Mark Wahlberg’s new Florida mansion purchase kicks off ‘really busy’ season, his real estate agent says

South Florida’s newly minted “Billionaires’ Row” welcomes back a new Hollywood heavyweight, and the celebrity buyer’s agent who closed a $37 million deal reveals that his high-profile clients don’t fall in love with the house first, it’s the area.

“I really try to go deeper… with buyers. I really want to address the question: How do you want to spend your time here? What’s important to you? Do you play golf? Do you play tennis? Is the beach important? What does your wife like to do? Does she like boating? How important is it to go out to dinner?” Michael Costello of Compass told Fox News Digital.

“I tell everyone, don’t fall in love with the house – you have to fall in love with the area. You can change your house as much as you want, but you can’t change the location.”

Costello, one of Florida’s most prolific real estate agents, recently represented actor Mark Wahlberg in the purchase of a fully furnished Italian-style mansion called Palazzo di Lago in the gated community of Stone Creek Ranch in Delray Beach.

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Realtor.com recently called the neighborhood “Billionaires Row,” a title previously and more commonly associated with the Palm Beach waterfront properties along South Ocean Boulevard.

“I first discovered Stone Creek Ranch in 2018 I think [or] “In 2019. I had a client who lived on the water in Gulf Stream, which is kind of northeast of Delray, and their kids were going to school inland, and they were tired of the commute,” Costello recalls. “You kind of stumble across Stone Creek Ranch, and you’re driving there, and it’s like this little oasis. There are beautiful lakes and bridges and big, great lots and beautiful homes.”

The 18,206-square-foot estate — which features seven bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms, a seven-car garage, a guest house, resort-style pool, home theater, gym, sauna, wine cellar, cigar lounge and more — was listed in March for $45 million. Set on 2.7 acres, it offers tremendous privacy — something Costello says his clients value most.

“Every detail of the home has been masterfully designed to provide luxurious comfort, timeless beauty and effortless entertaining,” the press release said. (Photo: Daniele Petroni/Fox Business)

“The thing I really try to do is protect my clients’ identity and privacy as much as possible,” Costello said. “When you call listing agents to show properties, the listing agent, their job is to really screen the buyers so you don’t get people coming to the property who aren’t qualified to buy…Over the last five years or so, we’ve had a few non-disclosure agreements that we’ve gotten from the more high-profile clients; [but] “I wouldn’t say it’s common.”

Listing agent Senada Adzem of Douglas Elliman, who represented the seller, declined to comment to Fox News Digital about the deal.

In a press release announcing the Wahlberg acquisition, Stone Creek Ranch was described as “a haven where world-class design meets complete appreciation.” The statement added that the recent sales of two architectural masterpieces – the “House of James Bond” and the “House of Ferrari” – highlight the international appeal of the area. Two new listings are expected soon, priced at approximately $75 million and $100 million, each poised to set the next standard for ultra-luxury real estate in South Florida.

At Mark Wahlberg’s new Delray Beach home, “Upon arrival, the custom-designed residence reveals a sweeping two-story foyer, bathed in luminous natural light that gracefully draws the eye toward the grand salon beyond,” the press release states. (Photo: Daniele Petroni/Fox Business)

When it comes to what a buyer like Wahlberg might want in a luxury resort, Costello says every client is different but most prefer homes with “beautiful finishes” and a lot of attention to detail.

“Some people want views, right? They want to be on the water, or they want something with a lot of privacy, or they want a big pool, or gyms or elaborate theaters,” he noted. “I would say the most common ‘must-haves’ are the high-quality features in these homes – natural stone, marble, French oak floors… beautiful finishes would be the common denominator.”

The dining room features crystal chandeliers for an “ethereal” feel. (Photo: Daniele Petroni/Fox Business)

Top-tier agents and their clients often display characteristics that go beyond the norm. Costello recalls that he once chartered a helicopter for a prominent New York City developer who moved to South Florida just before the pandemic hit.

“We kind of circled around [Palm Beach] Boycott in the helicopter. “Again, we’re looking at major properties, properties from the air, and seeing their size and scale,” he said. “He appreciated doing that and thinking outside the box, rather than putting him in a car and spending half an hour traveling between each showing.”

The signature wine room is temperature controlled. (Photo: Daniele Petroni/Fox Business)

The Wall Street Journal reported that Wahlberg’s purchase of Delray Beach comes on the heels of the sale of his Beverly Hills estate to Paris Hilton, which closed in June for $63.1 million. The man formerly known as “Marky Mark” now joins the growing list of celebrities and high-net-worth individuals who have left California for Florida.

With the high-profile deal closed, Costello says he’s looking forward to a “really busy” season and sees other hotspots like Delray Beach and Jupiter attracting more luxury buyers.

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“In the last six to eight weeks, we’ve seen a lot of offers. People here are definitely looking to buy,” Costello said. “I’ve talked to other customers, and they all say the same thing.”

“I’m lucky to have great clients. I’ve been really lucky. I think hard work plays a role, but there’s a lot of luck and…this business is definitely driven by the principle ‘You get what you give.'”

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