Ever wonder where a movie was shot? Or where you can find the house that was used in that opening scene of your favorite television show? Well here is the scoop on five iconic movie and TV homes that were put up for sale within the past year. Let us know if you’re surprised by the size of any of their price tags by commenting below!

1. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

If you were looking to scoop up a piece of pop culture history, you just missed out on this one. This home was made famous by the 1986 “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” film just sold for $1.06 million. If you’re a fan of the movie, you’ll recognize the garage in the listing photos; it was where the infamous Ferrari was stored at Cameron’s house. The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home was designed by A. James Speyer and spans 4,300 square feet.

2. “Scarface”

For $35 million, you can be the new owner of the infamous mansion where (spoiler alert!) Tony Montana fell to his death in a blaze of glory and gunfire. The 9,816-square-foot-home has four bedrooms and nine bathrooms, and sits on 10 acres in Montecito, California. Several reflecting pools are scattered throughout the property, including the one shown in the scene where Montana met his demise. According to the listing details, the enormous estate was designed by renowned architect Bertram Goodhue. It was built in 1906, and has been carefully restored with an eye for detail. As Montana would say, “every day above ground is a good day,” especially in a beautiful mansion like this.

3. “American Horror Story”

You might not want to be left home alone in this house, which is actually known as the “Murder House” from the first season of the FX series “American Horror Story.” According to the listing details, the 7,588-square-foot Rosenheim estate is a landmark property. The Los Angeles home has been used as the shoot location for a plethora of other productions, including “Old Blue Eyes” starring Frank Sinatra, “Grey’s Anatomy,” and 2002’s “Spiderman.” For $5 million, this frightening mansion can be all yours. Hauntings sold separately.

4. “Modern Family”

“Modern Family” fanatics will recognize this property as the Dunphy household, but it was actually only used for the exterior shots of the family’s home; the rest of the scenes are shot inside a studio. The four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home hit the market on March 11 for $2.35 million and sold May 16 for $2.15 million. The Dunphys may need to “relocate” next season if the home’s new owners aren’t interested in sharing their Los Angeles property with the hit television show.

5. “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”

If you are trying to keep up with the Kardashians, you definitely know this home.  It was featured as the Kardashian house for the latest season of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” but the K family didn’t really live in the seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom Los Angeles estate. This property was just used for the show’s exterior shots. The estate is currently on the market, so if you are interested in looking like you are keeping up, it will cost you $6.25 million.

 Surprise, one more!

6. “Full House”

This home hasn’t actually been on the market for years (how rude!), but how could we end a roundup of famous homes without bringing this one into the mix? It’s the home that needs no introduction for those of you who grew up in the ’80s or ’90s; it was used for exterior shots of the Tanner home for “Full House.” Even if you have never seen this house in person, the picture alone is enough to bring back a flood of childhood memories for anyone who grew up on Danny Tanner’s life lessons. While the three-bedroom, three-bathroom property no longer has the signature red door, it is still recognizable to tried and true fans. The actual owners probably don’t appreciate the fanfare the home generates, but they still get to be a part of some serious television history! According to the listing, the San Francisco home last sold for $1.85 million in 2006.

The post Look Familiar? Five Famous Homes That Hit the Market This Year appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Listed by Stephen Shapiro, Westside Estate Agency Inc.

It feels like just yesterday that Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady put their personalized palace up for sale for a whopping $50 million. There were reportedly several offers on the estate, but apparently none was more enticing than the offer from Dr. Dre, who paid $10 million less than the original asking price, splashing out $40 million for the whole kit and caboodle, according to Business Insider.

The “Beats” CEO is scooping up a fairly new property: Tom and Gisele purchased the L.A. lot in 2008 and built the estate from the ground up. The enormous 18,298-square-foot home has five bedrooms and nine bathrooms and reflects the superstar couple’s personal style – and expensive taste. Some of the property’s unique features include a custom-designed gym, walls made of three types of Texas limestone, an oak paneled library and a pool lined with hand-poured glass tile. “The home was really built for the likes of royalty,” says Redfin real estate agent Eric Tan. According to the Redfin listing, the home was designed by Richard Landry.

Rumor has it that the couple offered the mansion fully furnished, but the doctor declined. While $40 million may seem like it would put most people in the poor house, it looks like it’s just a drop in the bucket for Dr. Dre, whose net worth comes to a total of $550 million, according to Forbes. Not surprisingly, this isn’t the only home the rap star owns. He also has three other properties in California; one property in L.A., another home in Woodland Hills and a third home in Malibu.

If you were Dr. Dre, would you keep the furniture left behind by Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady?

The post Dr. Dre Drops $40M on Tom Brady & Gisele Bundchen’s Mansion appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Listed by Brenda Catalano, Coldwell Banker-BH North

Cowabunga dude! Megan’s mansion is up for grabs!

While famed “Transformers” actress Megan Fox finishes filming the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movie, she and husband Brian Austin Green are looking to unload their Los Feliz love nest. The Hollywood couple scooped up the property back in 2009 for $2,942,373, not long before the couple got married in 2010. They listed the manse on May 27 for $3.995 million. Whoever scoops up this house will be in good company, as other celebrities who live in the affluent Los Feliz neighborhood include Gerard Butler and Rachel Bilson.

