Transferring money to US from abroad

Hi everyone. I am looking for advice on HOW to send money from Russia to my US bank account to buy a house. I have an apartment in Russia , it is on my name. I want to sell it and transfer the money to my US bank account so I could later buy a house in US. My mother also wants to add some more money to help me buy it.
My questions are:
1. If I sell my own apartment in Russia and transfer money here, would I have to pay any taxes?
2. If my mom gives me some money as a gift do I pay taxes for it?
3. How to transfer?

Thanks a lot in advance.