« Columbia Street Salt Pile Update Inside Third & Bond: Week 82 »
April 30, 2009
Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million
Some of the sales recorded last week that went for $1 million or less:
Under $250K: PARK SLOPE
195 Garfield Place, Apt. 4H; Price=$230,000 GMAP
This 400-sf studio co-op was originally listed for $299,000 last November, according to StreetEasy. The price was reduced to $280,000 in January. Maintenance=$423. Entered into contract on 2/27/09; closed on 4/14/09; deed recorded on 4/21/09.
$300-$500K Range: CROWN HEIGHTS
1368 Park Place; Price=$495,000 GMAP
This is a 2,952-square-foot, 2-family, according to Property Shark. Entered into contract on 12/3/08; closed on 3/23/09; deed recorded on 4/21/09.
$500-$750K Range: BUSHWICK
1305 Bushwick Avenue; Price=$605,000 GMAP
A 3,000-square-foot, 2-family house, according to Property Shark. The listing history on StreetEasy says it hit the market last April for $624,000 and its price was reduced several times, until it was asking $545,000 in September. Perplexing that it sold for more than the last ask after being on the market for awhile. Entered into contract on 1/5/09; closed on 4/17/09; deed recorded on 4/24/09.
$750K-$1 Million Range: RED HOOK
52 Dikeman Street; Price=$980,000 GMAP
Last November, when this 2,620-sf, two-family was an Open House Pick, it was listed for $975,000. It got the Times treatment that month and did not linger on the market. Entered into contract on 1/21/09; closed on 4/9/09; deed recorded on 4/21/09.
Photos from Property Shark.
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.brownstoner.com/mte/mt-tb.cgi/9534
Comments
Oh I loved that Red Hook House!
am glad it went above asking for the sellers
Posted by: gemini10 at April 30, 2009 11:05 AM
I also love the Red Hook house - actually I'm kind of obsessed with that neighborhood at the moment.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 11:09 AM
oops. i was saying i love this newer topic. i am bottom of the market guy and it's nice to see what thrift can get.
Posted by: 7foundry at April 30, 2009 11:10 AM
230k for a two-room studio (small, but livable) in Park Slope? With a low maintenance? Truth be told, I'm kicking myself a little bit.
Pics here: http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/195-Garfield-Pl-APT-4H-Brooklyn-NY-11215/2141110440_zpid/#
Posted by: alsawo at April 30, 2009 11:10 AM
That Studio is actually nice and totally livable esp for that price
DH- I Love Red Hook!
Posted by: gemini10 at April 30, 2009 11:16 AM
The studio basically costs a little over $1000 a month to own. Sweet deal, indeed.
Loving the Red Hook house also.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 11:18 AM
Bushwick house deal dodgy? Crown Heights looks pretty and nice price, I think?
Posted by: Heather at April 30, 2009 11:20 AM
That's a sizable chop on that Slope studio.
Looks like prices are coming back to earth.
Posted by: SnarkSlope at April 30, 2009 11:21 AM
quote:
The studio basically costs a little over $1000 a month to own. Sweet deal, indeed.
okay, how do you figure?
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at April 30, 2009 11:23 AM
$1,400 including the maintenance and excluding paying down the principle.
Posted by: the chicken at April 30, 2009 11:27 AM
I think the person figures 20$ or so down (around 50K) with a mortgage of 180,000 at a little over 5% gives you a monthly mortgage under $1000. With maintenance and mortgage/tax interest deduction you are looking at like $1150-1200 a month net. so,m a bit off - but definitely as good or better than rental for that area and size.
Posted by: saminthehood at April 30, 2009 11:30 AM
Red Hook is not bad BUT no transportation at all and restuarant choices are scarse plus there are loads of undeveloped lots. Not worth a mil in my opinion.
Posted by: Kensingtonian at April 30, 2009 11:30 AM
Yep, and then the mortgage interest deduction probably works out to around $1100 a month or so when all is said and done...
You're not going to find a studio to rent in this part of PS for 1100 a month.
$230,000
20% down is $46,000
Mortgage payment is $988 a month
Maintenance is $400 a month
Total is $1388 a month
Mortgage interest deduction probably averages out to 200-300 per month (that might even be conservative) making this essentially around 1100 a month to own.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 11:34 AM
Rob, there is a studio in my building for sale (Kensington) for 80K or so in horrid but livable condition. Maybe just needs some cleaning, light spackling and a new paint job. If you have or can get about 10K down, I highly suggest you take a look because that can end up about $900 a month between mortagage and maintenance (maintenance is $430). I might even let you steal my internet access :o).
Posted by: Kensingtonian at April 30, 2009 11:34 AM
Oh woops...you beat me to it Saminthehood.
Studio rentals in this part of PS are still around 1500 or so I'd say, so this is definitely back to "normal" pricing for a PS studio.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 11:35 AM
Don't forget that studio is a 4th floor walk-up so that also weighs on the price.
Posted by: Kensingtonian at April 30, 2009 11:36 AM
4th floor is great in my book. I love a higher floor for the light, and nobody is stomping around above your head.
Posted by: SnarkSlope at April 30, 2009 11:42 AM
Actually, it's an elevator building.
Posted by: bococaloca at April 30, 2009 11:43 AM
bococaloca, I stand corrected. My apologies then.
Posted by: Kensingtonian at April 30, 2009 11:47 AM
Yes, it is an elevator building.
