Price My Apartment

I saw this place last Sunday. It is indeed beautiful, but it is not -- by any stretch of the imagination -- a 2 bedroom. It is a one-bedroom with a tiny alcove. And as others have noted, the maintenance is extremely high for a building with no services whatsoever. (We pay less in a full-service building nearby). The spiral staircase isn't much of an issue, because you can also walk up the main staircase outside the apartment.

Posted by: Lesloaf at November 18, 2009 2:50 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 85 8th Avenue, #3R

I went to a Corcoran open house this past Sunday. The apartment was advertised as a 2 BR. This place wasn't a 2 BR by any conceivable stretch of the imagination. It had a tiny little alcove next to the single bedroom, just big enough for a tiny little toddler bed (which is what it contained), with no door or closet. I was annoyed that they wasted my time, but lesson learned -- brokers lie!

Posted by: Lesloaf at November 17, 2009 10:31 AM in response to Corcoran Found Negligent in Park Slope Condo Sale

I've been hunting for a 2-BR in Park Slope, and I don't know if people are getting these prices, but this is totally in line with what's on the market right now. They expect a PS 321 premium, and parking in the building is definitely a huge selling point. I think we'll be casting a wider net....

Posted by: Lesloaf at November 16, 2009 1:40 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 130 8th Avenue, #7C

Dan Goldstein doesn't care about just compensation. He was offered a fortune for his place and turned it down, and he now lives in a vacant building without services because everyone else took the deal. He is standing up to Ratner and the City on principle, and I think he deserves some credit for that.

Posted by: Lesloaf at November 16, 2009 11:06 AM in response to Goldstein Offered Less Than What He Paid for Condo

You might want to consider the garage in the Richard Meier Building, On Prospect Park. I think they're offering deals right now. Good luck!

Posted by: Lesloaf at November 13, 2009 11:11 AM in response to Parking Garages in Park Slope

We're looking to move right now. With two young kids, I wouldn't consider one of these big buildings in no-man's-land. These are for people straight out of college who can't afford Manhattan.

Posted by: Lesloaf at November 13, 2009 11:04 AM in response to Brooklyn Gold Joins the Downtown Rental Party

We did this a few years ago, and it was a piece of cake. We just called the bank that holds our mortgage and told them we wanted to get rid of the PMI. They scheduled us with their appraiser, who came by and took some photos and measurements and prepared a report. He charged us something like $200. He sent the report to the bank, and they took care of it. Other than scheduling a time to be home for the appraiser, it took no effort at all.

Hope this helps.

Posted by: Lesloaf at November 12, 2009 12:16 PM in response to PMI/ FHA Insurance

You couldn't pay me to live there. (And I'm from Sheepshead Bay originally).

Posted by: Lesloaf at November 2, 2009 11:40 AM in response to Sheepshead Bay Gets Sexy

I walk by the Oro, the Torren, and the Avalon every day on my way to work, and I am baffled as to who they think is going to pay big bucks to live in those monstrosities. There are few services nearby (although a supermarket is apparently being built on Myrtle), no good schools (although they aren't being marketed to families anyway), and you have to contend with the worst part of Flatbush Avenue every day. To me, these are just hulking empty monuments to failure and greed.

Posted by: Lesloaf at October 29, 2009 10:05 AM in response to Evaluating the Mayor's Development Legacy

It is definitely prime Slope -- very close to the park and the 2/3 train. Not in the best school zone, but that wouldn't likely matter to someone buying this size apartment. Thanks for the input -- you're all coming in higher than I expected....

Posted by: Lesloaf at October 1, 2009 9:50 PM in response to Price My Apartment

Sorry, it's a very well-run co-op building, and the apartment is approximately 900 square feet (including the large entry foyer, which we use as a dining room). The half bedroom was formerly the dining room, but is now used as a bedroom by my two kids (one in a bed, one in a crib). It is separated from the living room by french doors, and has two big windows but no closet. It would make a good office or guest room space.

Posted by: Lesloaf at October 1, 2009 4:09 PM in response to Price My Apartment

The one bathroom would be the deal-breaker for me.

Posted by: Lesloaf at July 29, 2009 2:12 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 416 Ocean Avenue, #12

I have the impression that rents are much more negotiable than they used to be. A friend is a landlord in Windsor Terrace, and she told me that nearly everyone who was interested in her studio apartment recently offered a lower rent than she was asking. She ended up lowering the rent by $200/mo in order to get a person with a good job and strong credit. (And, even though it is a beautiful, recently renovated apt with a deck on a quiet street, she had a hard time finding renters). So, I'd say to look at places that are slightly above your range, and if you find a place you like, make a pitch for a rent reduction on the ground that you are a stable, mature, responsible renter.

Posted by: Lesloaf at July 29, 2009 10:50 AM in response to Need Renting Advice

We'll miss you, Gus!

