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misshoneyimhome · 2 months

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Omg pleaseeee Don’t Blame Me - “For you, I would cross the line, I would waste my time, I would lose my mind.” With Auston Matthews

Babe, say no more 😉🤍

You know, this idea actually popped into my head a while back for a potential series, but I never got around to writing it down… 🙃 Anyway, I thought it might fit this prompt, even though it doesn't contain all the details 😉

Just to give you a heads up, though, the plot is mainly about cheating, which might not be everyone's cup of tea... but you know, it definitely adds some drama to the story! 🔥

I hope you enjoy it 🤍

・✶ ｡ﾟ

Short summary; When, you, the poised wife of a hockey executive encounter the star forward of the Toronto Maple Leafs, your attraction sparks a tumultuous affair. However, as you navigate secrecy and guilt, will you choose to embrace your forbidden love or face the consequences?

Warnings & tropes; Secret affair (cheating); briefly enemies to friends; friends to lovers; sexual content - unprotected sex (p in v);

Word count; 4.2K

・✶ ｡ﾟ

Don't Blame Me - Your Love Made Me Crazy I Auston Matthews 🖋️⚡️🔥

The cool air of the ice hockey arena surrounded you as you navigated through the busy corridors of the Scotiabank Arena. Dressed in a smartly tailored suit appropriate for your role as the wife of one of the investors for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), you projected an aura of confidence and sophistication. This was now your domain, where the game meant more than just a sport—it was a business, a passion, and a way of life.

However, amidst the crowd of players and staff, one figure stood out—Auston Matthews, the star forward of the Toronto Maple Leafs. His presence seemed to demand attention, his demeanour exuding a blend of determination and intensity that mirrored the game he played.

However, like many drama stories, your interactions with Auston began on a less than pleasant note.

In his eyes, you were nothing more than a wealthy socialite who had married into money, and he treated you with scepticism. Likewise, you saw him as an arrogant athlete whose focus rarely extended beyond the hockey rink.

And whenever you found yourselves in the same vicinity, the tension was palpable as the two of you exchanged wary glances, each assessing the other with thinly veiled suspicion.

"What are you doing here?" Auston inquired, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity as you crossed paths in the arena hallway.

You shifted uncomfortably under his scrutinising gaze, feeling defensive at the implied judgment in his question. "I'm here to support the team," you replied evenly, masking the irritation simmering beneath the surface.

Auston's lips curled into a smug smirk. "Ah, of course, because I'm sure you're a huge hockey fan," he retorted sarcastically, his words laced with disdain.

You felt a surge of indignation, his words implying more than just a casual insult, igniting a flame of resentment within you. "Surprisingly enough, some of us care about more than just the final score," you retorted sharply, your sarcasm thinly veiled.

Auston's smirk wavered, a flicker of surprise evident in his eyes. "Really?" he responded, his tone almost disbelieving. "And what exactly is it that you care about, apart from mingling with the players?"

You bristled at his dismissive tone, rejecting the notion that you were merely another wealthy socialite seeking amusement. "I actually hold a degree in sports psychology," you countered defiantly, a touch of defiance in your voice. "And I'm here to contribute my expertise to the team, whether you appreciate it or not."

Auston's demeanour softened slightly, a glimmer of genuine interest replacing his earlier scepticism. "Sports psychology, huh?" he pondered, his tone less mocking. "That's at least something."

And surprisingly, you resisted the temptation to roll your eyes at his thinly veiled compliment, opting instead to concentrate on the task at hand.

It was evident that many of your initial encounters with Auston had been less than ideal, and as he departed, leaving you standing in the hallway, you couldn’t help but scoff at the conceited forward.

Yet, fate had a peculiar way of intertwining lives. As you delved deeper into the nuances of sports psychology, armed with your education and expertise, Auston gradually began to take notice. He witnessed first-hand the subtle yet profound impact your insights had on the team's dynamics, and on their performance both on and off the ice.

And one evening, following an especially demanding practice session, Auston remained behind, his expression a blend of frustration and curiosity. "So, what's the deal with all this psychology stuff anyway?" he inquired, his tone more earnest than accusatory, as he joined you in the locker room while the others continued their workout in the fitness room.

You paused, deliberating your response before replying. "It's about understanding the mind, Auston. How it influences our performance, our reactions, our ability to collaborate as a team."

Auston raised an eyebrow, though he couldn't deny feeling intrigued. "And you actually think all that mumbo jumbo can help us win games?"

You couldn’t help but smile slightly, a flicker of amusement dancing in your eyes as you regarded the confident player before you. "I believe it can make a difference. Sometimes, it's not just about physical skills—it's about mental resilience, about finding that extra edge when it matters most."

Auston appeared to gradually grasp the significant role you had come to play for the team, offering you a simple nod before departing, leaving you to your work.

And as weeks passed, you found yourself engaging in more frequent and in-depth conversations with the player, as he began seeking your advice not only on the ice but also off it.

"Hey, uh, mind if I pick your brain for a bit?" he'd inquire, a sheepish grin playing at the corners of his mouth, meeting you in one of the small offices, unofficially designated for your use.

And amidst the whirlwind of strategy sessions and pre-game routines, an unexpected bond began to form— a bond that was an unspoken acknowledgment, a silent understanding that there was more to the connection between you and Auston than initially met the eye.

As days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, your presence within the Leafs' inner circle became more prominent, and you found yourself deeply involved in the team's daily routines, from pre-game rituals to post-match analyses. And with each interaction, the bond between you and the players, including Auston, strengthened.

Yet, despite your efforts to maintain professionalism, your communication with Auston had a natural way to evolve into something more personal. You weren’t entirely sure why, but the Arizona boy simply had a knack for breaking down your defences and gradually entering your personal space. And you couldn’t deny that you enjoyed it.

For weeks, you shared laughter and began to build inside jokes, slowly blurring the lines between professionalism and friendship.

And, when Auston's banter veered into flirtation, it began to test the boundaries you had established. His playful remarks and charming smiles eroded the walls around your heart, tempting you to yield to the allure of something forbidden.

Yet, you remained resolute in your commitment to your marriage, brushing aside the enticing temptation that Auston represented. But beneath the mask of indifference, a storm brewed—a conflict between duty and desire, loyalty and longing.

And Auston, perspective as ever, began to detect the turmoil simmering within you, as he observed with sharp eyes as you navigated the delicate tightrope between professionalism and personal restraint. In those fleeting moments of vulnerability, he glimpsed the fissures in your facade, the unspoken yearning concealed beneath the surface.

Then one evening, the atmosphere at Mitch’s restaurant was vibrant and animated, the clinking of glasses and laughter echoing through the air as the team gathered for their post-game revelry. Auston felt drawn to you once more, his steps leading him to where you sat at the back of the room, encircled by the familiar faces of his teammates.

Taking a seat beside you, Auston's gaze lingered on you for a beat longer than usual, his eyes reflecting a depth of understanding that caught you off guard. "You know, you don't have to pretend with me," he gently whispered in your ear, his voice soft and sincere, so no one would hear.

You tensed at his words, the earnestness in his tone stirring something within you. "I'm not entirely sure what you're getting at," you responded, a touch of defensiveness creeping into your voice.

