Press & Media

Tucked behind lush greenery in the heart of Encino, a sprawling hideaway with a surprising connection to some of Hollywood’s most beloved films and TV shows has hit the market for $3.4 million. The six-bedroom, five-bathroom residence spans more than 4,300 square feet and blends seamless indoor-outdoor living with a creative legacy tied to major entertainment productions, having previously been owned by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino, according to property records. During the years he lived at the home—which he sold more than a decade ago—Giacchino wrote the soundtracks for the 2008 movie "Speed Racer," composed music for several seasons of the hit TV series "Lost" and "Alias," and worked on music for Pixar favorites "Up" and "Ratatouille." According to the listing, the home’s bonus room served as the creative hub where music tied to those productions—and multiple video games—was developed between 2002 and 2007. Beyond its Hollywood pedigree, the listing, which is held by Courtney Cunniff and Shelton Wilder of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California, notes that the home offers an airy and updated layout filled with natural light. Tucked behind lush greenery in the heart of Encino, a sprawling hideaway with a surprising connection to some of Hollywood’s most beloved films and TV shows has officially hit the market for $3,398,000. (Neue Focus) The six-bedroom, five-bathroom residence spans more than 4,300 square feet and blends seamless indoor-outdoor living with a creative legacy tied to major entertainment productions—including the soundtrack work for the 2008 film "Speed Racer," several seasons of the hit TV series "Lost" and "Alias," as well as the animated Pixar favorites "Up" and "Ratatouille." (Neue Focus) According to the listing, the home’s bonus room served as the creative hub where music tied to those productions—and multiple video games—was developed between 2002 and 2007. (Neue Focus) Beyond its Hollywood pedigree, the listing, which is held by Courtney Cunniff and Shelton Wilder of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California, notes that the home offers an airy and updated layout filled with natural light. (Neue Focus) Solid wood flooring runs throughout the home, while generously sized bedrooms, expansive closets, and extensive built-in storage add both comfort and functionality. (Neue Focus) Solid wood flooring runs throughout the home, while generously sized bedrooms, expansive closets, and extensive built-in storage add both comfort and functionality. The chef's kitchen is certainly one of the crown jewels of the home thanks to its luxe features. "The beautifully appointed kitchen features custom Woodmode cabinetry and premium appliances including a Wolf sealed gas range top, Sub-Zero refrigerator, double Miele ovens with warming drawer, two Miele dishwashers, two sinks, and a U-Line beverage center," the listing states. "A charming breakfast nook opens to the home's living, dining, and media spaces filled with natural light." Nearby, multiple entertaining areas provide ample room for hosting, while oversized windows and French doors help blur the lines between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The primary suite comes with French doors, which open directly to the outdoor spa area. The recently renovated primary bathroom has been outfitted with elegant tilework, dual vanities, and a soaking tub. Oversized windows and French doors help blur the lines between the indoor and outdoor spaces. (Neue Focus) The sparkling pool out back (Neue Focus) Recently renovated, the primary bathroom has been outfitted with elegant tilework, dual vanities, and a soaking tub. (Neue Focus) The listing offers buyers the rare opportunity to own not only a luxurious Encino property, but also a home quietly tied to the creation of several iconic projects that helped define pop culture in the early 2000s. (Neue Focus) The property boasts flexible bonus spaces that could easily be converted to accommodate a variety of lifestyles—whether buyers are seeking a creative studio, wellness retreat, guest accommodations, or work-from-home office. "A bonus bedroom with soaring beamed ceilings and en-suite bath is ideal for guests, a home office, or creative studio," reads the listing. The grounds have a resort-style ambiance with amenities designed for both entertaining and everyday relaxation, including the sparkling pool, fruit tees, and solar panels. Large entertaining spaces flow effortlessly into the outdoor living areas, creating the quintessential Southern California setup designed for both relaxation and hosting guests. The listing offers buyers the rare opportunity to own not only a luxurious Encino property, but also a home quietly tied to the creation of several iconic projects that helped define pop culture in the early 2000s. "Designed for relaxation and entertaining, the expansive backyard features a pool, spa, fruit trees, lush landscaping, and solar panels for added efficiency. Gated in one of Encino's most sought-after neighborhoods, this turn-key property offers comfort, scale, and timeless appeal," adds the listing.

