Bio of Lee Shau Kee

03 October 2010

Making it in the top 20 of the Forbes’ billionaires list is no small feat, and to be an actual businessperson to amass that wealth instead of simply inheriting it is just amazing. Lee Shau Kee, the second wealthiest man in Asia, is worth around $19 billion USD and holds many titles in Hong Kong, including a few nicknames like "Hong Kong’s Buffett."

The "Buffett" is in reference to the United States of America’s multi-billion-dollar investment guru Warren Buffett - currently the second-richest man in the world with an estimated net worth of around $47 billion USD. Kee’s wealth is still incredibly substantial, especially considering his humble beginnings.

Lee Shau Kee was born January 29, 1928 in Shunde, Guangdong, China. After World War Two, Kee was looking to start up a business like many other people in Asia at the time. This is when he met up with another famous billionaire, Kwok Tak-Seng, and began putting the pieces in place for what would eventually become Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited.

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Property For Sale - Hans Lollik Islands in The Caribbean

24 May 2010

Personal property for sale is certainly nothing new. Expensive cars, lavish homes and luxury jets are bought and sold frequently. However, it’s not very often than an entire island comes up on the market - much less two. Located in the US Virgin Islands, the Hans Lollik Islands are currently for sale by their owners, Bruce Randolph Tizes and Peter R. Morris.

The smaller island is known as Little Hans Lollik. Little Hans isn’t so small, however, and is still a rather large private island of a few hundred acres. Great Hans Lollik Island is the jewel, at around 600 acres. The two sit side-by-side only 8,000 feet removed from St. Thomas.

Located in the Eastern Caribbean, Great Hans Lollik Island and its little sister island are both perfectly suitable for human occupation. In fact, these islands were long inhabited by people of the region and their presence has played a large role in the ecology of the island. During the 1700s, Great Hans was a perfect tropical location to grow cotton.

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Biography of Business Magnate Kushal Pal Singh

06 August 2009

When it comes to multi-billion-dollar real estate moguls, Donald Trump pretty much wins the popularity contest. However, if people knew the story behind Kushal Pal Singh, they would be amazed to learn that this soft-spoken magnate blew more money in a year than Trump has made in his entire life - 5-times over.

2007 started out as a good year for Singh. He was worth an estimated $35-billion, and the sky was the limit on how much his upcoming deal would earn. Kushal lost a great deal of money on bad deals, so attempted to boost his share prices to make it up. This resulted in losing $27.2-billion in a single year. His current net worth is around $8-billion.

Kushal Pal Singh was born August 15, 1931 at Bulandshahar in Uttar Pradesh. He was a gifted student with a knack for business and a taste for money. He was also interested in science and space, and went to college to pursue a more astronomical experience

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World's Most Expensive Homes - Updown Court, Windlesham, Surrey, England

30 July 2009

While the crips throughout the world, upscale properties and their uber-wealthy owners continue to flourish and spend frenetically despite the looming calamity. In Windlesham, Surrey, England, one of the world’s most expensive private residences continues to curry favor from both the rich and those aspiring to be so.

Updown Court is the most expensive private residence currently on the market in the world. Moreover, it remains the largest residence built in the United Kingdom since the 19th century. What’s the price tag on this testament to affluent prowess? £70,000,000.

Updown Court is located in a celebrity-rich environment, to say the least. Among the notable neighbors in the immediate vicinity of the gargantuan palace are Sarah, the Duchess of York, and Sir Elton John.

The property itself is located on a 58 acre spread of lavishly rich and well-kept landscape. The estate is situated in the center of the property, completely surrounded by beautiful gardens, woodlands, and other scenic pleasantries.

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World�s Most Expensive Properties - Hala Ranch, Colorado

17 July 2009

Saudi oil heirs and businessmen have been buying up property in the United States for years. Although America is currently at war with parts of the Middle East, public figures like Prince Bandar bin Sultan are able to skip checking points in airport lines and fly directly into the U.S. with their private jets.

When bin Sultan is in the Americas, he likes to frequent his Aspen, Colorado ski mansion, Hala Ranch. Hala, which means "welcome," was built in 1991 and is a staggering 56,000 square-feet. Sultan purchased the land while a U.S. ambassador and is currently trying to sell it due to his new title as National Security Councilor in Saudi Arabia.

