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mostlysignssomeportents · 3 months

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Hypothetical AI election disinformation risks vs real AI harms

I'm on tour with my new novel The Bezzle! Catch me TONIGHT (Feb 27) in Portland at Powell's. Then, onto Phoenix (Changing Hands, Feb 29), Tucson (Mar 9-12), and more!

You can barely turn around these days without encountering a think-piece warning of the impending risk of AI disinformation in the coming elections. But a recent episode of This Machine Kills podcast reminds us that these are hypothetical risks, and there is no shortage of real AI harms:

https://soundcloud.com/thismachinekillspod/311-selling-pickaxes-for-the-ai-gold-rush

The algorithmic decision-making systems that increasingly run the back-ends to our lives are really, truly very bad at doing their jobs, and worse, these systems constitute a form of "empiricism-washing": if the computer says it's true, it must be true. There's no such thing as racist math, you SJW snowflake!

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/02/aoc-algorithms-racist-bias.html

Nearly 1,000 British postmasters were wrongly convicted of fraud by Horizon, the faulty AI fraud-hunting system that Fujitsu provided to the Royal Mail. They had their lives ruined by this faulty AI, many went to prison, and at least four of the AI's victims killed themselves:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Post_Office_scandal

Tenants across America have seen their rents skyrocket thanks to Realpage's landlord price-fixing algorithm, which deployed the time-honored defense: "It's not a crime if we commit it with an app":

https://www.propublica.org/article/doj-backs-tenants-price-fixing-case-big-landlords-real-estate-tech

Housing, you'll recall, is pretty foundational in the human hierarchy of needs. Losing your home – or being forced to choose between paying rent or buying groceries or gas for your car or clothes for your kid – is a non-hypothetical, widespread, urgent problem that can be traced straight to AI.

Then there's predictive policing: cities across America and the world have bought systems that purport to tell the cops where to look for crime. Of course, these systems are trained on policing data from forces that are seeking to correct racial bias in their practices by using an algorithm to create "fairness." You feed this algorithm a data-set of where the police had detected crime in previous years, and it predicts where you'll find crime in the years to come.

But you only find crime where you look for it. If the cops only ever stop-and-frisk Black and brown kids, or pull over Black and brown drivers, then every knife, baggie or gun they find in someone's trunk or pockets will be found in a Black or brown person's trunk or pocket. A predictive policing algorithm will naively ingest this data and confidently assert that future crimes can be foiled by looking for more Black and brown people and searching them and pulling them over.

Obviously, this is bad for Black and brown people in low-income neighborhoods, whose baseline risk of an encounter with a cop turning violent or even lethal. But it's also bad for affluent people in affluent neighborhoods – because they are underpoliced as a result of these algorithmic biases. For example, domestic abuse that occurs in full detached single-family homes is systematically underrepresented in crime data, because the majority of domestic abuse calls originate with neighbors who can hear the abuse take place through a shared wall.

But the majority of algorithmic harms are inflicted on poor, racialized and/or working class people. Even if you escape a predictive policing algorithm, a facial recognition algorithm may wrongly accuse you of a crime, and even if you were far away from the site of the crime, the cops will still arrest you, because computers don't lie:

https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/texas-macys-sunglass-hut-facial-recognition-software-wrongful-arrest-sacramento-alibi/

Trying to get a low-waged service job? Be prepared for endless, nonsensical AI "personality tests" that make Scientology look like NASA:

https://futurism.com/mandatory-ai-hiring-tests

Service workers' schedules are at the mercy of shift-allocation algorithms that assign them hours that ensure that they fall just short of qualifying for health and other benefits. These algorithms push workers into "clopening" – where you close the store after midnight and then open it again the next morning before 5AM. And if you try to unionize, another algorithm – that spies on you and your fellow workers' social media activity – targets you for reprisals and your store for closure.

If you're driving an Amazon delivery van, algorithm watches your eyeballs and tells your boss that you're a bad driver if it doesn't like what it sees. If you're working in an Amazon warehouse, an algorithm decides if you've taken too many pee-breaks and automatically dings you:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/04/17/revenge-of-the-chickenized-reverse-centaurs/

If this disgusts you and you're hoping to use your ballot to elect lawmakers who will take up your cause, an algorithm stands in your way again. "AI" tools for purging voter rolls are especially harmful to racialized people – for example, they assume that two "Juan Gomez"es with a shared birthday in two different states must be the same person and remove one or both from the voter rolls:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eligible-voters-swept-up-conservative-activists-purge-voter-rolls/

Hoping to get a solid education, the sort that will keep you out of AI-supervised, precarious, low-waged work? Sorry, kiddo: the ed-tech system is riddled with algorithms. There's the grifty "remote invigilation" industry that watches you take tests via webcam and accuses you of cheating if your facial expressions fail its high-tech phrenology standards:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/16/unauthorized-paper/#cheating-anticheat

All of these are non-hypothetical, real risks from AI. The AI industry has proven itself incredibly adept at deflecting interest from real harms to hypothetical ones, like the "risk" that the spicy autocomplete will become conscious and take over the world in order to convert us all to paperclips:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/27/10-types-of-people/#taking-up-a-lot-of-space

Whenever you hear AI bosses talking about how seriously they're taking a hypothetical risk, that's the moment when you should check in on whether they're doing anything about all these longstanding, real risks. And even as AI bosses promise to fight hypothetical election disinformation, they continue to downplay or ignore the non-hypothetical, here-and-now harms of AI.

There's something unseemly – and even perverse – about worrying so much about AI and election disinformation. It plays into the narrative that kicked off in earnest in 2016, that the reason the electorate votes for manifestly unqualified candidates who run on a platform of bald-faced lies is that they are gullible and easily led astray.

But there's another explanation: the reason people accept conspiratorial accounts of how our institutions are run is because the institutions that are supposed to be defending us are corrupt and captured by actual conspiracies:

https://memex.craphound.com/2019/09/21/republic-of-lies-the-rise-of-conspiratorial-thinking-and-the-actual-conspiracies-that-fuel-it/

The party line on conspiratorial accounts is that these institutions are good, actually. Think of the rebuttal offered to anti-vaxxers who claimed that pharma giants were run by murderous sociopath billionaires who were in league with their regulators to kill us for a buck: "no, I think you'll find pharma companies are great and superbly regulated":

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/05/not-that-naomi/#if-the-naomi-be-klein-youre-doing-just-fine

Institutions are profoundly important to a high-tech society. No one is capable of assessing all the life-or-death choices we make every day, from whether to trust the firmware in your car's anti-lock brakes, the alloys used in the structural members of your home, or the food-safety standards for the meal you're about to eat. We must rely on well-regulated experts to make these calls for us, and when the institutions fail us, we are thrown into a state of epistemological chaos. We must make decisions about whether to trust these technological systems, but we can't make informed choices because the one thing we're sure of is that our institutions aren't trustworthy.

