Celebrity Homes

Los Angeles' controversial new "mansion tax" is about to kick in, forcing sellers to pay more money than ever before if their property sells for at least $5 million ... and Barbara Corcoran thinks it's a bad idea.

We got the "Shark Tank" star and real estate mogul Wednesday in NYC day and asked her about measure ULA, which goes into effect Saturday, and she told our photog it's "not good for the country."

The new law, which passed on the ballot back in November, slaps a 4% tax on homes selling for $5 million and up, and places a 5.5% tax on properties selling above $10 mil.

Barbara's prediction is the housing market will slow to a crawl ... with rich people choosing to buy homes in cities and states with friendly tax laws on the books, particularly down south.

The way Barbara sees it ... people, rich or not, hate paying extra taxes for buying or selling a house. She says it makes them feel like the government's taking advantage of them.

Remember, the selling point to voters who supported the tax was the money raised would fund affordable housing construction to alleviate L.A.'s unprecedented homeless crisis. Some predictions say the "mansion tax" will bring in $1 billion annually.

Barbara actually agrees with the sentiment of the tax -- she says the wealthy have an obligation to help people less fortunate -- but she thinks this tax is the wrong way to do it, because ultimately it will reduce L.A.'s tax base.

Kat Von D has finally found a buyer for her home, the same property once featured in 2003's "Cheaper by the Dozen" -- selling the massive pad to the owner of one of L.A.'s most famous cemeteries.

Real estate sources tell us the 12,565-square-foot 13-bed and 10-bathroom mansion in L.A. is closing Tuesday for $7.75 mil ... TMZ broke the story, Kat listed it back in January for $15M.

We're told the lucky buyer is Tyler James Cassity, co-owner of Hollywood Forever Cemetery -- kinda fitting, given the gothic/victorian vibes all over the home.

Kat bought the home back in 2016 for $6.5M and did a ton of restoring.

Just like the decor, the home's got some unique perks -- like a hidden bar, hand-carved walls, a library, and a whopping 7 fireplaces! It also has the obligatory pool and spa out back.

The home might look a little familiar to "Cheaper by the Dozen" fans, too -- because it was the Baker residence back in the day, but it's obviously had a huge makeover since then.

Jamie Sher of The Sher Group and Bryce Lowe and Kirby Gillon of AKG Christie’s repped Kat, and Michael Bergin of Compass represented Tyler. You'll recall, Kat listed the house after announcing that she was moving out of California to Indiana.

Ant Anstead is looking for a small change of scenery ... TMZ has learned he's sold his O.C. home, but he's hoping to stay in the neighborhood.

Real estate sources tell TMZ ... the "Celebrity IOU: Joyride" host sold his 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 1,968-square-foot Laguna Beach pad on Monday with the closing price of $3.1 million. Ant bought the place for $2.8 million a few years back.

We're told he plans to find a new place in Laguna, although he hasn't found the right spot to call home just yet -- but he's not the only one leaving his old block.

Our sources say Ant's GF Renée Zellweger moved out of the house across the street from Ant's home last summer. As we reported, Renée started renting that place in November 2021 for $30k/month.

You'll recall, the Discovery+ personality listed his pad in October of last year and began storing his stuff at Renée's home.

At the time, our sources made it clear, Ant's intentions were NOT to move in with her ... and we're told that's still the case.

Whoever snagged Ant's now-former pad got quite the spread -- it has cool features like vaulted ceilings, a brick fireplace for those SoCal winter nights (climate change, bro) and a sunroom that can be transformed into a studio.

Plus, there's a wraparound deck to take in incredible Pacific Ocean views -- those are great year-round, even in the winter.

Michael Bay seems to have just gone through a little déjà vu when it comes to shady dudes rolling up to a rich person's crib incognito -- at least that's what his staff told cops.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ .... one of Bay's employees told cops two men buzzed Mike's intercom at his L.A. area home Monday, telling the worker who answered they were city officials there to check the water meters, but something felt off to Bay's staffer.

First of all, the men arrived in a white van with New York plates, which didn't make sense if they were working for the city. Second, Bay's employee noticed one of the alleged city employee's uniforms looked off -- with his stomach exposed.

Pair that with the fact the men appeared to be scoping the place out, looking all over ... so Bay's employee decided to call the cops.

Our sources say the staffer didn't give them access to the property ... so the dudes scrammed.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... cops showed up and investigated it as an attempted trespass ... but it's actually being viewed as something more serious ... namely, would-be burglars scoping out a target. We're told detectives are on the case.

