« New Domino: The Renderings House of the Day: 467 45th Street »
June 24, 2008
Co-op of the Day: 2 Grace Court
This two-bedroom at 2 Grace Court in Brooklyn Heights looks pretty darn good to us at the asking price of $675,000. With a monthly maintenance of $881, this place is cheaper across the board than the similar two-bedroom at 90 8th Avenue that we discussed yesterday. This place doesn't feel quite as grand, but it's prewar to the core, has the elevator/doorman connection and is steps from the promenade. Seems like a lay-up to us.
2 Grace Court [Brown Harris Stevens] GMAP P*Shark
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Comments
it's not large for a 2 bedroom.
i guess park slope 2 bedrooms are getting to be more expensive than brooklyn heights.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 12:52 PM
This apartment has been on the market for months, previously listed with Corcoran. We saw it at one of Corcoran's open houses. It didn't show as well as it did in the listing's photos.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 12:54 PM
Very sweet, though I think the owners could have used a bit of staging help from the broker -- placing the couch across the lovely arched entrance to the kitchen is just plain strange, especially when there's a nice wall on the other side of the living room that could accommodate the couch. Looks like a lovely apartment, however, at a good price in a good location.
Posted by: Park Sloper at June 24, 2008 12:54 PM
Another "not really a 2 bedroom" with no closet in the second "bedroom."
What's with the awful faux rustic entry to the building?
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 12:56 PM
I am tired of reading "not really a 2 bedroom". why is this an issue if there was a renovation done and the new room has a window...technically it IS considered a bedroom. some folks don't need a formal dining room or a really really large master bedroom. if you are able to add a room and call it a bedroom why can't that be "real"? and for those who keep saying this, please tellus what you consider a "real" 2nd bedroom.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:00 PM
I think some of the units in this building are inches from the BQE. Would depend where and how high up it is -- it may be that you could never open the windows.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:01 PM
10x13 + 12x11.5 = 2BR
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:06 PM
if you look closely at the window it looks like the trees are right there so I am guessing it is a ground floor unit. but it looks lovely to me and I think that's a great price for a 2 bedroom in this area.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:07 PM
"technically it IS considered a bedroom."
Technically yes. Functionally no.
No closet, no deal.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:08 PM
Those dimensions look fine to me for a 2 bedroom. I have a 12x12 and 8x12 2 bdrm...that's a 2 bdrm to me too! (say that 2x's fast!! jk)
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:09 PM
"This two-bedroom at 2 Grace Court in Brooklyn Heights looks pretty darn good to us at the asking price of $675,000."
Hey Brownstoner, Cut this shit out! You and the hype machine! If this look so great sell your Brownstone and move. I know one day I will log on to "Brownstoner" and get a 404 error. I know that day is coming!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: what at June 24, 2008 1:10 PM
Actually, I'm getting tired of looking at apartments that are "not really a two bedroom". Maybe Realtors can start listing them as "2nd bdrm/converted dining room" or something. After all, it is a buyer's market!
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:14 PM
you don't need a closet to call it a bedroom. buy an armoire or build out a small closet. my goodness. 2 minor things to do to make a lovely place a 2 bedroom. Closets are "dead space" when doing floor dimensions so put a closet in if you'd like, it doesn't change the size of the room or the functionality. put a bed in it and you have a place to sleep. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:14 PM
This apt is lacking closets. Where do people put stuff.
I have a 2 bedroom and I have 2 closets in the entry, 2 closets opposite the bathroom, and closets in both bedrooms, and I wish I had one more closet.
Even in the new condos they're building, I think closets are lacking.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:18 PM
1:14 you are mistaken. seriously, does it matter if it reads converted? what about all those lofts you see that build out rooms? should they read that they built out bedrooms or should it read 2 bedrooms? I don't see what the matter is here...I agree with the other, if it has a 2nd bedroom (converted or otherwise)and the room has a window, then it is a 2nd bedroom. what if the folks living there use the 2nd room as an office or a den? should they not call it a bedroom just because it may not have a bed there now? people people people...
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:18 PM
closets may be lacking but that doesn't mean a room isn't a bedroom or a bedroom can't be called a bedroom.
No one is answering the question from 1:00pm, what do you think constitutes a 2nd bedroom if this doesn't?
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:20 PM
according to streeateasy unit 4Z - same apartment 2 floors higher in this building sold at $619K a few months ago...
listed as a ONE bedroom...
