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February 5, 2009

House of the Day: 204 Clermont Avenue

When 204 Clermont was listed with Roslyn Huebener last year, we were surprised at how it failed to attract any interest; based on the photos at the time, it looked like a great house. Now that Brooklyn Properties has the listing, however, and has posted some photos with some less flattering angles, it makes better sense why the three-family house has had to drop its asking price from $2,500,000 to the current $1,650,000: It has nice bones but the layout is totally random. We've included a fairly flattering shot above, but click through to the listing and check out the placement of that kitchen island on the parlor floor. Can you say "value destruction"? Someone should buy this as a two-family and just rip that parlor kitchen out.
204 Clermont Avenue [Brooklyn Properties] GMAP P*Shark
House of the Day: 204 Clermont Avenue [Brownstoner]

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Comments

This place again??? I think Brownstoner is deliberately staying away from the nice houses (i.e., higher priced) because of all the whining. Bring back the house porn!

Posted by: bk14 at February 5, 2009 1:23 PM

Gorgeous house and beautiful remods placed very badly. This listing really needs a floor plan; I can't make sense of the photos.

Posted by: mopar at February 5, 2009 1:26 PM

Aside from being featured as HOTD last year, this house was also an open house pick after its many price reductions in December:

http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2008/12/open_house_pick_226.php

Posted by: bk14 at February 5, 2009 1:28 PM

No shell today??

Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 1:30 PM

The interior does kind of look like it was assembled at random from pieces of other brownstones ...

Posted by: cwbuecheler at February 5, 2009 1:36 PM

I remember seeing a floorplan for this somewhere, though it might have been with previous listing.

Posted by: granne at February 5, 2009 1:37 PM

Eye candy:

http://www.brownharrisstevens.com/detail.aspx?id=958591

http://www.brownharrisstevens.com/detail.aspx?id=729018

http://www.brownharrisstevens.com/detail.aspx?id=796829

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 1:38 PM

2.5 to 1.6 Million???? At that time 1.6 would've sold in one day and now todays price is retarded. 750k should do it.

BTW Where are you going to get a mortgage on this puppy?

The What (Obama will loan us the money)

Someday this war is gonna end..

Posted by: Return of The What at February 5, 2009 1:43 PM

Floorplan is available on Streeteasy from the previous listing:

http://img.streeteasy.com/nyc/image/65/3020565.png

Posted by: bk14 at February 5, 2009 1:49 PM

Well can you say entropy on that floor plan? Whats with the splotchy facade and cheap bay window siding? Needs another $200K reduction for it to make sense and only because it is so well located. This will sit for a while longer.

Posted by: pierre de taille at February 5, 2009 1:57 PM

Here's what I said about this place in December's price drop thread:

"We looked at the house on Clermont almost a year ago, and found it absolutely charming. A lot of work needed, and quite narrow, but charming. And the price now seems about right - though in today's market, who the hell knows. It has no yard, but a nice parlor floor level deck and an honest-to-God garage. Heaven."

I cannot figure why it has still not sold. Particularly with this new hair cut. It is a really cute house, very sunny, across from a church, very close to the park... it seemed solid too. Much cosmetic work to be done, but felt like it had been taken care of in terms of it's innards.

Posted by: Nokilissa at February 5, 2009 2:00 PM

Am I crazy for saying location is an issue? When I checked google maps and saw that the closest subway was the G train it was a huge turn off.

Posted by: boroughbred at February 5, 2009 2:01 PM

The multiple paint colors and "towel staging" aren't doing it any favors, either.

Posted by: Brooklyn Chicken at February 5, 2009 2:01 PM

The Q at Flatbush and Dekalb would be our de facto subway should we ever actually move ;). And really, it isn't that far from this home. A brisk ten minute walk. You also have the A train just south of Greene at Cumberland, a bit closer.

Posted by: Nokilissa at February 5, 2009 2:07 PM

Interiors by Willy Wonka.

Posted by: slopefarm at February 5, 2009 2:08 PM

"I cannot figure why it has still not sold."

Well, maybe people are finally realizing that $1.65 million is a s#*tload of money!

And it seems that this place needs work on the inside and outside, so that takes you well over $2 million. That's a lot of dough.

Posted by: bk14 at February 5, 2009 2:09 PM

"You also have the A train just south of Greene at Cumberland, a bit closer." I take the A train twice a day...there's no Greene or Cumberland stop.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 2:10 PM

I looked at the floor plans, they're irking me!!!
Why Why Why put the kitchen in the bay window??? How great would it be to have special built in seating at that bay, and who's going to enjoy that fireplace except someone standing at the 'island'
All floors need major layout changes. I can't think about it, I haven't had any lunch yet.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 2:12 PM

It's really crazy to think this house was for sale for $2.5 last year. I just started to look, and it seems to me nicely renovated traditional houses are about 1.8 or 1.9M.
This one needs a lot of work to make it a 2 family house. On the one hand, the location is great, but on the other, there is no backyard.
I don't envy brokers, how do you price things when the market is so wild?