But Auston's gaze softened, his expression filled with empathy as he reached out to you. "I can see that you’re not happy y/n – that you’re trapped in a marriage that you don’t really want," he said gently. "You deserve to be with someone who wants you, who treats you good."

His words hung in the air, their weight sinking deep into your consciousness. For in Auston's eyes, you glimpsed a reflection of your own longings, mirrored back to you with striking clarity.

“You don’t understand…” you attempted to explain, your voice faltering as uncertainty clouded your mind.

“What don't I understand?” Auston probed, his gaze unwavering as he sought answers in your eyes.

“Marriages aren’t always simple…” you offered weakly, struggling to articulate the turmoil within your heart.

“I know, but there should still be love,” Auston countered, his voice resolute yet gentle.

“I do love him, Auston…” you insisted, the words tasting bitter as they left your lips.

But Auston didn't relent, his gaze piercing as he posed a question that struck at the heart of your conflict. “Are you sure? Then why do you feel attracted to me?”

The question lingered; its weight palpable between you. And for a moment, you grappled with a response, torn between the truth of your desires and the promises you had made.

But with a heavy heart, you instead rose from your seat, making a distance between you and Auston a painful reminder of the boundaries you dared not breach. And as you joined the captain a few paces away, the night progressed, the team's laughter and camaraderie serving as both a comfort and a poignant reminder of the unspoken connection that bound you and Auston.

A week later, you found yourself accompanying the team on the road, a suggestion made by the coaching staff who had recognised the importance of your insights, especially in the wake of several consecutive losses. With morale low, your role had become more crucial than ever before, as each player sought to unburden their concerns and frustrations, seeking your guidance to chart a path forward, and you willingly provided a sympathetic ear and professional perspective.

However, one player didn’t approach you until after the official work hours had concluded.

In the dimly lit hotel room, elongated shadows danced across the walls, accompanied only by the soft hum of the air conditioning unit. You reclined on your bed, attempting to ease your mind, yet the players’ worries weighed heavily on your thoughts.

Then a sudden knock shattered the silence, startling you, and with a slightly racing heart, you approached the door, cautiously turning the knob to reveal Auston standing outside, his expression a mix of frustration and agitation.

"Hey," he greeted brusquely, his voice tinged with annoyance. "Can we talk?"

You simply nodded, stepping aside to let him in, as a sense of unease gnawing at you. And as Auston entered the room, his movements were deliberate and tense, his eyes burning with emotion.

"We lost again," he began, his words sharp and succinct, as he stood in the middle of your room. "And I can't shake this feeling that it's all my fault, that I've let the team down."

Your heart went out to him, a wave of empathy washing over you as you gently approached him. "It's not only your fault, Auston," you reassured him, reaching out to lightly touch his arm. "You're an exceptional player, one of the best I've seen. Sometimes, things simply don't go as planned."

Auston's gaze softened a little, his defences weakening in the face of your understanding. "I know," he admitted quietly, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "But it still sucks, you know? Knowing that I could've done better, that I disappointed everyone."

You slowly drew a little closer to him, the atmosphere thick with unspoken emotion. "You're not alone in this, Auston," you murmured softly. "We win together, and we lose together. That's the essence of being a team."

And for a moment, a heavy silence enveloped the room, the weight of the night pressing down on your shoulders. Then, almost as if drawn by an invisible force, Auston leaned in towards you, his lips tenderly brushing against yours in a fleeting caress.

You almost froze, panic coursing through your veins as you swiftly pulled away, your heart racing. "Auston, we can't," you protested, your voice trembling with uncertainty.

Confusion clouded his features, his brow furrowing in frustration. "Why not?" he demanded, his tone tinged with anger. "Don't you feel it too? The connection between us?"

But a form of shy anger seemed to surge within you, mingling with hurt and betrayal. "Of course, I do," you retorted, your voice slightly escalating. "But that doesn't change the fact that this is wrong…"

Auston's gaze hardened, his resolve unwavering. "I can't do this – you’re fucking with me, and I can’t take it," he declared, his voice laced with a hint of anger. "I thought... I thought there was something real between us, but maybe I was wrong."

The hotel room suddenly felt oppressively small as unspoken words hung heavily in the air. You watched as Auston turned to leave, his footsteps echoing on the plush carpet beneath him.

"Auston, wait!" you called out, desperation seeping into your voice, prompting him to halt, his shoulders stiffening at the sound of your plea.

"What now?" he muttered; frustration evident in his tone.

"I... please don't leave like this..." you trailed off, the words catching in your throat.

Auston turned back to face you, his expression a blend of confusion and frustration. "y/n.. I don't get you! What do you want from me?" he demanded, his voice tinged with exasperation.

And tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as you struggled to articulate your thoughts. "I don't know... I just... I just don't want-" you started, your voice trembling with emotion.

But before you could complete your sentence, Auston closed the gap between you in a single stride, his lips crashing onto yours in a desperate, passionate kiss. His hands firmly cupping your face to keep you close. The world around you faded as you surrendered to the embrace, the intensity of his touch setting your senses ablaze.

And in that moment, as Auston's lips met yours in a sudden surge of passion, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions engulfed you. Shock, desire, and a hint of desperation swirled together as you melted into his arms, his touch igniting a flame of longing and desire that threatened to consume you entirely.

All the doubts and fears that had haunted you seemed to vanish in the heat of the moment, replaced by an overwhelming rush of raw emotion and unspoken longing.

However, as you succumbed to the overwhelming rush of passion, a voice in the depths of your mind whispered warnings of the inevitable consequences, the fallout of giving in to forbidden love.

So reluctantly, you pulled away, your breaths ragged as you searched Auston's eyes for understanding. "We can't continue like this," you whispered, your voice quivering with uncertainty.

Auston's expression softened, his gaze locking with yours in a silent plea for forgiveness. "I know," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "But I can't seem to help myself, y/n. I want you."

Guilt tugged at your heartstrings, torn between longing for something more and the weight of impending consequences. "I want you too," you confessed, your voice barely audible. "But I can't bear to keep hurting the people I care about."

Auston's shoulders sagged in resignation, the weight of your words settling heavily upon him. "I know," he repeated, his voice barely audible. "But I don't know how to stop."

And in a moment of vulnerability, as you teetered on the edge of something forbidden and perilous, you knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges and obstacles.

“Me neither,” you whispered softly, before pressing your lips fervently against his.

It was a heated, passionate exchange where you surrendered to your deepest desires, allowing raw, primal lust to take control. And as your fingers tangled in his hair, Auston's hands found your lower back, using his size to guide you towards the bed.

The urgency of the moment was palpable as you both hastily shed the layers that separated you, consumed by an overwhelming need for each other. Your lips remained locked in a fervent embrace, only parting briefly to discard clothing, and as Auston eagerly explored your mouth with his tongue he positioned himself over you on the bed.

Hands roamed each other's bodies, exploring every inch of soft skin offered, and you couldn't help but notice Auston's member growing firmer with each deep breath and moan exchanged between hungry kisses.

The atmosphere in the small hotel room grew thick with desire as your moans reverberated, the air heavy with anticipation. And as Auston used his hands to pin yours above your head, you felt the tip of his throbbing length teasing your entrance.