The four-bedroom, five-bathroom estate is situated behind a wall for ultimate privacy, which the couple most likely appreciated after the birth of their youngest son, Bodhi. The couple now have two boys together. According to the listing, the 5,385-square-foot crib has a spacious living room and family room with floor-to-ceiling French doors, which open up to balconies boasting stunning city views.  The listing photos give us a peek into the couple’s chic taste in home décor. It’s clear they aren’t afraid of funky patterns, as many of the rooms in the home are decorated with posh wallpaper designs and a mixture of textures. “The house may look like a Mediterranean villa on the outside but the inside is completely decked out with modern furniture and bold wallpaper,” says Redfin real estate agent Eric Tan. “But with their new baby boy, every room of the four-bedroom abode is pretty full so it must be time for the family to switch to a home with a bit more ‘crawl’ space.”

If you flip through photos of the property you’ll stumble across a picture of a bathroom decorated with “Star Wars” and “Lord of the Ring” paraphernalia. It’s anyone’s guess who that stuff belongs to! If you find the picture, let us know which star you think lays claim to the bathroom’s décor in the comments below!

The post Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green List Love Nest for $3.995 Million appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Listed by Kurt Rappaport, Westside Estate Agency Inc.

The “Beats” co-founder is not only looking to make deals with Apple these days.

The music mogul just put his West Hollywood Hills home on the market, and it can be all yours for just $35 million! It’s no surprise that Dr. Dre is ready to ditch this abode, as he just scooped up the home of Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady a for a whopping $40 million.

The stunning estate that’s now on the market spans a total of 9,696 square feet, and has six bedrooms and nine bathrooms. The mega manse has some pretty sweet amenities, including a gorgeous infinity pool with uninterrupted views of the city below. The home also comes equipped with a home theater (shock!), guest house and wine cellar.

His new crib is a bit of a size upgrade from this one, with 18,298 square feet, five bedrooms and nine bathrooms. Some of the property’s unique features include a custom-designed gym, walls made of three types of Texas limestone, an oak-paneled library and a pool lined with hand-poured glass tile.  The doctor seems to specialize in living large!

Dre also has a few other properties sprinkled throughout California: one property in L.A., another home in Woodland Hills and a third home in Malibu.

Let us know what you think about the home in the comments below!

The post Dr. Dre Asks $35 Million for West Hollywood Hills Estate appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Richard Sherman has a new crib and it’s a big win!

According to Seattle PI, the Seattle Seahawk just scooped up a Maple Valley, Washington, home for $2.3 million, and the home has quite the pedigree. Property records show that the four-bedroom, 6.25-bathroom home was previously owned by NBA star Jamal Crawford, who purchased the property back in 2006 for $3.231 million.

The sizable abode spans 9,435 square feet (which is just about 48,000 square feet less than a football field, in case you were wondering), and sits on just under five acres of land. The impressive Mediterranean estate is super chic with Tuscan columns, arched windows and slate floors. And as if that’s not luxurious enough, the home is also packed with other fabulous amenities, including a billiards room, game room with a wet bar, media room, basketball court, hot tub and indoor swimming pool, not to mention a personal beauty salon!

Sherman’s new home is quite a steal, considering that Crawford originally listed the home back in 2008 for $4.475 million. The home was on and off the market since then, until Sherman threw down almost $2 million less than the original asking price. Well played Sherman, well played.

Sherman just signed a $57.4 million contract extension. Do you think his $2.3 million home purchase was modest? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Seahawk Richard Sherman Scores $2.3 Million Manse Previously Owned by NBA Star Jamal Crawford appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Listed by Lisa Sutton, Synergy Sothebys International

Phil Maloof, a former New Mexico state senator and member of the famous Maloof family, just listed his Las Vegas penthouse atop the Palms Place tower for $38 million.

The penthouse is by far the most expensive home listed in Las Vegas, but it comes with something you won’t find anywhere else: paintings by Dali and Picasso! According to the listing, Maloof will include the priceless works of art as part of the deal. (By the way, the second most expensive property in Las Vegas is a $16.5 million estate that Michael Jackson once considered making his new Wonderland.)

Maloof’s penthouse has everything you need for a Las Vegas party pad, including a 20-person hot tub, 35 flat-screen TVs, DJ booth, a helipad spot and an outdoor theater and kitchen. It has three bedrooms and five baths, and spans 6,230 square feet, but there are 27,000 square feet when you include the massive balconies.

The ceilings are 30 feet tall, with walls of glass to take advantage of the 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip. It’s accessible via a private elevator, and comes fully furnished with a modern, minimalist design. There’s also a whole-home remote control system, wet bar, gym and office. The homeowners association dues are a whopping $4,481 per month, but include concierge services, a pre-arrival grocery shopping service, access to the fitness center, two free spa passes a month and discounts for The Palms’ restaurants, room service, shops and services.

Maloof purchased the unit in 2008 for $4.5 million, but that was probably at a discount, considering his family founded The Palms and still manages the property.

