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Buyer Beware: The Condo Squeezeplay
I'm an attorney who does some real estate closings and I see this all the time. I haven't seen the video, but here is my take. First, if it is new construction, the developer usually has a unique contract (as opposed to a more standardized contract), and I have seen some incredibly lopsided contracts, where your options are incredibly limited if you have a dispute. If it is new construction, you absolutely have to review it with your attorney, either before you sign it or within the attorney review period. DO NOT SIGN A REAL ESTATE CONTRACT WITHOUT AN ATTORNEY REVIEW CLAUSE (or have it reviewed before it is signed). The developers tend to be very inflexible about negotiating terms (although if it is more of a buyer's market now, maybe that has changed).
To be fair, I have advised clients that the contract they were going to sign had problems, but they opted to sign anyway, and have not had complaints since.
If it is an existing condo (i.e. you are not the first buyer of the unit), make sure you or your lawyer obtains the condo association minutes. If there is any kind of expected special assessment for past bills or deferred maintenance, money should be put in escrow.
Shopdropped iPods Implore Buyers: "Reclaim Your Mind From The Media Shackles"
"I find it interesting that if a Christian evangelical comes over and tells you about his beliefs, that's terrible and wrong, but if an anti-consumerist actively defrauds you to tell you about his beliefs, that's right and fine."
If Christian evangelicals did shop dropping, it would just as outrageously stupid. As far as I know only adbuster type a-holes do it, so let's not give ideas to other brands of a-holes.
Easter Creep: Target Hauls Out The Easter Products On December 26
Jeeziz, I can't believe the stores are going to oppress us with early easter items. IS there no end to their evil?
Stupid topic and a waste of time, just like the Christmas creep topic.
California Supreme Court: Feel Free To Protest Inside The Mall
Both the majority and the dissent weigh free speech against property rights.
However, I think the case ought to turn on the Mall's first amendment rights. The mall has the first amendment right not to endorse or support speech it does not agree with.
Providing a place for people to park, walk, stand, shop and even breath fresh air costs money. A law forcing someone to pay for someone else's speech is arguably a first amendment violation, and I would like to see the US Supreme court consider that issue.
Congress Set To Ban Soda, Junk Food From Schools
Is it safe to predict that kids simply won't buy or eat the newly mandated healthy food?
Why on earth would we expect teenagers to start eating healthy food? Its not like it ever happened in the past.
And good for senate republicans for making even a small effort to derail the disastrous farm bill.
Chew Toy Kills Reader's Dog
Very sad. I have a dog myself, and I feel awful when I hear stories like that.
In response to some comments here, I have bought supposedly high quality toys from PetSmart that didn't last five minutes.
Also, its damn near impossible to stop your dog from ingesting harmful things, especially when they are young. I am always amazed (and disgusted) at the things that pass through my dog's digestive tract. Just taking the dog for a walk, she will scarf up twigs or anything els that she has a mind to.
Don't Buy Warranties For Your Gizmos, Says Consumer Reports
Generally, I agree. But I got the plan for the iPod I bought a couple of years ago, and it was well worth it, as I have had it replaced (completely hassle free, BTW), at least five times.
Buy Nothing Day Is This Friday
boy are you right.
"in solidarity with anti-consumers"
Yeah, well this site is the Consumerist, why would it be promoting anti-consumerism?
Yet another case of the occasionally mind boggling hypocrisy sometimes demonstrated here. Most of the commentators are a lot more pro-consumer than the editors of the site.
Nordstrom Opposes Christmas Creep
I am telling you, b@trollkiller:
I used to really believe in Christmas Creep. But after hearing it being complained about for decades, I came to realize that if it were actually true, Christmas would be starting in January by now.
I suspect it actually runs in cyclical trends, but the pattern will always be the same.
Your quote only proves my point: before November there is a "selective sampling" or a trickle of Christmas items. The flood happens after Halloween. Nothing new there.
Also, Thanksgiving is not in the way of christmas retialing because 1) it is not a decoration holiday to the extent of Halloween and Xmas, and 2) Thanksgiving is a the first holiday in the Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's eve trifecta, all part of The Holiday Season.
Comments from yahonza
Expect Airfare To Include Airport Congestion Fees
Unbelievable. Obviously, airports should be charging more at times of highest demand. That's what any business would do. Not doing so leads to shortages (i.e. overcrowded airports). And here the DOT has been standing in the way. What else is the DOT screwing up? It would be nice if government agencies never told anyone how much to produce or what to charge.