A Georgia grandma was left speechless after being named as the winner of HGTV's 2026 dream home, procuring both an "ultimate lakeside retreat" in North Carolina and a check for $100,000, which she can use to finance her move to her palatial new abode. Retired accountant Eileen Reimer was revealed as the winner of the sprawling $2.3 million property this week, having spent years entering the network's famed sweepstakes. As first reported by People magazine, Reimer was both bewildered and thrilled when she was given the keys to the newly built home, which is situated on Lake Wylie and features waterfront views from every corner. Located on the outskirts of Charlotte, NC, and designed by HGTV star Brian Patrick Flynn, the picture-perfect home sits on a private peninsula and comes fully furnished. An emotional Reimer revealed that she was extremely excited to call the estate hers, because it means she can move closer to her son, daughter-in-law, and two young grandchildren. A Georgia grandma has won HGTV's 2026 dream home, which is described as an "ultimate lakeside retreat" that is "nestled" on a prime piece of waterfront land in North Carolina. (HGTV) Flynn revealed that Reimer had been crowned the 2026 Dream Home winner in an adorable clip, which saw the grandmother celebrating with her family. “Our winner is Eileen Reimer, a retired accountant, wife, mother, and grandmother from Atlanta, Georgia. In order to surprise her, we came up with a very elaborate plan,” Flynn said in the video. He then revealed that he was able to get in touch with the winner's sister-in-law, Margaret, to help orchestrate a family gathering, where he shared the exciting news. The restaurant where the party was held even had hidden cameras so that the happy moment could be captured. Flynn explained that part of their plan to surprise her was for him to walk into the restaurant and act like he found someone's keys on the ground. “Is there somebody here named Eileen? I believe I have your keys. I just found them and want to make sure I have the right person. Is that you? What does it say on there?” Flynn said as he walked into the venue. Reimer then took the keychain, which read, "Eileen's lake house." “A lake house? Do you have any idea why it says Eileen's lake house?” Flynn questioned, as a confused Reimer simply answered: "No." Flynn then said, "You are officially the winner of the HGTV Dream Home 2026 on Lake Wiley, North Carolina.” Remier then covered her mouth with her hand, before adding, “Oh, my god. I'm going to be closer to my family!” Retired accountant Eileen Reimer, an Atlanta resident, won the HGTV Dream Home 2026 sweepstakes after entering for years. (HGTV) She was thrilled to get the keys to the home, which is a newly built dwelling on Lake Wylie and features waterfront views from every corner. (HGTV) She then revealed that her husband of over 45 years, Charles, had entered the contest more than she did—crediting her spouse for securing her historic win. “It's a good thing I had a couple of beers. Yeah, I am shaking. This just hasn't sunk in yet," she teased. Flynn then told the winner that she would be getting the keys to the home as well as a check for $100,000. “Unbelievable. How do you cash this?” Reimer joked while holding up the oversized check. "Spanning more than 3,000 square feet, this three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home is thoughtfully designed to capture panoramic views of Lake Wylie from nearly every angle," the press release revealing the property read. The home, which was built by Knotts Builders, is a mere 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte. The beauty of the home's natural surroundings played an integral role in its design, according to HGTV, which called attention to the abundance of outdoor spaces that a future owner will be able to enjoy—and the natural finishes inside the dwelling that bring the outdoors in. "Outdoor living takes center stage with relaxed furnishings, natural landscaping, and a pebbled pathway that leads to a spectacular two-story dock that is perfect for sunrise coffees, sunset watching, and endless days on the water," the press release adds. Located on the outskirts of Charlotte, NC, and designed by HGTV star Brian Patrick Flynn, the picture-perfect home comes fully furnished. (HGTV) Reimer revealed that she was extremely excited to now call the estate hers because she will be closer to her son, daughter-in-law, and two young grandchildren. (HGTV) The facade of the property perfectly marries blue paint with brick, and it is surrounded by lush greenery. Upon entering the property, guests are greeted with an open floor plan that leads into an expansive living area, which features dark wood flooring, a cozy fireplace with a large wood mantel, a high ceiling, and large glass doors that lead to the exterior. Adjacent to the living area is the chef's kitchen, which boasts overhead lighting, a large island with bar seating, plenty of cabinets, and state-of-the-art appliances. "Inside, the home showcases a harmonious fusion of indoor comfort with outdoor beauty. Inspired by the natural surroundings, the home is filled with a warm earth-toned palette, hand-laid stone, custom millwork, organic materials, classic furnishings, and vintage collectibles—bringing the lakeside vibe to life," the press release says. "At the heart of the home is a great room with a reclaimed-wood mantle, an inviting dining room with a charming cafe door, and a chef-style kitchen with an over-grouted stone backsplash. Additional thoughtful spaces include a morning room and a garage with pantry access and a dedicated pet wash. Flynn revealed that Reimer had