Often Overlooked Responsibilities All Homeowners Should Know

Often Overlooked Responsibilities All Homeowners Should Know

Owning a home comes with responsibility. There are many things you need to keep in mind. You need to take care of your home so it remains in good condition and you can avoid expensive repairs or emergencies. 

From basic maintenance to renovations the costs of owning a home can be high, which is a reason people think twice about buying one. However, there are many advantages as well. 

Homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live. It’s an investment that needs to be protected. Let’s discuss some often overlooked responsibilities that every homeowner should think about.

Foundation maintenance

The foundation of your home should be assessed by a professional at least once per year. If there are any signs of water damage, you should get it fixed as soon as possible.

Too much water around your foundation can cause it to rise above its intended position, known as foundation upheaval. A sufficient drainage system for your home is not only the best preventative measure to avoid this, but is also critical to protect your home from flooding.

Often Overlooked Responsibilities All Homeowners Should Know

Maintaining the roof

It’s no secret that you need to keep an eye on the roof to be certain that it’s in good condition. An annual inspection is crucial to its longevity.

In addition, you’ll want to have your roof checked for any damage after any extreme weather. An experienced professional should handle this task, as they’ll know exactly what to look for. Things like loose shingles or even the smallest of holes can lead to extensive home damage. 

It’s also important to remember that your current roof won’t last forever. On average, asphalt shingles will need to be replaced every 15-20 years, assuming they haven’t sustained any damage. 

The hot water heater

Your hot water heater is an important part of your house that doesn’t often get the attention it deserves. In many cases, as long as our water is running hot, and there isn’t some sort of critical failure, we forget about it altogether. 

Simple tasks like testing the TPR valve every 6-12 months and draining the tank to rid it of any sediment at least once a year will increase both the lifespan and efficiency of the unit.

With proper water heater maintenance you can expect to get 6-13 years of use before needing a replacement. When that time comes, make sure you bring in a trusted professional to do the work.

Often Overlooked Responsibilities All Homeowners Should Know

Doors and windows

Like all other parts of your home, doors and windows need to be well maintained. This goes beyond just making sure they stay clean.

Doors and windows should always be properly sealed. This, along with insulating and controlling moisture in your home, is part of what’s known as weatherizing your home. 

As time goes on, weatherstripping becomes dry and brittle. As a result it’s no longer serving its intended purpose. This means outside air will be able to pass through, driving up utility costs such as electricity and gas. 

Another important factor to keep in mind is the material your exterior doors are made from. If you have any wood in your home, you’ll want to periodically check for any cracks. In most cases a crack in your door can be sealed, but more severe cases may require a full replacement.

Windows should also be checked for any cracks or loose panes of glass. Along with energy efficiency, cracked and loose panes can rattle and even break in high winds.

Final Words

Homeownership is an investment, and it’s important that you protect it. Ensuring these homeowner responsibilities are completed can help you avoid costly repairs and make sure your home and its value are in good condition for years to come.…

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Insulation - Why is it Important?

Insulation – Why is it Important?

You can start going green by checking the insulation in your home.

You may be considering solar panels, heat pumps, solar water heating, or renovating to save on energy costs. The first thing you need to do is improve the insulation in your home. This will help you make the most of your natural resources and not waste energy. 

You will spend a lot to buy a powerful system that can cover the energy requirements of an inefficiently insulated home.

Insulation is one way to save energy at your home. It keeps the house warm in winter and cools during the summer. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that a three-bedroom semi-detached house with three bedrooms can save as much as $200 annually by installing cavity and loft insulation.

This guide will help to understand the importance and the various options available to you to improve the insulation of your home.

What is Home Insulation?

Insulation can help you maintain the temperature of your home throughout the year, by protecting it from cold in winter and heat in summer. Insulation can also be used to reduce noise pollution. Insulated houses are very efficient in terms of energy and require minimal cooling or heating.

The amount of money you can save by insulating your home will depend on many factors, including the type of insulation used and the size of the house. You will also need to consider how old your house may be. You don’t usually need planning permission to install insulation measures. They will pay off over time so it’s a smart investment.

