Pursuing the American Dream of homeownership is still a favorite national pastime and no two people approach the task with the identical goal in mind. Whiles some people fantasize about owning a small shack on a remote island, others dream about owning a statement-making house unlike any other. Luckily, with a surplus of housing inventory and the lowest historical mortgage rates on record, there are full arrays of house options from which consumers may choose.
Only consumers with the best credit history and the ability to properly manage a jumbo mortgage dare consider purchasing some of the amazing properties Mortgage Marvel has spotted as the price tags may cause a bit of sticker shock.
The Most Expensive Piece of Residential Real Estate
Too bad another owner just snagged the world's most pricey piece of property for a mere $220 million. The mega-priced penthouse in London's One Hyde Park, just sold for a king's ransom, earning the home the infamous title. This luxury penthouse usurped the title of "most expensive" by beating out the $150 million asking price for Candy Spelling's Holmby Hills California mansion simply dubbed "The Manor."
The penthouse apartment has plenty of unusual features that contributed to the outlandish price tag including:
- Two floors
- Bullet-proof windows
- Panic Room
- Views spanning the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park
- Room service 24/7 provided by the neighboring Mandarin Oriental hotel
- Amenities include spas, squash courts a private wine-tasting facility
- Security guard protection courtesy of the UK's elite special forces unit (SAS)
The price tag of this luxury home has certainly supported the adage "you get what you pay for."
Triangulated 1960s Home
Those with $899,999 to spare still have plenty of time to become the new owner's of an unusually designed house in California's famous Hollywood Hills. Recently, a 2,076-square-foot 1960s a-frame house went in the market, and the most distinguishing feature is that the home is constructed to resemble a triangle.
According to the listing on Redfin.com, the home has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and a "private flat grassy yard w/ circular stone patios, terraces & decks w/ sculpture ironwork." Because of the large, glass windows; the home also has a slew of views including the canyon, city lights, mountains, ocean and trees. The property is currently part of the Sotheby's Int'l Rlty-Los Feliz listing portfolio.
The World's Smallest House
Size is not always everything, and Toronto residents looking for an affordable home to call their own may be interested in a spec of a home that is a total of 7' wide by 47' long. The private, single family (okay, person) home has been completely renovated, includes a washer and dryer and a private patio out back. The listing price is about $179,000, which is well along the lines of the nation's median home value of around $176,900 (Associated Press), however consumers are warned never to shop for a home based on price alone.
The 312-square foot home has been dubbed the 'Little House' of Toronto, Canada courtesy of fans of the property. The house also has a basement and parking for two cars. Plus, the property has a rich history dating back to its original construction date in 1912. Interested parties should contact local real estate agent Antonio Nardi for a showing.
