Maly is dead on. A legal 4 is in a different tax class and can be significant. Read:
Property Class Definitions
Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 is assigned to a property based on its type, use and size.
Class 1 includes:
Most residential property of up to three units (such as one-, two-, and three-family homes),
Small stores or offices with one or two apartments attached,
Vacant land, in the boroughs other than Manhattan, zoned for residential use,
and most condominiums that are not more than three stories.
Class 2 includes:
All other primarily residential property, such as cooperatives and condominiums.
Class 3 includes:
Property with equipment owned by a gas, telephone or electric company.
Class 4 includes:
All commercial and industrial property, such as office, factory buildings and vacant land other than in Tax Class 1.

Posted by: Hank at October 19, 2009 11:22 AM in response to Change from 2- to 4-Family

Come on, be a Brooklynite of old. We had the same problem years ago and the solution is simple: if you're sure that it's her dogs then each and every time that a "deposit" is made in front of your property, simply gather it up (sanitarily, of course) and redeposit it ON her front door (and I do mean ON the front door). Let's stop the Mary Poppins crap (no pun intended) and fight fire with fire. This is only a small example why so many people run roughshod over others. No one retaliates!

Posted by: Hank at September 25, 2009 10:26 AM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House

To joe the bummer re: libel--To be exposed to a suit for libel or slander, the basic premise is that the accusation(s)is/are FALSE so if the O/P is stating the story accurately, then there is nothing to worry about. Obviously the O/P should be prepared to document the claim(s).

Posted by: Hank at September 22, 2009 4:30 PM in response to Worst Broker Experience Ever

Some of these replies are unbelievable. Children should be taught that the apt is not the place to be running around in incessantly and the reasons therefor, i.e., people live downstairs and it is disturbing to them. Fear not,you won't harm the child irreparably. As a matter of fact there may be an unintended consequence. You might be building character and teaching a novel concept; respect of others.

Posted by: Hank at September 8, 2009 11:37 AM in response to Running Child Upstairs

Respectfully disagree with "more4less" position. Firstly, you will be surprised at how quickly your friend may come to expect special consideration even including late payments and, worse, no payment (in the event of job loss, etc.) Obviously this can happen with any tenant but personal relationships engender "special" favors more readily. And do not simply "hope" when assessing a potential tenant and NEVER rely on a real estate agent's word as to the quality of the person(s). R/E agents are salespeople and they will tell you anything just to get the commission from the tenant. There are many ways to screen a prospective tenant on your own and past the scope of the R/E agent. Think in terms of: credit check and FICO score; previous landlord(s); current employment, etc, etc, etc. Nothing can guarantee you 100% especially in today's economy but due diligence on your part will mitigate your exposure tremendously.

Posted by: Hank at August 28, 2009 11:46 AM in response to Renting to a Friend

The mere asking of the question suggests the answer. The answer is a resounding "NO NO NO"! Your new endeavor -best of luck, by the way - is a business venture and the introduction of any personal interest in it is a negative. There is no upside to you. Is your friend going to pay you more rent than someone else? The list of potential problems is endless. BTW, you don't say if you will be living in one of the units and if the answer is yes, multiply the intensity of this response by 10. Business is business. And yes, I am a landlord.

Posted by: Hank at August 28, 2009 11:22 AM in response to Renting to a Friend

The above link from the NY Times shows the recent sale of a $849,000. sale in which there was a "bidding war" and the property went for $80,000. more than the asking price.

Posted by: Hank at August 3, 2009 3:52 PM in response to Appraisal Question

http://www.nytimes.com/ref/realestate/0802ressales.html?ref=realestate
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/489-16th-St-Brooklyn-NY-11215/30588655_zpid/
Check out these 2 recent sales and then evaluate the "Chicken Little" remarks.