“Auston,” you moaned, the urgency in your voice betraying your growing need for more than just his lips. “Please, make love to me.”

And without hesitation, he obliged.

With determined thrusts, he entered you, filling your depths with his length and stimulating your walls with each movement.

Your moans intertwined as he rocked his hips in a steady rhythm, his motions gentle yet impassioned as he explored every inch of your sensitive flesh.

“Oh, baby, you feel so good around me,” he praised you in a husky voice, his breath hot against your neck as he increased his pace.

And you couldn't deny the overwhelming pleasure of Auston's length inside you. The way his thick cock caressed every part of your sensitive core, the tip of his length hitting your sweet spot with each thrust, sent waves of ecstasy coursing through your body, leaving you seeing stars.

Then releasing one of your hands, Auston placed his between your heated bodies, finding your clit and circling it with skilled precision. And his actions brought you nothing but closer to the brink of an orgasm. The pleasure of climax built within you, intensified by Auston's increasing thrusts and his expert touch on your sensitive bud.

“Yes, Auston, please, I’m close,” you moaned, your voice harmonising with the rhythm of his thrusts. And with a few more moments, you finally closed your eyes, arched your back, and cried out his name as you reached the peak of ecstasy.

Your mind clouded with sensation as Auston maintained his steady rhythm, feeling his own climax approaching as you tightened around him. And with a swift motion, he released his grip, pulling out momentarily, eliciting a soft sigh from you, before forcefully turning you over onto your stomach and re-entering you.

You let out a surprised moan as he filled you once more, the sound of skin slapping together filling the room.

“Oh, yes,” Auston moaned between heavy breaths, his thrusts growing increasingly intense. And as the pressure built within him, he knew he couldn’t hold back any longer, releasing a deep grunt as he spilled his seed into your depths. As he emptied himself inside you, the two of you released deep breaths and sighs, slowly emerging from the euphoric haze of climax.

It was a moment suffused with intense passion, yet as Auston left your room, you couldn't shake the feeling of needing a long shower to wash away the sense of dirtiness and filth that lingered.

As days melted into weeks, the tumultuous dance between you and Auston persisted, fuelled by a potent blend of desire, guilt, and longing. Despite the rational voice of conscience clamouring within you, you found yourself irresistibly drawn to him, like a moth to a flame.

Each stolen moment with him ignited a fire within you, a blaze of passion that consumed your every thought and desire. The thrill of the forbidden, the danger of being caught—it only added to the allure, heightening the intensity of your shared experiences.

With every win and every loss for the team, the bond between you and Auston deepened, transcending the confines of reason and morality. It was as if the highs and lows of the game mirrored the highs and lows of your illicit affair, each victory a triumph of desire, each defeat a bitter reminder of the forbidden nature of your love.

Naturally, guilt lingered at the edges of your conscience, a constant reminder of the vows broken, and trust betrayed. Yet, in Auston's arms, all thoughts of remorse faded, replaced by a desperate yearning for solace, for an escape from the wreckage of your marriage.

He had become your drug, and you found yourself hopelessly addicted to him.

Nights at the Scotiabank Arena became your sanctuary, a refuge from the chaos of your crumbling life. While your husband immersed himself in his work and business meetings, you sought solace in the arms of another. With each passing night, the boundaries between right and wrong blurred until they were mere echoes of a reality long forgotten. In the darkness of Auston's bedroom, you found moments of pleasure, fleeting ecstasy in a world torn apart by deceit and desire.

But even as you surrendered to the intoxicating allure of your forbidden love, a nagging voice whispered in the depths of your soul—a voice warning of the inevitable reckoning, of the price you would pay for your transgressions.

Yet, in the heat of passion, such concerns faded into the background, drowned out by the pounding of your heart, the rush of adrenaline, the overwhelming need for the man who had become your addiction, your obsession, your everything.

Yet, on another night, you found yourself back on the side-lines of a match, then lingering in the locker room after all the players had departed. All but one.

The locker room was dimly lit, heavy with the scent of sweat and anticipation as Auston's lips met yours in a fierce, desperate kiss, his hands exploring eagerly over your body as he lifted you up, pressing you against the cold, hard surface of the wall. Caught up in the heat of the moment, you surrendered to the overwhelming rush of desire, your senses consumed by the intoxicating taste of his tongue, the feel of his strong arms enveloping you.

And as the kiss deepened, the world around you faded away, leaving only the electric current of desire pulsing between you. His lips moved with a hunger that mirrored your own, his hands tracing urgent paths over your bottom.

"Shit, I've wanted this all day," Auston murmured against your lips, his breath sending shivers down your spine.

Your heart raced as you surrendered to the intensity of the moment, every touch igniting a wildfire of longing within you. "Me too," you whispered, your voice barely audible over the rush of blood in your ears.

However, unbeknownst to you, your husband had chosen this night to attend a game, seeking to understand why you had been so consumed by your work with the team for months. And as he stood just beyond the threshold, silently witnessing the betrayal unfolding before his eyes, the truth dawned on him.

But lost in the heat of passion, you were oblivious to his presence, drowning your guilt in the overwhelming desire that threatened to consume you entirely.

It was only later, upon returning home, that the full weight of your betrayal crashed down upon you.

The air between you and your husband was thick with tension as you faced each other, his accusing gaze weighing heavily upon you. His words pierced the silence like a knife, each one carrying the sting of betrayal.

"How could you?" he demanded, his voice tinged with pain and disbelief. "How could you betray me like this?"

You tried to speak, to offer some explanation for your actions, but the words failed you, suffocated by guilt and shame.

“Is this what you’ve been doing all along? Sleeping with hockey players behind my back?”

And in that moment, as the reality of your actions sank in, you knew there was no turning back, no undoing the damage. As silence enveloped you both, a chasm of pain and regret widened between you, leaving behind only the shattered remnants of a love that could never be repaired.

With the final signature inked on the paper, the reality of your separation loomed ahead, and despite the uncertainty of what lay beyond, you held onto the belief that it was the right decision.

Love for your husband had faded long ago and clinging onto a hollow semblance of a relationship felt unjust to both of you.

So, as each party fulfilled their obligations, you found yourself at a crossroads, uncertain of what the future held. But one thing remained clear: you needed to discover if Auston's feelings mirrored your own.

Then with a heavy heart and nerves frayed, you made your way to the condo where you'd shared your deepest desires, and as Auston greeted you with a concerned gaze, he feared the worst as he noticed your sorrowful expression. Perhaps you were here to end things, to focus on rebuilding your marriage, he thought.

However, as the words left your lips, a sense of relief washed over him.

"It's over, Auston," you managed a soft smile, despite the tears in your eyes. "My marriage is over."

And in that moment, Auston realised the depth of his feelings for you. The fear that you might not want him, only to be met with the revelation that you had chosen him.

“Finally.”

With love swelling in his heart, he welcomed you into his home, embracing the freedom to love you openly.

As you found solace in his arms, the weight of the past dissolved, leaving only the promise of a future brimming with love and possibility. Entwined together, you faced the uncertainties ahead, fortified by a love that conquered all obstacles.

#my asks #auston matthews imagine #auston matthews x reader #toronto maple leafs fic #nhl hockey imagine #auston matthews smut

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ladykaiyofans · 2 months

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ladypeonies · 1 year

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I'm confused.

