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December 3, 2008
Condos of the Day: 24 Remsen Street
They didn't cut any corners on this one. After a lengthy renovation, the brick-and-limestone mansion at 24 Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights has re-emerged as a four-unit condominium that, from the looks of it, aimed to preserve as much architectural detail while giving the 1896 residence a lighter, slightly more modern feel. It looks very well done to us. Another sweetener: The building is also a stone's throw from the promenade. Quality has a price though: All four units are priced well north of $1,000 a foot. The third-floor floor-through, for example, clocks in at 1,441 square feet and has a maintenance of $1,103 and an asking price of $1,745,000. The development's web site is here and there's an open house by appointment on Sunday.
24 Remsen Street, #3 [Brennan RE/NYT]
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Comments
OMFG...Gorgeous!
Posted by: FtGreeneCorey at December 3, 2008 12:50 PM
effing first-rate! they'll get ask.
Posted by: goldie at December 3, 2008 12:53 PM
Wow- Gorgeous!
Posted by: PHfamily at December 3, 2008 12:56 PM
Tacky :)
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 3, 2008 12:56 PM
Limestone AND corner windows. Very nice indeed.
Posted by: dittoburg at December 3, 2008 12:57 PM
Beautiful job. This is the standard others should look to when they're remodeling old houses and/or brownstones in Brooklyn. Can't comment on the price -- all those zeros confuse me.
Posted by: mopar at December 3, 2008 12:57 PM
Absolutely gorgeous - love the windows in the bedroom shot. Seems like they really paid meticulous attention to detail. If I were spending 1.75mm, I'd go for a full brownstone, but I can see how someone who doesn't want to deal with restoring and/or maintaining a full house could really love this place.
Posted by: cwbuecheler at December 3, 2008 12:58 PM
RIP OFF!!
Posted by: bktycoon at December 3, 2008 1:03 PM
They were working on this place for a long time. I was very curious how they would turn out. Seems they've done a great job. I love the bedroom windows and the fireplace. That part of Remsen (like most parts of Remsen) is beautiful. I thought they might actually have a view of the river and Manhattan from the front windows as the building is quite close to the water, but I'm not sure they do. "Open house by appointment"...I guess they aren't feeling desperate to sell.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 1:03 PM
looks nice, but i think a lot of you are swooning over the staging and photography (which are both excellent). i mean, $1,200/sf for a third-floor walkup? really?
Posted by: z at December 3, 2008 1:12 PM
"That part of Remsen (like most parts of Remsen) is beautiful."
Should I do a re-write on this one?
;)
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 3, 2008 1:14 PM
z, I don't think anyone thus far has commented that the pricing is reasonable. The comments have been directed at how nice the apartments look. Regarding the pricing, as nice as the homes are, I would be surprised if they fetch the asking prices.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 1:16 PM
The phots look great. So crisp. How does one take that kind of shot?
I find the apartment very pleasing, except for that green chair with the Hawiian looking fabric. Where did that come from?
Posted by: Bessie at December 3, 2008 1:16 PM
When I read "spacious Carrara marble baths" I was like, WOW they actually went all the way, marble tubs and all.
But no. They meant "Bathrooms". The pic shows a standard tub with a thin strip of marble ledge around it.
Not that I'm into free standing hunks of natural stone or anything. I was just kind of surprised for a moment, that they really threw in some money on this one.
In general, looks like a pretty standard renovation. Hate the thin strip flooring (can't even give us a nice plank or two?). The townhouse-condo corner conversion on Greene and Grand that Minsky was selling a while back looked this good or better.
Posted by: iz at December 3, 2008 1:22 PM
biff, the second comment in the thread was "they'll get ask." and normally a featured property would have several "overpriced" comments by now, which suggests that many are dazzled by these places.
in any event, my point is that once you strip out the staging furniture and see these places in person, i'll bet they look nice but not as spectacular as the pics suggest.
Posted by: z at December 3, 2008 1:24 PM
I thought I read Baths of Caracalla.