If you had $38 million to spare, would you pick up this property? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

The post Phil Maloof Lists $38 Million Penthouse with Dali and Picasso Paintings appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Listed by Thomas Atamian, Dilbeck Real Estate

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden just unloaded their gorgeous abode for $1,837,500.

The actress and the “Good Charlotte” rock star scooped up the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home back in 2004 for $1.8 million. According to the listing, the gated two-level Spanish Colonial estate is located within the prestigious area of Northwest Glendale. The home has been restored to its original 1930s splendor, with an oversized formal living room, rich walnut hardwood floors, thick crown molding, and a fireplace outlined in custom Spanish tiles.

The couple must have especially enjoyed their time in the kitchen as it is fully equipped with an enormous island, granite countertops, custom cabinetry and high-end stainless steel appliances. Exposed wood beams and vaulted ceilings add to the dramatic effect. Three beautiful French doors lead from the kitchen to a secluded backyard retreat, complete with plenty of shade from the lush garden.

While Richie and Madden bid farewell to this fabulous property, they maintain ownership of their Laurel Canyon crib, which the couple snatched up in 2009 for $1.912 million. The gated compound has soaring ceilings, a full guest house and a pool. With four bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms and 5,380 square feet, their current home provides a bit more space than the one they just unloaded!

What do you think of the couple’s home décor style? Take a look at the listing photos and let us know in the comments below!

The post Nicole Richie and Joel Madden Part Ways with Former Love Nest appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

What do Drake Bell, Jenny McCarthy and Julianne Hough have in common? They’ve been busy buying and selling homes, and moving! Read on for the latest celebrity real estate news …

Drake Bell

Listed by Joyce Essex Harvey, Coldwell Banker-BH North

Drake Bell, the musician and former star of Nickelodeon’s hit show “Drake & Josh,” filed for bankruptcy in February, and his foreclosed home is now on the market. The Spanish-style home is located in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles, and was just listed for $1,524,900. Bell purchased the home in 2007 for $2.05 million, following the success of his second album, “It’s Only Time.” Unfortunately 2007 was the same year that “Drake & Josh” was canceled, and sales of Bell’s albums haven’t been strong. The home was turned over to the bank last August.

The beautiful estate was built in 1929 and retains many original features, including hardwood floors, ornate beamed ceilings and an elegant fireplace. It has three bedrooms and three bathrooms and spans more than 2,600 square feet. Unfortunately, from the looks of the listing photos, the home hasn’t been maintained while under foreclosure.

Bell, who has been making headlines thanks to his Twitter feud with Justin Bieber, hopes to make a comeback with his new album “Ready Steady Go!” which was released in April.

Jenny McCarthy

Listed by Sally Pelling, Brush Hill, Inc., REALTORS

As reported in the Chicago Tribune, the home that Jenny McCarthy has been renting for the past few years is now on the market for $2.275 million. McCarthy, who is a Chicago native, moved back to the city in 2012 to be closer to friends. She’s been renting the five-bedroom, six-bathroom home for $6,900 a month. It sits on 2.5 acres near downtown Geneva and spans 6,700 square feet, offering plenty of space for her son Evan to play.

Now that she’s engaged to Donnie Wahlberg and has a new gig on “The View” in New York, she’ll be spending less time in the Windy City, but she still plans to have a home there. Her publicist told Elite Street that she recently “moved to a different style of home” in the Geneva area.

Julianne Hough

Listed by Neal Baddin, Coldwell Banker-Sunset Blvd

As first reported by The Real Estalker (now writing for Variety), “Dancing with the Stars” alum Julianne Hough just scooped up a beautiful colonial-style home in the Hollywood Hills. It was built in 1936 and has a rustic-chic vibe, with distressed hardwood floors, antique-looking window frames and beautiful French doors. Julianne and her brother Derek can now practice their moves on her beautiful patio, which overlooks the Los Angeles city skyline.

The home spans more than 2,000 square feet, with four bedrooms and 3.5 baths. It’s very private, with dense woods surrounding the home. The backyard includes a large pool, waterfall, plenty of room for sunbathing and a fireplace.

Whose home do you like the best? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Celebrity Real Estate Roundup: Drake Bell, Jenny McCarthy, Julianne Hough appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Listing by Monty Iceman, Berkshire Hathaway HomeService

Doogie Howser is all grown up and on the move!

This charming celebrity compound belongs to actor Neil Patrick Harris, and it can be all yours for the asking price of $2.995 million. The 6-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home is absolutely gorgeous! Harris clearly has a knack for décor. Some rooms display calming, neutral tones while other rooms feature funky wallpaper designs. Harris must have loved to entertain, as the stunning formal dining room has enough space to host ten or more people. Huge glass doors lead from the dining room to an additional outdoor seating area. The kitchen is just as impressive with top-of-the line appliances and a massive island. The 4,191-square-foot manse also has an outdoor pizza oven, shower and pool!

It’s no surprise that the Tony award-winning actor is looking to part ways with this Sherman Oaks abode, since Harris reportedly moved to New York City last year.

What do you think of Harris’ kitchen? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Neil Patrick Harris Looks to Unload Sherman Oaks Crib appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

“The Hangover” star Justin Bartha just unloaded his rustic home in Los Angeles for $1.385 million. The Laurel Canyon abode has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and spans 1,416 square feet. It’s a far cry from any trashed Las Vegas suite; this home is absolutely charming!

