The Celebrity Beat: Relocation.com's Celebrity Real Estate Report

By Serena Norr

As 2010 comes to an end, we are optimistic that the housing market will improve – whether that means more families that are able to buy homes or those that don’t have to go through the foreclosure process. One way we escape is by perusing at celebrity real estate as a way to escape as well as send positive real estate vibes for those that need them. This week there were many sales including Pink who purchased a lovely estate in Malibu complete with a pool, gourmet kitchen and stone fireplaces. Michael Jordan also purchased a new home this week, actually two condos, for $3.2 million. It was also reported that President Barack Obama’s Hawaiian vacation home will soon be available for rent. Most of us, though, probably can’t afford the $3,500/per night rental fee. Although these home purchases and listings are extreme, we wish everyone a prosperous New Year in real estate – whether that means scoring your first apartment or buying your first home. Happy New Year!

Pink's New Home - Purchased for $11.85 Million. (Image Credit: The Real Estalker)

•   Pink and Cary Hart Buy New Home in Malibu for $11,850,000
It was recently reported that pop singer Pink and her motorcycle riding hubby are expanding their family with the addition of a new a baby. The couple also recently purchased a new six-bedroom home in Malibu, California for $11,850,000. Enough to fit several children, this 6,800 square feet abode also includes seven bathrooms, stone fireplaces, wood-beamed ceilings, a gourmet kitchen complete with a breakfast room overlooking the sprawling Point Dume cliffs and one acre of land. The property, built in 2005, also includes their own aquatic sanctuary with a 25-yard swimming pool, outdoor pond and fountains.

Former Home of Poet Langston Hughes - Listed for Sale at $1 Million (Photo Credit: Sotheby's)

•    Former Harlem Home of Langston Hughes on the Market for $1 Million
The former town house of poet and writer Langston Hughes was recently placed on the market for $1 million. Located in East Harlem, measuring 20×45 feet, includes four floors and a basement as well as five bedrooms and four bedrooms. Property listings from Sotheby’s describe the property as “needing a total renovation” with “plenty of room to design your dream home.” The historic home also includes eight marble wood fireplaces and original molding along with hardwood flooring and a 20×100 deep garden, which adds extra light to the home.

Michael Jordan's Swanky New Kitchen - Sold for $3.2 Million (Photo Credit: The Luxist)

•    Michael Jordan Buys a $3.2 Million Dollar Penthouse in Charlotte
Michael Jordan, basketball Legend and owner of the Charlotte Bobcats recently purchased a 7,000-square-foot home in Charlotte, North Carolina. The two-floor penthouse (Jordan combined two units) comes equipped with its own private elevator, gourmet kitchen and outdoor space equipped with areas for grilling and gas fireplaces. The condo, located at The Trust, is also conventionally located within walking distance to the Time Warner Cable Arena where most of the Bobcats games are held.

Hawaiian Rental Where Obama Stays - Currently Listed for $3,500/Per Night. (Photo Credit: AOL Real Estate)

•    Obama’s Hawaiian Vacation Resort Available for Rent
President Barack Obama’s Hawaiian vacation home, located in Kailua, is soon to be available for rent – that is, if you can afford the $3,500/per night fee. This private Oceanside resort (where Obama is staying until January 2nd) includes five bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms and 4,951-square-feet of living space. Available for rent starting on March 20th, 2011, the scenic property also includes a three-car garage, a media room, a pool, and stained glasses and African mahogany fixtures throughout the home. Those interested in this rental should also know that there is a one-week minimum whose listing states that it could fit up to 10 people.

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House Swap Dos and Don'ts and a Giveaway!

Win a copy of "The Holiday" and more goodies by commenting below.

Taking part in a house swap may include staying in a cozy place like this - as seen in the popular movie "The Holiday."

Have you ever dreamt of getting away from all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Wishing you could celebrate the season in sunny Southern California or finally experience a white Christmas? That’s exactly what Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet) and Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) did in the film “The Holiday.”

Two women, looking to leave their troubles at home behind, initiated a house swap only to find themselves falling in love with local guys in each other’s countries. For most of us, the romance part of that story may not happen quite the same, but taking part in a house swap can be a simple and fun way to explore another city or country – not to mention a cheaper alternative to a hotel.

For some expert advice, we connected with house swap veterans, Sushma Dwivedi and Natalia Eude, who swapped homes with each other earlier this year. They’ve given us a lot to think about after their international (New York City and Paris) house swap. Based on their insight we created this list of Dos and Don’ts that will hopefully be helpful to you as you prepare for your first house swap!

•    Do your research before initiating a house swap. Ensure that the house swap is being done with someone who has a similar lifestyle to you and similar expectations about this experience.
•    Don’t be shy! Ask your swapper to introduce you to their friends and/or neighbors and provide you with key phrases to know in case there is any sort of language barrier.
•    Do leave your swapper guidelines and tips that could help in his/her transition like maps, directions to the local supermarket, bank, shopping center, etc.
•    Don’t be afraid to ask questions, you want to be as prepared as possible before traveling to an unfamiliar location.
•    Do have an open mind and understand that things may operate differently so be prepared to allow time to adjust.

Have you ever done a house swap before? If so, is there anything you’d recommend we add to our list of Do’s and Don’ts?

The Giveaway:
To help you get in the house swapping spirit we are giving away a holiday gift package complete with “The Holiday” DVD, popcorn, hot chocolate mix and sweet treats!

The Rules:
•    Leave a comment below telling us if you’d ever do a house swap and where would you want to go (one comment per person, additional entries will be disqualified).
•    Please enter your email address in the appropriate field when leaving your comment (it will not be visible to anyone but us and will only be used to contact you if you should be selected as the winner).
•    One winner will be randomly selected on Friday, December 17th at 11:59PM EST and announced by Monday, December 20th.
•    Winner will be notified via email and will have 72 hours to respond before another participant is chosen.
•    Contest open to U.S. and Canada Residents only.

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