Looking to move up?

There are quite a few opportunities. The current Forbes issue has a list of the ten most expensive homes in the U.S. that are currently for sale (publicly listed).

The average price of the ten is a little over $49 million with the cheapest being available at $38 million. Before jumping at one of these, be aware that none of the ten most expensive on last year's list have sold yet. With a little patience, the listings may change to $38 million OBO.

At right is the most expensive, the home of Cheryl Gordon, widow of real estate mogul Edward Gordon:

Although the property isn't on the ocean, the estate has a U.S.G.A.-rated golf course, with nine drilled holes designed to be played in both directions; a 25,000-square-foot main house; 65 acres; and three ponds, one of which is so large it's described as lakelike.

The description is helpful. Three ponds for $75 million? To me, iffy. Three ponds and a LAKE (even "lakelike")? OK -- the $75 million is starting to make a lot more sense.