Ironically, the long list of AI harms that we live with every day are the most important contributor to disinformation campaigns. It's these harms that provide the evidence for belief in conspiratorial accounts of the world, because each one is proof that the system can't be trusted. The election disinformation discourse focuses on the lies told – and not why those lies are credible.

That's because the subtext of election disinformation concerns is usually that the electorate is credulous, fools waiting to be suckered in. By refusing to contemplate the institutional failures that sit upstream of conspiracism, we can smugly locate the blame with the peddlers of lies and assume the mantle of paternalistic protectors of the easily gulled electorate.

But the group of people who are demonstrably being tricked by AI is the people who buy the horrifically flawed AI-based algorithmic systems and put them into use despite their manifest failures.

As I've written many times, "we're nowhere near a place where bots can steal your job, but we're certainly at the point where your boss can be suckered into firing you and replacing you with a bot that fails at doing your job"

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/15/passive-income-brainworms/#four-hour-work-week

The most visible victims of AI disinformation are the people who are putting AI in charge of the life-chances of millions of the rest of us. Tackle that AI disinformation and its harms, and we'll make conspiratorial claims about our institutions being corrupt far less credible.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/27/ai-conspiracies/#epistemological-collapse

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

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clockworkrobotic · 4 months

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It should be illegal to make someone homeless. "Waahh but tenants dodging rent—" shut up lmao a landlord missing out on money they didn't earn vs Literally Being Homeless one of those things is clearly significantly worse than the other

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duchessofostergotlands · 7 months

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Weird question for you, non-royal. How do you feel about people (and I'm assuming its mainly us American people) planting a tree/buying a plot of land to be "given"a title? I'm on Scotland travel group and a few people said locals HATE that. I can see irritation if one expects people to call them by the title but in my view, it's just charitable giving vs harmful. But I'm American and our tendency to "pay more for better" may have made me jaded.

It's a great question :) If someone buys it as a gift for a friend and they laugh to themselves and move on with their lives, I can't stop them. If they bump into a Scottish person and announce to them that they have a "Scottish title" that's an issue. There's a few things:

What you are purchasing is the right to use their trademark. So it's like if I trademarked Lady of Jessicatown I could charge people to be able to use that. That's it. 1) You're not buying a title; partly because this company has no authority to hand out titles that actually mean anything but also because even if they were giving you the right to style yourself as Laird or Lady or whatever, that's not actually a title. Laird is basically a descriptor that shows you own land. If you've ever watched a period drama and heard an English character being referred to as a squire, that's what Laird means. It's as much a title as Mr or Mrs. and 2) you also aren't actually buying the land. They can't sell the same plot of land to multiple people, but it can't be legally registered so you don't own it. I'm sure you can imagine if I waltzed over to the US and said I'm not from the US but I bought a title and some land in your country when in reality you knew that was bollocks, it would annoy you!

Being "charitable" doesn't make something good. I personally cannot point to any discernible benefit these companies have provided. I also think if you really want to support the Scottish environment, just give to charity. If you step back and think about it it's someone looking at another country and only giving money to a community project so they could get what they believe to be land and a title in exchange, in a deal brokered by someone who isn't from the country either (the two biggest companies were set up by people from England and Hong Kong). That is absurd!! So that's why I don't buy when people claim it's for charitable reasons. It's because they want what they think is a title, and the charity part makes it feel ethical. If it was about charity they'd do some basic research and find out within a few minutes these companies don't really provide much benefit and are not respected by environmental organisations or local communities. Which should be enough.

There is a very painful history around land in the Highlands, where most of these companies have land. I won't go into too much detail but from the mid 18th to the mid 19th century there was a period we refer to as the Highland Clearances. Due to a combination of factors - the agricultural revolution and the desire to wipe out Highland culture - landowners set about forcibly removing the local farming communities who'd worked on their land for generations. People had their homes burned to the ground by wealthy landowners, tens of thousands of people were forced from their communities, and lots of people died because they had no food or shelter. This is still an issue today in some ways as Scotland has a real problem with private land ownership. About half of Scottish land is owned by around 400 people. Many of them are absentee landlords - they own huge plots of land but only come up to go hunting a few times a year. They also often don't protect the farmers who rent their lands, just like they didn't in the Highland Clearances. A lot of them do real damage to the community: demolishing homes, cutting the land their tenants have for farming, poor environmental policies. And these "title" companies have to come in and buy huge swathes of land in order to be able to pretend to sell you some of that land. So because of historical and present day issues, there is an innate cultural sensitivity around land ownership in the Highlands which these souvenir plots tap into.

#ask #anon #scotland #non royal

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thessalian · 28 days

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Thess vs Cruelty As The Point

So, okay. This is the point at which I really have to stay away from the news for awhile.

Story I caught on the BBC. Woman, 56 years old, gets told by her landlord that she's being evicted. Why? Well, technically there doesn't even have to be a reason. It's called "no fault eviction", and while a Renters' Reform Bill was signed off last week, the abolition of no-fault evictions (which was promised to us by Michael Gove) was sort of postponed indefinitely. Anyway, the reason he gave was "I want to bring this place in line with the fire code", but ... I mean ... shouldn't it have been already? And even if it wasn't, couldn't he have just ... got her to stay in alternate lodgings for a few months while he fixed it? My thinking is that he pulled something that sounded less like greed out of his arse, and his actual plan was to slap on a coat of paint and put it back on the rental market at way more than he was getting from this lady.

Anyway. This lady is obviously distraught. She can't afford a deposit and first month's rent on a new place at this point. So she turns to her local council. See, that's how it's supposed to work. If you are in real need of housing, you are supposed to be able to apply for council housing. Thing is, Margaret Thatcher gave everybody the right to buy their council house / flat from the government ages ago. Which you'd think would be good, because everyone deserves to have a secure permanent home, buuuuuut ... she kind of didn't build any new ones to replace the ones that tenants bought. So there are very, very few council properties available, and so the queue to get one is hugely long. However, if you have sufficient need, you can get nudged to the head of the queue ... if the bean-counters at the council office agree that you have sufficient need. And their criteria is ... well.