No word on whether Michael himself was home ... but if he had been, he probably could've seen this one from a mile away. Remember, he did something similar in "Bad Boys II."

Gene Simmons can officially close a very expensive chapter in his Las Vegas life ... finally closing the deal on his massive Las Vegas home.

Real estate sources tell us the KISS rocker sold the glass palace Tuesday for $11M, a discount from the $15 million he originally listed it for in 2021.

As for what $11 million gets you in the desert, the 11,000 sq ft. home comes with a ton of cool features and amenities -- including 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, retractable glass walls, a koi pond and more.

There's also plenty of views of the Strip ... and he even snagged the property next door and planted 137 trees on the land. Of course, the home wouldn't be complete without a gorgeous pool.

If the new homeowner is into cars, they'll have an 11-space garage to fill up.

Ivan Sher and Evangelina Duke-Petroni of IS LUXURY held the listing.

Jonathan Bennett is offering up a slice of paradise ... he's selling his fun house in Palm Springs and he's looking to walk away with some change in his pocket.

The "Mean Girls" star listed the charming home, which he playfully calls Mai Tai Manor, for $1.15M ... after snagging it back in 2020 for $625K.

The 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom pad has a modern feel ... it comes with some nice touches, like french doors, bedrooms that open out to a colorful backyard with a pool ... and a patio area for sipping those mai tais!!!

Joe Chung of Compass holds the listing and tells us, Jonathan and his husband Jaymes Vaughan scooped up the 1970s-built ranch home a few years ago and even got engaged in the backyard.

They've since put a lot of work and money into the home since purchasing it, adding their own finishing touches on the getaway home.

Between TV gigs and expanding their LGBTQ+ cruise company OUTbound, we're told the couple will have less leisure time to spend at Mai Tai Manor -- hence they're putting it on the market.

Fun fact ... Mai Tai Manor has been featured in a ton of publications like Design Network, Celebrity Homes Unlocked, MTV and more.

Heath Ledger's Manhattan home has sold for a ton of cash -- the same place the late actor was found dead more than 15 years ago.

Heath rented out the swanky loft for around $25K a month. It sold for $14.25M last month .. per the NY Post.

The 4,400+ square foot penthouse has an open floor plan and was sold fully furnished. It's also got some great architecture, including cast-iron columns.

TMZ broke the story, Heath was found dead in this NYC home back in 2008 after an accidental drug overdose involving prescription meds. Fans of the actor quickly flocked to his loft after the news spread, holding a vigil out front.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are out on their latest would-be new home -- the couple has pulled the plug on yet another real estate deal ... and they're once again on the hunt.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ that Bennifer has fallen out of escrow on the $64 million Pacific Palisades mansion they seemed to have their sights set on earlier this month -- which was an absolute beauty that would've certainly accommodated their needs.

It's unclear why they're bailing ... but we're hearing they're done with it, and are moving on.

Now, if you're keeping count -- this actually marks the third home they've fallen out of escrow on in the past year. There was a $55 million Bel-Air estate they were set to buy way back in April, but that sale fell through. They were also set to buy another PP palace last month -- which was worth just $34.5 mil -- but they walked away from that property as well.

We haven't been offered any legit explanation for why J Lo and Ben keep changing their minds ... all we know is that they simply can't commit, and this is the most recent example.

Not wasting any time, Jen was actually pounding the pavement anew this past weekend -- cruising through Holmby Hills.

We're told she was taking a gander at this mansion above. The current owner is Max Azria, the founder of BCBG. From what we can see, it looks about as nice as everything else they've been perusing. It's listed for $65 million.

Ben and Jen might wanna pull the trigger on something soon, because there's a new mansion tax that's about to hit L.A. in April. The measure, which was passed last year, imposes a 4% tax on home sales above $5 mil and a 5.5% tax on sales above $10 mil.

The tax probably won't affect Ben and Jen directly -- they're not house hunting in the city of L.A., more so on the ritzy outskirts -- but it could seriously impact the market and L.A.-area home prices in general.

So ... act fast!

Have a mess? No stress! Spring cleaning is here, so take a page out of the stars' books and get your pantries clean and lean! Step into the spiffy pantries of top-shelf organizers like Mindy Kaling, Busy Philipps and Chrissy Teigen who know a thing or two about keepin' it freaky fresh!

With the assistance of a little celeb clue, your Saturday chore is to guess the celeb's pantry!

