niamleeson-blog

[marlo-noni]

Here's part 2 of my Mandarin learning journey. For part 1, go here.

After I left university in 2003, I started working in an office. I was able to scrape together enough money to travel to China for 6 weeks in 2005.

I was 25 years old when I went to China for the first time in October-November 2005. I was traveling on my own, and I really didn't have much money, so it was the backpacking type of travel.

I started in Hong Kong, in Chungking Mansions. Then stayed with a friend of a friend in Guangzhou. Then I bussed to Yangshuo, Guangxi province; then an overnight train to Kunming, Yunnan province. Then buses to Dali and then Lijiang in Yunnan. Then back to Kunming, and then a 36-hour train ride back to Guangzhou (this was before high-speed rail in China), and then finally back to HK for a final week.

This was before smartphones and social media. It was the era of internet cafes in China - that was the only way you could get online. It was also before the Great Firewall (China banned Google in 2010). I kept in touch with my family and friends through email, long-distance phone cards, and Livejournal. My posts are still up, actually (that's the first one; you can use the navigation arrows to go to the next one).

My only way of looking up Chinese vocab when I was there was my Oxford Chinese-English dictionary, which as you can imagine is extremely limited! So I had lots of experiences where I embarrassed the heck out of myself and/or was simply not able to get my point across or understand what someone was saying to me. But that's also just learning a second language. Your skin gets thicker the more you do it. There were plenty of times where I was speaking to people who didn't know any English (see: literally 99% of the people on the train), so I just had to muddle through.

Being a white foreigner obviously helps - most people were pretty curious and friendly. When I was in Lijiang (where there were a ton of Chinese tour groups and hardly any foreigners), people wanted to take their picture with me.

I could say plenty more about this trip, but this is about my Mandarin learning journey. You can go read my account of it on Livejournal if you like. Keep in mind it's my PoV from 2005.

When I came back to Canada, I worked in the same office for about a year until I got totally sick of it, and then I became a bike courier for 9 months. This is relevant to the story. Being a bike courier affords you a lot of freedom, but it's physically tough and the pay is terrible. So I started applying for office jobs again, and I eventually got hired as a receptionist for a woman who was a notary public and immigration consultant. The reason she hired me is because I could speak Mandarin.

So, I worked as a receptionist/legal assistant at that office from 2007 to 2013 using my shitty Mandarin every day. My boss was from Taiwan and had originally been a paralegal at an immigration lawyer's office, until she started her own notary and immigration consulting practice. She was also a certified Chinese-English translator. So, the whole reason I'm a paralegal today is because this one lady wanted a receptionist who spoke fluent English and also understood some Chinese.

There were some really great things and really terrible things about that job. The good: I got to use Chinese every day, I learned how to be a legal assistant (notaries in my province can handle real estate transactions and prepare Wills and Powers of Attorney, and immigration consultants represent immigrants to Canada and prepare and submit their applications), and I got to do some simple translations because she was also a certified translator. I also gained a very rudimentary ability to read some traditional Chinese. Most of our clients were from the Mainland, though, not Taiwan.

The bad things: the pay was terrible (I started at $12/hour and ended at $18/hour, and by the end I was fully doing paralegal-level work - at my current job, I make about $42/hour now before taxes!), during the 2008 economic crash my boss had to cut my hours to 4 days/week because she lost a bunch of money in the stock market, and my boss was a tyrant. She scolded me a lot, and I'd often get in trouble for reasons that totally mystified me. I'm sure some of it was cultural, but I also think she was just unnecessarily harsh a lot of the time.

I knew someone who worked at a big law firm who tried to get me hired there, but their HR said I needed to get a legal assistant certificate, so I eventually went to school for 8 months full-time to get that, and then I got hired at my current law firm. I've been working at my current law firm since 2013.

The drawback for my Chinese learning at my current firm is that it's a legitimate mid-size law firm. There are about 45 lawyers. So everything has to be super professional, which means even though I speak some Chinese, I can't use my busted-ass Mandarin with clients. I know very little legal terminology, so anytime a lawyer wants someone to interpret, I can't really do that. Plus, it's Vancouver, so there are already some legal assistants at my firm who are actually fluent in Chinese who can do proper interpreting.

So, Chinese went back to being my hobby. That meant that there were ebbs and flows. I remember watching The Legend of Zhen Huan (Empresses in the Palace) in about 2015 when there was a super edited version of it on Netflix, and I got into it enough that I found the original series with English subs on some streaming site like Dramacool/Kissasian/its equivalent and watched the whole thing. After that, I watched the first half of Nirvana in Fire before something else grabbed my attention - eventually I need to watch that entire series! I remember learning a bunch of guzhuang vocabulary from those series that I hadn't heard before, like concubines referring to themselves as 奴婢, and people saying 陛下息怒 when the emperor was angry.

But what really happened is that my Chinese languished for quite a while. In 2017 I started planning a trip to Japan that I'd eventually take in 2019, and I started studying Japanese on Duolingo and then Lingodeer. I also discovered Skritter at that time, and used it to practice kanji, which of course I already had a huge head-start on because of Chinese. And I gotta say, even though Japanese has a very complicated writing system, it is SO MUCH easier to learn than Chinese, at least in my experience.

Then the pandemic hit, and I'm a white girl on Tumblr with an interest in Asian culture and a Netflix subscription, so what happened next was - you guessed it - in early 2021, I watched The Untamed for the first time. And when I finished it, I rewatched it again. And then I fell down that entire rabbit hole.

And as ridiculous as it is, The Untamed is what fully reignited my Chinese learning so that I'm at the point today where I've learned about 2900 Chinese characters, and I can watch Liu Yuning's livestream and understand about 75% of it. But let's leave that for the next part of this long-ass story.

[steelbluehome]

"Stan eases into the role, suggesting the young Trump without venturing into an SNL-like impersonation. He captures him precisely and believably throughout"

The Deadline Report

‘The Apprentice’ Review: Sebastian Stan And Jeremy Strong Soar As Young Donald Trump And His Ruthless Mentor Roy Cohn In Devilish Origin Story – Cannes Film Festival (click for article)

Pete Hammond

May 20, 2024 10:00AM PDT

But the political Trump is not in Iranian-Danish director Ali Abbasi‘s compelling film, which instead zeroes in on a specific period of Trump’s life in the early ’70s when he was in his 20s and struggling to make a name for himself in the world of real estate in New York City. But it isn’t just about him — it is equally focused on his unique relationship with his lawyer, the notorious Roy Cohn, often referred to as vicious, cruel, ruthless and sadistic, a take-no-prisoners cutthroat attorney who would win at any cost. The filmmakers have cited movies like Midnight Cowboy, Frankenstein and Barry Lyndon as partial inspirations for their approach, the latter about an 18th century social climber who stands for nothing himself.

Don’t be confused about the title The Apprentice. This is not a movie version of the NBC reality TV series in any way, but instead a smart, sharp and surprising origin story of the man who hosted it. In this case the actual “apprentice” is Donald Trump, infamous real estate developer, former President of the United States and current presumed GOP nominee for 2024.

Trump and Cohn would become an odd couple, helping each other achieve their end goals at the time. That is the story of The Apprentice, which had its world premiere in competition at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday and still has its U.S. distribution rights for sale.

Will it sell, and will it be released before November’s election? We shall see, but this is not a hit job on Trump, and actually considering the 77-year-old we see today at MAGA rallies and dozing off in courtrooms defending his indictments on various charges including starting an insurrection to overturn the 2020 election. Instead, it presents a person somewhat driven but awkward, a man striving for the approval of a tough-love father, unsure but determined to succeed and even oddly charming at times. Yes, I said that. Cohn, responsible for helping Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s reprehensible anti-communist crusade in the ’50s as well as putting away convicted spies Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, was the man pulling the strings — until he wasn’t. Think of it as a twisted Pygmalion with Cohn tutoring and training Trump the way Henry Higgins did with Eliza Dolittle.

“Where’s my Roy Cohn?” Trump once uttered after a tirade about a current lawyer he was unhappy with. Cohn (Jeremy Strong) was his first fixer, and basically adopted the uneasy Trump (Sebastian Stan) upon spotting him looking nervous and alone in the exclusive NYC club Trump weaseled himself into. He took him under his wing and drilled into him the three golden rules he lived by, which considering the Trump of today are prophetic to say the least. Rule 1: Attack. Attack. Attack. Rule 2: Admit nothing. Deny everything. Rule 3: Always claim victory and never admit defeat.

The latter was the one Cohn emphasized above all as the most important thing to remember. He also told Trump no one likes a loser. “Everyone wants to suck a winner’s cock,” he tells Trump, who convinced his cold-hearted father Fred Trump (Martin Donovan) that they needed a lawyer like Cohn to take on a case the DOJ had launched over their housing developments (after being indicted for discriminating against Black tenants). In his own inimitable way he got the government to settle with no fines, thus endearing him to Donald. “You have to be willing to do anything to anyone in order to win,” Cohn says.

