#real estate title research

[docret]

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[bonniepop]

title: of rumors & wrong assumptions parts: 1 / 2 / 3 character: iwaizumi hajime words: 1,800+ warnings: more violence towards oikawa's person. notes: i totally forgot to fill this up lmao

—

the following days at school were hell.

well, not really. but they felt like it.

“he keeps glaring at me,” you whimper, sitting across oikawa, trying to hide yourself by curling inward and having him shield you.

you were both hunched over your shared library desk, completing your partner lab report on your iodine clock experiment, two tables away from iwaizumi’s as his class settled on the other side of the library. oikawa had mentioned that they were working on their research for english.

truth be told, iwaizumi had been glaring at you since last week whenever you were with your lab partner in any capacity. whether you returned a greeting, asked a question, passed by him in the hallway, or simply just as looked in oikawa’s direction, iwaizumi’s glare was soon to follow. it was hard to miss the way his eyeballs practically singed the back of your skull in their endeavor.

“who?” oikawa looks over his shoulder. “oh, he’s not glaring. that’s just his normal face.” he wiggles his fingers at his best friend, who is clearly unamused. 

"you mean looking like he wants to kill me is normal?"

oikawa turns back to you. "i think the crease in between his eyebrows is genetic; his dad has it, too. but it looks good on him, doesn't it?"

gay, the voice in your head pipes up. instead of responding, iwaizumi simply narrows his eyes at oikawa for a second before looking back down at his own notes and proceeding with his work.

“so when he looks like he wants to kill me, that’s normal?” you ask, picking up the experiment manual and dragging it closer.

“yeah, but don’t take it personally.” oikawa smiles. “he looks at me that way all the time!” he returns to your work, peering over the experiment manual and copying the text unto a sheet of paper.

“you have really nice handwriting,” you comment after a few beats of silence, watching him neatly loop and cross and curve his characters.

“thanks,” he says with a smile. “when i was in middle school, my mom made it a point to train me and my sister in penmanship.”

“sounds like torture.”

“helps with volleyball,” he shrugs. “steady hands and all that.”

“you sound like you're making this up.”

"why on earth would i do that?" the volleyball player rolls his eyes. "anyway, real or no, it’s better than that thing you call handwriting,” he disparages, shooting your notes a pointed look. "what's worse than chicken scratch?"

“hey!” you snap, bundling your notes in your arms. “it is not that bad, and also, mind your own business. i make decent grades with this chicken scratch, you know!”

“i’m surprised our teachers can even read that.”

“oh, fuck off,” you say, giving him the finger. 

he laughs and changes the subject. “anyway, did you hear?” he leans in closer, raising an eyebrow. “people think we’re dating.”

you flush, but you can’t help the look of disgust that mars your features. “i know. it’s so gross.”

the teasing expression on his face falls and he straightens. “hey!” he cries, and some students around you turn their heads to look. “i’ll have you know that i am prime real estate!”

“shut up,” you hiss, yanking him down to divert attention. “first of all, you're not my type. second of all, you play volleyball, not baseball. baseball is clearly superior!"

"says you! i'd rather shine in a sport thanks to my sheer physical prowess, not because i'm good at hitting balls with sticks."

you shake your head. "you know, girls don’t like it when the guy’s ego is as big as the moon.”

“i’m just being honest,” he defends. “volleyball is the superior sport."

"i read somewhere that volleyball is just an extreme version of don't let the balloon touch the floor."

"then baseball is just hitting a piñata that's a moving target.”

“a more impressive set of conditions.”

“we're going nowhere," oikawa declares, waving the conversation away. what is your type, then?”

“not you,” you answer with a straight face.

“be serious!” he leans in conspiratorially. “i bet i know who your type is.”

you roll your eyes. “sure you do.”

he smirks. “it’s iwa-chan, isn’t it?”

your heart thunders in your chest and your belly flip flips around. “maybe,” you say, trying to play it cool. “or hanamaki. or matsukawa. anyone but you, really.”

he gapes then huffs, offended. he folds his arms over his chest. “you’re just saying that to get a rise out of me, and i won't fall for it.”

“i like guys who at least pretend to be humble about being good-looking.”

that makes him smirk. “so you think i’m good-looking?” he says a little louder, and you take your manual and smack his arm when you notice the students around you obviously trying to eavesdrop. “ow!”

“shut the fuck up,” you hiss.

oikawa scoffs as he rubs his arm, and you can feel the heat of iwaizumi’s familiar glare on the side of your head 

you chew on your bottom lip. “how’d you know, by the way?” 

“know what? that iwa-chan was your type?”

“no,” you insist, intent on changing the subject, because the embarrassment that you might’ve been obvious would’ve killed you. “that people think we’re—eugh—dating.”

he frowns. “hey. i’m not that bad a boyfriend.”

“didn’t your last girlfriend dump you?”

“i don't see why that's relevant,” he says stiffly, ignoring your jibe. “anyway, some of the lower year girls asked me if it was true,” he says, uncrossing his arms and pondering.

“oh my god, it spread.” you run a hand over your face. “what did you tell them?”

“i didn’t get a chance to answer. iwa-chan hit me in the head with a volleyball before i could.”

“what?” you nearly slam your hands on the table. “so people actually think we’re dating? why didn’t you answer?!”

“because they were bothering us during practice,” iwaizumi answers, suddenly standing next to your table, and you nearly launch yourself out of your seat in shock.

“iwa-chan!” oikawa greets, motioning for him to sit. the chair scrapes against the floor as the vice captain of the volleyball team takes a seat next to you, of all places. “have you met my lab partner?”

you’re too terrified and nervous to speak, but iwaizumi answers for you. “yeah," he grunts in agreement, then grunts out your name. “you’re a friend of tomo’s.”

you nod, words delayed. “yep. i’m a friend of tomo’s.”

“oooh, common friends,” oikawa teases, then jerks and smacks his knee beneath the table. people swivel their heads and chortle when they find the volleyball captain rubbing his leg beneath the desk, face scrunched up in pain. “ow! don’t hit me!”

“don’t be stupid,” iwaizumi grunts. he props his research materials on the table opens his notebook, silently getting to work.

you tap oikawa’s wrist with the pen in your hand as soon as his tears subside. “hey, keep writing!”

“would it kill you to say ‘please’?” he grumbles, pulling the report close and continuing. you work in relative silence, dictating notes for him to include in the report and answering any questions about values and measurements.

you completely forget that iwaizumi's even there, until he sighs and puts down his pen. he cracks his neck and stretches.

“you okay, iwa-chan?” oikawa asks.

“yeah,” he responds, voice low and raspy and it sounds so good that you bite back a whimper. “english is hard.”

you purse your lips in thought. would it be presumptuous of you to help? but maybe you could be useful, and if he really needed help… it might also make him like you more, and lessen all the glaring whenever you were within five feet of his best friend…

“um, can i see?” you decide to ask, and with a nod he slides his notes over to you. “what’s this?”

“translation,” iwaizumi responds gruffly. “can’t figure out what this word means in this sentence. doesn’t it mean the direction, as in 'turn left'?”

after a few scans, you nod, finally understanding. “ah, yes, but here,, ‘left’ is the past tense of ‘leave.’ like, when someone forgets something or leaves something behind.” with your pen, you point out words. "see here? 'she left her phone.'"

iwaizumi looks sort of scandalized. “what?”

“yeah, here, look—”

unbeknownst to you, oikawa’s watching as you explain it, taking in the way his friend leans forward and the extra attention he’s devoting to you as you speak. 

iwaizumi shakes his head. “so ‘left’ means the direction," he motions with his hand, "but also the past tense of 'leave'?” he flips back on his notes. "past tense, past tense... ah, verbs that have already happened?"

“yeah,” you explain. “most english words have their past tenses end in 'd', but irregular verbs—like this one here—they don't follow that rule.”

the captain lights up. “you speak english? you’re not in the english class.”

