Why Some May Not Want to Buy Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s Beverly Hills Marital Home
- Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are selling their marital home amid ongoing relationship issues.
- The couple is asking for $65 million for the mansion, which they bought for over $60 million.
- Experts and online users have mixed opinions on the sale and the house's appeal.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on January 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Affleck and Lopez have barely lived in their marital home for two years and are already selling it. This follows rumors that the pair are having trouble in their marriage.
The couple purchased their Beverly Hills home a little over a year ago for over $60 million. They spent nearly two years house hunting and viewed more than 80 properties before finally settling on this one.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck seen house hunting on April 17, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Now, they are reportedly selling their mansion and asking for $65 million. According to reports, the couple is using realtor Santiago Arana from The Agency to sell the property.
Arana has reportedly been showing the Hollywood couple's estate for around two weeks and so far, there have been no buyers willing to make an offer.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck seen on September 26, 2021 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The decision for Affleck and Lopez to sell their home comes amid reports that they are reportedly on the brink of divorce. The filmmaker reportedly moved into a rental in Brentwood and the singer is currently looking for a new house.
According to celebrity realtor Josh Altman, the decision to list their property off the market is understandable. "Selling your house is a very public thing on many different levels," Altman said.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck photographed on April 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
He explained that because everyone has access to information nowadays online, they can easily find out how others live their lives just through pictures. "[...] It's actually a pretty invasive process, in general," he explained.
Altman noted that not only big stars like Lopez and Affleck sell off-market, but also prominent business people and anyone well-known in their community who wants to keep their business private.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez during an NBC Datline interview in Deep Cove July 13, 2003 in Vancouver, Canada. | Source: Getty Images
Altman, who has sold homes for celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Heather Dubrow, revealed a significant part of their business is conducted off-market.
He emphasized that this is closely related to those who reside in Tinseltown. Because of the location, they handle around 25 to 50 celebrity deals of high caliber.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck during a baseball game on April 27, 2003 in Anaheim California. | Source: Getty Images
Altman, who is not associated with Lopez and Affleck's listing, mentioned that some public figures love the publicity while it is the opposite for others.
As for Lopez and Affleck, Altman sees two reasons why they wouldn’t want to publicly list their property. The first is that the pictures would reveal how the pair are living.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez pictured on May 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
He added, "The second reason is that a public listing would likely attract visitors with no actual intention of buying. I've dealt with it a billion times before."
As for those who would be viewing the Lopez and Affleck's home, Altman said, "I assume that the access is going to be extremely limited. It's going to be people that are going to be as pre-qualified and [have] proof of funds as you could ever imagine before they get access to it."
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez photographed on March 30, 2024 in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Altman further explained that were will always be people who pretend to be potential buyers. Their only intention is to get an inside glimpse of a home or take a tour just because they desire to see a famous person's house.
Despite their efforts, Lopez and Affleck are struggling to sell their mansion for reasons debated over by real estate agents. "Ben never liked the house. It's too far away from his kids," revealed a source close to Lopez. Regarding the actress, "the house is way too big for her," the insider added.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez seen on March 29, 2024 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Regardless of how they feel about the house, Lopez celebrated her 54th birthday there in July 2023. She showcased her dancing skills by performing on top of a table during the celebration.
The superstar shared moments from the party, which was hosted by her husband Affleck. One video showed Lopez dancing in a backless halter neck silver gown as she performed for her guests atop a table to Lizzo's hit song "About Damn Time."
However, online users were not impressed by the star's decision to dance on the table. "Tables are for eating, dance floors are for gyrating," commented one person.
Another sarcastically wrote, "Ah great. Armpits and leg squats on a table where people are eating." Someone else expressed, "I cannot understand. Getting on a TABLE? With shoes on? And dancing? Alone? Because it's your birthday? Something is really wrong with this person."
Lopez and Affleck’s 38,000-square-foot home is situated on five acres of land. The house boasts "12 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, a twelve-car garage, and a pool, plus a sports complex with basketball and pickleball facilities, a gym, and a boxing ring," per reports.
A view of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's Beverly Hills seen on June 7, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the home's luxurious amenities and spaciousness, online users have speculated on why the Hollywood couple cannot sell their property.
A view of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's Beverly Hills seen on June 7, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
"This mansion is huge, arrogant, and overrated like its owners, good luck with that!" reacted one individual. Another questioned "Who needs twenty-four bathrooms[?]"
"Ridiculous, the size of the home is like a concert hall, not practical even for a family of ten," stated one. Another user commented, "She needs an army of housekeepers," referencing Lopez.
The couple's home sale has also sparked reactions from real estate experts. Several realtors have weighed in, offering differing views on the price and appeal of the property.
Some have scoffed at the asking price, while others believe it fits the home's scope and scale. Benjamin Bacal from Revel Real Estate, who represents high-end clients in L.A., thinks $65 million is a perfect asking price. He believes if it's good enough for A-listers like Lopez and Affleck, then it's good enough for anyone.
Ben Affleck pictured at home, dated June 19, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Another top L.A. real estate agent, who also handles A-list clientele, agrees. This agent believes the asking price is reasonable, given the estate's size and land. They even have a buyer interested in the house, though no offer has been made yet.
However, another L.A. agent who is deeply involved in the celeb real estate market is skeptical. They doubt the house will sell for over $40 million. Between the loss on broker's fees, the CA Real Property Transfer Tax, and Measure ULA, they estimate the couple will lose at least $6.5 million.
This agent believes the house should have been listed for no more than $50 million if the celebrity couple wants to sell quickly amid their looming divorce.
The Oscar winner and the "Enough" star purchased the home in June 2023 after tying the knot in July 2022. Reps for the duo have reportedly not commented on the news of their home sale.
Samuel Garner Affleck, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez attend a basketball game on March 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's Beverly Hills mansion continues to draw attention as they navigate their ongoing marital challenges. The outcome of their home sale remains uncertain.