"Like a little lover" - Shark Tank investor Barbara Corcoran talks about losing her trailer in the LA fires 

Shark Tank is more than simply an investment program; it's an opportunity to know more about the judges beyond their risk appetite and investment prowess. Throughout her life, Barbara Corcoran has been more than an investor. She is a risk-taker, a storyteller, and now a survivor of one of the worst wildfires in Los Angeles. She shared in a raw, vulnerable moment with The New York Times:

"I feel like I lost my sweetheart. I thought I'd have it forever and that I'd leave it to my daughter. This was a piece of who I was. I really had an emotional attachment to it. It was like a little lover,"

Her $800,000 mobile home at Tahitian Terrace Park wasn't just a property – it was a sanctuary, a memory keeper, a slice of paradise that disappeared in flames.

When the fire consumed 150 homes, Corcoran didn't just lose a building. She lost a chapter of her life, a place filled with laughter, memories, and the kind of personal history that can't be rebuilt with insurance money.

Who is Shark Tank's Barbara Corcoran and what happened to her during the LA fires?

Before becoming a Shark Tank icon, Barbara Corcoran was a real estate maverick who built her empire from scratch. Known for her sharp wit and entrepreneurial spirit, she's made a career out of seeing potential where others see obstacles.

Her Shark Tank persona is direct, compassionate, and never afraid to speak her mind. This same spirit shone through in her response to losing her beloved trailer.

Shark Tank's Corcoran was vacationing with her daughter when she learned about the fire. The Tahitian Terrace Park community, a close-knit beachside neighborhood, was decimated. She told The New York Times:

"I'll never go back. I can't even see the pictures. I'm protecting myself,"

The loss wasn't just personal. It impacted seniors who had invested decades of savings into their homes.

This wasn't just any property. Corcoran had invested $800,000 in purchasing the trailer and an additional $150,000 in renovations. A July 2023 property tour with Caleb Simpson showcased its unique charm – a navy blue and white kitchen, a baby-blue Smeg fridge, and a premium free-standing bathtub.

Her acquisition story was as unconventional as her business approach. She explained about negotiating with the previous owner:

"I said, 'What if you could use it whenever you want for your life?' And she said, 'Yeah that would be good.' She sold it to me,"

True to her compassionate nature, Corcoran immediately launched a GoFundMe campaign. She contributed $100,000 to start the community relief fund.

By January 2025, the campaign had raised $181,519 toward its $600,000 goal. The funds provide critical assistance to displaced residents – helping with rent, clothing, and basic necessities.

The larger story

The Tahitian Terrace Park fire is more than a personal tragedy. For Corcoran, a woman who built her fortune on seeing potential, this is just another challenge to overcome. Her "little lover" might be gone, but the memories, and the spirit of recovery, remain intact.

As the community rebuilds, Barbara Corcoran continues to do what she does best – turn adversity into opportunity.

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Catch the next episode of Shark Tank on Friday at 8 PM ET on ABC. Full episodes are available anytime on Hulu.