Sizing up Donald Sterling’s other business interests

Donald Sterling is number 972 on Forbes’ list of billionaires, with a net worth of $1.9 billion. Forbes values the LA Clippers at $430 million, though some say they could be worth more.

The bulk of Sterling’s wealth comes from real estate — buildings in LA.  So, will his real estate business be tarnished because Sterling has been banned from the game for racist comments?

“Yes, of course,” says Robert Baade, an economist at Wake Forest University. Baade wouldn’t be surprised if people started boycotting all things Sterling.

Any fall out will be short-lived, according to Leonard Baron, a San Diego realtor and lecturer at San Diego State.  He doesn’t think Sterling will lose any tenants. “People renting are going to be like, ‘What’s the price and what’s the location?'” he says. “So I doubt it’s going to have any lasting effects at all.”

And, Baron says, if Sterling wants to sell any real estate, there are plenty of buyers willing to pay top dollar.