Just how does a television reporter making approximately $300K a year afford a $4 million plush suburban Washington D.C. estate?
The mortgage and taxes alone come out to approximately $204,000 annually, per Zillow. That would equate to ALL of Tapper’s after-tax CNN income.
We tried to find out from Jake Tapper but he didn’t return our call. And finding Tapper’s digs was no easy feat. He pays an expensive lawyer to act as the trustee for the house so nothing is listed in public records in Tapper’s or his wife’s name. An old slick trick among aristocrats used to hide their vast assets and physical location.
The topic of how journalists earn money and who they are working for — even perhaps on the side — has been one of great recent interest.
Regardless, CNN’s Tapper is living the good life in one of the best neighborhoods in all of suburban D.C and certainly in one of the nicest homes. The Tappers moved into the home a few weeks after Hillary’s 2016 presidential election defeat after buying it for $3.7 million. Zillow estimates it is worth even more now. After all, real estate in that tony D.C. neighborhood does not depreciate.
Perhaps Tapper should have a cable news show on financial investments instead of D.C. politics. His meteoric rise through D.C. real estate alone is beyond impressive, as Tapper is among the richest land barons in the nation’s capital. And he’s still in his 40s.
To put that into perspective, before his last home purchase — his first — he was living in a bare-walled bachelor’s pad in D.C.’s gritty Adams Morgan hood in an apartment wedged among the eclectic bars, music venues and international restaurants.
Now he has an interior decorator on commission and 1,250+ bottle wine cellar, not to mention the swimming pool.
Perhaps Tapper’s wife is independently wealthy? No. She is a stay-at-home mom who previously worked for Planned Parenthood.
More on Tapper’s new digs, per an archived Zillow entry:
This extraordinary property offers every amenity for gracious entertaining, distinguished living and convenience. From the generous, beautifully appointed interior spaces that give way to the lushly landscaped, private back yard with heated swimming pool, spa, play area and outdoor kitchen, every element is designed for refined comfort. The stunning, eat-in chef’s kitchen, for example, with floor to ceiling windows gives way to the expansive covered verandah that extends across the back of the residence and offers tranquil vistas. A one-bedroom guest cottage with full kitchen and a covered porch distinguishes this luxurious retreat. With five/six bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, a 1250+ bottle wine cellar and an expansive two car garage, every amenity for entertaining and personal luxury is ready for your enjoyment. Situated in the heart of picturesque Forest Hills where shopping, restaurants and metro are less than one mile away and Rock Creek Park’s natural splendor is just down the hill, this property is a very rare offering.