Posted by: dittoburg at December 3, 2008 1:25 PM
Bessie, I think a lot of that crispness is thanks to photoshop.
As far as the fabric, I had the same thought about the palm tree in the back. They're going for the buyer who wants a tropical vacation house in Brooklyn Heights? Maybe?
Posted by: iz at December 3, 2008 1:25 PM
bayridgegilrl, This one is well-staged with the sole purpose of getting the unit sold, not at all tacky. Sad that you can't tell the difference.
As for the price, I know people who bought a 25 foot wide 4 story on that street for 1.75M just 5 years ago.
Posted by: shillstoner at December 3, 2008 1:33 PM
Shillstoner, c'mon man. She was kidding. It was a reference to yesterday's renovation of a brownstone and vacant lot next door. Rather similar to our constant references to recessed lighting.
Posted by: Nokilissa at December 3, 2008 1:41 PM
This really is testing the upper limits of walk-up apartments. I suppose the really rich have assistants that follow them around and hoist up the groceries, toddlers, and miniature Yorkies.
Posted by: sam at December 3, 2008 1:45 PM
Heartless and boom times' idea of schmancy --perfect for the last a-hole who has this kind of money to waste. In reality, they'll sit --the bad news is really only hitting now. Strong dollar means no Euro money for pied-a-terre; death of Wall Street (and the hedgies, holy moly) means no domestic money either.
Posted by: Whuh at December 3, 2008 1:45 PM
z, you're right. I forgot about goldie's comment, which I disagree with. I think the comments on the pricing will come soon enough...
I also agree with you on the staging. I don't understand why people are critiquing the furniture. Unless this comes fully furnished, which I highly doubt it does, it's meaningless what one thinks of it.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 1:54 PM
Noki...thank you...that was exactly what I was referencing, Shill.
I put the smiley face at the end to denote humor.
Believe me, I of all people know a well staged apartment AND a well designed space!
And this one is indeed nicely designed.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 3, 2008 1:56 PM
These apartments are gorgeous, but super-pricey. The co-op of the day about a month ago at 70 Remsen (1 block up on an equally lovely street) is like half the price for like 200 less sq. feet and at least you get a doorman and an elevator thrown in...
Posted by: columbiatch at December 3, 2008 2:00 PM
Out of curiosity - is there any value to a doorman other than "dude will sign for packages for you"? I mean, I guess they hold the door for you, and possibly flag down cabs if you live somewhere where there are cabs. Do they do anything else?
Posted by: cwbuecheler at December 3, 2008 2:13 PM
Doormen know every last detail about your personal life. They're like paparazzi for the unfamous but attention-needy.
Posted by: iz at December 3, 2008 2:21 PM
I guess there might be a feeling of safety with a doorman? Especially if you work late hours, or if you have a kid?
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 3, 2008 2:22 PM
cwb, they call the cops if someone tries to kill you in the lobby, or break into your apt. In fact that's the MAIN reason for a doorman!
Posted by: denton at December 3, 2008 2:24 PM
bucheler,
If you don't understand the EXTREME amenity of having a doorman, you're either very young or not too with it.
Having a doorman is like having a personal assistant that doesn't get in your way. Nothing is better (other than a private driver) for the busy city dweller.
Posted by: sam at December 3, 2008 2:25 PM
I like that kitchen. A lot. Simple. Clean. Plain. Very nice.
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 3, 2008 2:27 PM
I've lived in doorman buildings and don't find it all that EXTREME of an amenity. Tho is was more useful than the elevator man -- who wants to say "how 'bout those Knicks" every time they get in the elevator. I'm happier without any of this help. Give me a really really handy super and I'm happy.
Is there a floorplan here somewhere? I'm not feeling the place if there isn't a separate dining room no matter how nice the finishes are.
Posted by: Ringo at December 3, 2008 2:34 PM
Interesting to note that Coburn did the interiors on this place as well as the place with the carriage house addition yesterday.
