Hello Active Rain friends, I am back!!! For those of you who wonders where I have been, I have been away in Asia for few weeks, visiting family, friends, and of course some business too.
I was visiting Taipei Taiwanwhere I grew up until I was 13 years old, I have not been back in Taiwan for some time because I have not had much time for a long trip not to mention the long 17 hours of flight! It is great to see both of my grandmothers and other relatives, seeing everyone is healthy and happy, it was totally worth of the brutal long flight. (Below is a photo of a family photo of both grandmothers, parents, myself and Morgan).
Below are some sightseeing photos from (淡水漁人碼頭) Danshuei Fishermen's Wharf was built at this location because of the spectacular sunset, the nearby mouth of the Danshuei River, and view of Mt. Guanyin.
My mother and I on the bridge of Danshuei Fishermen's Wharf.
Below is a view from 陽明山國家公園 Yangmingshan National Park
The trip was fulfilling and productive, I was very happy to see the relatives and families. I look forward to another trip in the near future when time allows! For now, I am back in Active Rain and hope to see all of you in your blogs soon!
If you are a seller that would like to have your property showcase to our oversea buyer connection. Please contact us now at (646)644-6929. If you are a buyer that speaks Chinese and would like work with someone that speaks your Chinese dialect, call us now at (646)644-6929.
We are both English and Chinese Speaking Real Estate agents under one of the most successful Manhattan Brokerage firm Prudential Douglas Elliman with extensive market knowledge. In addition, we specialize in connecting the local Manhattan sellers with both local and international buyers with our preferred buyer networks. Call us today at (212)321-7122 or (917)837-8869.
To Read More on buying Manhattan New York city Real Estate Click below links:
Taiwan Double Tenth Day:October 10, 2009 Taiwan Celebrates Double Tenth Day as a National Holiday. The Double Tenth National Day is considered as the Birthday of the Republic of China. Every year on October 10th Taiwan celebrates this holiday in commemoration of the 1911 Wuch’ang Uprising. The people of Taiwan all gather to congratulate the nation on its birthday celebration.
Taiwan Double Tenth Day History: Double Tenth Day is the national day of the Republic of China more commonly known as Taiwan, this day commemorates the start of the Wuchang Uprising of October 10, 1911. On January 1, 1912, the Qing Dynasty in China collapsed and the Republic of China was established, all thanks to the Wuchang Uprising. After the end of World War II and end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the Republic of China government gained control of Taiwan but ultimately lost control of mainland China. The seat of the Republic of China government relocated to Taipei, Taiwan, while the Chinese Communist Party founded the People’s Republic of China in mainland China.
Taiwan Double Tenth Day Traditions, Customs and Activities: Ministers, overseas Chinese returning to Taiwan, foreign diplomats, and hundreds of thousands of people from around the country attend the Celebration Ceremony held in front of the Presidential Office Building. The armed forces displays its military might to the nation in full glory during the ceremony military review. The climax of the day is the Presidential Address to the nation. The main event of the activities on Double Tenth is the parade. This parade includes representatives of different professions. There are performances from the local entertainment industry as well. The National Day Fireworks Display takes place in the evening, this is the most anticipated event by people. (Below is a video of 2006 Fireworks of this special holiday).
If you are a seller that would like to have your property showcase to our oversea buyer connection. Please contact us now at (646)644-6929. If you are a buyer that speaks Chinese and would like work with someone that speaks your Chinese dialect, call us now at (646)644-6929.
We are both English and Chinese Speaking Real Estate agents under one of the most successful Manhattan Brokerage firm Prudential Douglas Elliman with extensive market knowledge. In addition, we specialize in connecting the local Manhattan sellers with both local and international buyers with our preferred buyer networks. Call us today at (212)321-7122 or (917)837-8869.
To Read More on buying Manhattan New York city Real Estate Click below links:
Happy Chinese Moon Festival. Today is October 3, 2009, according to the lunar calendar, it is a Chinese moon holiday.Pronounce Zhongqiu Jie (traditional Chinese: 中秋節)
The Chinese Moon Festival is one of the biggest annual holidays in China and other parts of Asiasuch as Hong Kong, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore, as well as in areas in the United States with a significant Asian population. For the Chinese, it is one of the two most important holidays of the year, Chinese New Year being the other. (Also called the Mooncake Festival or Lantern Festival.)
