Heather Rae El Moussa, now known for her role on HGTV's The Flipping El Moussas, originally rose to fame on Netflix's Selling Sunset as a luxury real estate agent. She’s also acted and modeled. Ahead, learn more about Heather's upbringing, early career, family life, wellness routine and more.

History and Background

Heather was born on September 16, 1987, in Anaheim, California. She grew up in Running Springs, a small town nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains.

“​​I had a few funny after-school jobs that you probably wouldn't think I would've had,” she told MotorTrend in 2010. “My first job was as a server at a pizza place. My second, and very mountain-y job, was as a ticket checker at the Snow Valley Ski Resort. My final one before I left the mountains, I was a clerk at a video store.”

When she turned 18, Heather left Running Springs in search of a modeling career. After landing various gigs, she changed career paths and became a real estate agent in 2014. While working for The Oppenheim Group, she starred in the first seven seasons of Netflix’s Selling Sunset from 2019 to 2023. During that time, she met, fell in love with and got married to home flipper Tarek El Moussa, known as the host of various HGTV shows.

When Did Heather's Real Estate Career Begin?

Heather dabbled in modeling after leaving her hometown. In 2014, she pivoted and obtained her real estate license. Upon receiving her license, she hit the ground running at The Oppenheim Group, where she “represented buyers and sellers specializing in luxury properties, catering to high net-worth clientele, including many celebrities, athletes and musicians in the Los Angeles and Orange County area,” according to her LinkedIn.

Why Did Heather Leave Selling Sunset?

While working in real estate, Heather landed a role on Selling Sunset, a reality series focused on top-dollar real estate sales, unique office dynamics and jaw-dropping drama. After seven seasons, she parted ways with the show.

"I love being able to prioritize my family and my happiness and step away from some of the drama that Selling Sunset brought into my life," she told People in November 2023.

Heather’s Relationship

Heather is married to Tarek El Moussa. The pair met on July 4, 2019, and started dating shortly thereafter. A year into their relationship, Tarek proposed. Heather said yes and the duo tied the knot in October 2021.

Three years into marriage, Heather and Tarek’s love for each other only grows. “When I made that commitment, I knew in my heart that I was making the choice to live the rest of my life with my best friend,” Heather shared on Instagram. “We have that love that makes you want to be better for one another."

How Many Kids Does Heather Have?

Heather is a stepmom to Taylor and Brayden, Tarek’s kids from his previous marriage to Christina Haack. Though she thought she didn't want kids, spending time with Taylor and Brayden made her realize she was ready to expand her family with Tarek.

Heather has been very open about her fertility struggles on social media. She shared her experience with in vitro fertilization, giving fans updates about the process (which she went through twice) and opening up about her emotions. Then, she got pregnant naturally. On January 31, 2023, her and Tarek's son, Tristan, was born.

Now, Heather is embracing her blended family, as well as her relationship with Tarek's ex-wife, Christina. The trio (who also stars on HGTV's The Flip Off together) are open about their relationship with one another and their commitment to co-parenting.

“This chapter is focused on my husband, our children and our happiness," Heather shared on Instagram. "If you don’t contribute positively to our lives, your presence is insignificant to me.”

Heather’s Shows

After leaving Selling Sunset, Heather embarked on her career at HGTV. She first appeared on Tarek’s show, Flipping 101, before their own show, The Flipping El Moussas, premiered in 2023. The duo also competes against Christina in The Flip Off.

Fun Facts About Heather

• Birthday: September 16, 1987
• Zodiac sign: Virgo
• Current residence: Newport Beach, California

Heather’s Brands

Heather and Tarek launched a luxury home goods brand, Home By THEM, in March 2023.

“Home by Tarek and Heather is something that we have been working on and pouring our energy into for years and it’s genuinely our dream-come-true company,” Heather shared on Instagram.

Heather has also teased the launch of her own toxic-free beauty brand, Heather Rae Essentials.

What Is Heather's Wellness Routine?

Heather regularly uses her platform to share workouts, supplement stacks and general health advice offered by her personal trainer, Paulina Hefferan.

“I prioritize working out with my trainer @paulinastein 3 days a week for 30-50 minutes,” she shared on Instagram in September 2024. “If we can’t meet in person, we will FaceTime, or I’ll use her app @paulinafitnessstudio.”

How to Keep Up with Heather

Follow Heather on Instagram.