Why are people so excited and talking about red carpets? Isn't it just business? I need answers.....The official and non official Cannes movie selection is closed. So, they are going to Cannes to sell the movie to international buyers, business side of it, investors, connections, international distribution etc., right? The actors don't usually attend that. Unless they are guests? Or both??

Why BOC can never be clear is beyond me?

What's next in terms of Festivals, Tribeca, Sydney? They have Venice in August and Freaking Toronto in September...I'm having a headache.

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mostlysignssomeportents · 3 months

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This day in history

#20yrsago Apple selling DRM’ed silence at $0.99 a pop http://www.appleturns.com/scene/?id=4490

#20yrsago RIP Disney World’s designer, John Hench https://www.theguardian.com/news/2004/feb/13/guardianobituaries.artsobituaries1

#20yrsago Worst ToS on the entire Internet https://web.archive.org/web/20040304015054/https://research.yale.edu/lawmeme/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1319

#20yrsago Steve Jobs for Disney CEO? https://web.archive.org/web/20040430133708/http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/main_news.cfm?NewsID=7861

#15yrsago House of Lords damns British surveillance society https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/feb/06/surveillance-freedom-peers

#15yrsago Scientist who criticised DJ for vaccination scare talk gets copyright threat https://www.badscience.net/2009/02/legal-chill-from-lbc-973-over-jeni-barnetts-mmr-scaremongering/

#15yrsago Ooh-De-Lally song from Disney’s Robin Hood goes to the Tower of Babel https://waxy.org/2009/02/robin_hoods_oo_de_lally_translated/

#15yrsago Mystery maple syrup stink of New York revealed https://archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/uncovering-the-source-of-the-mysterious-syrup-odor/

#10yrsago Documenting the NYC snowpocalypse’s neckdowns: latent traffic calming revealed by climate and crowds https://vimeo.com/12796677

#10yrsago Reporters document Sochi’s Potemkin hotels https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/02/04/journalists-at-sochi-are-live-tweeting-their-hilarious-and-gross-hotel-experiences/

#10yrsago The Haunted Mansion, the Haunting, and “Boo” vs “Brr” in spook-house design https://longforgottenhauntedmansion.blogspot.com/2014/01/unseen-twists-and-turns-in-corridor-of.html

#5yrsago Houseplant patent EULA: “Asexual reproduction using scions, buds or cutting is strictly prohibited” https://www.reddit.com/r/Anticonsumption/comments/an923y/houseplant_drm/

#5yrsago As the German Government Abandons Small Businesses, the Worst Parts of the EU Copyright Directive Come Roaring Back, Made Even Worse https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/01/german-government-abandons-small-businesses-worst-parts-eu-copyright-directive

#5yrsago Toronto cops can frequently get your public transit history without a warrant https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/metrolinx-continues-to-share-presto-users-data-without-requiring-warrants/article_b18dbac7-67ba-565b-805d-59dcd65dc103.html

#5yrsago Any sincere theory of property rights would bankrupt the energy sector https://www.currentaffairs.org/2019/02/if-property-rights-were-real-climate-destroying-companies-would-be-sued-out-of-existence

#5yrsago During a secret meeting, a top Pelosi health aide told medical insurers that there was no need to worry about Medicare for All passing https://theintercept.com/2019/02/05/nancy-pelosi-medicare-for-all/

#5yrsago If you work for a living, America taxes you at double the rate of wealthy investors with “unearned income” https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/features/2017-09-12/why-american-workers-pay-twice-as-much-in-taxes-as-wealthy-investors

#1yrago Small Government https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/05/small-government/

#1yrago When Facebook came for your battery, feudal security failed https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/05/battery-vampire/#drained

#pluralistic

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news24news · 8 years

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A Trump Tower Goes Bust in Canada

The failure this week of Trump Toronto showcased a familiar scenario: big promises, glitzy image, a Russian-born financier, aggrieved smaller investors – but few losses for the mogul himself.

The 65-story Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto has all the glitz and ambition of the luxury-brand businessman with his name in giant letters near its spire. It’s the tallest residential skyscraper in Canada, and probably the fanciest. The hotel’s sleek cream-and-black interiors were inspired by Champagne and caviar. Every room features Italian Bellino linens and Nespresso coffeemakers. Guests can book a Trump Experience outing through the Trump Attache concierge service. Their furry friends are eligible for the Trump Pets program, which “will fill your best Fido’s tummy with gourmet treats, and see them off to sleep on a plush dog bed.”

This Trump-branded and Trump-managed jewel is also, as a business venture, a bust.

On Tuesday, a Canadian bankruptcy judge placed the glass-and-granite building into receivership, just four years after Trump and his children cut the ribbon at its grand opening. Once it’s auctioned off, whether or not Trump is the leader of the free world by then, his name may well vanish from its marquee. Trump is not the project’s developer or even an investor; one of his partners, a Russian-born billionaire who got rich in Ukraine’s steel industry, controls the firm that’s in default. The Trump Toronto is still a posh hotel, and even though nearly two thirds of the tower’s condo units remain unsold, they’re still upscale residences. Still, the saga of the property’s glittering rise and rapid fall is classic Trump, featuring a tsunami of litigation and bitterness, money with a Russian accent, and a financial wreck that probably won’t hit its namesake particularly hard.

Trump has vowed to run the country the way he runs his businesses, and Trump Toronto is yet another reminder that his businesses do not always run smoothly. Even before the bankruptcy, the Trump Organization was already mired in litigation over management issues with the project’s owner, Talon International—led by Alex Shnaider, the steel magnate who is perhaps better known for buying a Formula One racing team and hiring Justin Bieber to sing at his daughter’s Sweet Sixteen. The project also faced lawsuits filed by middle-class investors who claim they were suckered into buying time-share-style units in the hotel with wildly overstated projections of Trump Toronto’s performance. Now it’s in receivership, which will produce new ownership and, quite possibly, a new brand.

Trump Organization spokeswoman Amanda Miller noted that the company still has a long-term deal to manage the Toronto property, no matter who controls it after the auction. “This has been a record year for the hotel, and we look forward to its continued success,” Miller said. “Guests can expect to receive the same superior level of service and quality that is synonymous with our brand around the world.”

But it’s not clear that Trump Toronto will keep its name, much less its management team. Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and Trump’s run for the presidency, especially his provocations against immigrants and Muslims, have made his hotel a target for protests. And one insider familiar with the bankruptcy proceedings said that local rivals in the luxury condo and hotel market, notably the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton, have dramatically outcompeted the Trump property. Court documents show that even though investors in the hotel units were told the “worst case scenario” for occupancy rates would be 55%, they’ve ranged between 15% and 45%. The average room rate, despite the snazzy crystal sconces and in-mirror bathroom TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Ontario, has been nearly $100 below the initial projections.

“The whole business model has been overpromise and underdeliver, and it’s Trump’s name on the thing,” the insider said. “You can’t put all the blame on him and his people. But if they did a terrific job, do you think it would be in bankruptcy?”

