Oh, and thanks for your last comment rob - I couldn't have said it better myself!!!

Posted by: Misty B at September 25, 2009 5:01 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House

Aren't we talking about dog poop? There's always someone to pull the breed card! If you catch her on camera, then you have proof. Then confront her or call 311. There are plenty of good suggestions here. I think calling animal control about her(as you said, "well trained") dogs off the leash is a bit excessive and vindictive, especially since the dogs are not the problem - it's their poop and their lazy owner. If by some chance her dogs get taken away and you can sleep at night and live with yourself because of it, then call animal control...

Posted by: Misty B at September 25, 2009 4:56 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House

LOVE it!!!

Posted by: Misty B at August 20, 2009 7:00 PM in response to Closing Bell: No Reward Is Its Own Reward

Ebay! You can find many handmade rugs at very good prices. The only issue is that since rugs tend to be heavy the shipping can be a bit expensive, but if you're the only bidder and pay .99 for the rug, then the 45.00 shipping works out! Anyway, runners aren't that heavy. A word of advice though... don't buy anything that is from Iran that is not already in this country. Customs will NOT let it in! I learned this the hard way when buying a bunch of persian saddle bags to make in to pillow covers for a daybed. :(

Posted by: Misty B at August 18, 2009 11:57 PM in response to Runners

Forgot to say... you should definitely try to resolve the situation. Don't just withhold your rent, that can open you up to legal repercussions.

Posted by: Misty B at June 28, 2009 8:37 PM in response to Withholding Rent?

I think you can only deduct certain things if you are forced to seek accommodation elsewhere(hotel) and the landlord agrees to reimburse/deduct for this. Of course you would need receipts, landlord agreement etc. to deduct that amount from your rent. $300 deduction is pretty good though...

Posted by: Misty B at June 28, 2009 8:32 PM in response to Withholding Rent?

Fly zapping tennis racquet sold at Gracious Home and works very well!

Posted by: Misty B at June 27, 2009 9:42 PM in response to Flies in the house

You can do it whenever you want, as long as the seller approves and you want to spend the money on the engineer.

Posted by: Misty B at June 19, 2009 1:29 PM in response to What's the process?

You could try asking the newspaper stand if they can get it for you when they order their other foreign papers(most foreign papers come from a distributor that carries many different papers). If they know you will buy it everyday, they may order it. This is what I did!

Posted by: Misty B at June 15, 2009 12:18 PM in response to foreign language newspapers

Better than Manhattan location, less "picked over".

Posted by: Misty B at June 13, 2009 5:50 PM in response to Century 21

Yes, I did need a lawyer. Also, if you have a mortgage, you may need to have the same names on the mortgage as well. I had to get a new mortgage when I did this, also has to be approved by the board, etc. This was my experience, but check with your co-op, their rules may be different.

Posted by: Misty B at June 11, 2009 12:18 PM in response to Co-op stock cert name change.

Something similar happened to me back in September and I also live in a co-op. They were getting leaks through the ceiling downstairs, but my bathroom was bone dry. It ended up being the connecters(don't know the name) that connect the water/shower knobs to the water pipes. A plumber came in, changed the spindles(I think that's it) and the leak was gone. There was no tearing open walls or anything. HOWEVER... the management company sent me the bill for the work, almost $400!!! I told them that I had no intention to pay as any repairs that are within the walls, roof, common areas are the co-op's responsibility. Luckily I got out of the bill, but you should check your shareholder agreement to see exactly what you're responsible for as far as repairs. Or just call your management company and ask them to fax the particular section that pertains to your situation...that's what they get paid for!

Posted by: Misty B at June 9, 2009 5:55 PM in response to leak mess

I agree with Bowl of Dicks... suit up, find the main plant and hack it up. All the vines will eventually die, especially with the warm weather coming. If you can't find the main plant, just start hacking at what you can see/reach. Once it's dead, you can just pull out the dead plants(with gloves, of course)!

Posted by: Misty B at June 7, 2009 11:02 PM in response to Poison ivy removal?

I've never heard anything like this. Maybe if your window is over the sidewalk or a walkway and it could be a potential liability if you installed it incorrectly. I live in a co-op and the super doesn't do things like that. If you're unsure, you should just check with the management company.

Posted by: Misty B at June 6, 2009 4:28 PM in response to Having super install window AC

Ebay!

Posted by: Misty B at June 5, 2009 11:51 AM in response to Inexpensive rugs?

