Empire Blvd now has just 1 lane

Hmmm, if you don't have a previous delinquent account then all they may ask for is a lease

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 18, 2009 9:42 PM in response to Utilities & Credit Checks

I took the Elevator from the subway up to Ashland place two weeks ago and for the first time I could actually see sunlight. It has been so long I forgot there was some construction.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 18, 2009 12:01 PM in response to Atlantic Terminal Station: So Close!

The LL may say that to save a buck but you should get your own. Just make sure that they're fire Approved - NO LOCKS WITH KEYS.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 18, 2009 12:06 AM in response to First Floor Apartment Security?

You should use both but feel free to start out on your own.

The myth that you will get a better break on the price because you're not represented by a buyer's broker will most likely be the reverse.

Make sure your pre-approval is up to date and. yes - get a decent lawyer

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 18, 2009 12:04 AM in response to Need a Broker to Buy?

LATENT DEFECT Anyone? HAHA, All that nonsense about Corcoran being a "reputable" firm. They are like any other company - as honest as their (individual) agents

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 17, 2009 11:54 PM in response to Footage from 357 4th Street Condo Lawsuit

hmmm, I thought it was illegal to ask a residential tenant to pay water bills in NYC but what do I know.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 16, 2009 6:21 PM in response to Tenant Pays Water Bill?

Kid, please put down the crack pipe and burn your Marxist books while you're at it.

"Dollar" Vans, most of which are now legal, provide a badly needed service to people living in Flatbush, Midwood, and Queens.

Your delusional thesis that working people should wait an extra 20 minutes in the cold for an overcrowded 41 bus for the sake of some abstract "proletarian" ideal of "protecting" unionized bus drivers is laughable. By that logic, should manhanttanites shun taking yellow cabs to save MTA jobs?

It doesn't matter to you that:

Bus ridership has actually outpaced available service. (something the MTA and King Bloomberg has done little to address in the outer boros)

That dollar Vans filled the little "niche" burden of two fare zones on working people before the existence of the Metro card.

That Merchants and (car centric) politicians recently protested the proposal of having a badly needed B41 rapid bus lane because it would "affect their parking."

The Vans exist because their is a need for them, making them illegal again would only drive the service underground, leading to more dangerous and less insured drivers.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 16, 2009 6:16 PM in response to Flatbush Ave Dollar Vans

If the Dodgers were still in Brooklyn, maybe I would support a lawsuit.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 16, 2009 5:46 PM in response to Monday Links

Now that Franklin Ave north of Eastern Parkway is becoming a mini Williamsburg, houses bet Franklin and Bedford will shoot through the roof in years to come. Unfortunately, for this owner it's not going to happen while this is for sale - It's overpriced.

I try to support small/independent brokers but is it asking too much to use a wide angle lens to take some better photos. How about taking the interior shots in the day? For God Sakes.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 16, 2009 5:42 PM in response to House of the Day: 685 St. Johns Place

The bedbug problem is a growing menace in New York City.

I've known of cases where tenants have most likely brought in bedbugs but treated their LL's as though they were slumlords once the tenants found out they had them, even before their LL's had a chance to take care of the problem.

Is it "fair" in the grand scheme of things? However LLords are legally responsible for pests regardless of how they got there.

It's just another risk you take when you become a landlord, along with noise, non payment, fires and floods.

Maybe you can pay for one of those dogs to sniff their belongings for bugs the day they move in but I'm not too sure that will go down well.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 16, 2009 5:30 PM in response to Bedbug Clause in Lease?

Poor Norah - first the Jackasses at the Post published her address a few years back, now this.

What part of Privacy people don't understand?

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 16, 2009 12:29 PM in response to Cobble Hill Neighbors Irked by Norah Jones' Windows

Instead of the city/state seizing land from property tax paying owners to build Stadiums and New York Times office buildings, they should focus on properties like this one, the ones on Fulton & Greene, 3rd and 7th, that are clear health hazards. If this isn't a blight, what is?

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 16, 2009 12:24 PM in response to Doings at the Dilapidated 7th Ave & 2nd St Building?

It's not necessary the case: You should always check with an Architect, lawyer, or your insurance company BUT, do you mean legal as in having a C of O that says two Family compared to a (grandfathered) house that never had a C of O,(probably most brownstones in Brooklyn) but is up to code for multifamily use?

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 12, 2009 11:40 PM in response to 2-family vs single?

The Mansion tax figure is outdated. One million does not buy you anything close to a Mansion in NYC anymore There has always been talk of the threshold being raised but with those fools in Albany I wouldn't bet on it.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 11, 2009 2:45 PM in response to Mansion Tax

I like Mr. Harding's enthusiasm. However, simply opening new restaurants without keeping the current ones focused and consistent is not a good long term business plan. Whiskey Sunday a.k.a Fish and Sip in Lefferts Gardens has been nothing short of a disaster the year or so it has been open.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 11, 2009 2:40 PM in response to Mamary: Crown Heights, Greenpoint Ripe for the Picking

Franklin ave north of Eastern Parkway is becoming a Mini Williamsburg, lots of places opening up. Buying a house bet Franklin and Classon/Bedford now may be the same as printing money in a few years time.