The lawyer even dresses his mentee, who was born in Queens; not exactly the right breeding ground. “Is this gonna be a guy from Flushing or 5th Avenue?” he asks, getting an affirmative on the latter. He then puts him on the phone with a New York Times society columnist, and the result is a puff piece comparing his looks to Robert Redford and marking him as an up-and-comer. One of the key Cohn lessons is always chase the press, be in the newspapers every day.

Trump started moving up the ladder, with Cohn bringing him to a party with Rupert Murdoch, George Steinbrenner and others, cheekily (and now ironically in hindsight) telling him, “If you’re indicted, you’re invited.” Cohn himself had been in major legal hot water for tax evasion and also handled shady underworld characters, but he knew how to help Trump’s dreams of finishing Trump Tower come to fruition, essentially rigging a planning commission meeting to get $160 million tax abatement for which Trump was begging.

Separately, he introduced him to a friend, Roger Stone (Mark Rendall), whose “specialty” is dirty tricks and who touts candidate Ronald Reagan’s campaign slogan “let’s make America great again” (a slogan Trump would later steal as his own when he ran for president). And when the top of the still unfinished first-ever all-concrete hotel in NYC is set on fire, Cohn brings Trump to a meeting with some of his mob clients who deliver Trump a come-to-Jesus moment demanding the “f*cking concrete guy” gets paid. Trump is shown already as being notorious for not paying his construction workers.

The film shows his darker side, that scene included, as he is changing, becoming more ruthless himself — even to Cohn, by double crossing his lawyer whose partner has contracted AIDS and needed help in getting a room at the Hyatt; Trump reluctantly agreed but later sent him a bill. Soon Cohn himself contracts AIDS, but they make up when Trump comes to his birthday celebration with a gift of “diamond” cufflinks that say “Trump” on each one. Ivana later tells Roy they were fake.

The personal side of Trump is also on display here as he endlessly pursues Ivana (Maria Bakalova) for a date and after several turndowns finally wears her out. They marry, after she at first refuses to sign the absurd pre-nup Cohn had drawn up (she later does), and it is quite the social occasion. She becomes his partner in the garish design of Trump Tower. They have kids, but even before Trump Tower is completed he has set his eye on the casinos in Atlantic City, convincing Cohn he knows what he is doing (they all later went bankrupt). The marriage also went downhill, with the unfaithful Trump admitting to Ivana he was no longer attracted to her after she initially seemed to be in the mood for some lovemaking. She lashes out, calling him fat, ugly, bald, and orange-faced. A physical encounter ensues in which they have intense sex on the floor. Whether or not it was consensual is questionable at best and likely to be controversial, especially in light of sexual assault accusations and the E. Jean Carroll suit which he lost. Public knowledge of these lawsuits (not in the film) could paint the viewer’s opinion. It appears violent though.

This exceptionally well-researched first screenplay by Gabriel Sherman, who had profiled Trump for various publications and thought the Trump-Cohn story would make a good movie, has turned out a tale that is essentially a Faustian deal between the two. Although they have both been described as monsters in different circles, they are really given an empathetic treatment here, at least in part, and at least in an attempt to show us what led to historical change in America, and what may well continue in a story whose end has yet to be written.

Trump has never seemed so, well, human, as his own early years show a man trying desperately for his father’s approval while at the same time trying to come out from under his shadow. Progressively the two-hour film shows him doing just that, but also losing some of that humanity in the process. I wouldn’t describe the portrait as flattering, but it is not a hatchet job — perhaps part of the reason is a foreign director who didn’t even know Trump before he came down those stairs to announce his presidential bid in 2015. The goal is to show the makings of that man, not who he would later become – no matter what your opinion of that man is. I have a feeling his base of voters, the ones he dug up from under a rock, might look at these early years and give their approval, warts and all. Ironically though the first image in the film is that of Richard Nixon swearing “I am not a crook.” What the filmmakers’ intention with that choice is certainly intriguing.

Special notice to Sean Samsom’s seamless hair, makeup and prosthetics work here which never brings attention to itself.

Stan eases into the role, suggesting the young Trump without venturing into an SNL-like impersonation. He captures him precisely and believably throughout. Cohn has been portrayed in other projects like Al Pacino did in Angels In America, but Strong is ideal casting, going all in and delivering a three-dimensional portrait of this complicated man. Bakalova is excellent in her few scenes, as is Donovan as father Fred who early on tries to explain he is not racist. “How can I be racist when I have a Black chauffeur?” he asks at the dinner table while berating his sons. Charlie Carrick as Trump’s older brother Fred Jr. is also very fine, showing a man who just couldn’t live up to his father’s expectations. Scenes between the two siblings show Donald has at least some empathy.

Producers are Daniel Bekerman, Jacob Jarek, Ruth Treacy and Julianne Forde, Louis Tisne and Abbasi.

Title: The Apprentice

Festival: Cannes (Competition)

Director: Ali Abbasi

Screenwriter: Gabriel Sherman

Cast: Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova, Martin Donovan, Charlie Carrick, Mark Rendall

Sales agent: Rocket Science

Running time: 2 hr

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

Of the many questions surrounding serial fabulist George Santos as he joins the new Congress, one of the most basic is also one of the hardest to answer conclusively: Has he been a U.S. Citizen for seven years, one of the three requirements for the job specifically listed in the Constitution?

No one in a position of authority, it appears, has asked this question. Nor is anyone exactly responsible for doing so.

The office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives tells VICE News it’s not their job to check, New York State’s election board says it wasn’t their job and isn’t their problem now, and neither House Republicans or Democrats have anything to say on the matter. The question would perhaps go to the House Ethics Committee, but it points to the House Administration Committee, which for its part points back to the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Experts said that no one is missing anything and that in fact no one is really in charge.

All of this raises the absurd yet fascinating possibility that someone plainly ineligible under the Constitution, such as the 16-year-old king of a foreign nation, could win election and be seated as a member of Congress with no one doing anything about it.

"Do you know anything we should know about George Santos? Contact the reporter at tim.marchman@vice.com, or through the Signal app at 267-713-9832 for extra security."

That the question of who is supposed to make sure members of Congress are legally able to serve in Congress comes up at all is due to the sheer scale of the lying and dissembling Santos—who at one point found himself defending his false claim that he was Jewish by asserting that he’d in fact said that he was “Jew-ish”—has, he confesses, done about his own past.

Last fall, Santos, 34, won an upset victory as a Republican in New York’s third congressional district, running as a living Horatio Alger story. The proudly gay son of immigrant parents, raised in a working-class Queens community, he’d become a real-estate mogul, philanthropist, and enthusiastic Donald Trump supporter after attending Baruch College and New York University and climbing his way up the ladder at Wall Street’s most powerful firms—or so he said.

Last month, the New York Times revealed that Santos’ biography was nearly entirely fabricated. He hadn’t attended Baruch or NYU, hadn’t worked for Goldman Sachs or Citigroup, and didn’t run a tax-exempt charity. Further reporting showed that his grandparents weren’t Holocaust survivors and that his mother wasn’t in the South Tower of the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attack. She wasn’t a New York finance executive, either, and in fact doesn’t seem to have raised him in Queens. She lived and died in Brazil, where he had, at age 19, been charged with fraud after allegedly using checks stolen from a man she was nursing—a crime to which he confessed but now denies he committed.

Santos now faces several investigations headed by people ranging from his local district attorney to Brazilian authorities who want to prosecute him on fraud charges, even as congressional leaders express confidence that the House itself will look into him and federal prosecutors reportedly scrutinize his campaign-finance arrangements.

One lacuna in all this involves whether Santos fulfills the Constitution’s citizenship requirement.

Santos says that he was born in Queens, and a decade-old Brazilian court document describes him as a U.S. national. Ordinarily, this would be enough to answer any questions.

Given the context, though, and the impossibility of believing anything Santos says, it’s understandable that even the most minor inconsistency would draw scrutiny. And a number of actors ranging from Democratic partisans to racist anti-immigration organizations have in fact scrutinized minor inconsistencies. A report from Patch, for example, has drawn attention for quoting a former coworker as saying that Santos had said he was born in Brazil, and as Talking Points Memo noted, one version of a statement issued by Santos’ lawyer referred to him as an immigrant. (“George Santos,” it read, “represents the kind of progress that the Left is so threatened by—a gay, Latino, immigrant and Republican.”)

Santos, who didn’t respond to emails from VICE News and has also not responded to inquiries from other news organizations, hasn’t offered any clarity here. Neither the Republican and Democratic caucuses or national committees responded to inquiries.

In the meantime, there appears to be no official body that can confirm that Santos is indeed qualified for office, or that has looked into the matter.

The Clerk of the House of Representatives would seem to have responsibility for ensuring that members of Congress meet the requirements of office. (By statute, the clerk is responsible for making a roll of representatives-elect, consisting of “such persons only, whose credentials show that they were regularly elected in accordance with the laws of their States respectively, or the laws of the United States.” The Precedents of the House go into detail about the clerk’s role in making sure members are properly certified.) A staffer in the Clerk’s Office, though, who did not give a name, initially told VICE News that they believed this was the business of the House’s ethics or administration committees.