Two Coburn pieces in two days, Mr. B? [raised eyebrow].
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 3, 2008 2:34 PM
http://www.24remsen-bre.com/#Floorplans
Posted by: SnarkSlope at December 3, 2008 2:37 PM
sam - I'm 31, so I have no idea if that's too young or not. But I don't mind living in a non-doorman, walk-up building. Then again, I don't have any real need for a personal assistant, either, unless I could find one who knows how to write business plans.
I do approve of not being beaten and robbed in my building's lobby, however. That's always a plus.
I agree with Ringo that a good super is the most important thing about a building (and I know this because I've never had one).
Posted by: cwbuecheler at December 3, 2008 2:43 PM
Hey, but you could live in the Edge for that money!
(I am joking... I mean, yes, you could, but...)
It's beautiful. It's in what used to be the best neighborhood in Brooklyn and what will become the best neighborhood again, I suspect. It does kind of throw a bunch of the other million-plus-a-lot condos in other neighborhoods though slightly out of whack.
Posted by: Heather at December 3, 2008 2:49 PM
ah! I missed the whole damn site! nice job on the photos on this thing.
Posted by: Ringo at December 3, 2008 2:52 PM
Trust me, doormen know evey little detail about your personal life. You've all seen this on Law & Order episodes. I din't care about that...we even joked about it alot. You treat your doormen right at Christmas and they will be your best friend and even run interference for you when they sense they might need to!!!!
The building is a lot safer with a doorman and its great to have someone to collect your mail when you're away and sign for packages whenever they arrive. They're also great to leave keys with for arriving guests, letting cable, etc people in.
One of the things I miss the most in my brownstone.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 2:55 PM
I've lived in buildings with and without a doorman, and I would NEVER live in a doorman building again.
Hated it.
I much prefer the anonymous nature of living without one.
I find the added expense on the maintenance to be a real waste too. I can open my own door and have any large packages delivered to my office and save the extra 500 bucks a month.
Posted by: 11217 at December 3, 2008 2:56 PM
A really good super is an incredible plus...as long as you tip him. Then, the small annoying rules of a condo association seem to disappear!!!
No need for an elevator operator for the regular elevator...i agreee that'd be annoying...although our service elevator always had one. He'd make sure the takeout food delivery guys only came and went where they were supposed to.
Lots of people to tip at Christmas.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 2:57 PM
Dave...you must have had to tip your doorman extra so he'd turn a blind eye to your friends coming in from Thailand, no...?
Posted by: 11217 at December 3, 2008 3:03 PM
i once had a friend who was a bit on the promiscuous side and i always used to ask him, arent you kind of embarrassed cuz you have a doorman and being that way!?
how does one become a doorman? i heard they make a ton of money, especially during the holidays.. but i remember reading somewhere a while back that it's really hard to get a job doing it and that like butlers are they born into it?! i know for a fact doormen in commercial buildings are definitely not born into it, but they are more security guards than anything else.. how does one become a ritzy (or not so much ritzy doorman)? c'mon! tell me, this might be the only way ill ever become a non bitter rent !:)
*Rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 3:03 PM
That was the great thing 11217...he got to know them all!!!!
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 3:07 PM
Anyway...the maintenance isn't bad on this place. The key is how much of a reserve is there assuming all the mechanicals, roof, etc are all new. Get it down to $1,000 psf and that's 17% off of ask, not unheard of certainly in this environment. That is if you're all OK with $1,000 psf for this place!!!
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 3:11 PM
I'm pretty sure doormen have a union and you basically need to know someone to get in. Least, that's what I've read.
I have no interest in a stranger knowing the details of my life, nor in paying higher maintenance fees (and extra tips) for someone whom I'm not really going to use for anything, so yeh ... I'm probably better off sticking with a no-doorman building.
