Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga is in the process of building her new dream home. She and her husband “Poison” Joe (Gorga) recently showed off the plans for their new mansion. The question is . . . can they afford this new house? The Gorgas sold their home in Montville Township, NJ this summer for 3.8 million dollars. They took out construction loans against the house. It’s not known if there was still a balance on the house after the loans were paid.
How did the Gorgas afford this mansion? Melissa was a stay at home wife with no income until she joined Real Housewives of New Jersey. There were reports the couple had money problems in the past. Perhaps now that they have a second income they feel they can afford this new dream house. Joe will take out construction loans again to get the house built. However, I think the bulk of the responsibility will go to Melissa. She has several streams of revenue coming in. However, Mel’s contribution may still not be a lot.
Melissa is paid well but this is a much lower salary than most women in the franchise. She made $350,000 from the show last year. After taxes and shoe shopping she will be left with a fraction of her salary. Melissa’s frienemy and sister-in-law, Teresa Giudice, is the second highest paid cast member of the housewives franchise. The highest paid housewife is Atlanta’s NeNe Leakes.
The J-Lo wannabe’s music does not sell well. Her book regarding marriage advice was a complete flop. Mel’s clothing line with Icon Clothing is cheap junk. She is hawking t-shirts that say “Wifey” and “Thank You, Jesus.” The majority of her income probably comes from public appearances.
Season 6 of Real Housewives of New Jersey is filming now. Perhaps Bravo will show the new house being built as part of Mel’s storyline. Melissa’s existence on the show has always been to fight with Teresa (and now she is fighting with the new cast members). It’s time to show another side of Melissa and Joe.
Image credit to FameFlynet