Posted by: Hank at August 3, 2009 3:47 PM in response to Appraisal Question

Your problem is simple so DO NOT be duped by unscrupulous contractors!!! You have a partial blockage (most likely leaves from the roof leader/gutter)downstream of the basement line. Call a Rotor Rooter type(or any drain cleaning outfit; there are many)and TELL THEM that you want a single line snaked. When they arrive, show them the line and simply tell them to snake it out. They will insert an electric snake into the line and it will clear it immediately. My guess is $100. tops.

Posted by: Hank at April 11, 2009 9:37 AM in response to washer drain and rain pipe issue

What is your friend's objective? To change agents? To totally remove the property from listing? If he/she still desires to sell the property, then they are probably "stuck", i.e., in an exclusive listing the agreed upon commission is due the original agent IRRESPECTIVE of who brokers the deal. Even if you sold to a "relative" they can go after you for the commission based upon FMV.If your friend has simply changed their mind about selling, then they should simply drag their feet for the 6 mos and not consent to any sale.

Posted by: Hank at March 2, 2009 10:38 AM in response to Breaking Agreement w/ Agent

OK: to confuse the issue
Gas meters (National Grid) formerly Keyspan CAN be read from outside WITHOUT any wiring (bluetooth) -convert at your expense -they offered it free several years ago with good excuse-elderly, immobile, etc.- then went to about $100. per meter couple of years ago-call National Grid 718 643-4050
Con Ed -currently in Brooklyn- the entire meter must be moved outside-no bluetooth, remote,etc-process is cost-prohibitive- licensed electrician, plans, etc.-call Con Ed 800 75-CON ED
Water meters -discussed above

Posted by: Hank at February 19, 2009 5:42 PM in response to DEP Fine for Meter in Basement?

Additional info: Your violation is "probably" because they can't get your readings on a regular basis (done by the Con Ed meter reader every 3 months) along with the Con Ed reading. The Con Ed reader won't bend down to the meter to physically read it and certainly won't lift any plate covering it in the basement. That's if they can even get into the basement in the first place. They want you to have a remote contraption wired from the meter to a position outside the front entrance so that the reader can quickly obtain an electronic reading. Not a bid deal. They will come out and do it for you. It's only a thin wire. Call he DEP number on your water bill.

Posted by: Hank at February 19, 2009 12:03 PM in response to DEP Fine for Meter in Basement?

Not true. Most water meters are inside the house, however many, many water meters are outside. (Usually in a deep pit in the sidewalk directly in front of the property. They are below the freeze line.) Your violation is curious. If you can't discern the exact reason from the summons, go to Dept of Buildings website and enter your address and navigate to the violation. Here's the link. Good luck.

http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/bispi00.jsp

Posted by: Hank at February 19, 2009 11:53 AM in response to DEP Fine for Meter in Basement?

Check out this plumbing forum. They are extremely helpful.
http://www.plbg.com/forum/list.php?1

Posted by: Hank at October 31, 2008 7:17 PM in response to Heating quandry

Hi,
Forgive me for redundancy as I have posted this in different areas with no luck and am hoping for a reply.Does anyone have an idea on the area of 16th St. and PPW, specifically 16th bet 8 Ave+ PPW? I'm looking to rent in the area (pvt home w basement and large yard) The area looks to be rapidly gentrifying and seems to have many great features (very close to Park, F train, etc.) Heard that a new Pub/Restaurant is opening shortly right on the corner of 16th and PPW (owners from Cake Shop in lower Manhattan). I am confident that the apartment and area have all that I want/need. I'm just trying to get an additional feel on the nabe. Thanks.

Posted by: Hank at October 3, 2008 11:21 AM in response to Just Sold in Brooklyn

Hi,
Forgive me for redundancy as I have posted this in different areas with no luck and am hoping for a reply.Does anyone have an idea on the area of 16th St. and PPW, specifically 16th bet 8 Ave+ PPW? I'm looking to rent in the area (pvt home w basement and large yard) The area looks to be rapidly gentrifying and seems to have many great features (very close to Park, F train, etc.) Heard that a new Pub/Restaurant is opening shortly right on the corner of 16th and PPW (owners from Cake Shop in lower Manhattan). I am confident that the apartment and area have all that I want/need. I'm just trying to get an additional feel on the nabe. Thanks.

