Small Project Contractor/Interior Design Consultant?


We just bought a place in Park Slope. Before moving-in, we want to change (expand somehow) its current small kitchen counter top area (to be more functional) as well as putting brand-new room doors/moldings and changing the current old carpeted stairs with a new carpet. Can anyone recommend a reliable, experienced & fully-insured contractor (or interior design consultant) who can help me start this small project? How much should I estimate for this project? Thanks in advance!

Categories: Construction
By juno2010 | 04/18/2011 4:45 PM | Comment

Where to start seeking pre-approval for a mortgage?


First-time home-buyers & totally clueless about how to start seeking pre-approval/qualification for a mortgage. We’ll probably need at least $350,000 and maybe up to $600,000 from mortgage and we want a 15-yr payment plan. FYI, we plan to pay ~$300,000 cash down for a 2Br+ condo priced btw $650-950,000 in Park Slope/Carroll Gardens/Boerum Hill/Cobble Hill area (haven’t decided which neighborhood yet). Do we start with big banks like HSBC, Chase, BOB? or go to Mortgage Brokers? Who are really mortgage brokers? How are they different from Banks? Sorry, my questions may sound silly. But any tips/recommendations on reputable/honest/reliable brooklyn-specialized mortgage brokers will be appreciated. One more, when we ask for pre-approval for a mortgage, would our credit scores be damaged by their credit-pulling’?

Categories: Real Estate
By juno2010 | 03/20/2011 9:05 AM | Comment