Posted by: Maly at February 5, 2009 2:20 PM

Sorry, Dave. I think that is a C train stop.

BRG, we thought same. But it seems one could move the kitchen west one room, turn the bay back into a dining area.

Hmmmm. Where is 11217? I'm the only one defending this place, and he has said more than once that I never have anything nice to say about any house, and that I am always a princess of the highest order. Not so this time!

Posted by: Nokilissa at February 5, 2009 2:23 PM

Not defending the layout here, but if i had the ability, I would love to have a kitchen with the amount of window frontage bays give. To be able to cook flooded with natural light and look outside the entire time is blissful.
BTW, Noklissa, the walk from Willouby/Clermont to the Dekalb station takes more than 10 minutes - Ive done it many times.

Posted by: saminthehood at February 5, 2009 2:33 PM

Silly question here: Why price it at the same price that it didn't sell for when the place was with Corcoran? Magic BrooklynProperties wand? Muy stupido!
Hey Noklissa the reason why it hasn't sold is the price...it is not in the present i.e. 2009.

Posted by: pierre de taille at February 5, 2009 2:35 PM

Sameinthehood,

Probably for most. But I haven't had a gym membership in 5 years, and use "swift" walking as my gym. I am one of those people who gets crazy about people who don't stand aside on an escalator, or who walk, snail pace, 3 wide, on narrow sidewalks without thought to the arterial flow of this pedestrian maze of a city. They are the blood clots of the system.

I rant.

But I checked when we looked at this house and another on Adelphi. It was juuusst over 10 minutes. Definitely under 11.

Posted by: Nokilissa at February 5, 2009 2:38 PM

True, peirre. But it is now almost a million dollars under its initial ask. That is quite a haircut. They could do locks of Love with that kind of cut.

We have seen shells in locations as good as this for similar prices. And this has a corner lot and a garage.

Just puzzled and musing.

Posted by: Nokilissa at February 5, 2009 2:41 PM

Nokilissa, I'm with you on the escalator people and the thre abreast crowd. Just plain stupid.

Ever been on an escalator and the person ahead of you just stops there when it ends!!!! There's a special place in hell for them.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 2:45 PM

The initial ask was outrageous, thus the price cut. I think they'll find a buyer near this price. It's a nice place and has parking. It does need some renovation though. That kitchen is really weird, and I generally like weird kitchens. The main drawback so far to their pricing has been location, location, location.

Posted by: Shahn Andersen at February 5, 2009 2:45 PM

I can be plain mean at times like that, Dave. At least quietly in my head.

When most people get onto any kind of a "people mover", such as an escalator or a moving sidewalk at an airport, this little thought bubble appears above their heads: "okie doak. Good enough." And they just STOP.

I often think, Good God, this is why so many people are obese. They simply cannot be bothered to move if they don't absolutely have to. And I'm also secretly happy when I see an out-of-order escalator. The herd must keep moving.

Posted by: Nokilissa at February 5, 2009 2:52 PM

"The main drawback so far to their pricing has been location, location, location."

Not unlike yesterday's Shell of The Day on Adelphi Street.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 5, 2009 2:53 PM

Pros: corner lot location, 3 full exposures, lots of intact plaster detail, landmarked historic district, great bones.

Cons: Needs extensive restoration/renovation, the whole back addition needs to come off - it's ugly and it's illegal, all new systems are needed, existing plaster detail is caked with huge amounts of paint.

Conclusion? Buy it if you have a an extra $600,000 to renovate it well.

Posted by: FloatingWorld at February 5, 2009 3:17 PM

Pros: corner lot location, 3 full exposures, lots of intact plaster detail, landmarked historic district, great bones.

Conclusion? Buy it if you have a an extra $600,000 to renovate it well.

Posted by: FloatingWorld at February 5, 2009 3:18 PM

Shahn Andersen??? Shahn Andersen??? Is that you???!!!

Hiya Reatrd! Long time no talk! Hey Retard what happen on the Brokenassangel thang???

I remember PWNING you so hard then you disappeared! I thought I saw Arthur sleeping on the A Train, LMMFAO!! Plus what's up with that Cambridge house? Are you in foreclosure yet???

Oh yeah Shahn Andersen=Epic Fail!

