Whether it is a good idea to directly approach a lawyer in open court like that depends entirely on local culture.

As most NYers agree - it's one of (if not the) best places on earth (certainly in the US) because we have incredible diversity, openness, creativity, access, architecture, history, culture, opportunity, transportation etc..  

low mortgage arrears and default rates;size of {most} markets across the country;culture of turning to realtors to sell houses (this is slowly changing a little);amount of work involved in finding and reaching {receptive} property owners due to privacy laws; To list a few reasons ... 

@Drew Dowdell I think what you're referring to is called cultured marble, at least it is in my area.

I have always been fond of architecture and character of buildings and homes of every culture and time period. 

Real estate attracts a different culture of people / professionals all together.

But the only real low hanging fruit besides paint, lighting and wall fixtures is the sink, I hate those "cultured marble" ones.

Perhaps this is a cultural difference, but it seems I have my arm in a mangle and I'm not even sure its where I want to be washing my clothes :/.And I am having real trouble believing a man would be asked to supply a personal reference from his wife.

This is expected since it's a different culture.

All that to say, it would be horrible for the broader world if the Chinese are not able to fend off such a collapse, but we would likely see rates drop.