Modern houses are usually built to high insulation standards. However, older houses require a lot more work. In the latter case, there are many ways to increase the efficiency of your home’s energy use. To keep heat from being lost, integral insulation is a good option.

There are many options for ensuring your roof, floors and walls. Walls are the most important as they will lose between 30-40% of heat in a typical home. The roof is second, with 25% heat loss. Next are windows and doors at 20%, and then the floor.

What are Insulators Made Of?

Although there are many different qualities and materials, good insulation products have structures similar to wool that trap air in tiny pockets. Strong curtains are a great way to insulate your home. Hemp and cotton fabrics are excellent insulators. Hardboard and wooden doors, which are made from wood, can be used as insulation to keep your home warm.

Spray foam solutions are available that are generally polyurethane-based. Foam can be used to cover gaps in roof tiles or the adhesive stips version can be used around doors and windows. To stop draughts from entering cracks or gaps, sealants can be used.

Here is a list of some of the different types of insulation:

1. Insulation for walls

Depending on what type of wall you have you can use:

A) Cavity wall insulation: There is a gap between inner and outer leaves. Through drilling holes, an insulator is installed on the wall. The cement is then refilled with it.

B) Solid wall insulation with no cavity. You can choose between external and internal insulation if you have solid walls. The exterior insulation covers most of the property’s facade, while the internal insulation is applied to the inner rooms.

2. Roof insulation

A) Warm loft. Insulating immediately below the roof. Although it is more costly than a cold loft, this is usually better insulation.

B) Cold loft insulation immediately above the ceiling on the top floor.

Insulation - Why is it Important?

3. Insulation of windows and doors

Double-glazing windows and doors are a must! This means you have at least two glass panels spaced a few millimeters apart, instead of one. Double glazing can also help protect your home from outside noise and keep it warm and quiet.

4. Floor insulation

It might be quite expensive so make sure you can afford it. This will depend on what type of floor you have. Modern houses usually have insulation under the concrete floor, while older homes with suspended floors may require additional investment. 

Good rugs can be used as floor insulation. You will feel more comfortable when you walk on this floor.

What’s the next step?

After you have optimized your home’s insulation you can give your home an energy-efficient final touch. Green energy systems can be used to heat your home and generate your electricity. 

These systems will eventually pay for their costs. You will be able to reduce your household’s carbon footprint, and in the long term, you can save a lot of cash!…

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Own Property in Mexico

Top 5 Best Places in Mexico to Own Property

Are you thinking of buying property in Mexico ? Do you want to know where to find it? Mexico is a country with a rich history, a welcoming culture, and spectacular landscapes that range from rich rainforests and rocky mountains to gorgeous white beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. 

There are homes and condos available that can be purchased in Mexico. These properties are popular investments for international buyers. Before you make any investments in Mexico real estate, make sure you do your research. Each region is different, as you might expect from such a diverse country. Here are the top 5 best places to buy property in Mexico.

Puerto Vallarta

There are many great locations to purchase international real estate in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta, in the State of Jalisco, is one of the most sought-after destinations along the country’s Pacific Coast! The city is known for its beautiful cobblestone roads and charming Spanish colonial-style architecture, as well as its golden sand beaches and inviting restaurants and boutiques.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for lovers, families, and people in the LGBTQ+ community which makes it the ideal place to find romantic, traditional-style apartments and homes in this area. It boasts beautiful views of the bay and mountains. A number of condominium developments are in development, with modern apartments available for sale. 

Own a Property in Mexico

Los Cabos

Los Cabos, located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, is just 2.5 hours by plane from Los Angeles. This area is especially popular with West Coast residents. This 20-mile stretch includes San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Los Cabos is known for its beautiful beaches, championship golf courses, and luxurious resorts. You will also find the finest residences available for sale in Mexico in Los Cabos. Luxurious resort communities with luxury branding offer apartments that have stunning views of the beaches and golf courses.

Own Property in Mexico

Cancun

Cancun, Mexico’s most popular resort destination, welcomes more than 3 million tourists annually! Cancun’s “Zona Hotelera”, a 15-mile-long strip that is home to numerous hotels, marinas, and shopping, is the place that most foreign visitors are attracted to. It is also within easy reach of the beaches and clear, warm Caribbean waters. Cancun International Airport is located 6 miles from the Zona Hotelera which makes it the city’s main international gateway. 