“um, yeah.” you blush, pulling back and straightening. “my, uh, my grandparents lived in america for a time, so i kinda learned from them.”

a disturbing smile spreads across oikawa's face. “fascinating," he says, sounding not unlike a snake with a plan. "maybe you can help iwa-chan here,” he says with that weird, slimy smile, reaching across the table to pat his friend’s arm. “he’s studying to take a the college entrance exams in the states! he’s not that smart at english, so you should help him!”

said friend was looking at the hand with disgust, which made your lip twitch. “don’t touch me,” he spits.

“aww, iwa, it’s okay. she knows you can be nice to me! you don’t have to hide your true self.” oikawa suddenly jumps away in fear when the wing spiker flexes for a punch, and you hide your snort behind your hands. 

oikawa whimpers, pathetically collecting the papers in front of him. “you two are mean! you deserve each other.”

iwaizumi flushes and glares. “hey. don’t be like that.” he turns to you. “sorry, he’s really inconsiderate about people’s feelings.”

you blink in surprise and raise your hands up in surrender. “no, it’s okay! no, ah, no feelings hurt here. he’s been annoying me all afternoon, so. yeah.” 

confusion makes itself known on iwaizumi's face. “annoying you? aren’t you… you know... um—”

your belly twists unpleasantly, and you force a laugh to hide your embarrassment. “oh, the, uh. the rumor.” you shake your head. “no, we’re not… that.”

when the laugh isn’t returned, you blush and clear your throat, looking down at your chicken scratch in embarrassment.

"oh. but i thought..." he trails off, and you shake your head without looking at him.

a few seconds later, he clears his throat to cut the awkward silence. "okawa, may i speak to you for a moment?” iwaizumi goes, already getting up.

oikawa's tongue is poking out the corner of his mouth as he concentrates on his notes. “wait, i'll just finish—”

“now,” iwaizumi bites out, grabbing his captain by the collar. he looks at you and bows. “give us one second.”

your lab partner is dragged away, and you can hear the mumbles of the students around you. you slump over in your seat. not again.

[ri-writing]

Now that Dracula Daily has gotten to the part where Jonathan tells us what he does for a living, let's talk about this.  There was a lot of confusion among Americans last year about what a solicitor is and what they do.

Basically, a solicitor is a type of lawyer.  A very high level explanation is that a solicitor is a transactional attorney in the UK.  If you need a will, want to purchase real estate, want to form a corporation, or want to obtain letters patent from the government so you can impress the sharks on Shark Tank, you're going to want to talk to a solicitor. 

As an aside, Jonathan is not the type of lawyer who tries cases.  Lawyers who try cases in the UK are called “barristers,” and they are a different animal.

In the beginning of Dracula, Jonathan is going to talk with Count Dracula about a real estate purchase.  Helping their clients purchase and sell real estate is a thing lawyers do.  Land purchases are REALLY complex transactions and a lot has to be done behind the scenes before everyone sits down to sign documents at closing.  There are contracts with special archaic property language that must be drafted and reviewed.  A real estate lawyer is also going to research the history of the property to ensure that the seller has the ability to sell the land to the buyer (is conveying good title), and is going to identify any restrictions (encumbrances) there are on the land so the buyer knows what they’re getting.  After closing, documents showing that the land was transferred must be recorded with the government to complete the transaction (in the US, this happens at a Register of Deeds office). 

So this is why Jonathan’s in Transylvania.  His law firm was hired to represent a foreign aristocrat (read: very important wealthy client) who is purchasing real estate in the United Kingdom.  Jonathan’s boss has sent Jonathan to visit the client, answer any questions the client has, and finalize the transaction.

[writingquestionsanswered]

How do I go about writing a story that has significant presence of nobles and their society?

I find myself a bit overwhelmed with the rules, the titles and whatnot... What should I be focusing on getting right?

Writing About Nobility and Their Society

Nobles are a social class in a society where the government is run by a small group of privileged individuals. Nobles often have hereditary titles that pass down through families along with estates.

The rules, titles, and daily life vary depending on when and where the nobles exist, and can even vary from one rank of nobility to another. So, if you are writing about real world nobility, you'll need to research the specific nobles you want to portray to learn about the rules, titles, and daily life of that particular set of nobles.

If you're creating an imaginary nobility, the first thing to do is to flesh out the privileged class who run the government. Who are they? How did they become so privileged as to exert their rule over everyone else? Who are the nobility of this class? What ranks and titles do they have?

You may want to consider modeling your nobility after one or more real world examples that closely match the type of aristocracy you want to represent. For example, if you want nobility based around a monarchy, the nobility of various European countries in a time similar to your story would be a good guideline. If you want nobility based around industrial wealth, the "nobility" of wealthy industrial societies (like the railroad tycoons and oil barons of late 1800s New York) would be a good model.

Here are a couple of previous posts that will help you if you're looking at more European aristocratic societies :

Guide: Writing Fictional Royals Forms of Address for Royals and Nobility

Have fun with your story!

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I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

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[theambitiouswoman]

Heyy

Do you have any advice on starting a real estate business as in just buying and renting out property?

Thanks 🤍

Yes!

**For the record, I have personally done a few flips/rehabs. Apart from that, I knew/know most of the realtors in this city and relating companies as I worked with most real estate/mortgage and title companies here when I had an agency.

First you need to be able to learn the market and research comparables. When looking to buy properties there are important factors to consider to make sure you are not paying overprice for a property as well as that the are is on demand, ensuring it will be easier to rent out the property.

The location of the property and its proximity to amenities like schools, shopping centers, grocery stores, transportation etc. Also that the area is safe.

You also want to look for areas that has future development plans, this will raise the value of your property.

If you have worked with investment companies, you will quickly learn that buying a property that is not in the best condition, a rehab property, could be a very smart play. You want to make sure of course to check the comparables and ensure that the property is underpriced compared to the other homes in the area. Once you rehab the property, it could raise or even surpass the value of the other homes in the area.

Any home that you would look into to buy for renting out should have elements that you intend to upgrade on. There are a lot of reasons for this but the most important one is how it raises your price and potential earnings. Redoing a kitchen or a bathroom can immediately raise the value of your home anywhere from 5-50k. A project that will cost you anywhere from 3-10k on average for a standards nice kitchen depending on your area.

Overall you still want to look at the comps to make sure you are getting a fair deal. Calculate the potential annual rent as a percentage of the properties price. This will give you an idea of the return on your investment. Also make sure that the potential rental income exceeds the monthly expenses. If not it does not make sense.

Check the vacancy rates in the area you want to purchase in, if its high there may be a low demand and not a good area to invest in.

Also you want to think about how easy it would be to sell the property if you need to. In demand areas tend to be more liquid.

So important, to understand the landlord/ tenant laws in your state. Including their rights and eviction process etc. Nothing worst than having a horrible tenant and not being legally able to remove them.

There are a lot of rate plans depending on your specific situation and mortgage rates also vary significantly by state. Make sure to get the best deal for you. Some states a first time can give as little as 1-5% down depending if you are a first time/ entrepreneur etc.

Property insurance is another cost factor to consider when working out your numbers as this varies by area.

Managing a few properties on your own is easy, but after a handful, you may want to consider hiring a property management company to handle these things for you.

I would strongly urge you to get a lawyer to draw up renter contracts.

To grow this business what you want to do, and this is a general overview: down payment for house, fix, rent out, refinance, use refinance to purchase another property and have enough to put into upgrades/repairs on the second purchase and repeat.

I can get into taxes on this too if you want.

[thefisherqueen]

I'm reading Letters from Watson's The three Garridebs as a bedtime story tonight. First things first - what even is this title?? *some research later* Oh, Garridebs is a last name, apparently. Wouldn't have guessed that. Yet another story title I will never be able to remember

It may have been a comedy, or it may have been a tragedy. It cost one man his reason, it cost me a blood-letting, and it cost yet another man the penalties of the law. I'm intrigued. They surely didn't still do blood-letting in the early 20th century? Or does this mean that Watson gets wounded in this case

I remember the date very well, for it was in the same month that Holmes refused a knighthood for services which may perhaps some day be described. I'm having a bit of trouble telling apart when Holmes wants attention and when he does not. He seems to thrive upon Watson's attention, and to immensely enjoy the attention he receives by acting Dramatic(TM), yet public praise or fame is to be avoided?

