FHA 203k Pro’s & Con’s


Given can only afford wrecks, am encountering most of these wrecks are either all-cash or FHA 203k loans which I have no idea what it is hence asking for some pro’s & con’s, FHA banks, FHA contractors, recent experiences (good or bad)

Categories: Mortgage
By more4less | 06/29/2010 4:13 PM | Comment

Repair/Replace StainGlass Window


Looking for recommendations for someone to repair / replace a small stain glass window in living room. Window is facing street in landmark zone so it’s either repair or replace with replica.

Categories: Restoration
By more4less | 03/17/2009 9:24 AM | Comment

Appropriate Renov. 4 rental unit


Thanks for the feedback on the mkt rental rates on my Crown Heights N. apt. Now, looking for input on what’s appropriate / sensible level of Kitchen & Bath renovations for the unit. It’s easy decision if I was living there – ie do whatever I want that’s within the budget. A little different & more difficult when the renov budget is smaller for rental purposes. Always found the generic “rental grade” kitchen & baths range from boring to an eye sore. Should I paint the existing oak kitchen cabinets or replace them with something from Ikea? is laminate countertop (maybe something better than the generic beige / white ones) good enough? White / beige appliances? what’s solid & practical washer / dryer unit (gas one; in case these old bldg’s electrical cant handle too much electrical consumption)? Dishwasher vs a big deep sink? Shower curtain vs. sliding glass dr? pedestal vs. cabinet sink? Another key question is what is too much $$$ to spend renovating kitchen (12 x 9) and bath (5 x 10). Want to get unit to be better than the usual rental grade stuff so I can attract & retain good tenants but I worry going overboard (ie I forget I’m not renovating for me to live there) & over investing

Categories: Renovation
By more4less | 02/19/2009 1:15 PM | Comment

mkt rent 4 big Crown H. Rental?


Need input on gauging mkt rental rate on an aptmt in Crown Heights North. Was intending to live there but now need to rent it out. Love it too much to consider selling it. “OK” knowledge of purchase but clueless of rental mkt hence looking for feedback. Know the protocol so here are the details. It’s on Dean & New York Ave. 4th flr pre-war walk-up coop, 2 bdrm, 1 maid’s qtr, 1.5 bath, L/R, formal D/R, 1200+ legit usable sq ft, pre war details, fire place, pier mirror,… Right now, it’s in solid condition but not mint move-in so have some renovation questions too. should I convert maid’s qtr to a big laundry & storage rm (ie for off season items that one doesnt want to put in the basemt storage area)? Should I convert the 1/2 bath to full bath? Should I put in washer/dryer? Would’ve done all this if I was living there but unsure if these changes make sense financially from a 4-rent perspective?

Categories: Renters
By more4less | 02/16/2009 9:32 PM | Comment