Cancun’s strong tourism sector is well-established, successful, and easily accessible. It offers many investment opportunities, from condos and new construction villas in residential communities, to boutique hotel developments right on the beach and luxury homes right on the water. Cancun is one of the most affordable places to live in Mexico.

Own Property in Mexico

Tulum

Tulum, a favorite Caribbean coast jewel, is one of Mexico’s most treasured destinations. This small town was once a hidden gem that yoga enthusiasts loved to escape the hustle and bustle and spend more time in tranquil surroundings. Since then, it has emerged in style. The stunning coastline, 1000-year-old Mayan architectural remains, and boho vibe have earned Tulum into a global reputation that has made it one the most popular destinations in Mexico. 

Construction and real estate in Tulum have been greatly influenced by the influx of tourists. There are many gated communities that are home to many new condos and villas. These properties offer great opportunities for investors looking for a property to rent out or as a short-term rental investment.

Own Property in Mexico

Playa Del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, a tourist hot spot in the area, is becoming an even more popular destination than Tulum! Playa del Carmen, located approximately 40 miles north from Tulum, is a popular resort destination. It shares the Caribbean Sea’s turquoise waters with its smaller neighbor. Its tourism sector is a lot more advanced than Tulum. 

Playa del Carmen has great galleries and shopping, as well as adrenaline-filled activities like zip lining, river rafting, diving, and snorkeling on the reefs around Cozumel. There is also a variety of nighttime entertainment, from chic bars and restaurants, to music concerts and beach clubs. Investors have the chance to make a profit from Playa del Carmen’s tourism sector. These include condo and villa developments in Playa del Carmen, as well as luxury beach and golf destinations.

Own Property in Mexico

Conclusion

What is the best location for buying an apartment or condo in Mexico? It all depends on what you want to get out of where you live! Contact a real estate company that specializes in Mexican properties to learn more about finding your dream home in the best area of Mexico.…

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Top Realtors KNOW International Real Estate

As real estate becomes more all over the world along with the improved transparentness and strength of the constantly evolving net, real estate professionals have huge opportunities to gain highly profitable international, long distance business to which they didn’t previously have access to.

This income opportunity is substantial.

Given the reports from 2017 we know that foreign real estate buyers accounted for a little over $153 billion of the overall purchases in the USA which ultimately would be an upturn of the earlier year of a massive fifty percent. Additionally this represents 10 percent of all nationwide real estate deals in the U.S.. That’s based upon NAR’s 2017 Profile of International Activity in U.S. Domestic Real Estate.

Adding to the appeal of this large and growing market segment, many of these deals present professionals a large paycheck. Along with the fact that many foreign buyers are affluent wealthy globalists looking to buy worthwhile opportunities and also premium luxury 2nd or holiday homes.

Still adding the international investor to your repertoire definitely won’t be as easy as acquiring them is generally complicated.

The leading distinction between working with the domestic populous rather than internationally, is the language concerns. In spite of this many international clientele pay people to break-down the language concern when really looking at investment in another country.

What country dominates international real estate buyers in the United States? China. Yes its true, China holds a huge half of the whole sales volume attributed to international buyers and yes, in spite of all the differences amongst how business is done in the language & countries

We will demonstrate how you can enter this sector of the real estate market place.

CPROP’s end to end electronic exchange administration platform is fashioned to present real estate brokers to foreign prospects and encourage them to safely and close deals with full transparency.

The start-up utilizes blockchain to authenticate and report activities related to deeds and closing paperwork. Additionally, it hopes to formulate a potent, user created professional network by providing its utility tokens to buyers and sellers who will also leave ranks and reviews of the brokers, agents and other service providers they go with on the platform.

Nowadays the real estate sector relies greatly on technology through the entire transactional processes from beginning to end Allow me to share a couple ways a real estate professionals can break into this valuable and growing portion of the industry.