I only refer to the matter in passing, for in my position of partner and confidant I am obliged to be particularly careful to avoid any indiscretion. Partner, confidant, collegue, companion, intimate friend. In other words, 'you are so important to me'

Holmes had spent several days in bed, as was his habit from time to time It's been years since I spent an entire day in bed. I wonder if that means that I'm doing better, or if I'm just not allowing myself enough time to rest and recover from Life

"Have you ever heard the name of Garrideb?" I admitted that I had not. Same, Watson, same

"Why do you say that, Mr. Holmes?" I seemed to read sudden suspicion in those expressive eyes. "Your whole outfit is English." Mr. Garrideb forced a laugh. "I've read of your tricks, Mr. Holmes, but I never thought I would be the subject of them." Oh my. This man does not like to be deduced. I have a feeling he's going to be difficult

"Why did he ever drag you into it at all?" asked our visitor, with a sudden outflame of anger. "What in thunder had you to do with it? Here was a bit of professional business between two gentlemen, and one of them must needs call in a detective! Ah, here we have our trouble. I hope Holmes politely yet ruthlessly will tell him to shut it and keep his calm

"And now, sir, since you are here, we had best have a clear account from your own lips. My friend here knows nothing of the details." Mr. Garrideb surveyed me with not too friendly a gaze. "Need he know?" he asked. Not even an actual king could pry these two apart, sir, you better not even try. They come Together

He made his money in real estate, and afterwards in the wheat pit at Chicago wheat pit: a market or exchange where wheat stocks are bought and sold (merriam-webster dictionairy)

one day I had a visit from the old man, and he was tickled to death to meet another man with his own name 'tickled to death' is one of the many amazing expressions I'm going to incorportate into my vocabulairy

I told him I was a busy man and could not spend my life hiking round the world in search of Garridebs. 'None the less,' said he, 'that is just what you will do if things pan out as I planned them.' I thought he was joking, but there was a powerful lot of meaning in the words, as I was soon to discover. "For he died within a year of saying them, and he left a will behind him. It was the queerest will that has ever been filed in the State of Kansas. His property was divided into three parts, and I was to have one on condition that I found two Garridebs who would share the remainder. I... wow. That is some typical rich guy bullshit. I wonder if a third one exists at all?

"I am wondering, Watson—just wondering!" "At what?" Holmes took his pipe from his lips. "I was wondering, Watson, what on earth could be the object of this man in telling us such a rigmarole of lies. I nearly asked him so—for there are times when a brutal frontal attack is the best policy—but I judged it better to let him think he had fooled us. Well. That does changes things. I'm joining Holmes now in wondering what that unpleasant american is up to

It was twilight of a lovely spring evening, and even Little Ryder Street, one of the smaller offshoots from the Edgware Road, within a stone-cast of old Tyburn Tree of evil memory, looked golden and wonderful in the slanting rays of the setting sun. I think I read about this place. An execution site, if I remember it correctly. *googles* Yes, it was a gallows. From marble-arch.londen:

It is impossible to know exactly what form the original took as there are so few written reports. In fact, during their first hundred years from 1177 to 1273, only eight single executions were deemed interesting enough to make note of.

But we do know that in 1571 a permanent triangular frame was erected – a mammoth structure that could, and sometimes did, hang up to 24 people at a time. The Tyburn Tree was of such renown it is even mentioned in Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost: “Thou mak’st the triumviry, the corner-cap of society, The shape of Love’s Tyburn, that hangs up simplicity.”

Many met their end here. Records from the 1570s alone report that 704 felons were sentenced to be hanged there throughout the decade, for crimes ranging from murder to stealing cattle. Finally taken down in 1759 (presumably due to wear and tear), the structure was eventually replaced by a gallows that could be easily erected and dismantled each time. A gruesome early iteration of the London ‘pop-up’.

The last execution upon the tree was that of robber John Austin in 1783. The new place of execution became Newgate Prison. Today, a circular plaque embedded into the pavement on a traffic island at the entry to Edgware Road marks the spot of the Tyburn Tree

The house had a common stair, and there were a number of names painted in the hall some indicating offices and some private chambers. It was not a collection of residential flats, but rather the abode of Bohemian bachelors. Didn't bohemian bachelors have some queer connotations? Sometimes I read so much I get it all confused. Damn, if I'm distracted by research all the time I'm not going to finish this letter before bedtime. Still going to do that *10 minutes later* I can't find much at the moment, save the definition in the Urban dictionairy, which I'm def not going to type here. Anyone who knows more?

The room was as curious as its occupant. It looked like a small museum. It was both broad and deep, with cupboards and cabinets all round, crowded with specimens, geological and anatomical. Cases of butterflies and moths flanked each side of the entrance. A large table in the centre was littered with all sorts of debris, while the tall brass tube of a powerful microscope bristled up amongst them. As I glanced round I was surprised at the universality of the man's interests. Holmes will love this place

But you are a Britisher with solid references, and he is bound to take notice of what you say. I would go with you if you wished, but I have a very busy day to-morrow, and I could always follow you if you are in any trouble." The American fellow is unavailable for the very thing he claims to have come to England for? Sounds like an elaborate ploy to get this mr. Nathan out of the way for a while. Little clue as to why yet. I assume he wants something that the man has?

“I wish I could look over your collection, Mr. Garrideb,” said he. “In my profession all sorts of odd knowledge comes useful, and this room of yours is a storehouse of it.” Our client shone with pleasure and his eyes gleamed from behind his big glasses. “I had always heard, sir, that you were a very intelligent man,” said he. “I could take you round now if you have the time.” “Unfortunately, I have not. But these specimens are so well labelled and classified that they hardly need your personal explanation. If I should be able to look in to-morrow, I presume that there would be no objection to my glancing over them?” Holmes def has his suspicions and is not leaving the collection unguarded. Excited to learn how this will turn out

By the way, who is your house-agent?” Our client was amazed at the sudden question. “Holloway and Steele, in the Edgware Road. But why?” I should go to sleep. I was convinced this was the adress of the American, but instead Watson just mentioned that street as he and Holmes walked past

“This is a more serious matter than I had expected, Watson,” said he. “It is fair to tell you so, though I know it will only be an additional reason to you for running your head into danger. I should know my Watson by now. Holmes has finally accepted that Watson would never let him go into danger alone. This is so cute

I have identified Mr. John Garrideb, Counsellor at Law. He is none other than ‘Killer’ Evans, of sinister and murderous reputation.” “I fear I am none the wiser.” “Ah, it is not part of your profession to carry about a portable Newgate Calendar in your memory. Plot twist! Also, how funny it is of Holmes to acknowledge that it is not really Normal to memorize entire lists of prisoners

I'll give you an hour for a siesta, Watson, and then I think it will be time for our Ryder Street adventure.” Since when does Watson get to have siesta's? I'm jealous

So these two are stuck behind a cupboard instead of a curtain this time. Fun times!

Then my friend's wiry arms were round me, and he was leading me to a chair. “You're not hurt, Watson? For God's sake, say that you are not hurt!” It was worth a wound—it was worth many wounds—to know the depth of loyalty and love which lay behind that cold mask. The clear, hard eyes were dimmed for a moment, and the firm lips were shaking. For the one and only time I caught a glimpse of a great heart as well as of a great brain. All my years of humble but single-minded service culminated in that moment of revelation. “It's nothing, Holmes. It's a mere scratch.” He had ripped up my trousers with his pocket-knife. “You are right,” he cried with an immense sigh of relief. “It is quite superficial.” His face set like flint as he glared at our prisoner, who was sitting up with a dazed face. “By the Lord, it is as well for you. If you had killed Watson, you would not have got out of this room alive. Ok not so fun times. Although Watson seems 100% fine with it. I've seen this scene quoted several times already, but didn't know it was from this case. This is some quality hurt/comfort. It has blood, desperation, removed clothing, and an excellent threat as the cherry on top. Brilliant

those bundles on the table are two thousand of Prescott's notes worth a hundred each and fit to pass anywhere. Help yourselves, gentlemen. Call it a deal and let me beat it.” Holmes laughed. “We don't do things like that, Mr. Evans. There is no bolt-hole for you in this country. Loving the implication that US is lawless territory

Well this was a fun case. Such a complicated ploy to get one old man out of his house, and some great Holmes/Watson interaction. I really need some sleep now

[xxscarletxrosexx]

I spent 6 grueling hours researching how to protect one's photos/scans so you wouldn't have to--And these are my findings:

As the title states, I spent 6 grueling hours researching how to protect one's photos/scans in case other collectors want to protect and/or receive credit for their photos.

