OP here. Thanks for the comments. I am going to use a broker, but I was trying to decide if I should show my place by appointment only or with open houses. The latter allows more viewings for less work, but also far less control on who comes and who does what. It's also clear that lots of people that show up at open houses are not potential buyers, just go for fun... and obviously, I worry about what they could do.

What's the worse you think could happen or have seen?
Thanks

Posted by: Ray at October 9, 2007 7:05 PM in response to Showing your house - risks

thank you all!

Posted by: Ray at October 10, 2007 8:59 AM in response to Showing your house - risks

I wish they had planted more trees. It looks to bare to me. But I certainly am glad they are finally done with it and that they added ramps. This city is terrible in terms of accessibility.

Posted by: Ray at October 19, 2007 1:09 PM in response to BPL Plaza Post-Renovation

Did you try ABC in the city? They have lots. Alternatively you may consider having a runner made out of regular carpet - I had this done and I quite like it. They customize it totally: witdth, color, trim color etc. You can also have a rug made out of the same one for a room or rooms, bringing a sense of conection or unity to your house.

Posted by: Ray at October 19, 2007 1:28 PM in response to Carpet Runners for Stairs

Lighting source has lots of sconces of very many styles and (they claim) historically accurate.

Posted by: Ray at October 19, 2007 1:31 PM in response to Can exterior sconces be used indoors?

Ask them (and others!!!) for info about the difference between water based and oil based poly. My understanding is the former is not toxic (or not as much) but far less durable... sure something you need to look into.

Posted by: Ray at October 19, 2007 1:33 PM in response to what to ask the wood floor refinisher

I read somewhere the building was designed to look like an open book. I don't know if it's true, but it does look a bit like one. Still think more greenery would improve it, it looks too monochromatic and sterile.

Posted by: Ray at October 19, 2007 4:34 PM in response to BPL Plaza Post-Renovation

Go ahead and explain why you think it's so overpriced. I am sure you are at least partially right and many other potential buyers will agree with you, and even the broker him/herself! Many times I have explained my broker why i thought a property was overvalued and he has agreed completely, adding he thought the seller may be willing to accept an offer xyz thousand below: recently, in a place in PS that I won't mention, 650k below asking, he told me!

Sometimes the sellers are just greedy and unrealistic, brokers know that, they know it's highly unlikely the place will be sold in the near future but still choose to work with the seller hoping for an adjustment... if they want to sell, the adjustment will come.

If you are not comfortable explaining your reasons for a lower price, simply ask who priced it, wait for an answer, and you are likely to hear reasons if they exist. Then, in a friendly way you may point out at comparables, cost of renovating... all those things you have in mind when you calculate your own price.

Good luck! And remember that most properties these days are being sold at large discounts... according to a NYTimes article last week, 5 to 10% in Park Slope (per Aguayo's partner quote), and I wouldn't be surprised if the actual average discount is far more.

Posted by: Ray at October 20, 2007 10:54 AM in response to Is it OK to tell a broker you think their listing is WAY overpriced?

Go ahead and explain why you think it's so overpriced. I am sure you are at least partially right and many other potential buyers will agree with you, and even the broker him/herself! Many times I have explained my broker why i thought a property was overvalued and he has agreed completely, adding he thought the seller may be willing to accept an offer xyz thousand below: recently, in a place in PS that I won't mention, 650k below asking, he told me!

Sometimes the sellers are just greedy and unrealistic, brokers know that, they know it's highly unlikely the place will be sold in the near future but still choose to work with the seller hoping for an adjustment... if they want to sell, the adjustment will come.

If you are not comfortable explaining your reasons for a lower price, simply ask who priced it, wait for an answer, and you are likely to hear reasons if they exist. Then, in a friendly way you may point out at comparables, cost of renovating... all those things you have in mind when you calculate your own price.

Good luck! And remember that most properties these days are being sold at large discounts... according to a NYTimes article last week, 5 to 10% in Park Slope (per Aguayo's partner quote), and I wouldn't be surprised if the actual average discount is far more.

Posted by: Ray at October 20, 2007 11:01 AM in response to Is it OK to tell a broker you think their listing is WAY overpriced?

Yes, that's the one. I actually saw it 2 years ago (it was being shown as a rental then) and really liked some of its features. I am now looking to buy a house and would like to look at it again.
Thanks

Posted by: Ray at November 12, 2007 6:44 PM in response to Who is the broker for corner house on Boerum Hill...

holy cr*p, thank goodness I live 1 ave. west of PSlope landmarks zone.