been crowned the winner in an adorable clip, which saw her celebrating with her family. (HGTV) Lake Wylie is known for its "natural beauty" and offers more than 300 miles of shoreline, making it the perfect location for those who love water activities. (HGTV) "The main bedroom suite offers sweeping lake views and a spa-like bathroom with a closet featuring an all-in-one washer and dryer," the press release adds. The garage has been transformed into an activity center and comes with plenty of games. Lake Wylie is known for its "natural beauty" and offers more than 300 miles of shoreline, making it the perfect location for those who love water activities. "It's a prime location just 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte and a short drive to charming towns like Belmont and Fort Mill, offering the perfect blend of peaceful retreat and city convenience," the press release adds. Fans could begin entering the sweepstakes at 9 a.m. EST on Dec. 16, but they also had the opportunity to sign up for entry reminders on the HGTV Dream Home website ahead of that date. The entry period closed at 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 13, 2026. The HGTV Dream Home 2026 special hit TV screens on Jan. 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. EST on HGTV. Even those who are not on the lookout for a new abode may well be interested in entering the competition, which has seen multiple past winners opting to list their Dream Home almost immediately after taking ownership of the property. In 2024, the HGTV Dream Home in St. Augustine, FL, was put on the market for just a hair under $2 million, a mere three months after it was given to teacher Marie Fratta. Entrants also had the option of accepting a cash prize instead of the house—which is exactly what 2021 winner Jeff Yanes opted to do, resulting in the Rhode Island property being put on the market for $2.39 million soon after the contest drew to a close.

As we move deeper into the spring homebuying season, the U.S. housing market finds itself at a critical crossroads. While the broader economy remains resilient, geopolitical volatility and stubborn inventory trends are creating a challenging environment for buyers and sellers alike. This week, as mortgage rates continue to be battered by shifting waves of geopolitical tension, one trend stands out as the ultimate "make-or-break" indicator for the 2026 market: the slowing pace of new listings. A 'steadying' jobs report Turning first to the labor market, the April jobs report released on Friday presents a picture of steady, if unexciting, growth. Companies continue to hire, keeping the unemployment rate stable in the low 4% range. While average hourly earnings have risen by over 3% year over year—continuing to outpace inflation—the "cushion" for consumers has shrunk considerably. My colleague Jake Krimmel described this jobs report as "steadying," and its impact on mortgage rates is expected to be minimal. Instead, the primary drivers of volatility remain inflation concerns and, increasingly, the situation in the Middle East. Renewed Middle East tensions pushed mortgage rates to 6.37% this week. While this is an actively evolving situation, there is a silver lining: Rates remain nearly 40 basis points lower than they were this time last year and are hovering near their 52-week average. The inventory struggle as new listings fade On the ground, the market is what my colleague Jiayi Xu calls "cautiously active." We are seeing a widening gap in pricing compared to a year ago, even as the growth rate of inventory slows. Homes are sitting on the market for roughly the same amount of time as last year, but the real metric to watch is the new listings trend. New listings were soft again this week, and I believe this is the pivot point for the spring season. Without a fresh infusion of homes, the market remains locked in a state of high competition. This is particularly true in the Northeast and Midwest. Our April Hottest Housing Markets report found that Springfield, MA, topped the list, followed closely by a corridor of markets stretching from New York to Boston. In these regions, still-scarce inventory is driving intense buyer demand. The new construction pivot Interestingly, we are seeing a "price versus quantity" trade-off in the new-home sector. March data showed that new-home sales picked up—up 7.4% month over month—as prices slipped 6.2% from last year to a median of $387,400. Builders are aggressively managing their pipelines, with completed homes for sale now outpacing unstarted offerings. However, the "urbanicity" of this new supply remains a challenge. New construction is much harder to find in urban areas, accounting for just 11% of new homes for sale compared to 30% for existing homes. This scarcity drives a massive 78% price premium for new builds in urban centers. The rise of multigenerational living Finally, as we look toward Mother’s Day, we analyzed a growing lifestyle trend: multigenerational housing. Currently, 4.5% of homeowner households—nearly 3 million homes—house more than one mother under one roof. These properties are in high demand, receiving 13.5% more page views per property than standard listings. Because of this demand, homes with multigenerational features now command a 22% price premium per square foot. As we move forward, the direction of the market will depend on whether sellers are willing to break the current stalemate in listings. For now, the market remains a tug-of-war between high demand for specific features and the macro-headwinds of global uncertainty. For full reports, the Market Clock, and raw housing data, visit realtor.com/research.

