House of the Day: 282 DeKalb Avenue

Ugh, all that dreary dark wood. I really don't get people's love for some of the historical detail in these old houses...

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 1:42 PM

I think your calculations are wrong, this building is 2800 sq. ft.
I don't think that looks too bad for the asking price.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 1:44 PM

It's interesting how the real estate agent justifies the small back yard by saying that it's "true to the period of the house."

Doesn't the size of the lot have more to do with it? Broker spin is fascinating.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 1:46 PM

Anyone know if the electric/plumbing was upgraded recently? Looks like there was a renovation but not clear how extensive, and obviously, that would be a major impact on price -- that is, is this truly move in, or does it need a lot of work?

Jerry Minsky has always struck us as pretty slimy, by the way and an overreacher - way back when we were looking in FG (we wound up buying an apt in PS, now are looking for a house wherever).

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 1:50 PM

Charm-alicious. Charm-oozing. Charm-belching. Charm-secreting. Charm-emitting.

Seriously, it looks dreary, like some dusty old library.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 1:51 PM

The tagged garage next store is a nice period detail.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 1:54 PM

There is a website for those of you who hate wood and charming details.

It's called curbed.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 1:54 PM

Isn't this the house from The Royal Tennenbaums? It sure looks like it.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:07 PM

I never said I hated wood or charming details. I live in a co-op apartment in a 160-year-old landmarked historic brick townhouse. I love my exposed brick walls, deep windows with detailed molding and original shutters (all painted white!), and original oak floors. I just find all of that dark, heavy woodwork in some of the more traditionally Victorian interiors to be dreary and not at all charming.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:07 PM

Isn't this Curbed? I can't tell the difference these days.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:15 PM

I like wood. In fact I've got some right now for you.

The What

Someday this war is gonna end.....

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:16 PM

It's very narrow feeling inside. The parlor floor looks like it was redone - well with inlaid borders and all, but not original. The bathrooms are large, but need remodeling like the kitchen. The tiny basement rental is a mess, without any kitchen. The built-in bookshelves (added when) have a tacky cherry look. It does have windows on 3 sides so it does not feel dark, but there are no views. I've seen nicer airshafts than the backyard. There are beautiful elements, but it doen't come close to being worth the price.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:25 PM

Your airshaft is perfect for my wood!

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

PS peeps, more on the fucking-end-of-the-fucking financial system and all your charm-fucked houses to come. No end in site for this shit

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:28 PM

Who is Jerry Minsky? Does he have a reputation for good quality projects?

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:28 PM

He has a reputation for having listing for very expensive properties.

Thus the hatred by all the bitter fools here on this site.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:31 PM

As good as his hair "style"

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:31 PM

Jerry makes more in a month than most of you do in a year.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:33 PM

When the end comes, they're coming for Jerry Minsky first. Then me.

The What

someday this war's gonna end...

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:38 PM

Oh, so he is a very good broker?

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:41 PM

Jerry Minsky is a blood-sucking piranha who single-handedly is probably responsible for a lot of the price increases in FG/CH...

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:42 PM

Depends on what you consider good. He is successful, certainly.

I liken him to Donald Trump. He's got his good and bad, but everyone loves to hate Donald Trump.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:43 PM

Hmm, yes. The reduction in asking price from $2.2 to $1.75 due to insufficient light works out to about $.30 per photon lost. Perhaps they could install a particle accelerator on parlor level. Plenty of original details on those things.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:43 PM

BTW, 2:42...as if I need to explain things to someone as ignorant as you appear to be...home SELLERS are usually responsible for setting prices on their homes. Brokers only offer advice on what comps they see in the neighborhood and sure...they might try to push the envelope a little, but don't be so naive.

At the end of the day, it is the seller who sets the price. Jerry doesn't care if the home lists for 2.2 million or 1.8 million...he is basically making the same money either way. It is the seller that wants that higher number.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:46 PM

I honestly love you

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:48 PM

Anybody seen my cat?

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:49 PM

Anyone who's ever looked for a house in FG/CH has met Jerry. He can be a bit slimy, and he virtually always overprices his listings (yeah, yeah, blame it on the seller, but clearly he has an influence). Hence the animosity.

He probably does rake in the bucks. But I still don't want to do business with him.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:49 PM

"Jerry doesn't care if the home lists for 2.2 million or 1.8 million"

What? You mean he does this stuff for free?

