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6 multimillion-dollar homes with basketball courts.

Highland Park, Illinois. This nine-bedroom estate is the former home of basketball legend Michael Jordan. The 56,000-square-foot house has 15 baths and a full-size, NBA-quality court built to Jordan’s specifications with his logo at center court.

Other amenities include a fitness center, a tennis court, a putting green, an outdoor kitchen, and a circular infinity pool. $14,855,000.

Redding, Connecticut. Built in 1992 in the style of an 18th-century colonial, this five-bedroom estate is set on 9 acres about an hour north of New York City. The home includes reclaimed wide-plank floors, hand-forged nails, and wrought-iron details.

The property features a basketball court, a large barn, a tennis court, a one-bedroom guesthouse, and a pool with a pool house.

Burr Ridge, Illinois. Set on 5 acres, this four-bedroom house has a full-size indoor basketball court. The interior also features a locker room, a batting cage, and a great room with wood trusses.

The property includes a large patio and a pond.

Encino, California. Built in 2015, this six-bedroom home is in the “south of the boulevard” neighborhood. The interior has French doors, a master suite with a large walk-in closet, and a chef’s kitchen.

The 0.71-acre property features a full-size court with night lighting, a pool, and a cabana.

Mercer Island, Washington. This six-bedroom house on the south end of the island offers views of Mt. Rainier. Around the corner from the Seattle Seahawks’ practice facilities, the home has a hidden basketball court on the lower level.

Features include marble floors, an outdoor hot tub, multiple balconies, and a master bedroom with a spa bath.

Malibu, California. Lying on 1.5 acres, this three-bedroom adobe house offers mountain and canyon views. The interior features tile floors and a great room with plenty of natural light and a fireplace.

The property includes a half-court for hoops, a two-story guesthouse, and beach and tennis club rights.

I Sold a House to an AVATAR: Navigating the Celebrity Real Estate Market.

Actually, the blue, human-like creatures in Avatar are called Na’vi. This means, I actually sold a house to one of the Na’vi. However, for the purpose of this story, I will refer to my client as an Avatar, as most affectionately refer to them. Taking things a step further, my Avatar client could be representative of many of the athletes and entertainers that navigate through the luxury real estate market and that the SOTALOT Real Estate Group work with. Some of the basketball and football players are as tall as Avatars, and many of the entertainers are part of a Pandora that is foreign to most.

Day one of the property search started with my Avatar pulling up to our first showing in the Toyota Prius that Avatar director James Cameron had delivered as a gift. The other main cast members also received the environmentally friendly vehicles, keeping with the film’s planet first theme. The unexpected gift from the spoils of the billion dollar film was enough to cause my Avatar client to turn in its gas guzzling SUV and use the Prius as a daily commuter. Well done James! I must note that the Avatar kept its second car; a 550 horsepower convertible sports car for those days it felt like driving something that reminded it of being on the back of a banshee.

As in the movie, a huge part of working with an Avatar was gaining its trust. Trusting a human, let alone a real estate agent, was not automatic. Trust was gained through professionalism, rapport, expertise and discretion. While being part of the highest grossing movie of all time is nice, most Avatars don’t want to be in that same spotlight when buying a home. I would ultimately help my Avatar buy the house under a Trust, for even more discretion. One of my goals is to keep my Avatar clients off the “Maps of Stars Homes.”

Negotiating on behalf of an Avatar is also an interesting dance. While it’s illegal in real estate to use race, religion, or ethnicity to help or keep someone from getting a house, mentioning that you are working with an Avatar has some perks. Most Avatars are assumed to be qualified buyers. If you are working with an Avatar, it is also assumed that you know what you are doing. Most agents would also like to be in a deal with an Avatar. The majority of buyers and sellers that have reached Avatar status have business managers that will work as hard as the agents to ensure a smooth transaction.

On the other side of the coin, despite the prosperity that comes along with being an Avatar, they want the same thing as other buyers, and that’s a good deal. And a good deal is what we found. It was important not to let the other agent assume that just because my client was an Avatar, their budget knew no limits, or that the number of zeros in their offer should be a direct reflection of the number of television shows or films they had seen them in.

