Real Estate Fun Facts
Let’s lighten it up a little here in September as this year flies by right before our eyes. As Realtors, we are inundated with market information, predictions, career tips, and more. Occasionally, we run across something a little more entertaining, like the following fun facts about real estate.
A secret apartment sits atop the Eiffel Tower. Gustave Eiffel, the chief engineer, originally built this 1000sf apartment to be used as a private office. The apartment, which is now open to the public, consists of a bedroom, a bathroom, and a small sitting room. While he never rented it out, he did occasionally entertain famous thinkers and artists there, such as Thomas Edison (pictured below with Gustave Eiffel, both as mannequins) and Nikola Tesla.
The Hollywood sign was originally a real estate marketing billboard. The original sign on Mount Lee read “Hollywoodland” and its intent was to sell real estate in the Hollywood Hills. According to a 1923 L.A. Times article, the area would provide “a clean, healthful atmosphere and beautiful outlook of the (Hollywood) Hills”. Hollywoodland was said to be “above the turmoil of the city”, and “the supreme achievement in community building”. In September 1949, “land” was dropped, and the sign became what we know it as today.
McDonald's is a company built on real estate, not burgers. The company retains ownership of each location’s land and charges its franchise owners rent along with the standard royalties and franchise fees each month. It’s a business model developed by Ray Kroc, the franchise founder, and a substantial portion of the company’s value is in its real estate holdings.
The story of how McDonald’s became a franchise is told in the 2016 movie “The Founder” starring Michael Keaton (as Ray Kroc), and the McDonald brothers were played by Nick Offerman (who portrayed Dick McDonald) and John Carroll Lynch (cast as Mac McDonald). The original McDonald’s location in San Bernardino, California (pictured below) is now a museum.
The Empire State Building makes more money from ticket sales than rent. Still one of New York City’s top tourist destinations, the Empire State Building gets about 70% of its operating revenue from ticket sales to its famous observation deck, at a current rate of $44 per ticket!
Sears used to sell mail order homes. In the early 20th century, you could purchase a home through their famous catalog. These homes would be delivered to your address in the form of materials, instructions, and sometimes tools were even included. Sears bragged that, “Any man of reasonable strength, size, and intelligence can assemble a Sears & Roebuck home”. The company sold close to 75,000 of these kits during the early days of the 20th century, many are still lived in today.
The picture above (from Zillow’s website) is of one such house, located at 320 Market Street in Venice CA. The kit was purchased in 1913 for $520, and the current value, according to Zillow, is $2.4M.
The most expensive residence in the world is Buckingham Palace. It is the official London residence of the British monarch and serves as a symbol of the British monarchy. While Buckingham Palace is not technically for sale, it is considered one of the most expensive residences in the world. The palace, which was built in the late 1700s, is valued at over $1.5 billion.
The Kolb Team
Closing Costs
Fees that are paid at the end of a transaction, either by the seller, buyer, or both are closing costs. These include taxes, insurance, title fees, and lender fees. Closing costs do not, however, include the down payment.
Pet of the Month
Meet our September Pet of the Month: German Shepard Fancy Jo!
If you would like your pet to be featured in our Pet of The Month and win a Chewy gift card for your sweet family member, send a picture of your baby to info@thekolbteam.com and tell us why your fuzzy, furry, feathery, or leathery pet makes you happy! We look forward to seeing all of your awesome pet pics!
Recipe of the Month
Pozole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef roast
- 1 lb pinto beans
- 2½ C hominy, drained
- 4 oz green chilies, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Season roast with salt and pepper.
- Cook beef in pressure cooker or in an oven at 350°F until medium-rare (thermometer inserted into meat reads 145°F).
- Put the roast into bite size pieces.
- Place roast with remaining ingredients in crockpot; then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Shred-A-Thon
FREE on-site shredding of documents and computer hard drives. Hard drives must be be removed from devices.
Location: Field of Dreams Softball Field
Date: October 28, 2023
Time: 8AM – 10AM
We will once again be collecting pantry food items for our friends at Jacob’s Mission.
ASA Now and Jacob’s Mission brings awareness to Arizona’s foster care crisis and creates opportunities for our community to volunteer to impact the lives of our most vulnerable population: children who were abused, abandoned, or neglected at the hands of the very people who were supposed to protect them.
To serve children, youth and families directly impacted by foster care, ASA Now created a “one-stop” healing space where immediate needs are met and tutoring for children who have fallen behind educationally are rendered. Extracurricular activities are provided to offer healing and joy. Birthdays and graduations are celebrated. Life skills and mentors are provided for youth close to aging out.
But wait! Before you leave Sedona, you have to see the turquoise McDonald’s! Believe it or not, the golden arches are turquoise at this one-of-a-kind MickeyD’s! To blend in with the natural beauty of Sedona, buildings must abide by statutes that are meant to preserve the area’s natural beauty. This unique McDonald’s location was built in 1993, and city officials knew the fast food franchise would be welcomed, but the bright yellow ‘M’ logo would certainly interfere far too much with the beautiful Sedona background.
The famous arches were done in a soft blue, making this Big Mac-manufacturer a must-see when visiting the area.
Head north out of Sedona and you’ll find Slide Rock State Park, an area you could enjoy, with its natural ‘water slides’ formed by rocks. Now is the time of year when it isn’t hot as Hades, making it much more comfortable for you to either wade in the water or slide down the smooth rocks for hours.
About 5 miles south of Sedona’s most touristy area is the Village of Oak Creek. The hiking there is some of the best in the southwest, and afterwards, you can visit the area’s wineries and orchards. Enjoy some of the best Arizona has to offer, and head north for a day trip to Sedona and Oak Creek!
See What Our Clients Are Saying!
“Their belief that we would accomplish our goal in a timely manner provided us with the confidence we needed to undertake this great adventure.”
Ann and Frank
- California
Searching for That Perfect Home?
When looking at pictures online, it can be tricky to figure out the layout of a home. We can help you with that! On our website, you can access the most popular floor plans in Sun Lakes, AZ. Just click the button below!
Buyers of the Month
We have buyers who are ready, willing, and able to purchase and can’t find homes. If you or someone you know is thinking of selling and can accommodate, get in touch with us.
We have your buyer!
- Buyers in search of golf course view, 2500-square-foot house.
- Buyer looking for a home in the 2000-square-foot range. Would like a private back yard.
- Buyers looking for a single-level, updated home with 2 masters, would like en suite bath in the second bedroom.
- Buyers in search of an updated Barcelona with at least a 2.5-car garage plus casita.
Recent Real Estate Sales in Sun Lakes
Wondering about your Neighbor’s Home Sales Price? Find out here to see what sold last month. The report is broken down by HOA, address, and floor plan (if the agent listed the model in MLS).
Vendor of the Month
Thinking of doing some updates to your home? Maybe you just want to have your air ducts cleaned or would like to find a different company to maintain your pool. We have a list of preferred vendors that just may fit the bill! Contact us for more information.
We Are Committed to Helping End Polio Now!
We will donate $100 in your name to end polio around the world, when you list your home for sale with us!
You may also donate directly here
Would You Like a Free Buyer Guide or a Seller Guide?
Get Insider Information
We live, work, play, and volunteer in Sun Lakes and we know the ins and outs of this community.
As always, if you or someone you know is considering buying or selling a home,
we are here year-round and would love to help! Visit us online at
TheKolbTeam.com or call 480-809-5759.