Admin

The Guilded Age in Real Estate

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with IBA Realty Group 289807

I just read an article on MSNBC.com that not only astounded me but somewhat inspired and disgusted me all at the same time. The article is about the William Clark Family who although lesser known was amongst the Vanderbilt's and the Rockefellers in the Guilded Age. He started off as a minor and ended up a billionaire. The article is mainly about the only survivor, his daughter, Huguette who is about to turn 104 years old! She has a monopoly of estates in the United States simply sitting vacant, furnished, with art collections that do not come from Prints Plus! The problem is that nobody aside from her attorney knows where she is right now! All her mansions are vacant.

I am including the link to the story, because it's quite scandalous and frankly a good read. There you can see these properties that are 10's of thousands of square feet, including the Fifth Avenue penthouse. Imagine telling your potential buyers that the estate has not been lived in since 1957 and will need a kicthen upgrade, but the home was already reduced by 10 MILLION DOLLARS! (said with "Austin Powers" voice).

Enjoy the article: I home you were as intrugues as I was. What a soap opera!!!

Here it is:

Just a gal trying to sell some homes.....

Karin Elliott, IBA Mountain Homes. Serving the Big Canoe Community and the North Georgia Mountains

 

Karen Anne Stone
New Home Hunters of Fort Worth and Tarrant County - Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Real Estate

Karin:  I have not read about this, but will follow your link, to be sure.  It just goes to show that many things that are true are indeed stranger than fiction.

Feb 27, 2010 08:32 AM
Evelyn Zebro
Beverly-Hanks & Associates - Asheville, NC
Asheville NC Real Estate Broker

Oh I see I'm in good company with my "Teacher" Karen Stone taking time to comment...

Hard to believe someone has that much money - and that much real estate.  Definitely will be a good read.

Thanks for sharing!

Feb 27, 2010 09:01 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
The best agent in Southern Utah!

Talk about excess...Wow! Thanks for the interesting read Karin! 

Feb 27, 2010 09:06 AM
Karin Elliott
IBA Realty Group - Big Canoe, GA
14 Years as a Broker & Making Dreams Come True

It's hilarous because my husband is beside himself because I can't stop talking about it! i'm happy that my AR pals are at the very least a sounding board. The sad part is that in the article NOBODY is smiling!

Feb 27, 2010 09:13 AM
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Karin, I started as a minor also, no billions yet but I think 104 would be achievable.  Now back to the article, thanks!

Feb 27, 2010 09:53 AM
Elizabeth Bolton
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor

Hi Karin ~ I had never heard of the family - fascinating story.  The houses and apartment are gorgeous - I'm surprised that the Connecticut place hasn't moved - over 50 acres! Sweet! And I love the sounds of the NY apartment. It seems that everything has been well taken care of. What a story.

Liz

Feb 27, 2010 12:49 PM