Be A Part Of A Honest International Console

Then again positioning yourself in to the foreign marketplace and generating traction isn’t some thing which is going to be straight forward. Professionals looking to get high-dollar international buyer attention and confidence should look for platforms having an international audience and deliver a smooth link to buyers in a simple to use, efficient and trustworthy ecosystem.

Remember also that given your platform also boasts automated translations, this might also be a huge advantage.

Think Confidence And Safety

As the old saying goes, long-distance relationships almost never last, however in this instance they can and do you merely have to plan specifically with regards to working across different languages.

Two incredibly significant items to consider when involved in international real estate are security and trust. You need to protect yourself and your clientele while preserving the confidence of the other party.

This statement comes from Armando Galvan, a realtor in San Pancho, Mexico. Armando knows the trials of breaching this vertical and as such has ridden out the tough years and come out the other side and now appreciates their domination in their region with international buyers.

The most effective tips on how to protect transactions lies with block-chain tech. Anytime a contract is concluded and carried through, it could possibly be recorded to the blockchain, generating an immutable distributed ledger confirmed by a network of possibly thousands of computers, thus effectively avoiding any hidden changes to a contract.

Blockchain technology is also advantageous to the buyer by delivering a secure reliable method to position money in escrow.

Locate Accountable, Streamlined Collaboration

Closing sales with domestic buyers is complex enough, and yet when buyers are international, agents will need to take even greater care to establish a smooth transaction.

No one knows this better than Brett Elliott of Costa Rica Real Estate dot COM (CRREC) a dominant force in facilitating international investors in Costa Rica.

With Spanish the central language in Costa Rica, and most of our foreign buyers coming from the US and Canada, we require all agents be bilingual.

Understanding the moving parts of your pending clients, leads and deals is vital to your triumph. Have you any idea about the real time status of any individual in your pipeline right this moment? If not you really should.

Everything being said, couldn’t you acknowledge that an all-inclusive online digital transactions SaaS system intended to accommodate foreign real estate transactions from start to finish, become a welcome improvement to all real estate agents? Let’s face it, any real estate broker doing work with international prospective buyers and sellers could easily reap the benefits of a complete SaaS software that not only simplifies communications but will also ensures security for each sides.…

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Whenever Renovating The Bath Room You Are Going To Want To Look At These Short 6 Recommendations

Yes sure a few individuals may well just look at your bathroom like simply a bath room, however to you…it’s your sanctuary. And yet then again perhaps your own is not living up to expectations. In other words, it’s time for a redesign.

Plumbers, contractors and expenses expenses bills, still you have this one all on your own. Let me show you six strategies to make it more painless.

Can You Finance The Reno?

Regardless of whether it’s big or little, you should continuously verify you’ll have sufficient funds before embarking on any room remodeling work. With general spending extending from $10,000 as renovations to bathroommuch as or even over, 23k, you’ve got to prepare in advance. Word of advice…ensure you have allocated enough to tackle the task at hand.

Then again hold just one moment. Were you contemplating moving in the not too distant future? Maybe you want to reconsider the reno then. Perhaps however if it helps improve the value of home you will need to think about this as well. Oftentimes buyers of property look at two areas more particularly compared to others – the kitchen and yes you got it…the bath rooms.

Break Down the Budget

A frequently disregarded detail though is – it is one thing to have a budget while another thing to itemise it. This way you know wherein every single penny will go with accuracy and reliability. No unexpected situations. And never forget about the building contractor. Labor spending definitely absorb a third of your whole budget.

Then, you’ll be able to ascertain what you must include and what you’re able to slice if funding is limited. Oftentimes our appetite is bigger than our stomaches so is the case with any home redesign.

Mark Walker suggests, “luxury finishings can/will rip through your budget real quick. Tiling the floor over dual his and her sinks could be a start.”

Drum-up Design Creativity

Men may not take just as much time getting prepared in the morning as women however that fact is at the very least both men and women devote at least 15-20 minutes each morning getting ready. As such, you really don’t want to build a new bathroom that isn’t perfect—you spend a great deal of time in there.

So, travel around on the net at design websites, community forums or even Reddit and Instagram, to uncover design strategies. Nevertheless don’t go over the top thinking you’re going to replicate the Taj Mahal here. Stick to ideas which fit within your budget.

