Celebrities’ Homes and Real Estate – Are they Worth More?

There’s an obsession with celebrities and real estate. Nirvana star Kurt Cobain’s home was recently listed with local Aberdeen Realty, Inc. Yet a boost in marketing is being put forth by “The Agency.” They are a nationally recognized real estate company specializing in . . . well, special homes. Is Cobain’s childhood home worth $500,000?  As a home it is not. But with the significance, it might be worth more than market value – which is much less. 

Recently the N.Y. Times wrote about Calvin Klein’s new home in the Southampton, New York.  This home is drawing a lot of attention. But is it the home or the celebrity status of the owner?   Is a home worth more with celebrity status?

Werner Home in Steamboat Springs
Werner Home in Steamboat Springs

In Steamboat Springs, Colorado, I recently listed a home that’s rich in Steamboat Springs history and also extends to the history of skiing in the United States. So I wanted to make sure I captured and utilized the history of this home in the marketing.

Steamboat’s First Family

Buddy Werner, one of the most accomplished ski racers in American history was raised in this home in downtown Steamboat Springs. But it’s not just Buddy who is decorated, his two siblings, Skeeter and Loris, were also Olympians. The Werner family made such an impact on Steamboat Springs that the City named the mountain where the Steamboat ski area is located after them, Mt. Werner. The Werner’s have been dubbed “Steamboat royalty”.

Buddy Werner on Sports Illustrated

But it doesn’t stop there. Skeeter Werner married NFL player and Heisman Trophy winner, Doak Walker. Doak and Skeeter also lived in the home.  And then there was the time former President Gerald Ford had dinner in the home while secret service waited outside.  It’s also talked about that the Kennedy clan, Robert Redford and even Clint Eastwood spent time in Steamboat with the Werner family.

Marketing a Note-Worthy Home

Celebrities aside, the home at 844 Aspen Street in Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a wonderful home and on one of the best lots in town.  Located in downtown Steamboat Springs on 1.47 acres, bordered by Soda creek on three sides, the lot itself is an oasis in the heart of Ski Town, USA.

Making this video, I wanted to capture both the history of the Werner home while displaying the original craftsmanship and recent upgrades that go into making this a very special home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I was fortunate to have one of the Werner’s personal friends narrate the video.  Showing pictures of ski legend Buddy Werner is one thing, but having someone talk about the home’s history just adds another level.

I sent the video to the local paper and because the Werner family is so significant to Steamboat Springs, they wrote a piece about the home being for sale. The stories are wonderful and so is this listing.

Are Celebrities’ Homes Worth More Money?

There is no doubt that our culture is intrigued by celebrities, what they are wearing and what their homes are like.  Jeffrey Ditri, wrote about Famous Homes on Sale featuring homes like the one from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and the beach home from the Sex in the City movie.

So, is a home worth more when it has celebrity status?  I’m not sure, but it certainly helps in the marketing.  Yet, I will say that listing and marketing the “first family of skiing in Steamboat Springs” has brought a lot of attention to the home and when there’s more activity in real estate, that always helps in the sale.

Click here to watch the video of the Werner family home for sale.

 

Regards,

Charlie

Charlie Dresen
Real Estate Associate Broker |Prudential
Local Knowledge | Global Exposure| Defining Service 
970-846-6435 | SteamboatsMyHome.com
610 Market Place Plaza, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487