The Spanish villa was built in 1934 and is full of old-world charm, with beautiful hardwood flooring and wood-beamed ceilings. The kitchen and dining area are artfully designed with Spanish tile flooring and light wood cabinets. The home also has a beautiful outdoor pool and Jacuzzi! Lush landscaping and fruit trees in the backyard complete the outdoor ambiance.

Bartha, who also starred in the TV sitcom “The New Normal,” scooped up this quiet retreat in 2007 for $1.25 million. The actor listed the home in May for $1.375 million.

What do you think of the home? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Justin Bartha Unloads L.A. Digs for $1.385 Million appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Kate Bosworth, Colbie Caillat and Anderson Cooper all have something in common, and it’s not just extreme talent! All three stars have been busy in the real estate world this past week. Take a look!

Kate Bosworth

Model and actress Kate Bosworth unloaded her Los Angeles abode for $2.375 million. The star listed the three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home back in April for $2.499 million. The gorgeous estate spans 2,890 square feet and is located behind a gate down a long driveway, offering plenty of privacy! It’s no surprise that this fashionista has some great taste in home décor as her home is perfectly styled with chic accent rugs and fabulous dark wood furniture. The manse also has an awesome open floor plan accompanied by high-beamed ceilings that add character to many of the rooms throughout the home. Unfortunately, the estate does not come with a runway. The outside of the house is equally as impressive as the inside with French doors leading to multiple outdoor sitting areas, including a lap pool and incredible canyon views. Bosworth scooped up this estate back in 2005 for $2.1 million.

Colbie Caillat

Colbie Caillat is trying to sell her Westlake Village, California, home for $1.799 million, but she probably won’t have to “try” too hard. The charming four-bedroom, three-bathroom home spans 3,603 square feet and maintains the perfect balance between modern chic and rustic design. Hardwood, marble and granite can be seen throughout the home, including custom distressed cabinetry and granite countertops in the kitchen. When the artist isn’t touring, she must enjoy spending time in her beautifully manicured backyard, which has a pool, spa, fire pit and built-in BBQ! If you scroll through listing photos you will also find that the musician has her own “jam” room, which is littered with several guitars. Last but certainly not least, the performers front door is certainly worth mentioning as it is styled as a barn door; how cool! The pop star has been in the home since 2010, when she purchased the property for $1.6 million.

Anderson Cooper

Across the country on the other coast, Anderson Cooper just listed his Westhampton Beach “cottage” in New York. Cooper is looking to collect $3.599 million for the four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home, which spans 3,800 square feet. The English waterfront cottage was built in 1928 but has been recently renovated. The “360” host certainly has a flair for décor; much of the home is artfully decorated with light, neutral tones, paired with dark wood or stone accents. The home sits on 2.32 acres of land and is located just a stone’s throw away from Aspatuck Creek.

Which one of these celebrity abodes floats your boat? Let us know which home is your favorite in the comments below!

The post Celebrity Real Estate Roundup: Kate Bosworth, Colbie Caillat, Anderson Cooper appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Photos by Brandon Vogts, www.brandonvogts.com. Listing by Monty Iceman, Berkshire Hathaway HomeService

When you’re Neil Patrick Harris, you can be in a Tony-award-winning Broadway show in New York City and sell your home in California at the same time!

The “How I Met Your Mother” star unloaded his Sherman Oaks mansion for $2.995 million, just a few short weeks after putting it on the market. The actor scooped up the newly renovated property back in 2010 for $2.1 million, so Harris stands to make a pretty penny on the sale!

Harris, who is currently busy with the Broadway production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” certainly has an impeccable sense of style, and that extends to his home décor! The applause-worthy interior of the home has calming neutral tones throughout, while other rooms display chic and funky wallpaper designs. The charming abode also has a stunning formal dining room with enough space to host ten or more people; the kitchen is just as incredible with top-of-the line appliances and a massive center island.  The 4,191-square-foot manse also has an outdoor pizza oven, shower and pool!

Take a look at the listing photos and let us know which room is your favorite in the comments below!

The post Neil Patrick Harris Unloads California Home appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green just unloaded their Los Feliz home for $3.75 million!

Listed by Brenda Catalano, Coldwell Banker-BH North

From the looks of the listing photos, this couple certainly has great taste. The interior of the home features beautiful hand-distressed wood floors and chic wallpaper accents throughout the home.  Floor-to-ceiling French doors lead from a family room to a balcony offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The property also has some impressive amenities, including a gorgeous outdoor pool, chic al fresco dining areas and additional outdoor living spaces. This beautiful compound is set behind a wall for absolute privacy. Fox purchased the property back in 2009 for $2,942,373. According to property records, the four-bedroom, five-bathroom manse hit the market in May for $3.995 million.

