Some of TV’s biggest stars–aka Bravolebrities–still live in modest apartments. Here’s what we think the Vanderpump Rules cast could afford to buy, based on reported net worth and Redfin’s affordability calculator.
It’s not about the pasta–it’s about the real estate! That’s our take on the hot-debated infamous line from reality TV cult favorite, Vanderpump Rules.
But first, let’s backup for the reality TV-resistent. The hit Bravo show follows 11 Hollywood 20-and-30-somethings, most of whom work as waiters (ahem, “Survers”) at Real Housewife of Beverly Hills Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurant, Sur. Seven seasons in, viewers have watched Vanderpump Rules cast members’ relationship and workplace drama unfold for years. They’ve broken up, been fired, gotten engaged and married, and carried out many of life’s big chapters on camera.
In the process, they’ve also gone from unknown catty co-workers to fully-fledged reality TV stars, with ensuing makeup lines, book deals, and full-on Instagram influencer status, hawking everything from sunglasses to diet tea.
And yet, they still work as waiters, bartenders and hostesses, and invite cameras into the same modest one-bedroom apartments most have inhabited since season one.
Which leaves us, well surprised. Remember when Vanderpump couple Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix had to turn off the air conditioner in their apartment in order to use the microwave? Fortunately for them, they recently became the first cast members to purchase a home: a five bedroom house in Valley Village for $2 Million. Mazel, guys! After years of living in Hollywood, they’ve chosen to venture out to Valley Village in L.A.’s San Fernando Valley. Their new construction modern farmhouse boasts five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, a pool and designer touches covering 4,453 square feet.
But that still leaves eight successful young stars and budding entrepreneurs living in humble Hollywood apartments (not including LaLa Kent, who famously lives with her movie producer fiance, and is definitely doing fine).
To help the rest of the cast members realize their homeownership potential, we did a little internet research and looked at reported Vanderpump Rules cast salary and estimated each cast member’s net worth based on those reported earnings per episode. We then plugged that cumulative paycheck based on 25 episodes in a season, into Redfin’s affordability calculator to determine an optimal budget to purchase a home with a 10 percent down payment and 30 year fixed mortgage at the current rate of 4.08 percent. It’s worth noting these earnings don’t include the extra thousands they rake in with sponsored Instagram ads, new business ventures, and paid appearances.
With that, we’ve handpicked a dream home each cast member would love, should they choose to join Tom and Ariana in homeowner status.
Stassi Schroeder
Despite the fact the Stassi no longer works at Sur, she’s still paid a reported $15,000 an episode. Each season typically airs anywhere from 20-25 episodes. Assuming it’s 25, that’s $375,000, before any of her added earnings, like a new book deal, or from the podcast she hosts, “Straight Up with Stassi.”
Optimal budget: $1,574,998 – $2,010,100
Dream home: 642 N Crescent Hts
List price: $1,698,000
A self-dubbed “witch of We-Ho” we know Stassi would love a West Hollywood single-family address to maintain that title. This fully gated three-bedroom Mediterranean-style estate is We-Ho walkable, with an open concept living and dining area for entertaining her friends. The luxe master with a walk-in closet, private outdoor access, and jetted bath is sure to meet Stassi’s high standards.
Jax Taylor & Brittany Cartwright
Jax is reportedly the highest paid cast member, at $25,000 an episode, despite being only a sometimes bartender at Sur. His fiance, Brittany, a waitress, has an estimated net worth of $50,000, for a combined worth of $675,000.
Optimal budget: $2,793,172 – $3,576,300
Dream home: 4248 Babcock Ave
List price: $3,199,000
Jax and Brittany live in the same apartment building as Katie and Tom, and while they reportedly own their condo, they might soon enjoy married life in a larger house near Tom and Ariana. This ultra-luxurious abode is full of high-end finishes like a marble fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and French doors. There’s an elegant formal dining room and gourmet chef’s kitchen with Calcutta Gold marble where they can host their friends for dinner, and Brittany can perfect her forthcoming beer cheese line. A home gym ensures these fit-minded folks keep healthy, before throwing an epic backyard pool party.
Katie Maloney-Schwartz & Tom Schwartz
Katie has worked at Sur since season one, while her husband Tom, a former model/actor, never has, he’s now a part-owner in Lisa Vanderpump’s newest outpost, TomTom, together with co-star Tom Sandoval. We couldn’t find reports of their earnings per episode, but as they are major players in each one, and assuming they both make $15,000 an episode like their co-stars, that would yield a net worth of 750,000. Considering Katie’s “Pucker and Pout” makeup line and various Instagram endorsements, and Tom’s new bar, we’ll up it to $100,000.
Optimal budget: $3,103,037 – $3,973,200
Dream home: 3931 Prospect Ave
List price: $1,350,000
Located in Franklin Hills, this striking three bedroom home comes move-in ready with designer finishes, a huge deck for entertaining, and sweeping views. There’s also a fireplace, chef’s kitchen, clawfoot tub, and tranquil garden with hot tub, hammock, porch swing, irrigation system, and fruit trees and roses lined by stone pathways. The location has a prime perch between both Katie’s best friend Stassi in Hollywood, and Tom’s best buddy Tom Sandoval in the valley, as well as easy access to both Sur and TomTom.
Scheana Marie
Scheana is another original Vanderpump Rules cast member, who reportedly earns $10,000 per episode. If 25 air, that’s $250,000. She’s also dabbled in a music career and starred in a show in Las Vegas.
Optimal budget: $1,067,368 – $1,357,500
Dream home: 1552 Harvard St
List price: $1,025,000
Viewers know Scheana recently moved to a new home in the Westside, which her co-stars begrudgingly made the drive to visit. Despite their protests, we know she loves the area, and think this adorable Santa Monica townhome near the beach could be the perfect fit for her, should she look to move again. With two bedrooms, there’s extra room for her sunglasses collection.
Kristin Doute
Kristin was fired from Sur, yet she still nets a reported $15,000 per episode. If it’s a long season with 25 episodes, that’s a $375,000 total payday.
Optimal budget: $1,574,998 – $2,010,100
Dream home: 1520 Camden Ave
List price: $969,000
Well located west of Hollywood, this lovely two-bedroom home is light, bright and airy, with a stylish kitchen, open floor plan, decorative fireplace and a gorgeous marble bathroom. The master bedroom has a large walk-in closet fit for a reality star.
James Kennedy
James started as a busboy at Sur before emerging as the restaurant’s star DJ. He was since fired from Sur for aggressive antics, but books big time DJ gigs in LA and nationwide. He’s worth a reported $600,000.
Optimal budget: $2,488,628 – $3,184,700
Dream home: 721 Indiana Ave
List price: $2,850,000
We can picture James and his girlfriend Raquel in celebrity-friendly Venice in this three bedroom house that’s simply stunning. Tucked behind a mod gate, the contemporary design includes luxe touches such as spa-like baths with marble finishes, chef’s kitchen, and a private office which James could easily use as a music studio. But the wow factor really comes through with multiple outdoor spaces including a rooftop with panoramic views and a fireplace, and lush private deck. We bet the self-dubbed ‘White Kanye’ would love feeling at home in this creative space.
This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.