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May 24, 2007
House of the Day: 306 Clinton Avenue
Behind many good deals lies a sad story. Such is the case with today's House of the Day. After inheriting the brownstone at 306 Clinton Avenue from her father, the current owner's battle with mental illness prevented her from caring for the house—or from paying the property tax. So after three years, a judge has ordered the house sold. The listing price is an absurdly low $925,000. A neighbor who attended the open house yesterday reports that there's lots of architectural detail ("Original woodwork, fixtures on the doors, original parquet inlaid floors and even some original light fixtures") still in place, in spite of the neglect the house has suffered. She also reports that the place was crawling with a lot of "developer types" and gave us the heads-up in the hopes of catching the attention of someone who will restore the place properly to live in. So how 'bout it, shoppers? The broker's name is Bart Schwartz; he can be reached at 718-376-9666 (office) or 718-753-1727 (cell). All bids are due by June 4, at which point the judge will declare a winner. Update: The original source of this story dropped us another email in response to some of the comments.
It seems that there might be a bit of confusion aut the owner's situation. A number of years ago, her guardians and social worker realized that the owner could no longer care for herself alone in a brownstone that had no electrity, no water and no heat. So, a few years ago, she moved to live in a more therapeutic environment where she can receive the treatment and medication that she needs. I wonder if people were upset about the sale because they thought that she was effectively being evicted from the premises, which is not the case. The house has been vacant and slowly falling apart for a number of years now and the proceeds of the sale that would go to the trust could only benefit her in continuing to finance the care that she has been receiving. I hope this clears up any confusion.
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Comments
that price does seem awfully low, even if the house needs a total gut.
Posted by: z at May 24, 2007 1:56 PM
This is sad. Does the owner or other family member get any of the proceeds of the sale to help her with her struggles? Or is it too late?
Posted by: newbedstuy at May 24, 2007 2:09 PM
I think a winning bid would be much higher than asking price.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 2:14 PM
well now that this has reached brownstoner, the winning bid is going to be outlandish ..
anyone trying to buy to restore it properly has to over-bid developers, who will use cheapest bidder labor to make two generic $1m+ condos.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 2:57 PM
This is a perfect old brownstone.
A gem.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 3:18 PM
If I ever sold my house, I'd hope brownstoner didn't pick it up. People pick the poor house to death, and then 100s of real estate wierdos converge on the open house with no intent to buy.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 3:25 PM
Re: 3:25, I don't know that the weirdos actually converge. I think they prefer to complain about the photos and the floor plans, but hardly anyone ever posts after the fact.
Re: 2:09, nice to read an empathetic post in this otherwise slightly cruel forum. Not my area but my understanding is, the liens get satisfied in the order of preference as determined by law, and owner gets if anything is left over, but that is often not the case or it would never have gone to foreclosure. Very sad and a reminder of the human beings involved in all of this.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 3:34 PM
What's so sad? The mentally ill owner could have burned the house down. Or she could have burned half he block down, or she could have fallen down the stairs and been found a week later. Those things happen, they are sad. Here, the house is being sold for a pretty penny to someone who can take care of it and the sale proceeds can go towards paying for an appropriate assisted living arrangement for the disabled lady. That's a good thing.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 3:44 PM
my butt smells
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 3:50 PM
Re: 3:44. What are you, a developer or a RE agent? You sound like one of the two.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 3:59 PM
What would a fixed up two family be on this block. 1.7m? with carrying costs and selling costs and renovation costs and buying costs -- that doesn't leave a lot of profit even at the unlikely cost of 925k.
Don't developers always go for a $1m payday?
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 4:12 PM
1.7-2 for an owner who sells the whole house. but easy a million per unit as a condo. If the buidling has FAR- BAM, there's one to two more units to sell, and there's the developer profit.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 4:16 PM
I'm with 3:44. Sure, it's too bad that the lady is mentally ill but c'mon. She INHERITED (meaning she payed nothing for) a house that will probably sell for close to 2MM. Is that really all that sad? She can get proper care from the best with that kind of bankroll. Sometimes Brownstoners let their knee-jerk sympathetic reaction cloud their ability to think practically.