Yes, she may live in a lavish Beverly Hills mansion, but her pantry is just as tidy and meticulous with an assortment of jams and snacks for the kiddos! If this outspoken mom has late-night "cravings" she doesn't fret, because her pantry is "legendary!" Can you guess the star who owns this pantry?

You sure can taste the rainbow in this color-coordinated pantry! From the plethora of perfectly-placed condiments to the calligraphy-labeled bins and baskets, this actress managed to take a break from her 'Busy' life to organize the heck out of her pantry! Any takers?!

Needless to say ... spring cleaning, there's no better feeling! Take inventory of all the stars who love a good cleanse and keep their pantries in check, and while you're at it see if you can guess the celebrity's pantry!

Cher is once again looking to unload her massive Malibu mansion ... putting the estate she's called home for decades back on the market, at a reduced price.

Real estate sources tell TMZ ... the pop icon's oceanfront property is now going for $75 million, which is a sizable reduction from the original $85 million price tag.

Remember, Cher listed the home back in October, but it never sold and was taken off the market ... and on Friday afternoon it was relisted.

The Italy-inspired home is a true beauty ... with just about all the bells and whistles you can imagine, including a home gym, infinity pool, home theater and tennis courts.

The home rests on 1.7 acres and overlooks the Pacific Ocean ... and the grounds are dotted with 40 palm trees, plus a fountain and a courtyard.

The main residence features 7 bedrooms, most notably the primary suite, which is decked out with two closets and a meditation room.

And, get this ... apparently, there's a climate-controlled wig room storing up to 100 hairpieces ... where else are you going to find one of those?!?

Cher originally bought the place way back in 1989, plunking down $2.95 million.

L.A.'s new "mansion tax" is about to go into effect, forcing sellers to cough up a ton of cash if their property sells for at least $5 million ... and Josh Altman is one of many real estate agents who think it's absurd.

Josh joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live," and immediately dumped on measure ULA ... calling it "the dumbest tax ever put through in the history of Los Angeles." Passed on the ballot last November, it slaps a 4 percent tax on homes selling for $5 mil and up, and 5.5 percent on those selling above $10M.

Josh points out the ridiculous ways agents would have to work around the taxes if they wanted to, including listing it for cheaper than its actual value ... just to dodge the additional tax.

The selling point to voters who supported the tax was the funds would go toward battling the homeless crisis in L.A. by developing more affordable housing -- it's projected to bring in $1B annually.

Josh tells us he's all for helping the unhoused, but just doesn't believe they'll get a dime from the new taxes.

Jacob Elordi is scared ... he says a male fan with a criminal history keeps showing up at his home with unwanted gifts, and even though he's told the guy to scram, the dude is professing his love for him.

The "Euphoria" star beelined it to court Monday to get a restraining order against 61-year-old Robert Dennis Furo, who he claims has been stalking him.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, Jacob says Furo twice dropped by his Hollywood home in February to leave gifts ... pastries, a bouquet of roses, candies and a handwritten note ... even though Jacob says he's never met the guy before.

Jacob claims the first incident happened Feb. 5 when he went out to walk his dog with a friend and came home to find a bag of pastries hanging over a street-facing side gate.

He claims he trashed the food but a few minutes later Furo was in his yard yelling Jacob's name, professing his love and saying he was happy to see Jacob's "stupid ugly face."

Jacob says he confronted the guy, telling him to beat it. When the guy finally left, Jacob says he ran outside to get his license plate and then called police.

A few weeks later, Jacob claims he came home from running errands to find flowers, candy and a note in his backyard ... and he says he has Furo on security footage entering his property 3 times in 30 minutes that day.

Jacob submitted a copy of the note in the filing, and it reads ... "Jacob, I wanted to apologize for 3 sat. ago. Was hoping to catch you in. Wanted you to tell me if you have been sending. I found you on a beautiful Saturday afternoon quite organically without address without getting lost like this time. Would it be possible if you could call. My hands are shaking."

It sounds scary ... Jacob says he thinks Furo is monitoring his home or tracking his location ... because he says the guy only shows up when he leaves the house. He says he is now shooting a film and afraid to come back home.

Jacob says he has heard Furo has a rap sheet and claims he is the same guy Nicolas Cage said barged into his house back in 2007, waking Nick up in the middle of the night while wearing nothing but one of Cage's leather coats.

What's more, Jacob says Furo keeps posting on social media about how he loves him ... and he says he's scared Furo's behavior may escalate.

