Bidding War at 538 16th Street?

Saw some serious shoppers at quite a few open houses this weekend in Park Dope, so I'm not at all surprised.

Although this place does seem on the "cheap" side.

Love it though. Looks adorable.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:35 AM

What....Corcoran priced a house too low???

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:36 AM

My wife and I looked at this in the NYTimes and were planning to call the Corcorans to take a look at this place.

Given the news, we'll pass.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:37 AM

i am not surprised that this house sold, but my gosh is it ugly. really really really deeply ugly.

if you want more of this, leave NY ASAP and go to Milwaukee where there are tons of these for way cheaper.

what the f is the point of living in NY if you are stuck in some great grandma hideous house in a deathly boring neighborhood far far away from all the fun (and your job).

YUCK. YUCK. YUCK.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:38 AM

That's a perfect price for a smaller one-family needing work. It was priced to sell and plainly the buyers spoke and affirmed it was priced right.

It supports the strategy of pricing a little lower to get more people to the open house looking. Then let multiple bids raise the sale price. I think photos never do a house justice especially when it's an older longtime owner and the house needs updating. People need to see the house in person to see its potential. But if it's priced higher than it seems it should, you might not get people at the open house.

The fireplace is in an odd location, is it by the front door? Does that mean it was added later? Also I'd put in screens with windows that can crank wide open on the walled-in porch so people can have more of an outdoor space experience in nice weather.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:40 AM

This house is REAL BROOKLYN at its finest.

Don't find it ugly at all.

It makes me think of what it must have been like to live in the city throughout the history of this cute old house.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:42 AM

Regardless of what happens in the market, people will need a place to live. People looking to buy houses are typically in there for the longer haul (5-10+ years or more). They will continue to seek solid houses near prospect park in nice neighborhoods like windsor terrace. The yellow brick aesthetic is not to everyone's taste, but these are nice solid houses. The neighborhood is safe. There are more things opening there all the time. The F train is not siberia.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:43 AM

With kitchen and bath reno, new paint, new modern light fixtures and sharp furniture and accessories this house will not look "great grandma". Have some imagination.

As for why people would live in WT, or anywhere in Brooklyn, the suburbs vs. urban living debate has been discussed a zillion times on Brownstoner. THAT's what's boring. Please spare us another please! The market speaks. Sorry you can't sell your house in Milwaukee, 11:38.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:44 AM

11:38, I think the point is not having to have a car for every last thing you do, not living in the 'burbs, not being subject to the mercies of NJ Transit or the other train systems, and more. It's why almost every neighborhood in Brooklyn within spitting distance of a subway will probably be safe from a market crash. People don't want to live in the burbs and will pay a lot of money even for ugly buildings like this one. I'd rather own a fairly ugly place in Brooklyn than a gorgeous home in Jersey.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:44 AM

Milwaukee.. riiiiiight!
16th Street above 7th Avenue is totally different price point. I think 1 million is the starting point for most people looking to sell. Anyone see inside? There is a Granny-facation factor in this part of Windsor Terrace to contend with. Mrs. Limestoner, your two cents?

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:45 AM

hello - if you recommend completely updating everything - then why not take your 1.2 million and buy a bitchin new condo?

this is super ugly and will always be ugly.

yuck.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:48 AM

So tired of this question.

If a house is priced right, it will no doubt attract buyers, no matter what the market.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:50 AM

We were open to a condo. But all the condos I saw for $1.2 million a year ago 11:48, were SO tiny. The bedrooms were the size of closets. The living room/dining room combo rooms were the size of our current Master Bedroom in our limestone house we ultimately bought. No thanks to a condo.

If I ever bought a coop or condo instead of a house it would be one of those massive apartments in a white-glove coop on Prospect Park West. Fantasy! I love those. But waaayyy out of our price range.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:54 AM

Why would some idiot say to look at new condos, when clearly A LOT OF PEOPLE LIKE THIS PLACE!!!

You are a moron.

So you like new crap condos. Go buy one!

This thread is about a nice old house that attracted enough attention to receive multiple bids over asking price.

Get a clue dude. The website you are after is www.curbed.com

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:08 PM

condos ain't got gardens.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:13 PM

Tell your psychiatrist to go up on the Thorazine. Your psychosis is back!

-Why would some idiot say to look at new condos, when clearly A LOT OF PEOPLE LIKE THIS PLACE!!!