This woman who'd turned to the council as her last hope got a letter in return, just before her actual eviction date. And it said, and I am not paraphrasing here (at least not any more than the BBC did), "We have determined that you would tolerate being made homeless or remaining homeless, and are therefore not a priority." And thus they turned her down.

They determined that a 56-year-old woman would be fine literally sleeping on the streets, and turned her down without any kind of listing of where else she might be able to receive help.

The BBC and several others called the council on this absolute horror, and are also checking with others in that council to see what kinds of letters they got. The council's response was effectively, "We could have worded that better, and will take care to do so in the future, but she really wasn't a priority".

This country makes me fucking sick. Like, literally. I had a massive discount on an order from my favourite Indian place that I needed to use, so I had my favourite Indian meal, and now I'm not sure I will be able to keep it down, because the sheer fucking cruelty of so much of the leadership of this country is literally making me want to throw up.

I can't even think what would cheer me up at this point. Suggestions on a postcard, please; I can't take the absolute sickening despair of living in a country that so actively wants people to suffer and die.

Oh, if you also want to be depressed? The article.

#Thess on politics

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tanadrin · 1 year

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Maybe a better analogy for exploitative social classes would be "vulture" as opposed to "parasite"? Though that's less ableist and more unfair to birbs that play an important ecological role and don't deserve the reputation they get.

idk man, do landlords form a coherent class these days? a landlord can be anybody from somebody who rents out the condo they inherited from their dead mom to an investor in a giant national property chain like Deutsche Wohnen. there are exploitative jobs, maybe, but this smacks of the urge to create a coherent category of Bad People Whomst If We Only Got Rid Of, Everything Would Be Better, which I think is kinda BS.

objectively, a lot of landlords are not very good at their jobs (this is why the phrase "the landlord special" has entered the lexicon) and some are really exploitative. but so are a lot of office managers. landlords being intrinsically tainted by sin doesn't seem like the problm. and if you think there are too many people renting out property vs owning it, and this contributes to the lack of housing, or if you think real estate speculation is a drag on the economy, there are plenty of policy levers to choose from to correct for this.

historically a lot of the animus directed at landlords came from the fact that "landlord" usually meant a literal lord of some description, like somebody who owned a vast estate with tenant farmers who acquired that wealth over generations of feudal conquest and peasant-oppression. and that's pretty shitty! but even then, the remedy for that can be anodyne and unsexy policy--big inheritance taxes dismantled most of the large landed estates in the british isles over the course of the 20th century, for instance. small time modern landlords, however lazy or exploitative, or even big evil property investment companies, strike me as fundamentally different animals. like, are they great for the economy? maybe not! but there are a lot of jobs that are not great for the economy that we don't waste time coming up with new ways of hating, and there more productive uses of our energy to correct these problems than figuring out which gross animal to compare them to.

#never really gotten on the landlord hate train #i rent and honestly it's fine #renter protections are better here than they are in the states which helps #but 'landlords are parasites/vultures' just doesn't strike me as useful rhetoric #you're gonna get a lot more traction #talking about specific problems and ways you want to address them #it's not clear to me how you would abolish 'landlords' entirely #unless you very strongly circumscribed property rights #and made renting actually illegal #which seems impractical!#like that raises a ton of questions about implementation #when you could just try more tried and true policies #like a georgist land tax #or viennese style social housing #or taxes on real estate speculation #or a long list of other policies

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andydrysdalerogers · 2 years

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Aurora ~ Part One

Pairings: Andy Barber vs Lloyd Hansen; Andy Barber x OFC Aurora "Rory" Thatcher

Summary: Rory has opened a new bakery in town. And the local mafia boss has taken an interest...

Work Count:4.6K

Warnings: Mafia! Andy Barber, assault, fluff, mentions of parental death, this is a multi-verse of mixed characters

This work is 18+ only. Please heed the warnings and walk away as this story does get violent as it goes on...

Banner by @justawriterand

Mood board and dividers by @firefly-graphics

Series Masterlist ~ Main Masterlist

Welcome to Newton. A sleepy town outside of Boston. Where kids can play with their friends and shop owners advertise with signs on the street. It’s a quiet town. An unassuming town. A town where one-man rules and no one forgets it. This town, Newton, is Andy Barber’s town.

Aurora Thatcher wiped the sweat from her brow as she placed the last table in her shop. Her shop. The bakery that Rory always dreamed about. The Sweetest Things. It took two years, one loan from her grandparents but it was here. The décor was Parisian, black, white and pink. The displays would be filled with her treats. The checkerboard floor was polished, the white tables and chairs ready for customers to sit and enjoy their treats. Rory smiled. Everything was perfect.

The bell over the door rang, startling you from your thoughts. A man with dark hair, scruff on his shin stood in the doorway. “Miss Thatcher?”

“Yes? Sorry, we are closed.”

“I know Miss Thatcher. My name is Nick, Nick Fowler. I work for Mr. Barber.” He offer what she assumed to be a gentle smile, trying not to scare her.

She froze. Mr. Andrew Barber, the notorious mob boss. He ran this town and everyone in it. She had been made aware of this early on and while Rory knew he wouldn’t hurt her, she still feared him. “Hello Mr. Fowler. How can I help you?”

Nick Fowler smiled at the pretty young thing standing in from of him. She was petite, with dark hair pulled into braids and a bun, large doe eyes that alluded to the innocence of her. She was beautiful but she also didn’t realize it. Her shirt was tight to her body covered by an apron. Nick licked his lips at the girl, adjusting his jeans subtly, not wanting to scare her. “I’m sure you are aware Miss Thatcher that there is a certain, let’s call it, leasing fee, that comes with owning a shop in this town.”

Rory gulped. “Yes Mr. Fowler. My landlord made me aware.” She shuffled to the register and pulled the envelope full of cash for him. “I was advised the leasing fee was two.”

Nick opened the envelope full of $20 bills. He looked up at her with a smirk. “To start Miss Thatcher. Depending on how profitable you are, that may change. Do you understand?”

Rory nodded, trying not to cry. She watched as Nick sniffed the air. “You got any samples?” She nodded again and moved to package up some treats she had made. A couple of croissants, some Danishes, cookies, and her signature red velvet cupcakes. Nick pulled out his wallet to pay but Rory waved him off.

