Celebrity Real Estate: The Estate of Master Impressionist and Comedian, Fred Travalena, Lists in Encino

Image courtesy Rodeo Realty

The estate of the late Fred Travalena aka "The Man of a Thousand Faces" and "Mr. Everybordy" have listed his long time home in Encino for $1,394,500 which was originally listed on July 28, 2012 for $1,425,000 which was reduced by $30,500 to the current asking price. 

Fred Travalena started in the industry as a regular performer on The ABC Comedy Hour for which he gained notoriety for his impersonations of celebrities. It is said that he had a repertoire of more then 360 celebrity, political, and cartoon-character voices including Clint Eastwood, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Joe Pesci, Robert De Niro, Henry Kissinger, Donald Rumsfeld, Johnny Mathis, Bruce Springsteen, and Luciano Pavarotti (LA Times). He also performed voice-overs, made guest appearances on games hows, and acted in movies playing the radio DJ, "Madman Mancuso" in the 1978 movie, The Buddy Holly Story. In 2005, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  Fred passed away on June 28, 2009 at the age of 66 in his Encino home due to complications with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and prostate cancer. You can read his obituary at the LA Times written by Dennis McLellan on June 30, 2009.  Below is a clip of Fred doing an impersonation on The Late Show with David Lettermen and The Tonight Show hosted by George Carlin. 

According to the listing, the 4 Beds/5 Baths on 3,646sqft on a total lot size of 0.52 acres built in 1956 states:

Come see this charming, well maintained, South-of-the-boulevard home in a prime Encino location. This celebrity-owned, Cape Cod property features 4 bedrooms (2 of which are Jack and Jill), 5 bathrooms, a separate studio/office with its own private entrance and bathroom, wood beamed ceilings, wood floors, formal dining room, a family room, and a large breakfast room with sliding French doors that lead out to a secluded patio. The newer kitchen is light and bright with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, stainless steel cooktop and recessed lighting. The quaint living room has a cozy brick fireplace and a bay window. The picturesque backyard offers a pool, spa in a tranquil setting. Upstairs you will find your spacious master suite with a brick fireplace and walk-in closet. This is a must-see property with old world charm and sophistication.

Its not known when Fred Travalena purchased his Encino home but a likely date may either be on August 2, 1977 or June 25, 1991 but I cannot confirm. Also, its not known where Fred Travalena's wife, Lois, who is also a singer is heading off to so we wish her the best of luck.

The Travalena's  face some serious competition as the Encino market has been hit lately with high priced celebrity homes considering the following homes which are currently available:

1. David Hasselhoff's long time Encino Mansion currently priced at $3,795,000.
2. Joe Simpson's Royal Oaks Mansion which is currently listed for $4,395,000
3. The former Al Jolson Estate which was owned by Charlie Sheen at one time is listed for $6.5 million. 
4. The former home of Selena Gomez is available for $3,699,0000. 
5. Heidi Saban Stills (father is billionaire Haim Saban) home is available for $2,999,000. 
6. The former Macy Gray home is available for $5.9 million.
7. The former Joey Lawrence home is available for $2.250 million. 

There are many celebrities who previously or currently call Encino home like Tori Spelling (former), Scott Baio (former), the Jackson Family compound, Leighton Meester, Annette Funicello's fire destroyed home, Brian Bloom, Tamar Braxton and Vincent Herbert (former), Vampire Diaries Director (former), Jennifer Morrison (former), Dave Grohl, Donald Penn, and Shirley MacLaine (former) to name a few (or several).

You can view more Celebrity Real Estate here.

Celebrity Real Estate: Real Housewives of Atlanta Star and Actress Kenya Moore Selling Van Nuys Home

[Update April 28, 2013]: This home sold for $685,000 on April 28, 2013 which was $348,000 more than the original purchase price of  $337,000 on June 17, 1998 and completed in roughly 7 months time. However this final sale price is $39,500 less than the original list price of $724,500 on September 10, 2012. Seems  at this time, that Kenya has permanently moved to Atlanta.

[Original Post]:

 Back on September 10, 2012, former Miss USA (1993) winner, Kenya Moore, quietly listed her long time home in the Van Nuys area for $724,500 on September 10, 2012 which has already been reduced by $25,500 to $699,000 on October 9, 2012. Prior to this most recent listing, the home was originally listed at $795,000 on July 25, 2012.

Moore parlayed her success from competing in beauty pageants where after winning the Miss USA title in 1993, she finished fifth in the Miss Universe competition (1993). She then went on to acting making guest appearances on shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, The Steve Harvey Show, and Girlfriends amongst others. She also appeared in several music video's for Jay-z, Shai, and Nas. She also appeared in the films, Waiting to Exhale, Deliver Us from Eva, and I Know Who Killed Me. She also is a producer, director, and author. 