The two superstars are already well on their way to calling a new place home sweet home in Toluca Lake. Green, best known for his role in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and Fox, who plays the role of “April” in the new “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movie, recently splashed out $3.35 million for Bing Crosby’s former carriage house, which was built in 1936 and remodeled in 2008. The main living area of their new abode is incredibly spacious with a gorgeous exposed beam ceiling and quartz slate floors. There is also a stunning formal dining area with Brazillian cherry hardwood floors, a library with space enough for a sizeable book collection, and a recreation room perfect for indoor activity. This fabulous abode also has some amazing backyard amenities, including a saline pool and Jacuzzi, and a fire pit! The gated home offers just the right amount of seclusion for the the parents of two little ones: It’s situated down a curving driveway lined with plenty of trees, far from prying eyes and paparazzi lenses.

What do you think of the couple’s new home? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Cowabunga! Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green Sell Home in Los Feliz appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Listed by Branden Williams, Hilton & Hyland

It must have been a good day to… sell your home?

“Die Hard” star Bruce Willis has finally sold his gorgeous Beverly Hills estate after it sat on the market for 15 months. According to property records, the action star listed the elegant eight-bedroom, 11-bathroom hacienda last May for $22 million. Apparently, that price didn’t get the 10,379-square-foot manse much action. A few months later, the price was dropped to $19.995 million and in February of this year it dropped again to $18 million.

The home is certainly designed for peace and serenity, so it’s hard to imagine Willis chasing any bad guys through this abode! The charming celebrity compound is full of old world charm with a terracotta roof and a warm beige exterior. Willis, who also starred in movies such as “The Sixth Sense” and “The Fifth Element,” seems to have a knack for home décor because much of the interior is tastefully decorated with neutral tones and darker accent colors, sans any guns. Hardwood floors and high-beamed ceilings complete many of the rooms, not to mention the awesome arched doorways leading from one space to another. Dark and light cream colored furniture can be found in many of the living areas, giving the home an earthy vibe.

The kitchen is just as fabulous as the rest of the property, with an enormous island situated in the center of the room, making it a great space for entertaining. The movie star must also have an affinity for New York as the backsplash in the kitchen is a mosaic display of one of Manhattan’s subway stop signs, Spring Street.

The décor couldn’t have been the only draw for the home’s new owner, as the property also has a stunning outdoor pool, a tennis court and several outdoor seating areas perfect for sunbathing!

Property records show that Willis still owns another home in Beverly Hills on Mulholland Drive.

What do you think of Bruce Willis’ former abode? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Bruce Willis Unloads Beverly Hills Home appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Lauren Beale

Redfin is teaming up with the luxury real estate experts over at the Los Angeles Times to give you a closer look at the opulent lifestyles of the rich and famous. Lauren Beale and Neal Leitereg report for the widely read Hot Property section at the Times, a section dedicated to the “best of” when it comes to the most coveted real estate eye candy, whether owned by a star or designed by a starchitect. We are publishing a series of Q&As with Lauren and Neal, digging deeper into the exclusive world of the super wealthy.

Last Q&A, Neal dished out insider information on some of L.A.’s most lavish properties. This time, Lauren gives Redfin the inside scoop on everything celebrity real estate, from a presidential find to the hottest celebrity hoods, ending with one unbelievable home feature found in a Playboy model’s manse. Take a look!

What do you think is the most interesting celebrity real estate story of 2014 thus far, and why?

By far the most intriguing story of 2014 for this beat was trying to parse out fact from fiction when rumors started that the Obamas might be moving to Rancho Mirage. The president loves golf, and there’s plenty of that, plus the first lady’s friend and interior designer Michael Smith lives there. Because other U.S. presidents have lived in the area, it has been proven that the location can work for a former first family but the Obamas have to be cognizant of schools for their daughter too.

The home in question was purchased under a trust, and no I don’t peg them as the buyers now that the sale has closed. Rancho Mirage has a more second home vibe to me. After the White House, I would think they might stay closer to D.C. or return to Chicago, where they own a home.

I did tour a home once in Rolling Hills, California, that I think is made for a world leader, called Hacienda de la Paz. It is set among single-story homes behind white fences but it goes down five stories on the hillside lot, has generators, geo-thermal heating and cooling – really a defensible fortress or a spot to weather a nuclear winter. The community is gated and there are great public and private school options. The problem is the palatial price: $53 million.

What are the top locations and neighborhoods that are favored by celebrities, and why?

Traditionally the Bird Streets area of Hollywood Hills has been identified as the favored location of young/hip Hollywood types. There are a lot of awesome contemporary homes with great city views. Flippers keep a steady supply of turn-key houses on the market.

Holmby Hills/Bel-Air is full of old money multimillionaires and billionaires. Even with the stream of tour buses there’s a sense of privacy behind the tall hedges and walls of the large estates.

Studio City is a hot bed of celebrity real estate activity and particularly popular with musicians, who often look for or put in their own in-house studios. Proximity to work attracts actors.

Los Feliz has its share of big screen stars yet it seems to remain somewhat under the radar. That alone is an attraction for a celebrity.

You have been covering celebrity real estate for a while now. Is there any one trend that you have consistently seen in the homes of celebrities over the years?

A consistent trend … is that a trick question? Every year, what was enough in the past is now inadequate. Celebrities want ultra-luxurious appointments, better security and more privacy.