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:51 PM

Do you honestly believe that Jerry wouldn't rather take 6% on 1.8 than struggle to sell something for 2.2?

Come on. It's about getting as many deals closed in as short amount of time as possible here.

You really don't know how real estate works...do you?

The difference in price may be significant, but the broker commission is insignificant.

He just wants to get it sold.

You are delusional if you don't realize that it's oftentimes the sellers that won't BUDGE on the price.

You really think anyone who is aware that anything he does is reported about on Brownstoner wants to do anything but sell homes quickly and for a price that makes the seller happy.

That is his job.

It isn't to make you fools happy.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:54 PM

2:43 - I fail to see the "good" in donald trump - and I'm not talking on a personal level. Business-wise, he has built nothing but hideous, tacky, atrocious eyesores across our beloved city.

Brownstoner - as much as I admire everyone for so assiduously ignoring The What - do we really now have to read his sicko sexual posts on top of his hysterical rants about the end of the world as he sees it. It's just too much.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 2:55 PM

Pretty sure the Royal Tenenbaum's house was in the Bronx. I remember seeing the street signs in the 200s, they were brown, so it was a landmarked area in the Bronx I think... hmmm.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:00 PM

Sounds like Jerry works hard to get the highest price for his customers.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:02 PM

That house in Harlem you mention is gone. Bought by a developer. But, it was not the Royal Tenenbaum's house--that one was indeed in the Bronx.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:03 PM

Yes, Mr. B'stoner. Protect us from Mr. The What.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:03 PM

"Sounds like Jerry works hard to get the highest price for his customers."

yes, which is his job, afterall.

no one who bought for 200K and sold for 2 million seem to be complaining.

only those that never bought at all.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:07 PM

Minsky definitely benefits more than the average broker from a higher price in FG/CH because he control more market share in that nabe.
If this one sells for 2.2 instead of 1.7, he gets 6% of that, plus 6% of the next 2.2, and so on.
He's going to get a slice of the higher comps all over the nabe.
Doesn't necessarily make him a piranha -- or a pleasant person, either.
A broker with no base in FG/CH might feel they should just take a lower price on this one house and move on to the next house in some other nabe.
It's up to sellers and buyers to decide if that's what they want.
If you don't like him, just say no to his listings.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:16 PM

I think Jerry should lower the prices on his properties and do his clients a disservice to make the anonymous readers on Brownstoner happier.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:24 PM

I don't think the "sicko sexual" posts are coming from the real The What.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:26 PM

I think that one of these days Mr. Brownstoner is going to peel the mask off his face to reveal that he a Jerry Minsky are in fact the same person.

You ever notice that Minsky is the only agent he mentions by name on the site.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:29 PM

Finally a voice of reason

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:31 PM

How about the beaucoup de recessed lighting? Is that true to period too. How unbrownstonery--so very modern--to have beaucoup de recessed lighting.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:32 PM

how very unimaginative to use "beaucoup de recessed lighting" TWICE in a two sentence post.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:35 PM

Yes, the recessed lighting is just repulsive, and a pain in the ass to rip out.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:36 PM

beacoup de unimaginative

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:37 PM

beaucoup de unimaginative

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:37 PM

Dark, dank, ugly recessed lighting, no natural sunlight, ever.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:38 PM

The term "beaucoup de recessed lighting" is one that Mr. Brownstoner has used in the past to express his dislike of certain modern renovations that were not connected to Minsky, so I felt that it was appropriate to use the term twice in one post. Plus it is just so pleasing how it rolls off the old key board. Beaucoup de recessed lighting. You try.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:47 PM

Alfred E. Newman

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:48 PM

Mr. B's 'impeccable' taste is slipping. This one is a clunker.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 4:09 PM

The problem with Minsky isn't just his pricing - it's his personality. He's too busy talking about himself to tell you about the property. If he personally turns off buyers who don't want to deal with him, then he is doing his clients a disservice.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 4:10 PM

I'm looking in Fort Greene, and I've made it a point to NOT see any listings that are carried by Minsky. If I miss out on a great house, I don't care.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 4:13 PM

you're an idiot for brains, 4:13.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 4:16 PM

Some poeple feel the same way about Aguayo, too.
There's always a catch and they overprice everything, so life is too short to deal with them.
At least 4:13 is being smart and limiting his interaction with someone he doesn't want to do business with.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 4:21 PM