Staffers for those committees declined to speak on the record. An ethics staffer pointed VICE News to the administration committee’s website, which plainly puts questions of “credentials and qualifications” under its purview; an administration staffer, for their part, pointed VICE News to the statute that would appear to make this the business of the clerk.

A staffer for the Clerk, though, who would only identify himself as George—he declined to give a last name because he “doesn’t have to do that anymore”—disclaimed any such responsibility, saying the office’s role is only to rubber-stamp certification provided by the states.

“We as the Office of the Clerk don’t certify him until the state sends certification,” George said. “The state is responsible for the certification of elected members. We don’t look up anyone’s information. The state certifies him.” This process, he said, is already complete.

In response to questions from VICE News, John Conklin, a spokesperson for the New York State Board of Elections, said that the certifications it provides have nothing to do with whether candidates are qualified for office under the Constitution.

“In New York, as ministerial agencies, boards of elections are tasking with reviewing the sufficiency of ballot access documents, not the qualifications of candidates,” Conklin told VICE News. “If there is a question as to the candidate meeting the qualifications of office, an objector may bring a timely action in court challenging the candidate’s qualifications and evidence can be presented in open court. If the court rules that the candidate does not meet the qualifications they will be denied access to the ballot.”

No one appears to have brought a timely action in court, but in any event ballot access isn’t the issue, since Santos has already accessed it, with great success. In response to further questions, Conklin said that the House could choose not to seat an unqualified candidate, or that the U.S. Attorney General could bring a quo warranto proceeding.

The Department of Justice did not reply to a request for comment.

Casey Burgat, director of the legislative affairs program at George Washington University’s graduate school of political management, expressed bewilderment and amazement when all of this was laid out to him, but said that he wasn’t aware of any real enforcement mechanism for constitutional-eligibility requirements other than an open court challenge, something which seemingly wouldn’t be possible after a member is seated, or, possibly, a secretary of state declining to certify a representative-elect, or withdrawing their certification. (In New York, the secretary of state plays no role in certification, said a spokesperson, who directed questions to the Board of Elections and the Republican and Democratic parties.) In other words, if a 16-year-old were somehow elected and seated, no one could do anything about it except Congress—or, possibly, the Department of Justice.

All of this is most likely academic, and not just because the most solid and authoritative evidence there is, the Brazilian court document, strongly suggests that Santos is qualified—at least as a matter of law—to hold a seat in the House.

Arcane matters of procedure are of far less moment than the variety of criminal investigations already ongoing, and the ultimate question is whether, in a narrowly-divided House, Republicans will investigate someone who serves as a number for them and act upon their findings. Still, just as the failures of both major parties and the press to verify the most basic facts about Santos led to this situation, it appears that the failure of authorities to put in place any mechanism for enforcing constitutional requirements makes possible any number of absurd scenarios.

“You could have a constitutionally illegitimate sitting member of Congress,” asked Burgat, thinking through the implications, “and nobody could do anything about it except Congress?”

[ivirginus]

Who Can Buy Land in USA?

Who Can Buy Land in USA? A Foreigner’s Guide to Buying Land in the USA

Discount Lots SEARCH LAND FOR SALE If you’re interested in purchasing land in the United States, you may wonder who can buy land in USA. The answer is that both American citizens and foreign nationals can purchase property in the United States. However, foreign purchasers have some restrictions when it comes to owning a parcel of land. In this article, we’ll explore who can buy land in USA and whether or not you can own a parcel of land as a foreigner. Read on to learn about who can purchase land in the United States.

Who Can Buy Land in USA?

Generally, about anyone with the financial means and who meets certain eligibility criteria can purchase land in the USA. US Citizens and Permanent Residents US citizens who are 18 years or older and have a credit score of at least 650 can buy land in the United States. Additionally, permanent residents who have lived and worked in the US for at least two years may be eligible to purchase a plot of land. Companies and Corporations Companies and corporations authorized to conduct business in the US may be eligible to buy land. Additionally, they must meet certain requirements set by lenders who will review their financial situation and credit score. International Investors Non-US citizens looking to purchase a parcel of land in the United States must have a valid visa and meet certain requirements set by lenders. This includes having a certain credit score, proof of residency in the US for at least two years, and providing any other documents that may be necessary depending on who you are buying from. Additionally, you might have to pay additional taxes or fees, so it’s best to research all of the relevant laws and regulations before signing any contracts.

Are There Additional Rules and Regulations for Non-Residents?

Foreigners interested in investing in the land may also be subject to additional rules and regulations depending on the state they wish to purchase the property. For example, Florida has specific laws that must be followed regarding foreign real estate purchases. Additionally, certain types of land may require approval from certain government agencies before a sale can happen. It is also important to understand that various other taxes and fees you might incur when buying land in the United States. These may include transfer taxes, title insurance costs, property taxes, and other closing costs. Before entering into a contract to buy land in the United States, it’s important to consult an attorney familiar with international transactions, as well as the laws and regulations in the state where you wish to purchase the property.

Does Buying Land in the US Automatically Grant Me Citizenship?

Purchasing land in the US can be a great opportunity for investors who have the means to do so. However, it’s important to know that purchasing land in the US does not automatically grant you citizenship. In order to become a citizen of the United States, you must go through a rigorous application process and meet other criteria set by the US government.

Where Are Foreign Buyers of US Land From?

Foreign purchasers who are interested in buying land in the United States typically come from the region of Asia, which makes up 22% of the total number of foreign land buyers. People from this region tend to invest in properties because the US real estate market is more stable than in other countries. The sales price of land is also more affordable.

Where Do Foreigners Buy Property in the USA?

There are many desirable states for foreigners to buy property. Some of the most popular destinations for international real estate transactions include Texas, California, and Florida. Each state offers unique opportunities to buy land with stunning scenery, a warm climate, and thriving real estate markets. - Texas is an attractive choice for non-resident buyers looking to invest in land due to its low taxes and business-friendly regulations. - California offers stunning scenery, climate, and culture and access to some of the US’s most desirable real estate markets. - Florida is another popular choice due to its year-round warm climate and relatively affordable real estate prices. Ultimately, who can buy land in the USA will depend on the individual’s financial situation and ability to meet the various requirements set by lenders and government agencies. It’s important to research all of the applicable laws, regulations, taxes, and fees before entering into a contract to purchase land in any state. With proper planning and guidance, foreign investors who meet the requirements can own a piece of the American dream. SEARCH LAND FOR SALE

Top Things to Consider Before Buying Land in the USA

When considering who can buy land in USA, there are a few important things to remember. Why Do You Want to Buy an American Property? Your primary objective should be to determine the purpose of your purchase. Are you looking for a vacation home, an investment property, or something else? Examine the regions and property kinds that have historically performed well and provided solid returns. Look for upcoming events that might increase demand for real estate, such as major festivals, sporting events, or even specific construction projects, such as a new harbor or shopping center. Can You Stay in the USA? Despite the fact that the USA has long been a favorite destination for foreign property searchers, most people can only enter the country for up to 90 days per year for either business or pleasure. Therefore, you must possess a B-2 visa if you want to spend more time maximizing your property. The holder of this visa may stay for up to six months. Additionally, those applying for a B-2 visa must demonstrate that they have enough money to maintain themselves abroad. Have You Thought About Where Your Land Will Be Located in the US? It’s good to visit any property or development in person. That way, you can see for yourself what the neighborhood is really like, get a sense of the surroundings and the actual property, see how close it is to local amenities, any extras like beaches or outdoor adventures, and check out public transportation options. Do You Have a Set Budget? While you can easily find cheap land for sale across the country, it’s crucial to estimate how much your property will ultimately cost you and how you plan to pay for it. You may use any finances more effectively to identify the ideal property if you clearly understand your budget, enabling you to set particular goals. You might need to convert your local currency into US dollars if you purchase real estate in the US. Early on in your research, get in touch with a currency expert so you can stay on top of exchange rates and prepare for how changes in the currency will influence your guests. This way, you may incorporate your overseas payments into your total spending plan and maintain control of any less obvious costs. Prepare for Extra Charges and Hidden Fees You could be pleasantly surprised to learn that there aren’t too many additional costs while purchasing in the US, despite the possibility that there will be. Since US property taxes and levies are among the lowest in the world, you should normally allow them in the purchase price. However, if you own a property in a resort, you may be responsible for additional expenses. It is also important to remember that you can encounter unforeseen expenses here if and when the time comes to sell your US property. The seller frequently covers the cost, for instance. The American tax system is famous for being complicated; for help, contact a financial or legal professional. SEARCH LAND FOR SALE

How to Buy Property in the USA as a Non-Citizen?

