Help: Front Yard Out of Control


As a full-time professional and someone who is averse to gardening, I find my front yard an nuisance. Every year, the weeds grow out of control and it makes me anxious and upset. The issue is I can’t figure out what I want to do with it. I want something very easy to maintain but that looks cool and not too expensive. I would like to reach out to the collective wisdom of Brownstoner to see if they have any suggestions.

Thank you.

Categories: Garden
By shalman | 05/19/2011 1:47 PM | Comment

Buying In Newly Built Condo Building


My sister finally found an apartment she loves and can afford. The issue is the building is just being finished up and it does not have a Certificate of Occupancy yet. We are the first ones to make an offer on an apartment there. What things we need to be mindful of going through a purchase in the new building? What conditions we need to provide for in the contract? Do we need to have an engineers inspection? What about ensuring that everything works in the new building after people move in? What contingencies I need to stipulate? What questions I need to ask the seller?

Any advice in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Categories: Real Estate
By shalman | 04/20/2011 11:50 AM | Comment

Best Paint For Rental Apartment


After three year anniversary, my tenant asked me to repaint her apartment. While at it, I want to paint the common areas as well. My question is: what people recommend for an easy to clean, quality paint (brand and type) for an apartment and common areas?

I am thinking going all white.

Thank you.

Categories: Painting
By shalman | 12/21/2010 11:50 AM | Comment

Rental Apt. Painting: Cont’d


Quick question as I embark on painting my tenant’s apartment. Who is supposed to move her furniture? I am afraid if I move it and break smth, she might get upset. Whose responsibility is it to move the furniture in my tenant’s apartment before I paint it?

Thank you!

Categories: Painting
By shalman | 12/20/2010 9:24 PM | Comment

Lease Termination Notice


My tenant wants to continue with a month-to-month lease. And I am ok with that since she is very reliable, and I would rather stay with her as long as it is possible. My only question is: what is a reasonable amount of time for her give me before she decides to move out. Is it a one month or a two-month notice a standard practice.

Any pointers will be appreciated.

Thank you

Categories: Renters
By shalman | 04/20/2010 11:57 AM | Comment

Tenant’s Pet


When my tenant moved in the apartment, I made it very clear no pets. After 3 years with me, she decided to adopt a dog. And she let me about it after the fact. After getting initially getting upset, I am ok now as the dog is not very big and rather cute

. Plus, she is willing to sign any lease rider to protect me from any damage.

Any idea where I can get a rider like that or what I should include there?

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Categories: Tenants
By shalman | 03/15/2010 2:57 PM | Comment

Have an Offer: How to Proceed


I finally have a serious offer on my house, but I am not sure how to proceed. One issue is I am a bit doubtful that the person who made an offer will be able to get the mortgage. They have quite a bit of cash, but they do not have a steady job and that might be problematic especially since I’ve been hearing horror stories in regards to people unable to secure funds from banks these days. Another potential issue is that they are asking if I would let them live in my empty house while we are in contract until the sale. I do not mind that (they will be paying rent although it wont cover my expenses), but what if the sale does not go through and then I am unable to show the house to potential buyers or they are unable to move out on time.

I wonder if it would be ok, if I would include a clause (in the sale contract) whereby I keep some type of deposit if a buyer fails to secure a mortgage. Or it wont be a reasonable thing to do.

I would be grateful for any advice.

Thank you.

Categories: Real Estate
By shalman | 03/05/2010 1:36 PM | Comment

Best Locksmith


After getting several recommendations on this forum to upgrade my front door lock, I would like to know if people can recommend the most reasonable and well-qualified locksmith in the Northern Park Slope area or surrounding neighborhoods.

Thank you.

Categories: Locksmith
By shalman | 02/22/2010 5:31 PM | Comment

MXEnergy: Switching from Coned


I had an interesting experience a couple of weekends ago. There were some people dressed in bright uniforms going around our block and knocking on every door persuading people to switch from ConEd and National Grid to an alternative energy provider MXEnergy. I did so on the spot, mostly without thinking and because I felt sorry for the kid who was try to sell the service on a insanely cold evening.

NOw that I am looking into this, I realized that they promised a little bit cheaper rate but only for two months and later it will be non-fixed. Plus, a cancellation fee is $150. It sounds like a typical bait-and-switch tactic. And I am now gearing up to call them up and try get out of the contract, but I dont know if I will be successful.

Has anyone used these guys? What’s people experience with this company? Do they indeed provide better rates than ConEd and NationalGrid? What people’s thought are in regards to switching from these large, stable known local companies?

Any pointers will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Emilia

Categories: Utilities
By shalman | 02/22/2010 12:17 PM | Comment

Ready to Sell FSBO


I am finally ready to sell my house in Windsor Terrace. I put together a nice website with pictures and would like to start marketing it. Any idea where best I should post my ad?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Categories: Real Estate
By shalman | 01/11/2010 3:13 PM | Comment