I looked at a couple units in this building when I was looking to buy. It's a nice, well maintained building and seems to have studios up for sale relatively often. Back then they were around 300K or so...
The couple I looked at had dated kitchens (which this one seems to as well) but they were fully functioning. I just didn't like the idea of living in a studio and needing to renovate the kitchen...I wanted something a little more "finished." Otherwise, the building seems nice, but I'm glad I ended up in a brownstone instead.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 11:49 AM
quote:
If you have or can get about 10K down
oh man thanks for the heads up. i just wish i had 10K to plunk down, if i did i totally would. unfortunately im a stupid man-child who never saved a penny and wasted all his money on video games, beer, and cigarettes. let this be a word to the wise if anyone is reading this and under 30. dont waste your money on stupid stuff if you dont have it!!!
granted i guess i could start saving now and in a few years maybe have a down payment for something. it's a little difficult tho when you live paycheck to paycheck to save anything. i think that's how some people turn into "bitter renter" lifers. :-/
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at April 30, 2009 11:54 AM
I love the Red Hook house and love the neighborhood. It might be only 25% overvalued rather than what I would say has be 50% overvalued for pretty much everything else (PS studio is also an exception)
One could easily park on the street and get a parking spot near the F line for under $200 if the lack of transportation was a significant issue.
Posted by: thedudeabides at April 30, 2009 11:59 AM
"Studio rentals in this part of PS are still around 1500 or so I'd say, so this is definitely back to "normal" pricing for a PS studio."
The Park Slope studio proves that in some cases it is cheaper to own then rent a similar space.
But for some people it comes down to not having the down payment. It's not as clear cut as "you can own this for 1,000 or rent for 1,500"
50k is alot of money.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 12:00 PM
rob, I am in the same boat with you man. I saved 15K myself (which I used for renovations) while living with parents BUT wouldn't be able to afford buying my first apartment without a little help from them. I mean, I would eventually but it would have taken way longer.
Posted by: Kensingtonian at April 30, 2009 12:02 PM
I have a car and that's why I think I love Red hook so much. I know that if I lived there, parking would be super easy and we could always hop in the car and head to the slope for dinner or anything else. So I understand why people aren't so "into" RH. I always thought I could use the watertaxi into the city to get to work though.
Posted by: gemini10 at April 30, 2009 12:02 PM
yeah some of us aren't lucky enough to have parents who help out with a down payment for "starter apartments" btw i HATE that term. it's as gauche as "starter wife"
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at April 30, 2009 12:02 PM
I feel you. We came here as immigrants without 2 quarters to rub together 17 years ago and my parents worked very hard to buy their own place. My parents saved every penny they earned to help my sis and myself out. Without them, I probably would be renting or settling for something less and then buying when I am a bit older.
Posted by: Kensingtonian at April 30, 2009 12:07 PM
This feature makes me happy every week!
That studio's a great deal. When I first moved here in 2005 I was paying $1400 for a mouse-infested ground-floor studio on the UES and thought I'd found a relatively good deal. Owning in Park Slope for less would be killer by comparison.
Posted by: cwbuecheler at April 30, 2009 12:07 PM
gack kensingontonian, my last post was written before i saw your last post. didnt mean to sound snide about people getting parental help!!! im sure if my parents (well grandparents could have, they most definitely would have.) who would help out their kids if they could?
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at April 30, 2009 12:08 PM
I love that PS studio as well - the layout is very similar to the studio I bought in PH in January, except my kitchen is where the "dining room" space is in this one. I also definitely appreciate this segment every week, keep it coming!
Parental help is almost the norm these days...what indebted college grad is going to ever be able to afford a downpayment on anything before the age of 50?
Posted by: collin85 at April 30, 2009 12:24 PM
Rob, I know you didn't. Everyone's situation is different. I am, in many ways more fortunate then some, and less fortunate then some others. Tis is life.
Posted by: Kensingtonian at April 30, 2009 12:27 PM
yeah i think unfortunately i got stuck between the generations where people didnt rely on their parents and housing prices were ridiculously overpriced and the times now where prices are ridiculously overpriced for anyone who doesnt make 6 figures and has parent help. :(
renter 4 life!
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at April 30, 2009 12:27 PM
haha rob - yeah the term "starter apartment" really irks me - especially in NYC
studios in manhattan that are 550K are called "starter apts" yeah - you only need 100k down for a starter apt. what a joke.
i lived in squalor for a while and was able to save, but made alot of sacrifices and will not buy something just for the sake of doing so.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 12:28 PM
"Parental help is almost the norm these days...what indebted college grad is going to ever be able to afford a downpayment on anything before the age of 50?"
Amen - and that is the problem with NYC
unfortunately when everyone was buying cheap condos on the UWS and making millions of dollars in equity - i was in elementary school.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 12:31 PM
"unfortunately when everyone was buying cheap condos on the UWS and making millions of dollars in equity - i was in elementary school."
Amen to that DH. When I was in high school and my sis just graduated college in 1997, she went to look at a 1 bedroom co-op in Gramercy park for 100K and back then, that was expensive. Of course in those days, NO ONE wanted to live in willyburg. That was just a bunch of commercial warehouses and dumps there back then.
Posted by: Kensingtonian at April 30, 2009 12:41 PM
Oh wow, that Bushwick place finally sold. I never saw the inside, as back in the day we weren't looking in that area -- ah, how times have changed! -- but $605 K is a very high comp for that area. I would be very unlikely to pay more than $520,000 for a brick or stone two-family in excellent condition with original details in a more central location.