“If you like them, you can just send customers my way.”

“Thank you, Miss Thatcher. Have a nice evening.”

Rory watched him leave and then sag against the counter, the tears she fought so hard to hide finally falling.

Nick walked back into the office, munching on one of the heavenly cookies Rory had given him. He swallows as he saw his boss reviewing some documents, his third in command, Sam Wilson, reviewing the monitors for the casino. “Hey Boss!”

“Fowler. How’d it go?” Andy never looked up from what he was reading.

“Smoothly. The owner was ready for us.” He tossed the envelope on the desk. “She was sweet but scared. Killer body. Amazing baker.” He put the box of treats down carefully.

“Good to know my tenants warn the new people.” Andy looked up at Nick with a smirk. “You have something,” pointing to the side of Nick’s mouth, a smear of chocolate on his lip.

“Shit, sorry boss.” He took out a napkin to wipe his face.

“Was that from the baker?” Andy looked at the box.

“Yeah, Miss. Thatcher. Sweet thing. She gave them to me. Said that if we liked them to send her customers. By the way, I will. She’s that good.”

“Hmm, red velvet. My favorite.” Andy plucked the cupcake out of the box and took a bite. He couldn’t help the moan that escaped his mouth. “Fucking Christ, that’s good.”

“Told ya. Wilson, you have to try these.”

The men munched on the treats as Andy put the money away. “So, Miss Thatcher was amiable?”

“Very. Wouldn’t mind going back and visiting with her. Get to know her… personally.” Nick smirked at the thought.

“You will do no such thing Nick.” Andy frowned. He had never met the girl, but he knew Rory’s grandparents and was doing them a favor by charging such low rent. “She’s innocent. So just do your job and that’s it.”

A couple of months had passed, and the bakery was a hit on the block. The rate of growth left Rory happy but unsettled. Nick has been back as promised, once a month to collect rent. He could see the growth but didn’t charge her more. Every time he stopped by Rory had a box of treats for him, especially saving a couple of red velvet cupcakes after Nick mentioned that Mr. Barber liked them.

It was nearly closing time when the doorbell rang. Rory looked up from her sweeping to see a gruff dark hair man enter with a lankier man. She went to the register and smiled. “May I help you?”

“I’ve come to collect the rent,” he replied. She paled.

“I’m sorry, M-Mr. Fowler already came by to pick it up. I’m sorry.”

The man leered at Rory. “Stupid bitch,” he growled. “This is my block.” He came around the counter. Rory froze as he stalked towards her. “Guess, you’ll have to pay me another way.” He twirled a tendril that had fallen from her ponytail, the smile on his face sadistic.

Andy was in desperate need of caffeine. After wiping the blood from his bruised knuckles and taking care of the issue with the casino behind the antique store, he heard his stomach rumble. “Work” had left him tired and hungry. He spotted the new little bakery and decided to visit and meet the Thatcher’s granddaughter. He walked across the street and peered in the window. He watched as a young woman pushed Rumlow away from herself and Rumlow reach back and slap her, the force pushed her to the floor. He raced into the shop. “The fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Brock looked up to see his boss standing in the doorway with a look of fury. “Mr. Barber, sir, I’m just collecting…”

“I told you, I already paid Nick two days ago,” Rory whispered from the floor, holding her cheek.

“Rumlow, she’s on Fowler’s list. Leave now and never come back here again.”

“But sir…”

“GET THE FUCK OUT!”

Brock scurried like the rat he is and left, taking Ward with him.

Andy walked around the counter and kneeled beside Rory. “Are you alright?”

Rory was still holding her cheek, a single tear falling down her face. “I’m fine.”

Andy’s heart cracked. “No, you’re not.” He stood up and went to the back. She heard the freezer open and close. He returned to her with ice wrapped in a towel. “Here,” he gently pressed the towel to her face. She winces and he brushes a strand of hair from her face. “My name is Andy.”

She knew who he was. “Rory. Uh, Aurora,” she whispered. He could feel the tremble through her body.

“That’s a beautiful name.” She maintained her eyes casted down. “I’m not going to hurt you,” he reassured. He could still see the fear in her posture. Rory refused to look at him, keeping her eyes casted down. She didn’t want to make the mobster mad, but Andy studied her. She was beautiful, even as she was covered in flour, tear tracks and a red mark covering her face.

Rory’s voice quivered as she spoke. “I’m sorry Mr. Barber. I didn’t mean to talk to your man that way or shove him.” She stood up. “I – I can pay if you need me too.” She went to the register, still refusing to meet his eyes.

The buzz of the register brings Andy out of whatever trance her body had put him in. “If you say you paid Nick, then I believe you.” She nodded. But Andy wanted to see her face. “Look at me.” She froze, her heart begins to pound. She was sure he can hear it thumping against her rib cage, wanting to escape. “I said, look at me.” He grasped her chin and tilted her head to meet his eyes. Their height difference was significant. He was easily over six feet while she was just over five. Soft brown eyes meet his blue green ones, and she was lost. Rory could see every line in his irises, like a map that she wanted to study.

Andy tried not to lose himself in her eyes. “You are under my protection. No harm will come to you ever again. Do you understand sweetheart?” Rory nodded, unable to let go of his gaze. “Good. Now, what time do you close?”

“In an hour and then I have to prep for tomorrow,” she whispered. She never took her eyes off of him. She took in the rich texture of his suit, the dark blue complimenting his eyes, his full beard accentuating his full lips. But then she saw it. A speck of blood on the collar of his white shirt. She locked eyes with him again and she swallowed.

Finally breaking the stare down, Andy looks at his watch. “I’ll be by in a couple of hours to take you home. I’ll send Nick to watch over you.”

“You don’t have to do that Mr. Barber. I can take care of myself.”

“No, I do.” He gently caressed her cheek. She closed her eyes at his touch. “Finish up sweetheart. Go on. I’ll wait for Nick.”

Rory offered a small smile as she went back to her cleaning and organizing. Andy called Nick over and five minutes later the man himself strolled in. “Hey Rory! Any cookies left?”

“Hi Nick. Yeah, in the back. Help yourself.”

“Hey boss.” Nick nodded to Andy. “What’s going on?”

“Rumlow was here, claiming to be collecting the rent but I think he was after something more.” His eyes moved to Rory as she wiped down the ovens.

“Shit. Ok, what’s the plan?”