Posted by: Anon at May 24, 2007 4:19 PM
So the lack of 1.5 bedroom condos in the area is going to tear the heart out of brownstones, one by one.
Reduce them to endless generic condo floor-thrus, with just an arched door or two to remind people of why they spent so much.
No potential owner is going to compete in a bidding war against a developer who can make $1m from squeezing out a duplex and 3 floor-thru condos while throwing all the detail in the trash.
So much focus on preservation on the facade, just leaves brooklyn with facades and nothing else.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 4:41 PM
Well, facades ae better than nothing.
This isn't North Korea, there's a limit to how much the governemnt can interfere with private property.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 4:47 PM
3:34 here again.
Let me get this straight. Even though a person is so mentally ill that she could not take care of her home and keep up with the tax payments and the like (and perhaps lacked the family support to help her with it or to act practically on her behalf by selling and getting her into a home or placement that worked for her) and eventually lost her home through a foreclosure, it is somehow not sad because she inherited the house, rather than bought it? The freebie negates the human tragedy??
This is a human story and a sad one, and the fact that a beautiful home is now being freed up for the market to do with it what it will does not negate that there was a person involved. People in this business get a bit myopic, sometimes. These are houses, ladies and gentlemen, not a cure for cancer, and do not represent a higher good or moral purpose than the people who live in them.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 4:54 PM
3:34
I understand what you are trying to say, and I understand your butt is smelly, but as you grow up you find that so many things are sad, that only the saddest of the sad are even worth mentioning. This story? sad but with a happy ending. Don't get too weepy on us now.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 4:57 PM
If she'd inherited nothing, 4:54, she'd be living on the street like many mentally ill people who don't have living and/or caring family members end up doing. That's what I think the other poster was pointing out, about it being a case where the woman inherited a valuable property.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 5:02 PM
It's sad. During the summer time you'd see her outside in front selling used books, with her little table set up. I haven't seen her out for the last couple of years. From what I can tell, she's completely alone. It doesn't matter how much money receives from the sale...it's still unfortunate.
People have been watching this house for ages. I'd be surprised if a developer gets their hands on it.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 5:03 PM
and yes, a facade is better than nothing. although i think you're being overly dramatic. many of these homes are converted to apts that still have lovely details. just because it isn't a single family, does not dimnish the great bones these places have.
it sure does beat spending 2 million, 3 million, etc for the pieces of crap they are building in williamsburg waterfront, extell crap on the uws and i'd say 90% of the new construction all over the place.
these are special places with 100 year old wood, walls a foot thick, archways, etc.
i'll take an apt. in a brownstone anyday over something new. in fact, i'd rather have something half as big AS LONG as it's NOT NEW!!!
Posted by: anon at May 24, 2007 5:27 PM
dude, you must chill.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 5:35 PM
Well, one thing we know is that it is a beautiful Italianate exterior and it appears to be in very good shape. We don't know about the C of O which is crucial.
Posted by: donatella at May 24, 2007 6:45 PM
so if you don't pay property tax (rent to the state) the state takes your land. ...so you really don't own land you rent it from the state
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 7:25 PM
hi - does anyone know how this process works -
do you call up - make a bid - but then what...
does the judge take a look at each bid and situation - or does it always go to the highest bid?
is there another chance to see the inside or do you bid blindly... thanks.
Posted by: anonymous at May 24, 2007 7:34 PM
Sad..Sad..Sad. I hoped that Brownstoner wouldn't pick this story up. Some of what was written was not exactly correct. It was a mad house inside. And it seemed like developers were out in droves after smelling blood or Green on Clinton Avenue. Be carefull on bidding sight unseen. Nice details but there is much more to the story. I will have full details and inside pics after this case is closed. Bidders beware. Do your due diligence.
