Dwight Howard Buys $8M Seminole Co. Home

Sale Price Breaks Record

Despite the questionable economy, a recent home sale broke a record in Seminole County.

Just off of Markham Woods road you can glimpse the front entrance of the house that sold for more money than any house in the history of Seminole County, $8.1 million.

"When we closed the property we had a small celebration. It was just very, very, exciting," realtor Karen Arbutine said.

Arbutine closed the record-breaking sale and although she would not disclose the buyer, a large banner at the front entrance of the house provided a clue.

The "Welcome Home Warrior #12" banner, combined with tips from other sources, reveals the buyer is Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic. Howard is moving to Seminole County from Windermere.

The 11,000-square-foot house was described as an old world castle. The patio features a lazy river that lets you float through a cave and features three separate beach areas.

The house also has its own Nintendo Wii room with a large screen for interactive gaming.

Arbutine said the fact that the home sold is proof that, even in this economy, there are still some people spending money.

"There is definitely business out here. You just have to position yourself in the markets," Arbutine said.

Until now, the most expensive home sold in Seminole County went for $7 million.

Read more: http://www.wesh.com/money/17824333/detail.html#ixzz1ashvqnon

Dwight Howard's Florida house for sale, $2.95 million

By J.E. Skeets

Orlando Magic man Dwight Howard(notes) is selling his 7,796 square foot, four-bedroom, five-point-five-bathroom home in Windermere, Florida for just $2,950,000 Americano dollars. Score!

Yes, you read that correctly. Up until not too long ago, the All-Star center was living in a very reasonably sized residence — under 8,000 square feet. I don't know about you, but I thought Dwight's massive 6'11" frame actually took up some 8,000 square feet of real estate, so this news comes as a bit of a surprise.

Anyway, the house looks and sounds lovely:

"The main floor features a master suite with 14' x 20' closet, and 16' x 17' office or setting area. A two sided fireplace and Venetian plaster complete this room. A gourmet kitchen offers an oversized island work area with veggie sink, her office and breakfast bar. [...] A resort style lagoon pool with swim up bar, a spa, and summer kitchen with grill area make Florida living fun. The second floor amenities include two guest suites, a bonus room with 3 televisions, a bar and an incredible Home theatre."

Rumor has it Michael Jordan is considering buying the mini-palace — with plans to turn into a doghouse of some sort — so if you're interested, I'd act quickly. That Jordan guy can be extremely competitive.

Photos below.

*****

Cheers, The Big Lead.