You are a moron.

So you like new crap condos. Go buy one!-

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:14 PM

That’s one of the Calder houses … as are the porched houses on Windsor Terrace’s Fuller, Howard and Windsor Places.

From Brooklyn by Name, Benardo & Weiss, NYU Press 2006:

Republican William Musgrave Calder (1869-1945) represented New York both in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Born in Brooklyn, Calder studied carpentry in evening courses at Cooper Institute in Manhattan and later became building commissioner for Brooklyn. He is credited with building over thirty-five hundred homes and developing parts of South Brooklyn, Flatbush, and Sheepshead Bay. In his one term as senator (1917-23), Calder sponsored the first daylight-savings law.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:15 PM

Hey CondoLover, go get yourself one and I'll shoot nails through the paper thin walls atcha!

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:15 PM

Condos ain't got land ownership and it's the land that's the most valuable thing.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:17 PM

Condos are fine if that's your thing. I think 99% of them are repulsive, personally.

But this thread is not about condos.

Not in the slightest.

Let's talk about the freakin house for once.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:18 PM

I guess it is subjective whether you like this house, neighborhood or borough. The question is who would pay over $1M + updating of a middle class house?

People can say whatever they want about moving to the burbs, but spending almost twice to get what would be a starter house in the New York metro area is ridiculous. The people who are paying for this have to be people upgrading on a coop or condo.

Has anyone been following the 1-2 BR Coop/Condo market?

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:18 PM

I like the house. It's very cute in an Archie Bunker kinda way.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:23 PM

Quite possibly an Archie Bunker clone lived there... WT is "like that"

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:24 PM

12:18...

People pay a million dollars to live in 500 sf in Manhattan. 45 million to buy into the Plaza for the same square footage you could buy one of the largest houses in the U.S.

NYC and Brooklyn now are brands. You pay for that brand in real estate.

Just like you pay 499 for an iphone that costs 50 bucks to make.

Or 1.50 for a coke that costs 2 cents to make.

This is not news.

1 million for a house like this is a pretty good deal in this city.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:26 PM

One more note, 12:18...

The prices of homes in the burbs are dropping faster than you can blink right now.

The latest predictions are that the burbs...EVEN the ones surrounding NYC will not see home prices rebound to 2006 levels until 2014!!!!

Now I'm sure home prices in Brooklyn will fall a little, but I don't believe it will be anything like that.

People are willing to pay more to live in an urban environment and not do so much damage to the environment as those living in the suburbs are doing right now.

Especially with $4 a gallon gas coming in late 2008 or early 2009.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:30 PM

But 12:18's point is the buyers are probably upgrading from a coop and he's right. Even with a good income, when a gut reno is required (which will be a minimum of $300,000 on this house) most buyers are coming into it after selling a coop either in Brooklyn or Manhattan. Or selling a house out of state and moving here.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:32 PM

40 sign-ins at corcoran's $3 million+ townhouse listing on dean street...

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:33 PM

I think the location to the park is great. The house needs some updating, obviously, but at least you can live in it now and work on it slowly.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:34 PM

only one answer: location, location, location
it's 1 block from prospect park

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:36 PM

300K to renovate this house?

What in Gold Leaf?

I'm SO sick of the same person saying that EVERY house listed on here needs a minimum of 300K to make it livable.

Not everyone is as prissy as you are, 12:32.

I could live in this place fine and do some work over time.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:36 PM

Do you people have any idea that it costs a million bucks to find anything decent in other cities like Seattle, LA, Portland, Boston, DC, etc?

They might be a little bigger than this, a little fancier, but a million bucks for a HOUSE a few minutes away from Manhattan really isn't that outrageous.

You all seem to live inside a bubble.

A million dollars buys you a 1 bedroom in the heart of London.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:40 PM

Whatever the market does, people do need a place to live. Properties that are reasonably priced, in prime areas (and WT may not be "chi-chi" but it is near the park and subway, huge pluses) and structurally good will continue to command a good price. They may not go up much for the next few years, but I don't think they will go down much (or at all), either, so why pay rent? Especially if you buy a property that you can live in for at least 5-10 years, or more - clearly you could do that with this property.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:46 PM

Is it really a Calder house? I believe Calder modeled the houses on Fuller, etc. on houses he had seen in Washington, DC's Mount Pleasant neighborhood while serving in Congress. (Compare the two and the resemblance is obvious.)

