Michael Jackson’s home up for sale

The Las Vegas mansion that Michael Jackson and his children inhabited for six months in 2007 is for sale.

The six-bedroom, 16,461-square foot home at 2785 Monte Cristo Way is being listed for $3.95 million by Coldwell Banker.

It cost Jackson $1 million upfront to stay in the gated residence after he arrived in Las Vegas on Dec. 23, 2006, upon ending his 18-month self-exile in Dubai and Ireland.

I reported in this space on July 3, 2007, that bathrooms and bedrooms "were left in squalor, with children's handprints on many walls, stains on carpets and garbage left in sinks."

That differs dramatically with the description by Las Vegas real estate agent Zar Zanganeh, who leased the house to Jackson.

Zanganeh told E! News during a tour of the home that Jackson " left the property in great condition, professionally cleaned up. He was a complete gentleman."

Las Vegas deal maker Jack Wishna, who orchestrated Jackson's return to the United States, said Jackson had turned the master bedroom into a "huge romper room" by placing three mattresses on the floor "so they could all play together."

Wishna and his wife, Donna, before greeting Jackson at a private airport on the night he arrived, said they had a large Christmas tree placed in the home, with presents.

The tree was still in place when Jackson vacated the house on June 30, 2007. Jackson later rented a home at 2710 W. Palomino Lane and lived there earlier this year.

Wishna said Las Vegas was one of three options he presented to Jackson when they were discussing his return to the United States.

Neverland Ranch and a Florida location were also brought up. Jackson rejected a return to Neverland, Wishna said.

"He said, and I quote, 'I never, never, never want to go back to Neverland, never.' "

With the Jackson family reportedly at odds over where Jackson should be buried, and with the siblings favoring Neverland, Wishna said, "That is the last place on this earth that he wanted to be."

Since returning from Ireland 2 1/2 years ago, Jackson had never set foot in Neverland, which is now reportedly being discussed as a Graceland-type resting place for the King of Pop, who died June 25.

"If that ever happens," said Wishna, "Michael Jackson will come out of the grave like a character in the 'Thriller' video, and he will strangle the person that made that decision."

MAY I RECOMMEND ...

The fourth annual radiothon benefit for The Caring Place takes places next Friday, with the online auction bidding ending today. Sponsored by ESPN Radio 1100, the radiothon starts at 10 a.m. July 24, with more than a dozen sports and entertainment personalities hosting. You can place bids to co-host an hour with a celebrity at www.WeAreLV.com. Tickets to the reception are $50 and can be purchased by calling 871-7333. The Caring Place provides free services for the mind, body and spirit of those touched by cancer.

SIGHTINGS

Ms. United States 2009 contestants, including the reigning Graziella Baratta, taking in the sights at Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat on Thursday night. ... Terry Fator and his former assistant, Taylor Makakoa Dew, along with her parents, at Carrot Top's show (Luxor) on Sunday. ... Actress/poker star Jennifer Tilly, at Brio (Town Square) on Wednesday. ... Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce, at Tao Asian Bistro (Venetian) on Wednesday. ... At Lavo nightclub (Palazzo) on Wednesday: Kareem Rush of the Philadelphia 76ers. ... Ozzy Osbourne and family, dining at Society Cafe (Encore) on Wednesday. ... Former "American Idol" finalist Lou Gazzara, singing "Nessum Dorma" at the Bootlegger Bistro on Monday and getting a rousing response from The Scintas, Clint Holmes and other entertainers. Gazzara is at the Jpop Lounge at Mandalay Bay this weekend.

THE PUNCH LINE

"I thought it was fascinating how the New York papers covered it (President Barack Obama's ceremonial first pitch at the All-Star Game). The New York Times said that Obama threw a perfect strike. The Daily News said he threw a ball. The New York Post said that he was making out with Kate Hudson." -- David Letterman

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.