Not only is this mansion one of the most extravagant in the world, but it’s also set-up for Armageddon. Hala Ranch has its own wastewater treatment plant, its own massive supply of high-tech generators, gasoline pumps, mechanical shops, and even a carwash for good measure.

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World�s Most Expensive Properties - Aaron Spelling's Mansion

09 July 2009

The late Aaron Spelling is known for introducing a generation of teens to such primetime classics as Beverly Hills, 90210, and Melrose Place, as well as a long list of other hit shows and high-grossing movies over the years. His home just outside of Los Angeles, California, "The Manor," is considered one of the world’s 10 most expensive properties.

The legendary producer had the home built in 1991 and made sure to include all the luxuries that any self-respecting entertainment mogul could ever want. The Manor was built atop the lot where Bing Crosby’s former home stood. Spelling spent an estimated $47-million on the mansion.

The Manor contains over 56,000 square-feet of floor space, making it the largest single-family (residence) home in all of Hollywood. Although it rests only on a six-acre lot, the home easily stands out amongst all other of Hollywood’s large and robust dwellings.

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World's Most Expensive Homes - Antilla

30 June 2009

It is said that the average human brain cannot picture more than 9 individual items at once. After that, everything becomes clumped up and blurred. Needless to say, Mukesh Ambani’s bank account is beyond comprehension. He is worth an estimated $45,000,000,000 (45-billion).

That’s an insane amount of money, and it also leaves him in sole possession of the title of richest man in Asia. What does a man with that much money do? What else; he builds a home with an estimated price tag of $2-billion dollars. Antilla, the brainchild of Ambani, is expected to be completed later this year (2009).

Antilla isn’t your ordinary home, even by billionaire standards. It’s an entire building - a 27-storey skyscraper - with a highly unique and ultra-modern design. Some floors are open, with expansive terraces, greenery, and other unique features.

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Worlds Most Expensive Properties - Hearst Castle

22 May 2009

William Randolph Hearst I is one of the most famous Americans in the country’s short history. Moreover, his family name, Hearst, rivals that of the Rockefeller’s. Hearst was also the inspiration for Citizen Kane, often considered one of the all-time greatest movies.

Not only is the man’s name famous, but his home has an equally impressive resume. Fans of classic cinema may remember the first Godfather movie. In the classic scene where the horse head ends up in bed - that takes place in Hearst’s mansion. His beautiful mansion is currently for sale on the market.

Hearst purchased the home in 1947 for $120,000 - a lot of money at the time - and its most recent owner, Leonard M. Ross, who purchased the home in 1967, put it on the market in 2006 with a price tag of $165-million.

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Worlds Most Expensive Properties - Pinnacle Yellowstone Club

11 April 2009

The word "pinnacle" means the highest or culminating point, as of success, power, fame, etc. Tim Blixseth, never one to mince words, is the billionaire real estate mogul who planned to build an estate of this name in his exclusive Yellowstone Club - a billionaires-only community - in Montana. Pinnacle was primed to be one of the most expensive homes ever built.

While most of us aspire to a debt-free life, with maybe a good steak to eat every once in a while, Tim aspired to the most lavish home in the U.S., and planned to spend a whopping $155-million to build it. Although his plans have since fell through due to the economic crisis in America, he still thoroughly planned Pinnacle’s construction, and it was the talk of the town for years.

Tim Blixseth’s vision was called nothing less than extraordinary by other well-to-do businessmen. Throughout the Yellowstone Community, The Pinnacle was a much anticipated addition to the already lavish area. Since the home was set to be built in Montana, extra measures were taken to protect the lucky owners against the bitter cold of winter.

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Worlds Most Expensive Properties - One Hyde Park

03 April 2009

If you were planning to spend over $200-million for a home, a big back yard would be the very least of your infinite prerequisites. However, some of the world’s billionaires don’t hold a game of catch with the kids or an evening swing in the shade on their "top priority" lists.

This is undoubtedly the reason that penthouses are able to sell in the high millions. There’s currently a penthouse suite at the Four Seasons Hotel going for $30,000 a night, but that doesn’t come close to comparing to the £100,000,000 price tag of the Penthouses at One Hyde Park.

This is the most astounding part: Not only is there one penthouse selling for more than $200-million USD, but there are four of them. The currently-under-construction One Hyde Park complex in London, England will feature four main buildings, each with its own penthouse suite.