“I want protection for her at all times. Get Parker or Lang to watch her. I need to take care of somethings with Barton but I’ll be back. We’ll discuss how to handle Rumlow later.”

“You got it boss.”

“And Fowler, if anything happens to her, I’ll consider it your fault.” Andy turned and found Rory stocking ingredients. He observes her as she straightens the boxes and bags, her curves more defined when not hidden by her apron. He wants to run his hands over her back and down her backside to grasp the globes of her ass while he holds Rory tight to him. He clears his throat to bring his mind back from dirty thoughts and catch her attention. “Sweetheart, I have business to finish but I’ll be back. Please, don’t go anywhere without Nick.”

“Yes, Mr. Barber.” Rory chewed on her lip.

Andy took a few steps towards her. He cupped her chin and using this thumb pulled to release her bottom lip. “What I wouldn’t give to bite that lip,” he whispered. Rory sucked in a breath and closed her eyes. “I hope I get that chance soon,” he breathed in her ear and placed a small kiss on her cheek, the whiskers of his beard tickling her face. “Soon, beautiful.” And then he was gone.

Rory took a moment to calm herself. Having never met the man before today, the emotions and attractions were new. Andrew Barber was sex walking in her eyes. His height was perfect, allowing her to still study him when she locked eyes with him. Those eyes, the eyes that allowed you to get lost in the deepest of oceans and yet still see the sky. His face, after it let go of the fury, was kind. He looked at Rory, not with anger, but with longing or dare she say it, lust. Rory’s body clenched at the thought of Andy’s hands on her and she shook her head to clear her thoughts. Rory went back to work and chatted with Nick.

“You ok cupcake?”

She tilted your head. “Cupcake?”

“Would have called your kitten but I don’t think the boss would have liked that,” Nick replied as he leaned on the door frame. He was no slouch either, with his blue sweater bring out the blue in his eyes.

He seemed angry earlier. Rory got on her tip toes to get a canister onto a higher shelf. Nick got behind her to help, placing the canister with ease.

“Boss doesn’t like it when an innocent is hurt.” Nick tilted her face to see the small bruise forming on her cheek. “Rumlow crossed a line. Did you put ice on this?”

“Andy gave me some.” Rory blush at saying his name. It felt good to say his given name. But then the thought of Rumlow entered back into her mind. “He isn’t going to come back, is he?”

Nick clenched his jaw. “Not if we have any say. Rory, you are on my list so your protection is my responsibility, and the boss will make sure of that. Don’t worry cupcake. We’ll take care of you.”

Rory and Nick continue to work, she was prepping and Nick finishing the cleaning. As she placed the last of the doughs in the fridge, the bell tingles again, making her jump and coward behind the shelf, her breathing becoming more rapid. This little piece of metal was now making sounds that terrified her. Rory sinks down to the floor, wondering what was happening to her.

“Sweetheart? Are you here?”

The sweetest voice calls for her. Rory stood up and peek her head around the shelf. “Hi.”

“Rory? What’s the matter?” Andy can see her body is tense, her eyes round with fear. She shakes her head, knowing she was being ridiculous. She headed to her office, but Andy stops her. “Talk to me.”

“The bell.” Rory looked down. “I don’t like the bell anymore. It scares me,” she says in a small voice, ashamed that the offensive, non-descript piece of metal is messing with her psyche.

Andy gathered her in his arms, holding her tights. “Won’t let anything happen to you. Promise.” He let go and followed her into the office. Rory grabbed her bag and keys and walked out with Andy and Nick. Nick cleared his throat.

“So Rory, I have a friend who is looking for work. Good kid, hard worker. Maybe you should hire him to help you out?”

Andy hid his smile, knowing what Nick was doing. Planting Parker as a worker would be perfect.

Rory smiled. “I could use the extra help. Send him my way.”

Andy took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm, and he walked to the car. Nick opened the door and Andy helped her in. “Where to?”

“I’m about ten blocks away but I can walk, really.”

Andy cocked an eyebrow towards her, and she stopped. Nick pulled into traffic and a few minutes later they were parked in front of her building. Andy stopped her as she climbed out of the car. “Have dinner with me.”

There was no point in trying to refuse. This was Andy Barber and he always got what he wanted. Rory nodded. “Ok.”

“Tomorrow night. I’ll be by.” He kissed her hand and let her go.

When Rory woke up the next morning, she could have sworn that last night was a dream. Andy Barber did not ask her out on a date, that Rumlow guy hadn’t attacked her. She got up and got ready for the day. She saw a dress that she had purchased on a whim. It was white with blue flowers, empire waisted, boat neck, sleeveless. The dress fell to her knees. Maybe it wasn’t a dream. She pulled the dress out along with some blue heels, just in case. Rory grabbed her bag and headed out into the crisp morning. She missed the sedan that was following her.

Rory got to the shop and there was a young man sitting on the stoop. She froze and he jumped up. “Hi, are you Miss Thatcher?”

“Yes?” She looked at him warily.

“My name is Peter. Peter Parker. Mr. Barber and Mr. Fowler said I should come by about a job.”

Rory swallowed hard. Yesterday was not a dream. She remembered everything. Nick and Andy promised to take care of her. Peter could see the hesitation. “Oh sorry. Here.” He handed her a note.

Cupcake,

This is the guy I asked you about. He’s a good kid and a hard worker. Call me if you have any questions. He’s also there to protect you if you need it.

In your service,

Nick

She looked at Peter. She offered him a smile. “Hi Peter. It says here that you are a hard worker.”

Peter smiled, his face nothing but positive. “Yes ma’am, ready to learn and help where I can.”

“Ew, don’t call me ma’am.” Peter let out a chuckle. “Its Rory. Let me show you inside.” She got him an apron and walked him through the store. He was a quick learner, and his strength helped a lot. He got all the tables set up and straightened, the heavy coffee pots moved and set without a sweat. Nick was right. Peter was strong and it helped calmer her nerves, you know, just in case someone unsavory showed back up to the shop.

About an hour before closing, Nick strode in with a box. “Hey cupcake!”

“I see we are sticking with the nickname.” She rolled her eyes but smiled. “Hi Nick. What’s with the box?”

“Boss asked me to install a new security system for you and close the shop. But don’t worry, the only thing I’ll take are any leftovers.” He winked at her.

“But…”

“No buts. He said, and I quote, ‘I need my sweetheart to have time to get ready.’ So out with you. Parker and I can handle this. You’re closed tomorrow anyways so no prep.” Nick took her keys from her. “Wilson will take you home.”