The original ad said it was a "true" brownstone, by which I assume it was originally a one family and dripping with details, but I thought I recalled the ad said it needed work (maybe I'm wrong about that). Maybe they bumped the price up because the owner gave them cash back or closing costs or fixed some things? Damn, now I'm wishing we saw it. Oh well, too late.
Posted by: mopar at April 30, 2009 12:42 PM
Rob, maybe try to save $6,000 over five years. You just don't know what opportunities might come along. I know it's nearly impossible. I have a friend (that good friend of mine in SF) who is in SUCH a similar situation as you in so many ways, too many to go into on a blog. Anyway -- now she might be able to buy a whole house in Oakland for almost nothing...we shall see. I guess the only ways to do it are (1) raise income or (2) reduce rent. If you could find a way to save $100 a month, you'll have it. It's worth it, it really is, really, really. Oh -- but there's the additional wrinkle of you have to clean up your credit too or no one will lend to you.
Given the timing, you just might be able to buy a nice place on the upswing of the market, then sell it for a profit, and you'll be set financially for life after that.
Posted by: mopar at April 30, 2009 12:55 PM
sigh kens. and i'm sure your sis' co-op is worth at least 600k now. real estate and rents have skyrocketed and salaries not so much!
maybe i'll move to ohio to try and offset all the fratboys and hipsters who have come here!
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 12:57 PM
DH, just worry / focus on your part (keep da job, save up, dont f up the credit score) and the mkt will help you with the rest (ie tank prices).
Posted by: more4less at April 30, 2009 1:12 PM
"Given the timing, you just might be able to buy a nice place on the upswing of the market, then sell it for a profit, and you'll be set financially for life after that."
yes! buying a one-bedroom apartment is a ticket to early retirement. if you own it for a few years, you might be able to net $25k at resale. you'll never need to work again!
Posted by: z at April 30, 2009 1:21 PM
Z:
A work colleague of mine bought her 1 bedroom in Murray Hill in 1998 for 130K and sold it in 2006 for 629K. You don't think a 500K profit in 8 years is good?
Maybe not enough to retire on entirely, but certainly not bad either.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 1:24 PM
A work colleague of mine bought her 1 bedroom in Murray Hill in 1998 for 130K and sold it in 2006 for 629K. You don't think a 500K profit in 8 years is good?
good for who? i recall hearing about this bubble...and how it sorta messed up the global capital markets.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 1:26 PM
11217, sure it's good. but huge gains like that are unlikely to happen again any time soon. and it's irresponsible to suggest these days that anyone can be "set for life" by buying and selling an apartment. "set for life" means winning mega millions, or buying microsoft in the 1980s, or divorcing mel gibson.
Posted by: z at April 30, 2009 1:30 PM
I'm not suggesting it as a retirement plan, merely stating that people have indeed made more than 25K on selling a 1 bedroom apartment. You people want to argue about anything and everything. I love a good debate too, but there is nothing to debate here. LOTS of people have indeed retired off income from a house or apartment sale, and I have no doubt that this will continue to be the case in the future for some people who are lucky enough to buy low and sell high.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 1:37 PM
Sigh. As usual, here I am chearleading for Red Hook's transportation options. Two buses! Train is not that far a walk! Bikes! Water taxi! Lots of permutations which make for a less boring commute, in my book. There are many very good restaurants within pleasant walking distance (Columbia St included), and lots more in the renovation/planning stage. And DH, you stay away, we have enough of your kind!
Posted by: mshook at April 30, 2009 1:38 PM
And P.S....the SAME woman I referenced bought a 2 bedroom when she sold her 1 bedroom in 2006...I believe she paid around 750K for it and sold it in February of this year for 1.2 million. That's 950K profit in a decade from those 2 sales, although she did do some significant renovations to the 2 bedroom...so less than that, but still...
I don't doubt she'll be "set for life" from buying and selling real estate given she's not even yet 40.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 1:44 PM
"And P.S....the SAME woman I referenced bought a 2 bedroom when she sold her 1 bedroom in 2006...I believe she paid around 750K for it and sold it in February of this year for 1.2 million. That's 950K profit in a decade from those 2 sales, although she did do some significant renovations to the 2 bedroom...so less than that, but still..."
Damn - i'm really screwed if in 8 years this Park Slope studio will be 750k. Everyone buy now or be priced out forever!!
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 1:52 PM
:( MsHook
Really love your nabe! Almost rented a place on Van Brunt 2 years ago - but the whole transport thing scared me (weren't they talking about totally shutting down the Smith-9th station for 2 years or something insane?)
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 1:54 PM
DH, no matter what I say, you'll say the opposite. It's getting rather old. No one said the PS studio will be worth anything in 8 years. Give it a rest, will ya.
If I'm THAT offensive to you, how about you ignore my posts then, because the childish behavior of contradicting every single thing I write is SO boring.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 1:56 PM
This brings up an interesting question. I have a friend who just had a passing in the family and inherited $300k. They are not rich by any means, but the person left their savings to them. What and when would you recommend them to do with it if you know they are interested in a Brownstonish lifestyle in the PS, CobbleH, BoerumH type area. When would you buy? Thoughts? I know this is not the place for it, but it goes with the Convo. Oh, I think she makes around $120k a year.