The houses on 16th have a very different look -- although proximity to the houses on Fuller, etc. might mean they were all all handled by the same developer.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:48 PM

What does everyone think of this place?

BAM Cultural District, close to Atlantic Terminal & Boerum Hill, Ft Greene Park...

http://www.prudentialelliman.com/913331

Is it priced right?

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:54 PM

Come on folks. This is an ugly house on an ugly block. Park Slope it ain't. Windsor Terrace is a convenient neighborhood with some decent amenities but absolutely no charm and less diversity. I live there, and I like it, but this is the reality. As far as the F train, it skips the 15th Street stop all the time at rush hour and on weekends, which certainly makes the commute a little challenging if you need to do it often. Bottom line, people are desperate for more space and are priced out of Park Slope (and I agree that a 1000 sq. ft modern condo is a far less attractive proposition for a family than a house like this, for a similar price). And I do agree with whoever said it needs several hundred dollars worth of renovation. Maybe not $300K, but $150-$200K easy, judging from the interior pictures alone. Renovation services are not cheap and most people don't have the time or the knowledge to undertake it all themselves.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:55 PM

12:54:

Everyone hated it last week when you posted it on every thread and they will hate it again this week.

It still lies on the most disgusting intersection of Brooklyn and is at least 200K overpriced.

Go back to your hole.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 12:55 PM

11:37 ditto. We are so over bidding wars, especially for places like this. The market will settle down, and if it doesn't, we are heading to the suburbs - at a certain point the equation just stops adding up for us with 2 kids and so much more for your money 30 mins outside of the city.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:02 PM

The suburbs are over.

People who live in them are greedy and most likely Republican.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:07 PM

Awesome- bye bye 1:02. Stop posting here after you move.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:08 PM

In the burbs, instead of paying more for a home, instead you pay tens of thousands of dollars worth of taxes to a bankrupt state (yes...new jersey is bankrupt).

Enjoy that and the $4 a gallon gas!

Your kids will hate you when they turn 18, but at least they'll each have their own room and bathroom!!!

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:11 PM

"A million dollars buys you a 1 bedroom in the heart of London."

No, it doesn't. Definitely need more than that there.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:17 PM

THIS HOUSE HAS ONE BATHROOM!
NOT UPDATED!
OLD TINT KITCHEN!
OLD WINDOWS!
THE CELLAR IS NASTY!
EVEN $500,000 LATER AND IT IS STILL UGLY!

THERE ARE SUCKERS OUT THERE BUT THEY ARE NOT THIS CRAZY!

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:19 PM

Bricolage? Ha! I'm not the guy who posted for 560 State but I've been to a few open houses there. It's actually very quiet inside, the apts are prewar w/ moder renovations & big. Suffice to say, $689k is priced right. Rogers is spot on w/ BAM & trains. Sorry, but just my 2 cents about 560 State

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:23 PM

Why all the snarkiness in this chain and on this site? You might like it, you might not, but this is an entry price point in a neighborhood that is pleasant, is right on the park, and has pretty decent schools. Your property taxes are maybe 10% of the suburbs and at least some people will have a much easier commute (and ability to dash home to deal with kid crises). Assuming the house's bones are decent you either fix it up now or take your time. Why take offense at the idea someone might want to do that?

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:25 PM

What 1:19 PM said.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:29 PM

The issue is not whether or not someone wants to do that, 1:25. The issue is that MORE than a FEW someone's want to do that, yet people on here are still talking sh*t.

It's all nonsense.

If it's such a hideous house, then there are 6 people who happen to love this hideous house enough to pay more than the sellers were asking for it.

The rest of you can shut your pie holes.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:32 PM

1:19 is the broker, David Rogers for that piece of shit on State street.

You are defending him, why??

1:29 is the same person.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:33 PM

It's just not ugly, it's fugly

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:36 PM

"It's just not ugly, it's fugly"

Take a look in the mirror. I'll show you fugly.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:37 PM

i am not david rogers and everything I wrote is true.

just look at the site!

this is not difficult.

just becuase some one does not agree with you doesn't mean you shoudl call them a david rogers!

