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Celebrity Real Estate: Barack Obama, Bristol Palin

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By Laura Vecsey

Hawaiian Estate's Rumored Purchase by the Obamas, Bristol Palin Selling in Alaska

Interesting news out of the 50th state of the union is sure to make some presidential waves -- if it turns out that speculation about ties to Barack Obama are true.

Television news station KOHN in Oahu reports that 3-acre oceanfront estate on Waimanaolo Beach made famous by the hit show "Magnum P.I." has been purchased by an LLC whose mailing address is that of Obama fundraiser and Chicago lawyer Seth Madorsky. The property was sold on March 16 in a bit of mystery, but digging around has created a paper trail to Obama connections.

The Hawaiian home sold for $8.7 million which was above the asking price, but the mortgage note is about 1 million dollars more, which means the transaction could include cash for renovation to the historic property. The 1933 estate at 41-505 Kalanianaole Highway is called "Pahonu" and has belonged to a former local politician named Eve Glover Anderson for decades. It was the setting for Robin's Nest, the oceanfront Hawaiian paradise featured in "Magnum P.I."

According to KOHN, the deed and the mortgage are signed by Judy Grimanis, an executive assistant at a Chicago-based private capital firm run by Obama's longtime friend and frequent Hawaii golf and travel partner Marty Nesbitt.

With only two years left in the White House, the Obama's will need a place to land once his second term ends in January 2017. Whether it's back on the island where Obama went to high school and lived with his maternal grandparents … the real estate gossip mill is churning. At least the President will be closer to his beloved shaved ice, should this deal be for real.

… Meanwhile, in the 49th state, the daughter of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is engaged to be married and may be skipping out of Wasilla. Bristol Palin has listed her $549,000 lakefront home for sale.

Palin bought the half-acre property in 2011 and completely renovated the 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home that features views of Lake Lucille and, true to Alaska outdoor form, fly-in access for seaplanes. Palin is engaged to a Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer, a Kentucky native.

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