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:25 PM
Agreed on the staging, it makes it look like there is no room to put a large couch in the room, when in fact there is. And having spent way too many hours watching all those Sell you House/Decorate your House shows on TV, I know that most people have zero imagination. Unless you get it right, they can't imagine the layout of the room with their own furniture, a different color, etc.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:26 PM
You get to call something a bedroom if either (a) it has at least one closet or (b) it has enough space to build a closet or install an armoire without turning the room into a shoebox. This is a one bedroom apartment. That being said, it's a nice-looking one bed in a great neighborhood and I think the price is within the range of reasonable (not to say it won't sell for less in the current environment, but unlike yesterday's "2 bed" this isn't clearly overpriced).
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:31 PM
I'm not saying that a bedroom without a closet isn't a bedroom. It is indeed a bedroom, just a sub-par one. That's fine for a rental, but not for a $675k purchase.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:35 PM
and your point is? all that tells me is that they didn't do a conversion but it's now a 2 bedroom.
where did you grow up? I grew up in a small cape house. one of the bedrooms was originally the attic which eventually was converted to a small bedroom that one of the kids would get. when the house sold it was then sold as a 4 bedroom (one room that was a den became a bedroom too, this did have a closet already. PS: TWO of the bedrooms did not have closets in the rooms. There was a small closet in the hallway that was shared by both rooms upstairs. the value of the home appreciated just having the extra bedrooms. don;'t see much of a difference with coops doing the same thing...
Posted by: just me at June 24, 2008 1:35 PM
and your point is? all that tells me is that they didn't do a conversion but it's now a 2 bedroom.
where did you grow up? I grew up in a small cape house. one of the bedrooms was originally the attic which eventually was converted to a small bedroom that one of the kids would get. when the house sold it was then sold as a 4 bedroom (one room that was a den became a bedroom too, this did have a closet already. PS: TWO of the bedrooms did not have closets in the rooms. There was a small closet in the hallway that was shared by both rooms upstairs. the value of the home appreciated just having the extra bedrooms. don;'t see much of a difference with coops doing the same thing...
Posted by: just me at June 24, 2008 1:35 PM
oops, sorry about the double post.
Posted by: just me at June 24, 2008 1:38 PM
this might just be the most boring argument in the history of brownstoner. .
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:38 PM
just me = daveinbedstuy
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:39 PM
2:35/2:35 - Your childhood home is a red herring. I grew up in a crappy house that has managed to appreciate in value too, but that has nothing to do with the price of a converted 2 bed in Brooklyn Heights.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:42 PM
My 2 bedroom definition is somewhere a guest can put their suitcase and shut the door. so this is definitely a two bedroom.
Not to 'diss' this building but I went to an open house in that building and it was depressing. down a long hall - up a stinky urine smelling elevator down another long hallway. I didn't care what the space looked like. If I had to make that trip to and from my front door - I wouldn't like it. maybe this apt is closer to the bldg entrance which would help . . alot.
then had to go to the other side of the building up another elevator (albeit better smelling) to the roof deck where upon sat a half neked sunbather in all his whale flesh qualities.
needless to say, this was not a good experience.
It felt like an insane asylum redeux
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:45 PM
Brooklyn Heights bores me to tears. I don't hear about anyone actually seeking out wanting to live there now that Wall Street has gone bust. It's got crappy restaurants, henry street is a dump, and the people are almost unbearable.
What's the attraction other than the subway access?
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:49 PM
This is a nice building, and the apartments are usually more affordable, but my understanding from others who have lived there is that co-op board is old old old and stodgy, so it's hard to do anything other than breath softly there or to get a buyer approved... hence, they often sell at more reasonable prices.
Still, a controlling board means safe, clean and well-managed.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:53 PM
Me thinks BIDDING WAR will ensue. Probably will get $689-695k for this joint.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 1:55 PM
Me thinks BIDDING WAR will ensue. Probably will get $689-695k for this joint.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:00 PM
01/25/2008
Listed in StreetEasy with Corcoran at $735,000
03/18/2008
Price decreased to $715,000
04/07/2008
Price decreased to $695,000
05/13/2008
Price decreased to $675,000
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:01 PM
Looks more like a bidding moratorium.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:03 PM
"steps from the promenade" yes... but no. you have to walk up grace court, up hicks, and down remsen to access the promenade. though technically it is "steps from the BQE" (and views).
as for the 2-BR claim: it's legit. closets or no closets (heard of an armoire?), a room only has to be 8'x10' and have proper light & air to be a legal bedroom. this looks to fit the bill.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:03 PM
1:49 = bitter park sloper
BTW, whatever happened to Biff Barf.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:03 PM
This apt is absolutely hum drum. The fact that so many people are saying its "lovely" makes it abundantly clear why such crap apts are always built - people have extraodinarily low standards and expectations.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:08 PM
"It's got crappy restaurants, henry street is a dump, and the people are almost unbearable.
