Hills, California.Frederick M. Brown/Stringer/Getty

Tracy Tutor was born in 1975 and grew up in Hidden Hills, California, a gated community about an hour northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Her family raised horses in the backyard, she told Insider.

The Tutors sold Tracy's childhood home in 2013. The 3.5-acre plot was eventually bought and subdivided by reality television royalty Kris Jenner and Khloe Kardashian, Tutor said.

Kris Jenner, left, and Khloe Kardashian.Chris Polk/E! Entertainment/NBC/Contributor/Getty Images

The Tutors sold Tracy's childhood home in 2013. The 3.5-acre plot was eventually bought and subdivided by reality television royalty Kris Jenner and Khloe Kardashian, Tutor said.

Her father, Ronald Tutor, is CEO of Tutor Perini, one of the largest contracting companies in the US. The firm's projects include Hudson Yards in New York City and the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas.

Ronald Tutor in 2016.Donato Sardella/Contributor/Getty

Her father, Ronald Tutor, is CEO of Tutor Perini, one of the largest contracting companies in the US. The firm's projects include Hudson Yards in New York City and the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas.

Growing up in the 1980s, Tutor didn't have much interest in her father's work. Her first job was selling suits at DJ's Clothing For Men at the Northridge Mall, but she was jealous of her friends who worked at fast-fashion retailer Wet Seal.

Tutor in 2012.Bravo/Contributor/Getty

Growing up in the 1980s, Tutor didn't have much interest in her father's work. Her first job was selling suits at DJ's Clothing For Men at the Northridge Mall, but she was jealous of her friends who worked at fast-fashion retailer Wet Seal.

In 1997, Tutor graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in theater arts. "I wanted to act, to sing, and be on Broadway," she told Insider. "Real estate was truly the furthest thing from my mind."

Exterior of the USC School of Cinematic ArtsAaronP/Bauer-Griffin/Contributor

In 1997, Tutor graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in theater arts. "I wanted to act, to sing, and be on Broadway," she told Insider. "Real estate was truly the furthest thing from my mind."

She was cast in a few films, including "No Vacancy" (1999) with future "Wednesday" star Christina Ricci and "Deadwood" actor Timothy Olyphant, but found the business grueling. "I was auditioning all the time and losing every role," she said.

Tutor's onetime costar Christina Ricci.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Contributor

She was cast in a few films, including "No Vacancy" (1999) with future "Wednesday" star Christina Ricci and "Deadwood" actor Timothy Olyphant, but found the business grueling. "I was auditioning all the time and losing every role," she said.

At 22, she took a job in human resources at Tutor Perini, but quickly realized corporate life wasn't for her. "I hated every waking moment of it," she said.

Tutor in New York City in 2019.Roy Rochlin/Contributor

She said the experience taught her how to hold her own in rooms with powerful people. She parlayed those lessons into a book called "Fear Is Just a Four-Letter Word" that was published in 2020.

Tutor's book released in 2020.Courtesy of Tracy Tutor

She said the experience taught her how to hold her own in rooms with powerful people. She parlayed those lessons into a book called "Fear Is Just a Four-Letter Word" that was published in 2020.

Jumping into agent life was a "left-field moment" for Tutor that came from a friend's suggestion one night at dinner. At age 26, she took her real-estate exam and started with the firm Dalton, Brown, and Long.

Tutor in 2022.Bravo/Contributor/Getty Images

Jumping into agent life was a "left-field moment" for Tutor that came from a friend's suggestion one night at dinner. At age 26, she took her real-estate exam and started with the firm Dalton, Brown, and Long.

Her first few years as an agent brought many lessons, most importantly to vet buyers early in the process. "A lot of people like to look at real estate, whether they can afford it or not," she said.

Tutor in 2019.Bravo/Contributor/Getty

Her first few years as an agent brought many lessons, most importantly to vet buyers early in the process. "A lot of people like to look at real estate, whether they can afford it or not," she said.

Tutor's first big deal, in 2008, was a $34 million Beverly Park home with four acres, a ballroom, and a tennis court, that she brokered with The Agency cofounder Mauricio Umansky. It was for her father, who Tutor said was the toughest client she ever had.