Like other Avatars, my Avatar wanted a place that allowed for personalization. The bones of the house were important, the finishes were not. Ideas for remodeling would eventually come through the guidance of other industry friends and their contractors. Their input, along with my guidance, would factor into the decision to write an offer on the property. I was also happy to show the Avatar’s friends the prospective properties, because Avatars usually have some pretty cool friends.

Getting an Avatar financed can be a little tricky too. While Avatars typically make money in large lump sums, it is not always consistent. And the days of stated income loans are essentially gone. Fortunately, we have a handful of lenders that understand the lifestyles of Avatars and with the assistance of the business manager, the financing wasn’t an obstacle. Raising its debt ceiling is apparently easier for an Avatar than it is for the government these days.

After numerous searches, calls to other luxury agents, exhausting the pocket listing market, and LOI’s to unlisted properties that fit the criteria, I was able to find a house that made me an honorary Na’vi in my Avatar’s eyes. It’s always great to put a smile on an Avatar’s face. Ultimately, I was able to get the offer accepted, open escrow, go through inspections, and close the deal at an appraised value that gave my Avatar immediate equity.

While assumptions are often made about Avatars – their lifestyles, needs, and idiosyncrasies – they are not dramatically different from the other buyers and sellers in the luxury real estate market. They want to know that they are in the hands of a qualified agent, who will get them a good deal and get it done in a world that requires flexibility, anticipation, professionalism, and discretion. A little fun doesn’t hurt either, as Avatars know how to have a good time.

Now it is time to head back to Pandora and on to my next Avatar!

About the Author: Kofi Natei Nartey is the Broker of the Sotalot Realty Group of Keller Williams Luxury Homes in Los Angeles. He is also a member of the Screen Actors Guild and has appeared in films such as Kick-Ass and Fast and Furious, and television shows such as Modern Family and Million Dollar Listing. His company focuses on the real estate needs of professional athletes, entertainers, and distinguished clientele.

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Streamy Awards Grow Up As Stars Flock to Red Carpet

“It’s kind of funny to have an awards show for a community that really just wants everybody to succeed,” says Hannah Hart.

“The goal of any TV star is eventually to wind up on the Internet,” jokes James Van Der Beek on the Streamy Awards red carpet outside the Hollywood Palladium on Thursday night.

Van Der Beek isn’t the typical face of the Internet (expect in the case of Dawson’s Creek reruns on Netflix) but has become an adopted member of the online video community following his turn as a Power Ranger in web series Bootleg Universe. The performance even propelled him to his first Streamy win in the best actor category. “I’m going to put it right between my Teen Choice Award and my MTV Movie Awards,” the CSI: Cyber star boasts after acknowledging that the Internet helped him break into comedy. “It’s wonderful that any artist can make something and put it out there.”

The Streamy Awards were broadcast on television for the first time this year, simultaneously airing on VH1 and streaming live online, and the entire show seemed designed to acknowledge that convergence. Paula Abdul was paired with Internet personality Frankie Grande to present an award and the night was filled with performances from the likes of Hailee Steinfeld, OMI and Sir Mix-A-Lot.

My MICHAEL JORDAN listing made Yahoo’s list of Most Expensive Homes in the Midwest. They forgot to mention it’s the coolest! Check out the story here:

Check out the story on Yahoo here

If you’re like us at Trulia HQ, you watch every episode of Selling LA on HGTV. We had the chance to chat with one of the stars, Kofi Natei Narteyof The Agency. Not only is Kofi an amazing real estate agent, he’s a really nice guy with an incredible passion for his job.

In his day job as an agent, Kofi is a luxury homes specialist and the Director of the Sports & Entertainment Division at The Agency in Beverly Hills, CA. He has over 10 years of luxury real estate experience and has had millions of dollars in luxury real estate sales. Kofi attended and played football at UC Berkeley (go Bears!), and completed his MBA at Pepperdine University. He went on to play professional sports and has acted in numerous commercials, television shows, and films. His experience in sports and entertainment makes him the go-to guy for professional athletes, entertainers, and other distinguished clientele in luxury real estate. Because of his real estate success, Kofi is also a regularly featured agent on HGTV’s Selling LA. He has quickly become a trusted resource for the luxury real estate market, often called on for speaking engagements and as an industry expert.

