Category Archives: Celebrities

RNR’s Rock Star of the Month: Regina Ramos

It’s no coincidence that RNR also stands for “Rock ‘N Roll” … because we think all of our agents are rock stars! Each month we will feature one of our team members to find out more about them and why they joined the biz. Next up is Regina Ramos, a first-time homebuyer specialist with a passion for helping her community!

Q: How long have you been in the business?

A: I was first licensed in 2002, but really amped up my activity in 2015.

Q: What’s your specialization?

A: I enjoy working with first-time buyers!

Q: What is your dream home or favorite house style?

A: Victorian homes – I love the old architecture.

Q: What is your favorite thing about living in the Twin Cities?

A: All the lakes and parks. I’m also a fan of the performing arts and the unique multicultural experience.

Q: What would you say is the Twin Cities’ best kept secret?

A: Downtown Minneapolis has the longest continuous skyway system, spanning 69 blocks!

Q: Are you involved with any community organizations?

A: I volunteer with Meal on Wheels and Friends of the Elderly.

Q: What are your hobbies/interests?

A: Travel, biking, horseback riding, fishing – basically anything outdoors…but only during the summer!

Q: What is your favorite travel destination?

A: Jamaica and Mexico. My dream trip would be to Greece.

Q: Do you have any hidden talents?

A: I’m a pretty good painter. And I think I’m a good cook!

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?

A: Minnesota Wild, Gophers Hockey, and the Golden State Warriors.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: You are not finished when you are defeated. You are finished when you quit.

If you want Regina to be a part of your Rock Star Home Buying or Home Selling team, contact her at regina.r@rnrrealty.com!

Famous U.S. Homes Worthy of a Visit

It’s never too early to dream up your next vacation. Whether you’re interested in a fun, educational destination or you’re on the hunt for home inspiration, visiting these famous estates may pique your imagination.

Architectural Icon
A tour through the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio just outside of Chicago is like peering into the creative mind of one of America’s most iconic architects. Constructed in 1889 for $5,000, this Oak Park house served as the family home for Wright, his wife and their six kids. Bold, geometric shapes on the exterior and the interior’s high, barrel-vaulted ceiling make this visit a must for architecture enthusiasts.

Literary Cats
One home of Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway is tucked away in the heart of Old Town in Key West, Florida. The estate boasts Spanish colonial architecture and lush grounds; however, the Hemingway home is also well-known for its current occupants. No less than 40 polydactyl (six-toed) cats, descendants of those owned by Hemingway himself, still live on-site.

Presidential Family Estate
Get a historical perspective with a visit to Hildene, a 1905 Georgian Revival mansion in Manchester, Vermont, that belonged to Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. Guests can take year-round tours of the home’s 24-room interior, stroll down approximately 12 miles of walking trails and visit the working farm.

As Seen on TV
Popularized by more than 70 feature films and television shows, including “Full House,” San Francisco’s Painted Ladies are a staple of the city’s skyline. This row of quintessential Victorian homes, also known as the Seven Sisters, ascends one of the city’s hilly neighborhoods. Snap a gorgeous photo from the famous Alamo Square Park across the street.

RNR’s Rock Star of the Month: Lasha Raddatz

It’s no coincidence that RNR also stands for “Rock ‘N Roll” … because we think all of our agents are rock stars! Each month we will feature one of our team members to find out more about them and why they joined the biz. Next up is Lasha Raddatz, a 16-year veteran agent who loves working with first time homebuyers!

Q: How long have you been in the business?

A: 16 years

Q: What’s your specialization?

A: First time buyers are my favorite demographic to work with. It’s such an exciting time for these families – we always have a blast!

Q: What is your dream home or favorite house style?

A: Lofts. Think exposed brick, concrete, floor-to-ceiling windows. Preferably on a beach.

Q: What is your favorite thing about living in the Twin Cities?

A: The music scene. I love all the live music here!

Q: What would you say is the Twin Cities’ best kept secret?

A: The band, MPLS. However, Jesse Larson from that band is now on The Voice and she is killing it!