A classic shingled house on Massachusetts' Billionaire Isle is up for grabs, and instead of costing millions, the house is being given away for free. The catch? You have to move it off the current owner's property. No, this doesn't have to do with erosion. Nantucket—like many oceanside areas—has seen some home prices plummet due to erosion, forcing some homes to be moved or demolished. But this house—at 140 Surfide Road on the southern side of the island near the airport—is located far enough away from the shore that erosion isn't an issue. Instead, the house—a 1,736-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath Colonial on a little over an acre—is being given away as part of the island's Demolition Delay Bylaw program. This is part of a longstanding island tradition of offering up homes for free rather than demolishing them and tossing them into the island's one landfill. The tradition was codified into law in 1997. "Why would we put these houses into a landfill when someone can use them?" asks local real estate agent Shelly Lockwood of Pepper Frazier Real Estate. Whoever wants to claim a free house has to write a letter of intention to the town's building commissioner and the owner. The claimant then has to be ready to move the house wherever it's going within 180 days. Notices about soon-to-be-razed homes will appear in either the Inquirer & Mirror and/or the Nantucket Current, and Lockwood says that just recently, the notices have been required to be posted online as well. Giving away a multimillion-dollar home Since 140 Surfside changed hands only six months ago, and isn't in danger of falling into the ocean, Lockwood says it's likely that the new owner never wanted the house to begin with. "Because the value of the land is so high—because there's none left on the island, really—people will buy a house they don't want just to get the land," she says. Records show that Dean Lampe (also listed on the bylaw notice) bought the home on Dec. 4, 2025, through an LLC in an off-market deal for $3 million. While it's not known why he wants the house gone, records show he also sold the newly constructed seven-bedroom house next door for $8 million in 2023. So it's possible that Lampe, who has bought and sold other properties on the island, plans a new build at 140 Surfside. Lockwood, whose family moved to Nantucket in the 1970s and who lives on the island year-round, says the freebie will go fast. Moving a home can cost between $150,000 and $500,000, depending on size. That's a lot cheaper than a new house on an island with a median price of $4.4 million. Last year, a humble 600-square-foot "fisherman's shack" was sold for $2 million after only a few days. "When they come up, they are very hot commodities," she says. "Who wouldn't want a house for $150,000 or so moving costs? You grab them if you can; it's a hell of a value." Currently, the cheapest land listing on the island is $1.65 million for 0.46 acres. Add approximately $200,000 to that for moving a free house to it, and now you have a Nantucket house for $1.85 million—a steep discount off the island's median. And it could be even cheaper if you plan on plopping the dwelling on a relative's property. Lockwood says it's common for those who can't afford a multimillion-dollar house to buy land and simply wait for a freebie. "They know one will come up," she says. Nantucket town is seen in a file photo. The island has a longstanding tradition of offering up homes for free for removal from a property, rather than demolishing them and tossing them into the island's one landfill. (Getty Images) Moving a house on Nantucket Several construction firms on the island will move a house—and also pour its foundation. "When it comes to moving a structure down the road, there are variables at play, such as road width, trees, utility lines, and neighboring structures," Carl Jelleme of Toscana Corp., which has been moving homes on the island for 20 years, tells Realtor.com. The company relocates 15 to 20 homes per year, Jelleme says. "Moving a building in multiple pieces is an option, but in our experience, it is rarely the most practical or cost-effective solution." The company says that a "significant number of moves" are now driven by environmental necessity, requiring the structural mover to lift the home from eroding bluffs and roll it back onto a new foundation, which can be a complex process. Usually, the houses that are moved longer distances are hooked up to a flatbed and hauled intact—there are many videos online documenting the eye-catching process. The process can take three to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the route, the need for new foundations, and the time required for Historic District Commission review. House transfers have to be made between Sept. 15 and June 15 before summer tourists crowd the island. Other restrictions include not moving a house in front of a school while it's in session and informing utility companies so that they might temporarily bring down wires for safety. If the claimant doesn't have land available yet, the homes can be "parked" in what is called a "crib," which suspends the home in the air until land is secured. While reclaiming homes is an island tradition that harks back to when the area was settled, Mary Bergman, executive director of the Nantucket Preservation Trust, previously told Realtor.com, buying an expensive house just to give it away for free is fairly new. "There didn't used to be as many people here who didn't want a house," says Lockwood. "Twenty-five years ago, we didn't have this mini-compound mentality. There's millionaires and billionaires here now. "But there's also just a lot less land."