Peter Saarsgaard is so incredibly hot.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 4:24 PM

For what it's worth the royal tenenbaums house is in park slope. it's on 8th ave. and i think carroll? not sure excatly which street, but that is definitely the house.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 4:44 PM

All kidding aside, how do you explain the fact that Brownstoner never mentions any other agents by name other than Minsky. Doesn't that seem like peculiar favoritism? Does brownstoner get paid to use Minsky's name? If he does, should he disclose payments like this. Or perhaps this is just part of the larger bias that Brownstoner has for Fort Green and Clinton Hill.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 4:59 PM

Maybe because Minsky typically represents the finest homes in Clinton Hill...you know...where Mr. B lives.

It makes sense to me. These homes that Minsky gets are the creme de la creme of Clinton Hill's architectural gems.

I see no one who has the kindof history for these upper end homes in this particular neighborhood.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 5:04 PM

"You really don't know how real estate works...do you?

The difference in price may be significant, but the broker commission is insignificant.

He just wants to get it sold."

ooh, sounds like someone read Freakonomics. Good for you!!!

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 5:12 PM

I did, in fact read Freakonomics.

Does that mean somehow my point was not valid in your mind?

The book was a factual one, you do realize.

I know it wasn't Harry Potter, so you might not have grasped that fact.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 5:19 PM

Are any of the otherr brokers as good as Minsky?

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 5:30 PM

he's the best.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 5:37 PM

Heh. I used to live next to this building.

sg

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 5:44 PM

Jerry Who?

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 5:52 PM

I am the best!

The Minsky

someday this war's NEVER gonna end...

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 6:03 PM

I don't know... it seems to me like I, and anyone else looking for a real estate in Brooklyn, will never be able to accept this blog as an entirely accurate representation, or news report, so long as it continues to show such blatant bias for one neighborhood. Just seems like a shame that a blog that is doing as well as Brownstoner would not correct this. Perhaps someday someone else will start a blog of Brooklyn real estate with a more balanced approach to the brownstone neighborhoods. But it seems silly to have two such blogs when would should suffice.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 6:06 PM

A blog with bias?

Clutch pearls!

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 6:11 PM

Minsky is such a dingbat that he cut off the most prominent and distinguishing architectural feature of this house--its turret. And for such a notable work of architecture, he could have had better pictures taken, instead of whipping out his cell phone or digital camera. Not very professional, in my opinion.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 6:18 PM

Anyone know if this house was originally part of the house on the left? Bob Marvin, anyone? Seems like it would have been part of a larger structure. On its own it's narrow and awkward.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 6:21 PM

What an ugly house. The "details" are minimal and nothing to speak of.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 7:29 PM

6:06 you have a point. besides other brownstones in other neighborhoods (for instance, is Greenpoint really ever mentioned? lots of really nice old houses there), there's clearly lots of other kind of development too, and since curbed isn't just brooklyn, many people are probably wanting to talk about what else is going on in brooklyn specifically. it is brownstoner's blog tho i guess.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 7:37 PM

I didn't get to post much but, Here is something for the pole smokers!

Fitch Downgrades $37.2 Billion of CDOs
Monday November 12, 2:45 pm ET
Fitch Cuts Ratings on $37.2 Billion of Collateralized Debt Obligations, Affirms $6.9 Billion

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071112/fitch_cdo_ratings.html?.v=2

Allow me to translate! Credit conditions are getting bad by the second. Soon you will see the sell-off in this junk. Also commodities got hammered today due to margin calls. I don't see where housing gets better.

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 7:51 PM

I am so tired of everyone saying such negative things about Jerry Minsky! I know Jerry and he is NOT like you all have made him out to be. He is a person too and all of these negative comments are really just, gross, crass, insensitive and unfair! I understand that our society always wants to make people out to be "demons" and "bad" but if you don't kmow the person, then can we just stop all of the ridicule.

After a while, it gets to be too too much. Reading this blog begins to sound the same, negative, negative, negative and that's really unfortunate, for brownstoner, his readers and society as a whole.

Please just stop it.

I work with Jerry, and feel free to call me a "slimy broker" also, I know what I am and what I have accomplished in this life. I do know, however, how to treat people and this really isn't the way....

