Running Child Upstairs


Hello. I have been living in my condo for 5 weeks. Immediately upon moving in, I realized that the child in the apartment above mine runs the length of the apartment–whose layout is the same as mine– anywhere from a few minutes to as many as 45 minutes at a time. About two weeks ago after having to listen to that for 45 minutes, I went upstairs, introduced myself and politely stated that running for 45 minutes non-stop was jarring and that I couldn’t even hear my TV. The father asked me what he wanted me to do. I told him that the solution was up to him and his wife. I remained polite but clear about the noise being unnerving. He insists on my giving him a solution. I noted that in cases like this carpeting seemed like the solution. He said, “I won’t install carpeting. Anyway, I don’t think it will matter.” I told him not be so negative after pushing for a solution. He wanted us to agree on a schedule. I said, “It’s obvious I’m not home all week from 8 am to 8 pm. However when I come home, I’d like to be able to relax and hear my TV or just read.” He said, “That seems reasonable.” For the most part, there hasn’t been running after 8 pm during the week. The thing is, the weekends are unbearable with that child. I came home on Sunday night around 5 pm and by 6 pm I had to put in earplugs. Ditto for tonight. What would be my next step? He has said NO to carpeting. Am I being unreasonable? Should I stay quite about that noise? Should I just go to the condo association? Try with him again? I’d like to get along with my neighbors but it has to be a two-way street. The only thing, I am obviously the one in the weaker position. Thank you!

Categories: Quality of Life
By vesnaspring | 09/08/2009 10:53 AM | Comment

Blockshopper


I had a closing on a condo only 4 weeks ago. I found an “article” on blockshopper.com about the sale. The article tells what I paid and who the seller was. The article also lifted my bio and photo from my work site too. I wrote to all three people listed on the blockshopper contact list but not one has replied. Should I contact the Attorney General in the state of blockshopper’s hq? What can I do to get this “article” off the internet? Thank you. PS I have an order of protection against a relative and this is why I don’t want my new address on the internet. My relative has been declared persona non grata by my employer (a large institution).

Categories: Legal
By vesnaspring | 09/03/2009 10:47 AM | Comment

Painter’s Price


Hello. I would like to paint my three-room apartment (850 sq ft). The walls are in great condition and the current colors are light. I would like the painter to use primer and 2 coats of paint. I’m sticking with white for all the apartment. I’ve never hired a painter before so I am just trying to get a sense of what to expect. Thank you!

By vesnaspring | 07/23/2009 2:49 PM | Comment

Final Walk Through Advice


Hi. This week, I have the final walk through on the condo I plan to purchase. The sellers had many photos on the walls. They also need to remove a bookcase they had attached to the wall. I am assuming I shouldn’t complain about holes left in the walls from small nails but what if there is more substantial damage from the removal of the bookcase? Is this something that is reasonable to bring up the agent? If yes, what recourse do I have? Do I ask for some money to repair the damage? I have a painter coming to paint after closing. Thank you.

By vesnaspring | 07/20/2009 4:38 PM | Comment

Condo Insurance


I am buying a 2-bedroom condo in Park Slope. I would greatly appreciate feedback on agencies/brokers. Thank you.

Categories: Insurance
By vesnaspring | 07/09/2009 3:48 PM | Comment

Vintage Thomasville


Hi. I am selling a six-piece bedroom set by Thomasville. The set includes a wall mirror, long set of drawers, chest of drawers, two nightstand and a headboard. All pieces are in excellent condition and stamped 1965 Thomasville North Carolina. You can see more photos at http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/fuo/1251715139.html
$800 for the set which is located on the LIC/Sunnyside border. Thank you.

Categories: Furniture
By vesnaspring | 07/08/2009 3:42 PM | Comment

If Closing Date is Postponed?


I signed a contract to buy a 2-bedroom in Park Slope. In the SUBMIT OFFER form, I stated I needed to move in by July 24th. The sellers agreed and this was also but into the contract (closing on or before July 24th). My lawyer said that the seller does have 30 days extra if he wants it to go to closing. Is this true? The contract has been signed and the 10 percent deposit has been cashed. My landlord will not renew my lease for only one month and I have no where to go. I made an all-cash offer on the place I agreed to buy and my only request was to move in by July 24th. Do I have the ability to cancel the sale and get my money back if the closing isn’t on time? Thank you.

Categories: Legal
By vesnaspring | 07/02/2009 11:45 AM | Comment

Bldg that hasn’t filed taxes


Hello. I am interested in buying a condo in a small building. In reviewing the financials, my lawyer found that the building hasn’t filed taxes since its inception a few years ago. He said they will need to file but the penalty will be waived and that no taxes are due. Of course I am now dubious about this. The lawyer also said this is quite common–for small buildings not to file taxes. Please advise. I don’t want to buy into a building with problems. PS The treasurer of the building is reportedly talking to an accountant.

By vesnaspring | 06/22/2009 11:21 AM | Comment

8th St between 4th and 5th aves


I am interested in purchasing a condo on 8th St between 4th and 5th avenues and am looking for feedback on that area. Thank you!

Categories: Quality of Life
By vesnaspring | 06/08/2009 2:12 PM | Comment