Posted by: cwbuecheler at December 3, 2008 3:14 PM
i'd imagine they'd be good if you have a weed or other substance delivery person, as it could be creepy and dangerous to actually let them in your apartment (and they always have to come in and stay for bit). not that i'd know about that kind of thing.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 3:17 PM
Rob,
If you need help on that front, I can let you know about someone who absolutely is not creepy nor dangerous.
And they don't stick around.
Not that I'd know anything about it either....
;-)
Posted by: 11217 at December 3, 2008 3:21 PM
I never knew my Chinese, Thai and Mexican deliveries were a "substance delivery" Just good food of course.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 3:22 PM
Lived in a doorman building from age 22-26 and I was embarrassed about how un-promiscuous I was...
Then lived without one for a few years (in the Villlage) and was no big deal, except for when my apartment got broken into and I had to put bars on my windows and extra locks on the door. Also one of my neighbors tried to kill herself by throwing herself down a flight a stairs and slashing herself with bottles found in the recycling bin. A doorman would have been nice that night...
Most buildings in Brooklyn are relatively leanly staffed (like 5-6 doormen and a super) as opposed to giant Manhattan high rises where there are like 20 people on the tip list each year!
Posted by: columbiatch at December 3, 2008 3:23 PM
one more point on the walk-up issue is that if you are planning to have babies in a walk up, make sure that there's stroller parking in the lobby...
Posted by: columbiatch at December 3, 2008 3:25 PM
WOW...a drug deal going down on brownstoner!!! I can see it now next year on Law & Order, ripped from the headlines. In fact I think I'm going to write the story for them in this book I started a few years ago and couldn't get my act together on it.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 3:27 PM
I have a friend who's a doorman and a stand-up comedian.
One of his lines is (not verbatim, of course):
Yeah, I'm a doorman, I work the front door. I have a gay friend who's also a door man. He works the back door.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 3, 2008 3:29 PM
No drug deals here.
I'm just sayin'...they all don't stick around nor are they all sketchy.
Please...as my neighbor who I met shortly upon moving to Park Slope introduced herself to me..."how does anyone live in NYC without being stoned"
We were fast friends.
Posted by: 11217 at December 3, 2008 3:29 PM
yeah really. thanks but no thanks, 11217. a delivery man (or woman) is the LAST thing my hello kitty wallet needs these days.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 3:30 PM
also im positive my roommate has a delivery person, tho he meets him outside. that's sketch i would never want to do that. (my roommates dont share tho, but he shares his good food that's just as good). okay this convo took a turn for the worst.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 3:32 PM
Yes, sorry all...back to the topic at hand...
I wonder how much pot 1.745 million dollars would buy...
hmmmm
Posted by: 11217 at December 3, 2008 3:34 PM
Brownstoner is my drug of choice for daytime recreational use!!!!!
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 3:34 PM
I'm kinda proud that with a single question I could lead this thread astray for like thirty posts!
Posted by: cwbuecheler at December 3, 2008 3:37 PM
i lived in a doorman building in NYC and could definetly live without one. it was nice to get packages etc...but they are nosey and a doorman means doormen (5-10) people to tip every year and year day for every little thing. i dreaded the holidays and thinking about who & how many to tip. do you tip the night guy more b/c you see him more than the day guy, who you wave to on your way to work? so annoying. this was was first and last experience living in an apartment building and i hated it. didn't know any of the neighbors - couldn't run down to the laundry room with out being 'dressed' and my neighbor got arrested for dealing drugs! in this luxury high rise..
ok - hate apartment living...glad i got that off my chest.
btw, this home is lovely! love it the kitchen finishes..
Posted by: bkny at December 3, 2008 3:38 PM
I'm a HUGE Hello Kitty fan Rob. Now tell me, where did you find a Hello Kitty wallet, and how do I get one?
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 3, 2008 3:38 PM
They don't call this site Brown"stoner" for nothing
Posted by: columbiatch at December 3, 2008 3:38 PM
now, now, not all of us imbibe...