What's the attraction other than the subway access?"
sometimes the truth hurts.
the waterfront proximity is a plus, BQE is a minus (so loud!)... it's a beautiful neighborhood though, you can't deny that.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:10 PM
is this on the right side of the park?
meaning, are there black people in this neighborhood?
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:14 PM
No park, sorry.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:25 PM
2:14 YOU ARE A LOSER.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:26 PM
Let me put an end to all the speculation here... I went to an open house at this apartment a few months ago. First off, it needs better staging. The realtor should tell the owner how to place the furniture so it shows better. That open kitchen archway is a great selling point but how can a buyer envision the potential if it's blocked by a couch and kitchen furniture?
While this was obviously originally a one bedroom with a seperate dining room/den complete with french doors, the second bedroom is a full size room. There is a closet right outside the second bedroom. Anyone who is familiar with pre-war apartment buildings in Brooklyn knows it's not uncommon to have a bedroom without a closet and instead find several closets for that room in a hallway. I grew up in an apartment building on Kings Highway that was exactly like this.
If the lack of a closet inside the bedroom is of such a big concern, it would cost only a few hundred dollars plus labor costs to construct a closet in the room. There is definitely enough room to do so. There is also enough room for a full size dining table in the living room/foyer area.
There is a tremendous amount of closet space in the master bedroom. Although, I can't imagnine anyone wanting to keep the floor to ceiling mirror doors in place. Mirror walls/doors = tacky.
The apartment building itself is very well kept and a desirable place to live, especially given it's close proximity to the promenade and a roof top deck with a view of the Manhattan skyline that is almost impossible to beat. The roof top deck is enormous.
The biggest drawback to this apartment is that the building is situated right next to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway where it turns away from Atlantic Avenue and enters the space below the promenade. Sound is obviously an issue because in addition to the primary windows, there are secondary windows built into some of the room. In other words, there is no window sill space because it's taken up by two windows placed back to back. Picture having to open up your window twice every time you want to let in some air. While this may be a reason to pass on this apartment for some people, the fact is there are new, sound proof window technologies out there. A new owner could potentially replace both sets of windows with one window and sufficiently block out the noise of the BQE. My friend moved into a new apartment on Atlantic Avenue right by 4th Avenue. She has these sound proofing windows in place and when they are closed, you can't hear the traffic on Atlantic Avenue inside her apartment at all.
And to the poster at 1:18, if you have that much closet space and you still feel like you need more, you need to get rid of some of your crap my friend! You've got way too many possessions. There are entire families in this world that get by in a one room bamboo hut. And you don't think you've got adequate closet space? Seriously, time to take stock in what's an important possession and what's just taking up space.
The seller definitely has a problem, though, if the same apartment two flights up sold for that much less as a one bedroom. Thanks for the info 1:25 PM.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:28 PM
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:32 PM
so basically...the one on 8th avenue from yesterday is way better...
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:36 PM
I have a 1 family townhouse and have all of 4 closets. One in each bedroom, none in the common rooms. Guess people didn't use closets much back in the day.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:55 PM
This appartment looks like a 1 bedroom in stuy town. What do those rent for these days?
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 2:58 PM
"There are entire families in this world that get by in a one room bamboo hut."
Is it a doorman hut? Manhattan views?
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 3:19 PM
If a 1 bedroom in Stuy Town rents for $3,600, then I take back everything I've said about brooklyn townhouses being overvalued. Assume that means a 2-bedroom in stuy town is renting for $4,500+.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 3:29 PM
In most of Europe, it is quite common for a family to live in a small 2 bedroom apartment.
And nearly every country there seems to have a higher quality of life than we do here.
Something about Americans that is so damn greedy and gross.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 3:30 PM
****
The average monthly rent at Stuyvesant Town in 2006 was $1,241 for rent-stabilized units, and $2,767 for market-rate units.