Trump first got involved in the project 15 years ago, when he held a press conference with Toronto’s mayor to announce his plan to build a new Ritz Carlton downtown. That plan fell apart when it came out that his development partner was a fugitive who had been convicted of bankruptcy fraud and embezzlement in the U.S. Trump then forged a licensing and management deal with Shnaider and another Russian-Canadian named Val Levitan, whose name comes up a lot in the documents because he had no development experience. Talon pre-sold 85 percent of the units at near-Manhattan prices before the groundbreaking in 2007, but most of the buyers backed out after the global financial crisis ravaged the real estate market, and Levitan was eventually forced out.

It is clear from affidavits in the fraud cases and the bankruptcy case that the buyers have taken a financial beating. A warehouse supervisor named Sarbjit Singh, who was earning about $55,000 a year, testified that he borrowed money from his father, a retired welder, for the deposit on his hotel unit; he never closed on the deal, but he says he still lost $248,000. Se Na Lee, a homemaker who was married to a mortgage underwriter, borrowed money for her deposit from her parents; she did close, and ended up losing $990,000 through December 2014, she says.

A judge later described Talon’s prospectus and other “deceptive documents” as “a trap to these unsurprisingly unwary purchasers,” and ruled that they could sue Trump as well as Talon. The surnames in the court filings reflect the global diversity of the people who put their trust in the Trump brand and the Talon sales representatives: Ayeni, Surani, Yuen, Rhee, Okwuosa, Gupta, Radhakrishman, Varadarasa, Akinkuotu. Some said they were assured that Trump’s involvement would make it easy for them to get mortgages, but banks have shied away, even as the local real estate market has become one of the hottest on the planet.

These problems were already simmering when Trump—along with his children Eric, Donald Jr. and Ivanka, who oversees his worldwide hotel operations—stepped out of a Cadillac Escalade for the hotel’s ribbon-cutting in April 2012. There are snippets of the event on YouTube, where you can see Trump smiling dutifully as he congratulates hotel staffers, accepting a Maple Leafs jersey with his name on the back, and watching a speech by Toronto’s late mayor, Rob Ford, who would later become a household name after a crack-smoking scandal.

By 2015, Trump and Talon were suing each other, with the Trump team alleging a Talon scheme to take over the management, Talon alleging a Trump scheme to devalue the property in order to buy it at a discount, and both sides accusing each other of shoddy financial record-keeping. Talon also disparaged Trump’s performance running the hotel, but the dispute is now in mediation. It probably won’t matter, because Talon is about to lose the property, most likely to JCF Capital, a U.S. investment firm that purchased its $225 million construction loan.

Talon’s attorney, Steven Rukavina, would only say that the company is cooperating with the restructuring, and views the court’s appointment of a receiver as “a positive step forward toward achieving that objective.” JCF declined comment, though it has said in its filings that it intends to honor Trump’s contract if it assumes control of the property.

But Trump’s campaign, with its hostility towards foreigners, progressives, and others, has not played well in Toronto. A city councilor has called for the property to change its name. Hollywood types reportedly blackballed the hotel—along with its 31st-floor restaurant, which is actually called America—during this summer’s Toronto Film Festival. There have been protests outside the building by union workers, women’s groups, and Muslim groups. The Trump brand is under siege, which has delayed the opening of a similar Trump-licensed hotel and condo project in Vancouver until after the election. The colorful mosaic celebrating multiculturalism at the entrance to Trump Toronto, titled A Small Part of Something Larger, now seems to clash with the nominee’s white-backlash message.

Trump has presided over four corporate bankruptcies, and the flurry of lawsuits and countersuits over Trump Toronto’s broken promises is rather typical for a Trump property. But this is Talon’s bankruptcy, not his. The project was built with other people's money; he just got paid for the use of his name and his hotel management team. It’s not clear how much he ever knew about Talon’s high-pressure sales tactics. It’s also not clear how much he ever knew about his Russian-Canadian partner's business activities in Eastern Europe.

“We heard fantastic things about [Shnaider],” Trump told a Forbes reporter by phone from his 2005 honeymoon. “But sometimes people say wonderful things whether they mean them or not.”

Then again, Trump did license his name and his brand to Talon. This isn’t his main concern this week, but he can’t deny all responsibility for the failure of a Trump project, especially when the Trump Organization is running the Trump hotel. The project's partners, investors, and lenders all got a Trump Experience, one that isn't available from the concierge.

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bushtruenews · 7 years

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Trump partnered with mafia-linked Alex Shnaider

For Toronto Tower, Trump partnered with mafia-linked Alex Shnaider, who paid $100M to a Moscow fixer representing Kremlin-backed investors who funneled millions into the project. For financing, they used Firtash & Mogilevich's primary bank.

In 2007 Trump touted the financing for “our” Toronto project as “a testament to the strength of the Trump name." The $40M investment from his Russian-Canadian partner, Alex Shnaider, came from Kremlin-backed investors. Trump later denied any knowledge about the financing.

In 2010, Alex Shnaider authorized a $100M bribe to a Moscow fixer representing Kremlin-backed investors to facilitate the sale of his Ukraine steel mill for $850M, a deal financed by Russian-state bank VEB [chaired by Putin at the time], proceeds of which flowed to Trump.

Alex Shnaider's father-in-law, Boris Birshtein, is a longtime friend and business partner of Sergei Mikhailov, known as Mikhas the leader of Moscow’s most powerful organised crime syndicate: the Solntsevskaya Bratva [linked to Mogilevich]. Shnaider also knows Mikhailov.

Birshtein & Mikhailov co-founded laundering front Seabeco [where Shnaider worked]. In 1996, after Mikhailov's arrest [and a witness shot dead], Belgian police raided Birshtein & Shnaider’s Antwerp houses, prompting Shnaider to move back to Toronto.

Another close associate of Shnaider father-in-law Boris Birshtein is Russian mafia boss Alexander Mashkevich [ran Seabeco’s Moscow office], who, along with his Eurasia Group partners, financed several Trump-Bayrock projects, including Trump Soho.

ICYMI: According the the Sep 11 Commission Report, Alexander Mashkevich & his 2 Kazakh billionaire partners [AKA" the Trio"], are Russian/Israeli Mafia & Mashkevich [who attended Trump's inaugural & private inauguration dinner] is a mafia boss.

Birshtein [father-in-law & business assoc of Trump's Toronto partner Alex Shnaider] is also a friend of Oleg Deripaska, and in 2009, brokered a deal for the CIA to recruit Deripaska to 'rescue' Bob Levinson [missing in Iran] in exchange for a VISA.

Shnaider's mafia-linked father-in-law, Birshtein, claimed “no involvement in Trump Toronto either directly or indirectly,” however, a Cypriot company controlled by the director of Birshtein companies, was listed in 2016 as a Trump Toronto creditor.

In addition to Alex Shnaider's Kremlin-linked funds, financing for Trump's Toronto project came from Austria's Raiffeisen Bank [$243M]. According to diplomatic cables, Russian mafia boss Semion Mogilevich is a partner in Raiffeisen [the primary bank of Dmitry Firtash].

#trump #mafia #russians

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sassyfrassboss · 2 years

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Background on the owner of the private jet

Marc Ganzi is an American businessman. He is the President and CEO of DigitalBridge, and is the founder and former CEO of Digital Bridge Holdings and Global Tower Partners. He is also a polo player.