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:37 PM

I agree with 119 this house is really not worth it. We have looked at and decided against immediately. The fireplace is fake, the basement is unlivable, and the kitchen and bathrooms need to be gutted. Even after all of that you are left with a house that has one bathroom. And this is incomparable to similar houses of this size.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:37 PM

What a bunch of nutsos on this site! Your kids will hate you if you move to the suburbs?! Oooh, the taxes are so high there! Is it so hard to accept that not everyone dreams of living in an ugly house in dire need of renovation in Windsor Terrace for a million bucks? I love Brooklyn too, but come on - try to look outside your little bubble for a moment. BTW, how do we know the house really has *6* offers. Seems to me I've seen such claims from brokers before...I don't think it's a completely unreasonable price, but I think it's high for the neighborhood, the block and the state of the house. If this is true, then certainly the dip has not started in earnest yet. Whether and when it will, is another question. But I wouldn't be buying right now, that's for sure - no unmissable bargain here.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:42 PM

"I agree with 119 this house is really not worth it. We have looked at and decided against immediately."

Good thing you decided against it. There were 6 others who wanted it.

Your loss is someone's gain.

And in ten years when the new owner sells it for 2 million, you'll STILL be sitting on those sidelines waiting to play in the big game.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:42 PM

Thank you. Now, what is your gripe w/ 560 State? It's a lovely quiet building in beautiful Boerum Hill near BAM. To me, at least, that represents value & a good investment. I'm curious to real honest opinions b/c I've been to 2 open houses there but ultimately passed in favour of a duplex in Boerum Hill

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:44 PM

560 State is on the intersection of Flatbush and Atlantic...the most trafficked, most polluted, noisiest shitblock in Brooklyn.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:46 PM

it looks like a nice greenpoint house.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 1:54 PM

Over $1M for that!?!?!?

Much better value for money in other neighborhoods. $1.5 will get you a landmark 2 family (read ental income) on a landmark block with an already nicely renovated kitchen in Greenpoint.

Humanity never ceases to amaze me.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 2:05 PM

You'd pay over 1 million dollars to live over an oilslick, 2:05???

Hope you don't have kids.

Not to mention Greenpoint's transportation sucks ass.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 2:09 PM

1:07 is an ignorant jackass

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 2:14 PM

You just proved, 1:07's point, 2:14.

You sound like Rush Limbaugh...Someone doesn't agree with you, so they are an ignorant jackass???

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 2:15 PM

i thought that there were 50 offers at double the price and that the price included parking and a free car. It doesn't show in the photos, but there is an olympic sized swimming pool on the roof.

just becuase i wrote it and you read it doesn't make it true.

don't beleive the hype.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 2:19 PM

What's missing from this equation??

It's a small one family, no rental income, unappealing interior, needs work, we are IN a recession and prices are coming down.

What's the rationale for over $1M?

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 2:21 PM

"What's the rationale for over $1M?"

Racism.

Let's not pussyfoot around it. Why would you buy this crapshack when you could get a stately brownstone in Stuy Heights or Crown Heights North? Because you think those neighborhoods are "scary." But you're just fine living next door to Joey Scunzool, 42 year old former car-service driver with rage issues and a restraining order from his ex-wife, living with his parents. Because he's white, so he's not scary.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 2:38 PM

Park Slope is MUCH more urban than Windsor Terrace, Maplewood or Garden City.

It's the only neighborhood of the 4 you mention where you can walk to everything you could possibly need without a car.

I'd never live in WT without a car.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 2:38 PM

2:38:

You are INCREDIBLY naive.

You REALLY think the only difference between Windsor Terrace and Bed Stuy is white faces vs. black??!

You can't be serious.

Bed Stuy has and continues to be one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York City. It also has one of the highest poverty rates in the city.

Are you REALLY that ignorant??

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 2:42 PM

2:38 - Please don't tell these people they can get more in Bed-Stuy. I live there and like it. Please don't ruin it for me.

This house is such a bargain!

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 2:43 PM

2:42 has never been to Bed-Stuy.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 2:44 PM

This site has become a site for people who hate brooklyn houses. Maybe the BKLN houses would get some love on the Garden City Blog.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 2:51 PM

Been to Bed Stuy many times. Would you like me to pull up the crime stats for there and WT for you, 2:44?

I'm happy to...