Once more let me emphasize THEIR PHOTOS.

Backstory:

It's not a secret that I'm quite a big collector of official Spy x Family merchandise, specifically clear file folders, stationery, and acrylic stands. I own so much, in fact, I have a tendency to own a handful of duplicates and had the crazy idea to start a small business selling these duplicates via Ko-Fi. A thought came to me that since I had already invested in a light box and a scanner for selling my merch, why not also use them to share pictures of my collection for other fans to view and appreciate?

And that was when I had sought the opinions from my good friend, @yumeka-sxf. Yumeka has been kindly posting high-resolution scans of her SxF merch (clear files, pages, etc.) on Tumblr. She is someone I also deemed as an expert when it came to uploading merch on the internet. She gave me incredible advice with awesome foresight when it came to watermarking high-resolution pictures and scans. She easily predicted what disrespectful people would do if I hadn't moved my watermarks to certain (albeit not really appealing) spots. And, just like she said, someone did attempt to remove my watermark using AI. You can read about it here. @yumeka-sxf also provided her own insight to watermarking merch here--if ya'll are interested to read.

I won't go into too much detail, but essentially they're long posts meant to educate people on why fans, who own the official merch, put watermarks on their pictures. The bottom line is, we're claiming the picture for ownership, NOT the merch.

Second, did you know that people have found ways to remove watermarks?

That gives me enough incentive as to why I want to take it a step further to protect my photos/scans.

"If I take a picture of something do I own the picture that I took?":

Yes and no. Yes as in, the picture is yours. No, because depending on your subject, it falls under numerous jurisdictions of copyright. You can find all the details in this insightful post from veteran photographers.

But since we're focusing on the topic of photos and scans of merchandise, I'd like to provide these screenshots:

And so, to re-iterate, the only thing you'll get out of copyrighting your photo is just the right to the photo--which is all I want.

The Findings:

6 grueling hours of research for protecting one's picture led me to several insightful directions--one of them amusingly brought me down a rabbit hole of how to protect one's real estate pictures. They did have some wonderful tips if you guys would like to read them!

Unfortunately, I do not own Photoshop so I could not make any edits on the metadata or create a layer that will prevent downloading the content of the picture. Preventing screenshots/right-clicking is limited to control on a website and/or can easily be canceled by plug-ins. So that just leaves me with finding something creative solutions the only tool I have: Canva (more on this later).

I spent some more time reading more journals and visited USCO (United States Copyright Office) and, finally, Pixsy.

I'm gonna be honest, USCO is THE BEST way to protect your media (merchandise, art, etc.) IF you have the money to support it.

Not only do I not have the funding for this type of service, but my photos don't exactly meet "originality" especially when the subject of the photo is copyright-protected merchandise, which means there are severe punishments for those who pursue any commercial purposes (such as selling my photos to make money rather than directing people to purchase the official work from the licensing site). And at the end of the day, I just care about the photo, itself, and receiving credit and source.

It's ridiculously simple to just credit and source a picture, and yet, it'll surprise you how many people just can't do that. This is why, I must take these extra precautions to ensure credit and sourcing.

So, I opted for Pixsy for its free plan that includes 500 images being monitored.

There's no doubt that I'll most likely invest in a monthly subscription if ever I amass beyond 500 pictures for monitoring.

Currently, it has already done an impressive job of identifying pictures I've posted with my watermarks on Ko-Fi, Twitter, and Tumblr. It has even identified reblogs/retweets.

For some odd reason, it uploads my pictures horizontally when it's normally vertical ^^; but it still gets the job done. Interestingly, it hasn't picked up my pictures from Mercari yet. I assume that if I were to upgrade to the subscription plan, Pixsy might be able to find it by then.

Procedures:

I'm sharing my procedures for protecting one's photo (and content, if applicable of course).

Step 1: Register on Pixsy. As I've addressed earlier, it's free.

Step 2: Upload HIGH-RESOLUTION pictures (no watermark) to Pixsy's database. This is probably the most accurate way for Pixsy to identify pictures of the same (or similar) "blueprint". In the picture below, I provided a screenshot of my picture without the watermark (left) with a picture they found of my picture with my watermark on it from my ko-fi shop (right).

Step 3: If you plan to upload a photo/scan with or without watermark, it is recommended to upload your image at 550 pixel image and at 72 dpi. This makes it good for the internet (see first image below). But once you zoom in, you can tell the difference in quality (see second image below).

I mentioned before that I don't have photoshop, so I experimented with what I do have: Canva.

Since I have a premium membership (indicated by crown icons), I just use the following settings:

and it gets the job done.

I am planning to upload my photos without watermarks to the Spy x Family wiki quite soon, so I did all this research to prepare for possible theft and/or the lack of crediting and sourcing--just in case. A friend of mine told me that s/he can try to ensure crediting through the file name, which is a ridiculously kind gesture, but I'm not ignorant of people who change/completely ignore file names. That's unfortunately just the way it is on the internet.

Hopefully, I've curated enough research to help protect photos/scans from possible theft (if reposting is not allowed by the owner).

I don't mind if my photos are used for reference AS LONG AS they credit me and link the source directly to the image itself (not one of those cut-corner kind of way and just link my Ko-Fi gallery). I won't tolerate laziness when it comes to sourcing considering I invested a lot of money to purchase merch and invested hours--even days--to get the best photo/scan + researched information on the merch for public access.

[darklordazalin]

Azalin Reviews: Darklord Eli van Hassan

Domain: The Endless Road Domain Formation: 690 BC Power Level: 💀⚫⚫⚫⚫ Source: Dungeon Magazine #174 (4e) In 4e the Headless Horseman became the victim of Eli van Hassen who in turn became the Darklord of the Endless Road, a more developed version of the Winding Road. 

Eli was your classic big fish in a little pond type who wanted to be a large whale in the ocean. Though, he wasn’t much more than a minnow in a puddle. He had no titles, no legacy and the only reason he lorded over the hamlet of Tranquility was because he happened to have the most wealth and property in the area. That isn’t saying much, considering his “rule” was over a handful of people with next to nothing to their name.

Eli spent many days looking down on “his” people in disdain, believing he was meant for more. He hated those that courted Talitha, his only daughter. He saw them as attempting to take the one person he cared for away from him. 

Tranquility came under the siege of a hydra and the small village could not handle it on their own, so Eli sent people out to find help. Help came in the form of “the Horseman” and his soldiers whom, after weeks of battle, slayed the beast. 

Talitha became quite smitten with the Horseman and he returned her feelings. Eli, however, looked upon the couple with rage. This so-called hero did not deserve his daughter’s affections and so, being a very obedient child, Eli convinced Talitha to bring forth false accusations against the Horseman. Talitha’s love for the Horseman must not have been too great for her to go along with this plan. Regardless, she followed through with her father's plan and convinced the villagers that the Horseman had assaulted her. Akin to modern day research into political issues on social media, her accusations resulted in mod mentality and the villagers descended upon the Horseman and chopped of his head without considering a formal trial.

That night the Mist surrounded Eli’s estate and took him, Talitha, and a number of their servants into Ravenloft, making Eli the Darklord of the Endless Road. Eli’s estate changed. Buildings stood in different locations or were gone completely, his garden was wilted, and the property’s fence that was once wooden was now made of wrought iron. And most noticeable of all, Tranquility was gone. 

