Celeb R.E.: Kourtney Kardashian Lists Calabasas Home and Purchases Keyshawn Johnson's Calabasas Home

Images courtesy Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Reality

I am about 11 days late (January 17, 2014) this rumor but got to post it anyway because everyone and their mom is talking about it so cant be left out even though I dont understand how the Kardashian clan is still popular and relevant in pop culture. The news officially broke out by Domainehome.com which revealed that Kourtney Kardashian has decided to list her Calabasas mansion after interior designer, Jeff Andrews, finished decorating this fall. 

The home measures 4 Beds/4.5 Baths on 5,400 sqft on a total lot size of 0.52 acres built in 2004 in the exclusive guard-gated Oaks of Calabasas. The home was first listed on January 22, 2014 for $3,499,000 with the following listing description:

East Coast traditional view estate within the prestigious guard-gated Oaks of Calabasas. Dramatically re-imagined by celebrity interior designer Jeff Andrews, and recently featured in several design publications, the home affords approx. 5400 Sq. Ft. The open floor plan provides an entry breezeway and courtyard with detached office/library including built-in book cases and fireplace. The breathtaking formal living room is enhanced by vaulted ceilings. Formal dining room offers wine storage and overlooks the city views. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with all Wolf appliances, 4 dishwasher drawers, cappuccino maker and opens up to the spacious breakfast area and family room. An upstairs bonus room with built-ins services the 3 meticulously detailed secondary bedroom suites. The master bedroom wing features a large sitting area with built-in desk, balcony over looking views, 2 walk in closets, and a spa like bath sheathed in designer marble accents. Rear grounds have a pool, spa, and covered loggia all showcasing the jetliner city views beyond.

Kardashian originally purchased this home on December 3, 2010 for $1.7 million which if sold at today's asking price, translates into a massive gain of $1,799,000 (before any expenses) for barely three years of living in the home. Let's see how long it takes and at what price point for this home to sell. 

Above images courtesy Prudential California Realty

Kardashian indicated to Domainehome.com that the reason for the listing is to move on and try a new project. Lo and behold a couple of days later and Eonline.com reported that Kardashian was purchasing former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson's 6 Bed/7.75 bath on 11,746 sqft on a total lot size of 1.86 acres mansion (shown above) also in the Oaks of Calabasas for an unknown price which should make moving easier. Johnson has been trying to sell this property since 2011 when it first popped up for $11,995,000 and was removed from the MLS on December 31, 2013 with a list price of $8,495,000. Once the sale price is published, this post will be updated with the latest news. In the meantime, you can view more listing pictures and details regarding Keyshawn Johnson's Calabasas mansion here. 

And for a history lesson, Kardashian lived in a smaller Calabasas prior to the purchase of the home mentioned in this post. She purchased the home for $829,000 on July 28, 2006 and sold on July 1, 2010 for $700,000 taking a $129,000 loss. The home measures 3 Beds/2.5 Baths on 2,245 sqft on a total lot size of 6,516 sqft built in 1987 (pictures shown below). You can also view the matriarch Kardashian home here and sister Khloe's home in Tarzana which was recently purchased by Big Bang Theory star Kelly Cuoco here. 

Images courtesy Prudential California Realty

The Calabasas area is home to many celebrities, athletes, and famous execs as discussed in this blog listed below:

1. Former NFL Star Marvel Smith Lists for close to $400K loss on November 12, 2013. 
2. Former Baseball Super Agent Dennis Gilbert lists home for $5,985,000 in May 2013. 
3. Mexican DJ "El Piolin" Eddie Sotelo Re-lists Calabasas mansion for $7,275,000.
4. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett rumors of pocket listing of Calabasas compound for $42 million in August 2013.
5. Marla Maples of Donald Trump fame sold Calabasas home for $2.2 million in July 2013. 
6. David Hasselhoff moves from Encino to Calabasas paying $1.95 million on May 15, 2013. 
7. Former NBA star, Mitch Richmond, listed his mansion for sale on April 29, 2013 for $9,495,000.
8. Former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson listed his mansion for sale on December 3, 2012 for $10,500,000.
9. The late Eazy-E's wife, Tomica Woods-Wright, home was recently foreclosed on May 11, 2012 and later sold for $2 million on November 27, 2012. 
10. Justin Bieber recently purchased the former Nicole Murphy (Eddie's ex) on April 6, 2012 for $6.5 million. 
11. El Piolin (Tweety Bird) Eddie Sotelo's listing of his mansion for the just reduced price of $6.8 million. 
12. The former Britney Spears rental was sold for $5.4 million on October 19, 2012.
13. Baseball great Eric Davis home was sold as a short sale on May 4, 2012 for $1.8 million.
14. Joey Lawrence purchased on December 13, 2011 for $1,442,500.
15. NBA star Bryon Russell's home was foreclosed and later sold for $1,560,000.
16. Nearby neighbors include Katherine Jackson and the rest of the family, Travis Barker,  James Wilson's massive ranch, Candi Milo (former), Joel Diamond, and Brad Wilk of Rage Against the Machine to name a few.  

You can view more SFV celebrity real estate here.

Celeb R.E.: Former NFL Star Marvel Smith Lists in Calabasas At A Loss Close to $400K

Images courtesy Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Back on November 19, 2013, the always informative Lauren Beale at LA Times Hot Property revealed that former NFL offensive tackle star, Marvel Smith, listed his Calabasas home on November 12, 2013 for $1,825,000. 

Smith who was born in Oakland attended Arizona State University where he was an All-American first-team selection in 1999, allowing only one sack all season. He was later drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2000 NFL draft. Smith was considered by many to be one of the most important players on the Steelers' offensive line but was unfortunately hampered by back injuries  in 2007 until his eventual retirement in 2009. Smith also won two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers. He last played for the San Francisco 49ers where Smith's contract was bought out for $10.5 million. 

The home measures 5 Beds/5 Baths on 5,031 sqft on a total lot size of 0.31 acres built in 1992. The listing description states:

Beautiful Calabasas Park Estate home ideally located in a prestigious 24 hour guard gated community. Awaiting your arrival, this dramatic grand entry has soaring high ceilings and exquisite details. This desirable open floor plan is perfect for today's modern lifestyle. Large formal living room with fireplace. Spacious family room open to the gourmet kitchen which is fully appointed with granite, large island, S/S appliances and butler's pantry. Oversized formal dining room perfect for entertaining. Master suite with balcony overlooking backyard. Spa like master bath and large walk- in closet. Park like yard with complete privacy. Pebble Tec pool, spa, grassy yard and BBQ island. Detached guest house with bathroom and kitchenette. 3 car attached direct access garage. Award winning Las Virgenes schools! This home offers stunning custom finishes with a magnificent use of space. Live in style!

Smith originally purchased this property on May 30, 2006 for $2.2 million which means that if sold at today's asking price of $1,825,000 would generate a loss of $375K before any expenses and appears to possibly be a larger loss because the home has been sitting on the market for 35 days without any takers at the time of this writing. And I thought the housing market had fully recovered.

I am not sure why Smith originally chose Calabasas as his home or where he is headed off to next but hopefully he still continues to call the SFV home.