Posted by: Hank at October 3, 2008 11:20 AM in response to Streetlevel: New Café on 8th Avenue

Hi,
Does anyone have an idea on the area of 16th St. and PPW, specifically 16th bet 8 Ave+ PPW? I'm looking to rent in the area (pvt home w basement and large yard) The area looks to be rapidly gentrifying and seems to have many great features (very close to Park, F train, etc.) Heard that a new Pub/Restaurant is opening shortly right on the corner of 16th and PPW (owners from Cake Shop in lower Manhattan). I am confident that the apartment and area have all that I want/need. I'm just trying to get an additional feel on the nabe. Thanks.

Posted by: Hank at October 3, 2008 8:26 AM in response to Streetlevel: New Café on 8th Avenue

Does anyone have an idea on the area of 16th St. and PPW, specifically 16th bet 8 Ave+ PPW? I'm looking to rent in the area (pvt home w basement and large yard) The area looks to be rapidly gentrifying and seems to have many great features (very close to Park, F train, etc.) Heard that a new Pub/Restaurant is opening shortly right on the corner of 16th and PPW (owners from Cake Shop in lower Manhattan). I am confident that the apartment and area have all that I want/need. I'm just trying to get an additional feel on the nabe. Thanks.

Posted by: Hank at October 1, 2008 11:44 AM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

"If she's a renter, try talking to her landlord."

Good idea. The president of our block association did this after he and I both (separately) confronted a lady who never picks up the crap when her dogs go on our block. She would take them to a tree pit right in front of her building and not pick anything up. When we said something to her about it she'd ignore us. Our block assn. prez told her landlord about it and....it stopped.

Posted by: East New York at September 25, 2009 12:45 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House

If she's in a private home you could always relocate the poop to her stoop.

Sorry, but I think your dog dropped this back there so we wanted to make sure we returned it to you!

Posted by: TownhouseLady at September 25, 2009 1:15 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House

I used to have a problem with people not cleaning up after their dogs in front of my house, and it drove me up the wall. I purchased a small sign online that simply says "Please clean up after your dog." It works & people have respected that. I've never had to clean my sidewalk in the nearly two years since I affixed the sign to my fence.

Posted by: PresRez at September 25, 2009 1:41 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House

If you know where she lives - pick up the said poop and smear it on her doorknob.

Posted by: dirty_hipster at September 25, 2009 1:59 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House

"Give Precious the hose!
Modsquad, the owner should be hosed, not the dog.

Posted by: GHB at September 25, 2009 2:07 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House

"@rob - i just mentioned the dogs because theyre BIG dogs and their shits are HUGE. if it was a chihuahua, i would say its a chihuahua."

Q, trying to disguise your breedism under this cover simply won't fly. As Rob said, there was no need to mention the breed. Poor pups, they can't help it. In the future, to avoid defaming pitbulls, simply pick up all the poop and put it on a scale. You can then advise us of the weight of said poop without having to resort to breedism.

Future breedism coming from you will be reported to Mr. B., and Rob will poop on your facebook page.

Posted by: denton at September 25, 2009 2:15 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House

I used to have an Akita. You think put bull shit is big, LOL!!!!

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at September 25, 2009 2:18 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House

HAAA denton and modsquad hahah.

breedism hahah

*rob*

Posted by: Butterfly at September 25, 2009 3:01 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House

"I used to have an Akita. You think put bull shit is big, LOL!!!!"

HA HA! Its true!! I swear an Akita actually shits out MORE than it eats. There's on old man on my block with an Akita. When I see him when I walk my doggie, I help him pick up his Akita poop because it looks too heavy for him. Its actually a sight to behold.

Posted by: HoneysuckleWeeks at September 25, 2009 3:12 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House

Photo evidence. Giant poster. Public humiliation. Done.

Posted by: west1 at September 25, 2009 3:40 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House