If Eli leaves his estate to explore the Endless Road, he loses all the powers so kindly gifted to him by our Tormentors and is hunted by the Headless Horseman. The Endless Road expands ever on. It is similar to the Winding Road in that it can appear almost anywhere. The main difference is there are actual towns and sites associated with the Endless Road and not all who find themselves upon it are beheaded by the Horseman, instead many become lost upon the road and seek shelter among what few settlements there are upon it. These people are called “The Lost”. 

The Endless Road contains the open grave of the Headless Horseman, where he is said to rise from once more if he is defeated. He is much the same as he was before (though now with an actual history that makes him a victim), a man seeking vengeance upon the road while an entourage of heads from his past victims follow in his wake.

Eli is one of the most pathetic Darklords. He cannot leave his estate because the Horseman is far more powerful than he. This is his so-called torment - to rule a single estate instead of a grand empire as he once dreamed. Talitha is there with him, but she is a mere shadow of what she once was.

Eli’s “powers” essentially all equate to being able to make people trip (e.g., slow them down while they're on the Endless Road). So, he cowers in his estate and trips people once in a while. Pathetic. The Horseman is the real power here and the only thing anyone fears. Eli..just exists in the Horseman’s world. This little lordling is not even worth the cost of a blade that could easily cut him down. 0.5 skulls.

[a-small-batch-of-dragons]

I saw your tags on a post about becoming the mc in one of your novels. Gothic, where the character is more monster than damsel and i am 👀

Would you be willing to talk about it? The story, the character, anything?

(for those of you who did not see my tags on the post anon is referencing, the post prompt was basically 'you are now the main character of your most recent WIP' and my tags were: #technically I think this would put me as the MC of my novel#in a gothic mansion that houses a monstrous lord said to steal people’s souls#in a village the inhabitants view as a cage#after faking my death to escape an abusive arranged marriage#discovering that I am more monster than damsel)

so i talked about it briefly when i ran this poll a while ago asking which one of these two novels you'd all like to see first. it is the one that won, the gothic found family: Of Beasts and Wretched Things (working title). feel free to click through to the poll if you want to see what the results were, what the other option was, and what people's initial reactions were!

Of Beasts and Wretched Things is an inverted 'Beauty and the Beast' coming of age story that wrestles with the monstrosities of girlhood and the inherent horror of self-creation.

When the Lord of Crosswell Estate plans to wed his niece to a brutish lord to save his wealth, she runs away and stumbles upon Illthern, a forgotten trading village under the control of the monstrous Theodoric Gaut, whom she deceives in order to gain his protection from her wrathful uncle; but when she finds herself face to face with Lord Gaut, who is not what the stories would have her believe, she must wrestle with the monstrosity of her own making before he discovers that his supposed long-lost relative is not what she claims to be.

(More under the cut bc wow I...got a bit carried away.)

working on this project has helped me work through some of the trauma i have around my own relationship to femininity and womanhood. the MC struggles with the legacy of abuse inflicted by her blood relatives and what it means to be the person they tried to make her into. the inherent fear of things labeled 'monster' and the consequential fear of being monstrous is a predominant theme, as well as questions of how many of the monsters are things we make ourselves.

what really drew me to the gothic genre was the emotional weight i wanted to give these characters and this world; so often in gothic works it is the characters' own emotional turmoil that drives the plot and shapes the setting, you are the ghost haunting the house even though you still draw breath, etc. even in this real world, there are these weights of what society things a woman should be, the pressures of girlhood especially during adolescence, and these weird half-mourning periods of killing the person you used to be. i think because i wanted these characters to be steeped in the emotions they have about their situations in life and themselves, i found myself drawn to gothic conventions just because it fit so well with what i wanted to explore

with regards to the characters themselves, and particularly the MC, i really wanted them to feel like they were driving the story. the MC has the brilliant and terrible certainty that I know at least I had when I was a teenager. Theodoric is very similar to most characters you'd expect to see in a gothic setting: ominous, more than a bit sinister or mysterious, yet I wanted it to feel like he was always hiding a bleeding heart just under his coat. did i mean to make him autistic? no, but when I was proofreading i was like whoa yeah this man has the spicy brain. i'm a sucker for monstrous things that treat others with tenderness first, what can i say. i don't want to talk too much about any other characters just yet, I don't want to spoil anything :)

WIP-wise, I'm in the midst of getting the manuscript ready to submit to agencies and publishing houses. it's funny, as i'm doing the research to see what that entails, the other story seems to be way easier to market. who knows, maybe i'll self publish OB&WT the way I did Tales from Thicketdown Forest and then go the traditional route for the other one. we'll find out, i guess.

i did sort of know this was going to get long but jfc i went way harder with my prose here than i thought i was going to. uh, hope this answers your question????

Tl:dr; gothic found family h/c, heavy on the comfort, with tender monsters and monstrous girls :)

[ponds-of-ink]

Wish Rewritten by Someone Who’s Never Actually Seen The Film (“Act” 1)

(But did do a bit of research so I got a better idea of how this could go)

Lengthy title aside, this is a concept I’m excited to work with. I might need to retool this “rough draft” later, but here’s what I’ve got so far.

-

Act 1 - “Introducing The Girl”

We open up with a book being set on some desk. The person setting the book down tells us about a legend that has recently been uncovered: “The Girl and The Living Star”.

Said person is our ‘opening narrator’ of sorts, giving us a fictional background of this discovery as some of the credits are displayed on the book’s first pages. The story that we’re about to see, as (s)he explains, has been adapted by these people for your enjoyment.

Soon, the camera fades into the first real page: A painted castle backlit by a sunrise. The camera moves closer to said castle, while also moving towards ground level. A regal voice booms out, being the first thing we hear from this faraway land.

That voice belongs to King Magnifico, who stands on the highest point of the castle courtyard. He welcomes the large crowd of people, practically congratulating them for attending Rosas’ annual Wish Ceremony.

(Side note: to be clear, said congratulations is not one out of geniune thrill and joy. It’s just out of duty and potential condescension… From the King, that is. His wife is a bit more thrilled, as we’ll see later.)

Regardless of his tone, travelers and citizens alike are thrilled to be here— And with good reason. Today is the day longheld wishes are to be granted.

Many a stranger eagerly rushes to Magnifico and his conjured, ball-like manifestations of wishes. However, only a few receive the spheres themselves before those too vanish— The only lingering sign being a literal glow of hope in the receiver’s eyes.

As more and more continue to try their hand, a few stay behind. Some linger because they are physically unable, others because are simply too nervous, and one girl in particular who has neither of these issues: Asha.

Asha attempts to aid those who are stuck with her. She becomes a crutch for the limping and a practical adviser for the uneasy…

But then she slips away after helping the last person. Turns out she doesn’t even have a wish to grant. She just wanted to see what the ceremony was like, since she’ll be training for it once she becomes a sorcerer-in-training.

King Magnifico does notice, but quickly brushes it off. He finishes the last few wishes, wraps up the ceremony, then joins his wife inside.

However, we don’t follow them just yet. Instead, we rejoin Asha in the main village. She goes about her day while everyone else is—to varying degrees—celebrating Wish Day. Musicians sing with some of their fellow townsfolk, the craftsmen are building their most extravagant works, and even the market sellers are greeting buyers with a genuine smile.

And, though Asha does like the morale, she is uninterested in joining the village’s big number. To her, the only thing that matters is getting through the day… As well as something that may make or break it.

A few hours later, Asha returns to the castle with items in tow. Scrolls, a satchel of trinkets, and a ribbon-laced necklace for good luck.

King Magnifico greets her at the front steps, though his tone remains as regal and stoic as ever. Queen Amaya, on the other hand, is estatic. She eagerly welcomes the puzzled girl inside, offering her all sorts of things to make her feel at home. Asha, always erring on the side of caution, refuses her offers.

