Carter Oosterhouse Net Worth

What is Carter Oosterhouse's net worth?

Carter Oosterhouse is an American television host, carpenter, entrepreneur, and environmental advocate who has a net worth of $10 million. That is a combined net worth with his wife, actress Amy Smart.

rose to national prominence as one of the breakout stars of the home makeover series "Trading Spaces." Known for his hands-on construction skills and approachable on-screen presence, he quickly became one of the most recognizable personalities in home improvement television. Over the years, Oosterhouse expanded his career beyond carpentry into hosting, producing, and launching multiple lifestyle brands and ventures. He has fronted a wide range of shows, from practical renovation series like "Carter Can" to upscale design programs such as "Million Dollar Rooms," while also serving as co-host of ABC's long-running holiday competition "The Great Christmas Light Fight." Alongside his media career, he has built a reputation as a passionate advocate for sustainable living and environmental responsibility, incorporating eco-conscious principles into both his business ventures and philanthropic work.

Early Life

Carter Oosterhouse was born on September 19, 1976, and raised in Traverse City, Michigan. The youngest of four children, he grew up in a close-knit, active family that emphasized health, community involvement, and hands-on skills.

Oosterhouse began learning carpentry at just 11 years old, working as an apprentice for a local builder. He continued developing those skills throughout his teenage years, influenced by his older brothers, who also pursued careers in construction.

He attended Central Michigan University, where he played rugby and earned a bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Communication. Although his academic path did not initially point toward television, his background in both communication and physical work would later prove to be a unique advantage.

Breakthrough with "Trading Spaces"

After graduating from college, Oosterhouse moved to Los Angeles with ambitions of working in the entertainment industry. He initially found work behind the scenes as a production assistant and tape coordinator on projects including HBO's "Project Greenlight."

His career took a dramatic turn in 2003 when he was cast on the fourth season of TLC's "Trading Spaces." As the show's resident carpenter, Oosterhouse quickly stood out for his practical expertise, easygoing personality, and on-camera charisma.

Standing 6'2″ and with prior modeling experience in campaigns for brands like Nivea and Nautica, he also gained attention as a television personality, earning recognition from People magazine as one of the "Sexiest Men on TV."

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Television Career

Following the success of "Trading Spaces," Oosterhouse built a wide-ranging television career as a host and lifestyle expert. He went on to headline multiple home improvement and design shows, including "Carter Can," which focused on practical, do-it-yourself projects, and "Red Hot & Green," which highlighted eco-friendly renovations.

He also hosted "Million Dollar Rooms," showcasing luxury interiors and high-end design, and became a longtime co-host of ABC's holiday competition series "The Great Christmas Light Fight," which further expanded his mainstream appeal.

Across these projects, Oosterhouse developed a reputation for making design accessible while maintaining a focus on craftsmanship and sustainability.

Business Ventures and Environmental Advocacy

A consistent theme throughout Oosterhouse's career has been his commitment to environmental sustainability. He has frequently promoted the use of eco-friendly materials and green building practices, both on television and through his business ventures.

In 2010, he co-founded Bonobo Winery with his brother Todd in Traverse City. The winery operates as an organic, biodynamic vineyard and incorporates conservation efforts, including support for endangered bonobo primates, into its business model.

Oosterhouse has also been active in philanthropy. He founded Carter's Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating childhood obesity by building community parks and playgrounds in underserved areas across the United States.

Personal Life

Oosterhouse married actress Amy Smart in September 2011. The couple met while working together on an environmental project for the Environmental Media Association, bonding over their shared passion for sustainability.

Their wedding, held at Oosterhouse's property in Traverse City, was designed to be environmentally friendly and reportedly generated only a single bag of trash despite hosting more than 200 guests.

In December 2016, they welcomed their daughter, Flora, via surrogate. Oosterhouse has since balanced his professional commitments with family life, maintaining strong ties to his Michigan roots while continuing to work in television and business.

Real Estate

Carter Oosterhouse and Amy Smart have built a thoughtfully curated real estate portfolio that reflects their shared commitment to sustainability, design, and a nature-centered lifestyle.

Before their marriage, Smart owned a home in Beverly Hills, which she sold in 2011 for $1.12 million. The following year, the couple purchased a mid-century home together in Beverly Hills for $2.5 million. After living in and updating the property, they sold it in 2017 for $3.45 million.

Prior to settling down, Carter Oosterhouse also owned a three-bedroom townhome in Hermosa Beach, California, which he sold in 2014 for $1 million.

In early 2017, shortly after selling their Beverly Hills residence, the couple purchased a three-acre hilltop property in Malibu for $2.9 million. They undertook extensive renovations using eco-friendly materials, transforming the home into a sustainable coastal retreat. In addition to personal use, the property has served as an income-generating rental, at one point listed for approximately $23,000 per month.

The centerpiece of their real estate holdings is in Traverse City, Michigan, where Oosterhouse grew up. In 2005, he purchased a 13-acre property anchored by a historic Victorian farmhouse. The estate sits adjacent to the family's Bonobo Winery and serves as their primary Midwest home base. In recent years, the couple undertook a major renovation of an abandoned 1860s barn on the property, converting it into a four-season, eco-friendly guesthouse. The project was featured on the Magnolia Network series "In With the Old," highlighting their commitment to preservation and sustainable design.

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