“Wilson?”

A kind looking man was outside. He turned at the sound of his name and nodded at her. Nick handed Rory her bag and guided her outside. “Wilson, this is Miss Rory Thatcher. Take care of her.” He turned to you. “Have fun cupcake.” Sam led her to the car and started to drive.

“How do you know where I live?”

“Mr. Barber told me.” He pulled in front of the building just a few minutes later. “I’ll be outside, on watch.”

“Ok.” The thought of someone watching her building was enough to send her in a panic. Rory locked the door after rushing in and sank to the floor. How was this your life? Was it wise to go on a date with Andy Barber? Her thoughts were interrupted by the phone ringing. She smiled as she read the caller ID. “Hi Nana.”

“Hello my darling! How are you?”

“I’m good Nana. Business is booming.”

“That’s wonderful my darling. Any plans this evening.”

Rory hesitated. She might as well come clean since it would probably get out sooner than later. “I’m going to dinner with Andrew Barber.” The silence on the other end of the phone was deafening. “Nana?”

“Did he threaten you?”

“No! He helped me with a difficult… umm… customer and then he asked me to dinner. He was a perfect gentleman.”

Her grandmother was in a peculiar state: quiet. She was concerned at Rory’s defense of the man. “Rory, just, make sure the man is respectful.”

“I will Nana. I have to get ready. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Have fun my darling.”

Rory hung up and got ready. A shower, hair done, makeup on, she pulled on her dress, stockings and heels. As she was sliding earrings on, the doorbell rang.

Andy has always been a confident man. Nothing has ever made him nervous or scared. Until he looked into her eyes. Her big, innocent, doe eyes, the beautiful color enrapturing him to his very soul. They were eyes that could see right through him, haunting him as he tried to sleep. How had he not made the effort before to come and see her? No matter. Now he was standing on Rory’s stoop, a bouquet of pink roses in his hands, waiting for her to open the door. Andy never felt the need to have a partner in life after Laurie, a wife to make his queen. Until he saw her.

When she opened the door, Andy was at a loss for words. Her innocence shined through in her appearance and yet his thoughts were of nothing but how to get her naked as fast as humanly possible. “Sweetheart, wow,” he said. Then he heard the sweetest sound...

Her giggle.

“Thank you, Mr. Barber,” Rory’s cheeks faintly pink, eyes cast down.

“Andy, sweetheart. Call me Andy.” He offered the flowers to her. I” thought these would match your beauty, but I can see now that only you are that beautiful.”

Rory blushed again. “I’m sure that’s not true but thank you.” She kept her eyes downcast.

Andy grasped her chin and tilted her head to force her to look at him. “If I say something, I mean it. You are gorgeous Miss Thatcher. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Yes what?”

“Yes, sir.” Her submission was surprising. She moved to put the flowers in a vase, her mind racing. She always considered herself independent, self-sufficient, in need of no man. But here she was, submitting to Andy Barber without thinking twice. How did he have a hold of her so quickly. His deep commanding voice brought her out of her thoughts.

“I thought dinner and then a stroll, my dear. Is Chinese ok?”

“Yes, I love Chinese.” She gave him a genuine smile and it warmed Andy’s heart. He offered his arm after she closed her door. He guided her to the car and once in, his driver pulled away.

Once at the restaurant, she waited for her door to be opened as Andy had gripped her hand when she went to open it. She saw Nick approach the door and open it, “Hi Rory.”

“Hi Nick,” as she climbed out with Andy’s helps. It was dawning on Rory that this was how Andy was treated when he was out and about in his city. He was treated like the King he is. As he climbed out, Nick gave him a subtle nod, as if answering an unasked question. Andy placed a hand on her back and guided her onto the restaurant. When she looked around, the place was deserted save a man holding a bottle of wine. “Andy?”

“I don’t want people to know my business until I am ready for them to know. So I bought out the restaurant for the evening.” He had the hostess lead them to a table. It had fresh roses and little tea candles. Rory looked around and saw that the entire restaurant was glowing from candles. Andy pulled out a chair for her to sit.

The waiter didn’t ask but immediately poured wine into the glasses. “Plum wine to start miss, sir. Pairs well with the moo-shi appetizer.” Another waiter brought out a plate of food.

Rory picked up the chop stick to start eating and she notice Andy was struggling, frowning and frustrated. “May I show you?”

Andy snapped his head up as she rose from her seat. Rory stood behind him and placed her hand over his, her face close to his. He was enthralled. He could smell her perfume, the scent of her shampoo. He could almost taste her skin, the creaminess entrancing him. Her small delicate hand was soft but firm from years of kneading dough. She softly formed his fingers into the right position. As she withdrew, her hand grazed his knuckles ever so gently that it raised goosebumps. “There,” she pronounced, “try it.”

Andy tried and succeeded grasping the food. Rory smiled and moved to sit when Andy grabbed her hand. She gasped at the sudden movement, a tremble moving through her body, Andy could feel the fear racing through her. He gently pulled her hand and brought it to his lips. He placed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

She blushed at the gesture. “You’re welcome.” She sat back down.

“Tell me about yourself.” Andy wanted to know everything about her.

“Well, I grew up a few blocks from the bakery. My grandparents took me in after my parents died.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s ok. I was ten when that happened. I started baking as a way to meet friends and it just grew from there.”

“I do have to complement your bakery. That red velvet cupcake is divine.”

Rory giggled. “That’s my specialty. It’s my favorite flavor.”

Andy looks at her with adoration. “Mine too.”

The conversation flowed for the rest of the mean with Andy asking question after question, absorbing everything he could. Turns out, pink roses were Rory’s favorite. She toys with her wine glass. “So, will I get to learn more about you Mr. Barber?” Her tone is flirty.

The question took him back. He signaled the waiter and paid before leading her out. “Let’s take a stroll.” He walked next to Rory, contemplating what to say. He cleared his throat. “I built my standing from the ground up. The people in this town needed protection from a devil of a man. I did everything in my power to first, protect my neighborhood and then eventually the town. I did have a woman, Laurie and she had my child, Jacob.” His eyes had sorrow at the mention of his son. “But they both died in an accident many years ago when he was just a baby. Since then, I focused on my business. I made it strong, brutal even. I had no reason to look at life differently. Until I saw you.

“Me?”

“You. You were like a breath of fresh air. So beautiful, so innocent. I just… I just wanted to know you.”