Q: What are your hobbies/interests?

A: Traveling! It’s my oxygen.

Q: What is your favorite travel destination?

A: Jekkyl Island in Georgia.

Q: Do you have any hidden talents?

A: I am a great dancer and used to dance for a local hip hop group, The School of Thought.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: Home is where the heart is.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about you?

A: Real estate is my passion! It’s where I’ve met the most amazing people and had the most freedom to do what I love!

If you want Lasha to be a part of your Rock Star Home Buying or Home Selling team, contact her at lasha.r@rnrrealty.com!

RNR’s Rock Star of the Month: Jen Kilzer

It’s no coincidence that RNR also stands for “Rock ‘N Roll” … because we think all of our agents are rock stars! Each month we will feature one of our team members to find out more about them and why they joined the biz. First up is Jen Kilzer, a rookie agent who is more than ready to help you achieve your home buying and selling dreams!

Q: How long have you been in the business?

A: I am new to the business; I entered into the real estate world in 2016.

Q: What’s your specialization?

A: I work with residential home buyers, especially people trying to establish themselves a bit later in life or re-establish themselves after life changing events, such as divorce.

Q: Where is your hometown?

A: I grew up in Richfield and returned there as an adult for 10 years. I currently reside in South Minneapolis.

Q: Why did you decide to become a real estate agent?

A: I have always had a passion for real estate and I’ve spent many years stalking homes on the internet, so I thought it was a good idea to take my passion for helping people and combine that with my love of housing and turn it into my second career.

Q: What is your dream home or favorite house style?

A: I really like townhouse living – I enjoy having more free-time by not having to do yard work and snow removal. As far as my dream home, I would choose a home with a view, preferably of a body of water. I like wide-open concepts and great views.

Q: What is your number one real estate tip?

A: I think the advice I give most frequently is that you don’t have to keep up with the Joneses – the Joneses may not be that happy. We need to find a home that best fits your family and your lifestyle. We want it to be nice but we also want it to fit your budget, so that you can be happy every day that you are in this home.

Q: What is your favorite thing about living in the Twin Cities?

A: There are so many things I love about the Twin Cities. Our schools are great. It’s a wonderful place to raise a family, and there are also great neighborhoods for young adults with no children. We have a lot of variety here, from things to do to the drastic season changes. I love it all!

Q: What would you say is the Twin Cities’ best kept secret?

A: I think the best kept secret would be the local theater/art talent that we have here. We also have a ton of amazing neighborhood restaurants that you might not expect to find in their locations, and then to top it off the food is fabulous.

Q: What is your favorite travel destination?

A: Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Q: What is your favorite sports team?

A: My favorite sport is basketball and our MN Lynx are pretty amazing!

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: “A house is made of bricks and beams; a home is made of hope and dreams.”

If you want Jen to be a part of your Rock Star Home Buying or Home Selling team, contact her at jen.k@rnrrealty.com!

Celebrities Who Bought and Sold the Most Houses

We all know celebrities love their real estate, they buy, they sell, and they renovate. Let’s take a look who among celebrities sold and bought the most houses in the last 10 years.

Oprah Winfrey is without a doubt a top home buyer. She owns homes all over the country, and not all her homes are mansions – she owns a 2 bedroom home in a small town n Indiana. She’s been particularly active in real estate world lately: she sold her Chicago house and bought a mansion in Colorado with her own funicular and “wine mine”.

Flickr Creative Commons: Paul Williams (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Ellen DeGeneres is not only known as a comedian, but also for her passion for architecture and design. She recently bought a house in Malibu that was previously owned by Brad Pitt and also a house with an ocean view in Montecito.

Flickr Creative Commons: Jesse Wagstaff (CC BY 2.0)

Nicholas Cage owns about ten homes in England, Rhode Island, and Bath. He also owns a haunted house in New Orleans previously owned by Madame LaLaurie.

Flickr Creative Commons: Tom Bastin (CC BY 2.0)

Cher was one of those who also traded some real estate she owned. She sold her Palm Springs and Los Angeles, and bought a home in 90210 zip code and also a Malibu home.