I will NEVER support landmarking the rest of Park Slope for this (and MANY other) reasons.

Landmarks = NIMBY heaven.

Posted by: guest at July 2, 2008 7:07 PM in response to Landmarks Preservation Commission and Window Bars

not neighborhoods, just some loud mouths, who make density a crime in this city.

in all political spectrum, the loudest that get heard. i'm sure not everyone wanted landmarks etc...

Posted by: armchairwarrior at July 2, 2008 7:08 PM in response to Landmarks Preservation Commission and Window Bars

there should be maintain the stander of landmark.. i hope they will approve that curve design also ...
as with them about that but it will be better if you take permission before you fit that window..
thanks
___________
roze
http://www.goinggreenbuzz.com

Posted by: roze20 at July 3, 2008 12:08 AM in response to Landmarks Preservation Commission and Window Bars

3 things might help u and others

1- does landmarks publicize any of there decisions or do they hope forums like this fail to make data public

2- does anyone know what happens if u ignore thier letter

3- who blew the whistle on u and your very nice bars

ok 4 - can they actually prevent exterior security bars?

ps. i think full commission includes community board feedback for what its worth, including a public meeting of nimby most of whom don't have a life, so they would like to pretend they have yours for an evening.

Posted by: brownstone89 at July 3, 2008 4:48 AM in response to Landmarks Preservation Commission and Window Bars

These replies take the gold medal for most typos and craziest grammar. Whew!

Posted by: guest at July 3, 2008 9:57 AM in response to Landmarks Preservation Commission and Window Bars

Thanks for the advice, grammar and typos forgiven, content counts. OP

Posted by: chill225 at July 3, 2008 11:02 AM in response to Landmarks Preservation Commission and Window Bars

As a renter, I would rather have the right to control the heat, even if that meant having to pay for it. The fact that you're installing new equipment will be attractive to potential renters too. I currently live in NJ :( (am moving to BK shortly) in an old Victorian, we have constant problem with heat in the winter and water year round. Between the old equipment and upstairs complaining it's too hot when it's only 60 degrees in my apartment, I say let the tenant control the heat and worry about paying the bill.
As far as cost of renovations compared to future savings and whether you'll benefit, I don't know but I can tell you this, installing separate units will save you a lot of tenant phone calls.

Posted by: jsscdb at July 3, 2008 11:16 AM in response to Landlord Question: Heat / Hot Water Opinion

So called non-compliant bars on other buildings may have been grandfathered in, as they may have already been there when the neighborhood was landmarked. The LPC will not retroactively declare something as non-compliant, so even if your windows do not meet their requirements, if they were in place when your building was landmarked, they can stay. If the building gets new windows, then you would have to apply for a permit, and you would only be permitted to have certain kinds of period appropriate windows installed.

If you ignore their letter, they have no enforcement arm to come get you. They only have to wait until you need to do other work which would need a permit, and they will not sign off on it until you are compliant in everything. I don't think they can force you to remove any security bars on a permanent basis. Even a city agency understands the need for bars, they aren't that hide bound to the past. Most row houses in this city have had bars since they were built, so security issues are not news.

Personally, I don't think they look bad at all. You might just want to give it a go, and see if they will approve them. I'd take lots of pictures of neighborhood security bars so they can see how yours fit into the entire neighborhood.

Montrose Morris

Posted by: guest at July 3, 2008 12:07 PM in response to Landmarks Preservation Commission and Window Bars

When I was a tenant, I paid for my heat. I learned really quickly why we wore sweaters in the house in winter, when I was a child. My parents were right - heat is too expensive to have my home like a tropical paradise in December. Your tenants will learn, too.

I would go with Ray's suggestion: price both options out, and I also agree with vanburenproud in getting the best you can afford to get maximum efficiency for whatever you decide.

I would also plan on weatherizing the house as much as possible next fall, to cut down on drafts, etc, so that whoever is paying is not having precious heat and money escaping out of windows and doors.

Montrose Morris

Posted by: guest at July 3, 2008 12:47 PM in response to Landlord Question: Heat / Hot Water Opinion

Perspective tenants are hesitant to take on apartments where heat/hot water is not included. Most would not have a clue on the expense they are signing up for, and can’t tell if the rent you are asking is a bargain or a rip-off.

Posted by: genya at July 3, 2008 12:54 PM in response to Landlord Question: Heat / Hot Water Opinion