Let’s learn even more about Kofi!

How did you get your start in real estate?

I have always liked architecture and working with people, so the real estate business seemed interesting. But, it was the day one of my good friends showed me her first commission check that I finally made the leap. That was 10 years ago, and I haven’t looked back since.

What sale or career milestone are you most proud of?

Several of the deals I have been able to close took serious negotiating ability and creativity to close. When these tough deals close, I feel the proudest. Recently, I closed a deal for Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder. That was cool because he is so relevant in sports right now. My sports and celebrity clients usually come with interesting experiences and cool properties. Unfortunately, I can’t always name names.

What is your dream home location?

There are a few homes in the community of One Westbluff near Playa del Rey that have an amazing combination of city and ocean views. You get the best of both worlds in these newer homes that are centrally located and have great floor plans. I actually know the exact house in that neighborhood that I want, and in a few years, I am going to knock on their door and make them an offer. Let’s hope they accept.

What kind of car do you drive?

We have a couple of cars in our household, but my favorite to drive is my 1975 MG Convertible. I get the most looks and fun comments from my clients when I show up in this vintage roadster. It also has sentimental value, because it is the same age as me. Hopefully, I can also become more valuable with age.

iPhone, Android or BlackBerry?

iPhone AND Blackberry. Yes, I have two phones. I have a Blackberry for work and an iPhone for my personal use. I am excited to try out the Blackberry Z10.

What site/app do you check first when you wake up?

Pulse. It’s an app on the iPhone. It allows you to consolidate several categories of news feeds into one place, with snapshots of headline stories. I have links to real estate publications, sports news, and a category I call “Mantime.” Mantime includes links on cars, fitness, and GQ (gotta look sharp in this biz).

What was the last book you read?

I have a stack of business, sales, and motivational books next to my bed. I usually read or reread a chapter from a different book each night. The two books I am alternating between right now are Selling Luxury Homes by Jack Cotton and High Performance Coaching by Steven Griffith for motivation.

Name your favorite guilty pleasure.

Watches. I have about 40 watches in my collection. I have special cases for them, and watch winders for my automatic watches. My favorite watch is my Rado Jubile’. It is classy, sleek, and indestructible. My favorite everyday watch brand is Invicta. They are relatively inexpensive, well made, and I have at least 5 of them.

What’s one thing someone would never guess just by looking at you?

I have an addiction to food. I love a great meal, and desserts are my favorite. I try to work out regularly to make room for this addiction. I also remind myself that reward meals lead to a trophy belly, and I have enough trophies from my days playing sports.

If you weren’t selling real estate, what else could you see yourself doing?

More motivational speaking. “Focus and Finish” is my mantra, and I have delivered dozens on sales trainings and motivational talks around this premise. I like teaching and could see myself doing more speaking engagements. It’s a great feeling when you see an idea resonate with someone and you know it is going to affect their life in a positive way.

What’s your “claim to fame?”

Currently, I am a regularly featured agent on HGTV’s Selling LA. The show follows me as I work with buyers and sellers in the luxury market. Many of my clients enjoy getting to see themselves on TV, and my wife gets to tease me about being a reality TV personality. The show continues to be great for my business. Prior to Selling LA, my “claim to fame” would have to be my acting career. I have been in dozens of national commercials, TV shows and films, including my role as Rasul in the film Kick-Ass.

If you could switch places with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Iron Man. He’s cool, rich, has amazing “toys”, and he helps people. Not to mention, he can fly.

Check out the interview here

Join The Agency, GiveBack Homes and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills on September 16 in Los Angeles to cycle for charity.

With the help of Charity Buzz, we are offering 2 prime bikes to ride alongside The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and The Agency’sMauricio Umansky.

The event will help raise money for GiveBack Homes, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, to build a house for a family in L.A.

