Comps for Re-fi?


Hi -
We are considering refinancing our Bed-Stuy three storey, but before laying down deposits and doing the appraisal we want to be sure that this even feasible.

With that in mind, what is the best way to find comps? Trulia and StreetEasy have been relatively unsuccessful for us.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

Categories: Mortgage
By bct | 11/04/2010 10:06 AM | Comment

DIY Brownstone Patch?


Quick one – the stoop of my home has been hit pretty hard by the weather and salt this winter. I am wondering if there is a DIY solution/ spot treatment for fixing small deteriorations on the steps. Any advice appreciated!

By bct | 03/23/2010 12:47 PM | Comment

Wool Runner For Sale – $250


Brand New Wool Rug Runner 4′x11′

Never been used. Too wide for our hallway.

Check out the pic and send me your best offer. btortolani@gmail.com

Stuy Heights vicinity

Categories: Floors
By bct | 03/12/2010 9:55 AM | Comment

Bathroom Reno


Hi -
I have a bathroom that is pretty old, need to get rid of everything and start new. Question: Are there plumbers who will do removal and installation, or is this something that I need two different subs to take care of?
Thanks,
bct

By bct | 02/02/2009 9:47 PM | Comment

Pilot light Q?


Had a pipe burst over the weekend, water accumulated and put out the pilot light on the water heater. I re-lit it this morning and it fired up right off, but then went out a few minutes later. Do you think there is a moisture issue here? I need hot water for obvious reasons, is there anything I can do to dry it out?

By bct | 09/23/2008 10:05 AM | Comment

LPW Estimate fee?


Hi -
I recently moved into a home where some of the windows are not in the best of shape. Not being a window professional and not knowing what type of work needs to be done (repair, replace, etc), I called LPW to see if they could do an estimate. They said that it will cost $100 for the estimate visit and that that charge will not be subtracted from any future charges.

Does this sound like normal practice to everyone?

Categories: Windows
By bct | 09/03/2008 10:41 AM | Comment

Furniture Donations


Hello all –
We just moved into our house and have a good deal of furniture that was left by the previous owner. We need to get rid of it ASAP. Are there any organizations that will do pick up, fast? Anyone who would want it for free? I’ve already checked with the usual organizations and none have availability until a month from now.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this.

Here is what we have:
- chest of drawers
- two sofas
- an armchair
- china cabinet
- 2 end tables
- book shelves
- a side board
- six wrought iron chairs
- an old mattress

Categories: Furniture
By bct | 07/16/2008 1:17 PM | Comment

Painting over the subfloor


Wondering if any of you have had any experience in painting beat up subflooring in a brownstone in lieu of getting into refinishing them? I ask because I am moving into a 1906 brick house in Bed-Stuy and, to say the least, the floors have not been kept up well over the years.

My parents own an old farmhouse in MA where several rooms have this done and I think it looks great and gives the rooms a nice feel.

It will be great to hear your thoughts on this.

By bct | 06/12/2008 3:33 PM | Comment

House Inspection


We just had Tim Curran of Safe Haven do an inspection for us, and would highly recommend him to anyone that’s looking to buy a brownstone. He was very realistic, not an alarmist.
His contact: 718-745-6517

Categories: Inspector
By bct | 03/29/2008 6:14 PM | Comment

Closing Attorney Cost


Hello all – My wife and I are in the process of buying a brownstone and would like to know what averages for attorney costs from contract to close hace been in Brooklyn? Of course this varies by attorney and case, but your perspectives would be quite helpul!

Many thanks
bct

By bct | 10/22/2007 10:41 AM | Comment