Luis D. Ortiz, the newest star of “Million Dollar Listing New York,” has officially signed on to work at Douglas Elliman, he told The Real Deal exclusively today.
Ortiz had been at Keller Williams NYC until last week, when the brokerage announced his firing; the company told TRD last week that it was uncomfortable with Ortiz’s association with the television show, which execs see as sensationalistic and not in line with the Keller Williams brand.
Ortiz declined to comment on Keller Williams’ claims but declared he is ready to “rock-and-roll” at Elliman alongside fellow TV star Fredrik Eklund. Ortiz will operate out of The 485 Madison Avenue office but will not be affiliated with any team at Elliman.
“I met [Elliman chairman] Howard Lorber, and through Howard, met [Elliman President Dottie Herman], and I knew right away that I could learn so much from them,” Ortiz said, referencing a meeting he had with Lorber at Cipriani downtown. “The professionalism and powerful reach of Douglas Elliman gives me the platform to grow in.”
In a statement, Herman called Ortiz a “rising star.”
“We think he’ll be tremendous here with us at Elliman,” Herman said. “We couldn’t be happier to have him.”
Ortiz was chosen by the Bravo cable channel to star in season two of the real estate-themed television program after Lorber’s son, broker Michael Lorber, dropped out of the show. The show has been renewed for a third season.
The Puerto Rico-born broker attended the New York Film Academy before doing stints at Blackstone Properties, the Prodigy Network and Synergy New York.
His deals include a $12.5 million duplex at the Apthorp on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, a $6.1 million unit at 165 Charles Street and a $7.4 Million Downing Street townhouse. Streeteasy.com shows that Ortiz has no active sales listings.
Bravo declined to comment on Ortiz’ move and Keller Williams declined to add to its statement on Ortiz’ departure, which read: “Keller Williams’ position on real estate reality TV aligns with Brown Harris Stevens’ and Corcoran’s — “this brand of realty is a far cry from reality.” We wish Luis all the best in his future endeavors.”