“San Francisco, a City Built on Ships.”
During California’s golden age, hopeful prospectors flocked to California from all over the world. As soon as they arrived, many sailors, including the captains, abandoned their ships, hoping to strike the city because they thought was rich in gold fields.
Because real estate in San Francisco was at a premium (even then!), the ships were repurposed as prisons, homes, or hotels. Some rotted and sank in the harbor or were burned in the fire of 1851. Therefore, entrepreneurs and builders continued to build, right on top of the sunken ships.
When digging tunnels for the Bay Area Railroad in 1994, crews discovered a completely intact ship, The Rome. Too big to move, they just kept tunneling, meaning the J, K, L, M, N and T trains travel right through the ship’s hull.
About 70 ships are located under some of the most expensive real estate in the world.
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Did You know that is a Secret Apartament at the Eiffel Tower?
The Apartament was designed by Gustave Eiffel as a private space for himself to entertain notable guests and perform scientific experiments. The apartment was the lowest of a series of platforms that reached the uppermost sections of the tower, which Eiffel used for atmospheric and astronomical experiments. It’s generally referred to as the secret apartment, but it was fairly well-known to the public that Eiffel had this space.
After word got out that Eiffel had a private abode at the summit of the tower, the space became the envy of the Paris elite. Eiffel received myriad offers to rent out the space for large sums of money, but he refused them all. He only invited select members of the scientific community into the space, the most notable of which was Thomas Edison, who gifted Eiffel a sound recording device.
It’s telling that Eiffel located his private apartment directly above the public observation deck. It’s an interesting clash of uses; at one level, you have a space open to the public, which allows individuals to experience the thrill of viewing the city from above. Directly above this is a private residence for a single individual who restricted access to a small group of notable guests from the scientific community. Eiffel was using verticality to assert his dominance over the public, but his motivations for doing so remain unclear.
The apartment remains an intriguing curiosity atop the tallest building in the world, has since been restored, and visitors to the observation deck can view it through a glass divider, complete with wax mannequins of Eiffel, Edison, and Eiffel’s daughter.
Real Estate Investing in Albania
Albania is becoming an increasingly popular destination for foreign investors, particularly in the real estate sector. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage and rapidly developing infrastructure, it’s no surprise that the country is becoming a prime destination for those seeking to invest in real estate. The country is also becoming a popular destination and attracting more tourists in recent years, leading to an increase in demand for vacation homes and rental properties. With its low cost of living, stunning scenery and friendly locals, Albania is an attractive option for those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle.
Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Albania
Our country offers a wide range of real estate investment opportunities, from luxury beachfront villas to city centre apartments. The country’s rapidly developing infrastructure is making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in real estate, with a growing number of international developers and investors taking advantage of the country’s attractive investment opportunities.
In addition, the country is home to a number of international banks and financial institutions, making it easy for foreign investors to access the capital they need to invest in real estate. The Albanian government has also passed a number of laws and regulations to protect foreign investors, making it a safe and secure investment destination.Our country has a relatively undeveloped real estate market, with many opportunities for new construction and redevelopment. This presents opportunities for investors to build or renovate properties to meet the growing demand.
However, it’s important to conduct thorough research before investing in real estate in Albania. It’s also recommended to work with local professionals, such as real estate agents, who can provide guidance and support throughout the investment process.
Contact us for more information,
www.exclusiveproperties.al
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Written By Broker Ardi Ymaj
1. There is a town in Germany built over a meteor
A town in Germany named Nördlingen was built over a meteor that is said to be over 15-million-year-old. An asteroid hit the town over a thousand years ago, but the locals started building a town on the remaining crater far from being pressured to leave. The town is over 1,100 years old.
2. Red doors are symbolic in Scotland
In Scotland, there is a common custom of painting your door red whenever you pay off your mortgage. It’s safe to say that Red is their happy color…
3. Hollywood Was Originally a Real Estate Promotion
the original intent of the sign was to promote the sale of homes and property.
According to the L.A. Times in 1923, the area would provide “… a clean, healthful atmosphere and beautiful outlook of the (Hollywood) Hills.”
4. Russia Sold Alaska to the U.S. for $.02 per Acre
The United States bought the 375 million acres we now call Alaska from Russia in 1876 for $7.2 million, or about $126.5 million in today’s market. Though the Alaska Purchase Treaty certainly provided some upside to Russia at the time, the U.S. has come out a huge financial winner in the deal thanks to the massive oil deposits discovered in the 49th state in 1967
5. 1 in 10 Americans Sell Their Home Due to Paranormal Activity
Many people stated that they thought their house was haunted before they bought it. Don’t worry if you don’t have a gift for the supernatural. State disclosure laws may require that agents disclose spirit residents and hauntings to potential buyers.
Many brokers and sellers work the equation of selling backward. They start at the desired sales price and work in reverse to ensure the home is marketed and presented properly to achieve that price.The lead-up to going on the market is all focused on one goal: selling. While this approach typically works, sellers with homes that are lingering on the market longer than the average time on market for their local area may be wondering what’s wrong. if your home is not selling, it is for one of three reasons. One, there is a product problem; two, there is a market problem; or three, there is a price problem.
