What mystifies me is that I told my tenants that I would open up a separate account for it and they refused to do the paperwork! I"m still scratching my head over that one.

Posted by: nk at October 20, 2009 7:28 PM in response to Security Deposits

We've picked up the contract of the previous owners when we moved in this year. It IS useful if you, like us, are newbies and want to ensure that everything is in working order, and keep an eye on potential problems. That said, if you or your neighbor are already familiar with maintaining the furnace and water heater, it may not be necessary.

Posted by: nk at October 11, 2009 3:18 PM in response to Utility Plans

In CG on Carroll St. the way to Gowanus. This building is a disaster. The contractor was using sloppy and dangerous practices (according to a neighbor there) and yes, construction was stopped.
And for what I think is 3 years now, it has been sitting there, posing a danger to the houses on either side (or so it seems to me).

Posted by: nk at September 8, 2009 5:53 PM in response to Anyone know whats going on here?

Ah yes! We have had the requisite rise in junk mail, and the scam that requests we pay them some amount for our own deed, but I'm more worried about the acquaintance who was "reborn" dropping by to try to convert us.

Posted by: nk at September 3, 2009 3:58 PM in response to Blockshopper

Years ago, you could go to the deeds office to get this stuff but no one probably bothered. Now everyone can know what I and my husband spent on our house last year. Fortunately, we don't have too much info about us on the tubes, or we weren't interesting enough to cobble together an article.

Nonetheless, I've wondered if folks that have not been able to contact me (and who I don't really want to deal with) might show up out of the woodwork someday.

Posted by: nk at September 3, 2009 2:19 PM in response to Blockshopper

ckundo, I have a feeling I've been down the same road as you.

Move out of CG.

The landlords in that area are families who have lived there for generations and have seen their houses skyrocket in price and are looking to you as their cash cow. They haven't caught on to the fact that the binge is over. My experience was just awful, with a greedy landlord who renovated nothing and then decided with renovation they could double the price. They tried to push our family out with 3 months notice. We left, but I was ready to go to court to fight any eviction threat they raised.

Posted by: nk at September 2, 2009 4:47 PM in response to Average Rent for Carroll Gardens

apt. conversion?? 1. are there not enough already on the market and 2. there is a space shortage for public schools. I think it would be great to house an elementary school there permanently....

Posted by: nk at June 22, 2009 3:56 PM in response to What's Going on at St. Thomas Aquinas?

swine flu=Tracey McLean or corcoran colleague?

Posted by: nk at May 5, 2009 6:19 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 225 Park Place, #2G-H

You misread the sign. They are not serving falafel AND pizza, but rather their famous Falafel House-style pizza. Which may or may not have falafels on it.

Posted by: nk at April 22, 2009 5:56 PM in response to Streetlevel: Falafel-Pizza Combo Coming to Myrtle

This post now confirms what I'd always suspected-- we all read the same blogs all day long. From the response to Silver's news at 538 I'd say that Brooklynites makes up the lion's share of blogging on leftish leaning political sites.

Posted by: nk at March 31, 2009 3:42 PM in response to fivethirtyeight.com

"To date, Brownstoner has resisted being a shill for the industry which I commend."

Really? I've always gotten the impression this was very much a pro-development site, although it has always rightly blasted the cutting corners, really ugly development. Hence the realtor/development ads.....can't completely bite the hand that feeds you.

Posted by: nk at March 30, 2009 10:44 AM in response to Open Thread

Because of where it's situated, the area, while not the most attractive, will probably not go downhill. There's a nice neighborhood feel even on Bond. As for the development itself, I was mystified as to why they didn't put in bigger windows. At lest they finished the project correctly as opposed to that other disaster on Carroll nearer Hoyt.

Posted by: nk at March 11, 2009 3:54 PM in response to Checking In On The Satori

OH jeez, so sorry about that.

Posted by: nk at March 11, 2009 11:52 AM in response to To Buy or Not to Buy

We are in Windsor Terrace and had some of the same experience as WTbound. We were in a 3000/mo apt here, with lots of cash in reserve. We missed our first opportunity which closed in 2 days (it was way under price), so on the second we jumped and placed a bid in the first half hour of the open house. The house was well-maintained and the price was low. However, we would never had known to move fast if we had not been looking for a year and were aware of what was out there. SO like everyne else has been suggesting, take you time--you'll know when it's right.