Bathrooms now have the double sinks, the stand-alone tub and huge separate showers. The master bedroom suite may have his and her bathrooms. I toured a $45 million spec home in Holmby Hills that had both toilets and bidets in every bathroom.

Closets have morphed into dressing rooms and showrooms as well as storage. They really are individual rooms off the master bedroom with seating, mirrors and compartmentalized spaces for shoes, handbags and jewelry.

As far as home styles, the newly built multimillion dollar homes coming on the market are overwhelmingly contemporary.  Slick, sleek and ready to go is what is selling. Among resale homes midcentury modern seems to strike a chord with luxury homebuyers too – particularly if the houses have been tastefully updated. The big problem with older homes seems to  the storage. Buyers today simply have more stuff.

One feature I thought would become passé with the growth of wine drinking and the wine room/cellar gaining popularity is the home bar. Who wants to sit on a stool and try to converse with a person two seats down? But in fact I’ve seen homes with more than one bar inside, a breakfast bar in the kitchen and another on the patio or near the pool.

If anything has stayed the same over the years, it’s concerns about security and privacy. That’s why we often see one celebrity selling to another. If the site and home are securable, and the geography or landscape keeps out prying eyes, that’s a huge plus for someone in the public eye.

Most people think celebrities live incredibly luxurious lifestyles. Are there any celebrities that you have come across that live in more humble abodes that would surprise most people?

It’s hard to say because sometimes the real estate they own is an investment property or an in-town residence. Their home base could be in another part of the country. Country singer Dolly Parton, for example, owns some modest real estate in California but then she hails from Tennessee. Actor Ed Asner sold his longtime home in Studio City this year for about $1.3 million – that’s not a huge price for the area. What surprised me wasn’t so much that the home was modest but that it oozed charm and looked like a place “real people” would live. If a house could be a bear hug, this one was.

What is the most outrageous or interesting home feature you have ever seen in a celebrity home in all the years you have covered this beat?

About five years ago, actress and Playboy model Bridget Marquardt bought a home in Sherman Oaks. In the soaring entry hall she installed a swing trapeze and a lyra, or aerial hoop. That’s how she stayed in shape.

About Lauren
Lauren Beale is the Hot Property columnist for the Los Angeles Times covering the celebrity real estate beat for the Business section. A veteran of The Times, she was the real estate editor from 2000 to 2008.

Note: This is the second in a series of posts in collaboration with the Hot Property blog from the L.A. Times. Check back for more!

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In the wake of the 66^th Annual Emmy Awards, Redfin decided to take a look at some of the homes of the biggest winners of the night. Read on to get a closer look at how these stars live when you’re not watching them on screen.

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

Bryan Cranston – “Breaking Bad”

It was a great night for the AMC show “Breaking Bad,” which won a total of five Emmy awards. One of those Emmys went to actor Bryan Cranston for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, beating out other big names in the category like Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson and Kevin Spacey. Cranston owns this charming abode in Sherman Oaks, California, which is a much different scene than Albuquerque, New Mexico, where “Breaking Bad” was filmed. According to property records, Cranston scooped up his modest mansion in 2001 for $966,000. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom home spans 3,520 square feet and was built in 1941.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Aaron Paul – “Breaking Bad”

This isn’t Aaron Paul’s first rodeo. The actor was awarded with the Outstanding Supporting Actor award for “Breaking Bad” in 2010, 2013 and 2014. While the actor has been scooping up awards over the years, he has also scooped up some real estate. Paul splashed out $1.399 million for this Spanish Villa two years ago, and it is a far cry from any meth-making laboratory. The four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom Los Angeles property is incredibly charming, with dark hardwood, tiled floors and beamed ceilings, not mention a fabulous rooftop deck! You’ll notice a fireplace in the fourth listing photo, but he might want to think about upgrading for more space since his award collection seems to keep on growing!

Outstanding Comedy Series

“Modern Family”

“Modern Family” has stolen the spotlight in the Outstanding Comedy Series category for the past five years, taking home its fifth consecutive Emmy last night!  With over 11 million viewers, it’s no surprise that the home where it was filmed received a lot of buzz when it hit the market this past March. The property was used for the exterior shots of the show’s Dunphy family household. The Los Angeles estate has four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and was listed for $2.35 million. It sold this past May for $2.15 million.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Jim Parsons – “The Big Bang Theory”

Jim Parsons is another actor who is no stranger to being awarded; he took home his fourth Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. According to the New York Observer, the decorated actor owns two units in New York City at 36 Gramercy Park East, which was converted to condos in 2009. Parsons scooped up the first condo with partner Todd Alan Spiewak for $1.8 million, and purchased the second for $2.82 million. The actor also received the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for “The Normal Heart.”

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series

Gail Mancuso – “Vegas” episode of “Modern Family”

This is the second year in a row that Gail Mancuso has been awarded for directing an episode on “Modern Family,” but she is no television newbie. She has worked on a number of shows including “30 Rock,” “Two and a Half Men,” “Ellen” and “Friends.” The seasoned TV vet resides in this four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Santa Clarita, Calif.  The 2,279-square-foot home was built in 1985.