According to the Stuy Town website, market-rate units now rent for a minimum of $2,900. At classier Peter Cooper Village, the starting price is $3,270.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 3:39 PM
Ok sorry...so here's the scoop on Stuy Town
1 Bedroom - start at 2995
2 bedroom - start at 3610
3 bedroom - start at 5155
I think even with these prices, I'm pretty convinced that Brownstone Brooklyn is not overvalued in the least.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 3:41 PM
Guest 3:30, I chose to stay in NYC and raise my kids (now teenagers) living in a 1,500 square foot dulpex. It's ranged from just fine to great. I would not want to live in this Grace Court apartment with two kids though. It's claustrophic looking and wouldn't take much to clutter up. A fanily needs a certain amount of room.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 3:42 PM
Peter Cooper Village - 1 bedroom starts at 3250
2 bedrooms start at 4225.
HOLY MOTHER!!!!
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 3:42 PM
What are people's thoughts on 150 Joralemon Street? I live down the block in a rental, looking to buy a 1-bedroom sometime in the near future, see listings in this building pop up somewhat frequently.
Posted by: fishermb at June 24, 2008 3:51 PM
I'd look in Park Slope if I were you, 3:51.
Brooklyn Heights has topped out and isn't going to appreciate any more for a decade.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 3:54 PM
Those Stuy Town and Peter Cooper Village apartment prices make me SOOOOO glad I bought something.
Those places look like projects!!!
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 4:11 PM
so seriously folks...it now costs 3K bucks a month to rent a 1 bedroom in stuy town.
are you going to tell me that you can't find a 1 bedroom anywhere you'd like to live in nyc for under 500K or about the amount you'd be spending to be paying less on a mortgage than you would on rent...?
the whole...it's cheaper to rent thing seems to go out the window as we all become more enlightened to 2008 rental prices in nyc.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 4:18 PM
I live in this building, so I can't claim to be unbiased. I have a few comments. First, the windows belong to the building, not the individual owners, so you can't replace them. Second, this apartment is right on the BQE. 2 Grace Court has four sections and the P - Z segment is on the BQE. This segment has the benefits of a view of the city, but I don't think that the Z line has that view. It faces North, not West. I have never been in an apartment in this segment, so I'm not sure how loud it gets. I live a segment over and you can't really hear the BQE. Third, the apartments in this line are right below the roof deck. Per an earlier comment, the roof deck has an amazing view of the city and is usually empty (don't really understand why). Fourth, I've never had any issues with the Coop Board. It is a mix of young and old people. I don't think it is particularly strict. They are concerned about the financial stabilty of the buyer, but that isn't unique. Fifth, to 1:45 PM, I am frankly stunned by these comments. I have never smelled anything in the halls or the elevators. The staff does a really good job cleaning the building. In terms of the long hallways that is a function of the multiple segments. The building has constructed in the 1930s, so the style might not be for everyone, but depressing is a stretch. Finally, on the bedroom/not bedroom, my apartment has closets in the bedrooms, so haven't really thought about it.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 4:21 PM
I live in this building, so I can't claim to be unbiased. I have a few comments. First, the windows belong to the building, not the individual owners, so you can't replace them. Second, this apartment is right on the BQE. 2 Grace Court has four sections and the P - Z segment is on the BQE. This segment has the benefits of a view of the city, but I don't think that the Z line has that view. It faces North, not West. I have never been in an apartment in this segment, so I'm not sure how loud it gets. I live a segment over and you can't really hear the BQE. Third, the apartments in this line are right below the roof deck. Per an earlier comment, the roof deck has an amazing view of the city and is usually empty (don't really understand why). Fourth, I've never had any issues with the Coop Board. It is a mix of young and old people. I don't think it is particularly strict. They are concerned about the financial stabilty of the buyer, but that isn't unique. Fifth, to 1:45 PM, I am frankly stunned by these comments. I have never smelled anything in the halls or the elevators. The staff does a really good job cleaning the building. In terms of the long hallways that is a function of the multiple segments. The building has constructed in the 1930s, so the style might not be for everyone, but depressing is a stretch. Finally, on the bedroom/not bedroom, my apartment has closets in the bedrooms, so haven't really thought about it.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 4:22 PM
In the rent vs. own comparison, my experience has been that owning is more expensive in the early years of ownership (lots of upfront costs + the interest component of your mortgage is at its highest). Over time, your cost start to become relatively fixed and the interest component of your mortgage declines. Renting is sort of the opposite. Year first year of renting is going to be your cheapest and your rent is going to go up over time. I think rent basically doubles every 10 year.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 4:25 PM
The other good news about owning is that in 30 years you are done paying, so doesn't one need to factor in that when I'm done paying for my house at the age of 60, there are those who will still need to pay rent for an additional 10-40 years, depending on life span...?