The royal couple leads her to the Sorcerer’s Tower, then Amaya takes her leave. Magnifico and Asha, now alone, begin the Sorcerer’s Exam.

Asha does fairly well, though it’s clear something is holding her back. Magnifico notices, but says nothing until her exam is complete. Asha explains that it’s herself that’s holding her back (because of course it is), then proceeds to pack her things.

“These things can be remedied in time,” Magnifico retorts. “I have decided that you are my apprentice, and my word is final.”

Asha is dumbfounded, then absolutely delighted. Her? His apprentice? In this very tower?? This is the best news she’s ever gotten!

Under the condition of returning by midnight. Asha runs back home. She tells the news to her family, packs her belongings, and says goodbye to the family pet Valentino (even though he can’t talk).

Though the reality of leaving home makes her emotional, she tries to brush it off the best she can. “At least I’ll be away from all the hustle and bustle down below,” she reasons with herself as she sets out that night. “No more talking about dreams that can’t come true. No more singing about made-up things on Wish Day. Just me, my books, and the wise words of King Magnifico to help me.”

She then encounters the King and Queen talking and laughing in some distant room. Far too tired to investigate, she ascends the Sorcerer’s Tower and calls it a night.

The next month or so—represented by a few short scenes—is busy for Asha. She adjusts to the castle, both in and out of lessons. Her sleep schedule is switched from dusk ‘til dawn to dawn ‘til dusk. She has to endure the court jesters and their mischievous antics. And, arguably worst of all, King Magnifico has her do extra chores to prove that she’s learned certain spells. Needless to say, Asha is tired. And done.

It doesn’t help that King Magnifico himself is being ominous while Queen Amaya is being overbearingly chatty and friendly.

One night in particular, Asha stumbles across the royal couple dancing and singing in the ballroom as if their personalities weren’t at odds half the time. This sets off a chain of thoughts in her mind as she ascends the tower. What if it’s all a trap? What if their only goal was to get another cleaning servant? What if she had failed the exam after all, but the king had pitied her for a moment?

Out of options, she pulls out the ribbon-laced necklace and puts it on her neck. She looks to the night sky, shuts her eyes, and mutters two words: “I wish…”

…But the rest of the wish she keeps to herself.

With this act of desperation done, she prepares for the long night ahead. We the audience are left in the dark as the screen fades to black.

End of Act 1

—-

Bonus Notes

I imagine this act a bit like a few moments of The Polar Express. This Asha is left out of the Disney-tied stuff that the other villagers seem to already have— Which is especially true in Act 1’s musical numbers (even though they’re diegetic). She just refuses to sing or participate in them.

And, by consequence, we the audience are left to think of this as semi-background music until the soundtrack gives the other perspective.

This does also mean the tone, though still Disney, is a bit more… Grimms-like? Somber and harsh on Asha’s end? Like, yes, she still has her moments of relief— Especially with her family and Queen Amaya (weirdly on her end). This doesn’t mean that the overwhelming sense of “I do not trust anything, not even my own self” is going away anytime soon. (More on that in Act 2, don’t worry)

Though, now that I’m writing these notes, I did mention in an earlier post that I imagine her to be more like Meg from Hercules. If I failed to convey that in the above synopsis.. O o p s. Hopefully, a ‘second draft’ down the line might fix that error.

Meanwhile, King Magnifico and Queen Amalya.. umm.. Let’s just say that they’re not only a loving couple, but they’re also supposed to represent different eras of something. (I want to spoil this so badly, but I gotta wait until Act 2)

And, for those wondering about Valentino, don’t worry. He’ll be back soon. :]

[sburbian-sage]

if a seer can have a den then what can the other classes have?

Well, let's break down why a Seer would have a den. Firstly, their job is about gathering knowledge and then compiling it into actionable information. This can be done on the field, but sometimes you need to sit down and think, do research, settle on a plan, etc., and a den serves that purpose. They're functionally a combination of library, laboratory, red-string conspiracy corkboard, and sometimes psychedelic drug pad. In fact I've often seen Seers, if they don't want to turn a pre-existing room into a den, hijack a pre-existing library, either their own (bougie fucks) or someone else's (lots of free real estate on the battlefield). Secondly, Seers are a passive class. They make a plan, and hand it off to someone else. This often happens over text, but sometimes, purely for ornamental purpose, some Seers will send you a message like "for thou, a prophecy, thine destiny awaits" and then you have to visit them IRL, and they've installed a smoke machine and lit some incense, and then they give you the prophecy. It might be an Roleplay Coefficient thing, acting out the symbolism of your Title. It might just be ego-inflation. I strike the balance by believing it's mostly bullshit, but it is fun bullshit, so whatever.

So with that in mind, the equivalent of a Seer's den for other classes would be... Any rooms you have that you stock to help you fulfill your duties. So a Combat Class (Page/Knight) might have an armor, or a training room, which the Protectors (Dame/Guard) and Champions (Sylph/Bane) could also stand to benefit. As a Sage, I've also benefited from having a research room, certainly, though a journal is a mobile option. Maybe the Creatives (Smith/Muse) have a sort of workshop? And broadly speaking you could just say that this applies to any room in your house. The bedroom is pretty critical for everyone, both as a fortified place of comfort, and an ideal place to grind your sleeping skills at. The Seer's Den isn't really a distinct game mechanic, it's just a behavior that either some Seers engage in, or it's something that everyone does and we just mystify it when Seers do it.

[ubsvillasblog]

Top 5 Tips for Buying a Villa in Palakkad

Are you dreaming of owning a beautiful villa in Palakkad, Kerala? Whether you're looking for a serene holiday home or a luxurious residence, finding the perfect villa can be an exciting yet challenging process. At UBS Villas, we specialize in helping you find your dream home. Here are our top 5 tips to guide you through buying a villa in Palakkad

1. Research the Neighborhood

Before making a decision, it's crucial to research the neighborhood where you want to buy a villa. Consider factors such as proximity to schools, healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and other amenities. You can explore some of our exclusive villa listings @ https://ubsvillas.com/listings in the best neighborhoods.

 2. Check the Legal Aspects

Buying property involves various legalities. Ensure that the villa has a clear title and all necessary approvals from local authorities. At UBS Villas, we prioritize transparency and provide comprehensive information on the legal aspects of every property. Visit our  page (https://ubsvillas.com/legal) for more details.

 3. Inspect the Property Thoroughly

It's essential to thoroughly inspect the villa before making a purchase. Look for any structural issues, water damage, or other potential problems. We offer detailed property inspections (https://ubsvillas.com/) to ensure you make an informed decision.

 4. Consider Future Development Plans

Understanding the future development plans in the area can help you make a better investment decision. Look for upcoming infrastructure projects, commercial developments, and other growth opportunities. Our team at UBS Villas provides insights into future developments (https://ubsvillas.com/developments) in Palakkad.

5. Work with a Reputable Real Estate Agent

Partnering with a reputable real estate agent can simplify the buying process. At UBS Villas, we have a team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to finding the perfect villa for you. Learn more about our team and services (https://ubsvillas.com/about).

Why Choose UBS Villas?

At UBS Villas, we are committed to providing exceptional service and helping you find the villa of your dreams. We offer a wide range of properties, personalized consultation, and expert guidance throughout the buying process. Explore our [featured properties](https://ubsvillas.com/featured) and start your journey to owning a villa in Palakkad.

For more information, visit our [website] https://ubsvillas.com or contact us at 

contact@ - ubsvillas@gmail.com.

---

Conclusion

Owning a villa in Palakkad can be a wonderful investment and a dream come true. By following these tips and working with a trusted partner like UBS Villas, you can navigate the buying process with confidence. Don't forget to explore our website for more valuable resources and property listings.

---

[buycommercialpropertiesindubai]

Maximizing Your Investment: How to Buy the Best Residential Properties in Dubai

Maximizing your investment in Dubai's real estate market requires strategic planning and informed decision-making. This blog provides tips on how to buy the best residential properties in Dubai to achieve maximum returns.

