Exposed Brick in Bathroom


I’m in negotiating for a Sunset Park apartment, which was beautifully renovated by the owners. I love the look of the bathroom with 2 exposed brick walls—an outside wall with the window and an inside wall with tub close to it. But I don’t know how durable/easy to clean it is.

The owners never lived in the apartment after renovation, so this hasn’t been tested. Any opinions on keeping the exposed brick? Alternatively I’d like to get estimates on what it would cost to tile 2 walls of a small bathroom. To that end, I’d appreciate contractor recommendations.

Thank you in advance!

Categories: Construction
By NewToRenting | 12/16/2010 1:45 PM | Comment

RE Lawyer Upfront Charge


I received an agreement letter from the RE lawyer I chose to represent me in a purchase of a one-bedroom coop stating that half of the flat fee is due 10 days from the agreement, balance at closing.

And it also says that I’m liable for this lawyer’s and her paralegal’s time even if the purchase terminates. I assumes that includes sellers changing their mind.

It doesn’t sound completely unfair to me, but I don’t remember having to sign an agreement like that in my previous apt. purchase (many years ago) definitely not in my recent apt. sale.

Is this common? Is there anything I can do to protect myself against the sellers changing their mind before contract?

Thanks in advance!

Categories: Lawyers
By NewToRenting | 06/02/2010 9:14 AM | Comment

Unresponsive Attorney


I’m in the last stages of selling my coop apartment. Throughout the process, my lawyer has been uncommunicative and unresponsive, which is making an already stressful time so much more so. Now, I’m waiting for a firm closing date in order to schedule my move. I called the office and emailed, but of course there’s no response, as usual.

Obviously I’ll never recommend this attorney to anyone. At this point I’m trying to figure out if I have any recourse that would make the lawyer consider my interests and smooth out this last part of my move.

I’d be interested in hearing if you’ve had a similar experience and how you’ve dealt with it.

Categories: Lawyers
By NewToRenting | 08/28/2009 9:45 AM | Comment

Need Renting Advice


I’m in the process of selling my beautiful apt. in prime Park Slope in order to lower my monthly expenses. As I’m closing in on my closing date I ran out of time for a place to buy and just switched my gears to looking for a rental. The problem is I’ve been an apt. owner for 24 years and only rented one apt. briefly prior to then. I’m feeling overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time with what seems to be out there. I’d love to figure out how to tell good deals from scams on CL, for example. And while the general consensus is that it’s a renter’s market out there, I’m finding it difficult to convince some brokers to even show apts. I’m looking in Park Slope/Windsor Terrace/Greenwood Heights/Prospect Heights/Kensington (close to Prospect Park). Thank you for any advise, leads or even broker recommendations.

Categories: Renters
By NewToRenting | 07/29/2009 9:53 AM | Comment