C of O Change in Loft


Does anyone know what’s involved with changing the occupancy usage from work to live work? Can anyone recommend an attorney with specific knowledge to this sort of thing? Thanks!

Categories: C of O
By swade | 09/11/2009 3:04 PM | Comment

Changing Commercial Zoned Floor


Hi guys,

I am looking at purchasing a floor in a 4 story loft that is zoned for commercial use. The first two floors of the building are zoned commercial and the top two are zoned residential. The thing is I would not need the entire space for my business. So my question is does anyone know if it’s possible to change a floor to a work/live zoning and if so how involved is this? Additionally, what are the ramifications of just living and working out of a commercial zoned floor in a building like this? Do city officials actually drop by to see if there are living quarters? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Categories: Zoning
By swade | 09/03/2009 12:16 PM | Comment

Williamsburg Northside Schools


Can someone in the know shed some light on prime Northside Williamsburg. With all of the new construction, won’t there soon be a decent grade school in the area? I know that sales have been slow at the new waterfront properties but still one would think a school would emerge that would be comparable to some of the other more established Brooklyn neighborhoods. Can a school expert or two weigh in on this? Thanks!!!

Categories: Schools
By swade | 06/18/2009 9:43 AM | Comment

Best Public Grade Schools in BK?


I know about insideschools.org. I know about the 3 or 4 good Public Schools in Park Slope. I know about Brooklyn Heights but other than that where are the good public grade schools in Brooklyn? Can someone with knowledge help me cut through the BS and let me know which hoods to narrow my search to?! Thanks!

Categories: Schools
By swade | 06/04/2009 11:09 AM | Comment

Financing a 5 family purchase?


I am far from an expert on loans and I’m interested in purchasing a 5 family house to live in and then receive income from the rentals on. Can anyone explain to me the difference between a 4 and 5 family in terms of financing? Does a 5 family mean FHA is not a possibilty? Also, am I free to get free market rent on the 4 rental units in a 5 family if it is delivered vacant? Thanks for your help!

Categories: Mortgage
By swade | 05/25/2009 4:42 PM | Comment

The Cost of New Construction?


Trying to weigh buying a very rundown old house that needs a costly gut renovation versus buying a lot for less money and starting from scratch. Can you weigh in on ballpark costs of new construction per square foot in Brooklyn (Williamsburg). The house we would build would be around 25 wide x 35 deep and would be 4 stories (3 family). Would renovating the crappy house still be a ton cheaper? What about the tax ramifications? Thanks so much for any input!

Categories: Construction
By swade | 04/22/2009 9:47 AM | Comment

Opinions-Northside Williamsburg


I am looking at buying a 2 family, 3 story gut reno wood frame over brick home in prime Northside. Building is 22 wide by 30 deep. I could add another floor according to the FAR. It needs everything and I am curious to get opinions on what I should be aiming to pay in this market. I understand it’s hard without showing pictures but just looking to get some very ballpark opinions. Thanks!

Categories: Real Estate
By swade | 04/06/2009 5:17 PM | Comment