The Calabasas area is home to many celebrities, athletes, and famous execs as discussed in this blog listed below:

1. Former Baseball Super Agent Dennis Gilbert lists home for $5,985,000 in May 2013. 
2. Mexican DJ "El Piolin" Eddie Sotelo Re-lists Calabasas mansion for $7,275,000.
3. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett rumors of pocket listing of Calabasas compound for $42 million in August 2013.
4. Marla Maples of Donald Trump fame sold Calabasas home for $2.2 million in July 2013. 
5. David Hasselhoff moves from Encino to Calabasas paying $1.95 million on May 15, 2013. 
6. Former NBA star, Mitch Richmond, listed his mansion for sale on April 29, 2013 for $9,495,000.
7. Former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson listed his mansion for sale on December 3, 2012 for $10,500,000.
8. The late Eazy-E's wife, Tomica Woods-Wright, home was recently foreclosed on May 11, 2012 and later sold for $2 million on November 27, 2012. 
9. Justin Bieber recently purchased the former Nicole Murphy (Eddie's ex) on April 6, 2012 for $6.5 million. 
10. El Piolin (Tweety Bird) Eddie Sotelo's listing of his mansion for the just reduced price of $6.8 million. 
11. The former Britney Spears rental was sold for $5.4 million on October 19, 2012.
12. Baseball great Eric Davis home was sold as a short sale on May 4, 2012 for $1.8 million.
13. Joey Lawrence purchased on December 13, 2011 for $1,442,500.
14. NBA star Bryon Russell's home was foreclosed and later sold for $1,560,000.
15. Nearby neighbors include Katherine Jackson and the rest of the family, Travis Barker,  James Wilson's massive ranch, Candi Milo (former), Joel Diamond, and Brad Wilk of Rage Against the Machine to name a few.  

You can view more SFV celebrity real estate here.

Lyle and Erik Menendezes Former Family Calabasas Home Is Available (Not The Home Where They Murdered Their Parents)

Back on August 20, 1989, brothers Lyle (21) and Erik (18) Menendez murdered their parents Jose and Mary "Kitty" at the family's home in Beverly Hills at 722 North Elm Drive. Jose was shot point blank in the back of the head with a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun while watching the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me. Kitty who was sleeping in her room was awakened by the gunshot and ran down the hallway and was shot in the leg, causing it to break. Then Kitty was shot several times in the arm, chest, and face, leaving her unrecognizable. Both Jose and Kitty were shot in the kneecaps to make the murders appear related to organized crime. 

For roughly 6 months after the death of their parents, the Menendez brothers lived a lavish lifestyle spending close to $1 million on cars, travel, restaurant businesses, and penthouse apartments. On March 8, 1990, Lyle was arrested after Erik confessed the murders to his psychologist who after being threatened by Lyle told the police. Indictments were not issued to the brothers until December 1992 after tapes of Erik's conversation with his psychologist were finally admissible in court. 

Prosecutors contended that the sons killed out of hatred and greed, but the brothers countered at their trial that they killed in fear and self-defense after years of abuse. 

The trial of the Menendez brothers became a national sensation when Court TV broadcast the trial during 1993. Eventually, they were both found guilty after a couple of trials and the brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on July 2, 1996. The rather surprising story here is that the Menendez brothers have been married in prison even considering that the state of California doesnt allow conjugal visits for murderers. 

So what does this bloody and cruel murder in Beverly Hills have to do with the SFV? While the Menendezes were living in a rented home in Beverly Hills where the infamous murder took place, the Menendez family owned a home in Calabasas that was under renovation at the time. Additionally, Erik and Lyle also attended Calabasas High School. 

That home is located at 24969 Mulholland Highway which has been available on the market for quite some time. The home measures 6 Beds/7 Baths on 7, 170 sqft on a total lot size of 11.72 acres built in 1982. The home was first listed on July 6, 2013 for $3,499,000 and is currently available for $2,999,000. The home was previoulsy listed in September 11, 2012 for $3.9 million but removed on January 1, 2013. The home was purchased by Vera and Raymond Stewart for $1.325 million on October 12, 1994 at an auction at the Beverly Hills Courthouse as part of a probate sale which was the only bid submitted. The listing description states:

REDUCED!!! Amazing opportunity to own an exclusive and private gated vineyard estate in Calabasas. Situated on nearly 16-acres of open and majestic park-like grounds that is usable for horses, this estate is adorned with almost 2 acres of fenced mature Syrah vines. Over 7,000 square feet that includes five bedrooms, seven baths. The Formal Living Room is bright and spacious with French Doors that open to the wrap around balcony. A large center island kitchen is complete with granite counters, three-ovens, and Sub Zero side-by-side refrigerator freezer. The Master Suite offers a private retreat with wood-burning fireplace. Four secondary bedrooms are located on the lower level, and all feature en suite baths. Verdant rear grounds offer a backdrop to the pool area, fruit trees provide shade to the expansive patios, while the dark-bottomed pool and spa offer panoramic views of the Saddlepeak Mountains. Amenities include a well with water storage tanks, one-bedroom one-bath guest quarters above the six-car garage, and a fully lit tennis court. This property has 2 legal parcels fenced, gated and private. Only minutes to the 101 freeway and Malibu Canyon. Located in Las Virgenes school district, close to Viewpoint

Speaking of spoiled kids who commit crime from the West Valley, I forgot to add this story to my controversial post, Dont Raise Your Kids In The West Valley: A Retrospective Review of Young Adult Crime In The West Valley which discusses other murders by kids raised in the West Valley. Also, the Will Smith/Jada Pinkett estate is just down the street from this home which is rumored to be available as a pocket listing. 

For further reading, I recommend an LA Times article regarding the sale of the Calabasas home, Wikipedia, Murderpedia for gruesome crime photos, and People magazine article about Erik's marriage in prison. 

You can view more SFV Architecture and Real Estate here and history here. 

Images courtesy Sotheby's International Realty

Celeb R.E.: Former Baseball Super Agent Dennis Gilbert Lists Calabasas Mansion

Images courtesy Westside Estate Agency

Back on September 30, 2013, the always informative Lauren Beale at Los Angeles Times Hot Property revealed that former baseball super agent, Dennis Gilbert, has listed his Calabasas mansion for sale for the current asking price of $5,985,000 which was originally listed for $6,395,000 on May 3, 2013. 

Gilbert started playing baseball for Gardena High School and Los Angeles City College and later minor league baseball for 4 years. Gilbert's career in baseball was short lived and transitioned to the insurance business. After the insurance business blossomed, Gilbert became a baseball agent making big deals for the biggest stars like Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla, and Jose Canseco. Gilbert retired from the agent business in 1999 to focus on insurance. You can read more about Gilbert who was close to buying the Dodgers in 2011 at the Daily News. 

The home measures 7 Beds/9 Baths on 11,189 sqft on a total lot size of 3.09 acres built in 1990. This home is literally at the border of Hidden Hills, the Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park (home to some of Hollywood's famous animals), and David Hasselhoff's new crib. The listing description states:

Spectacular almost 4 acre trophy estate located up a long gated private driveway. Incredible estate-like grounds, beautiful gardens, Koi ponds, 5 hole putting green, spectacular swimmer's pool, rolling lawns, and lighted championship-size tennis court. Truly beautiful European villa filled with light and spectacular rooms for large scale entertaining. Grand 2-story entrance, living room, formal dining room, family room/billiard room, bar, screening room, gym, gourmet Chef's kitchen with center island, fabulous master suite with enormous walk-in closets and sumptuous marble baths, steam and sauna. Amazing guest/family bedrooms all with their own private baths and closets. Too many amenities to list. An incredible estate perfect for a celebrity or those who entertain on a large scale. Also available for lease.

Gilbert last purchased this home on July 27, 1990 for $1,041,363 which if sold at today's asking price would translate into a gain of $4,970,637 before all expenses. The reason for the sale is that Gilbert has already purchased a Holmby Hills estate for $8 million probably to be close to his Beverly Hills Insurance office. 