Click below to start bidding. Winners will be notified Tuesday, September 15.

About Giveback Homes

Giveback Homes is dedicated to creating a sustainable relationship between real estate professionals, home-buyers, home-sellers, and communities in need throughout the world. Our goal is to create social change through the act of buying or selling a home.

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As Mark Zuckerberg’s social networking company, Facebook, celebrates its 10th anniversary tomorrow and has worldwide usage by 1.23 billion people, the tech titan finds himself at the forefront of a real estate trend: tech bosses who are buying up their neighbors’ properties.

Zuckerberg made headlines last fall when he reportedly spent $30 million to purchase four of his neighbors’ homes. Not only were the homes not on the market, but Facebook’s chairman and chief executive officer turned around and leased them back to their original owners.

Two weeks later, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer reportedly bought a funeral home near her residence, with the Daily Mail proclaiming, “Yahoo! Marissa Mayer does a Zuckerberg and starts to buy up her neighborhood.” Three days later, the Silicon Valley Business Journal announced “Elon Musk pulls a Zuckerberg,” when news surfaced that the inventor and Tesla Motors CEO had purchased a home across the street from his Bel-Air pad.

While this tech titan home-buying spree was newsworthy in its own right, buying up neighbors’ homes is not a new phenomenon. FromBrad Pitt to Reese Witherspoon, celebs long have been known for making multiple real estate moves in their neighborhoods. The question is whether tech titans have the same motives as Hollywood stars or if this new breed of celebrity is rewriting the high-end real estate playbook. To find out, we asked The Agency’s Kofi Natei Nartey, who helps celebrities and athletes buy and sell homes on HGTV’s “Selling LA,” and Silicon Valley real estate agents of the Boyenga Team to share their insight.

Privacy is paramount

According to Nartey, it’s common for Hollywood stars to purchase neighbors’ homes as a way of protecting their privacy.

“It’s a way to control who is your neighbor,” Nartey explained. “In the Hills, there are homes with amazing views, but with that comes limited privacy.”

Eric Boyenga says it’s the same for high-profile tech execs, who are increasingly becoming household names.

“It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to purchase neighbors’ property,” he said. “In the social era of today, those like Zuckerberg tend to be a mix of Hollywood star and tech titan, whereas a lot of execs in the past didn’t get a lot of fanfare.”

A normal quality of life

But unlike A-list celebs who are accustomed to dodging paparazzi, Boyenga says tech bosses are often in search of a more “normal” quality of life.

“We’re more engineer-driven here. Execs don’t want any news about them,” he said. “For a celebrity, that’s par for their course, but for a tech entrepreneur, they want the focus on their firm and [to have] a life outside of that.”

Younger tech company execs — including 29-year-old Zuckerberg — are drawn to the vibrant culture in Palo Alto.

“We have hills like the Hollywood Hills here that are more private, gated estates with views,” Boyenga said. “But, Palo Alto is where things are happening. It’s a very idyllic neighborhood and a great place to raise a family.”

He says most people who move to Palo Alto want to keep the neighborhood the way it is, and tech entrepreneurs are no exception. For instance, when Zuckerberg began buying additional homes in his neighborhood in December 2012, it was because he reportedly learned of a developer’s plans to capitalize on his residence in the area.

“These are tech titans that want to be part of their community but also want to make sure they don’t have someone move in next door that they don’t want there,” he explained. “It’s not a control thing as much as about quality of life.”

No way to buy bigger

Because Silicon Valley entrepreneurs are drawn to historic neighborhoods such as Old Palo Alto and Crescent Park, they’re subject to a competitive market.

“Inventory is so hard to come by,” said real estate agent Janelle Boyenga, Eric’s wife. “What we’ve seen is people are buying properties and keeping them to pass on to generations to come. Inventory is only going to get tighter as the years go by.”

And, unlike celebs who buy sprawling Beverly Glen estates or Manhattan penthouses spanning multiple floors, execs living in the Valley don’t always have the choice to buy a bigger home.

“In Old Palo Alto, there are not many large lots. Most are less than a quarter of an acre,” Eric Boyenga said. “Only a handful are half an acre, and they just don’t get sold off.”

