Shawn Corey Carter, better known as Jay-Z, is an American hip hop artist and businessman. He is the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. He co-owns The 40/40 Club and the New Jersey Nets. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having sold over 26 million units in the United States. Beyoncé Giselle, commonly known as Beyoncé, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She was the second highest paid musician between June 2007 and June 2008, with earnings of $80 million. (more…)

After we posted the Mark Wahlberg item-that his just-listed home was snapped up for almost $14 mill in cash-the Los Angeles Times has amended the original report with an amended and vague blurb that reads:

FOR THE RECORD: An earlier version of this article reported that Mark Wahlberg has sold his Beverly Hills home. There has been an offer from a Los Angeles businessman but there is no finalized deal.

Our crack staff of real estate transaction trackers will keep a close eye on it, so an update will be sure to follow.

Located on a prestigious tree-lined block on Broadway in prime Pacific Heights, this half floor remodeled luxury condominium is appointed with state of the art amenities and offers the utmost in fine City living. One of only 11 units in a coveted boutique style building built in 1988. There are full span Golden Gate Bridge and Bay views from the living room and Bay views from the formal dining room, kitchen and formal entry. The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops and top of the lines appliances including Sub-Zero and Gaggenau. Two of the spa-style bathrooms have been remodeled and are highlighted with beautiful marble stone. An amazing location and walking distance to prestigious private schools, Union Street shopping District and transportation. Unobstructed Golden Gate Bridge and Bay views, three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms.

Offered @ $3,385,000

Contact Barbara Callan @ 415.351.4688 or bcallan@mcguire.com. Or visit www.streetsofsanfrancisco.com

Ann Brenoff over at the Los Angeles Times’ Hot Property reports that Marky Mark just unloaded his Beverly Hills property for about $14 million in cold, hard, straight up greenbacks, with a 10-day escrow. The buyer of the approximately 15,000-square-foot house-with a 2,500-square-foot gym that includes a boxing ring and a full basketball court-is a Mid East royal family member, according to agent Bruce Nelson, who brokered the deal. The pad, which sits on a gated 1.4 acres, was only recently listed (in October) at $15.9 million. The prop has a pool with a grotto and waterfall; there’s also a putting green. The house has five beds and 10 1/2 baths. Wahlberg is the executive producer of two HBO series “Entourage” (which is based loosely on his Hollywood life) and “In Treatment.” He was nominated for an Oscar for his supporting actor role in Martin Scorsese’s thriller “The Departed” in 2006 and currently stars in “Max Payne” and “The Happening.” Hillel Sanowicz of John Bruce Nelson & Associates in Bel-Air and Greg Moore of ReMax, Sunset Boulevard office, shared the listing.

Via LA Times

The art fairs got off with a bang last night, as Miami’s Design District and Wynwood were transformed into the epicenter of action. The streets were literally overflowing with art-seeking revelers, who were among the first to see some spectacular works from a slew of artists, with a few celebrities thrown in to boot.

This included the opening reception of David LaChapelle’s Jesus is My Homeboy exhibition at Wolfgang Roth & Partners, which is running alongside Arne Quinze’s Sculptures. Rocker Lenny Kravitz stopped by the reception with his daughter Zoe, as did Miss Naomi Campbell, before she headed off to cut the ribbon at the opening of the In Fashion Photo exhibition, which includes a retrospective of the supermodel. The Design Miami/ vernissage also welcomed a crowd of art cognoscenti, as did a slew of other fairs.

Nearby in Wynwood, a more subdued and sophisticated crowd enjoyed the Haute Living-sponsored opening of The Grand Show at Gary Nader Fine Art, which includes the works of more than 70 Modern and Contemporary Art Masters. In attendance were Gloria & Emilio Estefan. Jorge Perez, Mayor Manny Diaz, and other Miami stars. All of these shows are now open to the public, and definitely worth checking out.

By Mary Mullaj

It’s refreshing to hear about a part of the global economy that is doing well these days. One of these pockets of success is the real estate market in Montenegro, which is still going strong thanks to an influx of Russians to the area. As a fashionable alternative to the south of France, Turkey, or Spain, Montenegro has earned the nickname Moscow-on-the-Sea as Russians buy up coastal real estate.

Russians feel a cultural connection with Montenegro and Serbia because of their common Slavic-Orthodox identity, and feel welcomed and at ease. Russians accounted for 12 percent of all tourists to the country last year, and they are buying up luxury real estate faster than it can be built. Condominiums by the Mirax Group are selling for $10,400 per square foot, and the company can barely keep up with demand. Russian executives of companies like Gaxprom and VTB pay upfront and with cash for the home.  What’s more, land is now more expensive in Montenegro than it is in Monaco. All the development has created a new class of millionaires in Montenegro.