Posted by: LincolnSlope at April 30, 2009 1:59 PM
Well 11217 typically what you say is the same ol bullshit. "my friend bought _______ and sold it for 1000% more"
you read the news right? I don't think anyone can expect that kind of return on real estate in the near future.
that's great for your friends that timed the market and made a killing - but for people like me who are scrimping and saving every penny to get started, I don't think it's unrealistic to think 5 years down the road my starter studio will not have appreciated in value at all.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 2:02 PM
it's hard to ignore your post when every single post in every single thread is "my friend" and "my friend" that. jeez we get it already. you have 5000 super successful and lucky friends! gack! you make me smack my head like Cathy.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at April 30, 2009 2:05 PM
L'slope, tell her to buy when prices go UP. that's easier indicator of bottom is nearby (ie passed it) than to predict the bottom. If she can rent something very brownstonish at good rate, not bad idea to rent
Posted by: more4less at April 30, 2009 2:06 PM
Guess what DH...this blog isn't all about YOU.
I was merely stating in reference to Z's comment about no one making 25K from the sale of a 1 bedroom, that it is not true. People do it all the time, and I was giving an example of someone who did it not only during the boom, but also the bust.
You talk about what you are doing ALL DAY long on the OT, but it's not ok for me to make a real live remark about something real estate related without you jumping down my throat? It's just stupid.
p.s. I don't think my studio will appreciate necessarily at all in the next 8 years, but that wasn't the point of my comment. Again, you just want to be nasty it seems.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 2:08 PM
Rob, Look in the mirror. Every post on this blog from you is ABOUT YOURSELF!!!
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 2:08 PM
LincolnSlope:
I'd tell her to wait another 6 months or so. We are heading into the slow season in a month or so, and the deals will be even more plentiful come this summer, I suspect.
Oh but wait...according to dh, I think buy now or be priced out forever.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 2:09 PM
dirty hipster: OK, I'm not going to predict 1000% returns or whatever, but isn't the way to make back money on a home to buy when the market is down? 11217 is advising to buy in five years. If this follows the pattern of past busts, we'd still be in a trough then. If it's even worse--then an even deeper trough. Either way, that's the time to buy low.
Personally, I don't think people buying their home should EVER buy with the intention of making a big equity score, financing their retirement, timing the market, etc. But if you're going to do it, that's when to do it.
Posted by: basementalist at April 30, 2009 2:14 PM
Rob, number one, she's not a friend, she's a work colleague.
And #2, your posts always come across as so incredibly riddled with envy and jealousy. I'm sorry that you choose to sit at home instead of make friends and I'm sorry you choose to smoke and drink away your money.
None of those are my problems.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 2:16 PM
Z stated that if you were lucky buying a 1 bedroom now you might be lucky to net 25K in the next few years
"p.s. I don't think my studio will appreciate necessarily at all in the next 8 years, but that wasn't the point of my comment. Again, you just want to be nasty it seems. "
and your statement here is in agreement with his.
not quite sure what your friends who sold at the PEAK of the bubble in 2006 has to do with that. but hey, you have rich friends. good for you.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 2:17 PM
Lincolnslope:
If 300K was her total inheritance, I don't think she should use all of it as a downpayment on a house. That being said, she will probably be unable to buy a nice house in the nabes you mentioned unless of course she was willing to buy a total fixerupper below 800K and put 150K down and use some of her inheritance to do some work.
Posted by: gemini10 at April 30, 2009 2:18 PM
DH:
You and Rob both need to learn how to read. The woman is not a friend...she's a "colleague" We don't hang out, and I have very few "rich" friends.
Go back to the OT where you are more useful.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 2:19 PM
11217, you're responding to straw man arguments. i never said that no one ever made a lot of money selling an apartment. i said that for the foreseeable future, no one should expect to make big money on a modest apartment, and it's irresponsible to suggest that someone can essentially retire on selling such a property. your response to those points is to cite a friend who made some good money (but not retirement-level money) in the boom years, which is not relevant to the discussion.
also, you said, "You people want to argue about anything and everything." if that's not the pot calling the kettle black, i don't know what is!
Posted by: z at April 30, 2009 2:19 PM
"Personally, I don't think people buying their home should EVER buy with the intention of making a big equity score, financing their retirement, timing the market, etc. But if you're going to do it, that's when to do it. "
I agree - and that's why the housing market in america is so fucked - people started treating property like securities rather then a place to live.
But when someone makes a statement saying returns on an investment will be lower due to certain obvious economic conditions, and someone points to past performance as some sort of rebuttal - i find that pretty stupid.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 2:20 PM
z:
So buying for 750k in 2006 and selling for 450K more in 2009 is not evidence of still being able to make money in the bust years?
Hmmmm
I never said it was common, or preferred I was simply giving an example.
P.S. For some bstoner readers (Rob) 800K would indeed be "retirement level money" At the rate he's going, maybe 80K.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 2:23 PM
"The woman is not a friend...she's a "colleague" "
Oooooooo deep burn...!
Posted by: jessibaby at April 30, 2009 2:24 PM
The blog has become a total shitshow.
One can't discuss real estate without starting a war, and the OT has become romper room for people with zero social skills or those who are jobless "looking for work"
You are SO cool DH for spending all day every day sitting in the OT talking about the ever so interesting topics you talk about in there.
Ever heard of AOL instant messenger?