Making room for friends & family

But when tech titans buy neighboring properties, it instantly raises questions about what they’re going to do with the lot and how it will impact the neighborhood.

“Marissa Mayer [buying the funeral home] — I’m curious about that one,” Boyenga said. “It could just sit there for years to keep a big development from coming near her property.”

He’s skeptical that Mayer can drastically change the property, even if she wants to, because of building restrictions. For this reason, Boyenga says most people tend to use neighboring property as a place to have friends come and visit.

“It’s not easy to buy a parcel and take the house down,” he said. “Most of these people are looking to use for guesthouse purposes or just for privacy.”

Rumors about high-profile real estate purchases are common — fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons’ reported 2009 purchase of her neighbor’s tennis court to build a pool is a good example. Nartey points out that often rumors are just because, frankly, it’s very difficult to drastically change a residence in L.A.

“You have to get permits from the city for any remodel or new construction — anything that might undermine the aesthetics of the neighborhood,” he said.

At the end of the day, whether celebrity or tech titan, it’s about finding a place to call home.

“More than anything else these buyers are buying for privacy and quality of life,” Boyenga said.

Punta Mita, best known as a perennial favorite among the celebrity clientele, has emerged as one of the most exclusive and alluring residential and resort communities in all of Mexico. A longtime haven for the stars, Punta Mita remains an unspoiled, blue-water paradise along the Riviera Nayarit, renowned for its sandy beaches, aquatic adventures, lush tropical landscape and distinctive, laid-back personality.

The Punta de Mita peninsula is located about 45-minutes northwest of Puerto Vallarta, a direct flight from Los Angeles. Though easy to get to, Punta Mita remains far removed from the popular tourist destination. Surrounded by tropical forest and the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains, Punta Mita’s 9.5 miles of varied coastline features some of Mexico’s best beaches, surfing and diving.

Just outside the gates of Punta Mita a charming, quaint town where casual restaurants dot the beachfront, people stroll along the pedestrian promenade and shop an eclectic blend of traditional markets and chic shops. The relatively young destination has evolved as one of Mexico’s most exclusive luxury communities without sacrificing its breathtaking natural beauty, culture or charm.

“Punta Mita is an incredibly unique destination. Its beauty and character remain timeless, though it offers every modern luxury amenity imaginable,” says Kofi Nartey, a Punta Mita enthusiast and Managing Director of The Agency’s Beach Cities Office.

“You have these multimillion dollar villas and luxurious resorts, like the Four Seasons and the St. Regis, yet the vibe is so relaxed and casual. You can surf all day, unwind on long, uncrowded beaches, golf, and then hit a tequila tasting or one of the waterfront restaurants at night. The lifestyle is unbeatable.”

Punta Mita offers a very limited collection of luxury properties available for homeownership, including a rare chance to own within the coveted Kupuri Estates enclave. Perched above the turquoise waters of Litibu Bay is one of only three remaining homesites available, a nearly one-acre, ocean-view property with direct beach access.

The 41,772-square-foot homesite features sweeping views of the crystal-clear Pacific Ocean. It comes with custom plans by renowned architects Ogarrio-Zapata for a 10,000-square-foot residence with private infinity-edge pool.

Homeowners at Kupuri enjoy an effortless lifestyle of casual elegance and access to Punta Mita’s exclusive amenities including two nearby beach clubs, kid’s club, two oceanfront Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, and a 10-court tennis center. Steps away are stunning white-sand beaches while just offshore, the Marieta national park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers some of the world’s best snorkeling and stunning remote beaches a 15-minute boat ride away.

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In an interview with Southbay Magazine, the athletic stalwarts of the Beach Cities team, Michael Grady (Director of the Beach Cities Office) and Kofi Natei Nartey (Managing Director of the Beach Cities Office & Director of The Agency’s Sports and Entertainment Division), talk collaboration, the rise of ‘Silicon Beach’ and the utility of the sports metaphor for the publication’s February/March issue.