Flickr Creative Commons: Marcus (CC BY-SA 2.0)

All photos used under this license.

Celebrities Who Do Not Celebrate Thanksgiving

Flickr Creative Commons: Gage Skidmore

One of the celebrities who doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving is Angelina Jolie, who is known for her charity work and helping people form other cultures. She believes that the history behind the holiday is against her beliefs.

Cher also does not celebrate for the same reasons as Jolie. She said that it is time for her family to get together and watch movies, but not to celebrate.

Flickr Creative Commons: David Caroll

Unlike first two, Zooey Deschanel is not bothered by the holiday history much, but mostly about Thanksgiving food. She doesn’t like the color of the food, according to her, it doesn’t look appetizing. But she does like the fact that it’s time for the whole family to get together.

Alicia Silverstone is not against the holiday itself, but since she is a vegan, she does not like the “turkey” part of the holiday. She has her own food website with animal-friendly recipes.

THE 2015 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS(r) - The “2015 American Music Awards,” which will broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 22 at 8:00pm ET on ABC. (Image Group LA/ABC) ALICIA SILVERSTONE

Flickr Creative Commons: ABC Television Group Photostream

Mayim Bialik, the “Big Bang Theory” star, is also a vegan, and she does like the holiday except the Black Friday shopping. She avoids going to stores until after the holiday season.

All photos used under this license.

Celebrities with Modest Homes

Celebrities are known for having luxury and over-the-top houses, but there are some who prefer a less glamorous lifestyles and have modest homes compared to others.

You would think that Mark Zuckerberg owns a luxury mansion, but he recently moved to a new home in Palo Alto, CA that is close to Facebook headquarters and it is believed to be around 4,000 square feet. And yes, it is considered modest in celebrity world.

Hilary Swank is another one with a smaller square footage. She owns an apartment in New York that is only 1,400 square feet. She prefers practical and comfortable over luxury.

Despite her very arrogant character on Gossip Girl, Leighton Meester lives in a ranch style home that has 4 bedrooms and is around 2,900 square feet.

Scarlet Johansson is all about eco-friendly. Her 2,835 square foot house is full of solar panels. Though, she had to put it up for sale after her divorce.

Andrew Zimmern, the star of the Bizarre Foods also has a modest home and it is, actually, here in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Interesting Facts about Famous People

Even though they are in the public eye all the time, there are so many things we don’t know about them. Here are some of the facts.

1. Elvis Presley was naturally blonde! He thought he looked edgier with black hair, so he started dying it as a teenager.

Flickr Creative Commons: Mr. Littlehand

2. James Doohan (“Scotty” on Star Trek) joined Canadian Forces, served in WWII and was shot 6 times on D-Day! Lucky to be alive.

Flickr Creative Commons: Alan Light

3. Martin Luther King was a huge Star Trek fan. In fact, when he found out that one of the actors Nichelle Nichols wanted to leave the series for a career on Broadway, he convinced her to stay.

Flickr Creative Commons: caboindex

5. Theodore Roosevelt read on average one whole book every day of his life. How is it even possible?

Flickr Creative Commons: Wesley Fryer

6. This might be the most unexpected one. Abraham Lincoln used to be a wrestler?! In 300 matches he was defeated only once. He is even in the wrestling hall of fame. Who would have thought?

Flickr Creative Commons: Believe Creative

7. Nicholas Cage owned a pet octopus. Umm…no comment.

8. After a fight he got in as a kid, David Bowie’s eye was permanently dilated.

9. As a student, Natalie Portman was a co-author of two research papers that were published in a scientific journal.

Flickr Creative Commons: Gordon Correll

10. J.K Rowling lost her job because she was daydreaming too much. She wrote Harry Potter after that. Doubt she has any regrets.

Share with us other interesting facts you know!