Posted by: Lesloaf at July 23, 2009 10:28 AM in response to Changing of the Guard at Tom's

I should add that we have a true half-bedroom (meaning, a dining room converted to a bedroom, with a real door and two windows), but no closet. That little triangle-thing is not a half bedroom. It is a nook.

Posted by: Lesloaf at July 21, 2009 12:55 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 34 Plaza Street East, #704

Our apartment, on Plaza St. West, is very similar -- sans balcony and view, and unrenovated, but with a large entry foyer. We've considered renovating the kitchen and bath, but with two young kids, decided it would be too much hassle. I've always wondered how much of a difference this kind of renovation makes in the selling price. A broker told us we could expect to list our apartment in the low $500's. Are the view and kitchen/bath renovation really worth $100K?

Posted by: Lesloaf at July 21, 2009 12:48 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 34 Plaza Street East, #704

I've always wanted to live in a "fantasdtic brownstone."

Posted by: Lesloaf at July 20, 2009 2:10 PM in response to House of the Day: 141 Hancock Street

I live down the block and will definitely go to this place, especially if they open early (unlike Ozzie's).

Totally agree on the children's boutiques. People on PSP are always going on about supporting local businesses. Next time I need a $50 t-shirt with a picture of Che on it, I'll do that.

Posted by: Lesloaf at July 9, 2009 3:32 PM in response to Streetlevel: Coffee Shop Coming to Berkeley Place

41 Park Place is a lovely condo conversion, with low carrying charges. Looks like there's still one apartment available in that building. I may check it out.

Posted by: Lesloaf at July 2, 2009 12:03 PM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million

The FG house is configured as a double duplex. If you could buy with friends and make it a co-op, you would get a lovely duplex apartment for less than $700K. Hmmm.....

Posted by: Lesloaf at June 26, 2009 1:57 PM in response to Open House Picks

I wonder if this project will be in coordination with the renovation of Grand Army Plaza. My building (on Plaza St.) just donated $$ to that effort.

Posted by: Lesloaf at June 25, 2009 11:51 AM in response to Facelift for Flatbush?

I totally agree that Park Slope lacks real Chinese food. We typically travel to one of the Chinatowns when we can, but can someone recommend a decent Chinese place somewhere in the vicinity of the Slope?

Posted by: Lesloaf at June 24, 2009 2:33 PM in response to It Came From 4th Ave: The Electryifying Conclusion!

That PS studio is on the corner of 8th Ave. and Montgomery Place in a beautiful building, one block from the park. With low maintenance, $205K is a good deal. Location, location, location.

Posted by: Lesloaf at June 19, 2009 11:35 AM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million

I wonder why they couldn't just film at the real Central Park boat house. Is it that hard to get a permit?

Posted by: Lesloaf at June 17, 2009 4:04 PM in response to No, They're Not Building a New Boat House in Prospect Park

Maly,

Which politicians exactly do you plan to vote out of office? Pataki -- the main culprit -- is long gone. And most of the other officials responsible for approving Atlantic Yards -- the members of the ESDC -- are not elected. In fact, not one elected official in Brooklyn had anything to do with Atlantic Yards (unless you count Marty Markowitz, who is a proponent, but doesn't have any actual power concerning this project). That's one of the biggest problems with AY. The people of Brooklyn are totally disenfranchised when it comes to development like this.

Posted by: Lesloaf at June 11, 2009 4:54 PM in response to Quote of the Day

9th St. is very nice, but every house on that street gets vibrations from the subway. Plus, there's a lot of traffic -- and I can't tell what school zone this is in.

Posted by: Lesloaf at May 29, 2009 2:49 PM in response to Open House Picks

St. Johns between Washington & Classon is Crown Heights, no?

Posted by: Lesloaf at May 29, 2009 12:44 PM in response to Open House Picks

Beautiful building, nice apartment. The maintenance is in line with other full-service buildings in the area. Unfortunately, it isn't in a great school zone, but this place would be perfect for a couple without kids, as it is close to 2 great subway lines (the 2/3 and the Q), the park, etc. I think they'll get close to ask.

Posted by: Lesloaf at May 13, 2009 3:37 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Plaza Street West 2 BR

Hey slopefarm, I used to play in those law clerk ultimate games -- 1996 or so? The park was great for that purpose.

Posted by: Lesloaf at May 6, 2009 4:13 PM in response to Walt Whitman Park Slated for Renovation

These buildings used to be Mitchell-Lama, but went private a few years ago. I don't know about the price, but I beg to differ with some of the comments above. This is a full-service building in a great location, right next to both the 2/3 and A/C stations, with breathtaking views. The renovation isn't to my taste, but it is certainly well done.

Posted by: Lesloaf at April 21, 2009 1:50 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 75 Henry Street

Thank you, Chicken. Childless people are in no position to comment. I'm also a public school parent (in District 13), and trying to improve a school with an entrenched principal and a largely immigrant or poor population is like banging your head against a wall. We all want what is best for our children, and I'm tired of people who don't even have kids expressing their totally ignorant opinions about public school education.

