Living next door to a construction site


I was wondering what the general opinion was about buying an apartment next door to a pending construction site. We are considering buying a place that is physically next to what is going to be a new condo building. The place is great, but I have no idea what to expect when the construction begins.
Has anyone lived directly next door to a construction site, and how badly did this affect your quality of life? Thanks in advance.

Categories: Real Estate
By seahag21 | 07/29/2008 10:25 PM | Comment

Jumbo-Conforming loans for co-ops


Hi, As some of you already know, the 417k limit on conforming loans has recently been increased to 729k in high-priced areas. This means a loan of 729k is no longer considered Jumbo, thereby lowering the rate to that of (or near) a traditional conforming rate. As of today, co-ops are not eligible for this, and are held to the previous rules of anything above 417k being considered Jumbo.
I’ve heard conflicting things from mortgage brokers and banks about this, so I’m wondering if anyone has had experience with this as of yet. One broker told me that this will become available for co-ops this months, others have said it’s already available from some banks (I have no proof yet), and others have said it’s not happening at all. Does anyone have any more insight? The Jumbo rates are about 1 point higher right now, so it’s a significant savings. Thanks.

Categories: Mortgage
By seahag21 | 06/08/2008 8:29 PM | Comment

Ductless AC – Outside Wall?


Hi, I am researching ductless and mini-duct AC systems. One thing that I can’t seem to get a straight answer on is whether the indoor unit needs to be mounted on an outside-facing wall. In an attached brownstone, this could make things difficult.
Does anyone know whether this is true? Is there some part of the inside unit that needs to be vented outside? Thanks!

Categories: A/C
By seahag21 | 06/08/2008 8:17 PM | Comment

Laminate floors?


Hi, I’m looking for some feedback on laminate floors vs. wood. We are renovating a condo that currently has carpeting, and are considering laminate floors. One of the reasons I like the idea is because I would like continuity throughout the apt. and laminate floors will provide that because they can be installed in the (open) kitchen.
Do you feel that this is cheap/cheesy?
Thanks for your feedback.

Categories: Renovation
By seahag21 | 03/22/2008 10:58 AM | Comment

Which blocks in Bed Stuy are the nicest?


Hello, we are thinking of looking for a home in the Bed Stuy area. Does anyone have any advice on which parts of the neighborhood are the nicest, and which parts to avoid? Ideally, we’d like to find a brownstone within a short walk of the A/C line. Thanks in advance.

By seahag21 | 12/09/2007 12:21 PM | Comment