Homage is missed, hopefully this one will stay fire free.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 11, 2009 1:33 AM in response to Streetlevel: New Burger Place for Franklin Avenue

Massada come across to me as one of those "grey market" one stop shop companies that operate in queens, and "blue collar" Brooklyn, not unlike United Homes. Just make sure you have a good lawyer, mortgage broker, and inspector. And yes, they should be all your own.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 10, 2009 12:39 AM in response to Massada Home Sales?

She is not married to him, she is not his child, she was never on the lease. A halfway decent lawyer should be able to sort this out. He had a right to have her there rent-stabilized or not, now that he's gone, she does not have a case as far as I'm concerned. If I were you, I would take the vacancy increase (unless you lawyer says you can't) and meet her in the middle by offering her a preferential rent.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 10, 2009 12:31 AM in response to Rent Stabilization Succession

This is where your Lawyer earns the big bucks. If you both have a signed copy of the contract (I assume that the owner signed the modified copy) then I believe you have an executed contract but I'm not a lawyer.

There are serious consequences if an owner breaches an executed contract, why would he do it over 11k is beyond me. Also, if the other buyer finds out that the property may be tied up in litigation in the foreseeable future, it’s hard to see them sticking around.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 10, 2009 12:17 AM in response to Seller wants out of Contract

I can't see Chelsea Fans going there - Clinton Hill is not "fashionable" enough

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 7, 2009 8:40 PM in response to Fulton Sports Bar Signage Revealed

Fair point broker

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 5, 2009 2:28 PM in response to Fee for Lawyer Acting as Broker

Butterfly, maybe there's nothing wrong with smoking weed in public in your world. However, for people (of all colors) with jobs - it is a problem.

I have no patience for young men that make a nuisance of themselves all day, disrespecting people around them, themselves, and their race.

Unfortunately, this block still has a few too many. It has gotten better over the years but Snowbunny, if you're used to Myrtle and Adelphi then this is a walk in the park.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 5, 2009 2:25 PM in response to Lincoln Place Block?

I respectfully disagree with you Broker. As far as I know, a NYS Lawyer does NOT need a brokers license to broker deals. They do however, need one if they plan to be a principal broker, open up an office and have people work under them.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 4, 2009 1:53 AM in response to Fee for Lawyer Acting as Broker

It applies to all licensed NYS attorneys. However, as slope farm said, it's something that should be disclosed from the begining. If the listing is an open listing, not a co-broke or otherwise does not compensate a buyer's broker - then you are entitled to nothing.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 3, 2009 10:55 AM in response to Fee for Lawyer Acting as Broker

tsrina, maybe LL's aren't responsible for all the "stuff" in the world but they are for a working shower. IMBY said it best. You could've, should've said no but you agreed to it and it took, by your own account - "longer than expected." I understand that you tried to do the right thing but that two week delay is on you. The tenant has a right to ask, you can always say no - hopefully, there's some middle ground.

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 1, 2009 8:56 PM in response to Tenant Compensation?

Another Thai place.. Does Fort Greene have a decent Indian restaurant?

Posted by: Crownlfc at November 1, 2009 8:39 PM in response to Streetlevel: New Restaurant Coming to 723 Fulton Street

For a house at that price you can probably do a co-exclusive,there are advantages and disadvantages to both.
6% is customary.

Your friend may want to have the advertising layed out in the contract.

An open listing to reach the largest pool of buyers my Arse. Maybe for a 200k Co-op, not for a 5 million+ house. Most buyers in that price point will be working with a broker. I assume that your friend wants to sell his/her home, not have a walking house tour every sunday.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 29, 2009 1:24 AM in response to Broker Contract?

A sales contingency would be nice, you would be hard-pressed to find an owner in NYC to accept one in a contract however.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 28, 2009 12:59 AM in response to Sales Contingency?

Wheren't they going to have English Football matches as well?

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 23, 2009 7:57 AM in response to StreetLevel: Black Horse Pub Finally Opens

The G-train wouldn't be my first choice for self gratification cause for such a "short ride", it takes forever to "come."

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 21, 2009 11:31 AM in response to Wednesday Links

There were mixed opinions about the front piece of the Museum when it was added. I think its pracical use especially in the winter months has made it worth while. The interesting thing about the photo was the planned side entrance on Washington Ave and the extra space in the back, both of which, were never built.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 21, 2009 2:16 AM in response to Walkabout with Montrose: The Road to Prospect Heights

Lefferts Gardens is a no brainer - close to subway and the park. If you plan to be in Brooklyn at least 5 years, PLG is the place to be. The retailing is catching up on Flatbush which still has its rough edges. Nostrand Ave. still retains its 100% West Indian flavour as most of the Lefferts Manor 100+K crowd rarely venture to, but for the curious, they will be rewarded with lovely grub from Culpeppers and Allan's Bakery.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 21, 2009 12:46 AM in response to Prospect Lefferts Garden Move?