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 4:32 PM
My rent has increased less than 10% in 5 years.
Choose your landlords more carefully.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 4:34 PM
4:32...yes, that is something to consider for sure. I don't think many Americans think too much about the future though. Thus the whole negative savings rate issue and the fact that something like 60% of the American population over 55 have less than 10K saved for retirement. I find that ALARMING! To say the least.
It's also important to note that 95% of those years past 60 will be non working years and on a fixed income. People in this country need to start looking into the future a bit more than they do now.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 4:34 PM
"My rent has increased less than 10% in 5 years.
Choose your landlords more carefully."
Nothing like stating something which is the exception and not the norm as fact.
Ignorant poster.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 4:35 PM
"Nothing like stating something which is the exception and not the norm as fact."
Exception or not, it remains a fact.
Back at ya, ignoramus.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 5:00 PM
"My rent has increased less than 10% in 5 years"
That is the expection and not the rule. Similar exceptions for owners would be those
who refinanced when rates declined and cut their mortgage costs by 1/4-1/3rd and those who saw their home prices double in 5 years.
On average, if you live in NYC over time, your rent will go up more than 10% in 5 years. For example, aren't even stabilized leases allowed increases approaching 8%-9% on 2-year leases this year..
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 5:10 PM
So when I'm looking for an apartment, what should I be looking for in the landlord to allow me to predict whether or not he will increase my rent in the coming years....
In your court, idiot for brains...
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 5:11 PM
5:10, yes they are increasing 8.5% for a two year lease.
5:00 isn't very smart. You'll have to excuse them.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 5:12 PM
"5:00 isn't very smart. You'll have to excuse them."
Yes, I'm so dumb. Poor stupid me with my less than 2% rent increase per year. It's a wonder how I ambulate.
"So when I'm looking for an apartment, what should I be looking for in the landlord to allow me to predict whether or not he will increase my rent in the coming years...."
Look deep into that douchebag abyss you call your soul, and then look for the exact opposite qualities in your landlord. They probably won't rent to you, but it's worth a shot.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 5:28 PM
I own, 5:28.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 5:36 PM
i'd say you were owned.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 5:44 PM
looks like biff is talking to himself again... Well, this thread is officially dead!
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 5:44 PM
Back to this apartment - basically its a one-bedroom, converted into two, making the living space a bit small. The same unit, uncoverted, sells at a much lower price. This is obvious to all buyers, which is why its still on the market.
I assume the owner is waiting for the one moronic buyer who doesnt get it, or doesnt care.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 5:47 PM
My mortgage payment goes up 0% for 30 years. Take THAT 5:28.
And I bought my 1 bedroom for less than 100K.
HA!
a HOLE!
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 5:52 PM
Well I bought my 10 gazillion bedroom for less than a nickel.
So there!
Poopyhead!
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 6:01 PM
Now that's just stupid, 6:01
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 6:04 PM
Well, it wouldn't be a true Brownstoner post unless it degenerated into name calling.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 6:17 PM
gazillion? yep that's biff
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 6:45 PM
I had a horrible experience trying to buy an apartment in this building. The co-op board (as my lawyer and realtor all agreed) was an absolute nightmare. The experience caused my realtor (who also represented the buyer) to leave the industry. Naturally it was a blessing -- I'm closing on an apartment that is 2x more expensive but 4X as nice.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 7:16 PM
I've also heard HORROR stories about the board of this building.
Trust me...you don't want to get involved.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 7:24 PM
"gazillion? yep that's biff"
Sorry, I'm definitely not Biff.
But I suppose if I were Biff, that's exactly what you'd expect me to say.
But no, not Biff, not this time.