Chinese Moon Festival, or the Mooncake Festival, is a celebration of the Autumn harvest. As Chinese speaking Real Estate agent myself, I made contact with all my Asian decent past buyer and sellers to wish them a Happy Moon Festival holiday. It occurs when the moon is the brightest. and the highest in the sky. This celebration is one of the oldest holidays in the world, dating back thousands of years. Early celebrations included worship of the moon as a god. There are multiple versions of the story of Chang'e, Ch'ang-O or Chang-Ngo (Chinese: 嫦娥; pinyin: Cháng'é), the Chinese goddess of the moon. Regardless of the versions of the story, during this holiday, traditional Chinese worship her by putting new pastries on the altar for Her to bless. She endows her worshippers with beauty.
Today, Chinese people celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival with dances,feasting and moon gazing. Not to mention mooncakes. While baked goods are a common feature at most Chinese celebrations, mooncakes are inextricably linked with the Moon festival. One type of traditional mooncake is filled with lotus seed paste. Roughly the size of a hand palm, these mooncakes are quite filling, meant to be cut diagonally in quarters and passed around.
As for myself, I will be having some great dinner with family and enjoy some quiet time off in my new apartment. Of course, the desert will be the delicious moon cake.
To read more about Asian culture blog series here:
If you are looking for a Chinese Real Estate Professional who understands Manhattan New York Real Estate Market and are looking for the right investmentment, or are selling your property contact Eileen Hsu at (212)321-7122 or (917)837-8869 or email us at: ehsu(@)elliman.com
*SELLERS AND DEVELOPERS, WE SPECIALIZE IN FOREIGN NATIONALS PURCHASING MANHATTAN CONDOMINIUMS/REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS. CONTACT US TODAY TO DISCUSS HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM WORKING WITH OUR TEAM TO MAXIMIZE YOUR MARKETING EXPOSURE TO OVERSEA MARKET. (we work with highly financial qualified buyers that are seeking to purchase multiple investment condominium units* 中文網站 http://www.ChineseBuyNYC.com or ehsu(@)elliman.com.
Looking buy Short Sales in Manhattan New York? Facts and myths you should understand before you want to buy in Manhattan New York Short sales. We receive buyers' phone calls and inquiries daily on wanting to buy Short Sales in Manhattan New York, it is important for buyers to have the right expectation before they start the property search process.
What is a Short Sale in Manhattan New York? The definition of a short sales is no different if you are in New York, Florida or California. The lender in this case has to appprove of the sale since they are absorbing the loss, the difference in price between the outstanding loan and the selling price. The selling price is NOT going to be 'a bargain basement price', the lender will only approve the sale when it is a fair market price. Manhattan Short SalesBuyers please note: that you will not be able to buy any condo in Manhattan New York fifty cents on a dollar in a Short Sales in Manhattan New York (or any other market place). In another words, you can not buy a two bedroom and two bathrooms condo in Gramercy neighborhood for $700K.
Where are the Short Sales Properties in Manhattan New York?Since most of the Short Sales in Manhattan New York are new constructions and developments. These locations are usually Upper part of Manhattan (Morningside Heights, Harlem, Inwood and etc.), Midtown West (West 40s & West of Tenth Ave), Upper West Side (West 59th Street to West 70th Street & West of West End Ave), Upper East Side (East 90s & East of Second Ave to FDR Drive), Midtown East (East 50s & East of Second Ave), Financial District (Various new developments).
Why are Short Sales Properties in Manhattan New York concentrated in these locations? These are the locations that either the property owners did not have much of equity at the time of purchase, they finance 90% or more with high monthly payments (Mortgage + Monthly Maintenance fees), or most of these locations had saturated new developments and new constructionsin the last five years, many owners have put down 10% or less at the time of contract signing, and now the market is different, they are finding what they owe the bank is more than what their properties are worth in today's market place and with huge monthly mortgage payment. Although refinancing may be an option for them, many of the banks nowdays are only refinancing a portion of the property value in today's market especially in New Construction buildings.
If you are looking for a short sales property, it is important to have a realistic price range. The bank will need to approve the short sale, and the bank will send out a BPO (Broker Price Opinion) to ensure the sale price is market value.
