Celebrities and professional athletes value their privacy, knowing there is always someone out there eager to take advantage of their wealth and assets. For a famous name in the spotlight, there is nothing more important than protecting their home, family and personal information.
As the founder and broker of Luxury Estates International — and the exclusive Las Vegas representative for SportStar Relocation — I work with athletes and other high-value clients on a daily basis. I was responsible for the most expensive home sale of 2017 and the second-most expensive home sale of 2018 in the Las Vegas market — both to professional athletes — as well as the second-most expensive home sale of 2020.
When coordinating property transactions for noteworthy and newsworthy clients, discretion is extremely important. That’s why I’d like to share three of the most overlooked and underutilized ways to protect the identity of a high-profile buyer when making a luxury home purchase.
When purchasing a home, public records are created that anyone can access. In Las Vegas, for example, a property deed is recorded with the Clark County Recorder's Office. If your name appears on the deed, anyone can find out your address and property details. To avoid this, consider taking title under an LLC (limited liability company), with a trust managing it to keep your identity private. Trusts are private documents, and no one needs to know that you’re the trustee or beneficiary.
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a powerful tool to protect your privacy. Make sure that everyone involved in the transaction—realtors, appraisers, home inspectors, and even members of your team—signs an NDA. Don’t take any chances. A person is less likely to brag online, supply a blind item to a publication or share information around the office if they know it could lead to a lawsuit over breaking an NDA.
Sharing photos or videos of your new home on social media may seem harmless, but it can be risky. Star athletes and other famous clients are typically buying custom homes with distinguishing characteristics and easily recognizable features. It’s not hard to identify noteworthy homes. Anyone with access to the MLS or websites like Zillow can cross-reference photos and price points to determine your exact address. Once your location is known, the information can spread quickly. Resist the temptation to post, and keep your home details private.
Don’t compromise privacy and security when buying a luxury home. Kamran Zand and agents of Luxury Estates International are experts in negotiating and managing the delicate details involved in the wide-scale home transactions common with celebrities and athletes. If you’d like to learn more about securing your identity during a luxury real estate purchase, email [email protected] or call/text 702.354.2023.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article provide general information and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult an attorney for legal or tax matters.
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