Thanks for playing Guess that Guest, next contestant please.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 7:43 PM
"Thanks for playing Guess that Guest, next contestant please.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 7:43 PM"
- Biff
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 7:57 PM
Wow...interesting article...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/25/business/25exurbs.html?hp
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 8:50 PM
"Thanks for playing Guess that Guest, next contestant please.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 7:43 PM"
- Biff
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 7:57 PM
- MetaBiff
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 9:03 PM
MetaBiff = bxgrl
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 9:09 PM
As usual, many of the posters have no idea what the heck they are talking about. This is a lovely building, it has one of the most elegant entries and lobbbies in Brooklyn Heights, it is very well managed, the board is mostly youngish and very nice, the windows in this unit face south not north, and brooklyn heights is a wonderful place to call home.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 9:20 PM
where is brooklyn heights?
- bxgrl
(i am a gril from da bronx afterall)
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 9:24 PM
The lobby and roofdeck in this building are really to die for, that's true.
I think that some folks have this building mixed up with 1 Grace Court across the street. That building is somewhat famous for its old and cranky board. The board in this building is the opposite, really nice and reasonable. At least in my experience.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 9:30 PM
ignorance = strength
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 10:07 PM
This building was built in the early 1920's.
It is very well preserved. there is nothing faux about it. It is on one of the most incredibly beautiful blocks in New York City.
The owners of this unit botched the renovation. that is not the building's fault.
Buy it, renovate it right, and you will own a gem.
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 10:20 PM
choppity chop chop chop
Posted by: guest at June 24, 2008 10:22 PM
Owning is always better than renting, period! Equity, equity, equity! What do you have to show for renting year after year after year? Nothing. It's throwing money away while increasing someone else's equity.
Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 9:57 AM
Interesting tid bit about the windows... so has the board ever considered replacing the double windows with a single, modern sound proofing unit on each window sill facing the BQE. Frankly, the double windows said to me that sound was an issue and it played a big part in me not placing a bid. But had there been only one window in each opening, I don't know if the thought would have entered my mind.
As for the renovation, sure, the owner could have down something more aesthetically pleasing, but the quality of the workmanship seemed good and the opening between the kitchen and living room is appealing. The owner just needs to stage this place better. Perhaps the new realtor can convince the owner to make some changes. I mean the owner is blocking a major attribute to the apartment by placing the sofa right in front of the opening. Common sense, people! Ugh!
Also, if the same apartment 2 flights up being used as a one bedroom (with better views) sold for $60,000 less, this owner should have come down in price by now.
The roof deck is to die for! It's a jaw dropping view. Surprised to hear the other resident in this building say that it's hardly ever used. What a shame.
Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 10:15 AM
Owning is always better than renting. Why pay $3000 in rent to a sleazy landlord, when you can pay $4000 in interest to a reputable bank, $1000 in taxes and $1000 in maintenance costs to your coop board? After all, rent goes up every year, and taxes and maintenance stay the same forever.
Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 10:41 AM
I think the opening between the kitchen and living room is a big mistake. It clearly limits the ability to place furniture in the room - you cannot place anything in front of it, and as design convention holds, you wouldnt want to place seating facing the kitchen. I would fill that hole up pronto and create a normal living room. (plus the wall would create addiitonal cupboard/counter space in the kitchen).
Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 11:33 AM
We considered this apartment - at 710, I think. With the tightening up of the mortgage market and the extensive documentation required to even apply for the apartment, we had to think long and hard about whether we loved it or not, especially for at least 20% down while showing a significant amount left over in our bank accounts. It just wasn't amazing. And yes, it felt cramped. Beautiful, but maybe overdecorated? As HGTV teaches you, you have to be able to see yourself in the apartment. And, don't think less of me, but we couldn't see ourselves, and our stuff, in that space. Maybe if it were empty it would've helped? Who knows.
Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 1:05 PM
"taxes and maintenance stay the same forever"
I hope you're joking.
"Why pay [...] rent to a sleazy landlord, when you can pay [...] interest to a reputable bank"
Now I know you're joking.
Posted by: guest at June 25, 2008 1:38 PM
this a lovely apartment, best deal in brooklyn heights
Posted by: guest at June 27, 2008 1:02 PM
this a lovely apartment, best deal in brooklyn heights
Posted by: guest at June 27, 2008 1:04 PM
I agree. I viewed this apartment two weeks ago and was absolutely stunned by what an amazing deal it was. THe bedrooms are large and the mirrors make the space look large. This is a great deal for a stunning apartment in a great neighborhood. and i was really surprised because though it is near BQE, you cannot hear it at all. Also, there is a huge roof deck that is perfect for dinner, sunbathing, or a late night drink. This BEATIFUL apartment will not be on the market for long...
Posted by: guest at June 27, 2008 10:24 PM
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