Tiger Woods has fired back at his ex-gf, disputing her claim he had an oral agreement to let her live in his house and essentially support her for years ... in what is shaping up to be a hyper-nasty $30 million lawsuit.

Tiger's lawyers are challenging Erica Herman, who claimed in her lawsuit Tiger promised to support her and let her live in his house for at least 5 more years in return for services (she did not specify) -- this before he broke up with her a few months back.

According to legal docs, Tiger's lawyers said (BTW the house is partly owned by a trust)  ... "During their relationship, Mr. Woods invited Ms. Herman to live with him as his guest in the Residence. Mr. Woods never negotiated an oral tenancy agreement with Ms. Herman. Nor was there ever a written tenancy agreement between Mr. Woods or the Trust, on the one hand, and Ms. Herman, on the other hand. Mr. Woods never transferred to Ms. Herman any ownership interest in or rights of possession to the Residence."

Herman claimed in her lawsuit ... Tiger's people convinced her to pack a suitcase back in the fall for a "short vacation" -- without Tiger -- and drove her to the airport. Upon their arrival at the airport, Herman claims she was told the locks to the house were changed and she was out.

Tiger's lawyers claim the golfing legend did not throw Erica out in the cold ... rather, they say Tiger put her up in a luxury resort and gave her enough money for a new residence.

"The Challenge" star C.T. Tamburello and his estranged wife have agreed on who gets the house in the midst of their divorce ... and he won't be the one movin' out.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Lilianet "Lili" Solares filed back in December to get sole possession of their Florida pad -- but she has now agreed to move out and leave the marital home to C.T.

Docs say Lili will move into a rental property ASAP ... but C.T. will be responsible for the $7,200 deposit for her new place. Lili's only allowed to enter the marital home to get her stuff -- including furniture and personal items, as well as some of their kid's things.

C.T.'s required to pay $761 a month for temporary child support ... and they agreed to stick to a schedule when it comes to taking care of their little one, Christopher Jr.

TMZ broke the story, C.T. filed for divorce last November, putting an end to their tumultuous marriage. No word on what led to the decision, but their relationship issues were front and center on "The Challenge: Double Agents" -- where he revealed they separated back in 2020, before eventually getting back together.

Edwin Castro, the recent winner of the $2.04 billion Powerball prize, grew up in Los Angeles and was once a prominent Boy Scout and high school athlete ... TMZ has learned.

Our sources tell us 30-year-old Edwin rose all the way to Eagle Scout during his time in the scouts, and he attended Crescenta Valley High School in La Crescenta, CA ... not far from Joe's Service Center in Altadena, where he purchased the winning lottery ticket.

In addition to being a Boy Scout, we're told Edwin played football and baseball in high school ... our sources say he grew up in a "wholesome family" that frequently took fishing trips.

Our sources say Edwin, who studied architecture at Woodbury University in Burbank, is a quiet guy with a kind heart.

Since striking it rich, Edwin's already used some of his new money to buy a swanky $25.5 million pad in the Hollywood Hills ... one month after claiming his lump sum payment of $997,600,000 before taxes.

Edwin's new crib has all the bells and whistles, including a home gym, garage parking for seven cars and a motor court ... and we're told he has a passion for classic cars and fitness.

As we reported, Edwin was being sued by a man who claimed the winning lotto ticket was actually stolen, claiming Edwin was involved in the alleged theft ... but the lottery says they have the utmost confidence Edwin's the rightful winner.

One source told us, "Winning the lotto couldn't have happened to a better guy."

Jay Cutler is putting his house on the market with a hefty price tag, but it comes with some sentimental value -- it's the same one he and Kristin Cavallari once called home.

The listing shows Jay's Tennessee pad is up for sale for a whopping $11M ... the 10,697-square-foot house sits on over 45 acres of land, and comes with a gym, sauna, and a new pool house.

According to real estate records, Jay and Kristin bought the home in 2018 for $4.2M ... they later bought the surrounding 35 acres for an additional $1.2M. Sources tell us this house was left to Jay in their divorce and where he has lived since -- unclear why he is unloading it.

Kristin and Jay also extensively filmed their reality show "Very Cavallari" while living at the home during its 3 seasons.

As we reported, it was a tumultuous breakup between the 2 ... with Kristin filing docs in 2020, claiming the former Bears quarterback was withholding money from her as a way of stopping her from buying her own home. Jay said they already had multiple pads, so buying a new one didn't make sense.

They also sold one of their other homes in Nashville the same year -- unloading the property for $3.7M.