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 2:52 PM

How on earth do you know Joey Scunzool? He be a good cat but drinks too much.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:03 PM

this thread is definitely about real estate alternatives for the same amount of money.

anyone who thinks you don't need a minimum of $300K for fix this loser up is sorely mistaken.

so, let's say this POS effectively costs $1.2 million.

why can't we talk about the alternatives in a closer and more amenity filled neighborhoods? why wouldn't someone want a brand new condo, no work needed to need to live somewhere else while pouring money into this pit and paying it's mortgage.

even if you get your precious house renovated, you will still be stuck in snoresville WT. it's not good there. it's awful and a long taxi ride or painful F ride away.

there are other places to play frisbee.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:14 PM

"why wouldn't someone want a brand new condo"

Try that line on Curbed and you might get a more favorable response.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:19 PM

"there are other places to play frisbee."

like in the patches of "grass" surrounding the Louis Armstrong Houses?

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:21 PM

If you have been to Bed-Stuy, 2;52, you would never have made that comment at 2:42. WOuld love to know where in BEd-Stuy you have been. Driving through teh area to get soemwhere else doesn't count. You realize that, right? Obviously, you are talking out of your ass.

The crime in Bed-Stuy is in isolated locations within the very large area. But you knew that, right?

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:22 PM

1:33 - I (1:29) made the comment supporting 1:19 not because I'm David Rogers, whoever the hell he is, but because I agree with 1:19. Simple as that.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:26 PM

I lived in Bed Stuy for 3 years, Mr. Smartpants.

And after twice being mugged outside the A train station, I decided to move to greener pastures.

My girlfriend was called names almost on a daily basis.

Nice homes in Bed Stuy, but not for me.

That wasn't actually the point anyway. You made this about race, and it's not. It's about safety and quality of life.

Both of which are better in Windsor Terrace for me.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:26 PM

I don't believe a thing you wrote, 3:26.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:31 PM

3:31 - Not my problem.

George Bush doesn't believe that 75% of the country hates his guts, but it's still true.

You voted for Romney, huh?

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:37 PM

wrong again, 3:37. Don't know if you realized it or not, but the democrats had a primary today too. You are such a loser.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:46 PM

I'm a loser (?) because you posted the following:

"What's the rationale for over $1M?"

Racism.

Let's not pussyfoot around it. Why would you buy this crapshack when you could get a stately brownstone in Stuy Heights or Crown Heights North? Because you think those neighborhoods are "scary." But you're just fine living next door to Joey Scunzool, 42 year old former car-service driver with rage issues and a restraining order from his ex-wife, living with his parents. Because he's white, so he's not scary."

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:50 PM

"My girlfriend was called names almost on a daily basis."

What does your girfriend look like? This may not be a safety-related issue.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:53 PM

To 12:15--all the limestone houses on 10th, 11th, and Sherman and Windsor are Calder houses as well

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:53 PM

To 12:48--Fuller and Howard Place houses modeled on buildings in Baltimore--Sailor's Row or something like that. Calder built several different type houses in WT at different times and then moved on to Flatbush, Sheepshead Bay (some large single-family houses) and Marine Park (brick rowhouses)

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:56 PM

My girlfriend was black and I'm white.

They don't take to that too well in Bed Stuy.

Not big fans of diversity.

Keep pumping the hood though. It's gonna need it.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:56 PM

3:50: I never made that post. I am 2:44.

How many times are you going to be wrong?

And for the record, you can get a bigger house, in better shape, near a park in Bed-Stuy and not have to worry about crime - more than we all do - with bars restaurants adn a food co-op within a few blocks. All for less than $1 million

So, yes, you are a loser.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 3:56 PM

So why are you pumping your hood so much, 3:56??? Can't people choose for themselves where they'd like to live without you dictating what would and would not be better?

It wouldn't be because your neighborhood has the highest rate of foreclosure in the borough, would it??

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 4:00 PM

there's a reason why homes in bed stuy are less than a million...

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 4:02 PM

16st and 7th Avenue is not a great area.