Foreigners can easily buy land in the USA without a green card, a specific kind of visa, or even USA citizenship. As we mentioned earlier, they are ought to have a valid visa and proof of residency in the US for at least two years. Here are some important things to know for a smooth buying process. Understand the Tax Implications It’s important to understand the tax implications of buying property in the US while living abroad. The Real Property Tax Act  The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) dictates who is eligible to buy real estate in the US, who pays taxes on it, and other related matters. The Act requires foreign buyers who sell their property to pay a 10-15% capital gains tax. Every foreign land investor is given a taxpayer identification number. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses this individual taxpayer identification number to track rental income and other taxes associated with owning property in the United States. Failure to obtain this number can result in fines, penalties, or even having your property seized by the government. Non-resident owners planning to spend more than 180 days in the country over a 12-month period need to register for a tax identification number. Tax Treaties There are numerous international tax treaties that the US has signed. These agreements are made to limit the possibility of double taxation. The tax treaty may lower the taxes you would ordinarily pay on income from a US property if you are a resident of a nation having a US tax treaty. Tax Rates In general, the government taxes any income from real estate in the US that a non-resident owns that is not actually tied to a US trade or enterprise at a 30% rate. This rate might be lower if your resident country and the US have a tax treaty. How Your Property Income Is Treated A non-resident immigrant may treat all income from property that generates income in the US as being inextricably linked to a US trade or enterprise if they own it or have an interest in it. This is known as the Section 871(d) election. If you choose this option, you can deduct expenses related to real estate income, making the net income taxable. This will apply to all income derived from US-based real estate. SEARCH LAND FOR SALE Financing Options as a Foreigner Cash payment is the simplest method for foreign investors. Typically, you can request an international wire transfer via your local bank. That way, you wouldn’t have to be concerned about currency conversion. Can Foreigners Qualify for a US Mortgage? You will face a much more difficult process if you’re looking to get a conventional loan from an American bank. For foreign national mortgages, you can expect to come up with a 50% down payment for the property. If you’re living in the US, you’ll face many issues, and the bank’s decisions could be based on whether or not you are a citizen or a green card holder. This is not going to be an easy route.

What’s the Easiest Way for Foreigners to Buy Land in the USA?

The easiest way for foreign people to buy land in the US is to pay for it in cash. Paying for the property in full means that the title transfers to you immediately, and it’s a done deal. If cash isn’t an option, then the next best thing would be to attempt owner financing. Owner financing is a great option for foreigners purchasing property without the hassle of securing a traditional mortgage. Here’s where DiscountLots can help immensely!  It allows buyers to make payments directly to the property seller rather than through a third-party lender who approves mortgages. By taking advantage of Discount Lots’ owner financing options, you can save money by taking advantage of discounted rates. This can help to reduce the overall cost of buying land in the United States, making it more accessible and attainable for any non-US citizen who wishes to purchase real property here. With Discount Lots, you can easily find owner financing options that are right for your budget and needs. We don’t require credit history checks, there are no prepayment penalties and you can learn more about our owner financing process here.

Do Foreign Buyers Have to Pay Extra Stamp Duties?

Foreigners purchasing real estate in the US are not subject to any additional stamp duty, as opposed to Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Vancouver, Toronto, Sydney, and Melbourne, which all increased the tax paid by foreign buyers from 7% to 30%. There are no restrictions when foreigners purchase real estate in the United States. In reality, many affluent overseas investors buy investment properties, including single-family homes, multi-unit apartments or condos, and even commercial properties like shopping centers. They also buy residential lands and vacation homes in the United States. Foreigners and Americans each pay the same amount in stamp duty. Additionally, you might add the stamp duty (property transfer tax) to the cost basis of the property when you sell it, lowering your future tax liability.

How Long Does the Land Buying Process Take in the US?

The purchase process for real estate in the US can take anywhere from four to eight weeks. This largely depends on the complexity of the transaction and who is involved—i.e., individuals, lenders, corporate entities, or trusts. It’s important to remember that if you’re a foreigner purchasing land in the US, you’ll need to set up a U.S.-based bank account prior to closing the transaction. This will ensure that you can wire the funds for your purchase in a timely manner and that everything remains secure.

Who Can Buy Land in USA: Final Thoughts

Foreigners who want to buy land in the United States of America can easily do so. The easiest way for a foreign buyer to purchase land is by paying for it in cash. Though, the most convenient option available is through owner financing. Additionally, foreign buyers who purchase real estate in the US pay the same stamp duty as domestic buyers and can expect their transaction to take four to eight weeks to complete. Discount Lots has access to a wide range of land and owner financing options that make buying property in the US easier for foreign buyers. We sell land directly to you, so there’s no need for a real estate agent or any third-party involvement. Contact us today for more information about purchasing land in the USA! Looking for Vacant Land? Discount Lots has affordable land for sale across the country. SEARCH LAND FOR SALE Read the full article

[orianashea]

Belmont Heights Real Estate - Dealing With Non-Compliance with Local Zoning Regulations

Non-compliance means not following the rules. Zoning regulations are rules made by the government about how land can be used. For houses, these rules tell you where you can build, how tall buildings can be, and what activities are allowed in different areas to keep neighborhoods safe and nice.

When we end up purchasing or building houses without properly contacting legal professionals, we can step into this dicy zone of zoning non-compliance. This is rare but possible for Belmont Heights real estate owners to face!

If you are one such unfortunate owner, here is a brief guide from theBest Agent in East Long Beach on how to deal with zoning problems on your new property.

How To Deal With Non-Compliance And Local Zoning Regulations On Your New House?

Develop a Compliance Plan

Establishing a compliance plan must now be your most important step! You must review current property usage and come up with creative plans to solve the issue.

Start by figuring out what the problem is, such as unauthorized structures or harmful land use. You can go for consultations with local authorities and attorneys to clarify any doubts you may have.

Now use this information to develop a corrective action plan. Your plan should be addressing infringements and obtaining necessary permits if you want to keep them.

Make it a point to inspect your property every few months. You will avoid costly penalties and fines by following these steps.

Engage with the Community

Are missed zoning regulations bringing down your quality of life? Start building up your community image from the bottom and watch this issue disappear. Transparency builds trust with local authorities and neighbors.

You should acknowledge mistakes, apologize and propose corrective actions. Collaborate with community leaders and local organizations if you want to truly and quickly turn a page. They provide valuable insights into regulatory requirements and potential solutions.

Open communication ensures support during the compliance process. You must address concerns and provide regular progress updates. Community engagement fosters cooperation therefore mitigating potential penalties. Your willingness to comply earns goodwill, facilitating a smoother resolution process.

Understand Local Zoning Laws

Are local zoning laws crucial when buying property? Yes, they can indeed significantly impact property value and usage. Understanding regulations ensures compliance and avoids costly penalties.

Zoning ordinances dictate land use, building size, and location. Buyers must research local laws regarding residential or commercial use. Environmental and historic preservation regulations may apply. Compliance guarantees property longevity. Infringement consequences include fines and demolition or renovation costs.

Experts recommend consulting local authorities and attorneys. Due diligence prevents financial losses.

Local ordinances vary, so you must be informed about your neighborhood at all times. Zoning awareness not only protects you but also makes you a responsible neighbor! You can keep your investment safe and flourishing as long as you are respectful of these zoning regulations.

In Closing…

Homes in coastal areas do have to consider many legal restrictions that are not put in place on regular land. Unfortunately, some individuals tend to advertise home staging in Long Beach in such a way that these issues are masked initially.

To prevent this from ever happening again, ask clear questions about the legal stability of the house you are buying. Factor in the modifications and legal repercussions you might have to face before you decide to buy a house simply because it looks affordable at first sight!

[whitehorsenotarypublic]

When Do You Need a Notary for Power of Attorney Documents?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a powerful legal instrument that allows an individual, known as the principal, to appoint someone else, known as an agent or attorney-in-fact, to make decisions on their behalf. These decisions can range from financial management to healthcare decisions. However, when it comes to executing a Power of Attorney document, one of the most common questions is whether you need the services of a notary public. In this article, we will explore the situations where a notary is required for POA documents, why it’s essential, and how it can safeguard both the principal and the agent.

What is a Power of Attorney (POA)?

A Power of Attorney grants legal authority to another person to act on your behalf. This authority can be broad, covering all matters, or specific to certain tasks, like selling property or managing a bank account. There are several types of POAs, including:

General Power of Attorney: Grants broad powers to the agent.

Limited or Special Power of Attorney: Restricts the agent’s authority to particular tasks or time frames.

Durable Power of Attorney: Remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated.

Medical Power of Attorney: Allows the agent to make healthcare decisions when the principal is unable to do so.

While these documents are valuable tools for planning ahead, it’s critical to ensure they are legally binding. This is where notarisation often comes into play.

Why Is Notarisation Important for Power of Attorney Documents?

Notarisation provides an added layer of authenticity and legality to legal documents. When a notary public witnesses the signing of a document, they verify the identity of the individuals involved and ensure they are signing the document willingly and under no duress. In the context of a Power of Attorney, notarisation helps to prevent fraud and ensures the document can be used without dispute.