He received a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He interned in the White House for Stephen M. Studdert, special advisor to President George H. W. Bush in 1989. In 1990, Ganzi served as an assistant Commercial Attaché in Madrid for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Foreign Commercial Service Department.

After graduation, Ganzi bought distressed real estate for Resolution Trust Corporation. He worked at Deutsche Bank, where he oversaw investments in the radio tower sector.

In 1993, he co-founded AD Development Corporation, a real estate development company in the Mid-Atlantic states, where he worked until 1994. He co-founded Apex Site Management, which was purchased by SpectraSite, and he served as group president for a year. In 1998, Ganzi founded Eureka Broadband, an application service provider and high-speed Internet access corporation. From 2000 to 2002, he was a partner in DB Capital Partners in New York City.

In 2003, he founded Global Tower Partners, a telecommunications company headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. He served as its Chief Executive Officer and built the company into the largest privately held operator of U.S. cell towers. The company was purchased by Macquarie Group (ASX: MQG) in 2007, and, in 2013, American Tower Corporation (NYSE: AMT) acquired GTP for $4.8 billion.

In 2013, Ganzi and Ben Jenkins founded Digital Bridge Holdings, an investor and operator of mobile and internet connectivity companies. Digital Bridge Holdings was acquired by Colony Capital in 2019, where Ganzi took over as CEO-elect. On July 1, 2020, he became CEO and President of Colony Capital. In 2021, the company rebranded to become DigitalBridge, a digital infrastructure investment firm, and he remained in those respective positions.

DigitalBridge Group, Inc. is a global digital infrastructure investment firm. The company owns, invests in and operates businesses such as cell towers, data centers, fiber, small cells, and edge infrastructure. Headquartered in Boca Raton, DigitalBridge has key offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, and Singapore.

In 2010, DigitalBridge, then still Colony Capital, was reported to manage about $30 billion in investments. In 2011, DigitalBridge was tied for 3rd largest private equity real estate fund in the world, behind Blackstone Group and Morgan Stanley Real Estate

Colony purchased Raffles International on July 18, 2005. This included the 41 hotels and resorts operated under the Raffles Hotel and Swissotel brand names. On January 30, 2006, it acquired Fairmont Hotels and Resorts of Toronto, Ontario with Kingdom Hotels International as a joint partner for US$3.24 billion.[citation needed] On April 10, 2006, it acquired French professional football team Paris Saint-Germain.

On November 11, 2008, Michael Jackson transferred the title of his 2,700 acre estate Neverland Ranch to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company LLC, a joint venture between Jackson (represented by attorney, L. Londell McMillan) and an affiliate of Colony Capital. It is still unclear whether Colony Capital has a part in the property. Jackson earned a total of US$35 million when he agreed to the joint venture between himself and Colony Capital.

In March 2010, Colony arranged a financing and marketing package for Annie Leibovitz. The New York celebrity photographer had been in financial difficulty and in danger of losing to her previous lender, ArtCapital, the rights to her photographs and negatives and her three Greenwich Village townhouses. ArtCapital's credit was for $24 million. In December 2010, Colony purchased Miramax from Disney with Qatar Investment Authority, Tutor-Saliba Corporation and The Weinstein Company as part of a joint venture called Filmyard Holdings for $663 million.

In September 2017, Colony NorthStar agreed to sell its Townsend Group unit to Aon for $475 million.

In October 2017, Colony entered discussions to purchase The Weinstein Company, a movie and TV production studio that sustained damage after its co-founder, Harvey Weinstein, was accused of multiple counts of sexual harassment over three decades. In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault scandal, in late October 2017, it was reported that Colony Capital LLC had proved hesitant to purchase Weinstein Co. after a week of exclusive negotiations. Fortress Investment Group was also in talks to provide a loan to Weinstein Co.

In June 2018, The New York Times reported that Colony North Star had raised more than $7 billion in investments since Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election. 24 percent of the money came from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

In April 2022, DigitalBridge bought out Wafra’s stake in its investment management subsidiary for $800 million and switched from REIT to traditional C-Corp. DigitalBridge announced and initiated several acquisitions during 2022 including AMP Capital's global infrastructure equity investment management business for $328 million and Switch, Inc., a data center company, for $11 billion. The firm sold 27 percent of its stake in DataBank to Swiss Life and EDF Invest for $1.2 billion. DigitalBridge said it would own 15.5 percent of DataBank after the sale.

Thanks!

He looks a lot like that Mark Dyer guy that used to keep tabs on Harry.

Mark Ganzi

Mark Dyer and Harry:

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amberawellmann · 2 years

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EB-5’S GATEKEEPERS: MIGRATION AGENTS

Last July, a swarm of high-profile guests — including Revlon Chairman Ron Perelman and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger — gathered to celebrate the launch of a summer tour to China by the National Youth Orchestra of the U.S.

Among the high-powered attendees who were invited by China’s New York Consulate General Zhang Qiyue was Linda Mei He. Dressed in a nearly floor-length black gown, Mei He, who along with Carnegie Hall was a major sponsor of the tour, later issued a news release raving about the young musicians and the importance of promoting cultural exchanges between the U.S. and China.

But her involvement in the event was clearly not just about the classical music — it was also a hugely important business-networking tool.

Mei He’s Beijing-based Wailian Overseas Consulting Group, and the hundreds of other so-called “migration agents” that woo investors on the ground in China have been among the biggest profiteers from the EB-5 immigration program. That’s thanks to the massive fees these migration agents charge developers and the regional centers hired to market projects to Chinese nationals. The consultancies can make up to $200,000 on every investor — each of whom is required to contribute a minimum of $500,000 to a project. On a $100 million capital raise, that amounts to a massive $40 million.

But there’s a reason developers and regional centers hire them: They are the gatekeepers, with access to thousands of investors looking to plunk down their cash and get a visa.

For her part, Mei He, who didn’t respond to a request for comment, has marketed investments for major New York City developers such as the Related Companies, Forest City Ratner and Silverstein Properties. And in China, where migration agencies are as common as Duane Reade drug stores are in Manhattan — there are a total of nearly 800 firms in China helping citizens through the emigration process —Wailian is a market leader.

Yet while migration agents have become a key component for getting money from China to New York development projects, sources say they’re also vulnerable to corruption and are largely responsible for EB-5’s bad rap.

That’s because unlike accredited “broker-dealers” in the U.S. — who can also raise EB-5 money but don’t have the same deep connections in China — they fall outside the jurisdiction of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result, the operations of these firms (which are licensed by the Chinese government) are viewed by many as EB-5’s “wild, wild west.”

Some EB-5 insiders say in their thirst for commissions, migration agents sometimes misrepresent projects, making them seem more attractive or less risky than they actually are.

“The problem is now you have agents saying whatever they want to say to try to sell the product to the investors and there are a lot of miscommunications — or what the securities industry would consider fraud,” said Kurt Reuss, an accredited Toronto-based EB-5 broker dealer who has worked with a number of regional centers.

Lost in translation

Until 2008, many migration agents were true immigration centers, simply helping Chinese emigrants get their papers in order for simple visa applications to visit the U.S. or other countries.

