Most Expensive U.S. Home Debuts on MLS

Looking to upgrade? Last week, the United States' most expensive publicly listed home debuted on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for $139 million. The Hillsboro Beach estate, known as the Le Palais Royal, is to be completed in 2015. The Palace of Versailles inspired its gold ornaments, extensive balconies, and six fountains.

The mansion's 60,000 square feet of living space encompasses 11 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, an Imax home theater, a 1,300 gallon aquarium, a spa, and other equally impressive features. The subterranean garage accommodates 30 vehicles. The house celebrates outdoor living just as much as indoor living--the presidential palace flaunts its own private pool on its terrace! The main pool has an infinity edge, swim-up bar, water slide, fire pit and Jacuzzi. The property also features a summer kitchen, an almost 500 foot dock that can accommodate a 185 foot yacht, and 465 feet of private beachfront.

However, Le Palais Royal is not the most expensive home for sale in the U.S. when you consider properties that are being shown off market. The Manor, in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, is priced at $150 million. The 1991 Manor originally housed Candy and Aaron Spelling and had a bowling alley and hair salon. British Heiress Petra Stunt (daughter of billionaire Bernie Ecclesiastes) purchased the house for $85 million in 2011 and updated it to appear more youthful. Stunt is only 25 years old.

The Beverly House, in Beverly Hills, California, is available to buy at $135 million or rent at $600,000 per month. The house was built in the 1920s and was home to publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst and actress Marion Davies. The Beverly House appears in The Godfather and served as a honeymoon retreat for Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy. The compound includes the H-shaped house (complete with 40 bedrooms and 30 bathrooms, a 50-foot entry hall, and a library) three pools with a pool house, and a tennis court.

           

The Beverly House, Beverly Hills

The Manor, L.A.

The Importance of Having a Realtor

With mobile apps and Internet sites such as Realtor.com, it's easy for house hunters to form an idea about what type of home they want and how much they want to spend. But that doesn't mean that Realtors are no longer necessary! Following is a list of reasons why it's critical to have a Realtor when buying, selling or leasing a property.

• Realtors have an up-to-date, high level of knowledge about the real estate market. This is important because real estate transactions are often the biggest investments of one's life.

• Realtors can help determine how much you can afford to spend, as well as how much you should spend.

• Realtors can refer to you to the best qualified lenders. They can also find qualified home inspectors to generate written reports. 

• Realtors have access to exclusive resources, such as the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). This may show available homes that are not openly advertised. For example, Realtors know from the MLS  and from fellow Realtors when new homes are listed before the general public knows.

• Realtors can provide information and evaluation when viewing homes, and can also offer objective input. Realtors are especially helpful for local community information, including utilities, zoning, and school districts. 

• Relators are expert negotiators, working to get you the best possible price. 

• Realtors serve as marketing coordinators and distributors to other agents and networks. They can host marketing campaigns such as open houses.

• More then 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales, meaning a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. This proves how important it is to take advantage of the connections real estate agents have with one another. 

• Finally, Realtors can guide you through the closing process, helping you understand and work through the legalities and paperwork involved.

Looking for a Realtor? I work with buyers, sellers, and renters. I encourage you to read my client testimonials and contact me!