Bxgrl, I wish you were right, for the boy's family's sake.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 21, 2009 12:15 AM in response to Closing Bell: In Memoriam

The poor kid got shot by another black male not a white cop so don't expect the anyone to give a.....

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 20, 2009 12:32 AM in response to Closing Bell: In Memoriam

You can go othe NYS DOS site to check them out. If they're licensed by the state, they can do both - sales and rentals.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 19, 2009 3:35 PM in response to Enourmous For Sale Sign

It's not the worst place on earth, a bar, pizzeria, and a couple other spots have opened up on Franklin recently and based on the "demographical" shift the last few years, (notice the types that now get off the Bedford/Nostrand stop on the G.) it may not be such a bad investment.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 19, 2009 3:32 PM in response to Church Conversion Underway on Bedford Avenue

Watermellon, I would love the Nets here in Brooklyn.. but that's not the point. That was one of the worst, UNamerican court decisions ever - both the right and the left agree on this.

Governments DO NOT have a constitiional right to use Eminent Domain to take property from a private citizen to give it to another. Would you feel the same if the city/state/Fed Gov't took your house or business, said it was a "blight," gave you pennies on the dollar, not to build a hospital, school, or a highway but to a politcally connected private developer for profit? If you do, god help us all.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 17, 2009 4:39 PM in response to Atlantic Yards, the Nets, and the Times

The last ten years - on every major topic that affects the basic freedoms of Americans, the Times has been on the wrong side: Eminent domain, term limits. That hatchet job on John Mc Cain and his wife (and believe me, I'm not a fan of theirs or a Republican.) Outside of the upper west side and park slope where it's read as gospel, the paper is a joke.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 17, 2009 1:51 AM in response to Atlantic Yards, the Nets, and the Times

What does this man do for his constituents - really.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 17, 2009 1:40 AM in response to Relationship between Towns and Countrywide Scrutinized

It yet again exposes the flaws of rent stablization on both ends - the biggest flaw of which, is gov't mandating private owners to bear the costs.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 15, 2009 12:25 PM in response to Tenants Claim Negligence at Flatbush Gardens

Good Luck - you may get it but if your mortgage will depend on a $2300 rental, think twice.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 14, 2009 7:47 PM in response to Rent for Crown Heights duplex?

Unfortunately, until this racket of "franchising" neighborhoods to exclusive cable providers end. You may be outta luck.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 14, 2009 7:42 PM in response to High Speed Internet

Outerboro's comments are reckless and could potentially cost you more than "nothing": NEVER TAKE A CREDIT REPORT FROM A POTENTIAL TENANT, especially if it involves a background check. Get it from a neutral source and have them pay for it like most rental applicants do. I use on-site.com but you may have to check if they do single users. You can try a local realtor to do it at cost.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 14, 2009 7:35 PM in response to Credit Report

If the Landlord is that rude to you - simply move.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 13, 2009 11:30 PM in response to Negotiating Rent Reduction

Sometimes in downtown Brooklyn it feels like you're living in the height of Stalin's red terror. On the other hand, this guy should've known better.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 13, 2009 11:25 PM in response to Streetlevel: Lafayette Grocery Overhaul

Hmmmm, I've never seen a sewage/water clause in a non commercial lease - don't think that's legal in NYC. As for the Trash/Snow removal, I'm not too sure if a NYC LL is LEGALLY obligated for both but that's something NYC LL's should and usually take care of unless: They give you a rent credit for doing so (lives far away) or they're 80+ old, you feel sorry for them and do it as a favor.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 12, 2009 9:08 PM in response to Help with Lease Clarification

You didn't say where exactly - but it's on the high end. Depends on the block and of course - the actual condition. It may be more likely for shares but even that's being best case senario. Pockets of C Heights are finally getting the quality retailing Bed Stuy has enjoyed the last few years, it still has a way to go.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 11, 2009 12:16 PM in response to Rent for Crown Heights duplex?

Fair point Moret, the success of places like Franklin Park and Abigals aside, Crown Heights have allowed Bed Stuy and even Lefferts Gardens to catch up and pass it in terms of "more refined" retailing. I would like to see more, I just don't know if "gentrification" is the word I would use.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 9, 2009 1:17 PM in response to Development Watch: Night Lights at MEC

As a broker, I would say 3% is standard for an open listing. If you want, depending on the advertising you're doing, you can tell (not that they always listen) brokers they can bring buyers by but not to advertise the listing for the first month or so to see how it goes.

If the traffic is not optimal, then give them the green light to advertise.

As for who trusts who: Most brokers would gladly accept a signed open listing agreement at 3%, ironically, it's the owners that feel uncomfortable signing anything.

In spite the sentiments of other posters about the usefulness of brokers, yes - many are waste of space but the plain fact is: many if not most buyers work with brokers that have already separated the serious and qualified from the “hobbyists” and “browsers.” It's the only way you will get full exposure to the market. That's why I co-broke ALL my exclusives, believe me - I don't look forward to paying a buyer's broker half my commission but I understand it's in the best interest of my seller to get the maximum exposure possible.

Posted by: Crownlfc at October 9, 2009 1:11 PM in response to FSBO Ground Rules