The What (Shahn Andersen can apply for TARP funds)

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at February 5, 2009 3:20 PM

I went to an open house for this when it was $1.85. The pictures really just don't convey how poorly laid out this place is. Additionally, the rooms are all tiny - it's like going to an exhibit at an Old West/Pioneers museum and seeing how the settlers lived. Oh, and another open house visitor almost killed herself when she wiped out going down the stairs to the ground floor's warren of rooms.

Posted by: new2bk at February 5, 2009 3:29 PM

Jonathan Brownstoner,

I feel you should very strongly dissuade comments like the one from "Return of The What" (by the way, not the same person as ye olde original The What). Personal attacks like this on people who use their names for full disclosure is, frankly, unacceptable.

On another note, I think we should have a Team Princess!
Who wants to join? Nokilissa? Me? BG Girl?

Nokilissa,
Tell me where are you looking at houses in Fort Greene for $1.6 million and thereabouts? I have to say, our estimated market value from the city on the recent statement had me a little floored (considering the $350,000 jump) but I keep thinking these prices are imaginary considering whats "going on out there", no? Since you're still looking, and, it appears, a much more level-headed than certain quite vocal people who are looking "but sitting on the sidelines waiting for huge drops", I would love your input.

BGG,
Since you're the architect (interior only or do you do it all?), you still have to design that bubble bath rental space for our great new can't-fail business plan. I saw a space in the Village where a catering company had folded--maybe it moved...it had been there for a long time. Your work can be sweat equity...hahahaha...anyway, really, the bubble bath thing still makes me laugh.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at February 5, 2009 3:38 PM

I don't think I quite understand the Willy Wonka reference by the way. The interior is not that terribly painted up. When I clicked and looked at the real estate page, I was preparing myself for purple and pink rooms.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at February 5, 2009 3:40 PM

"I think they'll find a buyer near this price". Hey Shah do you really think so? Its been at this price since before the financial turmoil so highly doubt it will move without a significant "hair cut".

Posted by: pierre de taille at February 5, 2009 3:51 PM

BrooklynGreene,

I'd be most pleased to join your Team Princess.

We are "looking" (to put it judiciously given we pulled our apartment at the end of the summer after a few bites, but very little traffic) at very specific places in Ft. Greene and in the North Slope.

I think we've given up Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill and Carroll Gardens, though Brooklyn Heights remains a possibility.

Anything within walking distance to a Q is ideal, and of course, we just love certain streets. We fell in love with the "heart of Ft. Greene" to use an overused expression, and we really love most of the named North Slope streets.

Oh. My little one just awoke. More later.

Posted by: Nokilissa at February 5, 2009 3:55 PM

"Bldg: 20x45 Lot: 22.42x84"

Liar liar pants on fire. This is a trapezoid brownstone with the a narrow ass back end. Yeah, garage but no back yard.

If AM Luxe (Anthony Morris and Abdul Muid of Corcoran) had this listing, they'd call it "The Wedge".

***Bid half off peak comps***

Posted by: Brownstones Half Off at February 5, 2009 4:00 PM

BHO, yes, "The Wedge"...I'll have to admit that that IS funny.

Willoughby is rather quiet, which I like...but that may be a double-edged sword. Even though the G train rumbling underground makes me think we live in California, I have to say I do, indeed, appreciate that we're "closer to things", meaning, the A/C, Atlantic-Pacific-LIRR station...and even the G at Fulton...Fulton shopping, walking to Park Slope, and, gasp, Target...not to mention BAM.

Not that the house listed today is so far off the beaten track, and I'm sure the extra distance up to Clermont and across to Willoughby would do me good and I'd get used to it, but I kind of like the busier are of Fort Greene.

I used to think a garage would be wonderful but lately (is it the economic downturn) parking has been easier than ever! I wonder if people are getting laid off and so no longer use Fort Greene as their Park'n'Ride for the convenient subways...or maybe the recent kids in the neighborhood have got rid of their second Volvo...just kidding...sort of.

I think I much prefer having a garden to having a garage but the convenience having the car right there be nice.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at February 5, 2009 4:34 PM

"I feel you should very strongly dissuade comments like the one from "Return of The What" (by the way, not the same person as ye olde original The What). Personal attacks like this on people who use their names for full disclosure is, frankly, unacceptable."

Hey BrooklynGreene long time no talk. I see you got the lights back on and yes this is your old homeboy The What. There is something funny going on-- The Asshats of the past is coming back. Plus if I use foul language the webpage will flag me and those comments wont show up. That's why I a little softer LMMFAO.

Now tell me where can you get financing for this house??? Someone please run the metrics!

The What (Maybe Michelle Obama might be interested)

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at February 5, 2009 5:07 PM

BGreene: almost done it all, except a Bubble Bath Party Space.
I've already started looking at bubble making machines.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 5, 2009 5:46 PM