Ever wondered how Kelly Bensimon built her fortune? From modeling and reality TV to real estate and business ventures, she has created multiple income streams.
Her time on The Real Housewives of New York City put her in the spotlight, but her financial success goes far beyond television.
In this article, we’ll break down Kelly Bensimon net worth, her wealth, salary, and financial moves—covering how she makes money, what she invests in, and her future financial plans.
Kelly Bensimon Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kelly Jean Killoren Bensimon |
| Popular Name | Kelly Bensimon |
| Birth Date | May 1, 1968 |
| Age | 56 (as of March 7, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Rockford, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Columbia University (BA), Northeastern University (MBA), Trinity College (Connecticut), Keith Country Day School |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Gilles Bensimon (m. 1997, div. 2007) |
| Children | Sea Louise Bensimon, Thadeus Ann Bensimon |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | N/A |
| Height | 1.78 meters |
| Net Worth | $10 million (estimated) |
| Source of Wealth | Real Estate, Modeling, Publishing, TV, Business Ventures |
What is the Net Worth of Kelly Bensimon in 2025?
As of 2025, Kelly Bensimon’s net worth is estimated at $10 million. Her wealth comes from multiple sources, including her successful modeling career, her time on The Real Housewives of New York City, and her thriving real estate business.
Although she claims her divorce left her with nothing, she retained a luxury mansion in East Hampton, which she later sold for $5.7 million.
Her career as a real estate agent has also been highly lucrative—closing $50 million in deals in 2021 alone.
Related Celebrities & Companies
- Gilles Bensimon
- Douglas Elliman
- The Real Housewives of New York City
- Bravo TV
- Columbia University
- Million Dollar Listing New York
- Elle Accessories
- Hamptons Magazine
- Harper’s Bazaar
- Generosity Water
For more insights into the wealthiest celebrities, check out this list of the richest stars.
Kelly Bensimon Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did She Build Her Wealth?
Kelly Bensimon started her career as a model, working with top agencies like Ford Models and Elite Model Management. She appeared in Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Harper’s Bazaar, even becoming the face of Clarins.
Her fame skyrocketed when she joined The Real Housewives of New York City in Season 2. While reality TV brought her fame, it was real estate that solidified her financial standing.
After obtaining her real estate license, she joined Douglas Elliman, where she became one of the top agents in the luxury property market.
What Are Her Main Sources of Income?
Kelly’s wealth comes from several streams:
- Reality TV: RHONY, The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, Million Dollar Matchmaker
- Real Estate: Luxury property sales with Douglas Elliman
- Books & Writing: I Can Make You Hot!, American Style, The Bikini Book
- Business Ventures: Jewelry collections, fragrance line, fashion collaborations
- Editorial Work: Columnist for Hamptons Magazine and Gotham Magazine
What Real Estate Investments Does She Own or Has Sold?
One of Kelly’s biggest financial moves was selling her East Hampton mansion. Originally bought in 1994 for $700,000, she listed it for $12 million but eventually sold it for $5.7 million.
Now, she focuses on high-end real estate sales with Douglas Elliman, closing major deals and earning lucrative commissions.
How Much Did She Earn from Reality TV and Media?
While her exact salary from RHONY remains undisclosed, reality TV stars at her level typically earn six to seven figures per season. She also appeared in Million Dollar Matchmaker and Odd Mom Out, further adding to her income.
Beyond TV, she worked as editor-at-large for Hamptons Magazine and Gotham Magazine, adding another revenue stream.
How Does She Spend and Manage Her Money?
Kelly Bensimon enjoys a luxury lifestyle, but she also invests wisely.
- Real Estate: She transitioned from property ownership to high-end real estate sales.
- Business Investments: Jewelry, fragrances, and books generate passive income.
- Charitable Giving: Supports Generosity Water, Humane Society, and American Cancer Society.
What Are Her Future Business and Financial Plans?
Looking ahead, Kelly is expected to:
- Expand her role in Douglas Elliman’s luxury real estate sector
- Launch new business ventures in fashion, wellness, or media
- Continue working in television and publishing
With her diverse income streams, her net worth will likely continue to grow in the coming years.
Conclusion
Kelly Bensimon has built an impressive financial portfolio through modeling, reality TV, real estate, and business ventures. As she continues to expand her real estate career and business ventures, her wealth is expected to rise.
Want to stay updated on celebrity finances? Visit andomoney.com for more insights!