Offering a  candor and mutual affinity for the cities that hug our coastline, Michael and Kofi don’t simply discuss collaboration as real estate legalese but as a proper ethic: a principle that generates a constant spirit of innovation. The two brandish their own personal residential context as a point of immediate relevance to clients on both ends of the realty equation. “Michael is from Manhattan Beach, and Kofi lives in the South Bay and has children in area schools.” Michael states, “We represent buyers and sellers of homes in the South Bay as well as in Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, Venice and up into Malibu.”

In a results-based industry, it’s this same spirit and savvy among the intertwining networks and relationships that make Michael and Kofi ideally suited to serve the influx of newer residents mired in the tech sector of ‘Silicon Beach.’

When asked what character traits clients prize most about the realtor/homeowner relationship, the two agents responded, “We focus on meeting and delivering on expectations. Time and time again our clients have thanked us for being honest and direct. We are creative in our deal-making, try to make the process as stress-free as possible and even manage to have fun during the process.”

In Southbay magazine’s feature on the influential realtors in the region, Michael, Kofi and The Agency are set apart by the same tenets that redefining real estate was founded: collaboration, innovation and results.

 How do you distinguish yourself from the competition?

“The Agency is built on collaboration. As former athletes and coaches, you understand that a team is more powerful than any individual. The Agency embodies this belief by creating a collaborative environment, which is rare in this industry. Sharing with our colleagues in an innovative environment gives us an edge in being able to offer best practices and inside market knowledge. Also, our exposure in multiple media platforms and on numerous real-estate related television shows enables us to give our clients’ properties unprecedented exposure.”

What trends do you foresee for the 2015 real estate market in Southern California?

“With the South Bay being one of the most in-demand markets in the country, the renaissance LA is undergoing, and the rise of ‘Silicon Beach’—attracting interest from buyers in technology, finance, digital and other creative industries from around the world—there’s never been a better time for real estate in Southern California. We have the best climate, cuisine and beaches helping drive demand.”

What makes your firm and you unique?

“The world of real estate is so much more global these days. The Agency has a unique partnership with Savills, a renowned international real estate advisor with more than 500 offices worldwide and an unrivaled network in Europe and Asia. Being able to expose our listings globally through this partnership is priceless. On a local level, we drive higher sales through our innovative, lifestyle-driven marketing. We don’t know of any other real estate office with a 15-person marketing and PR team behind every listing and development project.”

What areas do you primarily specialize in?

“Michael is from Manhattan Beach, and Kofi lives in the South Bay and has children in area schools. We represent buyers and sellers of homes in the South Bay as well as in Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, Venice and up into Malibu. We also specialize in servicing athletes, entertainers and the homes that appeal to this niche.”

What character traits do your clients enjoy about you?

“We focus on meeting and delivering on expectations. Time and time again our clients have thanked us for being honest and direct. We are creative in our deal-making, try to make the process as stress-free as possible and even manage to have fun during the process. Ultimately the client makes the decisions, but we empower them with our industry experience and market knowledge.”

Fast Facts: Before becoming a Realtor, Michael coached with his father, Steve Grady, former 30-year head football coach of Loyola High School. Kofi was a wide receiver at the University of California, Berkeley, was drafted as a free agent by the Oakland Raiders and later completed his MBA at Pepperdine University.

What does it take to be the best in the business?

“The motto at The Agency is to never stop innovating. Be collaborative. Have integrity. With technology, this industry is constantly changing, and we are at the forefront of that. This is what has enabled The Agency to grow its market share so rapidly. It’s a combination of having great agents and innovative and creative tools to create and close business.”

How important is integrity when working in the real estate industry?

“It’s essential. No one person is greater than the group. In a relationship business, if you don’t have integrity, you are not going to make it too far. This applies to relationships with other agents as well. Clients and other industry professionals appreciate working with honest and ethical people. Integrity is one of the core values for us here at The Agency.”

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“Delivering results is the most rewarding part of what we do. We get to know our clients very well during the process of buying or selling a home, so we know what is important to them. We are then able to use our experience, professionalism and all of the resources of The Agency to deliver results.”