For more information on home loans, visit home loan dubai.

Setting Investment Goals

Define Your Objectives: Start by defining your investment objectives. Are you looking for rental income, capital appreciation, or a combination of both? Clear objectives will guide your property search and decision-making process.

Risk Assessment: Assess your risk tolerance level. Higher-risk investments may offer higher returns but come with increased volatility. Lower-risk investments provide more stable returns but may have lower potential gains.

Investment Budget: Define your budget and consider financing options such as home loans and mortgages. Ensure you have sufficient funds for the down payment and additional costs.

For property purchase options, explore Buy Houses in Dubai.

Market Research and Analysis

Market Trends: Stay informed about current market trends, including property prices, demand and supply dynamics, and future developments. Utilize online resources, real estate reports, and market analyses to stay updated.

Location Analysis: Analyze different neighborhoods in Dubai to identify areas with strong growth potential. Consider factors such as infrastructure development, proximity to business hubs, and planned projects.

Rental Yields: Research rental yields in various neighborhoods to identify areas with high rental demand and attractive returns. Properties in central locations or near key amenities tend to offer higher rental yields.

For mortgage services, consider Dubai Property Mortgage.

Choosing the Right Property

Property Type: Decide on the type of property that aligns with your investment goals. Apartments, villas, and townhouses each have their own advantages and considerations. Apartments generally offer higher rental yields, while villas may provide better long-term appreciation.

Developer Reputation: Research the reputation of the property developer. Established developers with a track record of delivering high-quality projects on time are usually a safer choice.

Property Condition: Inspect the property thoroughly to assess its condition. Check for any structural issues, maintenance needs, and potential repairs. Hire a professional inspector if necessary.

For rental property management, visit Apartments For Rent in Dubai.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Title Deed Verification: Ensure the property has a clear title and is free from any legal disputes or encumbrances. The DLD provides title deed verification services to help buyers confirm the property's legal status.

Sales Agreement: Review the sales agreement carefully and seek legal advice if needed. Ensure all terms and conditions are clearly outlined, including the price, payment schedule, and any additional costs.

Residency Visa: Property buyers in Dubai may be eligible for a residency visa. The visa duration and requirements vary depending on the property's value and the buyer's nationality. Consult with the DLD or a legal expert to understand the specific visa requirements and benefits.

For property sales, visit Sell Your Apartments in Dubai.

Financing Your Investment

Home Loans: Explore various home loan options offered by banks and financial institutions. Compare interest rates, loan terms, and eligibility criteria to find the best deal for your needs.

Mortgage Pre-Approval: Obtain a mortgage pre-approval to determine your budget and streamline the buying process. A pre-approval demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious and qualified buyer.

Down Payment: Ensure you have sufficient funds for the down payment, typically 20-25% of the property's value for expatriates. Consider additional costs such as registration fees, agent commissions, and maintenance charges.

Real-Life Success Story

Consider the case of Laura, an investor who successfully maximized her investment in Dubai's real estate market. Laura conducted thorough market research, identified a high-potential neighborhood, and selected a property from a reputable developer. By following the steps outlined in this guide, Laura secured a high-yield investment and has seen significant returns on her investment.

Future Trends in Dubai Real Estate

Sustainable Developments: There is a growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable properties in Dubai. Developers are increasingly incorporating green building practices and energy-efficient features into their projects.

Smart Homes: The adoption of smart home technology is on the rise. Properties equipped with advanced security systems, automated lighting, and climate control are becoming more popular.

Mixed-Use Communities: Integrated communities that offer a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational facilities are gaining popularity. These developments provide residents with a convenient and holistic living experience.

Conclusion

Maximizing your investment in Dubai's real estate market requires strategic planning, thorough research, and informed decision-making. By setting clear investment goals, conducting market analysis, choosing the right property, and navigating legal considerations, you can achieve maximum returns. For more resources and expert advice, visit home loan dubai.

[dubaireaestateconsultant]

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Luxury Properties in Dubai

Introduction to Luxury Properties in Dubai

Dubai's real estate market is synonymous with luxury, offering a wide range of high-end properties that attract investors and homebuyers from around the world. From opulent villas and expansive penthouses to exclusive apartments in prestigious neighborhoods, Dubai's luxury real estate sector is thriving. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process of buying luxury properties in Dubai, offering valuable insights and practical tips to help you secure your dream home.

For more information on home loans, visit Home Loan UAE.

Why Invest in Luxury Properties in Dubai?

Dubai is a global hub that combines modernity with tradition, making it an attractive destination for luxury real estate investment. Here are several compelling reasons to invest in luxury properties in Dubai:

Strategic Location: Dubai's geographical location serves as a crucial gateway between the East and the West, making it a central hub for business and tourism.

World-Class Amenities: Luxury properties in Dubai come equipped with world-class amenities, including private beaches, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and high-end retail and dining options.

Tax Benefits: Dubai offers tax-free income on rental yields and capital gains, making it an attractive destination for investors.

High Rental Yields: The city provides some of the highest rental yields in the world, making it a lucrative investment opportunity.

Strong Economy: Dubai's robust and diversified economy supports a stable real estate market, providing a secure investment environment.

For property purchase options, explore Buy Commercial Properties in Dubai.

Understanding the Luxury Property Market in Dubai

The luxury property market in Dubai is characterized by its diversity and opulence. Properties range from high-rise apartments with breathtaking views to sprawling villas with private pools and gardens. Key areas known for luxury properties include:

Palm Jumeirah: An iconic man-made island offering exclusive beachfront villas and luxury apartments.

Dubai Marina: Known for its stunning skyline and waterfront living, Dubai Marina offers high-rise luxury apartments and penthouses.

Downtown Dubai: Home to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai offers luxury apartments in a vibrant urban setting.

Emirates Hills: Often referred to as the "Beverly Hills of Dubai," this gated community offers expansive villas and mansions.

Steps to Buying Luxury Properties in Dubai

Define Your Requirements: Determine your budget, preferred location, property type, and essential amenities.

Research the Market: Conduct thorough research on the luxury property market in Dubai. Use online portals, consult real estate agents, and attend property exhibitions.

Secure Financing: If you require financing, explore mortgage options. For more details, visit Mortgage Financing in Dubai.

Hire a Real Estate Agent: Engage a reputable real estate agent specializing in luxury properties to guide you through the process.

View Properties: Schedule viewings of shortlisted properties to assess their suitability.

Make an Offer: Once you find the right property, make an offer through your agent.

Legal Checks and Documentation: Ensure all legal checks are completed, and necessary documentation is in place.

Finalize the Purchase: Complete the payment and transfer the property title to finalize the purchase.

For rental options, visit Apartments For Rent in Dubai.

Financial Considerations

Investing in luxury properties requires careful financial planning. Here are some key financial considerations to keep in mind:

Budgeting: Determine your budget, including the purchase price, closing costs, maintenance fees, and potential renovation costs.

Mortgage Options: Explore different mortgage options to find the best rates and terms. A mortgage consultant can provide valuable advice and assistance.

Down Payment: Be prepared to make a significant down payment, typically ranging from 20% to 30% of the property value.

Currency Exchange: If you are an international buyer, consider the implications of currency exchange rates on your investment.

Legal Considerations

Title Deed: Ensure the property has a clear title deed issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

No Objection Certificate (NOC): Obtain an NOC from the developer if purchasing an off-plan property.

Property Registration: Register the property with the DLD to formalize ownership.

Legal Advice: Consider hiring a legal advisor to assist with the legal aspects of the purchase.

Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent

A reputable real estate agent can make the process of buying a luxury property much smoother. Here are some tips for choosing the right agent:

Experience and Reputation: Choose an agent with extensive experience and a strong reputation in the luxury property market.

Market Knowledge: Ensure the agent has in-depth knowledge of the specific areas and properties you are interested in.

Client Testimonials: Look for client testimonials and reviews to gauge the agent's performance and reliability.

Communication Skills: Select an agent who communicates effectively and is responsive to your needs and concerns.