A notarised POA is often required by banks, financial institutions, and government agencies. Without a notary seal, these organisations may refuse to honour the document. Furthermore, having a POA notarised adds legitimacy, making it harder for others to challenge its validity.

When is Notarisation Legally Required for a Power of Attorney?

Although not every jurisdiction mandates notarisation of a Power of Attorney, many do. It is essential to check your local laws to determine whether notarisation is required. However, there are several common instances when notarisation of a POA is strongly recommended or legally required:

1. Financial and Real Estate Transactions

When a Power of Attorney is used to authorise significant financial decisions or real estate transactions, most institutions require a notarised document. This includes selling property, accessing bank accounts, or making large investments on behalf of the principal. Notarisation ensures that the person granted this authority is genuinely empowered to act.

2. Healthcare Decisions

In cases where a Medical Power of Attorney is granted, many healthcare providers and hospitals will require a notarised POA before allowing the agent to make decisions on the principal’s behalf. This guarantees that the decisions made regarding the principal’s health are valid and recognised by all parties involved.

3. Legal Requirements in Certain States or Countries

Some regions have specific laws that make notarisation compulsory for any Power of Attorney document. For example, in the United States, states like California and Florida require most POAs to be notarised to be valid. Similarly, in the UK, while notarisation is not always legally required, it is highly recommended, especially if the document will be used in cross-border transactions.

4. Overseas Use

If the Power of Attorney is intended for use in another country, notarisation is typically mandatory. Many foreign institutions or governments will not accept a POA unless it has been notarised and, in some cases, apostilled. This process involves having the document authenticated for international use.

Steps to Notarising a Power of Attorney

If you find yourself needing to notarise a Power of Attorney, follow these steps:

Step 1: Find a Notary Public

The first step is to locate a licensed notary public. Notaries can often be found in law firms, banks, post offices, and even online services. Be sure to check that the notary is registered and authorised to perform notarisation in your area.

Step 2: Ensure the Principal and Agent Are Present

For the notarisation to be valid, the principal (the person granting the authority) must be present to sign the document in front of the notary. In some cases, the agent (the person being granted authority) may also need to be present. The notary will verify the identity of both parties using identification documents like a passport or driver’s licence.

Step 3: Review and Sign the Document

Before the document is notarised, both the principal and the notary should thoroughly review the Power of Attorney to ensure all information is correct and that the principal fully understands the implications of signing it. The document will then be signed in the presence of the notary.

Step 4: Notary Verification and Seal

The notary will witness the signing of the document and then affix their official seal or stamp. This confirms that the signatures are authentic and that the principal was signing willingly.

Benefits of Notarising a Power of Attorney

1. Legal Recognition

Notarised POAs are more widely accepted by financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies. They add a level of credibility and authenticity to the document that non-notarised versions may lack.

2. Reduced Risk of Disputes

A notarised Power of Attorney reduces the likelihood of disputes about the validity of the document. If a third party challenges the authority of the agent, the notarised POA provides strong evidence that the document is legitimate.

3. Preventing Fraud

Notarisation helps to protect against identity theft and fraud. The notary verifies the identity of the principal, ensuring that no one is fraudulently executing the document.

Conclusion

In many cases, notarisation is a crucial step in ensuring the legal validity of a Power of Attorney. While not always mandatory, it is highly recommended for financial, healthcare, and overseas transactions. Notarising a POA provides added legal security and ensures the document is recognised by institutions and authorities. By following the necessary steps and understanding the specific requirements of your jurisdiction, you can guarantee that your Power of Attorney document serves its intended purpose effectively.

[creativehousingduo]

How Cherokee County Cash Home Buyers Can Help You Avoid Foreclosure

When facing foreclosure, the clock ticks fast, and the pressure can feel overwhelming. The loss of your home, damaged credit, and the financial turmoil that follows are significant concerns. In Cherokee County cash home buyers for quick sales, Georgia, a solution that can ease these pressures is selling your home quickly to cash home buyers. This process not only provides fast relief but also helps homeowners move on without the prolonged uncertainty that comes with traditional real estate sales. Here's a look at how cash buyers can help and what to do when foreclosure is looming.

The Benefits of Selling to Cash Buyers

Quick Sale Process When you are in foreclosure, time is not on your side. Selling your home through a traditional listing can take months, and many homeowners simply don't have that time. Cash home buyers, on the other hand, specialize in quick transactions. These buyers often make offers within days of viewing your property, and the entire sale can be completed in as little as a week. For someone on the verge of foreclosure, this speedy sale can mean avoiding the foreclosure process entirely.

No Repairs Needed If you're struggling financially, you may not have the resources to make costly repairs to your home before selling. Cash buyers in Cherokee County often purchase homes "as-is," meaning you won’t need to spend time or money fixing up the property. They are interested in the value of the home as an investment and are prepared to deal with any repairs themselves.

Avoiding Legal and Credit Consequences Once foreclosure is completed, it can significantly impact your credit score, making it difficult to secure housing or loans in the future. By selling your home before foreclosure takes place, you can save your credit and avoid the legal repercussions. Cash home buyers provide a way to sell fast, allowing you to settle debts and move forward without the long-lasting effects of foreclosure on your financial record.

Stress-Free Process The uncertainty and stress of foreclosure can take an emotional toll on you and your family. Cash buyers offer a streamlined, no-hassle sale process, so you can avoid the drawn-out and stressful back-and-forth negotiations that come with traditional real estate transactions. This peace of mind is priceless when you're already dealing with the complexities of foreclosure.

What to do when you're in foreclosure

Understand Your SituationThe first step is to fully understand where you are in the foreclosure process. Once the lender begins foreclosure proceedings, you will receive legal notices. It's essential to read them carefully and understand your rights and the timeline of the foreclosure. You may still have options depending on how far along the process is.

Contact Your Lender Many homeowners mistakenly believe that lenders want to foreclose on their homes. In reality, most lenders prefer to avoid foreclosure because it is a costly and time-consuming process. Reach out to your lender as soon as you realize you may be struggling to keep up with payments. In some cases, they may offer alternatives such as loan modifications, short sales, or forbearance.

Consider a Cash Home Sale If you’ve already fallen behind on payments and are at risk of foreclosure, consider contacting a cash home buyer in Cherokee County. Many of these buyers can offer a no-obligation consultation and let you know how much they would be willing to pay for your home. A cash sale could be the quickest way to get out from under the burden of foreclosure and save your credit from further damage.

Consult with a Real Estate Attorney Foreclosure can be a complex legal process, and it’s crucial to understand your rights. If you have questions about the foreclosure timeline, your rights as a homeowner, or how a sale might impact you legally, consult with a real estate attorney. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and ensure you make the best decision for your future.

Conclusion

Facing foreclosure is stressful, but it’s not the end of the road. If you’re in Cherokee County and need to sell your home quickly to avoid foreclosure, a cash home buyer can be your lifeline. With their quick sale process, willingness to purchase homes as-is, and ability to help protect your credit, cash buyers offer a fast and effective way to overcome the financial challenges that come with foreclosure.

[queensprobatelawyer]

Guardianship & Real Estate Transfers: Key Elements of New York Estate Planning

Estate planning is a critical aspect of securing your family’s future, particularly in New York, where laws governing guardianship and real estate transfers can be complex. Richard Cary Spivack, a seasoned New York estate attorney, emphasizes the importance of understanding these key elements to ensure that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

Understanding Guardianship in New York

Guardianship is a legal arrangement that allows a designated individual to make decisions on behalf of another person who is unable to manage their affairs due to incapacity. This can include decisions about personal care, medical treatment, and financial matters. Here are the essential points regarding guardianship in New York:

Types of Guardianship

1. Guardianship of the Person: This type of guardianship allows the guardian to make decisions about the individual’s personal needs, including healthcare and living arrangements.

2. Guardianship of the Property: This permits the guardian to manage the financial affairs of the individual, including handling assets, paying bills, and managing investments.

3. Limited Guardianship: In some cases, a guardian may be appointed to make specific decisions while the individual retains some level of autonomy.

The Role of a Probate Attorney

When establishing guardianship, working with a probate attorney is crucial. They can guide you through the legal process, ensuring that all necessary documentation is completed accurately and submitted to the appropriate court.��

A probate attorney can help you understand what to expect from a probate attorney, including their role in:

Preparing and filing petitions for guardianship.

Representing clients in court hearings.

Advising on the responsibilities and duties of a guardian.

Assisting with the management of the ward's affairs.

Real Estate Transfers in Estate Planning

Real estate is often one of the most significant assets in an estate. Proper planning for the transfer of real estate can prevent disputes and ensure that your property is handled according to your wishes. Here are key considerations regarding real estate transfers in New York:

Types of Real Estate Transfers

1. Transfer on Death Deed: This allows property owners to transfer real estate to beneficiaries upon their death without going through probate.