Product Problems
A product problem means something about the home is a turn-off for buyers. Examples include units needing a total renovation where any potential purchase requires significantly more time, money, and energy before moving in. Generally, most sellers know if they have a product problem. Hopefully, many sellers knew this when buying in the first place, so it’s not a surprise now.
The solution, unsurprisingly, is a price adjustment. Sellers with problematic homes need to drop their price to a level where even buyers who would normally not be interested start to run their own mental calculations to see how much of a deal it could be.
Market Problems
A market problem means there is something off about the market itself. A more typical example is today. After a massive surge in sales, the markets have contracted back to lower-than-typical seasonal levels. For sellers, this means fewer buyers and more competition. To mitigate this issue, sellers must stay on top of the real-time trends in their local area to ensure they stand out despite market movements.
Price Problems
A price problem is a nice way of saying your price is wrong. And in real estate, prices are only wrong one way: they’re too high.
In fact, most problems eventually funnel their way into a price problem. Whether it’s a first-floor unit with brick wall views or a park-view penthouse asking peak prices, the core issue is the price is too high. While some luxury sellers may have the advantage of waiting for their price, the net issue for all sellers with extended days on market is overpricing.
In short: The more the market changes, the more it stays the same. When it comes time to sell, do your homework, figure out which problems you may be facing and price it right the first time to avoid problems down the road.
Copyright Forbes
Interior Design Trends- 2023
A new year is a good time to evaluate our interior design trends; to decide which colors, fabrics, styles and ways of arranging our homes are keepers and which should be left behind.
A group of prominent designers have partnered with The Shade Store, including Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Jonathan Adler and Robert and Cortney Novogratz, who say:
“We expect to see more sheer window treatments utilized within the home. White is a neutral color that goes in every home and works well within all budgets, so we expect to see a lot of that in the coming year as well.”
Martyn Lawrence Bullard says, “Patterns are going to be on trend in 2023. Beautiful vintage looking fabrics are being shown in even modern interiors, bringing a fresh joy to the palettes. Green is huge again, and browns and sepias are making a comeback mixed with clean whites and pale off whites, giving a very fresh take on an old school vibe.”
He adds, “Fancier curtain details will also be making a comeback.
~Are we done with gray yet?
Jonathan Adler says, “For color, I except to see a lot of blue in the year ahead. Blue is an “always” color for me, as every shade of blue works with every other shade of blue.” 1stDibs, a leading design marketplace, announced that greens are still on top, with emerald earning the top color spot of this year’s survey for the third year in a row, enjoying a narrow lead over sage.
~Sustainability is a top consideration.
For designers and homeowners, the importance of sustainability has risen greatly – and this is reflected in this year’s survey results.
We are so over these trends:
The 1stDibs survey indicates that we are, in fact, tired of gray. Animal prints don’t make us purr or roar; at this point, we prefer large-scale prints and florals. “Go for the gold” is no longer our mantra. For metallic finishes, we prefer bronze, brass, copper and nickel. And the hottest trend of the pandemic, the home office, began to lose steam last year and is continuing to decline in popularity.
Copyright from Forbes
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7 Hot Winter Home Design Trends Real Estate Agents Are Seeing on Listings
Making a home feel warm and cozy this winter is the main idea behind many of the latest interior design trends. Here are a few of the hot trends that are warming up home interiors:
1. Earth-Tone Colors With “Wow”
Earthy neutrals are a go-to for homeowners because they can provide a good foundation to build upon. Beige, gray, browns, and whites are popular for the furniture, walls, and floor. But when you want to bring the “wow” factor in, deeper colors are the way to go. Real estate professionals are seeing a lot of homeowners use deep oranges, greens, and reds to make a statement and add some richness to a home.
2. Natural Materials
Agents say homeowners who take on renovations are gravitating more towards natural woven materials like wicker, rattan, and sisal to bring more warmth into their rooms. TThey also pair well with other natural materials like leather, marble, and hardwood.
3. Earthy Scents
Smell may be one area of home design that often gets overlooked. But it can make a big difference. Essential oil diffusers, candles, and even sachets of dried flowers can help give a home a pleasant scent. Earthy aromas like lavender, sandalwood, can make a home feel more welcoming.
4. Furniture With Curves
Clean lines were all the rage a few years ago, but real estate agents are seeing more homeowners embrace the idea of curvy furniture. If the homeowner don’t want to buy new furniture to embrace the curvy trend, they can opt for curved accessories like mirrors, vases, artwork, and area rugs.
5. Sustainable Design Elements
During economic hardships, we tend to purchase things that are of lower quality because they’re inexpensive. Agents are seeing more people saving their money to purchase well-made items that are also sustainable, ethically sourced, and eco-friendly.
6. House Plants Galore
This winter, real estate agents predict that more homeowners will incorporate house plants in their decor. Plants can liven up any room and, depending on your green thumb, you can find plants that require very little care. Flowering plants and indoor herb gardens are popular, as are creeping plants like spider plants.
