Madison Hildebrand has been on the show for its entire run — through the downturn of the market to its slow recovery — and despite the roller coaster of the real estate market and occasional drama with cast members, he's enjoyed every minute.
Hildebrand took a few moments out of his busy day to talk real estate and behind the scenes of the popular show.
Zillow: Why do you think the show is successful in L.A.?
Hildebrand: There are so many reasons. It is the land of celebrities, wild personalities, free spirits and outrageous real estate and architecture.
Zillow: You've been on the show for quite awhile. How has it changed through the different seasons?
Hildebrand: I've been on for six years, so the cameras have captured the market go from great to some of the worst of times ... to rebounding. It's been a roller coaster of emotions as my clients have experienced the economic impact. As a real estate agent, I have to personally deal with those emotions, and my job is a lot more fun when people are making money and not losing money.
One of Hildebrand's listing -- a stunning Malibu contemporary for $5 million.
Zillow: What's the filming schedule like? A month of intense filming, or spread out?
Hildebrand: A month? In my dreams! Roughly it's 10 months of filming and a three-month air cycle ... so it has essentially been a part of my day-to-day for six years of my life. I essentially have two real careers.
Zillow: Have you had to deal with privacy concerns of clients or homeowners during filming?
Hildebrand: Of course. Some clients won't go on TV, so they have representatives on their behalf. Others refuse all together as they are A-list celebrities. And then some relish and love being in the spotlight.
Zillow: And of course, we all want to know how real is the show?
Hildebrand: I'm a genuine and authentic person. The story lines are real, and Bravo is big on keeping it that way.
Hildebrand is an agent with Coldwell Banker Previews International. "Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles" airs at 9 p.m. ET Wednesdays on Bravo.
Related:
- Behind the Scenes of 'Million Dollar Listing' with Heather Bilyeu
- Mauricio Umansky on Real Estate, 'Real Housewives' and More
- Real Houses of Reality TV
Erika Riggs, a real estate writer for Zillow Blog, covers celebrity real estate, unusual properties and home design trends. Read more of her work here.