The Real Names of Top Pop Artists

At birth, most celebrities are given traditional, boring names by their parents. However some are given unique or international names that are difficult to remember. At the start of a pop star’s career, they choose, or are given, a more interesting, catchy name to separate them from the mundane. Here are some pop artists whose real names will surprise you! Source: Billboard

1. Lorde – Real name: Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor

Flickr Creative Commons: Constanza. CH

Well, Ella O’Connor is a pretty standard name.. however her middle name(s) are rather unique.

2. Pink – Real name: Alecia Moore

Flickr Creative Commons: Erin Mc

Other than the fact that it is spelled in an nontraditional way, Alecia Moore sounds exceedingly normal!

3. Frank Ocean – Real name: Christopher Breaux

Flickr Creative Commons: Rory

One question. Why Frank?

4. Iggy Azalea – Real name: Amethyst Amelia Kelly

Flickr Creative Commons: Ralph Arvesen

Amethyst is not a typical name, but this artist managed to pick a name even less common!

5. Elton John – Real name: Reginald Kennith Dwight

Flickr Creative Commons: David Shankbone

Can we blame him? Reginald, really?

6. Kid Cudi – Real name: Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi

Flickr Creative Commons: seher sikandar

Kid Cudi chose his name based on his real name, which makes it more personal.

7. A$AP Rocky – Real name: Rakim Mayers

Flickr Creative Commons: Chad Cooper

Was Rocky chosen from Rakim? Maybe, but as for A$AP, we have no idea.

8. Wiz Khalifa – Real name: Cameron Jibril Thomaz

Flickr Creative Commons: Focka

According to the Free Dictionary, the general definition of Khalifa is “swayer of the universe.”

9. Lana Del Rey – Real name: Elizabeth Woolridge Grant

Flickr Creative Commons: Jaguar MENA

Who came up with this one? “Rey” means king in Spanish, but who knows?!

10. Bruno Mars – Real name: Peter Gene Hernandez

Flickr Creative Commons: Brothers Le

The name “Peter” definitely isn’t very interesting, but who the heck came up with name Bruno Mars?

What would your celebrity name be? Try out this celebrity name generator by BuzzFeed and let us know what you came up with! Our celebrity name is Lucida Grande 🙂

Photos used under this license.

Surprising Cities Celebrities Call Home

Celebrities only live in Los Angeles or New York, right? Wrong! CNBC, with the help of Realtor.com, found a list of cities that are growing with celebrity residents. We narrowed it down to five cities that we didn’t know were occupied by so many celebs!

1. Alpine, NJ

Flickr Creative Commons: Ken Lund

Who would have guessed that the small state of New Jersey would be home to so many celebs?! CNBC reports that Oprah, Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Stevie Wonder (and more!) all have homes in Alpine. Set on the banks of the Hudson, the city is popular because of its exclusivity, and proximity to New York (BergenCounty.com).

2. New Orleans, LA

Flickr Creative Commons: Bill Staney

New Orleans is home to more than just jambalaya and beignets. Famous residents include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Harry Connick Jr., and Lil Wayne. CNBC attributes their residency to new tax breaks offered by Louisiana for film and television productions.

3. Atlanta, GA

Flickr Creative Commons: Brad Clinesmith

It is reported that Jane Fonda’s loft in Atlanta is up for sale at no less than $1.95 million. Who will purchase the home to join Jeff Foxworthy, Janet Jackson, and Elton John as Georgia residents? Click here to see some celebrity homes in Atlanta!

4. Montecito, CA

Flickr Creative Commons: Damian Gadal

With sweeping ocean views and temperate weather, who wouldn’t want to live on the northern coast of CA? The small town of Montecito is full of celebs, and its homes are among the priciest in the nation. Residents include Al Gore, Christopher Lloyd, Steve Martin, and Rob Lowe.

5. Jupiter, FL

Flickr Creative Commons: Dan DeChiaro

Many celebrities live in this growing town just north of Palm Beach including Celine Dion, Burt Reynolds, and Tiger Woods (who neighbors Michael Jordan’s beach home). Want to be their neighbor too? Check out these luxury homes in Jupiter.
For the full list of cities you didn’t know celebrities live in, head over to CNBC!