Have a Back-Up Set

And also before you get too far ahead of yourself, have you thought about exactly what you will be doing while your bathroom is out of commission through the renovation time? Preparing ahead of time for the “out of service” sign being on your bathroom, it pays to sit with the family and go over the midterm plan for the bath room whilst makeovers are in process.

Have a 2nd bathroom? If not then it may perhaps be time to hit up close friends, relatives or a neighbour to use their bathroom in the midterm. A portable toilet is another great option if you’re awkward with the other options stated above. Naturally it is sensible to think of all of this before it is already happening and you’re stuck.

Think of The Variables in your Budget

It might go without saying, but it is best to also know the particulars of how you are going to deal with the expenses of your overhaul and any extra charges that may well come up in the project. You will not be able to work with a money lender—and, therefore, you won’t have the ability sign for a home loan—until it’s possible to present a comprehensive explanation of why the venture costs what it costs.

And here’s the advice of another buy’n’flip realtor…”Never stress, there’s many of choices out there for funding your household renovation job.

But loans are not the exclusive way for getting funding. You can get equity draw, home loans or even digging in to your own mattress money. The point being…ascertain your budget as precisely as possible after that find out where you are going to get it from.

Stick to the Roadmap of your Project

Through out the process, you are going to want to check back in with your plan and budget. Ensure that your spending is under control and that you are sticking to the design you initially imagined. Obviously if you veer off course the plan will not just take more time but also spending will increase and cause you pointless anxiety. Nevertheless if you follow the earlier plan/budget and then the whole process can proceed without issue. One thing is for certain, once all is said and done you may chill out and delight in your recently remodeled haven in your own place.…

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Most Affordable Places to live in Canada

While there are people who want to live in most luxurious areas and homes, most of the population wants a place where they can easily afford to live while enjoying the basic luxuries of life. When we talk about the most affordable places to live, we can’t take into account to low rates of houses or low rents but we also have to keep in mind the employment condition or state of that place as well. If you manage to find a place where the rents are low but there are not enough jobs, so you won’t be able to afford that low rent as well. So keeping in mind these factors, let’s look at the most affordable places to live in Canada.

Kingston, Ontario

Kingston has a good history of being named as the best city to retire to in Canada, which gives you an idea it offers a great quality of life while not coming with an expensive price tag. In Kingston, the median house price is about $300,000. 

Regina

With a jobless rate of only 5.2% last year and an average house price of almost $317,000, Regina is considered as one of the most affordable places to live in Canada. There was an increase of almost 2% in new jobs created in Regina last year

Hamilton

Hamilton is located in the province of Ontario and has a population of over 500,000. Hamilton is known for its low cost of living and it’s almost 40% cheaper that New York City. There are plenty of business and jobs opportunities which makes it very easy for us to include in our list of most affordable places to live in Canada.

Quebec City

Quebec City is also considered as one of the most affordable places to live in Canada because of its 4.3% jobless rate and an average house price of only $245,000. Quebec City also haven’t seen an increase in the house prices over the last couple years.

Halifax

While we see a 6.1% unemployment rate, which is more than the places we have mentioned before, Halifax still makes our list of one of the most affordable places to live in Canada because of its average house price of $306,240 and a continuous addition of jobs in the previous years.

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The Greener Living Houses from Around the World

With the earth heating up and everyone starting to feel the effects of this people are turning more and more to greener living, by recycling, using bio-degradable and earth friendly products, etc.

 

This extends to various homes built as sustainable houses, here are a few of those houses:

The Waste House
This prototype house was designed by the University of Brighton in the UK and is made of 90 percent recycled waste products.
The house was built from 90 percent of household and construction waste and with the mantra “there is no such thing as waste, just stuff in the wrong place!” these are some of the waste material used to build it’s:

20 000 toothbrushes
2000 used carpet tiles
4000 DVD cases
2000 floppy disks

https://newatlas.com/waste-house-bbm/32616/

The Slip House
Built on a potentially contaminated site, referred to as a “brown site” this house is built using three container box type shapes to create a three-story structure with solar panels, mechanical ventilation, triple glazing giving the house a high level of insulation and rainwater tanks
https://newatlas.com/slip-house-carl-turner-architects/27965/