Viewing and Selecting Properties

When viewing luxury properties, consider the following factors:

Location: The location of the property is crucial. Consider proximity to amenities, views, and the overall neighborhood.

Quality of Construction: Assess the quality of construction, materials used, and overall craftsmanship.

Amenities and Features: Ensure the property offers the amenities and features that are important to you, such as private pools, gyms, and security.

Future Development Plans: Research any future development plans in the area that could impact the value and desirability of the property.

Making an Offer and Negotiating

Once you find the perfect property, making an offer and negotiating terms is the next step. Here are some tips:

Offer Price: Work with your agent to determine a fair offer price based on market value and recent sales.

Negotiation Strategy: Have a clear negotiation strategy and be prepared to make counteroffers.

Inclusions and Exclusions: Clearly outline what is included in the sale, such as furnishings, fixtures, and appliances.

Contingencies: Include contingencies in your offer to protect your interests, such as financing and inspection contingencies.

Closing the Deal

The final step in buying a luxury property is closing the deal. This involves several key tasks:

Final Walkthrough: Conduct a final walkthrough of the property to ensure it is in the agreed-upon condition.

Finalizing Financing: Secure your mortgage and ensure all financing details are in order.

Signing the Contract: Review and sign the sales contract, ensuring all terms and conditions are clearly outlined.

Transfer of Ownership: Complete the transfer of ownership with the Dubai Land Department.

For more resources and expert advice, visit Home Loan UAE.

Real-Life Success Story

Consider the case of James, an investor from the UK, who purchased a luxury penthouse in Dubai Marina. With the help of a local real estate agent and a mortgage consultant, James secured a competitive mortgage rate and finalized the purchase within three months. His investment has since appreciated in value, providing substantial rental income.

Conclusion

Buying luxury properties in Dubai can be a rewarding investment, provided you navigate the process with due diligence and expert guidance. By following the steps outlined in this guide and leveraging professional services, you can secure a luxury property that meets your needs and investment goals. For more resources and expert advice, visit Home Loan UAE.

[drogba-prospect]

Prisoner

"Prisoner" by The Weeknd featuring Lana Del Rey is a song about being trapped in the cycle of addiction and the emptiness that comes with it. The song opens with The Weeknd expressing how much he relies on their lover, showing that his addiction is not only to substances but also to the person who brings good to his lonely life. The chorus reveals the title of the song, with both singers admitting that they feel like prisoners, unable to escape the addiction that has taken over their lives.

The verses discuss how their addiction has led them to make poor decisions and how they are addicted to a life that is empty and cold. Their addiction has become the driving force in their lives, with both singers admitting that they feel like they have no control over their actions.

The bridge is sung by Lana Del Rey and describes the pain she feels from being in Hollywood for too long and feeling her soul burning slowly. This could be interpreted as her feeling like she has lost herself in the world of fame and that she is slowly losing herself to the addiction that comes with it.

The song ends with Lana Del Rey admitting that she feels lost in a world where nothing is as it seems and that real life is stranger than her dreams. This line is open to interpretation, but it could be interpreted as her feeling like her addiction has made the world around her seem surreal and that the harsh reality of her situation is stranger than anything she could have imagined. Overall, "Prisoner" is a dark and honest look at the toll addiction has taken on the lives of both singers.

Acrostics French Gnosticism Manichaeism Biblical Apocrypha: Sylphs Archon of The Crown Conjunction, Young and Beautiful; An acrostic is a poem in which the initial letters of each successive line form a word, phrase, or pattern. Phrase 18 Roses: To tell a loved one to stay young and beautiful. (French Watchers). We can think of several reasons. (1) It may be an artistic device used to add a certain beauty to the psalm, as rhyme does in our poetry. Forbidden Knowledge From Heaven: Concrete Rose Philosophy (CAAB: Culture, Art, Aesthetic, Bohemian; 5 Senses City, Selective Sensory Development, Distorted Sensory Play, Sensory Overload Asperger's, Culture Antagonist Liberal Arts), County Speech Pharmakeia (Dionysian Mysteries, Sacraments, and Entheogens), Heavenly Ascension, Jupiter’s Secret (Crown Conjunction) and Virilizization Procreation (Martians, Elastic Physique, Iron Biometal Research, Iron-Calcium Metabolism), Habitants Currency, Church Enterprises (Real Estate; Liberal Arts Immersion Schools; Gold; Athletics; Fine Arts), Azrael Covenant of Death and Romance with Roses and Diamonds, French as Satanist State and Raphael as the First Satan, YHWH Fleur-de-lys Angel Syncretism, Fleur-de-lys Wings Transfer 18 Roses (Spirit Activation). Poetry Theme is Prisoner by The Weeknd

Theistic Satanism: Theistic Satanism, otherwise referred to as religious Satanism, spiritual Satanism, or traditional Satanism, is an umbrella term for religious groups that consider Satan, the Devil, to objectively exist as a deity, supernatural entity, or spiritual being worthy of worship or reverence, whom individuals may contact and convene with

Manichaeism teaches an elaborate dualistic cosmology describing the struggle between a good, spiritual world of light, and an evil, material world of darkness.[8]

Archons: They are often depicted as evil, malevolent, and obstacles to spiritual enlightenment. Archons in Gnosticism are believed to be celestial beings responsible for creating and maintaining the physical universe, and are seen as obstacles to spiritual enlightenment. They are often depicted as powerful, malevolent, and deceitful beings that try to keep humanity trapped in the physical world.

Sylphs: "the wild but poetical fantasies”, hyper-urbane, Genius, Sylphs, he says, are rougher, coarser, taller, and stronger, than humans, devils

The Heavenly host (Hebrew: צבאות ṣəḇāʾōṯ, "armies") refers to the army (or host) of Yahweh, as mentioned in both the Hebrew and Christian Bibles, as well as other Abrahamic texts.

Spartan women had more rights and enjoyed greater autonomy than women in any other Greek city-state of the Classical Period (5th-4th centuries BCE). Women could inherit property, own land, make business transactions, and were better educated than women in ancient Greece in general. To contemporaries outside of Sparta, Spartan women had a reputation for promiscuity and controlling their husbands. Spartan women could legally own and inherit property, and they were usually better educated than their Athenian counterparts.

Pardicé Minuit

[answerengineoptimization]

HOW TO START REAL ESTATE SEO

In the initial three months of an ambitious SEO campaign for your real estate startup targeting the Dubai market, I would recommend that your digital marketing team dedicate a significant amount of time to SEO efforts. Here's a breakdown of the hours they could allocate, along with the rationale:

Minimum Weekly Hours: 15-20 hours

Optimal Weekly Hours: 25-30+ hours (or equivalent to a dedicated SEO specialist)

Rationale:

Competitive Market: Dubai's real estate market is highly competitive. To gain traction quickly and "take the market by storm," a substantial initial investment in SEO is crucial.

Foundation Building: The first three months are critical for establishing a strong SEO foundation. This involves:

Keyword Research: Identifying high-value keywords relevant to the Dubai market and your target audience.

Technical SEO: Optimizing website structure, speed, and mobile-friendliness.

On-Page Optimization: Crafting optimized titles, meta descriptions, and content for key pages.

Content Creation: Developing high-quality blog posts, articles, or guides targeting relevant keywords.

Local SEO: Optimizing Google My Business listing and building local citations.

Link Building: Acquiring backlinks from reputable websites to boost authority.

Early Momentum: Investing more time in the initial phase can help you gain early momentum, outranking competitors and establishing a solid online presence.

Additional Considerations:

Existing SEO Status: If your website already has some SEO optimization, you might be able to allocate slightly fewer hours.

Team Expertise: A highly experienced SEO team might be able to accomplish more in less time.

Budget: Your budget will ultimately determine the number of hours you can dedicate to SEO.

Remember: SEO is a long-term game. While the initial three months are crucial, ongoing efforts are necessary to maintain and improve rankings.

I recommend discussing these hours with your digital marketing team. Together, you can create a tailored SEO strategy that aligns with your ambitious goals and resources.