I went to high school near. I do agree that some of the housing choices that some people make to avoid Black people questionable. This pat of Windsor Terrace, many parts of Sunset Park, and the wack frame houses in Greenpoint are perfect example of poor housing stock.

you can get a house like this in Carnarsie or East Flatbush for $375-$450K. But then you'd have to deal with those pesky Black Folks

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 4:18 PM

4:18...learn how to read and write and maybe someone would listen to you.

if you had finished up at high school, maybe you'd know that this is a perfectly fine area.

it's no west village, but it's safe, near a beautiful park and not yet totally filled with yuppies.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 4:21 PM

The idea that you can live in Bed-Stuy and "not have to worry about crime -- more than we all do" is laughable. Just look at the statistics. And yes, I know Bed-Stuy is big. Doesn't matter. The best street in that neighborhood -- with the possible exception of St. Heights -- is going to see more crime in the course of a year than the worst street in Carroll Gardens. And no one who lives in a neighborhood stays only on their street anyway. If you need a map to know which streets are safe, and which aren't, then homes in that neighborhood are going to -- and should -- sell for a discount.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 4:31 PM

Thank you for some much needed logic, 4:31.

Anyone who claims Bed Stuy is safer than Windsor Terrace (as a whole) has not ever been to either neighborhood, and I'm guessing has a lot riding on their home purchase in Bed Stuy.

Otherwise, the comment is absurd.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 4:38 PM

I purchased my house in Fort Greene when people were reading crime stats and saying it was the worst neighborhood in Brooklyn. I sold it for 300% profit to a young couple who was afraid to raise their kids in the suburbs. How did the suburbs become more of a scary place than the hood?

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 4:38 PM

because most people who live in the suburbs are dead inside.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 4:46 PM

4:46 is a horse's ass.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 4:49 PM

"My girlfriend was black and I'm white.

They don't take to that too well in Bed Stuy."

You're so full of it. There are lots of interracial couples in Bed Stuy. I'm sure some jerks made stupid comments, but that can happen anywhere. Most Bed Stuy people wouldn't give a crap abouit you and your girlfriend. The comments probably had something to do with you personally.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 4:50 PM

4:50:
The comments were made as we walked down the street together and then oftentimes to her while she was alone by the people who knew we were together.

Why would you be defending people making nasty comments to us? I don't understand that. I never did a thing to anyone other than try to be neighborly.

Why can't you accept that we didn't feel comfortable there?

Are you THAT blind to the realities of your own neighborhood.

Your last sentence is really disturbing. So you are saying we DESERVED (or I deserved) to be verbally attacked?

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 4:55 PM

Archie Bunker reno? Oh let me get this right. All you useless hipster folk would certainly do fabulous West Elm chic here right? You are all just too cool. Brooklyn was made from homes like this like Two Toms restaurant on tird and tird. Brownstoner go back to the city and take your diaper disciples with ya!

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 5:13 PM

This place would look amazing all done up in a modern vintage look!

Congrats to the highest bidder!

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 5:15 PM

4:55 - I did not "defend" those people. I find your story dubious because I know the atmosphere in Bed Stuy. I don't live there, but live close enough (Crown Heights) that I do walk in the area from time to time, sometimes with my white friends (I'm black). And my last sentence is meant to mean exactly what it says - maybe it has something to do with you. I'm not saying that what those people supposedly said to you and your girl was "right." It's obviously wrong for anyone to use racial slurs to anyone else, regardless of respective race. But I find it hard to believe that this was a frequent occurrence for you in Bed Stuy. Hell, I don't even know if you are being honest (I'm skeptical).

5:05 - Yesah, that's true. Women who pass by a corner with bums hanging out there qwill likely be harrassed. That sucks. But those people obviusoly don't represent the totality of Bed Stuy. But hey, go ahead and pull out your nine and bang away. You're in NYC. If you are going to shoot everyone who makes stupid comments to you, you're going to kill a lot of people.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 5:17 PM

The market will speak for itself, my friends. What we all think doesn't really matter much when there are 6 bidders trying to get the place. For those who seem unfailingly committed to opine on the merits of their own neighborhoods, I am happy for you. I would be even happier if you stayed put. WT does not need Billyburgers, stroller parades, or pseudo-hipster hangouts for validation. I have lived in WT (in a Calder house) for almost 40 years, and quite frankly most of you have no idea what you are talking about.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 5:30 PM

4:55

didn't you hear? in brownstoner world, black people aren't capable of being racist.
it's because white people walk around and "do something" to provoke them.

I made a similar post about being harassed in crown heights and was lambasted for being an "asshole"

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 5:32 PM

do or die

bed stuy!!

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 5:35 PM

thank you for adding to the thread, 5:35.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 5:52 PM

Don't you people have jobs?