Manhattan New York Short Sales Buyers Please read our series below:
If you are a buyer that is looking to buy a Short Sales Property in Manhattan New York, and not sure where to start, please read through our Manhattan New York Short Sales blog Series and contact us at (917)837-8869 or morgan.evans (@)elliman.com.
If you are a seller that may be thinking of doing a short sales in Manhattan New York and not sure if you are qualified, please contact us at (917)837-8869 or email at ehsu(@)elliman.com for a confidential conversation. We have experiences working with short sales sellers here in Manhattan New York, we are confident that we may be helpful to your specific situation.
Foreign National Buyers and out of town buyers MUST READ before you buy a condo in Manhattan New York: Foreign National Buyers and out of town buyers represent a good portion of our business. The strong demand of investment properties in New York city by foreigners as the news media has been writing about the softer market here in Manhattan. Our team have been serving foreign buyers in Manhattan Real Estate market for a long time, and not only for the foreign buyers, out of town buyers often find Manhattan Real Estate a unique market of its own.
Here are few considering factors for Foreign Buyers and Out of town buyers before investing in Manhattan New York Real Estate:
As experts in working with Foreign National buyers and out of town buyers, we are constantly educating the buyers and addressing the misinformation and false assumptions that client bring from his/her home town/country, and culture in order to explain the options, alternatives, and their consequences.
If you are looking to purchase Manhattan New York Condo, we are the Manhattan Condo Specialists. Please contact us as we will be able to access ALL the Manhattan Condo listings in area of your preference. To receive prompt response, please email us at ehsu(@)elliman.com or Morgan.Evans(@)elliman.com. Call us at (917)837-8869.
We are Manhattan Condo Specialists, in our How to Buy a Manhattan New York Condo series in Part I as first time home buyers,Part II as first time investors, and in this Part III series, we will talk about how parents can buy for children, next series Part IV we will discuss foreigner buying in Manhattan New York Condos. We know the Manhattan Condo market and the specific needs of each type of buyers.
Buying a Manhattan New York Condo as parents buying for children, you should understand your budget and timeframe to start. Is this a 5 year plan while your child goes to school in New York? We work with many parents who are buying for their son/daughter that goes to New York University, Parsons school of design, School of Visual Arts, Columbia University, Jillards music school and other well known schools here in Manhattan New York. Is this for your son or daughter that is currently working in Manhattan? Do they have a job stability or financial freedom? Are they currently renting and lease may be expiring soon or month to month arrangement? It is important for us to know the reason and timeframe so we can narrow down the search for you.
Buying a Manhattan New York Condo as parents buying for children, you should plan ahead, and speak with all the parties involved (not you and your child but rather the right mortgage consultant/banker, accountant and a knowledgeable Manhattan Real Estate attorney.)
Mortgage consultant: If you are planning to buy the condo all cash, that is always desirable when presenting offers to condo sellers. Keep in mind that you should have enough equity in case there is an increase in monthly carrying charge for this condo or other misc mishappens. If you are planning on financing this investment, be sure to speak to a local Manhattan lender that is familiarize with the market, the lending rules, and the mortgage products that may be suitable for you and your son/daughter.
Accountant: If you are planning to co-purchase the condo with your child, be sure to discuss the possible tax complication you may have with your accountant. Speak to your accountant prior to your purchase can be very helpful.
Manhattan Real Estate Attorney: In addition, speak to a local Real Estate attorney will be helpful as well since the local Manhattan Real Estate can also advise you what is the best way to structure the purchase and think about who/how should take the title of the deed.
Buying a Manhattan New York Condo as parents buying for children, the experienced Manhattan Condo specialists that can guide you through this process and navigate through the Manhattan Real Estate maze. Whether you are a first time buyer, or an investor that have bought and sold multiple properties in other parts of United States or country, we can help. Understanding the local market with the market expert can maximize your investment and avoid any possible problems down the rule. Many of our past clients are first time investors, they have bought many Manhattan condos under our guidance and continue to do so because we have developed a Real Estate plan for them. If this is something you are interested in, contact us now at (917)837-8869.
If you are looking to purchase Manhattan New York Condo, we are the Manhattan Condo Specialists. Please contact us as we will be able to access ALL the Manhattan Condo listings in area of your preference. To receive prompt response, please email us at ehsu(@)elliman.com or Morgan.Evans(@)elliman.com. Call us at (917)837-8869.