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 2:27 PM
DH - which end of Van Brunt? The stroll to Carroll St might be closer. Plus, leaving Red Hook, the b61 is very regular and on time in the morning. Gets you to the 4,5,A,R,F (ARF!) in no time. Though now that they've shut down the meth clinic it's a lot less interesting....
Posted by: mshook at April 30, 2009 2:27 PM
"So buying for 750k in 2006 and selling for 450K more in 2009 is not evidence of still being able to make money in the bust years?"
correct, it is not. the market was still rising in 2006 and 2007. also, you said your colleague did "significant renovations" on this property, which likely account for much of that increase (and which significantly reduce the $450k gain you cite).
look, setting aside the merits of your examples, i don't dispute your general point that some people will find ways to make big money in a down market, through luck, smarts, stubornness, whatever. but don't you think it's fair to say that most people will not, at least for a while?
Posted by: z at April 30, 2009 2:29 PM
"A work colleague of mine bought her 1 bedroom in Murray Hill in 1998 for 130K and sold it in 2006 for 629K. You don't think a 500K profit in 8 years is good? "
your initial arguement against Zs statement.
dumb
just admit it.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 2:31 PM
Yes, that is fair to say Z.
And btw, the whole thing started with this quote:
"Given the timing, you just might be able to buy a nice place on the upswing of the market, then sell it for a profit, and you'll be set financially for life after that."
which was not mine, btw...
I was just trying to agree with Mopar that yes...it is POSSIBLE. Not probable.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 2:32 PM
and your statistical sample of ONE person who made a gain from 2006->2009 is quite impressive. ever take a stats class? there's some called outliers out there that will defy the norm.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 2:33 PM
Who's dissing the OT??? Someone who apparently lurks all day but is afraid to voice any opinion.
Apparently they are on other threads all day and unable to waste their precious time actually making friends on the OT.
Yeah, yeah, yeah I know you have plenty of friends already.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at April 30, 2009 2:42 PM
"One can't discuss real estate without starting a war, and the OT has become romper room for people with zero social skills or those who are jobless "looking for work"
You like to read don't you, 11217...you outed yourself again!
Here's another Walnut for the other eye!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at April 30, 2009 2:47 PM
Dave,
No offense, but wasn't the OT shut down yesterday? Didn't see what happened, but saw the remnants when I got back to town last night.
If Mr. B wasn't afraid of losing the 300 comments a day from you guys, he'd probably take it away. But hey...it's a free country...I don't really care, but let's not suggest that the OT is the standard for good conversation.
I've glanced in maybe 3 or 4 times total and simply thought it was high school chatroom type stuff. Pretty lame to say the least. What is especially offensive is the people who are out of work and posting 100 comments per 30 minutes. But again...to each his/her own. I'd just feel like a loser doing that all day when I'm supposed to be pounding the pavement.
Not really on par with what is supposed to be an excellent and high quality blog about real estate.
Mr. B lets you guys keep it so you don't all run away crying. Otherwise, why would he WANT to keep it so you all can talk about nonsense all day? Think about it.
When newcomers come to this blog and see the OT, I'm sure lots are kinda grossed out by a bunch of "adults" talking about absolute nonsense all day.
There are other outlets for such things, you realize...
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 2:52 PM
If you're going to comment about the reason for shutting down the OT yesterday maybe you should have tried to find out why it was shut down before spouting off.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at April 30, 2009 2:56 PM
I have no idea why it was shut down, nor do I really care. The fact that it WAS shut down, speaks volumes.
This is not personal Dave...I like you.
I just think this blog has moved steadily downhill. If this place lost just a few of the more frequent posters (myself included) it would really become a huge snoozefest.
Well, besides the OT of course, where there seem to be more than enough going on daily. But I don't think the OT is what Mr. B had in mind when creating this blog.
We already seem to have lost numerous posters...no more Sam, I rarely see Ditto or Tyburg nearly as much. I'm sure I'm forgetting many others, but all the crap on this blog is wearing thin for those who actually want to talk about real estate, it would seem.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 3:02 PM
Not quite sure what more you contribute to the blog 11217.
Typically all your comments are either 1 of 2 things - championing of park slope/saying prices in other neighborhoods are too high because they aren't gentrified enough. Or your just extremely bullish about the market (today's gem)
And sometimes you go apeshit (see views regarding nannies, which were pretty offensive)
We've had some pretty good discussions in the past - as we typically have contradictory opinions and will typically back them up eloquently and recognize when your opinion is wrong.
Re: OT - yeah its inane jibber jabber - but brownstoner has turned into more then a real estate blog - its more of a community forum for like minded people. you don't have to read the OT. Go to curbed if you don't like - i'm sure you WON'T find any more civil discourse.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 3:04 PM
DH:
You go onto every single Williamsburg thread and champion it also. Don't be so delusional.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 3:07 PM
"romper room"
Gee 11217, I wonder where you got this term from. Maybe while lurking in the OT you saw it being recently.
Okay today's words from the OT are:
immigrate and emigrate
Tomorrow try using them when you bring up Park Slope.