Currently, Moore is the latest entrant on The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 5 reality show. She decided to  appear on the reality show in order to develop her relationship with her boyfriend, Walter, who lives in Buckhead and owns a towing company that is contracted with the city of Atlanta (allthingsrh.com).  So the move to Atlanta helps explain the reason for the listing of her longtime Van Nuys home. 

The home has 4 Beds/3.5 Baths on 2,714 sqft on a total lot size of 0.35 acres built in 1947. The home is on a flag shaped lot not too far from the 405 Freeway, the Valley Presbyterain Hospital, the former Sepulveda Drive-In, and Cameron Woods (one of the most filmed residential street in the world representing "Anywhere USA"). According to the listing:

Celebrity Owned, Private, Secluded, Retreat in Sherman Oaks adjacent Midvale Estates. The 200 foot private driveway leads to the 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath(including "jack and jill" bathroom)exclusive home. Travertine floors, double sided wood burning fire place, formal dining room. Open living room floor-plan with high ceilings, great natural light plus skylight, great for entertaining. Patio/Backyard access from the living room and master bedroom creates easy indoor/outdoor flow. Large master bath retreat features double vanities, separate glass/stone shower, jetted spa tub, and bidet. Side yard, back yard, and gated, large swimming pool area. 2 car garage with built on guesthouse/studio/gameroom/etc. (Bonus space is not included in square footage. ) This property has everything you can ask for. Must see to truly appreciate this private oasis.

Moore purchased this property on June 17, 1998 for $337,000 which if sold at the current asking price would yield a profit of $362,000 before taxes, commissions, and any other home upkeep expenses. We wish Moore luck selling during the competitive and difficult winter periods. If things dont work out, she is always welcome back to Van Nuys. 

Above images courtesy The Agency

You can view more SFV celebrity real estate here. 

Celebrity Real Estate: David Hasselhoff Re-lists Encino Mansion

[Update April 28, 2013]: This home finally sold on April 26, 2013 for $3,549,000 which was $1,569,000 above the original purchased price of $1,980,000 back on March 29, 1996. However the final sale price is $2,401,000 less than the original list price set in August 2008 for $5,950,00. At this time, Hasselhoff's relocation is unknown but one has to wonder if he sold his longtime Encino home to downsize or simply wanted to move to a more exclusive area.

[Original Post]:

The multi-talented David Hasselhoff has just re-listed his Encino mansion for $3,795,000 on November 5, 2012 which is not too far from the former Edward Evertt Horton mansion which was later demolished as well as the Encino Velodrome. David Hasselhoff is best known for his role as "Michael Knight" on Knight Rider, "Mitch Buchannon" in Baywatch, and if you happen to live in Germany, a top selling pop singer. Hasselhoff is a long time actor having started in 1975 on the long time running soap opera, The Young and the Restless. He even started his singing career on Kids Incorporated during its first season.

The home measures 5 Beds/5.5 Baths on 8,947sqft on a total lot size of 1.48 acres built in 1988. The listing states:

Gates open on a long, tree-canopied drive leading to a circular motor court to this classic Colonial on nearly 1.5 acres flat lot. The Marble Foyer and sweeping wrought iron staircase open to a grand, 2-story Living Room, rich, wood paneled Library & Pub Room through to a Family/Media Room. Wonderful Chef's Kitchen & Sun Room. Sub-Zero & Traulsen, Viking Range & Grill, 2 Bosch Dishwashers. Expansive lawns reveal Pool, Waterfall into a Grotto Spa. N/S Tennis Court w/ Viewing Pavilion. The Main House has 4 Bedrooms + Maid's + 5.5 Baths. Additionally, there are Two, Full 1+1+Kitchen Guest Houses. This Entertainer's Paradise has vast opportunities awaiting its new Owner with a Dream.

David Hasselhoff last purchased this property on March 29, 1996 for $1,980,000 by funnyman actor John Goodman which I believe was purchased in May 31, 1991 for $2,975,000 representing a loss of $995,000 for Goodman  to Hasselhoff in 1996 but I cannot confirm this amount so dont quote me. If this home were to sell at the listing price, David Hasselhoff would be looking at a profit of $1,815,000 not including taxes, commissions,  and other related expenses. Its not known why Hasselhoff is selling but is probably related to his divorce to his second wife Pamela Bach back in 2006 or maybe not.