I know first hand on how these beliefs come about since I am Chinese and was raised by my parents who have strong beliefs in these number system. My father's business address in Taiwan, Taipei has multiple 'good numbers' to give him contineous prosperity and luck, therefore, if we ever have to do anything that may involve in any numbers, we carefully discuss which number figure is good for us.
In Chinese Numerology, the simple element that makes numbers good or bad in Chinese language is the punning and word play possible in a many-tone language. For example, the number Three is associated with living or giving birth, eight with prosperity, and nine with eternity or power. Combinations of numbers are also prized for their punning references to good luck and prosperity, the two most important issues in the minds of many Chinese. This belief that certain numbers bring good luck is often put into practice when naming businesses and clubs that hope to attract customers.
Chinese people take the Chinese numerology and what the numbers say very seriously, I myself is no different. For Example, When it comes to choosing a cellular phone number for myself or business partners, I make sure that we get 'good numbers'. Even if I have to drive the cellular company crazy! Also, Car license plate, it is important to have 'good numbers' to bring you good luck. (ie: 888, 168, 1988) Many business people in Chinese culture, they are willing to spend quite a bit of money to make sure the numbers look favorably on them.
In Chinese numerology, there are also numbers you want to avoid. Unfortunate numbers are one (the lonely number), and four and seven, which represent the death numbers. Some numbers are bad luck when they are combined with other numbers. If you are working with Chinese buyers and presenting an offer, you may often see them presenting offers with the number '6', '8', '9', and ends with these numbers. If you have listings that you may want to attract Chinese buyers' attention, you may want to end the listing sales price in those numbers too.
If you are a seller that would like to have your property showcase to our oversea buyer connection. Please contact us now at (646)644-6929.
If you are a buyer that speaks Chinese and would like work with someone that speaks your Chinese dialect, call us now at (646)644-6929. We are both English and Chinese Speaking Real Estate agents under one of the most successful Manhattan Brokerage firm Prudential Douglas Elliman with extensive market knowledge. In addition, we specialize in connecting the local Manhattan sellers with both local and international buyers with our preferred buyer networks. Call us today at (212)321-7122 or (917)837-8869.
Learn How to Buy a Manhattan New York Condo as first time investor.We are Manhattan Condo Specialists, we help finding suitable condos for first time investors,first time home buyers, parent buying for children and foreigner buying in Manhattan New York. We know the market but we also understand the specific needs of each type of buyers. This blog we will discuss how to buy as first time investors, In Part I we discussed the needs of first time home buyer.
Buying a Manhattan New York Condo as first time investoryou should have a clear goal of what you plan to achieve in this investment. Is this a 5 year Real Estate plan or 10 year Real Estate plan? Why do you feel is the time to invest? Are you going to have a tenant in place the entire duration or only part of the time. Have you discuss this with your accountant to understand how to structure this transaction to recieve the most tax benefits or possible tax complications?
Buying a Manhattan New York Condo as first time investor, you should 'play it safe', do not over leverage yourself. If you are planning to buy the condo all cash, that is always desirable when presenting offers to condo sellers. Keep in mind that you should have enough equity in case there is an increase in monthly carrying charge for this condo or other misc mishappens. If you are planning on financing this investment, be sure to speak to a local Manhattan lender that is familiarize with the market, the lending rules, and the mortgage products that may be suitable for you. We can recommend you a reliable and knowledgeable Manhattan mortgage consultant or You may have a bank that you are currently banking at, you can ask them to refer you a Manhattan branch mortgage banker as well. As an investor, the mortgage interest rate will be slightly higher than others, it is important to keep that in mind when figuring out your monthly expenses.
Buying a Manhattan New York Condo as first time investor, team up with us, the experienced Manhattan Condo specialists that can guide you through this process and navigate through the Manhattan Real Estate maze. Whether you are a first time Real Estate investor, or an investor that have bought and sold multiple properties in other parts of United States or country, we can help. Understanding the local market with the market expert can maximize your investment and avoid any possible problems down the rule. Many of our past clients are first time investors, they have bought many Manhattan condos under our guidance and continue to do so because we have developed a Real Estate plan for them. If this is something you are interested in, contact us now at (917)837-8869.