2. Inter vivos Transfers: These are transfers made during the owner’s lifetime, which can be beneficial for tax purposes and to avoid probate.

3. Trust Transfers: Placing real estate in a trust can provide greater control over how the property is managed and distributed after death.

The Importance of Proper Documentation

When transferring real estate, it is essential to have the correct legal documentation in place. A probate attorney can assist in:

Drafting deeds and other necessary documents.

Ensuring compliance with New York’s Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT) requirements.

Advising on tax implications related to the transfer of property.

Why You Would Need a Probate Attorney

Navigating the complexities of estate planning, guardianship, and real estate transfers can be overwhelming. Here are some reasons why you would need a probate attorney:

1. Expertise in Estate Law: A probate attorney has specialized knowledge of estate laws and can help you avoid costly mistakes.

2. Personalized Guidance: They can provide tailored advice based on your specific circumstances and goals.

3. Efficiency: An attorney can streamline the process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met promptly.

4. Dispute Resolution: If disputes arise among family members regarding guardianship or property distribution, a probate attorney can mediate and resolve these issues effectively.

5. Peace of Mind: Knowing that a professional is handling your estate planning can alleviate stress and provide confidence that your wishes will be honored.

What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?

A probate lawyer plays a vital role in the estate planning process. Here are some of their key responsibilities:

*Drafting Legal Documents: This includes wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, ensuring that they comply with New York law.

*Managing the Probate Process: They assist executors in navigating the probate process, including filing necessary documents with the court and managing estate assets.

*Advising on Tax Issues: A probate attorney can provide guidance on estate taxes and help minimize tax liabilities for your heirs.

*Handling Disputes: If conflicts arise during the probate process, a probate lawyer can represent your interests in court.

The Benefits of a Free Consultation

Many probate attorneys, including Richard Cary Spivack, offer a probate attorney free consultation. This initial meeting allows potential clients to discuss their needs and concerns without financial commitment. During this consultation, you can:

Assess the attorney’s expertise and experience.

Discuss your specific estate planning needs.

Understand the costs involved in the probate process.

Finding the Right Estate Planning Attorney in New York

When searching for an estate planning attorney in New York, consider the following:

1. Experience: Look for attorneys with a strong background in estate planning and probate law.

2. Reputation: Research reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge their satisfaction.

3. Communication: Choose an attorney who communicates clearly and is responsive to your questions and concerns.

4. Specialization: Consider attorneys who specialize in estate planning, guardianship, and real estate transfers.

5. Location: Search for estate lawyers near me to find local attorneys who understand the specific laws and regulations in your area.

Conclusion

Guardianship and real estate transfers are critical components of estate planning attorney new york. Understanding these elements and working with a knowledgeable probate attorney can ensure that your wishes are honored and your family is protected. Richard Cary Spivack offers comprehensive legal services to assist clients with all aspects of estate planning, including guardianship and real estate transfers. For a free consultation, contact Richard Cary Spivack today to secure your family’s future.

[chicago-one-love]

How To List Home For Sale By Owner?

Highlights:

Learn simple steps to list homes for sale by owner.

Discover how to prepare your home for sale to attract buyers.

Understand the importance of pricing your home correctly.

Get tips on marketing your home effectively.

Selling your home by yourself can be a rewarding challenge that could save you money in agent commissions.

When you list homes for sale by owner, you take on all the roles typically handled by a real estate agent, but it's completely doable with the right approach and organization. Here are easy-to-follow steps to help you successfully list and sell your home.

Prepare Your Home for Sale

First things first, your home needs to look its best to attract buyers. This means taking care of any maintenance issues, decluttering, and possibly updating parts of the home to increase its appeal.

Here are some tips:

Clean and Declutter: A clean, clutter-free home looks bigger and more inviting. Deep clean every room and don’t forget outdoors areas like the garden or patio.

Repair and Refresh: Fix anything that’s broken, like leaky faucets or cracked tiles. Consider a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors to make the home feel new and welcoming.

Stage Your Home: Staging your home can help buyers imagine themselves living there. You can either hire a professional stager or do it yourself by arranging furniture in a way that highlights your home’s features.

Price It Right

Pricing your home correctly is crucial. Too high, and you might scare off buyers; too low, and you may not get the full value.

Here’s how to price your home effectively:

Research the Market: Look at similar homes in your area that have recently sold, focusing on their size, condition, and features.

Consider a Professional Appraisal: Hiring an appraiser can give you a good idea of your home’s market value, and help justify your asking price to potential buyers.

Be Prepared to Negotiate: Setting your price slightly higher can give you some negotiating room. But remember, if you want to sell swiftly, you should be realistic about pricing competitively.

Market Your Home

Now that your home is ready and priced, it’s time to get the word out.

Effective marketing can make a huge difference in how quickly you sell.

Take Great Photos: High-quality photos are essential for making a good first impression. If possible, hire a professional photographer.

Use Online Platforms: List your home on popular real estate platforms and classified sites. Be clear and honest in your descriptions.

Utilize Social Media: Share your listing on social media, telling friends and followers to spread the word.

Create Eye-Catching Signs: A well-designed “For Sale” sign can attract local buyers. Make sure it has your contact info and a call to action.

Host Open Houses: Schedule open houses to welcome potential buyers to tour your home. Prepare flyers or brochures that potential buyers can take with them.

Take Care of Legalities

Selling a home involves a lot of paperwork.

Make sure you understand and comply with legal requirements to avoid future problems.

Disclosure Forms: Most states require sellers to disclose certain information about the condition of the home. Check your state’s requirements.

Contracts and Paperwork: Consider consulting with a real estate attorney to help you prepare the necessary documents, like the sales contract.

Escrow and Closing: You might need to hire a title company or an attorney to handle escrow, which is the process where all funds are kept until the deal is closed, and to ensure all paperwork is completed correctly.

Communicate Effectively

When you list homes for sale by owner, you’re responsible for negotiations and communications with potential buyers.

Here are key tips:

Stay Professional: Always communicate in a courteous and professional manner.

Be Available: Respond to inquiries quickly and be available to show your home.

Negotiate Wisely: Consider what concessions you’re willing to make, like closing costs or a flexible moving date, to make the deal work.

Bottom Line: From Real Estate Professionals to Property Buyers & Sellers

Listing your home for sale by owner can seem daunting, but it’s entirely achievable with the right preparation, pricing, marketing, and communication.

By managing these aspects effectively, you can sell your home successfully and potentially save on costs.

Remember, the goal is to make your home as appealing as possible and to deal confidently and competently with potential buyers.

Happy selling!

[iahmed197027]

Is Now The Time To Buy Real Estate?

Are you looking to purchase a reasonably priced home? If you are, you may turn toward foreclosure property listings online. Foreclosed property are often obtainable for sale at a sharply cut-rate price. With that believed, buyers need to be conscious that purchasing and living in a foreclosed home isn't as simple as it sounds. That is why a number of buyers decide on properties that are referred to as REOs. These properties are Real Estate Owned. As stated before purchasing and moving into a foreclosed home is not a sure bet. To begin with, some states are inclined to draw out the procedure. For instance, just because you successfully won the bid at a foreclosure auction, it does not signify that you can move in right away. In truth, you may still end up without a home. Why? Because a lot of states have redemption laws. These laws give aberrant borrowers time to get their mortgage back in excellent standing. Subsequently, it is imperative to know that many people do not want to leave their homes. A typical real estate agent, or a listing agent, represents the seller and tries to get the highest price for the seller. This is why picking your representation is very important. Of course, if you are selling your home, you would go with a typical real estate agent with good knowledge of the area you are working with. A listing agent should have the tools to get you the most for your property taking into consideration the economy toady. You want someone with your best interests in mind. It is important to distinguish clearly between the two distinct types of real estate representation so that you, the home buyer, or seller, gets the very most out of your real estate investment. Using these simple keys to investment, you can easily make the transition into the great world of being a home owner or a smart real estate mover. Find a good area with lots of expansion and development, know your economy for that given area, know your budget and find yourself good buying or selling representation, for whatever your real estate needs might be. This will make your search easier and faster. 2. Choosing your location. This is the most critical issue when purchasing a vacation home, especially in Belize where there are several locations that are breathtaking. Consider a place where it's near your favorite activity locations, such as scuba diving spots and other areas, with places where you can get supplies with not much of a hassle. 3. Consider the size of your family with the size of the vacation home. It won't be much of a problem if you're alone and with no family. 4. Do you want to buy a home that needs renovation or needs many improvements? Or just purchase a piece of land somewhere and have someone build the house instead? 5. Are you sure about the security of the place you want to purchase your property? All these things can be found in Belize real estate properties and you need not worry that you won't find that perfect place. In fact, in Sanctuary Belize, everything you may need in a vacation home is already there! The amenities are world-class and you'll be blown away with what awaits you and your family. Here, you have the freedom to choose where you want your house to be and rest assured, your house will definitely be as wonderful as you dream it would be. An attorney protects the buyer's interests at every step of the transaction. Attorneys fees generally range from $700 to $1,150. 11. Title insurance - this type of insurance protects the buyer and lender from claims that someone else owns the property or has a lien (claim) on it. Such claims can be from contractors who worked on the house and were not paid, mortgages that the seller has taken out and that need to be paid from the closing proceeds, or unpaid taxes or judgments. The rates for title insurance are set by the state so all companies must charge the same. The title insurance premium vary by state. 12. Buyer's transfer fee - in some states, a buyer who purchases real estate with a price of $1,000,000 or greater must pay a transfer fee of a certain percentage of the purchase price. Unfortunately, the closing costs always seem to be higher than what a buyer plans for. Your attorney will be able to guide you through the process so that you will not be totally surprised. If you are looking to buy a home, then you may have wondered where the best places are. Although real estate prices have comedown significantly since their peak in 2008, there are still many places that the experts consider to be overpriced. Let's take a look at some of your options. There are a few places in the United States where real estate has become pretty cheap. The best example of this is Detroit. Ever since the automobile companies went bankrupt and were required to restructure, they were forced to lay off many workers. This led to a cascading effect which caused other business to suffer and subsequently shut down. As a result, Detroit has one of the highest unemployment rates in the United States. Thousands and thousands of people have left Detroit to look for jobs elsewhere, and hardly anyone is moving in. This means that there are a whole bunch of houses on the market which can't sell.