Linda Mei He

But as the popularity of the EB-5 program has skyrocketed, these centers became cash cows — bankrolled by U.S. developers hungry for capital. The employees at these migration firms soon began taking on the role of securities dealers, marketing U.S. real estate projects to investors in China in exchange for hefty fees from regional centers.

And some of them have connections to state-owned enterprises, meaning the Chinese government may also be benefitting from the exorbitant fees.

One concern is the question of who should be held responsible if a migration agent embellishes the financial upside of a project.

Some migration agencies, such as Beijing-based Henry Global have already come under fire for misrepresenting projects. In 2012, the agency was accused of purposefully sullying the reputation of a South Dakota-based project after it got into a fee dispute with the regional center representing it. A lawsuit against the agency was eventually dismissed.

The potential for overpromising is great as well. Reuss believes developers and regional centers will eventually be held accountable for inaccurate information — even if they deny knowing exactly how the migration agent peddled it. “If [a migration agent is] taking on the role of marketing your offering, and you benefitted from it, how can you not be held accountable?” he said.

Given how many migration agents exist in China, however, enforcement is far from simple.

“There’s nearly an agency on every corner in China,” said Nuri Katz of Apex Capital, a migration agent based in the West Indies island of Antigua who’s dealt with EB-5 investors from all over the world, including China. “Some of them are pop-ups, and some are bigger franchises. Some of them are doing it properly [but] half of them are not.”

While these agents have to be licensed by Chinese authorities, the barrier for entry is extremely low. In addition, while the agents are free to show off the projects to potential investors at conferences and events in China, they cannot solicit investments on American soil.

Nicholas Mastroianni, president and CEO of the US Immigration Fund — the mega regional center that’s raised funds for Michael Shvo’s 125 Greenwich as well as a slew of other big projects — said the majority of migration agents, outside of a few well-qualified firms, are hiring staffers with zero experience in finance or real estate.

“If you’re at the top of the pyramid, it’s a business,” said Mastroianni, whose website boasts that it has partnerships and promotion agreements with 14 of the top 20 immigration firms in Southern China, including Wailian. “If you’re at the bottom, it’s like everyone is a real estate agent; everyone sells immigration. It’s the mother with an 18-year-old kid who wants a second job.”

Mike Xenick, president and CEO of Invest America Capital Advisors, an accredited broker-dealer based in Tampa, called some of the smaller agencies “glorified travel agents.”

And not all investors are savvy to how migration agents operate.

For instance, investors may not even be aware that the agents they’re dealing with are being paid substantial commissions by regional centers and may instead treat them as impartial advisors. Inexperienced investors can be blinded by the pizazz of agents’ showy presentations, which are often hosted in five-star Beijing hotels.

Indeed, when Wailian presented Forest City’s Barclays Center project to potential EB-5 investors in 2010, it did so in a spectacular fashion during an investor extravaganza in Beijing. The marketing materials emphasized the Nets stars, set to play at the new arena, rather than the financial breakdown of the project.

Still, it’s easy to see why investors trust the advice of agents such as Mei He, whose company has an exclusive agreement with one of the top Chinese property websites, Juwai.com, China’s equivalent of Zillow, that allows it to market its EB-5 projects.

With 300 employees worldwide and deep connections to U.S. institutions, Mei He is considered an expert in helping wealthy Chinese families secure visas and even in getting their kids into American Ivy League schools. Those connections in the U.S. are strengthened by charitable giving. She has made six-figure donations to nonprofit organizations, including the Eisenhower Foundation for youth development in American inner cities.

Attending an event with the likes of Kissinger and Perelman also gives her a major boost in the eyes of investors.

“Being able to say, ‘I’m friends with this person’ or ‘I know that person’ is gold in China,” said Apex Capital’s Katz. “Seeing you with a Henry Kissinger is a huge deal. To the Chinese, the more influence you have with government, the better off you are.”

The cost of exposure

As competition has ramped up, the fees charged by migration agents have increased substantially over the past couple of years.

Sources told The Real Deal that top migration agents are typically paid by the regional center (or developer), drawing an upfront fee of $50,000 to $75,000 per $500,000 investment they bring in, plus a 3 percent to 8 percent share of the interest over the term of the loan.

By the end of a five-year loan term, some of the highest-paid agents will have raked in close to $200,000 per single investor. That’s double the amount they got paid even two years ago, sources said.

The increasing costs of hiring migration agents also means it’s often financially impractical for regional centers to hire both migration agents and accredited broker-dealers, who can ensure that a project’s marketing complies with U.S. securities regulations.

Sources say the jumping costs are not justified.

“Their job is not that difficult,” said Min Chan, an immigration lawyer with Manhattan-based brokerage City Connections, which also operates a regional center. “They’re shuffling paper, and they’re getting paid a lot of money for it.”

And those fees are increasingly squeezing regional centers. “They’re greedy. They’re very greedy,” said Mastroianni.

In order to keep their costs down, and keep competitors at bay, some regional centers have been secretive about which agents have delivered for them.

Asked which agents her regional center has worked with, Jacqueline Finkelstein-LeBow of the American Immigration Group said it was “proprietary.”

She continued, “I don’t want to give a roadmap of what we’re doing in China. You don’t even want to tell the developers who you’re working with. They think they can do it themselves and they’ll run to China and talk to the same agents.”

Source: https://therealdeal.com/issues_articles/eb-5s-gatekeepers/

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#green card

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primehomerealty · 2 days

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Maximizing Returns: The Upside of Global Real Estate

In an increasingly globalized world, the allure of international real estate investment continues to grow, promising diversification, potential for high returns, and access to burgeoning markets. While domestic real estate markets offer familiarity and ease of management, the global real estate market unfolds a tapestry of opportunities that, when navigated wisely, can yield substantial financial rewards. This article delves into the vast landscape of global real estate investments, focusing on strategies for maximizing returns and exploring the dynamic opportunities that international properties present. By analyzing trends and leveraging insights from recent statistics, investors can unlock the upside of global real estate, navigating through complexities to achieve superior investment outcomes. Exploring Opportunities in Global Real Estate Markets The global real estate market is as diverse as it is vast, presenting a myriad of opportunities across continents. According to a report by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), international commercial real estate markets have seen significant investment inflows, with Asia-Pacific and European cities leading in terms of growth and investment returns. This surge is attributed to the robust economic growth in these regions, creating a fertile ground for real estate investments. Moreover, the increasing urbanization and rising middle class in emerging markets offer untapped potential for residential and commercial real estate investments, promising high growth rates and returns. Diversification is a key advantage of investing in global real estate markets. By spreading investments across different countries and property types, investors can mitigate risks associated with market volatility, economic downturns, and geopolitical events. 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Strategies for Maximizing Returns on International Properties To maximize returns on international real estate investments, a strategic approach is essential. One effective strategy is to focus on emerging markets with strong economic indicators, such as GDP growth, urbanization rates, and demographic trends. These markets often offer lower property prices with the potential for significant appreciation as the economy grows. For example, investing in up-and-coming neighborhoods in cities like Toronto can yield high rental incomes and capital gains as these areas develop and attract more residents and businesses. Another strategy is to leverage local expertise by partnering with local real estate professionals who understand the market nuances. This includes property managers, real estate agents, and legal advisors who can navigate the local regulatory landscape, identify promising investment opportunities, and manage properties effectively. Such partnerships can mitigate risks associated with language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliar legal systems, ensuring that investments are both profitable and compliant with local regulations. Lastly, employing a long-term investment horizon can enhance returns from international real estate investments. Real estate markets can be cyclical, and short-term market fluctuations can affect investment returns. By adopting a long-term perspective, investors can ride out market volatility, benefit from compounding rental incomes, and capitalize on long-term property appreciation. This approach requires patience and a focus on sustainable growth, but it can ultimately yield substantial financial rewards. The upside of global real estate investment is undeniable, offering the prospect of lucrative returns, portfolio diversification, and access to dynamic markets worldwide. By exploring opportunities in global real estate markets and employing strategic approaches to maximize returns, investors can achieve remarkable financial outcomes. The key lies in diligent research, leveraging local expertise, and maintaining a long-term investment perspective. As the world becomes more interconnected, the opportunities in international real estate will only expand, promising exciting prospects for savvy investors ready to venture beyond their local markets. Read the full article

