BKed's Profile
- Brooklyn
Author's Posts
November 11, 2009
Skim Coating Over Paint?
Any issues skim coating over the old paint? I was told that this is ok, but I always thought that the paint would degrade the new layer of plaster.
Does anyone have any expertise in this?
November 10, 2009
Floor Refinish, Cover, Replace?
I'm trying to decide if I should refinish, cover, or replace my old hardwood floors.
Refinishing is the cheapest, but won't fix the floor being uneven in certain spots.
Replacing is the the most expensive, but will fix the all the problems, however may reveal additionally costlier issues.
Covering I always thought was a shortcut, but it was recommended to me as a budget-conscious strategy. However, I am worried (despite the contractor's assurances) that covering will only work for a short period of time before the new floor is effected by the weaknesses of the old floor. I also do not want the creaking and "bounce" that is associated with going on top of the old floor.
The floors are not in horrible shape, but are old and are no longer level throughout.
Thoughts?
November 3, 2009
Deeding a Rental to a LLC
I am currently own a property for primary use, but want to convert it to a rental (it's a condo). I want to hold the title to the condo in a LLC to limit my liability while it's being rented.
My question is if 1) this will effect my current mortgage, 2) what effect will this have on my insurance policy and 3) what exactly is involved in the transfer?
I have read that it is simple as long as the LLC is owned solely by me as well.
Does anyone know about this?
October 19, 2009
Clawfoot Tub Worth Saving?
I got an old clawfoot tub, debating on whether I should keep it. I hope someone can answer my questions. It needs to be reglazed or refinished (is there a difference?), how much does this cost? Also, I need to get a new shower curtain rod. Are multiple curtains required? I would want to keep it if I could afford it, but are there any hidden upkeep costs I should know about?
October 15, 2009
Law on Square Footage?
So the floor plan of a unit I am considering purchasing states that it is 395 sq ft. and lists certain dimensions.
However, I did a rough measurement and it seems the numbers are a little off, usually short by a few inches (e.g. if the floor plan states 13'3, it is only 13.
I like the place, but is there any cause for renegotiation here?
Can someone tell me what the law is on this?
October 13, 2009
Richard Perri Inspector Rec?
Has anyone used Richard Perri for a housing inspection?
I was thinking about using him since he is so highly recommended, but he asking for $1000 to do two condo units (total 825 sq ft). The last one I used was $350 for a four family house. I thought he and the report were acceptable.
I wanted to see what the difference was with someone so renowned, but I don't want to pay for going overboard.
October 12, 2009
Condo Reno, Contractor Recs?
Just purchased a condo and I'm looking for recommendations for a general contractor.
I plan on stripping and skim coating the walls, installing in wall wiring, redoing the kitchen and bathroom as well.
Is it recommended to get a separate contractor for the bathroom or should I let the GC handle it?
Does the GC handle obtaining the necessary permits as well?
September 28, 2009
Condo Inspections
I was looking buy in a condo conversion, but it's a conversion from rentals so I really want to make sure the building's piping and mechanicals are up to par.
I know an inspector can really only see what's on the outside of the walls and maybe the basement.
Does anyone if it is possible to check the pipes and wiring for the building and unit?
September 4, 2009
Butler Place in PH
14-20 Butler Place has undergone a condo conversion and I was wondering if anyone had any information on these units.
I read about a year ago there were some issues with the pipes and other things and now I'm wondering if there have been any updates?
Author's Comments
It actually is!
Posted by: BKed at October 14, 2009 4:57 PM in response to Condo Inspections
Thanks for all the comments, does anyone have suggestions on where to get ideas from?
Posted by: BKed at October 13, 2009 11:13 AM in response to Condo Reno, Contractor Recs?
InvestorLlew is correct, I am a broker, not an agent.
So as far as I can tell: I can co-broke my own transaction, but there may be some issues getting the seller's broker/agent to agree.
I am also confused as to the repeated assertions that I am an agent.
Thanks for the help.