This is not the first time David Hasselhoff has tried to sell his Encino mansion as he tried in August 2008 for $5,950,00, August 2009 for $4,195,000, dropped to $3,795,000 on October 2009, dropped to $3,495,000 on November 2009, and re-listed on two separate occasions on April 2010 and March 2011 for $4,195,000. Back in 2009, this home listing was covered by Big Time Listings, The Realestalker, LA Times Hot Property, and AOL Luxist. On a completely different side note, Hasselhoff's parents, Joseph and Dolores sold their Monrovia home in 2006 for $805,000 which may have been purchased back in 1992. 

One of the interesting insights regarding this home listing is the initial asking price dispute between David Hasselhoff and his ex-wife revealed from Your Mama at the Realestalker back in August 2009:

As is often and usually the case when marrieds go splitsville, the once happy marital home gets put on the block which is exactly what happened back in August of 2008 when a judge decreed that usually shirtless actor/singer David Hasselfhoff and his then soon to be ex-wife Pamela Bach were to sell their long time estate in Encino, CA. At the time, the feuding between Mister and Missus soon-to-be-ex-Mrs. Hasselhoff was about at what price the property was to be listed. He wanted to list the 5 bedroom and 5.5 pooper property at less than five million clams and she believed the 1+ acre flag lot spread on Louise Avenue was worth close to eight million smackers. Your Mama thinks ex-Mrs. Hoff was living on another planet if she thought her house was actually worth 8 million bucks and someone else obviously agreed with us because the Hoff House quietly came up for sale in August of 2008 with an asking price of $5,950,000 and then hit the open market in early 2009.

Above images courtesy The Agency

Hasselhoff has picked an interesting time to re-list his home as the Encino market has been hit lately with high priced celebrity homes considering the following homes which are currently available:

1. Joe Simpson's Royal Oaks Mansion which is currently listed for $4,395,000
2. The former Al Jolson Estate which was owned by Charlie Sheen at one time is listed for $6.5 million. 
3. The former home of Selena Gomez is available for $3,699,0000. 
4. Heidi Saban Stills (father is billionaire Haim Saban) home is available for $2,999,000. 
5. The former Macy Gray home is available for $5.9 million.
6. The former Joey Lawrence home is available for $2.250 million. 

There are many celebrities who previously or currently call Encino home like Tori Spelling (former), Scott Baio (former), the Jackson Family compound, Leighton Meester, Annette Funicello's fire destroyed home, Brian Bloom, Tamar Braxton and Vincent Herbert (former), Vampire Diaries Director (former), Jennifer Morrison (former), Dave Grohl, Donald Penn, and Shirley MacLaine (former) to name a few (or several).

You can view more Celebrity Real Estate here.

Celebrity Real Estate: The Last Surviving Member of the original Temptations Lists in Woodland Hills

[Update February 8, 2013]: This home sold for $620,000 which was a massive reduction of $229,000 from the original list price but $135,000 above Williams' original purchase price of $485,000 back in 1999. This home sale was completely in roughly 3 months.

[Original Post]:
Hot off the presses from the always informative Lauren Beale at LA Times Hot Property comes word of Otis Williams' listing in Woodland Hills for $849,000. Williams is the last surviving member and co-founder of the original Temptations group which spawned such hits as "Can't Get Next To You," "My Girl," "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone," and "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" during the 60's and 70's. 

According to the listing, the 4 Bed/4.5 Bath on 3,610sqft on a total lot size of 7,806sqft built in 1989 states:

GATED 2-STORY 4 BEDROOM, 4.5 BATH HOME SOUTH OF THE BLVD IN WOODLAND HILLS LOCATED MINUTES TO THE WOODLAND HILLS COUNTRY CLUB. LIVING ROOM AND FAMILY ROOM FILLED WITH NATURAL LIGHT, HIGH CEILINGS AND FIREPLACE. FORMAL DINING ROOM LOCATED JUST OFF THE KITCHEN. THIS SPACIOUS FLOOR PLAN WAS DESIGNED WITH ENTERTAINING AND FAMILY IN MIND. LARGE SPACIOUS MASTER SUITE WITH BALCONY OVERLOOKING THE GROUNDS, FIREPLACE AND A WALK-IN CLOSET. GUEST BEDROOMS ARE GENEROUSLY SIZED, ALL WITH THEIR OWN PRIVATE BATHROOMS. ONE BEDROOM WITH BATH LOCATED DOWNSTAIRS WITH WALK-IN CLOSET. 2-CAR GARAGE WITH DIRECT ENTRY PLUS AMPLE OFF STREET PARKING. FANTASTIC LOCATION! THIS HOUSE HAS A NEWER ROOF ABOUT 4 YEARS OLD, SECURITY SYSTEM, 2 ZONES OF AIR, PLANTATION SHUTTERS ON ALL WINDOWS THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE AND A LAUNDRY ROOM. CLOSE TO 2 SHOPPING MALLS, MOVIE THEATRE, GREAT SCHOOLS AND FAMOUS RESTAURANTS.