Maybe like this:
People 'immigrate' to Park Slope for other parts of Brooklyn because it's the best neighborhood in the world.
and
People 'emigrate' from Park Slope to other parts of Brooklyn because the people in Park Slope are ridiculous.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at April 30, 2009 3:07 PM
You got to admit that, given the price and the quality of the brownstone stock in Bed Stuy, that it has got to be the best of all neighborhoods. :)
The OT was shut down because it was hijacked by a troll posting things that would have been very upsetting to you as well. Mr. B couldn't sort out all the individual posts so just took the whole thing down.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at April 30, 2009 3:09 PM
That is:
Gee 11217, I wonder where you got this term from. Maybe while lurking in the OT you saw it being USED recently.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at April 30, 2009 3:11 PM
nope - just disagree with you when you say the walk from Kent to Bedford is 20 minutes
and yeah - even if i do champion it i do it on Williamsburg threads (where it belongs), not Park slope threads.
Typical 11217 posting:
"why buy this townhouse in Clinton hill for _________ when you could buy this 2 bedroom in park slope for ________.
**insert link to corcoran.com here**"
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 3:11 PM
I also find it interesting that people who used to comment regularly on the real estate threads....cobblehiller and Biff come to mind and now they seem to spend all day in the OT...my guess is they are fearful of insulting one of their friends out here in the ACTUAL threads which are supposed to be the heart and soul of this blog. I don't mind getting into "fights" because I am not friends with any of you. You should be happy that a few of us still like to remain away from the fray, or else the whole thing would become one big OT.
It's come to the point now where it seems the OT is the primary reason for coming to the blog now for some of you and the real estate is just a side note.
I HIGHLY doubt again that this is what Mr. B had in mind. And there are still those of us who do prefer talking about real estate over poo mist. I know that might be hard to believe.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 3:11 PM
Dave:
Mr. B's note when he took down the OT said something about more than one poster being involved, so I don't buy that story completely. If no one responded to said troll, it wouldn't have been an issue. Am I correct?
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 3:12 PM
No BRG, I am quite familiar with Romper Room. Did not see it in the OT this time. Sorry to burst your bubble.
Are you really THIS catty?
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 3:13 PM
And the key point, which DH alluded to earlier, is that the people in the OT on a regular asshat/usual suspect basis LIKE EACH OTHER. And we don't automatically give each other crap. Once upon a time you too had the opportunity to chat with us, and you chose to turn that chatting into bickering, when you could have joined a community of really supportive and interesting people.
Posted by: cobblehiller at April 30, 2009 3:14 PM
You would have responded to him too if you had seen his posts, 11217.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at April 30, 2009 3:16 PM
Yes, DH:
And when you make your first real estate purchase you will realize that people do in fact compare neighborhoods like that when they are looking. I did it...I certainly didn't ONLY look in Park Slope. There are people on this blog that come here for information on topics and when you get to the point of buying you will realize that comparisons are basically what enable one to become more informed about prices and everything else.
Just because I link something doesn't mean someone needs or wants to buy it. I'm just putting information out into the world. If it's not for you...skip it and move on. I don't know why that would personally offend you.
You also have a selective memory, because I've many times linked properties in other neighborhoods.
Good recommendation for Aurora today, btw.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 3:17 PM
"Are you really THIS catty?"
Actually I'm really a very friendly, nice and considerate person.....but somehow YOU bring out the worst in me.
I do like your posts though, you are entertaining.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at April 30, 2009 3:17 PM
11217, I don't comment in other threads because of discussions that get inflammatory, negative, and heated with you, and others like you. I mainly just read them now, and comment more selectively.
Posted by: cobblehiller at April 30, 2009 3:18 PM
Cobblehiller:
The difference is that you consider yourself a lot more interesting than I do. I don't find 99% of what is discussed in the OT interesting, so why would I feel like I'm missing out...? Yes, I've had opportunities to join in and I choose not to because I didn't find the conversations interesting to me. You choose to talk about what you want to talk about, and I've decided to get into heated conversations about real estate. Since this IS a blog about real estate, I'm not quite sure why you find that so offensive.
I read brownstoner when I'm bored at work for entertainment and then hang out with my real friends after work and weekends. There's nothing wrong with that, and it's a little more the norm, in case you've forgotten.
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 3:21 PM
11217, I've made comments in a number of other threads recently. Maybe not so much today and maybe less than I used to, but that is because I'm respecting some of the feedback Mr.B has received asking for the "usual suspects" to tone it down and give others a chance to comment in various threads. It doesn't mean I don't read the other threads. I simply am commenting less in them to minimize the fraternizing that we've been trying to limit to the Open Thread.
We've had our differences and I've not brought you into any discussion since the last one and would appreciate it if you would do the same. I'm not involved in this argument.
Posted by: Biff Champion at April 30, 2009 3:23 PM
see, that's why I like 11217. I often don't agree with him but I sure do respect his feistiness - only DIBS has same fight in him. Most other combatants would've been KO'd already.
Posted by: more4less at April 30, 2009 3:23 PM
11217 you need to join dirty hipster, snappy, and myself for 40s in park slope!
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at April 30, 2009 3:24 PM
Actually, the OT is EXACTLY where this conversation should be moved to lest your intent was to highjack this thread with your back and forth insults.
Meet you there?
Posted by: TownhouseLady at April 30, 2009 3:25 PM
Rob, I wanna join but I don't drink 40s. Can I just brink a flask with Vodka and join the roof party or are you prejudiced to it? I do have a liter and a half of grey goose in my fridge for a while that's just asking to be opened.
Posted by: Kensingtonian at April 30, 2009 3:29 PM
I am moving to OT now
Posted by: Kensingtonian at April 30, 2009 3:29 PM
Oooooohhh 11217 is getting his ass kicked!
Good for him!