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 3, 2008 3:40 PM
As an aside on this subject, this delivery person who handles all of Brooklyn said that he has more "deliveries" to Park Slope than any other neighborhood in the BK...
Not shocking I suppose, but it's interesting how many people you might not even guess "imbibe" cobblehiller...
Posted by: 11217 at December 3, 2008 3:44 PM
I know many a park slope "imbiber" though I myself haven't partaken since my southern california days.
Posted by: cwbuecheler at December 3, 2008 3:46 PM
Oh, I'm sure it wouldn't shock me 11217! [I didn't say I never did imbibe...I just don't now! ; ) ]
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 3, 2008 3:47 PM
at the hello kitty store, duh! (do they still have those around?) i know all the malls in jersey had San Rio stores hahahah. my wallet is just a wallet with a hello kitty sticker on it tho :( but i did have a pink hello kitty hat that im convinced someone stole in a bar.
*Rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 3:49 PM
I bet it wasn't stolen in Caddyshack!!!!
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 3:52 PM
DIBS, for a moment there, I didn't realize when you said you had Chinese, Thai and Mexican delivered you were referring to food.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 3:52 PM
no DIBS. the only thing stolen in cattyshack was in my innocence :(
*Rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 3:56 PM
Of course Biff. What else could it have been?? Policemen??
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 3:58 PM
What is Cattyshack/Caddyshack? Is that the bar where you pole danced (once) Rob?
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 3, 2008 3:59 PM
rob...i thought you got the crap beat out of you in Caddyshack!!!
This condo is not near Cadddyshack. Feeble attempt to steer us back on topic as the end of the day approaches.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 4:00 PM
Does Caddyshack have a doorman? (Just trying to merge the discussion)
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 4:02 PM
I think that was after the pole dancing DIBS.
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 3, 2008 4:03 PM
sorry....cattyshack. Only been there once.
I never actually saw a pole there. Although there was this heavyset girl with a plaid shirt and cigs rolled up in her sleeve named Zytka.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 4:05 PM
Doorwoman Biff. Don't mess with her.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 4:05 PM
I lost something at Cattyshack once.
My dignity...
Love that place.
Posted by: 11217 at December 3, 2008 4:06 PM
as a matter of fact cattyshack DOES have a doorwo(man). she's pretty hardcore, but nice. and yeah that's the place i was tricked into trying to win the 100 dollar prize for gogo dancing on their pole and broke it! it's right next door to the skinny Finger beige Condo with the two parking spots underneath on 4th avenue.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 4:15 PM
another funny cattyshack story... most of the summer i was going there on sunday afternoons to their picnic thingie. basically a HUUUUUUUUGE smorgasboard of food people brought in and i kept helping myself to a big plate then going up to the roofdeck to eat and mingle and try to make new neighborhood friends. anyway, it only lasted a few times cuz this one girl came up to me and goes "that food's not free you know. ive been watching you for a few weeks now just take food" i didnt know you had to pay like 10 or 15 bux or something to get a plate and partake in all the food! (i did buy beer however i wasnt a total scrub). they were nice about it, but i cannot seem to enter that place without completely embarrassing myself one way or another.
*Rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 4:19 PM
Yes rob, that condo has been featured here on brownstoner in the past. The problem with that discussion was that it veered way off topic to talk about cattyshack, a lesbian bar. Can you imagine? Why do some of these threads every now and then veer so far off topic???
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 4:20 PM
So doormen are not great if you:
a) deal drugs or engage in other activities that you would prefer no one know about
b) you are too cheap to give out holiday tips
c) you like to mug people in their lobbies
otherwise, I think having a doorman really beats not having one.
Posted by: sam at December 3, 2008 4:22 PM
oh i'd love to dig up that thread.. any clue how to find it?
actually has anyone moved in there yet? all the floors look completely empty, but it seems like two cars in the neighborhood have taken it upon themselves to use those two private spaces. i guess it's not hurting anyone.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 4:23 PM
gee, DIBS, I can't imagine.