Williams purchased this home for $485,000 on July 08, 1999 which the LA Times describes in a February 6, 2000 article by Ruth Ryon was used as "a low maintenance home he could lock up and leave" while on tour. If Williams sells this home at the current asking price, he stands to make $364,000 before taxes, commissions, and other related expenses which is not bad considering the current health of the market. I am not sure where Williams is headed to next but the same Ryon article stated that Williams has been living in CA since the 70's and his previous home was a rental in Encino so there might be a good chance that the musical legend stays in the SFV. 

You can view more SFV Celebrity real estate here. 

 

Images courtesy Teles Properties

Celebrity Real Estate: Hayden Christensen Lists Studio City Architectural Home

Hot off the presses from the always informative Lauren Beale at LA Times Hot Property comes word of Hayden Christensen's Studio City home for sale at $2,495,000. Mr. Christensen is a Canadian born actor who gained fame with his popular role as "Anakin Skywalker" and later "Darth Vader" in George Lucas' Star Wars Episode II and III (I wonder if Hayden knows that the original ILM studios were started in nearby Van Nuys). 

The home measures 5 Bed/5 Baths on 6,302sqft on a total lot size of 0.78 acres built in 1990. This home has a modern-contemporary architectural style which I unfortunately dont know who is the architect. 

According to the listing:

Celebrity owned Architectural Modern with 6300 sq ft on 3/4 acre. Linen white gallery walls, sisal carpets & rich walnut floors. Step down liv rm w/ fireplace, high ceilings + French doors open to large private flat yard. Formal dining room, large open gourmet kit/family room w/ fireplace opens to pool and rear yard. 2nd floor family rm w/ fireplace, 3 bdrms all opening to view terraces with spa. Entire 3rd floor lavish master suite with elevator, views, fplce, large bath w/ his/hers areas, elevated tub + double walk in closets. Great outdoor entertainment areas w/ salt water pool, spa, 2 enclosed flat yards , mature trees + oversize 3 car garage.

This home was last purchased on September 22, 2003 for $1,425,000 which the property records indicate was actually purchased by Hayden's brother, Tove Christensen, who is also an actor and film producer. Based on the current asking price if it sold, which has already been reduced by $155,000,  would net Tove a profit of $1,070,000 before taxes, commissions, carrying costs, and any other expenses associated with the property. Not sure where the Christensen brothers are heading off to but maybe they are seeking independence as they get older. 

You can view more SFV Celebrity Real Estate here. 

Images courtesy Hilton & Hyland

Celebrity Real Estate: The Studio City Home Claimed To Be The Last Resting Place for Beatles George Harrison Sold

3738 Laurel Canyon Blvd

3 Bed/3 Bath on 2,891 sqft on a total lot size of 0.71 acres built in 1941 Studio City. This home recently sold on October 10, 2012 for $1,489,000 which was $40,000 less than original list price of $1,529,000. The home was previously owned by Gavin de Becker who is a security specialist for governments, large corporations, and celebrities. 

The story goes that George Harrison of The Beatles who was in his last days of fighting lung cancer hooked up with Gavin de Becker and tried to arrange a secretive funeral. Harrison did not want to die in a hospital or his mansion in the UK. So fellow Beatle Paul McCartney offered his place in Beverly Hills Post Office which he had purchased on March 16, 2001 for $3,995,000 from fellow rocker Courtney Love who purchased it from comedienne Ellen Degeneres in 1997 for roughly $3 million. 

Harrison died on 29 November 2011 at McCartney's house with family nearby. To prevent McCartney's home from becoming a shrine, de Becker's firm instead used a fake address of 1971 Coldwater Canyon Drive (which would hypothetically be near to McCartney's home if there was a home listed with that address) on the death certificate (also here) as a decoy which worked for several months. Afterwards, Gloria Allred gets involved and calls shenanigans on everyone. So de Becker releases an updated death certificate with de Becker's Studio City address including a fake picture of Harrison and his wife Olivia standing in front of de Becker's mailbox.   Finally the death certificate was corrected stating Paul McCartney's home which was filed on March 16, 2002.

So for a brief period of time, the de Becker home in Studio City was known as the last home of George Harrison but really wasnt as Harrison passed away at McCartney's Beverly Hills PO home. 

Images courtesy Prudential California Realty