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zov911 · 2 days

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There was once a time in our industry when architectural design renderings were two-dimensional, static, and, honestly, a little boring. However, today, we stand at the precipice of a revolutionary breakthrough: harnessing the awe-inspiring power of virtual reality to elevate the Canadian architectural marketing landscape. A Canadian business in 2022 that seeks to secure a competitive advantage must adapt to this promising technical frontier. With companies shifting from standard static marketing to eye-catching VR-based projects, there's no better time to delve into the immense potential offered by virtual reality in our field. Welcome, my understanding reader, to a new reality: a reality in which architectural brilliance translates seamlessly to prospective clients, invigorating the architectural marketing landscape in a distinctly Canadian style. ##The Revolution of Virtual Reality in Canadian Architectural Marketing Since the introduction of VR tech, architects in the Great White North have pioneered innovative techniques to present their designs. Whether it's a sleek Toronto skyscraper or a West Coast eco-lodge, virtual reality allows clients to explore every nuance of an architectural vision before construction ever begins. By marrying VR capabilities with architectural marketing, industry professionals can ignite profound benefits for Canadian businesses. They can intimately engage clients, construct a precise visual experience, and most importantly, engage with customers in a more tactile, experiential manner. ##The Virtual Reality Advantage in the Canadian Context Virtual Reality is a game-changer not just for its novelty but for its incredible commercial utility. It cuts through the architectural jargon and unveils a sensational 3D world where grand designs speak for themselves. For Canadian businesses hoping to impress potential investors or clientele, VR takes portfolio presentations from vanilla to vibrant. It allows layers of an architectural vision to unfold gradually, transforming a traditional sales pitch into an interactive experience that can shift the tide in favour of the presenter. ##Elevating Canadian Businesses with Immersive Experiences Consider this: you're a prospective homeowner in vibrant Vancouver, Nova Scotia's quiet coasts or somewhere amidst Ontario's abundant nature. Instead of just viewing flat plans, a VR model enables you to take a tour, explore the spaces, examine details, and even modify elements of your future home. Isn't this an architectural marketing professional's dream scenario? In this context, virtual reality doesn’t merely expedite the architectural design process and marketing; it transforms it! It makes architecture more accessible, digestible, and interactive, all while resonating deeply with the customer’s unique vision and need. ##The Future of Architectural Marketing is Virtual To remain competitive in this fast-paced, tech-driven field, harnessing VR technology is more an expectation than an exception. The days of traditional blueprints are swiftly fading into the past as the Canadian architectural marketing field ushers in a thrilling VR-fuelled future. By embracing VR, Canadian architectural marketing can offer immersive, responsive experiences that will please clients, disrupt paradigms, and redefine the marketing landscape both in our iconic Canada and abroad. As Canada puts on the VR headset, our industry will be elevated to heights rivalling those of our prized CN Tower. And we may well discover that, when coupled with brilliant architectural designs, virtual reality offers not just a new vision, but a path forward for Canadian businesses in the architectural realm. For those of us immersed in Canadian architectural marketing, the message is clear - it's high time to level up and turn reality on its head with virtual reality. Case Study: Virtual Reality Transforms Architectural Visualizations for Toronto-Based XYZ Architecture Firm As technology becomes increasingly

integrated within the ever-evolving field of architecture, Canadian architectural firms are adopting innovative practices to enhance their marketing efforts. One such example is by leveraging virtual reality (VR) to elevate their architectural visualizations. This compelling case study of a Toronto-based XYZ Architecture firm provides a peek into how the integration of VR in their marketing strategy has significantly boosted their business. The Challenge: For many architectural firms, the challengelies in effectively communicating intricate design concepts to clients using traditional methods, such as 2D renderings and physical models. These methods are not only labor-intensive and time-consuming, but they also limit the ability to provide clients with an immersive, all-encompassing understanding of the proposed design. This is where Toronto's XYZ Architecture firm faced a stumbling block. They needed a solution that would overcome these barriers and allow them to market their projects in a more engaging and comprehensible manner to clients. The Solution: The firm decided to amplify their marketing strategy by embracing VR technology. The first step involved partnering with one of the leading VR technology providers to custom-design a software solution that seamlessly blends with their architectural designing process. The team employed VR at multiple stages of design development, creating an immersive, interactive, and realtime platform where clients could 'walk' through their designs. This approach eliminated the constraints of geographic distances, allowing clients from anywhere in the world to experience their designs. The Results: The adoption of VR technology immensely revolutionized XYZ Architecture firm's marketing strategy. Clients found it easier to understand and visualize complex project designs. They could assess spaces, materials, lighting, and even furnishings, in a virtual environment that felt very real. The firm also reported an increase in project approvals, as clients were more confident about what they were investing in. This led to enhanced client trust, improved satisfaction rates, and an uptick in referrals. Actionable Advice for Architects: 1. Recognize the Power of VR: Realize that VR is not just a tech buzzword; it's a medium through which you can forge stronger connections with your clients. 2. Invest in Custom VR Solutions: Collaborate with a VR solutions provider who understands your specific needs and can tailor solutions to fit your requirements. 3. Train Your Team: Equip your team with the necessary skills to create, navigate, and present VR designs. 4. Client Engagement: Use VR as a tool to engage your clients right from the initial stages of design planning. This could even mean incorporating it into your project pitches or client meetings. 5. Showcase Your VR Designs: Exhibit VR renderings alongside traditional 2D renderings on your firm's website or social media platforms. Conclusion: Embracing VR technology in architectural marketing strategies can elevate architects' ability to effectively communicate designs to clients while augmenting their competitive edge in the market. The XYZ Architecture firm's successful adoption of VR exemplifies this transformation, where the virtual has become a game-changer in the construction of the real. "Are you ready to revolutionize your architectural marketing strategies? Enhance your business and ensure a greater customer experience with Virtual Reality. Don't miss out on this transformative opportunity. Contact us now for a free consultation!" Start Your Digital Transformation Now! "According to a report released by Goldman Sachs in 2016, the market for virtual reality in real estate could potentially be worth $2.6 billion by 2025. With Canada being home to some of the world’s fastest-growing real estate markets, utilising virtual reality in Canadian architectural marketing presents a significant opportunity for innovation and growth.

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