Please post photo!

Posted by: Misty B at June 5, 2009 11:50 AM in response to Mahogany Bookshelf & Cabinets

Yes, if you don't want to use a fridge, you should use a humidity gauge as well. Corks can mold, rot and mildew.

Posted by: Misty B at June 2, 2009 12:04 PM in response to Storing Wine in Brownstone

Play it safe, go with the wine fridge.

Posted by: Misty B at June 1, 2009 11:18 PM in response to Storing Wine in Brownstone

Thanks for all your comments. We plan to see the property and if we "fall in love", then a major stroll of the vicinity will be in order. We're certainly not afraid of taking on a big renovation project, nor living in Crown Heights, not so close to the subway. I know it's against the grain, but I'm one of those that doesn't want the smallest house in the nicest neighborhood, I'd rather have the mansion in the so-so neighborhood, that in 5-7 years down the road will be the nice neighborhood...does that make any sense???

Posted by: Misty B at May 31, 2009 12:25 AM in response to Crown Heights Safe?

Shouldn't someone(the condo board, an attorney) be contacting the owner??? I would assume the owner would be responsible for the actions of their lease holders as well as any legal and construction fees incurred to change back whatever this selfish whacko has done!

Posted by: Misty B at May 30, 2009 5:51 PM in response to illegal construction in condo

It might not have one...

Posted by: Misty B at May 30, 2009 5:45 PM in response to Can't locate Certificate of Occ.

I had Pietro come and give me an estimate on a full brownstone renovation and he was quite thorough and gave a very detailed estimate, priced by each individual job, so it would have made for easy budgeting. he also pointed out things that neither my husband or I even noticed! The estimate was neither cheap nor way over the top. Unfortunately the deal went south and we decided not to buy the place in the end, but we would have used them for sure. I was very confident in talking with Pietro as well as looking at their previous work. Not the answer you wanted, but I hope it helps!

Posted by: Misty B at May 30, 2009 5:43 PM in response to GC recommendation

If it's in the neighborhood you want and are willing to do a gut renovation, including facade... Take the broker's renovation estimate and double it, then see what you think. It does have a big garden...

Posted by: Misty B at May 24, 2009 6:20 PM in response to Went to open house 17th and 5/6

Check out the ebay store called "Arabian Home Decor"(without the quotes, obviously). His user name is gouda78. He has a nice selection of furniture and lighting from Egypt(looks the same) and his prices are much cheaper than here, despite the fact he is in Egypt. He will bargain with you on prices and combine shipping and packs extremely well. I received my tables and chandeliers in a week all were even more beautiful than the pictures. Check him out, his name is Mohamed!

Posted by: Misty B at May 20, 2009 11:44 AM in response to inlaid furniture

Another thought... maybe you can go to the Better Business Bureau about the business owner and file a complaint?

Posted by: Misty B at May 19, 2009 5:01 PM in response to Dangerous Giant Tree Removal

That's sounds very frustrating and dangerous! Can't you call 311 and speak to the city about the situation? Maybe they can do something to force the commercial owner to fix the unsafe living conditions the tree on his property has created or maybe you can file a complaint with the city about the same thing? Just a thought...

Posted by: Misty B at May 19, 2009 4:59 PM in response to Dangerous Giant Tree Removal

Just prey your co-op board and management company don't find out and that you never have any issues with the electrical work that will cause the management company to see the permits. Usually in a co-op, any work like this needs to be approved by the board and all permits and proof of insurance from the licensed electrician would need to be filed with the management company. As long as whoever did the work is licensed and insured(and no issues arise), it should be okay.

Posted by: Misty B at May 16, 2009 9:32 PM in response to did we need a permit?

Very cool...a little spooky, but very cool!

Posted by: Misty B at May 16, 2009 9:27 PM in response to Backyard Reno Unveils Old Well in Fort Greene

If they have permits and are not on your property, the can shoot wherever they want. I had to deal with all the Sex and the City and Law and Order shows in my neighborhood. They'd shoot right in front of my building, blocking the entrance and I actually had to wait outside across the street with my dogs until they finished their scene! They don't care...

Posted by: Misty B at May 9, 2009 1:13 PM in response to Bloomberg Commercial?

If you've done your homework on the windows and think Home Depot's are comparable and have a good warranty, then go with them. Everyone knows that Marvin windows are the best, but also the priciest! Pella are just as good and much cheaper as well. I agree with naratamaa about Home Depot installs... DON'T do it! My neighbor had a Home Depot install and had to hire a contractor to come and re-do all the work! I wouldn't trust them! If you need someone to install them, I'm sure you can get a good recommendation through Brownstoner.