Mauricio Umansky, left, and his wife Kyle Richards, who now star on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."Robin Marchant/Stringer/Getty Images

Tutor's first big deal, in 2008, was a $34 million Beverly Park home with four acres, a ballroom, and a tennis court, that she brokered with The Agency cofounder Mauricio Umansky. It was for her father, who Tutor said was the toughest client she ever had.

In 2014, Tutor joined the powerhouse firm Douglas Elliman, where she has grown her business in Los Angeles. She's also now licensed in Texas. In 2022, she recorded $250 million in total sales volume.

Tutor in 2019.Bravo/Contributor/Getty Images

In 2014, Tutor joined the powerhouse firm Douglas Elliman, where she has grown her business in Los Angeles. She's also now licensed in Texas. In 2022, she recorded $250 million in total sales volume.

In 2019, Tutor was asked by friend and fellow real-estate agent Josh Altman to do a scene with him on Season 9 of Bravo's "Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles."

Josh Altman, left, and Tracy Tutor.Bravo/Contributor/Getty Images

The scene was a jumping-off point. Tutor was asked to join the cast and starred in Season 10.

Tutor and costar Josh Flagg.NBC/Contributor/

Tutor remains the only female agent cast on the show, which she has been on for four years. Returning to television after initially quitting acting has been a "full-circle moment" for her.

Tracy Tutor, left, with costars Josh Flagg, Heather Altman, and Josh Altman.Christopher Polk/Contributor/Getty Images

Tutor remains the only female agent cast on the show, which she has been on for four years. Returning to television after initially quitting acting has been a "full-circle moment" for her.

With the show, her career has skyrocketed to new heights. Last year, she sold a $57.5 million home in Los Angeles's Brentwood neighborhood. The home spans over 12,000 square feet and sits on nearly 6.5 acres.

Tutor in 2023.Jeff Vespa/Contributor/Getty Images

With the show, her career has skyrocketed to new heights. Last year, she sold a $57.5 million home in Los Angeles's Brentwood neighborhood. The home spans over 12,000 square feet and sits on nearly 6.5 acres.

She's also worked with a handful of celebrities. She calls Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan "maybe two of the most grounded, nice people I've ever met."

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan.JB Lacroix/Contributor/Getty

Tutor has also worked with Janet Jackson. "I grew up doing dances to 'Control' and 'Pleasure Principle,'" Tutor said. "I really was a fan girl, so it was an honor to show her homes."

Janet Jackson in 2018.NBC/Contributor

Tutor has also worked with Janet Jackson. "I grew up doing dances to 'Control' and 'Pleasure Principle,'" Tutor said. "I really was a fan girl, so it was an honor to show her homes."

In 2017, she sold actor Edward Norton a $11.8 million Malibu home designed by architect John Lautner known as The Wave House. Tutor said she fell in love with the "timeless" qualities of the house and the way it "almost seems impossible to build."

Edward NortonJeff Vespa/Contributor/Getty Images

In 2017, she sold actor Edward Norton a $11.8 million Malibu home designed by architect John Lautner known as The Wave House. Tutor said she fell in love with the "timeless" qualities of the house and the way it "almost seems impossible to build."

She formerly held the listing for another iconic Los Angeles gem, an $8 million avant-garde Brentwood property designed by architect Frank Gehry. Tutor said she was in love with the way Gehry designed the pool to meet the back of the house.

Frank Gehry, sitting on the right, in the Brentwood house he designed.Lawrence K. Ho/Contributor/Getty Images

She formerly held the listing for another iconic Los Angeles gem, an $8 million avant-garde Brentwood property designed by architect Frank Gehry. Tutor said she was in love with the way Gehry designed the pool to meet the back of the house.

Tutor describes herself as "passionate" about Spanish-style homes and is drawn to their warmth, history, and quality. She recently purchased an $8 million property in Beverly Hills and has been renovating the home room by room with her ex-husband, Jason Maltas.

Tutor's home in Beverly Hills.Courtesy of Tracy Tutor

Tutor describes herself as "passionate" about Spanish-style homes and is drawn to their warmth, history, and quality. She recently purchased an $8 million property in Beverly Hills and has been renovating the home room by room with her ex-husband, Jason Maltas.

For her next chapter, she's considering getting into remodeling historic properties. She added, "I'd love to start doing flips and putting my stamp on homes in Los Angeles."