Gilbert is no stranger to the San Fernando Valley as he also owns a modest Woodland Hills home measuring 3 Beds/2 Baths on 1,964 sqft on a total lot size of 8,106 sqft built in 1957 and purchased on June 19, 1998 for $278,000. This home is just down the street from his Calabasas home. Additionally, he owns a Mid-City home that measures 2 Beds/2 Baths on 1,374 sqft built in 1925. 

The Calabasas area is home to many celebrities, athletes, and famous execs as discussed in this blog listed below:

1. Mexican DJ "El Piolin" Eddie Sotelo Re-lists Calabasas mansion for $7,275,000.
2. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett rumors of pocket listing of Calabasas compound for $42 million in August 2013.
3. Marla Maples of Donald Trump fame sold Calabasas home for $2.2 million in July 2013. 
4. David Hasselhoff moves from Encino to Calabasas paying $1.95 million on May 15, 2013. 
5. Former NBA star, Mitch Richmond, listed his mansion for sale on April 29, 2013 for $9,495,000.
6. Former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson listed his mansion for sale on December 3, 2012 for $10,500,000.
7. The late Eazy-E's wife, Tomica Woods-Wright, home was recently foreclosed on May 11, 2012 and later sold for $2 million on November 27, 2012. 
8. Justin Bieber recently purchased the former Nicole Murphy (Eddie's ex) on April 6, 2012 for $6.5 million. 
9. El Piolin (Tweety Bird) Eddie Sotelo's listing of his mansion for the just reduced price of $6.8 million. 
10. The former Britney Spears rental was sold for $5.4 million on October 19, 2012.
11. Baseball great Eric Davis home was sold as a short sale on May 4, 2012 for $1.8 million.
12. Joey Lawrence purchased on December 13, 2011 for $1,442,500.
13. NBA star Bryon Russell's home was foreclosed and later sold for $1,560,000.
14. Nearby neighbors include Katherine Jackson and the rest of the family, Travis Barker,  James Wilson's massive ranch, Candi Milo (former), Joel Diamond, and Brad Wilk of Rage Against the Machine to name a few.  

You can view more SFV celebrity real estate here.

Celeb R.E.: Mexican DJ "El Piolin" Eddie Sotelo Re-Lists Calabasas Mansion Rented by Rapper Tyga

Images courtesy Pinnacle Estate Properties

Back on the MLS after a one year hiatus is the home of Mexican DJ Eddie Sotelo who goes by the moniker "El Piolin" which translates to Tweety Bird that was given to Sotelo as a child. Sotelo has suffered from some negative publicity lately for an alleged sexual harassment with his producer and other staffers which has resulted in the cancellation of his radio show Piolin por lat Manana on Univision's KSCA La Nueva 101.9 FM. But just like any other radio DJ who gets canceled, Sotelo immediately returned to the airwaves via SiriusXM which makes me wonder how many of his fans switched over to XM and purchased subscriptions.

This home was first listed back on March 12, 2012 for $7,450,000 and lo and behold it is now re-listed at $7,275,000 representing a $175,000 difference. The home measures 7 Beds/8 Baths on 9,279 sqft on a total lot size of 0.96 acres built in 2005 which Sotelo purchased fro $5,850,000 on May 31, 2006 at the peak of the last housing bubble which is irrelevant now because this home is asking well above that mark. 

For some reason, the listing agent failed to take any decent pictures and blurry one on top of that using either a damaged camera or a really old camera that needs replacing. However, for your viewing pleasure, you can view pictures from the last listing here when I first talked about this listing. Additionally, you can also read about Sotelo's other homes. 

And one other random tidbit, it appears that rapper Tyga was recently renting this property according to a TMZ post. So numerous questions came to mind. Does Tyga still live in the home and hence the reason for the lack of interior pictures? Where does Sotelo currently live? And is Sotelo selling due to 1) financial troubles with the loss of his job, 2) Tyga left and the house remains vacant and therefore Sotelo doesnt want to deal with tenants again, or 3) does Sotelo just wants to make a quick buck? Inquiring minds want to know. Sorry for being so damn noisy, just love celebrity real estate.