7. Exposed brickwork
Homes with accent walls aren’t new, but now more than ever we’re seeing exposed brick accent walls gain popularity over bold statement colors or wallpaper. If a homeowner is going for a brick accent wall, they should consider painting the rest of the room white (or off-white). White walls will make the brick pop, especially if its red brick.
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https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/styled-staged-sold/7-hot-winter-home-design-trends-real-estate-pros-are-seeing-everywhere
The World’s Biggest Landowner
Queen Elizabeth II is well known for many things; the biggest one likely being that she is the Queen of the United Kingdom. But the royal family also owns plenty of real estate — and that includes acres and acres of land. It begs the question: Is the queen the biggest landowner in the world?
If you thought you had a big backyard, think again. Queen Elizabeth II holds title to roughly 6.6 billion acres of land throughout the world. For reference, that’s about one-sixth of the land on the entire planet. Most of the land falls under the Crown Estate, which essentially operates as a real estate business. According to The Independent, all of the profits of the Crown Estate go to the United Kingdom’s Treasury, but it should be noted that the queen receives 15% of those profits. (Real estate has played a major role in the royal family’s net worth.) In the U.K., the queen’s real estate operations hold more than $16 billion in property. This includes many of the royal family’s residences, including Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and Windsor Castle.
The queen owns a lot of property, but it isn’t all empty land or fancy homes. The Independent also reported that she owns 14 retail and shopping parks along with three shopping centers in the U.K. The retail, residential, and office space around Regent Street and St. James’ Place in London is also owned by the queen.
She is, by far, the world’s largest landowner
Queen Elizabeth is far and away the world’s largest landowner. It would be hard to surpass her impressive 6.6 billion acres. The closest to her on that front is King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, who owns a mere 547 million acres. (Yes, that’s still impressive, but nowhere near the queen’s 6.6 billion.)
https://www.cheatsheet.com/
We are witnessing this critical moment in our daily lives, this unknown enemy has made us aware of how small we are before any achievement we can be proud of in our lives. This is a test for big corporations, businesses, systems and people to understand that the more you hit the ground, the more you have to recover. Life is unpredictable and that makes it even more beautiful, more attractive, more mysterious and more unique. This is the right time for any person not to hesitate in terms of achieving their dreams, their investments, their successful steps and everything else that may have held them hostage so far.
Real estate at the moment is the real mirror to understand if our invisible enemy is creating a market crisis. But this crisis occurs if you yourself allow the penetration of this phenomenon in our societies. The start of 2020 came with mourning from “November 2019” with a natural disaster that hit our country and recently we are being hit by socio-economic-financial damage in our country as a result of this unknown enemy that is nothing but a straightforward push courage, bravery and determination to move forward.
Buldings under construction are the first to feel indifference from potential buyers. Foreign investment is also in turmoil as a result of the measures taken by our state in the last month, as the fact of the socio-economic crisis in their country is not excluded. Domestic investors can focus on properties that are having difficulty repaying loans as a result of declining leasing power to the market, so properties may require “opportunity” type savings!
Banks may have experienced a workflow during this period, but not the flow they would like to have. The credit sector may have declined for two simple reasons:
1. The consequence of risk, non-repayment of the loan as a result of the economic crisis that gripped the country and led to the closure of the market for nearly 40 days.
2. People who want the situation to calm down and then make other investments.
Lease Sector
The crisis has been for both categories, the lease has not been in circulation and has led to non-payment of rent, while the rent has not had liquidity in its investment field.
Patience and Focus are the sworn enemies of the crises that have faced not only our country but the entire globe and only these two can clarify the turbulent reality we are in at the moment!
Ready, Set, Go!
Nga ARDI YMAJ
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who has amassed an extensive collection of homes across the country, has added another property to his real estate portfolio. The richest man in the world, worth $131 billion, has reportedly paid $165 million for media magnate David Geffen’s Beverly Hills estate, setting a new record for a Los Angeles-area home, according to the Wall Street Journal. The previous residential record was set late last year, when media executive Lachlan Murdoch, son of Rupert Murdoch, paid $150 million for the Bel-Air estate used as the Clampett residence in the television show The Beverly Hillbillies. Bezos and his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez, reportedly had been touring the priciest mansions in Beverly Hills and Bel Air, which are among the Los Angeles area’s most prestigious enclaves. Realtor.com reports that the Bezos real estate empire is already quite extensive, with several adjacent condos overlooking Madison Square Park in New York City, a nearly 30,000-acre estate in Medina, Washington, a massive ranch in west Texas and two properties in Washington, D.C. On 9 acres in Beverly Hills, the legendary estate is also known as the Jack Warner Estate. It was designed in the 1930s for Jack Warner, the late former president of entertainment giant Warner Bros. In 1990 this property had a value of $47.5 million. Prices continue to rise in Los Angeles, which is one of the most expensive metro areas in the United States.
It has been said that Jeff Bezos bought the property without a real estate broker
Article from Forbes