Posted by: BKed at September 3, 2009 2:29 AM in response to Co-broking for Myself
I think there is a misunderstanding, I am not an agent, I am a licensed real estate broker. The question is whether there is a prohibition against me representing myself as a buyer's broker and therefore, splitting the commission as well.
I am not an agent. Gothamlawyer is right that a broker/agent/attorney is never REQUIRED for a real estate transaction.
Posted by: BKed at September 2, 2009 3:37 PM in response to Co-broking for Myself
I tried to search the forum, but there were a lot more posts about the fight to build it then post-opening. Thanks for all the information, I was hoping that despite the early negative press, the building was actually decent.
If anyone has any additional information or links I'd very appreciative. Thanks you.
Posted by: BKed at August 13, 2009 11:23 AM in response to Vue in South Slope
It's a not a scam per se, they will give you the deed. It's just charging you for something you can do yourself like changing a tire. Nothing illegal about it.
Posted by: BKed at January 16, 2009 1:32 PM in response to Deed Scam in Brooklyn?
Well it's not too far from the train station which is fairly quick to Manhattan, no?
Right now I've negotiated the rent to 1550 for one bedroom ~650 sq ft, but I was hoping that I could get them to go lower.
Posted by: BKed at December 19, 2008 2:17 PM in response to Columbia Street and Woodhull Street
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
I got the same letter and was impressed by the boldness of their scam. They very clearly tell you that they are not a gov't agency, that you don't really need the deed, and that they will charge you much more than it would cost at the City Clerk's office, if you wanted to get it for some reason. I don't recall their mentioning that most probably have a copy already, but they could hardly be more upfront. I believe that potential customers for companies like this are born at an approx. rate of 1 per minute.
Posted by: jb312 at January 16, 2009 4:16 PM in response to Deed Scam in Brooklyn?
Actually, mine wasn't that upfront. They merely emphasized that the property needs to have a certified copy of the deed "NOW".
Posted by: nk at January 16, 2009 4:39 PM in response to Deed Scam in Brooklyn?
It isn't exactly a scam. They are offering to provide you with something that you a) already have, or if you lost it b) could get yourself cheaply and easily, so essentially the service is worthless. I think I got a letter from the same people, I throw all that stuff out. If there is a self addressed postage paid envelope I seal it and mail the empty envelope back to them the same way I do with credit offers. If you don't mail it they don't have any postage to pay. :)
Posted by: raphael9 at January 16, 2009 6:23 PM in response to Deed Scam in Brooklyn?
The place is a dump and the Realtor (along with the developer) should all be put in jail for the fraud that they are perpetrating on unsuspecting buyer's.
Just read this crap:
"At VUE you will tan in the lush landscaped gardens, workout in the fitness center, and enjoy sunsets on private balconies.
And VUE offers private storage rooms, two elevators and onsite parking. It’s the perfect balance of an artful unique aesthetic… and the freedom to make it your own.
Your life, your vision, your VUE of life!"
The lush landscaped gardens are in the parking lot that is vacated and full of crap, because it is about to fall into the adjacent yards.
The Developers have a trail of law suits and default judgments against them.
The Architect (Radusky not Karl Fisher or any other of the lie's that they have tried to sell) lost his self-certification privileges because of his penchant for violating the building code.
The engineers have been indicted.
One of the contractors (MMG) owes the city over 1 million dollars in fine. And that's only for the violations that they were able to make stick.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out how screwed anyone would be to buy into this hell hole.
The fact that the City has allowed these frauds to take place is a crime against every tax paying citizens.
Posted by: sowhat at August 13, 2009 11:56 AM in response to Vue in South Slope
I have a simple rule of thumb:
New development + South Slope + Apts still for sale from sponsor = Controversy
If there are any exceptions, I'm not aware of them.