[Cattyshack is a lesbian bar! LOL, Cattyshack...now I get it. Duh.]
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 3, 2008 4:24 PM
That's an excellent summation sam, thank you.
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 3, 2008 4:25 PM
Rob, easy as a quick search on "Cattyshack"
http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2008/06/4th_ave_phallus.php#comments
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 4:27 PM
"b) you are too cheap to give out holiday tips"
Not only would I find this comment tasteless in a "normal" economy, but I find it downright ignorant to say in this one.
Not everyone has an extra couple hundred or thousand dollars lying around to tip people for doing their (well paid) job.
Sensitivity, much?
Posted by: 11217 at December 3, 2008 4:28 PM
sam, you forgot d)
d) don't want to talk about the Knicks every time you get in an elevator.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 4:29 PM
I hear you 11217, it's A LOT of money to tip all the people that are suggested that one tip each year. I'd be broke if I kept up with that!
(But I think sam was trying to being humorous...)
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 3, 2008 4:30 PM
How could this thread veer off in this direction without me.
I am late to the party.
Cattyshack....hhhmmmm!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 3, 2008 4:31 PM
You don't tip your doorman 11217 and you're likely to find you and your delivery man "turned in" LOL
Most people who can afford to live in a high rise condo can afford tips; especially in a normal economy. When they don't give them they ARE "just too cheap."
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 4:32 PM
aw 11217, i dont think sam meant it in an insensitive way..
it's funny cuz i have to hand out the holiday tips to all the porters, security guys, supers in my building at work and it's like dammmmmn... they all crawl out of the woodwork around christmas. never saw half those guys all year long hahahah.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 4:33 PM
11217
If you have a problem giving your building staff holiday tips, I think you should not live in a full-service building. Believe me these guys don't like to be stiffed at Christmas.
Of course I treat my staff like family. They're all great. The super, the doormen. I like giving them a little something extra, they really help me out a lot.
That's why I like doormen and you don't.
cheers!
Posted by: sam at December 3, 2008 4:36 PM
my tipping past:
4 years lived in a place where i tipped the super a HUUUUUGE bottle of Alexi. (he loved it.).
then lived with my boyfriend in a co-op in chelsea and honestly i dont remember tipping those holidays.?
then we lived in an apartment in morningside heights and i thought 100 bux would be good, cuz this super was always fixing stuff in our apt. but my boyfriend was like hells no just give him 50. i was fine with that.
wasnt around the holidays in harlem proper. i doubt any of them scoundrals gave tips tho.
i have no idea what my current roommate will ask me to hand in as a tip. how much do supers in medium sized apartments get from someone anyway?
*roB*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 4:37 PM
Just because I don't want my doorman knowing everything about me doesn't mean I'm involved in anything elicit. My wife and I don't do anything illegal or otherwise shady -- but we're both very quiet, private people.
Also, I'm not too cheap to tip people around the holidays, if I have the money available to do so, but it's not like living in this city and accumulating spare cash is an easy proposition for most of us.
Posted by: cwbuecheler at December 3, 2008 4:40 PM
DIBS - not true. Most buildings in Manhattan, including the one I lived in had low and moderate tenant apartments - even the Trump buildings have them. It's incentives the builders get from the city for offering these types of apartment. There is low income in Sutton Place!
So not everyone can afford all of those tips - i for one could not!
Posted by: bkny at December 3, 2008 4:41 PM
Mr. B, should dig up and do a thread about tipping ettiquette for the holiday's...as a guide for those living in buildings.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 3, 2008 4:43 PM
See what you started sam!!!!
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 4:48 PM
There are tons of people in the city in their 20's and 30's making 30K, 40K a year who share a "luxury" apartment in Manhattan and can't afford the tipping.
Doorman make around 50K, 60K a year...and UP! So yes, I find it a little odd to tip people who 1. You oftentimes never see all year long until tip day, as someone mentioned and 2. make double what you make.