If you are looking to purchase Manhattan New York Condo, we are the Manhattan Condo Specialists. Please contact us as we will be able to access ALL the Manhattan Condo listings in area of your preference. To receive prompt response, please email us at ehsu(@)elliman.com or Morgan.Evans(@)elliman.com. Call us at (917)837-8869.
Buying a Manhattan New York Condo as a first time home buyer you should know your buying power. Have you been renting for the last three years and you are ready to buy? How much equity do you have to put down? It is time for you to speak to a mortgage lender to understand today's lending rules and know your closing cost (bank fees, condo application fees, New York city and New York State taxes and attorney fees...etc) so that you have enough money to complete the entire transaction.
Buying a Manhattan New York Condo as a first time home buyer, it is a good idea to understand your timeframe. Do you have a lease that is coming to an end or do you have a month to month lease? Buying in Manhattan New York condo, a typical transaction takes 45-90 days or more. If you are not planning on financing, the quickest closing (if all parties cooperative) can happen in 45 days from the days you and the seller sign the contract, if financing, the process can take up to 90 days or more in today's market. To know when you need to move is absolutely neccessary!
Buying a Manhattan New York condo as a first time home buyer, you should keep an open mind as to what you can afford versus the location of your preference. If the purchase price (with the appropriate down payment and with lender's approved lending amount) is $500K, you are likely to find more space in Upper East side than the West Village. You should prioritize what are some must have items to you, is it location, is it doorman, is it the size, it is the price. Buying a Manhattan New York condo is an art of give and take, keeping an open mind to different options will help you to find the suitable Manhattan Condo!
If you are looking to purchase Manhattan New York Condo, we are the Manhattan Condo Specialists. Please contact us as we will be able to access ALL the Manhattan Condo listings in area of your preference. To receive prompt response, please email us at ehsu(@)elliman.com or Morgan.Evans(@)elliman.com. Call us at (917)837-8869.
Wondee Siam II - Thai food is one of my favorite type of cuisine despite there are many type of cuisine to choose from in Manhattan New York. Manhattan New York, everything is competitive including the restaurant business. One of my hobby is to go out and try different restaurants in different neighborhoods, and to see if they are worth to go back or even recommend a friend.
Wondee Siam II was first introduced to me by a friend who lives around the neighborhood of Hells Kitchen New York. At first glance, the restaurant from outside did not look much different than other food place, it is on the Ninth Ave on the West Side of Manhattan and surrounding by other cafes, bars, and restaurants, I was surprised by the line of people ready to be seated at this 30 seats Thai restaurant.
Every dish in Wondee Siam II is oh sooo delicious, from the minute you walk in, the host or the hostess greets you to the minute you order, the service is attentive and prompt. We always start off with Papaya Salad - Som Tum * shredded green papaya, string beans, tomatoes, peanuts, dried shrimp, garlic, lime juice and chili, follow by Pineapple Fried Rice: thai fried rice with pineapple, cashew nuts, egg, tomatoes and scallions, Massaman Curry * massaman curry paste in coconut milk, potatoes, peanuts, onions and bell peppers.
* I am a Manhattan New York Real Estate agent that sells primarily Manhattan Condominiums. You can check out my listings at http://www.elliman.com/EIH If you or anyone that you know may need Real Estate help, please contact me at (212)321-7122 or (917)837-8869*
New York City Manhattan Real Estate, Chinese Speaking Real Estate Agents, Condominum, Co-Ops, Resale Condominums, New Construction, PreConstruction, First Time Buyer, First Time Investor, Manhattan, Pet Friendly Broker, Oversea Investors. Specialized in Upper West Side, Midtown East, Greenwich Village, Soho, Union Square, Williamsburg, Long Island City and Financial District.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
It occurs when the moon is the brightest. and the highest in the sky. This celebration is one of the oldest holidays in the world, dating back thousands of years. Early celebrations included worship of the moon as a god. There are multiple versions of the story of Chang'e, Ch'ang-O or Chang-Ngo (Chinese: 嫦娥; pinyin: Cháng'é), the Chinese goddess of the moon. Regardless of the versions of the story, during this holiday, traditional Chinese worship her by putting new pastries on the altar for Her to bless. She endows her worshippers with beauty.
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