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 8:33 PM

Sometimes the truth hurts 8:33. Many people including me have had unpleasant experiences dealing with J. Minsky and we have the right to post our experiences. I was discriminated against by Minsky while looking to purchase a home, so I question his professional ethics. However, I do think that we can enlighten others of our experiences both positive and negative without making assinine personal attacks against him or other brokers that are sometimes the subject of such posts.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 9:03 PM

I'm with 8:33 - have had great dealings with Minsky and continue to be impressed with how hard he works for his clients. Power to him! But it seems like the negativity that used to only be in small doses on this blog have begun to be all over it - what is up with that??

Also agree with the poster who asked Mr. B for some protection/restrictions on the What. Enough is enough Henny Penny.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 10:16 PM

Well, in light of the fact that there are really only TWO out of hundreds of Brooklyn brokers that are ever harshly criticized on this site, I'd say there's something to the comments. I for one think it's fine to hear about clients' experiences with certain brokers. Why the hell not? There are websites that rate and review pretty much every profession out there, including doctors, lawyers, college professors, etc. Suck it up. If you're a good professional and do a good job, you shouldn't be affected by this.

And 10:16, get a life. If you are so offended by The What, don't read the blog. You people are so whiny, it's amazing. Did you run to the teacher every time you were picked on in school?

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 10:50 PM

Yes, it is his blog. Absolutely. And he can do what he wants. But there is something to be said for listening to your readership too.

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 11:26 PM

Dear 9:03 ,

I am sorry that you felt that you were discriminated against by Jerry. Jerry does NOT discriminate against ANYONE because of the color of their skin. I am the broker that works with him and I am an African American woman. I can tell you, that Jerry only discriminates against someone without the GREEEN to pay for his incredible listings!

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 11:30 PM

Listening to your readership? Yeah, I believe there are an equal amount of comments for and against The What. So what's your point?

Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 11:54 PM

To 11:30--your flagrant brown nosing is so pathetic. Have some self-respect!

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 12:01 AM

you mean green-nosing.

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 12:17 AM

I enjoy The What's comments. He makes some good points, even if he gets too excited doing so. Stop complaining--just cover your eyes if it offends you.

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 12:43 AM

TheWhat is good for this website given all the clicks he brings. The controvery brings attention to this blog and more advertising.

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 6:43 AM

Ewwww, that Dear 9:03 people comment from the agent who works with Minsky is exactly why everyone hates Minsky.

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 8:32 AM

8:33pm - get a clue. People wouldn't complain about JM without a cause. I have had personal dealings with the guy, and he is a slimeball who is, to quote "gross, crass, insensitive and unfair". I don't feel that way about all RE agents...

As far as the house goes, I drive on deKalb everyday - and that would be one of the reasons I would think the house is overpriced - too much traffic.

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 10:28 AM

This house has a twin also by Morris on Hancock between Thompkins and Marcy and I hear the old lady that lives there wants to sell for 800K

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 11:13 AM

Hey idiotic female african-american broker's assistant: I don't show up to open houses with a copy of my bank statement. So, how can Jerry judge whether I have green? He makes a discriminatory judgement of people on their gender, color, ethnicity, clothing, etc.

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 12:14 PM

it's a little thing called pre-approval, 12:14.

anyone looking for a home in today's market without one is an idiot.

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 12:21 PM

Huh? Since when do you have to show pre-approval for an open house? Are you kidding me? I'm not 12:14, but I know exactly what 12:14 is talking about. It's very common. But brokers really do themselves AND the sellers a great disservice by discriminating this way. My husband and I have the money in hand--we're cash buyers--but we look kind of grungy and have ethnic-sounding surnames. You wouldn't believe the second-class treatment we receive from a *handful* of brokers as a result. Many other more professional and astute brokers are aware that potential and serious buyers come in all shapes and sizes, especially in NYC, and that's where we'll take our business.

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 12:28 PM

"ethnic-sounding surnames"

change your name.

otherwise, stop whining.

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 1:03 PM

11:30 You obviously haven't worked for Jerry long. Were you hired after Corcoran was sited for discriminatory practices. My FICO score was over 820 and I had a large down payment from the sale of a previously owned property. Should I look up the HUD link so that you and everyone else can once again view the report?

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 9:17 PM

every name is ethnic.

Posted by: guest at November 14, 2007 12:31 AM