The What (I'm a very civil person)
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at April 30, 2009 3:30 PM
11217, My point is proven over and over with your statements. I'm just telling you why I stopped posting in other threads. And why I like to hang out in the OT. And that people actually used to try to be friendly with you. I've been here awhile, I remember.
Your statements make it personal, they aren't simply based on the topic at hand. If your statements were simply points of fact about the subject of hand, then your arguments would be sound.
However, for example: the statement of "I read brownstoner when I'm bored at work for entertainment and then hang out with my real friends after work and weekends. There's nothing wrong with that, and it's a little more the norm, in case you've forgotten." is derogatory, inflammatory, insulting and anti-social at the core of it. You like the battle, it's fun for you. I'm not sure why. I just prefer to avoid you.
Posted by: cobblehiller at April 30, 2009 3:30 PM
11217 - I'm perfectly aware the importance comps play in real estate purchases. no need to be condescending since you were fortunate enough to be able to have purchased something.
and your comps are typically slope centric. don't deny it.
and yes, i come on here primarily for real estate information. if you think i come on here to talk on the open thread all day, you're sadly mistaken. I've been a lurker here far before i ever made a post, and due to the fact I haven't been able to purchase anything yet, I typically don't have much to add to the majority of the conversation.
and regardless what gets said in the open thread, very few personal attacks are initiated by the 'usual suspects' - can't say the same for you....**see above**
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 3:31 PM
I'm a relative newcomer to the blog that hasn't bought a place yet. I enjoy the OT and would read the blog much less if it was not there. Also like the articles about neighborhoods and architecture.
I don't enjoy the shrillness of the price / market related comments, but I do learn from them sometimes.
11217 - you're probably a good guy in person (and I like Park Slope!) but I find the blog persona often comes across as smug and highly strung.
Posted by: etson at April 30, 2009 3:32 PM
"derogatory, inflammatory, insulting and anti-social at the core "
I think you just describe me..
The What
Someday this war is gonna end
Kick 11217 ass! Get him, kill him! Yeah!
Posted by: Return of The What at April 30, 2009 3:33 PM
Sooooooo, are house prices falling or what?!?!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at April 30, 2009 3:34 PM
That makes you weak then Cobblehiller.
You don't stand up for anything. I find those types of personalities very boring and not very evolved.
How's that job search coming...?
Over and out.
I'm done with this blog. Party away!
Posted by: 11217 at April 30, 2009 3:34 PM
Good GOD I go get lunch and look what happens.
Let me spell it out for you more carefully:
In SEVEN YEARS when Rob's credit is clean as a whistle and he's saved up $6,000 (or whatever), he might be able to buy an inexpensive apartment somewhere (either subsidized or small or in what will then be no doubt the "emerging" market of East New York). And surely by three years later, the market will go up again and he eventually (I don't know when) might make a profit of $50,000 or $150,000. He might use the proceeds to buy another, bigger, nicer place with a friend or tenants to help offset the mortgage, he might start his own business, he might just put the money in the bank for a rainy day, but he will have grown up assets.
I wasn't suggesting he would need never work again.
Also, as to that story about buying a small place, then a bigger place, then selling for a million -- that is a very, very, very typical scenerio for two-earner households that make upwards of $100,000 a year. It has happened to many people I know who live in the Bay Area, where yes, it's true, yearly gains have been very large most years since 1978, not only recently. Obviously, that's not how it works in Ohio but that is how it works in New York.
Real estate goes up, real estate goes down. But over the long term, in New York City, it goes up.
Posted by: mopar at April 30, 2009 3:34 PM
look what you started mopar!!
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 3:35 PM
"Real estate goes up, real estate goes down. But over the long term, in New York City, it goes up."
Truer words have never been spoken.
You lurking, cornerbodea?????????
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at April 30, 2009 3:37 PM
"I'm done with this blog."
Hey Retard don't let the door hit you in the ass!--->
Cya! 11217 is a punk! Wow just one post and he runs??!! Man this is a walk in the park for me. Thank GOD everyone loves me here.
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at April 30, 2009 3:38 PM
Wow, picking on the unemployed. You're a big man, 11217.
Posted by: mopar at April 30, 2009 3:46 PM
11217, this behavior is cowardly and bullying. Grown ups can argue their points without making it personal. You just proved my point again, thank you.
Posted by: cobblehiller at April 30, 2009 3:46 PM
"Cya! 11217 is a punk! Wow just one post and he runs??!! Man this is a walk in the park for me. Thank GOD everyone loves me here.
The What"
Funny.
Posted by: East New York at April 30, 2009 3:48 PM
He's gone. He went to go kick a homeless person.
Posted by: mopar at April 30, 2009 3:49 PM
"That makes you weak then Cobblehiller.
You don't stand up for anything. I find those types of personalities very boring and not very evolved."
"I'm done with this blog."
That makes you weak 11217. Having a hard time standing up??. Thought you found these types of personalities; that you yourself are now exhibiting; very boring and not very evolved. Stick around then and keep up the arguments.
and btw - your comment to Cobblehiller regarding 'job search' is uncalled for.
Have a some humility!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at April 30, 2009 3:49 PM
"I think you just describe me.."
HA! Yes, you are all of those things...but I love you anyway! ; )
Posted by: cobblehiller at April 30, 2009 3:52 PM
yikes - I have been in a meeting for 2 hours and this is what happened
That whole Nannie discussion was with 11217 and myself - but we hugged it out after it. He was just stating his opinon which was wrong(haha!)
