What's Next for Luis D. Ortiz Now That He's Retired from Real Estate?

Luis D. Ortiz came to a big revelation on the Season 5 finale of Million Dollar Listing New York when he revealed that he was stepping away from real estate to pursue something else entirely since working in the real estate biz was no longer making him happy. He has since spoken to The Daily Dish about that life-altering choice.

"It was tough because first of all, I didn't know that that was what I needed to do. I always ignored that that could be a possibility because I'm at the peak of my game and doing better today than I've ever done in my career," Luis told us exclusively. "So why would I think that? But when I realized that it wasn't making me happy, it was a hard decision to make because then you say you have built a career that is allowing you to do so well or you're doing so well, but yet doesn't make you happy — so the decision has to be which one do I choose? So I chose happiness."

If viewers are still floored by his decision, Luis' pals and fellow agents, Fredrik Eklund and Ryan Serhant, also had to come to terms with his choice. "I think they're not happy about it because I think we, as a trio, make such a good cast and I think the show is so successful because of the three of us together," he said. "I think they're bummed, but they're happy for me. Both of them are always going to have a special place in my heart. I give them both keys to two separate penthouses in my heart, south-facing [with] floor-to-ceiling windows. They'll always be a part of my life and I think as I actually go into an industry, I think we will now talk differently because we won't be rivals in real estate. We'll actually be happy to hear about each other's successes."

While Luis hasn't locked down his post-real estate game plan yet, he does know he wants to do something he's already familiar with. "Well, listen, I want to be in television. I came to New York to be a film director. I always wanted to be behind the cameras, but then when I started doing the show, I realized that I could be good in front of the camera. So I want to explore it, but not as an actor, though. I want a platform that allows me to be me 'cause I think my talent is me not acting because acting is another talent."

For now, Luis is all about the Eat Pray Love lifestyle. "I'm going to travel to Europe by myself. I'm going to go on a little journey, find myself a little bit more, and then come back strong," he said. "Come back with a huge tan, a long beard. I'm not worried whatsoever. I've always been very passionate about anything that I do and when I'm very happy I think I'm able to whatever's gonna come. I don't know exactly what that is, but I swear I'm gonna find out."

Check out some photos of Luis through the years, below.