BTW, a house might be a better deal if you can swing it. Houses in this area can go as low as 750k, and for 800k you can possibly get a 2-family with tenant income. BUT you have to look like a hawk and jump fast.

Posted by: nk at March 11, 2009 11:50 AM in response to To Buy or Not to Buy

WE are in Windsor Terrace and had some of the same experience as WTbound. We were in a 3000/mo apt here, with lots of cash in reserve. We missed our first opportunity which closed in a day (it was way under price), so on the second we jumped and placed a bid in the first half hour of the open house. The house was well-maintained and the price was low. However, we would never had known to move fast if we had not been looking for a year and were aware of what was out there. SO like everyne else has been suggesting, take you time--you'll know when it's right.

BTW, a house might be a better deal if you can swing it. Houses in this area can go as low as 750k, and for 800k you can possibly get a 2-family with tenant income. BUT you have to look like a hawk and jump fast.

Posted by: nk at March 11, 2009 11:49 AM in response to To Buy or Not to Buy

WE are in Windsor Terrace and had some of the same experience as WTbound. We were in a 3000/mo apt here, with lots of cash in reserve. We missed our first opportunity which closed in a day (it was way under price), so on the second we jumped and placed a bid in the first half hour of the open house. The house was well-maintained and the price was low. However, we would never had known to move fast if we had not been looking for a year and were aware of what was out there. SO like everyne else has been suggesting, take you time--you'll know when it's right.

BTW, a house might be a better deal if you can swing it. Houses in this area can go as low as 750k, and for 800k you can possibly get a 2-family with tenant income. BUT you have to look like a hawk and jump fast.

Posted by: nk at March 11, 2009 11:49 AM in response to To Buy or Not to Buy

and if I understand correctly, you can take a bath almost anywhere.

Posted by: nk at January 16, 2009 5:12 PM in response to Horror Show Friday

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?

Just so long as they decorate the interior like this:
http://www.sothebyshomes.com/nyc/sales/0016180#

Look *very carefully* at picture 3.

Posted by: nk at January 16, 2009 4:27 PM in response to Horror Show Friday

I hope no parrots' lives were endangered in yesterday's plane crash in the Hudson! (old Monty Python reference)

Thanks guys.

Posted by: nk at January 16, 2009 10:49 AM in response to Deed Scam in Brooklyn?

But if I already have the deed, isn't the assertion that I should "obtain one NOW" false advertising and therefore against the law?

Posted by: nk at January 16, 2009 10:39 AM in response to Deed Scam in Brooklyn?

There are a whole lot of people on the other side of Flatbush who come here, because...there are no nice little shops in their neighborhoods and this is the easiest place to get to. And some people can't afford to spend the extra dollar or two.

And if this is FIPS idea of hell, they should try an IKEA on a Saturday afternoon.

Posted by: nk at January 6, 2009 8:21 PM in response to Closing Bell: FIPS Goes Undercover

It has more or less stopped. About 2 inches in Windsor Terrace, rather pretty...

Posted by: nk at December 19, 2008 3:47 PM in response to Open Thread

We bought from Barbara Puccia in Windsor Terrace. She's a hoot, she's very honest, and she prices her houses very reasonably. And she went the extra mile for us.

Posted by: nk at December 12, 2008 7:05 PM in response to BROKER

"And what is going on with that bathroom? The walls look like they're covered in ectoplasm."

Maybe I need new contacts but I can't see anything in that picture beyond bad colors and spots on the wall. You whippersnappers have sharp eyes.

Posted by: nk at December 10, 2008 4:55 PM in response to House of the Day: 1123 Glenwood Road

All the comments are over here, and no one is looking at the inside scoop on atlantic yards yet.

Posted by: nk at December 10, 2008 2:01 PM in response to Recovery Sooner Than Later?

It's coffee you don't make at home

Posted by: nk at December 10, 2008 1:57 PM in response to Recovery Sooner Than Later?

And yet, to be devil's advocate....the house is huge and DOES have some great rooms. And also considering that smaller places in PS/CG are still higher right?

Posted by: nk at December 10, 2008 1:35 PM in response to House of the Day: 1123 Glenwood Road

The size of the photos is a tactic on the same level as a college student trying to expand his or her paper by printing it in triple spacing. Do you think we wouldn't notice?