Posted by: HistoricBrooklyn.com at May 24, 2007 8:05 PM
I find the desire for exclusivity and secrecy (as expressed by a desire that Brownstoner not report on things) terribly reminiscent of, say, closed, communist, totalitarian regimes.
I was under the impression that transparency and openness in a democratic republic were positive attributes.
Thanks for sharing this story about our community, Brownstoner.
Signed,
I live three blocks away
Posted by: xoxoANP at May 24, 2007 8:38 PM
"This site is causing absurd harm to the community for the exclusive benefit of our host. "
oh horsesh*t. all this site does is facilitate the spread of information.
all of the opinions stated are clearly just that, opinions.
i would be surprised if this site had any sort of measurable impact on "the community"
get over yourself.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 24, 2007 8:38 PM
i looked up this house a while ago when i noticed i hadn't seen the old lady out front in a while, i thought members of her family were taking the lead in how to deal with the property. does anyone have any further info about the facts of the case?
Posted by: Jimmy Legs at May 24, 2007 9:19 PM
No doubt this is an extremely helpfull website for those who have an interest in Brownstones. Brownstoner has done an incredible job on providing relevant information on the topic in this forum.
Now the House...
Looks like there is a Supplemental needs trust for the owner, that the court is looking to provide cash for. It doesn't automatically mean it will go to the highest bidder. The judge will make her decision based on many factors. I've been eyeing the property for over 7 years and it all culminates into a court ordered sale that will be of large interest to any potential buyer both investor and individual alike.
Posted by: HistoricBrooklyn.com at May 24, 2007 9:37 PM
Keeping information hidden only serves the few privileged individuals in the know. I am grateful for all the information shared here (the good; bad and many times ugly). Empowering many by providing information levels the playing field. I do hope that the owner somehow benefits; that would be a win win (some lucky person gets an under-market diamond in the rough; and the owner can afford to get the help she seems to need). If it doesn't happen that way the story still gave me incite into what sometimes happens to our elderly and/or mental disabled and made me think of how to prevent it in my own family.
Posted by: newbedstuy at May 24, 2007 10:41 PM
whats with the police barriers either side of the staircase...
Posted by: Anonymous at May 25, 2007 7:47 AM
Oh here come the brownstoner civil liberties union...Y-A-W-N.
Posted by: anon at May 25, 2007 8:13 AM
Haven't read what you all think.
The broker sounds like he is trying to step into the deal, he can also cause the woman to lose her home. This must first be established. Sounds like there is a mortgage attached to this property, I haven't checked, need coffee first.
I am referring this deal to the proper
agencies. We will try to poptpone the
auction. If there is a noble person in the group, tell me if the owner is talking normally, acting normally.
I hope we can keep the woman there and
get her help. I realize you only care about scoring. Brokers put liens of properies, especially in poor nabes.
There is always somone crawling out of a rock. Now I am a broker, not all brokers are slimeballs. If anyone has spoken to the woman, give me a note.
Sounds like she might have a mortgage she doesn't know about.
All things clear and wonderful on this
memorial holiday.
Barney, The Old Realtor
Posted by: Anonymous at May 25, 2007 8:25 AM
JUST CHECKED, MR. SCHWARTZ IS NOT A LICENCED AGENT OR BROKER. WE HAVE A CASE OP FRAUD ALREADY. THIS SMELLS,I AM CALLING THE AUTHORITIES. TELL ME WHAT HE HAS SAID, HOW
HE IS REPRESENTING HIMSELF. IF YOU CAN HELP, I AM CALLING SOUTH BROOKLYN,TRY TO HAVE SOMEONE GO OUT THERE.
I AM NOT IN BROOKLYN,DON'T FEEL LIKE TURNING AROUND, BUT I WILL.
I WILL SET UP A EMAIL JUST FOR THIS
SITUATION, NOT THAT I DON'T TRUST YOU.
