As leaders in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia title insurance, we’re usually busy writing up the latest industry news. Today, we’d like to take a look at the less droll side of real estate with eleven fun facts you probably didn’t know.
1. McDonald’s: Real Estate Mogul?
With over 35,000 properties, McDonald’s has amassed an enormous investment in real estate. Their franchises operate in over 118 countries, often with locations in some of the best commercial districts.
2. Money Doesn’t Make a Home
When most people strike rich, they upgrade. Not Warren Buffet, who despite being one of the richest men alive, has lived in the same home since 1958. The cost of his home when he bought it? A mere $31,500.
3. Brass for your Health?
Besides looking nice, brass and other metals like silver, iron, lead, and aluminum, have antibacterial properties. Brass is the most effective in killing microbes, and for this reason, most doorknobs are made of brass. An obvious disclaimer: this does NOT mean you should neglect washing your hands.
4. A Sign of Freedom
Paying off a mortgage is one of the most satisfying accomplishments one can achieve. In Scotland, it is such a momentous occasion that upon making the final payment, Scotsmen and Scotswomen paint their doors red.
5. Bartering’s Big Comeback
Recently, a Canadian man began a mission to trade up until he got a house—and he started with a single red paperclip. And he did it! Talk about knowing how to shop for the best mortgage plan.
6. Pretty Boy Robin Hood
Though Pretty Boy Floyd is mostly known as a bank robber, back in the day he was also known as a sort of hero. When he robbed banks, he also went through mortgages on file and destroyed them. This freed the people from their contracts early and allowed them to own their homes debt-free.
7. Monopoly’s Purpose
Monopoly was first intended as a teaching tool. The game simulates the nature of capitalism, and the takeaway was supposed to be that it is dysfunctional and unfair. Kind of like when your little brother bought Broadway Avenue before you could.
8. Spreading the Wealth
In India, there is a home with 27 habitable floors and room for 168 cars. The richest man in India built this home for over $1 billion.
9. The Ghost Clause
Including clauses of previous home damage is normal when selling a home, but in New York state, sellers are required to disclose any suspicions they have that their home is haunted.
10. Sunset x2
Have you ever watched a sunset so nice, you wanted to watch it twice? Well, in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is so tall that one can look at the sunset from the ground level, take an elevator to the top, and then see it again.
11. 15-Day Skyscrapers
How long do you predict a 30-story skyscraper would take to construct? In China, they are building these towers in as few as 15 days using pre-fabricated modules.
Champion Title
At Champion Title, we have a passion for real estate. Besides providing Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia title insurance, we also offer an array of title services that streamline closings. Visit our homepage today for more information.
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