Mortgage Contingencies


My wife and I are in the process of buying a 2-family house in Brooklyn right now. We signed a contract and were approved on our mortgage, until a contingency was placed on it by the bank. Like many 2 or 3-family homes in Brooklyn, there is an unregistered basement apartment. The bank is now requiring us to get a C of O for the basement, or remove the kitchen of that apartment, neither of which are attractive options. What I’d like to know is if this is a common problem that people run in to when purchasing, or if my bank is just being very picky. If most banks approve mortgages despite an additional unit, then I will just bail on my bank and work with another one. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Categories: Mortgage
By sweetser | 09/02/2009 3:27 PM | Comment

General Contractor


I have a few different work-projects I need to get done, and need to get some quotes. The projects are pretty varied and include interior as well as exterior work. Does anyone have a general contractor they would recommend? Thanks in advance for the help.

Categories: Renovation
By sweetser | 06/12/2009 2:41 PM | Comment

structural engineer


Right now I’m checking out a building in Bushwick that’s just what I’ve been looking for and seems to be a steal. I’d like to have a structural engineer check the place out with me, and if he doesn’t think it’s in danger of falling down I plan to buy. Any recommendations for a professional but reasonably priced engineer? Any help is appreciated.

Categories: Engineer
By sweetser | 12/22/2008 12:14 PM | Comment