Posted by: Misty B at May 9, 2009 12:43 PM in response to need advice- window replacement

They are pretty shady, no need to elaborate!

Posted by: Misty B at May 7, 2009 11:27 AM in response to Aguayo & Huebener broker?

You can go through the time and money to get it tested, but don't be shocked when you find high lead content, along with a multitude of other heavy metals. You can plant certain vegetables in the ground, but you're probably better off planting in above ground planters with "clean" soil.

Posted by: Misty B at May 4, 2009 6:25 PM in response to Soil testing

Yes Dave, that was my Burmese, Saba. Recently passed at the ripe old age of 19! That little six pound, declawed cat was the leader of the pack!

Thanks Jimmy! She was beautiful and her twin brother was too(he passed at 17). Banning pits in the projects is good, it will keep the thugs from owning them. Only problem is the shelters will be swarmed and a lot of those dogs won't be able to be placed and simply won't make it. Truly sad.

Posted by: Misty B at April 29, 2009 2:47 PM in response to "More Problems w/ Pits" Rebuttal

Well new2hood, they probably don't look like pitbulls to you because I don't wrap tow chains around their necks and make them run the tread mill to pump up. They certainly aren't poodles!

Posted by: Misty B at April 28, 2009 4:01 PM in response to "More Problems w/ Pits" Rebuttal

SamHall,

Point taken and agreed, responsibility is key. I've owned five pitbulls and had no issues with any of them, but I have also seen many dangerous pitbulls, that I myself would be afraid of and would not want to see roaming off a leash. It is all about responsibility.

Posted by: Misty B at April 28, 2009 2:46 PM in response to "More Problems w/ Pits" Rebuttal

You're probably right bxgrl, I better be careful walking my dogs late on garbage night. If they catch a rat, I may become a "local news" and then who knows...even PETA may get involved!!! ;)

Posted by: Misty B at April 28, 2009 2:39 PM in response to "More Problems w/ Pits" Rebuttal

Rob and houseowax,

This really was the whole point of my forum post! I was surprised to see such a post put up by Brownstoner, with SOOOO many comments! I also thought this blog was supposed to be about Brooklyn, not someone's opinion of a type of dog and the unfortunate situation that happened because of that particular dog's predatory instinct. The only thing from that horrible situation that pertains to Brooklyn is that it just happened to take place in Brooklyn!

Posted by: Misty B at April 28, 2009 2:28 PM in response to "More Problems w/ Pits" Rebuttal

Well, I guess all the vicious pitbulls, owned by minorities must live in Brooklyn! Seems more like biased, ignorant racists than the latter!

Posted by: Misty B at April 28, 2009 2:12 PM in response to "More Problems w/ Pits" Rebuttal

Yeah, the cat pretty much runs the house...

Posted by: Misty B at April 28, 2009 1:39 PM in response to "More Problems w/ Pits" Rebuttal

Sorry...I meant VICIOUS pitbulls! Gotta turn off this "spell check", as it clearly doesn't work!

Posted by: Misty B at April 28, 2009 1:37 PM in response to "More Problems w/ Pits" Rebuttal

Please see my forum post for rebuttal on this crazy blog!

Posted by: Misty B at April 28, 2009 1:26 PM in response to More Problems with Pit Bulls — And Their Owners

Sorry to also rain on the parade, but it is totally against NYC fire codes and your building will be fined if some nosey neighbor decides to report you. Also, if your building finds out or gets fined, you could be evicted(especially if you're renting in a co-op building).

Posted by: Misty B at April 24, 2009 12:02 PM in response to Propane grilling on roofs?

I had the same problem AND one of my dogs enjoyed getting into the litter box too(gross, I know).... Anyway, put up a baby gate in the doorway and leave a few inches underneath so the cat can squeeze under, but the dog can't.

Posted by: Misty B at April 23, 2009 1:10 PM in response to How to keep a door ajar???

You can always call 311 and ask/report the situation. If there are rats and you have actually seen them coming and going, then for sure they will step in if only for that, but I would definitely explain the situation as there may be health and safety issues that will not only affect those tenants, but you and your family as well.

Posted by: Misty B at April 20, 2009 1:33 PM in response to Neighboring building is rotting

My husband and I went there today to see a few open houses and went right back down into the subway as soon as we saw Nostrand Ave!!! Needless to say, we didn't see the townhouses...