[condoshomesdevelopment]

How to Choose the Right Realtor for Pre-Construction Condos and Homes in Toronto

Are you considering pre construction condos in Toronto? There are so many options to make it an overwhelming decision. The condo buying process can be complex if you are doing it for the first time or doing it alone. You don’t know where to start and what to expect. Having the right realtor by your side can make all the difference. Here's how to choose the perfect realtor for your pre-construction purchase in Toronto.

Expertise in Pre-Construction

Not all real estate professionals are the same when it comes to pre-construction. Every agent is different with different kinds of knowledge, market exposure and portfolio. You should look for a realtor who specializes in pre-construction condo market and has a proven track record of successful transactions. The best way to ensure this is to ask them about their last 10 transactions and choose one with the most number of precon deals.

Connections and Access

A well-connected realtor can provide you with early access to pre-construction projects. They usually have exclusive incentives and insider information. They should have strong relationships with developers. Great realtors are mostly one of the firsts to know about new launches and pricing updates.

Negotiation Skills

When it comes to pre-construction homes and condos in Toronto, negotiation is key. A skilled realtor can help you secure the best possible deal, negotiate, and protect your interests throughout the process. Look for someone with a track record of successful negotiations and a keen eye for detail.

Communication and Availability

Buying pre-construction involves a long timeline. You'll need a realtor who is responsive, communicative, and available to you whenever you need them. Look for someone who:

Promptly returns calls and emails

Keeps you informed every step of the way

Is accessible and flexible to accommodate your schedule

Local Market Knowledge

A great realtor should have a deep understanding of the Toronto real estate market. They know the neighborhood dynamics, future developments, and investment potential. This knowledge can help you make an informed decision and identify the best pre construction condos in Toronto.

To enhance your potential for success, your real estate agent needs to surround themselves with a wide range of experts such as attorneys, loan officers and everyone else involved in the house selling business. From the start till the very last units are sold out, having a strong base with these experts is very important as it saves time hence being more efficient when all hands work together as one big team.

Purchasing during periods before construction starts might require an investment of 5% to 10%. Thus making an informed decision on whom to use will help make ends meet better because everything will be done faster than usual due to their close relations that come with years’ of experience built over time.

Take your time, do your research, and find a realtor who truly understands the pre-construction market and has your best interests in mind.

[whitehorsenotarypublic]

Top Reasons You May Need a Notary Public in the UK

In the UK, a Notary Public plays an essential role in verifying, authenticating, and certifying important documents. Whether for personal or business matters, the services of a notary can be indispensable. We often see individuals and businesses encounter situations where official notarisation is a requirement. Understanding when and why you may need a notary can help you navigate legal complexities more smoothly. Here are the top reasons you may require the services of a Notary Public in the UK.

1. International Legal Documents

One of the most common reasons people seek out a Notary Public is for international legal documents. If you are engaging in legal matters abroad—whether for personal, business, or property transactions—the receiving country may demand that your documents be notarised. A Notary Public certifies that the signatures on the document are genuine and that the document has been executed correctly. Examples include powers of attorney, property deeds, and affidavits.

For instance, if you are selling or purchasing property overseas, the relevant authorities may require a notarised document. The same applies if you're appointing someone to act on your behalf in a foreign jurisdiction. Notarisation ensures that these documents are legally binding in other countries, helping to avoid costly legal delays.

2. Apostille Services

When documents are to be used abroad, they may also need to go through a process called apostillisation. An apostille is an additional certificate attached to the document to confirm its legitimacy under the Hague Convention. Only certain countries require this, but if they do, the services of a Notary Public will often be the first step.

After the notary has signed and sealed the document, it will then be sent to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) or relevant authorities for the apostille to be attached. This added step confirms the notary's credentials, making the document legally accepted abroad. Apostille services are often requested for documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and diplomas.

3. Power of Attorney

Another crucial reason to seek a notary's services is for creating a power of attorney. A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone else the authority to act on your behalf. Whether it’s for managing your financial affairs, property, or healthcare decisions, this document must be legally recognised.

In many cases, the POA will need to be notarised to ensure its legal validity, especially if it is intended for use abroad or in high-stakes situations like property sales or medical decisions. Without proper notarisation, the document may be questioned, potentially leading to legal complications.

4. Property Transactions

If you are involved in property transactions—particularly overseas real estate purchases or sales—Notary Public services will be required. Countries outside of the UK may have stricter legal requirements that necessitate the notarisation of contracts, deeds, and title transfers. The Notary Public ensures that these documents are properly signed and witnessed, providing peace of mind for both parties involved.

For UK-based transactions, especially when dealing with large assets or commercial property, some financial institutions may also request notarisation to ensure the authenticity of signatures and agreements. This protects all parties from potential fraud and ensures the contract's enforceability.

5. Immigration and Visa Documentation

Many people need the services of a Notary Public for immigration or visa documentation. When moving abroad or applying for a visa, foreign embassies often require a variety of documents to be notarised. These may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, qualifications, or professional credentials.

Without a properly notarised document, your application could be delayed or rejected, adding stress to what is already a complex process. Notaries help verify that your documents are legitimate and accepted by foreign authorities. This step is particularly important for those emigrating, studying, or working abroad.

6. Business Contracts

Businesses, both large and small, frequently need to rely on a Notary Public for certifying business contracts. When dealing with international partners, suppliers, or clients, a notarised contract ensures the terms are legally binding across borders. It adds an extra layer of protection and legitimacy to agreements, especially those involving high-value transactions.

Notarising business contracts can help prevent disputes by making it clear that all parties have entered into the agreement knowingly and willingly. The notary serves as a neutral witness, ensuring that everyone understands the contract's contents and is signing it without coercion.

7. Statutory Declarations and Affidavits

Notaries are often required for statutory declarations and affidavits. A statutory declaration is a legal statement made voluntarily, affirming that something is true. It is often used for legal or business purposes, such as confirming identity, residency, or ownership. Similarly, affidavits are sworn statements used in court cases.

Both documents require the services of a Notary Public to be legally recognised. The notary will confirm the identity of the person making the declaration and ensure the document is signed correctly. Notarisation is essential for making sure these documents hold legal weight, particularly in court cases or disputes.

8. Verification of Identity and Signatures

In many legal and financial transactions, especially those involving large sums of money, you may be asked to provide verification of identity and signature by a Notary Public. This is especially common when signing important legal agreements such as wills, contracts, or deeds.

The notary’s role is to ensure that the person signing the document is who they claim to be, reducing the risk of fraud. Notaries check identification documents like passports and confirm that the signature is genuine. This process can prevent legal challenges later on, making it a crucial step in many transactions.

9. Certification of Academic and Professional Qualifications

Finally, many individuals need to have their academic or professional qualifications certified by a Notary Public, particularly if they are pursuing opportunities abroad. Employers, universities, or licensing boards in foreign countries often require notarised copies of diplomas, transcripts, or professional certifications to verify their authenticity.

Without notarisation, these documents may be considered invalid or forged, potentially harming your chances of securing a job or place at a university. A notary can certify that your qualifications are legitimate and help ensure they are recognised abroad.

Conclusion

There are numerous reasons why you may need the services of a Notary Public in the UK. From international legal matters to personal documentation, notarisation ensures that your documents are legally recognised and valid both in the UK and abroad. Whether you need a power of attorney, verification of identity, or apostille services, a Notary Public provides the essential services to facilitate legal processes.

In fact, White Horse Notary Public is one of the many reputable firms that offer these services, ensuring that clients’ documents are handled professionally and in accordance with legal requirements.