Posted by: slick at August 14, 2009 5:05 PM in response to Vue in South Slope
I live at the Vue and although there have definitely been problems, we could not be happier with our apartment or our decision to buy here. In fact, if given the chance, I would buy here again, even with the knowledge that there are some issues. We've had absolutely no problems with our unit. I have several friends that have also bought in new developments (Williamsburg, Cobble Hill and BK Heights) and unfortunately it seems that these issues tend to come along with new constructions. That being said, we looked at 30 (yes 30!) apartments in the surrounding area and most of what we saw was run down, falling apart, outdated and not worth the $$. Every single person that we've had over to our apartment comments on how beautiful it is (including a few of our architect friends that work in Manhattan). As an added bonus, we couldn't find a nicer group of people than we have in the building...all young, hard working families. I am really glad that my child is going to grow up amongst such wonderful people. Our block could use some help but the neighborhood as a whole is up and coming and has several wonderful mom and pop shops! I suggest you talk to some of the people that live at the Vue and I'm sure you'll hear much of the same.
Posted by: happyresident at August 14, 2009 10:18 PM in response to Vue in South Slope
HappyResident,
You are either a shill for Mr's Katz & Katan or have been drinking to much of the water that is leaking into the building.
Regardless - Take note of your own words -
"Our block could use some help but the neighborhood as a whole is up and coming"
and
"I am really glad that my child is going to grow up amongst such wonderful people."
You bought into a block that you are not too happy with but you want it to change to be more to YOUR liking.
And you want us to believe that you have a child and are glad that your child will grow up on a block that "could use some help"
Why should the block (or neighborhood for that matter) change to suit you.
If you had done your homework you would have known what "the block" was like.
The fact is:
You are so full of s**t.
You couldn't care less about the neighbors and have no intention of raising your child in that 10 by 10 apartment that couldn't comfortably fit more than one adult for any extended period of time.
You bought that piece of crap hoping to flip it for a profit and now are stuck with it.
Or (as mentioned) you are a shill.
Keep drinking that water.
Posted by: sowhat at August 16, 2009 7:27 PM in response to Vue in South Slope
It sounds as though BKed knows the distinction between agent and broker and is confirming that s/he is a broker. Everyone who passes the licensing test is an agent and remains so for a period of time (2 years, I think) and if active during that time, must be under the guidance of a licensed broker. After that time elapses, s/he can apply for the broker's license and practice independently.
I remember from school that it's actually a hindrance to buy and sell (more so sell) as a licensed agent/broker, because you have to disclose your status and are subjected to a stricter upholding of the letter of the law. While sellers are typically expected to be ethical, it is a "buyer beware" marketplace. That is less interpretive when an agent is selling/buying.
But, the basic question is "Can I?" And I believe the answer is yes, but again, the practicality of having other agents/brokers co-broke with you is always a challenge, although maybe less so in the current market. You can also use the leverage the commission creates as a negotiation tool.
Posted by: BKRed at September 2, 2009 4:25 PM in response to Co-broking for Myself
You cannot recieve a commision if you own the building. So because you are buying the building, I am pretty sure the same law applies. You can represent yourself, but you cannot collect a commision.
Posted by: Cobblehillbaby at September 2, 2009 6:05 PM in response to Co-broking for Myself
I don't think the previous comments answered the OP's question. For some reason, it seems that people don't read well.
Anyway, you'll find the answer in this blog.
http://curbed.com/archives/2007/07/27/ask_curbed_im_out_of_the_broker_game_or_am_i.php
"ABSOLUTELY YES, A BROKER CAN CO BROKE IN A SITUATION IN WHICH HE/SHE IS PARTY TO THE TRANSACTION.
See Liuzzi v. Negro, 109 Misc2d 526 (N.Y.Sup.Ct. 1981). says that licensed real estate brokers are not prohibited from receiving commissions in transactions in which they are a party.
ANY, AND I MEAN ANY BROKER WHO TELLS YOU DIFFERENTLY IS NOT ONLY VIOLATING CODE OF ETHICS, THEY ARE VIOLATING NEW YORK LAW."
Hope this helps.
Posted by: InvestorLlew at September 2, 2009 8:38 PM in response to Co-broking for Myself
Do you have a link or a picture of the chrome shelf?
Posted by: BKed at October 20, 2009 1:25 PM in response to Clawfoot Tub Worth Saving?