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Kate Bosworth Sells Bachelorette Pad to Vince Vaughn

Kate Bosworth handed over her Los Angeles property for a cool $2.375 million to none other than “Wedding Crashers” star Vince Vaughn. The deal went down in mid-July, just three months after Bosworth listed the home for $2.499 million. The “Blue Crush” star exchanged wedding vows with director Michael Polish this past spring, and rumor has it that they’re shopping for homes in Los Feliz, so it’s no surprise that she decided to sell off her bachelorette pad.

The charming manse has an open floor plan with high-beamed ceilings, offering plenty of headroom for the 6-foot-5 Vaughn. French doors open up to several outdoor seating areas in the backyard, which has a lap pool and stunning canyon views! The comedian’s new home also has an essential feature for all celebrities: privacy. The gated estate is situated down a long driveway and sits on more than a half-acre of land.

Alex Rodriguez Slides in to Meryl Streep’s Home

Meryl Streep threw down $4.5 million for a 3,700-square-foot Los Angeles home last February, and then listed the home about a year later with a much higher price tag of $6.75 million. The price dropped a few times until famed baseball player Alex Rodriguez scooped it up this summer for the bargain price of $4.8 million. He must have had his bases covered, because that’s almost $2 million less than Streep’s original asking price.

The Yankee player’s new four-bedroom, four-bathroom home is certainly a home run. It was built in 1954 and maintains that midcentury modern feel. The chic abode has Italian marble flooring, a walnut staircase and several skylights that flood the home with natural light. Enormous walls of glass open up to a courtyard, which has an incredible outdoor swimming pool and spa. Talk about laps of luxury!

Reality Star Faye Resnick Unloads Home To Television Star Jack Huston

Reality meets scripted in this transaction!

“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Faye Resnick parted ways with her Hollywood Hills home at the beginning of the summer, handing it off to “Boardwalk Empire” star Jack Huston for $2.29 million.

The elegant estate doesn’t leave much to be desired. The interior of the house boasts crown moldings, wood paneling, dark hardwood floors and French doors leading out to a balcony with awesome views of the property. It’s a perfect fit for Huston; the living room and dining room resemble something straight out of the Prohibition era, the time period for “Boardwalk Empire.”

Resnick snatched up the 2,567-square-foot home in 2012 for $1.605 million and listed it for sale this past February.

Out these three homes, which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

For more celebrity real estate news, follow me on Twitter @AlannaFinnNYC.

The post Summer Celebrity Highlights: Stars Buying Real Estate From Stars appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Listed by Joshua Altman, Hilton & Hyland

Despite being very close to giving birth, actress Mila Kunis sold off her Los Angeles property this week for $3.825 million.

The incredibly elegant manse was built in 1958; while the listing says the home has been remodeled from top to bottom, it still maintains that much-desired midcentury modern vibe. The home is full of character, with dark wood high-beamed ceilings and hardwood floors. The living room has floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, so Mila could enjoy the inside and outside without ever needing to leave her abode! The estate also has a home theater, a full service cabana, an expansive deck and a pool overlooking the city.

You really get an inside look at her style and taste; the home is beautifully decorated with light-colored furniture paired with dark wood accents, a look that is so trendy right now among celebrity and luxury homes. We also can’t help but notice the chic wallpaper that is used to decorate some of the living spaces throughout the home.

Kunis listed the five-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home in August for $2.885 million. It’s really no surprise that the star was looking to get rid of her former property. Kunis and her fiancé, actor Ashton Kutcher, bought a sizable home together back in April for $10.215 million. Their new love nest has three bedrooms and four bathrooms and spans 7,351 square feet, a bit of an upgrade from the 4,900-square-foot home Kunis just unloaded. Not long after the two decided to shack up, Kutcher sold his former bachelor pad, an ubermodern manse in Hollywood Hills, for $8.455 million.

What do you think of their new home? Let us know in the comments below! For more celebrity news, follow me on Twitter @AlannaFinnNYC.

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Lauren Beale

Redfin has been teaming up with the luxury real estate experts over at the Los Angeles Times to give you a closer look at the opulent lifestyles of the rich and famous. Lauren Beale and Neal Leitereg report for the widely read Hot Property section at the Times, a section dedicated to the “best of” when it comes to the most coveted real estate eye candy, whether owned by a star or designed by a starchitect. We are closing the series with this last Q&A with Lauren and her thoughts on the transformation of the celebrity real estate landscape and media coverage over the years. Take a look!

It seems like the lifestyles of the rich and famous have always been of interest to the general public. Ruth Ryon first created the L.A. Times’ “Hot Property” column in 1984, with a focus on celebrities buying and selling homes. How do you think interest in celebrity real estate news has changed over the years?

Initially Hot Property was novel, plus it made sense for a newspaper with so much entertainment coverage. There were gossip columns and tabloids out there but this was something different — a weekly collection of items from a reporter working a beat, making contacts and cultivating sources. The column was the right idea in the right place — Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world, where celebrities generally want to keep their name in the news. Los Angeles had a thirst for this type of information. Plus, the timing was right. The TV series “Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous” also started that year and aired for nearly a decade. There was interest in this type of information.