Posted by: nk at December 10, 2008 1:19 PM in response to House of the Day: 1123 Glenwood Road

Isn't snot greener? I think it flirts with a more phlegm-like tint...

Posted by: nk at December 10, 2008 1:14 PM in response to Radusky Hits Red Hook

Guess I responded too soon! Thank you both, I'll have to weigh my options here. I didn't know you could use a soft black on the bannister, thought I was limited to the oil paint selections which are pretty hideous.

Posted by: nk at December 10, 2008 1:11 PM in response to Bannister: To paint or not to paint.

Thank you. I think we will be following your advice about leaving it till later and may contact Joe Salem. But I will always wonder why if someone was going to paint a bannister, they would paint it that color....

Posted by: nk at December 10, 2008 9:57 AM in response to Bannister: To paint or not to paint.

Having lived for years on UWS, and now for years in Brooklyn, I can definitely say it's for me a generational thing. I liked the energy, never sleeping vibe when I was younger--but the connectedness/interesting but more laid back Brooklyn atmosphere is more my taste now. But it IS comparing apples and oranges you know....

Posted by: nk at November 26, 2008 4:58 PM in response to Wanna Save Money? Leave Brooklyn For Manhattan

Substitute QOTD:

"I heartily agree."

Posted by: nk at November 13, 2008 4:59 PM in response to Quote of the Day

It's not the fifth graders, it's the middle school that's there, and those kids are a pain sometimes. They've broken windows of a friend of mine who lives down the street.

Posted by: nk at November 13, 2008 4:52 PM in response to House of the Day: 356 President Street

Sarah Palin should be their neighbor. She has executive experience dealing with foreign thingys next door, ya know

Posted by: nk at November 12, 2008 12:16 PM in response to A Mediterranean Makover

Crap, stupid browser repeats....

Posted by: nk at October 2, 2008 5:01 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 Prospect Place

Don't you mean, they're de-eel-icious?

Posted by: nk at October 2, 2008 5:00 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 Prospect Place

Don't you mean they're de-eel-icious? Hey, I"m just copying Dave.

Posted by: nk at October 2, 2008 4:59 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 Prospect Place

I consider the eating or Oysters to be moral and the eating of eels to be immoral.

Posted by: nk at October 2, 2008 4:51 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 Prospect Place

Dave, you're right, I should have said any old queen...

Posted by: nk at October 2, 2008 3:28 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 Prospect Place

Does it have to be a French Queen or can it be just a regular Queen?

Posted by: nk at October 2, 2008 3:16 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 Prospect Place

SO, the separate kitchen/bath photo--is that actually a photo of a kitchen or bath? It would be a long walk to the sink....

Posted by: nk at October 2, 2008 3:13 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 Prospect Place

Thinking of moving my harem there. But where to put the camels?

Posted by: nk at October 2, 2008 2:48 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 Prospect Place

here ya go. Nice bathroom.

http://www.century21.com/property/index.jsp?id=34833437

Posted by: nk at October 2, 2008 2:39 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 Prospect Place

Hey I KNOW what part of Europe this comes from: Novotel.

Posted by: nk at October 2, 2008 2:30 PM in response to Sales Begin at Sheepshead Bay's Bay Breeze

Hey I KNOW what part of Europe this comes from: Novotel.

Posted by: nk at October 2, 2008 2:30 PM in response to Sales Begin at Sheepshead Bay's Bay Breeze

And why is there a picture of the neighbor's overgrown backyard?

Posted by: nk at October 2, 2008 2:16 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 Prospect Place

I don't know.... with that stylish shower curtain, they might feel themselves justified asking a little more...

Posted by: nk at October 2, 2008 1:27 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 Prospect Place

Thanks to all. Sobering news, but greatly appreciated. Guess we'll be scaling down our plans.

Posted by: nk at September 22, 2008 9:45 AM in response to Constractor suggestions for a newbie??

Wait and see what happens when the dodo hits the fan with commercial real estate. That's right commercial real estate! The homes of Carroll Gardens even though residential by law were in effect turned into 5 star hotel with what renters were being charged for rents. I feel a little-just a little sorry for those suckers that payed multimillion dollar prices for their brownies.

Posted by: hannible at September 3, 2009 9:26 AM in response to Average Rent for Carroll Gardens

I also think the law should be changed but the law now is pretty clear. Also making things not public just creates a way of charging people to get the same information. Government and the public operate best when things are open and above board. I do think it would be helpful if people knew what is going to be available from a public data base but making it non public isn't necessarily the best either. In any case the law now has very little protection on most information. Nothing wrong in trying to change it.