The Pop-Up House
The Pop-Up House is the creation of Multipod Studio, a French Architecture firm.
Anyone who has ever played with or played a Lego game will appreciate this house only you do not have to be a master builder to build this house.  You do not have to even have construction experience all you have to have is an electric screwdriver!
With a spruce wooden frame and extended polystyrene insulation blocks that are held together with wood screws, It is very much like building a Lego house.
https://newatlas.com/pop-up-house-multipod-studio/31249/

The luxurious Fall House
Designed and built by Fougeron Architecture from San Francisco, a luxurious house built along the Big Sur coastline in California, with a copper façade designed to give a degree of fireproofing, with energy efficient windows automatically open cutting down on the need for air-conditioning and a graywater recycling system.
https://newatlas.com/fall-house-fougeron-architecture/31775/

 

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5 Worst Places to Live in Canada

When it comes to world safety rankings or the safest countries to be one of the first that pop into your mind is Canada.  As such Canadians grow up with the belief that they are living the safest place to be.  If you take in the statistics whereby there are over 28 million people in living in Canada and an average of fewer than 600 murders per year it gives the illusion of a safer place to be but in comparison to other places not because there is no crime or dangers lurking around.

 

Here are five of the worst places to live in Canada and why!

  • Saint John, New Brunswick
    Sexual abuse cases being 123.9 in per 100.000 people Sant Johns becomes Canada’s capital for sexual assault.
  • Grande Prairie, Alberta
    With a rate of 62.08 reported incidents per 100.000 Grande Prairie was tops for gun-related crimes making it Canada’s gun crime capital.
  • Regina, Saskatchewan
    Top of the list when it comes to an aggravated assault which is an assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and attempted murder. Regina’s statistics were 29019 per 100,000 for this crime.
  • Highway 63, Alberta
    Is known as Canada’s most dangerous motorways to drive with at least seventy-six people killed between 2001 and 2013 in collisions with other vehicles due to extreme weather conditions and animals on the road.
    Highway 63 links Alberta oil country to Edmonton.
  • Longueuil, Quebec
    Longueuil, a suburb of Montreal is known as Canada’s identity theft capital with instances of these thefts at 50.32 per 100,00.
  • Capitals murder capital goes to Fort McMurray in Alberta with a 2016 homicide rate of 6.84 deaths per 100,000 people where Canada’s average is under 2 per 100.000 people one can see why For McMurray, once a booming Alberta oil town is one of the worst places to live in Canada.
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5 Of the Most Expensive House in the World

Ever wondered who owned some of the most expensive houses in the world and what they cost?

 

We look at the 5 most expensive houses in the world.

  1. With a price Tag of $200 Million the Ellison Estate
    The owner of this super beautiful mansion is a co-founder of The Oracle corporations, Larry Ellison.
    The mansions boast some of the most beautiful scenery around with a water fronted with beautiful Zen style features throughout.
  2. The Fairfield mansion with its own bowling alley and a 91-foot long dining hall as some of its outstanding features also has a price tag of $248 million. It is owned by a business and personal investor, Ira Rennet.  As it is in New York it also gets to be one of the most expensive houses in New York
  3. Villa Leopolda, tangling a price tag of $736 million is owned by wealthy socialite Lila Sifra whose net worth is $1.2billion. The villa is in Cote D Azure in France on fifty acres of land.  It has its own helipad too.
  4. The decadent Antlia in Mumbai, with its six-story underground car park, needing about 600 members of staff to maintain the 400,000-square foot house with not one but three helipads! This huge mansion with its whopping price tag of $1 Billion dollars belongs to the chairperson and managing director of Reliance Industries – Mukesh Ambani!
  5. We had to give this one a mention as it is one of the most well-known houses in the world really. Well, one does not really consider Buckingham palace as a house with its seventy-eight bathrooms, own doctors surgery and post office amongst a few of its amenities but it is the dwelling place of the monarch of the United Kingdom and comes in with a price tag of $1.56 billion!

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