Posted by: 11217 at December 3, 2008 4:49 PM
My tenants should tip me!!!
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 4:50 PM
We tip waitresses, bartenders, etc. because they make $2.50 an hour.
NOT 60K !
The tipping situation in NYC has spiraled out of control, in my personal opinion.
Posted by: 11217 at December 3, 2008 4:50 PM
http://www.nypost.com/seven/12072006/realestate/time_to_get_tipsy_realestate_jane_reilly_mount.htm
Of course this was back in the boomtimes (2006), but might help as a rough guide.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 4:52 PM
I don't know how you would oftentimes not see the doorman all year long.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 4:52 PM
What should I tip for my part-time super who basically never shows up except to occasionally collect up the trash, which for some reason means storing full recycling bags in our front hallway for several days at a time (?!?)
Been here six months and the common areas have been vacuumed exactly once.
I'm thinking ... "very little"
Posted by: cwbuecheler at December 3, 2008 4:52 PM
I usually make a special trip to the bank to get brand new $100 bills for my tips. The guys appreciate the extra niceness of new money. I always give it to them in an envelope (with my name and apartment number) and a handshake and words of gratitude.
I think you give commensurate with what they have done for you. If you go to Hong Kong and leave all the details of re-painting your apartment to the super and doormen, then you owe them. If you have a lot of deliveries and laundy etc. you know, it's common sense. I don't have enough money to tip them as well as I would like, that is true. But I don't cheap out either.
Posted by: sam at December 3, 2008 4:55 PM
Dave,
your tenants should tip you, or at least make you holiday cookies!
Posted by: sam at December 3, 2008 4:59 PM
"I don't have enough money to tip them as well as I would like, that is true."
One last question, and then I'm done.
You are speaking as if these guys live off their holiday tips. They are VERY well paid employees and make more in their yearly salary than most NYC teachers.
I love to tip well in restaurants, cabs, etc, but tipping a person who makes a more than healthy salary sounds asinine to me.
Should I start tipping my financial planner too?
Posted by: 11217 at December 3, 2008 5:00 PM
"The tipping situation in NYC has spiraled out of control, in my personal opinion."
I actually agree with this to an extent. I had no problems giving good tips to the doorman and building staff when I lived in Manhattan and consider myself a pretty good tipper in restaurants, cabs, etc. I appreciated the building staff and think I gave them a good bonus at holiday time (on top of paying the super and handymen for each time they would come to fix something in my apartment).
But I did find it surprising when moving to New York to see tip jars on the counters of bagel stores and other fast food joints. I'll throw in my change but feel a bit ambivalent about it thinking the owners are considering this as part of the employees wage, thereby having an excuse to pay them less. Then there are the couple of times I've actually seen servers follow patrons out of a restaurant and berate them for not leaving enough and actually throwing the tip at the people saying things like "obviously you need this more than I do" (I really did observe that once!)
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 5:00 PM
how about a 10 dollar donation in their name to the Save The Manatees Foundation? (ooooh sam, there's nothing hotter than a crisp fresh new 100 dollar bill)!
*Rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 5:01 PM
"cabs"
Biff, you really should use the public transit system.
Cabs use gas, you know :)
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 3, 2008 5:02 PM
Biff....send lisa your email addy
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 5:03 PM
oh snap. BRG just called you out biff
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 5:04 PM
I certainly tip restaurant and bar staff where I am sitting for some service..and usually 20% as long as there's nothing wrong. I agree that takeout jars are a joke.
But these people in your building are the ones you see every single day. I tipped the handymen and the service elevator operator, neither of which I may even see on a weekly basis $20. The doormen and the super all got $100 each and then I tipped them all more than that when I sold the place.
$100 at Christmas equates to 27 cents a day. Now I feel bad.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 5:07 PM
How much would you tip a "yellow cab" for good service????
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 5:08 PM
wait we're supposed to tip when we move out of a place!? is that goodbye money or something!?!