I guess you are all rents. What a bunch of ShitTwits!

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 5:55 PM

You work fast 5:55 (nee 3:52 from TJ thread). Well done!

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 6:07 PM

Thank you, 6:07. I hope I make you proud in the posts and threads to come.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 7:18 PM

What do you thnk, Crazy Man Lady

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 8:34 PM

I'm really happy and proud that Bed Stuy has come as far as it has. I was in law enforcement in the 80's and 90's, which you all know were not among Bed Stuy's shining moments. Still, though, how can any rational person say that it is now safer or even comparable to WT? I agree that the growth and profit prospects are superior to WT, but overall safety? Come on. Be objective.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:08 PM

Fucktards fail to know that police have made a concerted effort in certain hoods, including bed-stuy. The criminal element has scattered like roaches in the daylight. Unless you are a drug dealer trying to be killed by your competition, the situation has changed drastically. you and your black gf can come back and check it out if you like.

Hey pig, when was the last time you were in teh hood?

it is obvious that you all talk out of your asses.

Posted by: guest at February 5, 2008 11:56 PM

I can't believe you guys, you're a bunch of fockin retodds... I grew up in WT, on this very block, and you're all wrong. There aren't any "Archie Bunkers" or Hip diokheads, just hardworking writers, accountants, barmen, printers, firemen (2 lost in 9/11), butchers, lawyers, illustrators and city workers--all just trying to raise their families and find the ever-allusive parking spot. So go to bed stuy, the burbs, or wherever, and stop inpugning the good name of people who didn't asked to be judged by a bunch of wankers on a blog.

Posted by: guest at February 6, 2008 5:09 AM

NOBODY expects a Spanish Inquisition...

Posted by: guest at February 6, 2008 11:34 AM

5:09...I couldnt agree more!!!!

Posted by: guest at February 6, 2008 6:28 PM

I lived in BedStuy in 98, Jefferson & Nostrand and I was definitely the only white girl on the block. I only received one comment in 6 months. I actually found people really friendly and got to know a lot of neighbors. Then again, I wasn't walking home much after 9PM, I had a run from gunshots incident, and there was an accidental shot through the front window into the ceiling. But hey, that was '98 ;)

Posted by: guest at February 7, 2008 9:46 AM

I moved from Fort Greene to Windsor Terrace. Both neighborhoods are great! Very different. With kids however, it is so amazing being right next to Prospect Park. We spend unlimited hours exploring the trails, riding bikes, watching horses, skating, fishing, sampling playgrounds, walking from one end to the other, riding the carosel etc...

Also, because there are mostly single family homes, everyone knows one another and the atmosphere is intimate.

The sun seems to shine brighter over here. I think because the houses are low and the streets are wide.

It could use a little more diversity but that is starting to happen. Most of the new people moving in are a variety of races, religions, backgrounds, and in all kinds of occupations. People are involved in the community and P.S. 154, the school that is in the heart of the neighborhood. The one thing that most people have in common is kids. It just is so perfect with the little yards and quiet blocks next to Prospect Park and walking distance to the school and playgrounds.

There are a few cute cafes like Lonleyville and Crossroads and then the Ice Cream hangout Uncle Louies. It isn't trendy but feels really authentic and charming to me. For trendy we can walk 10 minutes and we are at all the cool new shops and restaurants in the South Slope and we don't have to worry about driving there. It is also one subway stop away or a few bus stops.

The inside of the homes I have seen of the younger crowd do not look so "Granny". That is all up to the resident's personal aesthetic to make it what it is. The houses are so solid that often the renovations needed to be done are mostly cosmetic.

The "F" train can be a bit of a drag sometimes but after the viaduct rehabilitation, the schedule should go back to normal "F" service but with added "G" (service has been approved to begin soon). Then my two favorite neighborhoods will be linked directly and I will be able to visit Fort Greene much more easily. Parking, so far is so easy.

I feel we have the best of many worlds here. And nowhere is perfect. And for those people interested in the diversity angle, I come from a family that is made up of White, Black, Asian,Catholic, Jewish,Agnostic and disabled people. Just a typical Brooklyn famly.

Posted by: guest at February 16, 2008 11:08 AM

I love these houses because they have a lot more light inside than the typical brownstone.

Posted by: guest at February 16, 2008 11:29 AM