[mymilkshakedefendor]

How Do Coventry Estate Agents Help You Find Your Dream Home?

Finding your ideal house can be thrilling and intimidating, particularly in a bustling city with a rich history like Coventry. Estate agents play a crucial role in this journey because they offer the knowledge, tools, and assistance required to negotiate the intricacies of the real estate market successfully. See in-depth how Coventry real estate agents may assist you in locating the house of your dreams.

Understanding Your Needs and Preferences

Knowing what kind of house you desire is the first step in the home-buying process. Coventry real estate agents are excellent at this since they provide in-depth consultations. They enquire in-depth about your preferences, asking things like:

Ideal community or area

Proximity to amenities, jobs, and schools

Property type (flat, semi-detached, detached, etc.)

The number of bathrooms and bedrooms

Important elements (garage, open-plan living, garden, etc.)

They can create a list of houses that fit your vision by getting to know your priorities and lifestyle.

Providing Local Market Expertise

Coventry estate agents are well-versed in the local real estate industry. They keep abreast of the most recent trends, shifting market conditions, and impending events. Their knowledge is extremely significant as it enables them to provide insights on:

The greatest communities for seniors, young professionals, and families

Prices and market trends in several domains

Future developments that can have an impact on property values

Their local knowledge guarantees that you make a well-informed choice and steers you clear of potential problem areas or expensive locations.

Negotiating the Best Deal

A crucial step in the home-buying process is negotiating. Coventry estate agent are adept negotiators that strive to provide you the finest possible outcome. They manage all correspondence with the seller or their representative, guaranteeing that you receive the property at a reasonable cost. They can effectively defend their offerings thanks to their industry understanding, which could save you a substantial sum of money.

Assisting with Legal and Financial Matters

Purchasing a property can involve many complex legal and financial considerations. Coventry real estate agents assist you at every step of the way, including:

Endorsing respectable mortgage agents and attorneys

Describing the procedures that make up the conveyancing process

Ensuring the timely and accurate completion of all documentation

Assisting in the planning of inspections and surveys

Their guidance guarantees that all transactions are completed without hiccups and lessens the stress related to legality.

Offering Post-Purchase Support

After the transaction is finalized, a Coventry estate agent's work is far from over. Numerous agents assist you in settling into your new house by offering post-purchase service. This can involve suggestions for nearby services like:

Reputable moving firms

Local builders and remodeling specialists

Providers of utility services

Their continued assistance makes it easier for you to settle into your new life in Coventry.

Conclusion

Estate agents in Coventry are essential in assisting you in discovering your ideal residence. Their extensive services make the home-buying process easier and more pleasurable, from comprehending your tastes and supplying market information to negotiating deals and providing post-purchase support. You may easily explore the Coventry real estate market and discover a house that genuinely fits your goals and lifestyle by utilizing their experience and local knowledge.

Finding your ideal house in Coventry can be a cooperative and fruitful undertaking when you have the best estate agent Coventry on your side. They will guide you to a location where you can create enduring memories.

[steelbluehome]

"Sebastian Stan, the Marvel star who is becoming increasingly diverse in his output of late, plays Trump. He avoids acting out a caricature, even if the script sometimes can’t resist an attack on Trump's vanity"

The National

Cannes review: The Apprentice avoids Trump caricature, but only scratches the surface (click for article)

Iranian-Danish director Ali Abbasi's follow-up to Holy Spider is a compelling but underwhelming take on the divisive US president's early years

James Mottram

May 20, 2024

Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, The Apprentice is arguably one of the most intriguing films in the official competition. A biopic of Donald Trump, it covers his real estate years before he turned to politics and entered the White House as one of the most controversial presidents in living memory.

Sebastian Stan, the Marvel star who is becoming increasingly diverse in his output of late, plays Trump. He avoids acting out a caricature, even if the script sometimes can’t resist an attack on Trump's vanity (“your face looks like an orange”, cries his wife Ivana, played by Maria Bakalova, the Oscar-nominated star of the Borat sequel).

Directed by the Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi, who has already brought us the unusual fable Border (2018) and the Iranian serial killer drama Holy Spider (2022), this marks a considerable step-up in scale and ambition. Spanning the 70s and 80s, Abbasi and his team capture the ugliness of New York, “the greatest city in the world”, back in the day.

Early on, a passer-by on the street tries to offer his wife to Trump, as the film briefly feels like one of those scenes in Taxi Driver where Travis Bickle surveys the human flotsam and jetsam passing him by.

An ambitious real estate developer, when the story picks up, Trump feels he can do more to modernise the Big Apple than anyone else, scattering the landscape with places like the Grand Hyatt and the famed Trump Tower.

But, as suggested by the title (a nod to the entrepreneurial reality TV show Trump would later front), he needs help. Enter Roy Cohn (Succession’s Jeremy Strong), an impossibly well-connected attorney who has famous clients and seemingly can help Trump’s family company, with a potentially damaging legal issue with the NAACP.

Shaping Trump, as he tells him the three main rules of business (maxims like “admit nothing, deny everything”), Cohn is a persuasive figure, superbly performed by Strong in a role that’ll likely get compared to his Succession character Kendall Roy. But inevitably Trump outgrows his mentorship, as fame and success swells.

At one point he meets Andy Warhol, blithely unaware of who the pop culture icon is. “Making money is art,” he tells the artist, and it’s this that seems to characterise Gabriel Sherman’s script, showing how Trump likes nothing more than striking deals and being a winner.

As such, his resentment for weak individuals around him festers, including his substance-abusing brother Freddy, Cohn and the ex-model-turned-interior-designer Ivana, who he spends most of the time disparaging for her cosmetic surgery (which he encouraged).

There is one shocking scene where he forces himself upon her, an alleged assault that was first reported in Harry Hurt III’s book Lost Tycoon: The Many Lives of Donald Trump. The only thing he cares about is courting America, “a country that has tremendous potential”, and building an ever-expanding empire.

Of course the film nods to Trump’s White House years, as he fondles a pin badge from Ronald Reagan’s campaign promising to “make America great again”. But while it’s an exciting watch, boasting an energetic feel and a soundtrack that includes Pet Shop Boys, New Order and Baccara, it arguably only surface skims Trump.

Perhaps we can never really get inside a man who plays so fast and loose with the truth, but the film gradually runs out of steam in the second half, despite showing what a ruthless and venal character he can be. In the end, it’s a story about the manifestation of horrifying ambition, and for that, it’s to be applauded.

Updated: May 20, 2024, 2:46 PM

THE APPRENTICE

Starring: Sebastian Stan, Maria Bakalova, Jeremy Strong

Director: Ali Abbasi

Rating: 3/5

[odetterwigambalawyers]

Real Estate Lawyers in Ottawa: Navigating Your Property Journey Smoothly

People in Ottawa who want to buy, sell, or trade in real estate will find a market that is booming and full of chances. Still, figuring out all the complicated parts of buying a house can be very hard. Because of this, you should talk to real estate lawyers in Ottawa.

Why Hiring Ottawa Real Estate Lawyers is a Good Idea?

An Ottawa real estate lawyer can be very helpful if you want to buy, sell, or transfer a home. To make sure the deal goes smoothly, they do the following:

The legal papers that go with real estate deals and disclosures are long and complicated. Professional lawyers will carefully look over these papers, making sure to protect your rights and explain what they mean.

Before you buy a house, you should do a full title check to see if there are any ownership problems or liens on the property. Your lawyer will do a thorough search before giving you any advice about possible risks that come with the buy.

Real estate lawyers in Ottawa are skilled professionals who can look out for your best interests, whether you are a seller trying to get the most money for your home or a buyer trying to get a better deal.

Because there are so many rules and laws about real estate deals, it is very important to follow them very carefully. Your lawyer will file the necessary papers, get the necessary permits, and other things to make sure that the close follows all the rules.

The main place where big investments of money go is into real estate. You can dodge these problems with the help of an Ottawa real estate lawyer.

How to Choose a Trustworthy Ottawa Real Estate Lawyer?

There are a lot of good lawyers in Ottawa, but it's important to pick the best one. Take these things into account:

Hire an experienced real estate lawyer who has dealt with cases like yours before.

There are lawyers who are experts in both business and private real estate. You should choose an attorney whose business fits your needs.

An experienced lawyer should be able to explain complicated legal ideas in a way that is clear and easy to understand. Before you ask, make sure that the answers to any questions you may have will help you.

Tell potential lawyers right away how much you can spend, and ask about their fee structures during your meeting. Some lawyers charge a set fee for certain services, while others charge by the hour.

Conclusion

After meeting with real estate lawyers in Ottawa, you might feel better. Their skill will make sure that the deal goes smoothly, protecting both your rights and your money. As you deal with the constantly changing Ottawa real estate market, you should always have a lawyer by your side.

Contact Us:

Odette Rwigamba Lawyers

Website:- https://ottawalawfirm.com

Email:- info@ottawalawfirm.com

Contact:- +1 613-729-5652