Tarek El Moussa at a Glance
- Categories: Business, Business > Executives
- Net Worth: $15 Million
Tarek El Moussa’s Net Worth: From House Flipper to HGTV Star
Tarek El Moussa’s Net Worth and Early Career
Tarek El Moussa is a prominent figure in the world of real estate and reality television. Best known for his work on HGTV, he has built a successful career as a house flipper and television personality. As of 2024, Tarek El Moussa’s net worth is estimated to be $15 million, a testament to his acumen in real estate and his popularity on television.
Early Life and Family
Born on August 21, 1981, Tarek El Moussa’s upbringing laid the groundwork for his future success. He was raised in Long Beach, California. His diverse heritage, with Arab and European roots, shaped his upbringing. His father was raised Catholic in the Middle East (Lebanon and Egypt), and his mother is from Belgium. Tarek’s parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for real estate.
Tarek has a close relationship with his family, including his sister Dominique, and his parents, who live nearby and often assist with his children. This strong family support system has been invaluable throughout his career and personal life.
The Rise of “Flip or Flop”
Tarek’s career in real estate began at the age of 21 when he obtained his real estate license. He quickly became known for his ability to identify undervalued properties, renovate them, and sell them for a profit. His skills in the industry were quickly noticed by others, and this is how he met his future wife, Christina Haack. Their combined talents set the stage for their success in the house-flipping business. Christina focused on design while Tarek managed the renovations.
The couple’s business thrived until the economic downturn of 2008, which led to the collapse of the housing market. Despite facing financial hardship and moving from a luxurious home to a smaller apartment, they persevered. They formed The El Moussa Group in Orange County, California. During the housing crisis, they strategically bought homes at auction, renovated them, and sold them at a profit. Their real estate business expanded into Arizona and Nevada.
In 2011, Tarek and Christina’s real estate business was recovering, they took a gamble. Tarek asked a friend to film them flipping a house from start to finish, intending to create an audition tape. This tape, along with Christina’s Instagram, caught the attention of producers at Pie Town Productions and HGTV. They signed a deal with HGTV in 2012, and “Flip or Flop” premiered in April 2013. The show documented the couple’s journey through the process of bidding on properties, renovating them, and restoring them to be competitive in the market. The couple quickly became fan favorites.
Between 2013 and 2017, Tarek and Christina filmed 92 episodes over seven seasons. “Flip or Flop” became a major success for HGTV, catapulting the couple to fame and solidifying their place in the world of reality television.

(Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for MTV)
“Flipping 101” and “The Flipping El Moussas”
In 2020, Tarek expanded his television presence with “Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa.” This show features Tarek mentoring novice real estate investors, guiding them through the intricacies of house flipping. It provided a platform for him to share his expertise and offer valuable insights into the world of real estate.
In March 2023, “The Flipping El Moussas” premiered on HGTV. This show marked a new chapter for Tarek, as it featured his new wife, Heather Rae El Moussa. The show documented their personal and professional lives, including their real estate endeavors and family life.
Health Challenges and Recovery
In 2013, Tarek faced a significant health challenge when he was diagnosed with both testicular and thyroid cancer. The diagnosis came after a registered nurse and fan of “Flip or Flop”, Ryan Reade, noticed a lump on his neck while watching the show and contacted the production company, urging them to have it checked. The early detection made a critical difference in his treatment and recovery.
Tarek underwent treatment and has since recovered. His experience has led to increased awareness about early cancer detection and the importance of proactive healthcare. He has publicly thanked Ryan Reade for her vigilance, which likely saved his life. He is now an advocate for cancer awareness.
HGTV Salary and Financial Success
Tarek’s success on HGTV has significantly contributed to his financial wealth. In the early seasons of “Flip or Flop,” he and Christina earned $10,000 per episode, which totaled around $130,000 per season. As the show gained popularity, their compensation increased. By season three, they were earning $40,000 per episode, approximately $600,000 per season. In addition to his salary from “Flip or Flop,” Tarek’s earnings from “Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa” and “The Flipping El Moussas” have further bolstered his income. His financial success is also driven by his continued involvement in real estate, including his house flipping business and real estate investments. The income generated from these ventures continues to contribute to his overall net worth.

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Divorce, New Beginnings, and Tarek and Associates
In May 2016, Tarek and Christina El Moussa separated, leading to a divorce that was finalized in January 2018. The split occurred after an incident involving police being called to their home. Despite the challenges, they continued to film “Flip or Flop” after the divorce, maintaining a co-parenting relationship. The El Moussa Group was dissolved, and Tarek now operates a real estate business under the name Tarek and Associates.
Following the divorce, Christina married Ant Anstead, an English television presenter. They had a son, Hudson Anstead, born in September 2019. After their divorce, Tarek and Heather bought a home in Newport Beach, California.
Relationship with Heather Rae Young
Tarek El Moussa has been in a relationship with Heather Rae Young since July 2019. Heather is a real estate agent with The Oppenheim Group in Los Angeles and is featured on the Netflix show “Selling Sunset.” Beyond her real estate career, Heather is also a model with the agency EMG. She has a substantial social media following. Like Tarek, Heather is a native of Southern California. She specializes in working with high-profile clients, including celebrities and athletes.
Tarek and Heather married on October 23, 2021, at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel in Montecito, California. Their wedding was documented in the Discovery+ special “Tarek and Heather: The Big I Do.” They have a son together, born in January 2023. Their relationship and family life have been showcased on “The Flipping El Moussas.”
Real Estate Ventures
Tarek El Moussa continues to be actively involved in real estate. In addition to his television work, he is known for his successful house-flipping business. In late April 2020, Tarek moved to a new home in Newport Beach with Heather after selling his former home.
Tarek’s expertise in real estate, combined with his television presence, makes him a prominent figure in the industry. His ability to identify and renovate properties continues to contribute to his financial success.
Conclusion
Tarek El Moussa’s journey from a real estate agent to a television personality and successful entrepreneur is an inspiring story of perseverance and adaptability. His net worth reflects his business acumen, while his health challenges and personal life add depth to his narrative. From “Flip or Flop” to “The Flipping El Moussas,” Tarek has built a brand that resonates with audiences. His real estate ventures and relationship with Heather Rae Young continue to shape his life and career, making him a notable figure in both the real estate and entertainment worlds.