Posted by: smeyer418 at September 3, 2009 3:06 PM in response to Blockshopper

you wouldnt necessarily need to make the information non-public but you could restrict access, maybe make it only accesible with a username for which you'd need to provide your real name address etc. SOMEthing to lower the profile a bit, maybe also make it possible to trace who's accessed the documents, but still allow access to those that legitimately need it.

Also, I can see why some information is helpful to have online--like sale price etc--but why do we need the full mortgage document, amount borrowed, rate, etc? Like the unfortunate fellow that began this thread I think most people are unaware all this is online for any jerk to see (as is an image of signature on all documents, lovely that that's in the public domain).

Speaking of people contacting you out of the woodwork, I know we started getting all kinds of insurance offers (disability, life) right after we bought our place that referenced the fact that we were new homeowners...

Posted by: woodys at September 3, 2009 3:44 PM in response to Blockshopper

The information on acris can be extremely difficult to read and decipher particularly in instances where the existing owner has refinanced etc. Our information was lifted off ACRIS and debated on several different blogs (this one included) ad nauseum when we gained a little notoriety a couple of years ago and what I found funny (after initially feeling aghast that my financial privacy had been shattered) was that not one person was able to correctly identify our actual mortgage amount but consistently had it about $600k over what it is.

As NK said years ago you physically had to go to the clerks office to access this info but now it is on the web for all to see. BKRules I don't think the AG is really going to get involved - this information has always been in the public domain and all the internet has down is make it more accessible.

Posted by: 99luftballons at September 3, 2009 3:52 PM in response to Blockshopper

Ah yes! We have had the requisite rise in junk mail, and the scam that requests we pay them some amount for our own deed, but I'm more worried about the acquaintance who was "reborn" dropping by to try to convert us.

Posted by: nk at September 3, 2009 3:58 PM in response to Blockshopper

They did it to me as well. My company's pr agency picked it up in their media round-up and it got broadcasted to everybody in my office.

Really, really irritating.

Posted by: guywithahouse at September 3, 2009 9:30 PM in response to Blockshopper

I think finding information about given house is Ok (i.e. who is the owner, what was the sale prices, taxes, etc).

What disturbs me is the nyc.gov/etc access database free for taking with all this info. (I think it is called norpv_02152008brooklyn.xls). This one allows to search by person's name and see where this person has property and lives.

Posted by: bobjohn at September 4, 2009 1:51 AM in response to Blockshopper

Another scary .com is pipl.com. They collect every single public piece of information about you and group it into one handy dandy webpage, where basically people can find out where you have been living for the past decade or so, along with former telephone numbers, etc. Basically it's the same info that credit reports use to check that you are the true you. I contacted them to remove my page, and they also refused, on the basis that it's nothing more than already public information. They didn't care that I had a stalker in the past, and reasons for wanting to protect my privacy.

Posted by: townhouser at September 4, 2009 7:07 AM in response to Blockshopper

Hi. Thanks to all who gave me their advice and support. Blockshopper did remove the article after my employer wrote to them and I sent them my order of protection. I actually found the email address of the founder of Blockshopper and wrote to him when his staff didn't reply. Now I'm just trying to get Google and Bing to act faster to remove the link which has my address posted for all to see.

Posted by: vesnaspring at September 6, 2009 7:04 PM in response to Blockshopper

that is the infamous 333 carroll, one of the slimy architect bob scarano mezzanine / f.a.r. shell games that the dob pulled the plug on.... he tried to claim existant basement space as living space and transfer it to the upper floors...in addition, each of those 20 foot "floors" were to be divided into "storage" mezzanines{for an example of this game, go a few blocks over and take a look at the satori...the realtors there will tell you that the storage mezzanines ( with bathrooms) can easily be converted to bedrooms, not mentionning that that would violate the c of o)..it was too much for even the developer friendly bloomberg administration to deal with... and they issued a stop work order
http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/PropertyProfileOverviewServlet?boro=3&houseno=333&street=carroll+st&requestid=0&s=A03C41B885B461E4F46BD08866A7430E

Posted by: eman1234 at September 8, 2009 7:34 PM in response to Anyone know whats going on here?