SELLING SUNSET

A DAY IN THE LIFE: BEHIND THE SCENES OF SELLING SUNSET

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If you think juggling your schedule is challenging, try selling a $20M property while a camera crew follows your every move and producers ask you to “walk through that door just one more time.” Welcome to my world! As I reveal in my new book “Selling Sunshine,” the reality of reality TV is far more complex – and fascinating – than what you see on screen.

The Morning Hustle: 5:30 AM

“Between filming back-to-back episodes and juggling million-dollar listings, nobody has time for elaborate anything. You learn to be strategic with every minute.” – Selling Sunshine

My day starts before sunrise, but not by choice. Living with ADHD means I need systems and routines, something I detail extensively in my book. The early morning hours are my secret weapon – it’s when I handle the real estate side of my business before Netflix cameras start rolling.

5:30 AM: First alarm. Multiple backups are set because missing a call time isn’t an option.

6:00 AM: Glam team arrives. This is non-negotiable when you’re filming in HD.

6:00-7:30 AM: While my team works their magic, I’m already in full real estate mode:

– Reviewing new listings

– Checking international client emails

– Coordinating with The Oppenheim Group team

– Prepping property documents

– Planning showing routes

Pro Tip: I keep a second phone just for real estate calls. Production hates it, but clients don’t care if you’re filming – they need answers!

The Technical Side of "Reality": 8:00 AM

“What looks effortless on screen usually requires three different camera angles, perfect lighting, and maybe a touch of drama thrown in for good measure.”

By 8 AM, we’re usually at our first location. Here’s what viewers don’t see:

– Multiple camera crews setting up equipment

– Sound technicians fitting our microphones

– Producers coordinating storylines

– Lighting teams adjusting for every angle

– Multiple takes of “casual” conversations

Real Estate Never Sleeps: The Midday Shuffle

“The cameras might stop rolling, but the deals don’t stop closing. I’ve negotiated million-dollar contracts in studio bathrooms during filming breaks.”

While most people think we just float around LA looking glamorous, the reality is far more chaotic. Remember that scene in Season 5 where I was showing that stunning Hollywood Hills property? What you didn’t see was me frantically coordinating three other deals between takes. As I reveal in “Selling Sunshine,” there was a $12M offer that nearly fell apart that day because the buyer couldn’t reach me – I was stuck in a reshoot!

The Art of the Quick Change: 2:00 PM

One thing I’ve mastered? The backseat wardrobe change. In my book, I share the story of having to change outfits in my car between a beachfront listing and an office scene. Let’s just say there was a very surprised UPS driver involved! (For the full story, you’ll have to read Chapter 9!)

Cast Dynamics: The Real Reality

On camera, we’re colleagues. Off camera, some of us are family. And yes, sometimes the drama is just as real when the cameras stop rolling.”

People always ask if the relationships on Selling Sunset are real. The truth is, when you spend 12-14 hours a day with someone, filming incredibly emotional moments, those relationships become intensely real – for better or worse. In “Selling Sunshine,” I open up about how certain friendships evolved over the seasons, including one devastating betrayal that never made it to air.

The Pressure of Perfection: 5:00 PM

By late afternoon, we’re usually filming office scenes. This is where it gets tricky. Between:

– Managing real client calls

– Filming reaction shots

– Maintaining perfect hair and makeup

– Navigating office dynamics

– Actually selling houses

There’s a reason my ADHD medication is always close at hand! The pressure to appear perfectly put together while actually running a business is intense. I share my full coping strategies in Chapter 7 of my book – because let’s be honest, we all need help juggling sometimes!

The Reality of Romance: 8:00 PM

“Try explaining to your French husband why you’re coming home at midnight – again – smelling like someone else’s house and covered in filming powder.”

One of the biggest challenges? Maintaining a personal life. Romain has been incredibly supportive, but as I detail in “Selling Sunshine,” combining a reality TV career with a new marriage isn’t always champagne and roses. Sometimes it’s takeout at midnight while reviewing contracts and trying to remember if you’ve washed off your TV makeup.

The Night Shift: 10:00 PM

Most people think our day ends when filming wraps. In reality, that’s when the real work begins:

– Catching up on missed calls

– Preparing for tomorrow’s shoots

– Reviewing contracts

– Planning outfits

– Actually seeing my husband!

Emergency Kit Essentials:

Backup makeup for touch-ups

Extra phone chargers

– Property documents

– Spare shoes (always!)

– Snacks (filming days are LONG)

The True Cost of Reality TV Fame

“Success in this industry isn’t about being camera-ready – it’s about being ready for anything, camera or not.”


In “Selling Sunshine,” I share the raw truth about what it really takes to maintain a successful real estate career while filming a hit Netflix show. From the emotional toll to the physical demands, the sacrifices required are far greater than most people realize. But would I change it? Not for all the listings in LA.

Midnight Reflections

By the time I crawl into bed (usually well after midnight), I’ve lived what feels like three different lives:

– Luxury real estate agent

– Reality TV personality

– Actual human being trying to have a life

The secret to making it all work? You’ll have to read “Selling Sunshine” to find out – but I’ll give you a hint: it involves a very understanding husband, an amazing support system, and the ability to power through on very little sleep!

Read more in Mary’s book – Selling Sunshine available on Amazon and at all leading book retailers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MARY BONNET
Mary Bonnet is most notably recognized for her role on Netflix’s Emmy-Nominated, MTV Award-Winning hit series “Selling Sunset.” As Vice President of The Oppenheim Group, Mary is a prominent figure in the world of luxury real estate in LA, with total sales of $140M+ to date. Named as one of the most powerful women on reality TV, Mary is garnering attention as an advocate for empowering women.

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