Investment Buy?


Time to tap this knowledge pool…

Since we have decided to rent in Brownstone Brooklyn (couldn’t afford to buy the space that we need) we still have our “house fund” sitting in the bank. This past tax season has proven that 3 kids just don’t provide enough deductions so we are thinking of buying something to rent out.

My questions are many, including:
- is this a good idea at all?
- with a budget of no more than 325K, where should we be looking?
- should we bother looking at studios or are 1BRs that much better of an investment?
- Anyone want to sell their place but still want to live there? (hey, you never know!)

Many thanks in advance for your 2 cents.

Categories: Real Estate
By CHMomma | 04/25/2011 1:45 PM | Comment

Contractor Pricing?


Finally getting around to helping my parents renovate a rental in their 2 family. We’re looking to have one contractor do all the work (mostly cosmetic and cabinetry). How can I expect price quotes to be organized? Should I expect to get a flat all in quote, or a cost plus mark up?

At work, I can negotiate GC contracts for millions of bucks, but no idea what to expect for this job. My preference would be for costs plus a fixed fee but don’t know if that works in the residential contracting industry.

Many thanks in advance for your advice.

Categories: Renovation
By CHMomma | 03/28/2010 9:05 PM | Comment

Tenants Rights When Owner Sells?


I think this is a basic question…what are the rights of a non-rent stabilized, non-rent controlled, open market tenant to stay in a rental with a valid lease with time left in term? Must the buyer accept the lease (if the seller does not terminate) or buy out the tenant? Thanks.

Categories: Tenants
By CHMomma | 02/09/2010 9:45 AM | Comment

Powder Room Corner Pedestal Sink


I’m looking for a small corner pedestal sink for a small powder room. Can anyone recommend a good resource with decent selection and reasonable prices?

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By CHMomma | 02/13/2009 2:36 PM | Comment