“I’m no one special Mr. Barber. Just a girl trying to make her way in the world.” Rory stopped to look at the sky. “It’s so pretty here.”

Andy stood behind her, running his nose by her neck, hearing her breath hitch in surprise but noting how she closed her eyes, as if she was holding back her desire. “It’s because you are trying to make your way in the world that draws me to you.” She looked back at him. “May I kiss you Miss. Thatcher?” She nodded and he pressed his lips to her.

His lips are full, soft and sweet. One would think that his beard would be harsh but it’s not. It’s soft, brushing against her face. He pulls back and sees her slightly swollen lips, her eyes still closed. He smiles but kisses her again, a little harder this time but not forceful. Her lips meld to his, heating her very core.

Kissing Andy Barber has to be her new favorite thing in the whole wide world.

#andy's hea #andy's shenanigans #andy barber #lloyd hansen #andy barber au #chris evans #chris evans fic #chris evans fanfiction #chris evans au #andy barber fiction #andy barber fanfic #lloyd hansen fic #andy barber smut #aurora #Andy barber vs Lloyd Hansen

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podracerbarrelroll · 10 months

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I finished reading Evicted, and it made me think a lot about the concept of landlords and work. The argument from landlords that their job is property maintenance, vs. the claim that maintaining a property you own isn't a job at all.

Both of the landlords that feature prominently in the book manage their own properties. The author describes one that traveled around on the first of the month to collect rents from tenants, how she kept accounts, how frequently she had to appear in eviction court. How her husband quit his job to manage properties for her and spent his time renovating units, finding people who would work for cheap, and getting them ready for move-in. This encompassed their whole lives, and probably would not have left time for wage labor, even if it was something either one of them were inclined to do.

And they did have bills, taxes and fees they had to pay the city. The author describes a bill for over $11K one time, for $20K another time that almost cleared out the landlord's account before the first of the month rolled around and gave her more money. If they let the rent slide, they would be in the red.

The author also described how this landlord shirked on maintenance, how she rented units that were definitely not up to code to desperate people, how she evicted a woman who asked to have a broken window fixed because the woman's mother called the inspector. By doing as little as possible to maintain units and charging as much as possible, this landlord and her husband were able to make a killing off of poor, desperate people. They had a second house in Florida and took vacations to Jamaica while their tenants lived in apartments full of bugs and without appliances and with sinks and tubs that wouldn't drain. A young woman living in one of these units had never seen Lake Michigan, despite living 30 minutes away by bus.

I think the landlord and her husband would claim that they put a lot of work into their properties, that it's a job, and honestly, I think they're right, and I don't think that matters. What matters is the kind of work they chose. Before the landlord became a landlord, she was a teacher. One of her tenants was a former student. She decided to leave this work and become a landlord instead, a lifestyle that allowed her to keep a nice home she never had to worry about losing, with a fridge full of take-out bags in a kitchen she and her husband were almost never home to actually cook in. It allowed her to pay for vacations and second homes and stay at the casino until 4am.

It required putting her boot on other people's necks. Because if she lifted it even a little, if she let someone breathe, those bills in the tens of thousands would come for her, and she wouldn't be able to pay. But she chose that, she put herself there. She made the choice of the property owner, the choice of the capitalist, who may spend long hours managing a workforce or a business, but ultimately lives better by taking from others.

The work landlords choose is the work of exploitation, which makes them the enemy of the working class and the renting class in the same manner as capitalists. I find that a better and more important distinction than how we should categorize the nature of their 'work'.

#evicted #landlords #tenant rights #similarly: the police #I wouldn't say they don't work but I would say they aren't working class #their function is to control the working class so capitalists (and landlords) may continue exploitation for profit #this book also made me think a lot about how easy it is to lose everything and how hard it is to rebuild #it will make you look around where you live and try to picture what you would take if you could only fit it into your car #or worse if you could only take what you could carry #how much you'd lose

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if-you-fan-a-fire · 7 months

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"Tenants Must Get Out Before Jan. 15," Vancouver Sun. October 19, 1943. Page 10. --- January 15 was set Monday by Judge Bruce Boyd as moving day for tenants of Victoria Court, which has been taken over by the National Housing Administration for conversion of 20 suites into 35 suites.

The only tenant who spoke in court on the matter, because his lawyer was not present, was quite agreeable.

H. E. M. Bradshaw, barrister, stated that the National Housing Administrator has said that eight or nine tenants may remain during alterations if they are prepared to endure inconveniences.

#vancouver #forced eviction #evictions #national housing administration #renoviction #tenants vs landlords #the government as landlord #canada during world war 2 #crime and punishment in canada #history of crime and punishment in canada

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luxuryapartmentsdubai · 3 months

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DUBAI REAL ESTATE: CAN YOU RENT or BUY as a Foreigner

Should I Rent or Buy in Dubai as a Foreigner?

This article explores foreigners' crucial question when moving to Dubai: whether to rent or buy. It provides a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing this decision, ensuring readers are well-equipped to make an informed choice. Here's what you'll learn:

Understanding the Dubai Real Estate Market: Insights into the dynamics, including price fluctuations and legal frameworks for foreigners.

Legal Considerations: A look at the legal aspects of renting versus buying, including rights and regulations for foreign nationals.

Financial Implications: Analysis of the financial commitments involved in renting vs. buying, covering upfront costs, ongoing expenses, and potential returns on investment.

Lifestyle Considerations - Discuss how your lifestyle and duration of stay in Dubai can impact your decision.

Investment Perspective: Evaluating buying property as an investment opportunity, including location, property type, and market conditions.

The Role of GoGold Real Estate: Introduction to GoGold Real Estate as a key partner for foreigners navigating the Dubai real estate market, highlighting their expertise and services.

Making the Decision: Guidance on assessing personal and financial readiness for renting or buying, emphasising long-term planning and lifestyle preferences.

By the end of the article, readers will clearly understand Dubai's rent vs. buy debate, learn to navigate the real estate market confidently and know how GoGold Real Estate can assist in their journey.

Understanding the Dubai Real Estate Market

Dubai's real estate market is dynamic, with variations in the oil market and worldwide economic trends influencing property prices. For example, house values often increase in line with oil costs. Nonetheless, strict rules have been put in place by the local government to preserve market stability, making it a haven for investors. The purpose of these restrictions is to ease the concerns of overseas investors.