Looking at it now, three decades later, I think the imitators were somewhat slow to catch on. Among the notables, the Wall Street Journal started their Private Properties feature. The Chicago Tribune had their Big Time Listings report. Information about celebrity real estate spread as papers across the country picked up Hot Property through the Times news service. Then about a decade ago the whole genre just took off online.

Unfortunately, from my standpoint as a journalist, I’m not sure Internet readers are as concerned with accuracy as news readers in general. But more concerning, a lot of readers don’t discern between outlets that produce news and those that just regurgitate or aggregate it. The reporting standards at some websites purporting to cover this beat are lacking. I think Variety was smart to add Mark David’s Real Estalker to their mix. Sure he has fun writing in his Your Mama persona, but he rarely gets the story wrong and gets his share of scoops.

The digital age has impacted all areas of the media landscape, especially in the last 10 years. Can you talk about the evolution of resources available to you since you first started in the industry?

The information revolution has made this job so much easier. With the right password, Multiple Listing Service and public records information can be at a reporter’s fingertips. There’s no need to trek down to the assessor’s office and sift through files.

Has Twitter changed the way you do your job?

Not yet, although I do sometimes receive tips sent through direct message. I’m actually surprised more real estate agents are not active on Twitter. But Twitter does matter. I followed it recently for the latest updates on the “ghost plane” that crashed near Jamaica. Twitter is fast.

Has your smartphone become an essential tool for work?

Yes. Text messages will often get a response faster than a phone call or an email. I use them sparingly among valued sources.

How have you used other social media platforms to get the scoop on celebrity real estate stories?

I really don’t. There is a lot of misinformation on the Web. I stay aware of breaking stories this way but I’m still a reporter. I’m developing sources and checking property records to get the scoop. I will consult Facebook and LinkedIn sometimes for background information.

We’d love to know about the first big story you broke in celebrity real estate. How did that happen and what was that like?

One of the early stories that I “owned” was when LAPD Police Chief William Bratton put his house up for sale. I couldn’t sleep and got up at 4 a.m. to check property records. There was the listing of his house — owned with his wife Rikki Klieman. I emailed the real estate agent at 0-dark-30 for photos and asked why they were selling. It was the first inkling that he would be leaving Los Angeles. I had the item ready before my editor had his first cup of coffee.

NOTE: William Bratton is the current New York City Police Commissioner.

What’s the craziest thing you have ever done to break a story?

If by crazy you mean seemingly fruitless and boring, then it was schlepping out to the L.A. County Courthouse when Nicolas Cage’s Bel-Air Tudor was foreclosed upon. No other press turned out and no one bid on his house yet I ended up with one of the most read stories of the year.

What’s your favorite part about covering celebrity real estate?

Getting the scoop is still an adrenaline rush whether it’s through a records discovery or a covert phone call.

Have you ever made friends with any celebrities because of your work?

No. I’m a step removed from the celebrities themselves, dealing almost entirely with real estate agents.

We understand that the “Hot Property” section is now publishing a #ThrowbackThursday section. We’d love to hear about your favorite home from the past.

I think you already have. The Nic Cage house, built in 1940, had hidden rooms and staircases, plus a tower (see below). Singer Tom Jones and crooner Dean Martin were among previous owners. Plus, Cage decorated it in quite an individual style during his tenure. I quoted real estate agent Bret Parsons as describing the interiors as “frat house bordello” and the phrase became a searched term on Google.

But homes themselves are getting to be more and more fun. I recently toured an $85 million home in Beverly Hills that had a $200,000 candy room (see below).

About Lauren
Lauren Beale is the Hot Property columnist for the Los Angeles Times, covering the celebrity real estate beat for the Business section. A veteran of The Times, she was the real estate editor from 2000 to 2008.

The post Celebrity Real Estate Over the Years with L.A. Times Reporter Lauren Beale appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Listed by Denny Kagasoff, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California

It looks like Jake Gyllenhaal is ready to part ways with his Los Angeles property, which he has owned for nearly 10 years. The three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is up for grabs for $3.5 million.

The gated celebrity compound, built in 1948, is perfect for anyone looking for some privacy; the house is situated on almost two acres of land down a long private driveway, with nothing behind it but a beautiful view of the Los Angeles city skyline. The interior of the home seems to be reflective of the actor himself, oozing with character and charm. The décor is chic yet simple, with white walls and neutral toned furniture giving the home an overall midcentury modern vibe. The living area has high-beamed ceilings and a large window letting in plenty of natural light. The property also has a swimming pool and several trails.

One feature Gyllenhaal must have had in mind when scooping up the place was location: The manse is ideal for anyone who would need to get to and from studios in the Los Angeles area. The Hollywood hunk purchased the abode back in 2005 for $2.5 million, around the same time of the release of his movie “Jarhead.”

Gyllenhaal must not see much of a need for the home on the Golden Coast, considering that he has been spending a lot of time in New York with many reports saying that he has been checking out a townhouse in Manhattan. Aside from real estate wheelin’ and dealin’, the actor is busy with plenty of other projects, including his recent film, “Nightcrawler.”

Are you surprised by the home’s simplistic nature? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

For more celebrity real estate news, follow me on Twitter @AlannaFinnNYC.

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