Why Alexia Umansky's Jungle Test Reveals the Secret to Real Estate Success

Lucía Torres · 2026-10-20

Alexia Umansky isn't just another reality TV star—she's a real estate agent who took on one of the toughest challenges of her life. In an exclusive Q&A, she opens up about her time on "Special Forces," where she faced a team of Marines, Navy professionals, and British soldiers. But what does surviving in the jungle have to do with selling homes? As it turns out, everything. ### Reading the Room: A Skill That Transcends the Jungle In real estate, being able to read the room and stay calm under pressure is essential. Did those instincts kick in out there? "Absolutely," Alexia says. "As an agent, when showing homes with a client, social awareness is essential. When to speak, when to stay back, when to step up, etc. All of that can be applied to how we acted and behaved in the jungle." She adds, "Real estate is a service business, and I was ready to be of service to my castmates and the Directing Staff." It's a reminder that the skills we hone in one area of life often prepare us for challenges in another. ### Teamwork Runs in the Family As members of The Umansky Team, Alexia and her dad, Mauricio, deal with challenges together for a living. Did their work dynamic show up in the competition? "Both!" she laughs. "Whether it's for work or for family, we always have a team mentality. We checked on each other, helped each other, looked out for each other, strategized, and kept each other calm." That kind of support system is invaluable, whether you're in a jungle or a competitive housing market. ### New Strengths for Work and Life The competition demanded discipline, mental strength, and flexibility. The Directing Staff would repeatedly tell them to "Get up and get ready to go again," meaning anything could happen at any minute. "That's an approach that translates directly to real estate," Alexia explains, "where the market and your clients can surprise you at any moment." It's about staying on your toes and being ready to adapt. ### Competition Personalities: Alexia vs. Mauricio When asked to describe her competition personality in one word, Alexia says, "I'm not very competitive at all!" But her dad? "My dad is very competitive. He's always been an athlete and loves to be 'best in show.' It's part of what drives him and has contributed to his success." It's a classic case of different strokes for different folks—and both approaches can lead to success. ### The Bond That Forms in the Jungle What did she enjoy most about her time on the show? "The camaraderie between all of the recruits. Being a part of a team, feeling the support and encouragement from one another, was incredibly special. It's a very bonding experience. Whether you were there for one day or the whole time, we all held each other up." That sense of unity is something we can all strive for in our own teams. ### What's Next? The competition is still going strong—what is she most excited for audiences to see? "All the crazy challenges the Directing Staff came up with! Hopefully people will see how much passion these men have for what they do—they are real military men who put their whole hearts into this. I hope the audience gains an even deeper respect for the people who defend and serve their countries." It's a heartfelt message that goes beyond entertainment. > "Real estate is a service business, and I was ready to be of service to my castmates and the Directing Staff." – Alexia Umansky So, what can real estate professionals take away from Alexia's experience? A lot. The ability to stay calm under pressure, to work as a team, and to adapt to unexpected challenges are all crucial in both the jungle and the housing market. And perhaps most importantly, the bonds we form with others can carry us through even the toughest times. Catch Alexia on "Special Forces," airing Thursdays at 9 PM EST and PST on Fox, and streaming live on YouTube TV. Episodes are available the next day on Hulu and Disney+.