Tutor in 2022.Presley Ann/Stringer/Getty

For her next chapter, she's considering getting into remodeling historic properties. She added, "I'd love to start doing flips and putting my stamp on homes in Los Angeles."

I stayed in a 248-square-foot Airstream trailer on the Oregon Coast for $190. I'd totally do it again during warmer months.

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How Tracy Tutor went from selling suits at the mall to raking in $250 million in real-estate deals last year and boasting celebrity clients like Janet Jackson and Channing Tatum

Tracy Tutor was born in 1975 and grew up in Hidden Hills, California, a gated community about an hour northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Her family raised horses in the backyard, she told Insider.

The Tutors sold Tracy's childhood home in 2013. The 3.5-acre plot was eventually bought and subdivided by reality television royalty Kris Jenner and Khloe Kardashian, Tutor said.

Her father, Ronald Tutor, is CEO of Tutor Perini, one of the largest contracting companies in the US. The firm's projects include Hudson Yards in New York City and the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas.

Growing up in the 1980s, Tutor didn't have much interest in her father's work. Her first job was selling suits at DJ's Clothing For Men at the Northridge Mall, but she was jealous of her friends who worked at fast-fashion retailer Wet Seal.

In 1997, Tutor graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in theater arts. "I wanted to act, to sing, and be on Broadway," she told Insider. "Real estate was truly the furthest thing from my mind."

She was cast in a few films, including "No Vacancy" (1999) with future "Wednesday" star Christina Ricci and "Deadwood" actor Timothy Olyphant, but found the business grueling. "I was auditioning all the time and losing every role," she said.

At 22, she took a job in human resources at Tutor Perini, but quickly realized corporate life wasn't for her. "I hated every waking moment of it," she said.

She said the experience taught her how to hold her own in rooms with powerful people. She parlayed those lessons into a book called "Fear Is Just a Four-Letter Word" that was published in 2020.

Jumping into agent life was a "left-field moment" for Tutor that came from a friend's suggestion one night at dinner. At age 26, she took her real-estate exam and started with the firm Dalton, Brown, and Long.

Her first few years as an agent brought many lessons, most importantly to vet buyers early in the process. "A lot of people like to look at real estate, whether they can afford it or not," she said.

Tutor's first big deal, in 2008, was a $34 million Beverly Park home with four acres, a ballroom, and a tennis court, that she brokered with The Agency cofounder Mauricio Umansky. It was for her father, who Tutor said was the toughest client she ever had.

In 2014, Tutor joined the powerhouse firm Douglas Elliman, where she has grown her business in Los Angeles. She's also now licensed in Texas. In 2022, she recorded $250 million in total sales volume.

In 2019, Tutor was asked by friend and fellow real-estate agent Josh Altman to do a scene with him on Season 9 of Bravo's "Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles."

The scene was a jumping-off point. Tutor was asked to join the cast and starred in Season 10.

Tutor remains the only female agent cast on the show, which she has been on for four years. Returning to television after initially quitting acting has been a "full-circle moment" for her.

With the show, her career has skyrocketed to new heights. Last year, she sold a $57.5 million home in Los Angeles's Brentwood neighborhood. The home spans over 12,000 square feet and sits on nearly 6.5 acres.

She's also worked with a handful of celebrities. She calls Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan "maybe two of the most grounded, nice people I've ever met."

Tutor has also worked with Janet Jackson. "I grew up doing dances to 'Control' and 'Pleasure Principle,'" Tutor said. "I really was a fan girl, so it was an honor to show her homes."

In 2017, she sold actor Edward Norton a $11.8 million Malibu home designed by architect John Lautner known as The Wave House. Tutor said she fell in love with the "timeless" qualities of the house and the way it "almost seems impossible to build."

She formerly held the listing for another iconic Los Angeles gem, an $8 million avant-garde Brentwood property designed by architect Frank Gehry. Tutor said she was in love with the way Gehry designed the pool to meet the back of the house.

Tutor describes herself as "passionate" about Spanish-style homes and is drawn to their warmth, history, and quality. She recently purchased an $8 million property in Beverly Hills and has been renovating the home room by room with her ex-husband, Jason Maltas.

For her next chapter, she's considering getting into remodeling historic properties. She added, "I'd love to start doing flips and putting my stamp on homes in Los Angeles."