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Beloved “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek died in November 2020 at the age of 80 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. And while his memory lives on, changes are afoot with the final home where he lived with his wife for 30 years and raised three kids: Trebek’s heirs have decided to list the gated estate near Los Angeles for $6,995,000.
According to the listing, Trebek paid a mere $2.15 million for the five-bedroom, 7.5-bathroom property in Studio City in 1991. Another fun fact: His daughter, Emily Trebek, is the listing agent for the house, along with Renee Ogiens at Compass.
So, will this sprawling 1.45-acre property sell for nearly $7 million? Sure! The Trebeks cut the price on their 30-acre retreat on Lake Nacimiento in Paso Robles, CA, by more than $200,000 in 2019, which just proves that, when it comes to the price of real estate, no one always has the right answer.
But there’s also reason to believe his L.A. home will go for more than $7 million. So in an homage to Trebek, here’s our “Jeopardy!” question:
Category: Celebrity real estate.
A: What is ‘above asking price’?
Although the 9,993-square-foot home is asking for $6,995,000, some real estate experts believe it will sell for more than that—not only due to its famous pedigree, but also due to its location in a secluded, celebrity hot spot: L.A.’s Fryman Canyon.
“We believe this home will go at or above the asking price,” says Amy Herman, licensed real estate salesperson at Serhant and leader of The Amy Herman Team, which works with high-profile clients. “This is in part because of Alex Trebek’s legacy, and in part because of the fabled Studio City urban/suburban, super niche neighborhood.”
Herman points out that the enclave is home to Bruno Mars, Miley Cyrus, and George Clooney.
“Plus, a 99-year-old Mediterranean mansion on 1.5 acres is super difficult to find,” adds Herman. “The house has an extra-special library and movie theater, which are especially reflective of Trebek’s iconic Hollywood legacy.”
“Celebrity properties tend to appeal to a different type of homebuyer in the luxury market,” adds Jason Gelios, an author and top real estate agent at Community Choice Realty in Detroit. “Homebuyers who look for that celebrity touch on a property will pay the higher price.”
Yet celebrity cred, even of Trebek’s magnitude, may go only so far in this case, because the house itself isn’t in perfect shape.
“The house is outdated and needs renovating,” says Khari Washington, a broker and real estate agent with 1st United Realty & Mortgage in Riverside, CA.
Washington, who did a market analysis on the property, believes Trebek’s name will help get the home in front of interested buyers quickly. But in the end, she thinks the house will sell at its list price, and no more.
“The pricing is reasonable,” adds Washington. “There are smaller homes nearby that are fixed up and have sold in the $5 million range. With this home being more significant, the asking price is right on.”
Of course, the final answer to this “Jeopardy!” question remains to be seen. But in the meantime, if you want to take some guesses about how much this home is worth, check out these listing photos to get a glimpse into the life of Alex Trebek.
The Mediterranean-style home was built in 1923.
Realtor.com
“The best features of the home are its size, lot, and guesthouse,” says Washington. “The home sits on a beautiful lot with lush landscaping and privacy.”
Wrought-iron staircases flank the airy, double-height foyer.
Realtor.com
A rotunda embellished with trompe l’oeil trellises adds height to the formal living room.
Realtor.com
If you walk up one of the twin staircases, you’ll find the Trebek home’s main living area.
“The most interesting feature of this home is the second-floor sitting area with the cathedral circle-style ceiling featuring multiple windows with their own design features,” says Gelios. “This is a nice touch that brings a unique feel to this room and the home overall.”
The primary bedroom is decorated in neutral tones.
Realtor.com
The home’s second-floor primary bedroom boasts two bathrooms and four walk-in closets. There’s also a lovely double-height sitting area, cozy study, and private staircase that leads to a library and home office.
Three additional bedrooms come with private bathrooms.
The primary bathroom features a bathtub with a view.
Realtor.com
There are four powder rooms.
Slide into this pool surrounded by greenery.
Realtor.com
Dark blue tiles line the outdoor spa.
Realtor.com
The lofted entertainment area
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The estate has a separate wing connected to the main house by a turreted staircase. Inside you’ll find a 45-foot-long media room with a lounge area, home theater, and theater-style curtains.
A closer look at the plush screening room
Realtor.com
Grab a drink at the bar before settling in for a movie-or a game show.
Realtor.com
The mirrored bar is located next to the media area.
Could a fresh coat of paint bring new life to these dated cabinets?
Realtor.com
This 1980s-style wood and tiled kitchen could be a turnoff for some buyers.
But there’s lots to love right off the kitchen. The new owners of the Trebek home will enjoy a separate butler’s pantry, breakfast room, family room with a fireplace, and sunroom.
A formal dining room fit for an eight-time Daytime Emmy winner
Realtor.com
A second-level terrace looks out on the pool and grounds.
Realtor.com
Uncredited
Maybe current “Jeopardy!” champion Amy Schneider will put in a bid on the home. With winnings of $1,319,800, she is just a few thousand away from a 20% down payment.
But whoever ends up with this spectacular home will own a unique property with an unparalleled game show pedigree.
“Even though Trebek was a Canadian native, it’s quite clear he made his mark on this spectacular home in Studio City,” says Herman.
