WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, Texas (KTRK) — The well-known “Darth Vader” home in West University Place is back on the market for $3.75 million.
The house has been at the center of a legal battle between the City of West University Place and DV1, a limited liability company that owns the property.
Legal documents identify Brent Franklin, who goes by “The Real Million Dollar Closer” on Instagram, as a representative of the LLC and, at one point, a tenant of the home.
Court records show online advertisements, some taken from Franklin’s Instagram account, promoting events at the house. The city argued that these events violated local zoning laws, particularly concerning zoning and parking regulations.
During a dispute over an event in May 2023 advertised to entrepreneurs, Franklin claimed to the city that he hosted a house party at no charge. However, the city presented evidence suggesting tickets were sold for $100.
Despite the city’s order to cease and desist hosting events, social media posts indicate that Franklin and his associates advertised another event in September.
Additionally, records show that the LLC and Franklin, who claims to assist “high net worth individuals in growing their wealth through real estate and oil & gas investments while offsetting tax liabilities,” faced a lawsuit for tax delinquency in 2022. The documents indicate that nearly a quarter of the property taxes remained unpaid at the time. The taxes were settled in 2023, and the case was dismissed.