The listing description states:

PROUDLY PRESENTING AN EXQUISITE MASTERPIECE, CUSTOM BUILT, UNIQUELY DESIGNED "MANSION" NESTLED IN THE PRESTIGIOUS DOUBLE GATED COMMUNITY "THE ESTATES" WITHIN "THE OAKS OF CALABASAS", SITUATED MERELY ON A PRIVATE ONE ACRE FLAT LOT. STEP INTO AN INVITING 30 FOOT GRAND FORMAL FOYER LOOKING UP A DETAILED DOMED CEILING, PLENTIFUL OF NATURAL LIGHT, OPEN, USEFUL, FLOWING FLOOR PLAN, UNCOMPROMISING LUXURY LIVING, PROFESSIONAL CHEFS KITCHEN, STATE OF THE ART SS APPLIANCES, FINE WALL FINISHES, HAND PAINTED MURALS, CUSTOM HANDTOOLED, CARVED, CABINETRY, FINE FINISHES IMPORTED FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, PAMPER YOURSELF WITHIN THE SPA ATMOSPHERED MASTER BATHROOM ADJACENT TO THE GENEROUS MASTERSUITE, ALL EN-SUITE BEDROOMS, CENTRAL EQUIPPED SOUND SYSTEM WITH CRESTRON CONTROLLED KEY PADS FOR EACH AREA, AND SECTOR OF THE MANSION, HOME THEATRE, OFFICE, GREAT ROOM, GYM. STEP OUT TO PARADISE!! A BREATHTAKING RESORT AT YOUR BACKYARD, AN ENTERTAINERS DREAM WHERE YOU WILL INDULGE IN THE WATERFALLS OF THIS ROCK FORMATTED ENORMOUS SPARKLING POOL, SPA, SLIDE, TENNIS & SPORTS COURT, OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH STATE OF THE ART VIKING APPLIANCES, CABANA, FIREPLACE, FIREPIT, MATURE CANARY DATE PALM TREES, EXOTIC VEGETATION, LUSH LANDSCAPING THROUGHOUT THESE WELL MANICURED GROUNDS.

Pictures from TMZ.com when Tyga rented the home which match the listing pictures shown in this post and here.

Images courtesy TMZ.com

The Calabasas area is home to many celebrities, athletes, and famous execs as discussed in this blog listed below:

1. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett rumors of pocket listing of Calabasas compound for $42 million in August 2013.
2. Marla Maples of Donald Trump fame sold Calabasas home for $2.2 million in July 2013. 
3. David Hasselhoff moves from Encino to Calabasas paying $1.95 million on May 15, 2013. 
4. Former NBA star, Mitch Richmond, listed his mansion for sale on April 29, 2013 for $9,495,000.
5. Former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson listed his mansion for sale on December 3, 2012 for $10,500,000.
6. The late Eazy-E's wife, Tomica Woods-Wright, home was recently foreclosed on May 11, 2012 and later sold for $2 million on November 27, 2012. 
7. Justin Bieber recently purchased the former Nicole Murphy (Eddie's ex) on April 6, 2012 for $6.5 million. 
8. El Piolin (Tweety Bird) Eddie Sotelo's listing of his mansion for the just reduced price of $6.8 million. 
9. The former Britney Spears rental was sold for $5.4 million on October 19, 2012.
10. Baseball great Eric Davis home was sold as a short sale on May 4, 2012 for $1.8 million.
11. Joey Lawrence purchased on December 13, 2011 for $1,442,500.
12. NBA star Bryon Russell's home was foreclosed and later sold for $1,560,000.
13. Nearby neighbors include Katherine Jackson and the rest of the family, Travis Barker,  James Wilson's massive ranch, Candi Milo (former), Joel Diamond, and Brad Wilk of Rage Against the Machine to name a few.  

You can view more SFV celebrity real estate here.