Russian investment in the country has grown to $13 billion, a figure that could be on the conservative side considering that Russians often invest through a third country or by teaming up with Montenegrins. Russians have also invested heavily in the country’s industrial sector as well as in Serbia’s gas company. Even though foreigners own only 1 percent of Montenegro, the level of Russian investment in the western Balkans brings up questions of geopolitical motives. Even so, one has to admire such a small country’s success in drawing such attention and investment from wealthy foreigners.

via the new york times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/01/world/europe/01balkans.html

When enjoying yacht sailing, one appreciates a luxury yacht that offers ease in its operation and superb balance in its negotiation. Such is the case with the 2004 Fountaine 46′ Pajot Bahia. This luxury catamaran is surprising equipped to enable fast speeds and expert handling providing the best in yachting enjoyment. Anodized aluminum mast and boom with mainsail and genois created by Incidences provide exceptional quality and strength while navigating the open seas.

Not only is the Pajot Bahia sleek and graceful in its performance, its Joubet-Nivett’s design is quite pleasing to the eye. Within its interior, each hull offers two double cabins accessed centrally with adjoining heads as well as a single cabin in the front of each hull. In total, 10 guests can be pampered in comfortable accommodations whether sunning, sailing, dining or relaxing. A full galley with a large aluminum cast bar, gas burners and oven, and an adjacent Douka-designed joinery table creates a beautiful environment for entertaining and socializing.

Twin diesel engines together generate 80 HP of sail drive power, and the Pajot Bahia’s cockpit is vast and well protected allowing many guests to enjoy the sailing experience. If looking for an exceptional catamaran that provides indulgent accommodations and excellent sailing abilities, the Pajot Bahia will be more than satisfying. Indeed, this yacht provides the perfect balance that makes catamaran sailing not only exciting but also a true luxury.

Design your own luxurious excitement and purchase the 2004 Fountaine 46′ Pajot Bahia for countless adventures on the open sea. Simply visit Luxury Index, an online marketplace where millions of affluent internet users can buy, rent, charter, or sell their luxury goods and services.

By Beth Brody

With the economy in a panic and the mad holiday season just beginning you probably secretly want some serious protection for your valuable assets. Traum Heirloom Vault answers your deep fears about the security of precious valuables and personal treasures. The bank is outdone with this vault, which claims to be stronger than a conventional bank vault.  And we have all watched movies about bank break-ins that leave you gripping your jewels a little tighter.  Protecting your valuables doesn’t require guard dogs and multiple locks, just one nifty and customized Traum Heirloom Vault.  The vault is fully customized to personal specifications and the large safe’s interior lighting saves you from digging in the dark for that certain Rolex or diamond earrings.  High-tech Relastan armor safely guards your treasure and can even connect to an existing home security system.  Protecting your valuables in style, the safe’s interior is appropriately golden in color and complete with a gorgeous blue lacquer finished exterior.  The Traum Heirloom Safe is available exclusively from Frontgate and will provide peace of mind for $180,000.

By Beth Brody

A sailing race sponsored by Louis Vuitton seems the perfect place to prove your sailing credentials to the  globe’s elite.  Of course the Louis Vuitton Cup is not the most famous race, the title belongs to the America’s Cup race, which is 45 years older than the modern Olympics.  But while the more modern LV Cup doesn’t have history on its side, it is definitely considered to be the more exciting of the two.  Several yachts compete in this race on the seas and it is becoming a rite of passage for sailors looking to gain back notoriety by challenging the defending champion of The America’s Cup.  Since 1983, the LV Cup’s yachtsmen have been earning back any lost credibility while having a grand time on the high seas.  The world of yachting has been an influence on the luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton far before the sailing races began.  The iconic travelling trunks created by the fashion designer were designed for use on ocean voyages.  To further celebrate the mix of beauty and world-class sailing is a new book The Louis Vuitton Cup: 25 Years of Yacht Racing in Pursuit of the America’s Cup.  Artist and yacht designer Francois Chevalier pays tribute to the exceptional seamen and passionate photographers who shaped the growing reputation of the Louis Vuitton Cup.  The book retails for $75 and makes a great gift for any yacht owners on your holiday list.

Like many businesses in the industry, The Breakers, an upscale resort in Palm Beach is taking measures in order to cut costs as the economy continues its downward spiral. The beach resort’s staffing has decreased by roughly 200 employees, down 10 percent from this time last year, bringing the total employee roster to about 2,000. Although the hotel’s bookings are still very strong, the hotel will continue to stay proactive in reducing the workforce throughout the year, as the economy continues to worsen.

Set amidst 140 acres of breathtaking oceanfront property, the resort offers an extensive range of services and amenities. In an effort to revitalize and expand the resort, the company has invested $250 million since 1990. Now, in an effort to stash some cash, the upscale resort has made moves to open up three new businesses. During the past month the company has hired 40 new employees dedicated to working the Phillips Point Club on the top floor of the Phillips Point office building in West Palm Beach and MIX, a women’s accessories store at The Breakers. The third new venture is The Breakers Palm Beach Realty, a brokerage catering to the luxury real estate market.

The real estate business is located on the hotel grounds and is in response to inquiries by guests and members interested in high-end real estate in Palm Beach and surrounding areas. The Breakers Realty makes sense. With only very expensive real estate selling in the market these days, why not tap into the market when the market is knocking on your door?