I WILL CHECK BACK LATER. IF SOMEONE COULD TELL ME HOW THE WOMAN LOOKED, ETC.
DO GOOD DEEDS, IT WILL MAKE YOU BETTER.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 25, 2007 8:37 AM
"Bart Schwartz" is actually "Barton Schwartz & Associates"
doing business as "Gold Bar Funding"
1320 East 17th Street, Brooklyn, or "2915 Avenue S Brooklyn"
He was a listed mortgage broker, but had his license revoked by new york state in 2004. Not sure what that makes him now. I doubt it makes him a real estate agent, and I doubt that makes him an ideal person for any Judge to entrust to dispose of this property.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 25, 2007 11:40 AM
I am curious as to what the judgement lien amount is, but it would seem that the outstanding property tax is $19,112. Perhaps the brownstoner community could pass the hat around and restore this home to its rightful owner.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 25, 2007 3:17 PM
I am on this one. Looked up, she has a guardian, a guardian who isn't doing much it seems. It all seems fishy. I repeat,
anyone see this woman. Last sighting.
Any family or tenants in building, this
seems to be a new mortgage. How could that be if the woman is craxy. I am not in Brooklyn this week, I am calling the authorities. Sounds classic. All the help we can give this woman the better.
Is she still alive? Lets all help her, be the eyes and ears this week, I'll
get her a pro bono lawyer to stop the foreclosure, I just need the woman.
Barney
Posted by: Anonymous at May 25, 2007 3:41 PM
This is not a foreclosue ladies and gentlemen. It is being sold to satisfy a trust to take care of her in her last days.
Posted by: HistoricBrooklyn.com at May 25, 2007 6:02 PM
This is not a foreclosue ladies and gentlemen. It is being sold to satisfy a trust to take care of her in her last days.
Posted by: HistoricBrooklyn.com at May 25, 2007 6:03 PM
It's sad. During the summer time you'd see her outside in front selling used books, with her little table set up. I haven't seen her out for the last couple of years.
......
This is the "books & magazines" lady? She wasn't old, like some people are writing here. I almost forgot about her!
Posted by: supergirl at May 26, 2007 12:41 AM
Are we sure that the woman, who's name is Donna James, is the same person who used to sell the old books and hats outside the house? Dunno.
Posted by: HistoricBrooklyn.com at May 26, 2007 8:57 AM
For those that wish to protest the sale of this property, you should consider calling Laura Messiana, the Kings County Court Examiner Specialist at 347-296-1075 first.
Posted by: anon at May 26, 2007 9:42 AM
So there you go, all the kneejerk folks who see evil and conspiracy lurking everywhere. Always jump to conclusions based on little info.
This is just another example of it.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 26, 2007 4:09 PM
I see no one knocked on the door to see if the woman is still there. So you are all useless. When there is a guardian admistrator whe has to show an appraisal to the judge, you think the house only appraised for that amount. You kids keep patting yourselves on the back. I';; take care of this myself. I am glad I wasn't in
a fox hole with any of you. Unrelieable, greedy little -------- who can't do anything.
Barney
Posted by: Anonymous at May 28, 2007 12:02 PM
The house has been pad-locked for the past 3 years. The front gate and the doors. No one lives in the house and hasn't in years. This is not a foreclosure, there is no mortgage. I don't think the sale can be stopped within a week, I'm sure it took years to even get to this point. If you're that interested show up at the court on Adams Street on June 4th.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 28, 2007 12:58 PM
I have posted my information of 306 Clinton Avenue as well as pictures of the interior of the home. Bids are due friday June 1st. Court date is set for Monday June 4th. Come to HistoricBrooklyn.com for more details.
Posted by: HistoricBrooklyn.com at May 28, 2007 11:52 PM
Does anyone know what the winning bid was on this house.
Posted by: luvbedstuy at June 18, 2007 11:24 PM
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