In the Paper: Gisele Sells, The Edge Buys, Builders Are Sneaky

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In the Times’ Sunday Real Estate section: Supermodel Gisele Bundchen has sold her Hollywood Hills home for $4 million and has moved to New York. This means the six Bundchen sisters (one is Gisele’s twin) won’t be hanging around LA any more. Thanks, Leo.

Also in Ruth Ryon’s Hot Property: U2’s Dave ‘The Edge’ Howell Evans has purchased a 120-acre parcel in Malibu for close to $15 million.

Ann Brenoff looks at heart-shaped tubs, mirrors on the ceiling, hand-crafted stone bathrooms, and other individualistic over-the-top features that help make Southern California houses so cool. My favorite: the $60,000 customized treehouse in La Crescenta that has cable and a working kitchen.

Less fun to read, but a must-read if you’re buying a newish home: Diane Wedner’s scary look at hidden transfer fees (how does $5,500 sound?) that builders charge.
LA Land is all for better roads, parks and schools, but put the fees up front in simple, clear language. (I’m happy to highlight any builder who explains these fees clearly and prominently).

Kenneth Harney’s look at mortgage fraud schemes is so troubling I’m going to give it a separate post.

Lastly, the auction action keeps heating up. This week broker Kennedy Wilson advertises 32 ‘spectacular Anaheim Condominiums’ with bids starting at $240,000. Auction day is May 20.

Have a great Sunday. Go Dodgers.