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 3, 2008 5:10 PM
rob...from the sound of some of your posts I think they might tip you when you move out!!! LOL
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 5:14 PM
"Biff, you really should use the public transit system.
Cabs use gas, you know :)"
I know you're teasing but it's very rare that I do take a cab. I cycle or walk to and from work (subway in very inclement weather) and try to take the bus / train / walk as much as possible on the weekend. Only take cabs if very late and I'm a bit tipsy after being out (which, unfortunately, doesn't happen as often as I'd like) ;-)
"Biff....send lisa your email addy"
huh, why?
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 5:24 PM
You don't know what teasing is, Biff!! You have no idea.
My you are defensive, Biff!
Are you trying to convince me you're not elitist?
Cycle, take the train...okay, you've convinced me you're a messenger.
"Biff....send lisa your email addy"
huh, why?"
Maybe she wants to tell you to 'Shut the hell up and stop posting gibberish!'
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 3, 2008 5:32 PM
Wouldn't she just say that in the comments?
Posted by: cwbuecheler at December 3, 2008 5:36 PM
"Maybe she wants to tell you to 'Shut the hell up and stop posting gibberish!'"
She wouldn't be the first!
"Wouldn't she just say that in the comments?"
She wouldn't be the first!
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 5:40 PM
or the last...as long as I'm around!!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 3, 2008 5:43 PM
*hmmm, looks like everyone's finally gone. the coast is clear. POO MIST! was dying to scream that out all day long*
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 6:26 PM
she wants to ask you a few questions
just contact her
you too BRG
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 6:31 PM
Ummmm, ok, I will.
BRG, I think we're in trouble! We're going to be expelled. I'm going to actually have to do work now every day at the Death Star!
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 6:33 PM
DAMN!!!
It must have been the gas discussion. The one day, we're discussing something seriously, is the day we're going to get in trouble.
Not sure I have her email. I'll look under 'contact us'
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 3, 2008 6:40 PM
oh that's refreshing. No problem. I'll send Mr. B an email tonight and ask him to pass it on to her.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 6:41 PM
Not under 'contact us'.
What's her email? Anybody?
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 3, 2008 6:43 PM
BRG, just send your email address to brownstoner@brownstoner.com and have them give it to Lisa. That should work.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 3, 2008 6:45 PM
send it to brownstoner@brownstoner.com
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 3, 2008 6:47 PM
Just shot Mr. B an email.
Biff, let's get our story straight.....We're on medication :)
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 3, 2008 6:47 PM
What does stoner have in mind for our brave Biff and his gal Friday, BRG??
is it good???
is it awful???
are they going the way of the What, or what?
Tune in tomorrow boys and girls for our next exciting installment.
Posted by: sam at December 3, 2008 7:03 PM
sam, it's huge. I wish I could share all the details. There are many others involved than those you mentioned. The bad news for everyone is it didn't have anything to do with banning us from from the site anytime soon.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 4, 2008 8:12 AM
Sam, and all...
"is it good???"
Life is Good!!
"is it awful???"
It's what you make of your life.
"are they going the way of the What, or what?"
The way of the What, is no way!
Let's see, Biff posted....and I'm posting....hhmmm.
"Tune in tomorrow boys and girls for our next exciting installment."
Wow....we've become episodes. Yes, tune in boys and girls and watch the drama unfold. I prefer comedies.
"What does stoner have in mind for our brave Biff and his gal Friday, BRG??"
Our brave Biff is still Champ(ion), some may think he's a chump, and his gal Friday, BRG, got a promotion :)
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 4, 2008 10:35 AM
Getting back to 24 Remsen for a minute.... As the photographer who did the photos for Brennan Real Estate, I can assure you that it is a beautiful space, with excellent craftsmanship throughout. I didn't "Photoshop" in any bay windows, stained glass, brass hardware.. etc., etc. Don't give Photoshop so much credit!!! Beautiful, unique, building in a fantastic location.
Posted by: Peirce at December 4, 2008 9:09 PM
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