11217 is totally feisty and is verrry opinonated
Posted by: gemini10 at April 30, 2009 4:00 PM
To get back to the really important topic of real estate, my friend in SF, who is living a parallel life with Rob in every respect except she's a woman with a cat instead of a man with a dog, has for years been emailing me photos of Victorian houses for sale for $50,000 -- now suddenly has a chance to buy a Victorian in the Bay Area for the same price -- if only she had saved $5,000 she'd be buying it today. As it is, she's saved $1200 (in the last year) and could be buying it soon anyway because three friends/relatives are going to give her $1500 each. So get your credit clean and save your money because you never know what crazy thing will happen. Or when your friends might be able to help you out.
Posted by: mopar at April 30, 2009 4:05 PM
Jeesh, this blog is getting like the Yankee dugout, a dust-up a day.
Posted by: DeLepp at April 30, 2009 4:13 PM
Hey 11217, how's your Buenos Aires real estate search going?
Posted by: Squattersrights at April 30, 2009 4:35 PM
So I'm worried prices are holding up in Bushwick. This does not bode well for my bid to become landlord kingpin of the area.
Posted by: mopar at April 30, 2009 4:49 PM
It's ok, mopar. My plans to buy up Morrisania, formerly known as Crown Heights, aren't going so well either. Stupid lottery people.
Posted by: Montrose Morris at April 30, 2009 5:11 PM
Where in Bushwick are you looking Mopar?
There are so many really nice houses on that stretch of Bushwick Ave, but it seems like they are all in a state of disrepair. That was just my initial impression the few times I found myself out there. What is the commute like on the J out there?
Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 30, 2009 5:15 PM
Crap! You too? I was gonna buy it all up and rename it the Bronx
Posted by: bxgrl at April 30, 2009 5:16 PM
Heh heh heh, Montrose.
Dirty Hipster, there's a nice brownstone for sale right now on Bushwick Ave. but it's too loud there. Side streets are better. Myrtle-Broadway J and Central M is a pretty good area. (You should totally check out the new bar Tandem there, you'll love it.) We'd be happy with something there or Wyckoff Heights (aka Ridgewick). Commute on J rocks if you work on Lower East Side or Wall St. Also very convenient to South Williamsburg. Terrible for midtown -- I don't know about the morning commute, but at night going to meet real estate agents it always takes me an hour. Lame!
Posted by: mopar at April 30, 2009 5:30 PM
11217 has always struck me as pretty even tempered and reasonable. I guess I missed him being bullish, but so what? As long as he can make a good argument, good for him. These days the whole price debate is totally dominated by us bears. We need somebody to hit balls to on the other side of the net.
And I like park slope and talk about it all the time too but haven't managed to incur the wrath of anyone who matters (except DIBS, but we buried the hatchet pretty quickly).
I'll take you out for a jameson and ginger ale sometime 11217.
Posted by: lechacal at April 30, 2009 5:51 PM
lechacal, Did you read the entire thread or is this simply a general comment. Just curious.
Were his arguments today good? I'm interested in hearing your opinion after you read the thread.
Posted by: cobblehiller at April 30, 2009 6:17 PM
I skimmed the thread and can't really offer any views on today's posts (other than to note that there was a lot of animosity for 11217).
Posted by: lechacal at April 30, 2009 8:29 PM
Mr. B.,
Dibs is the What. That is why the many-faceted Dibs got angry with Lechecal at Floyds. I have other clues that Dibs is the What, but if I write those, Dibs will stop leaving the clues.
Mr. Slopefarm (?) says that B Half-off and the What are the same person. That is an interesting point, so Dibs is the What, *and* B Half-off, making three names.
Mr. B. can check this.
Posted by: BklynSoFar at April 30, 2009 10:36 PM
Nonsense.
I am The What.
And the Walrus.
Goo goo ga joob.
Posted by: SnarkSlope at April 30, 2009 11:38 PM
"I have other clues that Dibs is the What, but if I write those, Dibs will stop leaving the clues."
"That is an interesting point, so Dibs is the What, *and* B Half-off, making three names."
Then..
"Nonsense.
I am The What."
The late night retard jamboree. Look Assheads there is only one 'What" and that's me.
The What (Official)
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at May 1, 2009 12:57 AM
Glad to see you guys holding down the fort so late at night. Also nice to know that posters like BklynSoFar is here policing the thread.
I am not the What. Some days he's my bitch, some days I'm his bitch. Run with that.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at May 1, 2009 8:04 AM
> "The late night retard jamboree."
Said the retard posting the latest of all.
Posted by: SnarkSlope at May 1, 2009 10:15 AM
Latest Restaurant Additions
-
Le Barricou
added November 20, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Der Schwarze Kölner
added November 19, 2009 12:00 PM in Fort Greene -
Oak Wine Bar & Café
added November 18, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Mr. Wonton
added November 17, 2009 12:00 PM in Park Slope -
Casa Rosa
added November 16, 2009 12:00 PM in Carroll Gardens -
Cousin John's Café & Bakery
added November 13, 2009 12:00 PM in Park Slope -
Elote
added November 12, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Miracle Grill
added November 11, 2009 12:00 PM in Park Slope -
Phoebe's Cafe
added November 10, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Ruthie's
added November 9, 2009 12:00 PM in Clinton Hill, Downtown Brooklyn
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.