The penthouses don’t exist yet - they’re slated for completion in 2010 - but unlike other projects, like Tim Blixseth’s Pinnacle, One Hyde Park doesn’t seem to be falling through. Everything’s on schedule as world renowned designer, Richard Rogers, continues to move forward.

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Worlds Most Expensive Properties - Maison de l'Amitie

27 March 2009

The Maison de l’Amitie, simply known as "The Donald," gives new meaning to the phrase, "As seen on TV." A far cry from Billy Mays’ Mighty Putty, The Donald is a breath-stealing beachfront mega-mansion that was recently showcased on VH1’s list of the world’s most expensive properties.

Donald Trump is the consummate businessman, buying for a dollar and selling for two. With Maison de l’Amitie, Trump purchased the property from a bankruptcy court for a whopping $41-million. Even more impressive is the price tag Trump has affixed to the revamped estate, a mind-blowing $125-million.

The estate was formerly the property of millionaire healthcare industrialist Abe Gosman and is now an 80,000 square-foot testament to over-excess. A quick list of the estate’s statistics gives an idea of what you can expect, as it boasts 15 full bathrooms and 8 half-baths, a guest cottage, 15 bedrooms, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The aerial view of the estate looks like an entire gated community, and the house is located directly on the beach in Florida.

Maison de l’Amitie also features a complete ballroom, conservatory, and a very impressive 475-foot of shoreline, a beauty salon, full gym, exquisite gardens, tennis courts, and a gigantic fountain in place to greet every visitor as they approach Maison’s entrance.

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Worlds Most Expensive Properties - Bran Castle

10 March 2009

You’ve seen him in movies, read about him in books, and have probably even dressed as him on Halloween. Who is it? Why, it’s Dracula - the blood-sucking, debonair demon. Instead of eating his cereal, you can now buy his house.

The real-life man who inspired the myth, Vlad "the Impaler" Tepes, is one of Romania’s heroes. His castle, which was a museum in the 1980s, recently went up for sale on the market. Bran Castle is built on 20 acres on a mountaintop in Brasov. It’s recently gained fame for being the subject of a Ghost Hunters (SciFi series) investigation. Don’t worry; it’s not haunted, but it is expensive.

In order to take a bite out of true Romanian history and own Bran Castle, you’d have to drop an astounding $140-million US. It’s not one of these 19th century homes that claim to be castles. Vlad had Bran Castle constructed in the 14th century to fend off invading Turks.

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Worlds Most Expensive Properties - Elena Franchuk's Victorian Villa

21 February 2009

Philanthropists are known for raising and donating money to charitable causes. The title "philanthropist" automatically clues the world in on your giving, good-hearted ways. By this standard, it’s of little surprise that billionaire philanthropist Elena Franchuk has recently bore the brunt of verbal lashings for her $160-million USD (80 million pounds) Victorian Villa purchase in south west London, England.

Most of Elena’s goodwill was aimed at the prevention and treatment of the HIV/AIDS virus. Since purchasing the Victorian Villa, Elena continues to serve as a charitable donor for the cause.

The home is a completely refurbished former girl’s prep school (until 1997), so when it comes to sheer size, the Victorian Villa is gigantic. It stands five-stories and contains 10 very large bedrooms. In order to complete the transformation from prep school to billionaire-worthy mansion, over $20-million was spent, upgrading bathrooms, kitchens, and installing many new features like an underground swimming pool, movie theater, and even a panic room in case the worst happens.

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Worlds Most Expensive Properties - Villa Leopolda

03 February 2009

The French Riviera is one of the world’s most popular places, and home to some of the world’s most expensive properties. Villa Leopolda, the gigantic testament of love King Leopold II of Belgium built for his mistress in 1902, recently sold for a record-setting $736-million to a Russian billionaire.

Although Mikhail Prokhorov is rumored to be that Russian, he adamantly denies the purchase. Villa Leopolda is most famous, not for the King’s gift to his lover, but because of one the home’s rumored owners, Bill Gates - the Microsoft founder. It also appears in a movie, The Red Shoes - a 1948 British feature film.

Since the home was built, there have been multiple rumors about who has and who hasn’t lived there. Bill Gates is just one of the many people who have never called Villa Leopolda home, yet is one of the most commonly placed people within the estate’s walls.