For instance, there are now more options for foreign purchasers due to the expansion of freehold zones, where foreigners can acquire real estate. Consequently, a balanced market appeals to those wanting a peaceful beachside house and those searching for a luxury apartment in the city's heart. Due to its diligent strategy, Dubai has become a desirable location for real estate investment, providing investors with the security of stable government-backed conditions and the thrill of a fast-paced market.

Legal Considerations for Foreigners in UAE

Dubai's property regulations have been modernised, making it easy for foreigners to enter the real estate market. For instance, in specific locations, referred to as "freehold zones," such as the exclusive Jumeirah or the Dubai Marina, you can buy real estate entirely as an international buyer. Renting is equally simple, with laws that protect the rights of both landlords and tenants. This also includes rental agreements and predetermined plans for raising rent.

It's essential to get familiar with these rules, such as the one that grants you the right to occupy a home as long as there's an active lease agreement. Whether your goal is to rent a family-friendly villa in a gated community or buy a 2-bedroom downtown apartment, this legal foundation lays the way for a simple and safe property transaction. Knowing these guidelines in Dubai's real estate market enables you to make informed decisions.

Short and Long-Term Financial Implications

Two options become apparent while navigating the financial elements of Dubai's real estate market: either purchase as a long-term investment or rent for flexibility and cheaper initial costs. People looking for short-term solutions or who value being able to move around easily are drawn to renting.

For example, leasing a chic apartment in Business Bay, Dubai, may avoid the significant financial load of purchasing. On the other hand, buying real estate, such as a Palm Jumeirah villa, requires a more substantial down payment but offers the potential for future value increase and rental income. This option is appropriate for those who want to settle down in Dubai or who are looking to invest in real estate as a source of income. Whether cutting down on upfront costs or investing in a future source of earnings, each route has its financial advantages, so it's important to consider your long-term goals and objectives before deciding.

Lifestyle Considerations

Your lifestyle choices and length of stay are factors to consider while looking at real estate in Dubai, UAE. Renting is an appealing choice for people or families who value swiftly adjusting to changes in life or prefer short-to-medium-term visits. It allows the freedom to explore other districts without committing to a long-term arrangement, such as the calm Arabian Ranches or the bustling Dubai Marina. Renters benefit from the ease of relocating without having to deal with the headache of selling a home and usually have fewer maintenance obligations since the landlord usually takes care of these.

If someone wants to invest in their future or wants a permanent base, purchasing a property in Dubai is a good option. Being a homeowner allows you to customise your place completely, from minimal expansions to large renovations, making it your ideal home. It is also a wise investment since houses in desirable areas such as The Springs have the potential to grow significantly and, if leased out, may provide passive income. Whether you're here for a short while or want to make Dubai your permanent home, matching your housing preferences to your way of life will make your stay rewarding and pleasurable.

Consult Real Estate Experts in Business Bay

It could be difficult to figure out Dubai's hectic real estate market, particularly for visitors from other countries. GoGold Real Estate shines in this situation, providing superior knowledge and assistance. With their large property inventory and in-depth market expertise, you can find the perfect apartment in the centre of Dubai Marina or purchase a beachfront mansion in Palm Jumeirah. Their team of highly experienced professionals is committed to helping customers navigate the complexities of the legal system, the negotiating process, and property selection.

GoGold Real Estate takes great satisfaction in providing individualised services that help customers find the perfect houses or investment possibilities, ensuring a seamless transition from property browsing to purchase or rental. Dubai’s number one real estate agents are essential partners in your search for real estate because of their unwavering dedication to quality, which guarantees that customers not only locate their ideal home but also easily navigate the subtleties of the local market.

Why Choose GoGold Real Estate?

Choosing GoGold Real Estate brings specialised real estate guidance that precisely matches your requirements. Imagine buying a gated villa in the peaceful Arabian Ranches or an apartment with a swimming pool near Downtown Dubai. GoGold can make your dreams come true. Their comprehensive method addresses all aspects, ranging from providing incisive legal guidance that adeptly navigates the intricacies of property regulations to doing an exhaustive market study that guarantees you're making an educated buy at the optimal price.

Following your purchase, their after-sales assistance never wavers, helping you with any questions or requirements while you adjust to your new home or look after your investment. Whether you're purchasing your ideal house or making long-term investments, GoGold Real Estate's end-to-end service commitment solidifies its reputation as a trustworthy partner for foreign customers and makes navigating Dubai's real estate market easier.

Making the Decision With Dubai Investment Consultants

Deciding whether to rent or buy in Dubai hinges on evaluating your financial health, how you prefer to live, and what you envision for your future.

Financial readiness isn't just about having the funds for a purchase or deposit; it's about understanding the ongoing costs associated with your choice. Lifestyle preferences vary widely – some may value the flexibility and lower responsibility of renting, especially if they're not planning to stay long-term. Others might prioritise the permanence and personal touch that ownership can bring, especially if they're looking at Dubai as a long-term home or investment opportunity.

Engaging with a real estate company like GoGold Real Estate can shed light on these considerations if you're at a crossroads. They can offer personalised advice, helping you weigh the pros and cons based on your situation, ultimately guiding you toward the best decision for your circumstances.

Key Takeaways

The government regulations help stabilise and attract foreign investment.

Dubai's real estate laws have been updated to allow foreigners to buy in designated freehold zones, simplifying the buying and renting processes and offering legal protections.

Financially, renting in Dubai can offer lower initial costs and flexibility, while buying presents a long-term investment opportunity with the potential for capital appreciation and rental income.

Your lifestyle preferences and how long you plan to stay in Dubai will significantly influence whether renting or buying is the best option for you.

Partnering with GoGold Real Estate can provide valuable insights and assistance, from navigating legal considerations to understanding the financial implications of your decision.

Conclusion

The dilemma of renting vs. buying in Dubai is more than a financial calculation; it's a choice that resonates with your lifestyle, aspirations, and long-term objectives. By thoroughly assessing your personal and financial situation, and ideally, with the support of GoGold Real Estate's expertise, you're better positioned to make a choice that meets your current needs and supports your future goals.

Dubai's real estate landscape is rich with opportunities, each offering its unique flexibility, stability, luxury, and investment potential. Whether you enjoy the adaptability of renting or embrace the long-term benefits of ownership, your journey in the Dubai real estate mar

ket is bound to be rewarding, provided you approach it with the right information and expert advice.

#realestate #property #realestateexpert #dubai #business #businessbay #businessbayapartments #apartmentdubai #dubaireal #dubairealestates

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