Posted by: Misty B at April 18, 2009 6:21 PM in response to Prospect Lefferts Gardens

I'm with mopar... Are they Chinese or Indian? I had Chinese living beneath me and Indian living above and every time either cooked, the smell literally came up through the floor/ceiling and was bad. It made us have to go out to eat to avoid the smell! Anyway, what could they possibly be cooking that needs to have every window open for ventilation??? Sounds like someone who's trying to get new windows. Suggest a window ventilation fan, it's only $49!

Posted by: Misty B at April 17, 2009 10:32 AM in response to excerpt from my tenant's letter:

Call the golf course and ask if they light the course at night...

Posted by: Misty B at April 17, 2009 10:24 AM in response to Southern Lights?

Who is this contractor???

So we know to stay away!!!

Posted by: Misty B at April 16, 2009 12:20 PM in response to Question about Contractor

If it it's the place on dean street, it's a lot cuter on the outside. The broker assured me that it is listed with the DOB as a two family with commercial, but when I checked the DOB website, it said 3 family. Anyway, it's kind of a dump, too small for a restaurant(maybe could do a bar or store), has major ongoing water damage from faulty plumbing(there was a huge hole in the first floor ceiling) and smells. It also has tenants that have lived there forever in all units(even the "commercial" space, 16 years). I would stay away, I don't think you can turn it back into commercial space, but check the DOB website.

Posted by: Misty B at April 13, 2009 6:23 PM in response to Commercial Space no longer?

Just keep reading the forum posts everyday...you'll learn a lot from people going through the process, as well as get recommendations for contractors, etc.(and also hear people's horror stories of who to stay away from). Also, once you start actually looking at brownstones and seeing different ones in different stages, you will learn a lot! Whenever you have a question, post a thread on the forum! There's always someone out there who's been there done that and will comment!

Posted by: Misty B at April 13, 2009 12:35 PM in response to Self-educating- where to begin?

If you're looking for authentic hand-knotted Iranian rugs at a good price I would recommend http://rugman.com - they even have a tool where you can preview how your rug will look in your living room.

Posted by: s2ewart at August 4, 2009 11:40 PM in response to Inexpensive rugs?

If the matter ends up in court it is the landlord's fault. The landlord's fault. You know, the person being unreasonable. Anyone suggesting that you lay down is helping to undermine the free society under law we live in.

This is assuming there was only one bathroom, the problem was not an act of god, and $300 is less than 6 days rent. The LL has the obligation to supply a hospitable apartment. I don't understand why anyone would pay for a service not rendered. That would be like paying for a tree not cut down. Any days the LL does not do so the LL should not be paid. People insulting Oxygen's post are insane

Posted by: Blindweb at August 11, 2009 5:39 AM in response to Withholding Rent?

Home Depot carries some nice rugs. You can view them at the stores and online as well.

Posted by: aktony at August 19, 2009 12:38 AM in response to Runners

Great suggestions - thank you!

Posted by: brooklyncurious at August 19, 2009 1:07 AM in response to Runners

I got a beautiful stair runner at www.rugdepot.com They are cut to order and bound. I also found a few hallway rugs online and on ebay.

www.rugman.com is where i got many of them...quality range is wide but you can get authentic ones.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 19, 2009 8:10 AM in response to Runners

I got a pretty rug from Chiasso. Ballard Home Designs has some nice rugs too. They are more likely to have runners than Chiasso I think.

Posted by: CG_ups at August 19, 2009 10:58 AM in response to Runners

Ikea has decent quality handmade Iranian orientals at very low prices. I'm pretty sure they had runners the last time I was there. I bought a couple of small area rugs for under $200 each.

Posted by: Bob Marvin at August 19, 2009 11:02 AM in response to Runners

I have had very good luck with Better Carpet Warehouse on Atlantic. Wayne and Edgar were great to work with, lots of choices, good prices. Info below:

www.bettercarpetwarehouse.com

443 Atlantic Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217-1748
(718) 855-2794

Posted by: hancockone at August 19, 2009 5:35 PM in response to Runners

Oh, and thanks for your last comment rob - I couldn't have said it better myself!!!

Posted by: Misty B at September 25, 2009 5:01 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House

@misty - agree with you. too harsh to call animal control. cameras are rolling though! :)

Posted by: guikazoid at September 26, 2009 10:35 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House