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Would you consider property speculation as gambling

03 August 2008

In a financial context, speculation is the supposition of the risk of loss, in return for the uncertain prospect of a reward. Speculating is not the same as investing, though many seem to think so. Such a position would only be considered an investment if the particular position involved zero risk.

Financial speculation involves buying, selling, short-selling, holding, stocks, bonds, currencies, derivatives, real estate, or any other valuable financial instrument to profit from fluctuations in the price as opposed to buying it for use or income. Speculation represents one of four market roles in Western financial markets, different from hedging, long or short-term investing, and arbitrage. Currently, one of the most popular assets to speculate on is property. Real estate speculators are looking to turn a profit in the market. There is high risk involved with this business, but that hasn’t deterred the lion’s share of speculators.

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The History behind the Bellagio Hotel and Casino

25 June 2008

The Bellagio is an AAA Five-Diamond rated luxury hotel and casino in Las Vegas, located on The Strip. MGM Mirage holds ownership of this luxurious hotel and casino, and it was built on the site of the demolished Dunes hotel and casino.

Inspired by the Lake Como resort of Bellagio in Italy, Vegas’ Bellagio is famed for its elegance. One of the most notable features of the Bellagio is an 8-acre artificial lake between the hotel and the Strip, which holds the famous Fountains of Bellagio. The Bellagio has been one of Vegas’ most famous resorts since its inception. It employs approximately 10,000 people, and is visited by millions each year.

The Bellagio was conceived by Steve Wynn, an American casino resort developer, and built by his company, Mirage Resorts, Inc. Wynn is often considered as the man who changed Vegas. In 1989, his first major Strip casino, The Mirage, opened, setting a new standard in Vegas, making immediate history.

With his second project, the 1993 Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, Wynn proved once again that his vision for Vegas was different. The $450 million dollar resort was another instant smash with the public.

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Who is Sol Kerzner

11 June 2008

Solomon Kerzner was born on August 23rd, 1935. He is best known for being a South African hotel and gambling tycoon. Born in Troyeville, Johannesburg, Kerzner was the youngest of four children. His parents were Jewish Russian immigrants, wishing to capitalize on the times with their entrepreneur spirit.

His family successfully started a hotel chain. After Kerzner graduated as a Chartered Accountant, he took over the running of the hotels and eventually went on to create the most successful hotel group in South Africa: Sun International. Sol Kerzner is currently Chairman of the Board of Kerzner International, which is located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

Playing off of the Sun City resort success, Kerzner got involved in international hotel and gambling resorts; with his most notable role being the innovative developer behind the famous Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. Kerzner quickly scored a hit with this beautiful resort.

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A mini-bio on Steve Wynn

30 May 2008

Stephen Alan Wynn was born on January 27th, 1942 in New Haven, Connecticut, and is best known for being an American casino developer. He was thought to be responsible for the efforts of reestablishing Las Vegas in the 90s, spearheading the resurgence and expansion of the Vegas strip.

His companies refurbished and built some of the most widely recognized resorts in Las Vegas to date, such as the Golden Nugget, The Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio, and Wynn. Wynn currently lives with his wife in a suite at Wynn Las Vegas, awaiting completion of their Highlands Golf Club home. He has two daughters, Kevyn and Gillian. Wynn suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, which affects his peripheral vision.

Wynn’s father Michael Weinberg ran a host of bingo parlors in the United States. In the late 40s, he changed his name to "Wynn", a marketing strategy and an attempt to counter anti-Jewish bias.

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Is it a good time to invest in real estate in Las Vegas?

22 May 2008

In the real estate market, you often hear teams like "peak" and "max", as if there’s an imaginary ceiling that’s going to stop it. And over the past few years or so, the big buzz has always been about when exactly real estate is going to max out. This is a theory that has been circling around since early 2002.

It’s nothing more but a reaction to the substantial increases in real estate values around the country. This fuel-fed paranoia has mostly been doused by media types and loud mouths who really don’t know a thing. The thought of real estate reaching its peak seems to be based on nothing more than the collective fear that real estate values through the USA may drop.

However, there is no fact-based reasoning put forth to support this fear. So, reasonably and rationally, it’s still safe to purchase real estate in hot-spots through the U.S. like Las Vegas. Your property will continue to have value.

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