Posted by: Lesloaf at April 7, 2009 12:36 PM in response to The Shifting School Equation

My building on Plaza St. West (arguably a nicer building in a better location) has had two studios on the market for months. One has lowered the asking price to $299K.

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 31, 2009 2:57 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 60 Plaza Street East

As has been discussed here many times, the big objections are to (1) the use of eminent domain to displace homeowners and renters, when the project could be built on just the blighted railyards, and (2) the immense cost to taxpayers, with little evidence of a significant increase in jobs or truly affordable housing.

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 31, 2009 11:03 AM in response to Atlantic Yards: The Play-by-Play

Oops, never mind. I see it now. $11,633. Not bad for the burbs.

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 30, 2009 11:47 AM in response to 'Our Victorian House' Hits the Market

$799K seems more than reasonable for a place like that. I wonder what the property taxes are like....

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 30, 2009 11:46 AM in response to 'Our Victorian House' Hits the Market

Yes, there is a NYC premium, but bear in mind that property taxes and commuting costs are much lower here than in the suburbs - so you have to factor that in.

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 23, 2009 3:25 PM in response to House of the Day: 465 13th Street

We are applying for kindergarten in the fall and are awaiting the G&T test results. It'll be interesting to see how many people apply to these new citywide programs and whether they become as sought-after as the three Manhattan-based programs. I suspect not, mostly because of the locations and placement within already-functioning schools. Also, I'd probably rather send our child to a district G&T, which is more conveniently located and has a track record.

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 20, 2009 12:05 PM in response to New Gifted School for Fort Greene

It's in the PS 9 school zone, which has been "up and coming" for many years and is not exactly a draw. Between that and the high maintenance, I think this place is going to see a price chop. That said, I love the fireplace and in-unit washer/dryer.

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 16, 2009 2:35 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 315 Saint Johns Place

I spent a lot of time under that boardwalk, in high school in the 80's, before they trucked in the sand. From what I remember, it was probably a good idea to make it inaccessible....

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 13, 2009 11:55 AM in response to Coney Island Boardwalk: What Lies Beneath

Dirty hipster: it isn't just about having someone to sign for packages (although, if you've ever had to go to the 9th Street post office and stand on line for an entire afternoon to pick up a package, you wouldn't scarf at that). It's also about security. Having a doorman means no one is going to try to pick the lock on your front door, or follow you into the building and attack you in the hallway. It's also about having a live-in super, who starts shoveling and putting down salt at the first snowflake and deals with all the garbage and changing light bulbs and things like that. Sure, these are luxuries - but that's what people are paying for.

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 10, 2009 4:55 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 39 Plaza Street West

This is a beautiful building in a fantastic location. The maintenance is totally in line with similar apartments in similar buildings. The only downside is that it isn't in the famous PS 321 zone. But they will have no problem getting that price.

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 10, 2009 2:28 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 39 Plaza Street West

I don't think it's a mystery at all. Even with all the new condos, most of the apartments in Brooklyn and Manhattan are co-ops, and co-op boards have been much tougher and more discriminating than banks in approving buyers. Also, even with layoffs, etc., over time there will always be more demand than supply in the desirable parts of New York City, because this is where people from all over the world want to be.

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 10, 2009 12:01 PM in response to Brooklyn Foreclosures Low and Steady in February

On the school issue, charter schools do reserve spots for siblings (we've applied to one charter school in our district and will find out in April), and other schools give some priority to siblings. But sure, the safe thing is to live in a school zone you're happy with (if you can afford it).

Regarding Bay Ridge, it's a very long commute to mid-town from there. No offense to the neighborhood, which seems to have a lot going for it, but if I have to leave Park Slope, I'd just as soon pack it in and move to Maplewood or Montclair.

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 5, 2009 3:22 PM in response to If we sell, can't afford to buy

Ist between Hoyt and Bond is solidly Carroll Gardens.

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 5, 2009 2:44 PM in response to House of the Day: 17 1st Street

I could have written this myself. I'm in the exact same boat, but we've kept the baby in our bedroom so the older one could have a "big girl bed." (As a result, the little one is a terrible sleeper, and we're exhausted - but that's another story). Anyway, we're planning to sell and rent in Park Slope. We're held back temporarily by two things (1) the older child is starting kindergarten in September and we're waiting to hear on some school applications, which will affect where we want to/feel we can move to (i.e., are we limited to the 321/107 school zones?) and (2) our building is replacing the elevator, which will be totally out of commission until June - so, we can't move anything or really show the place.

But I agree that rents are getting more reasonable, and if you need the space, you do what's best for your family.

Good luck!

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 5, 2009 11:59 AM in response to If we sell, can't afford to buy

I have very fond memories of going to Lundy's with my grandmother and getting the "surf & turf." The service there was always slow because the waiters had to line up in the kitchen to pay for the food out of their own pockets, to be reimbursed when the customer paid the bill.

Posted by: Lesloaf at March 3, 2009 4:47 PM in response to Closing Bell: Photo Tour of Lundy's New Occupant