Forum Archive: Posts by: zev299

I’d like to add a few open shelves to my kitchen for cookbooks and get rid of an ugly rack that’s been serving this purpose for way too long. I’ve searched a lot online and I only seem to be able to find shelves made of particle board. I’m wondering if there’s any place where I can get solid wood shelves (ideally walnut) without having to go custom.

Thanks

I just moved in and the tub is top on my list of things to update. I know that reglazing is the way to go for changing the color and I’ve seen some recommendations in previous posts for that service. I was wondering if there are people out there who do reglazing and could also install a modern-style drain and change the faucets. My ultimate fantasy, since I have a separate stand-up shower, would be to install jets and turn the tub into a hot tub. Does anyone know if that would be possible? Or if my goal is hot tub, would it be easier to just get rid of the whole thing (I’ve heard taking out a tub can be an expensive procedure).

Thanks

Is it possible to purchase a unit that the sponsor in a coop building is going to renovate before the sponsor actually renovates and sells it through a broker? I know that many sponsors at coops with low(er) owner occupancy rates have exclusive deals with particular brokers, but I wonder if these agreements would preclude the sponsor from selling an unrenovated unit directly to a buyer. My thinking is that you’d be able to buy the unit at a substantial discount, do the renovations yourself (and avoid the cheapo sponsor renovation), and avoid paying the broker’s fee that is likely built into the price. I’d love to hear from anyone who has any insight.

Thanks

I’m a first-time buyer looking mostly at coops and wondering about what role the buyer’s attorney plays in the closing process. From what I’ve heard, deals involve three attorneys: seller, bank, and buyer. Since I am a lawyer (albeit one with zero real estate experience), I was wondering if I could represent myself or whether it would be a foolish thing to do.

I’m looking to buy a one or two-bedroom condo or coop in the next 3-4 months. After several neighborhood exploratory missions, I’ve decided that of the neighborhoods where I could afford something larger than a shoebox (CH, Bed-Stuy, PLG, Ditmas), I like PLG the most. Has anyone bought a similar property in PLG lately, especially in the southern part of the neighborhood where things appear to be most affordable? What’s your experience been like? Did you come across any brokers who were particularly knowledgeable about PLG and helpful in finding the type of property I’m looking for? Are there any specific buildings that I should avoid or, alternatively, seek out?
Thanks

I’m primarily looking at one-bedroom coops and condos. A broker this weekend suggested using a mortgage broker to find the best rate instead of trying to find the best deal on your own. I did some Google searches and was not impressed by what I found in the mortgage broker universe. Most don’t appear to have a well-established web presence. If anyone has had a particularly good or bad experience with mortgage brokers I’d love to hear about it. Thanks.