I never understand when people raise the price when it hasn't sold. if the price was to low, you would have multiple bidders and you would have sold the house at a price higher then ask. but if it didn't sell... well i don't think it's because the price is to low. I would love to know the logic on this. someone needs a reality check.

Posted by: Tdeezy at November 6, 2009 2:46 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

You're right chicken, I did pose a question about the property on OT but then I couldn't find if anyone replied, it was a busy day that day... Gonna go look again to see what I missed.

Posted by: Tdeezy at October 7, 2009 11:31 AM in response to 280 Hicks, Many Others, Fail to Sell at Auction

Whoever got the Macon place got a great deal I think. I went to see it, I have to admint I'm no appraisal pro but there was a lot of updated stuff in there. Pretty sure the plumbing was updated and the systems (boiler, etc) looked not in bad shape. They had also started some renovatiosn that were near completion including finishing the cellar and a very nice master bath suite. I WISH I had the cash to go and bid on that one. It was a two family though but had two apartments (studio and one bedroom, small but efficient) each on the top two floors plus the owner's unit on the bottom so I don't know what that means when it's time to try and rent them out. Anyway assuming you can actually rent those apartments you could cover your mortgage with the rents and live almost free. Congrats to the winner!

Posted by: Tdeezy at October 7, 2009 11:23 AM in response to 280 Hicks, Many Others, Fail to Sell at Auction

Hi All,
I went to see the 417 Macon this weekend, the one that's going to be auctioned on Tuesday. The house is listed as a 2 family but actually there's an owners duplex on the bottom and the top two floors each have a studio and one bedroom apartment. If you were to buy it what does the CO mean for you when you go to rent the apts?

Posted by: Tdeezy at October 5, 2009 10:30 AM in response to Open Thread

sorry traditionalmod-i didn't see your post before i typed, glad to see you have some concrete evidence I was thinking speculating but i knew it!

Posted by: Tdeezy at September 28, 2009 4:31 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 35 Prospect Park West, #14A and 15A

regarding the board not having a say on the price of the co-op, I don't have any scientific proof of what's in the minds of a co-op board but common, you don't think those people would have any selfish interest in keeping the value of their own shares high by not accepting bids they deem low? of course they do. they accept a low offer, they screw up their own comps. of course sometimes they'd have to do it, can't exist in la la land forever valuing your neighbor at what the market won't bear but I'm sure they will hold out as long as possible.

Posted by: Tdeezy at September 28, 2009 4:27 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 35 Prospect Park West, #14A and 15A

I didn't even realize this was the house with the ivy until it was pointed out. It's like the darkness of the leaves automatically drew my eye to the house next door. I'm all for a little ivy to add whimsy and whatnot but i think this is overkill and makes me hate it actually. I love the inside picks though it's really cute but the ivy is just way to much for me.

Posted by: Tdeezy at September 28, 2009 2:38 PM in response to House of the Day: 59 St. Marks Avenue

I dont get it, I don't see any issue at all. Are you complaining because he used dead time to get a project done (the wood floors) instead of standing idle and getting paid for that day anyway? And that the tiles he found you are cheaper than quoted? AND he's running on time even while stirring your concrete manually instead of getting it from a truck? Um.. can I get this guys number? He sounds awesome to me.

Posted by: Tdeezy at September 4, 2009 10:16 AM in response to Fire This Contractor?

I agree, Maly hits the nail on the head with that one.

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 28, 2009 3:04 PM in response to Prices Cut on Most Remaining One Hanson Units

I would like a brownstone/limestone one day and I actually like the idea of the rental on the top floor because then you can have the yard. But to each his own.

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 28, 2009 3:00 PM in response to Open House Picks

"I have zero pity for anyone who bought a home during the real estate Niagara of this decade. The following years will be a wake up call to all those who were financially irresponsible."

What is your problem? I am a person who bought not at the top of the market but pretty close. But I bought what I could afford based on what was available at the time. I told the truth on my mortgage applications, I pay my mortgage on time and I did not overextend myself. Although admittedly I could probably buy something nicer now then I could then how could one have know that? Really, how you can stand there all glorified with your 20/20 HINDSIGHT knowledge because you didn't buy? It's one thing to argue the merits of the market as it is now, now that the financial collapse has happened and some transparency is now known about all the trickery going on behind closed doors which caused the inflated prices. Don't think the market has seen the bottom? Fine, understandable, but don't insult everyone who was trying to gain a leg up in the real estate world before it was obvious what a joke "deregulated banking" is.

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 28, 2009 2:51 PM in response to Prices Cut on Most Remaining One Hanson Units

Oh. and Thank you Mopar. Sorry that was rude :-/

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 20, 2009 4:07 PM in response to Rental Picks: Bed-Stuy Edition

I'm laughing at myself now DIBS:
"this is NYC, Capital of The World, no one is concerned with such pedestrian rules-of-thumb."
but it's true! you even cross the street in new york and the vibe of the neighborhood changes. I think that's proven by how heated the "neighborhood street boundary" arguments get on this website! lol

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 20, 2009 3:57 PM in response to Rental Picks: Bed-Stuy Edition

Mopar - I think the L is more interesting to more people, but if you had the same new finishes as the places advertised here, they would probably be more on the L.

I also agree with DH that the rental income as a whole probably *should* be 40X of monthly but that doesn't really work in this city. Just like other neighborhoods across the city, there are subsets of cultures here so for the group that is looking for this type of thing (new condo like finishes in this case) they will pay for it, and for less then what they'd pay somewhere else for a similar esthetic. I think this is true in most neighborhoods although it's more extreme in this neighborhood because of where it is in it's progress. Both Park Slope and Williamsburg used to be super sketchy, Park Slop quite a while ago, Williamsburg more recently. Clinton Hill, Fort Greene same deal. I'm sure the monthly rate to median income doesn't hold up in any of those places due to people living there a long time and having pre-boom time prices and new people who paid the much higher new rates.

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 20, 2009 3:53 PM in response to Rental Picks: Bed-Stuy Edition

But it's improved enough to get these prices. I know it's hard to believe, along the J isn't pretty but I'm telling you, there's a certain set of people that are actually seeking out living there. The transportation really is pretty good especially if you just need to go downtown. I used to live off the C in Clinton Hill and that train can be very irregular. Long delays between trains even in rush hour with A trains flying by. Here the J runs like clockwork. Also, farther south in BedStuy you might end up far from the A/C line and I'm sorry but I don't think the G is that great of a train.
This is coming from someone who would really much rather live further south but we wanted to buy and we couldn't afford a place that we like anywhere else so there it is.

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 20, 2009 2:31 PM in response to Rental Picks: Bed-Stuy Edition

I live close to Broadway on the Bed-Stuy side and I have to agree I think these prices are high because there ain't a whole lot going on over here but believe it or not they are not that out of line depending on the apt. There is a building directly behind me and one two doors one, both newly renovated that were renting 2 bedroom, one baths for about $1750 and 3 bedroom 1 baths for $1900 (approx.) at the beginning of the summer. And if I'm not mistaken they are all rented now by what looks like the archetypes for the hipster stereotype. No washing machines in the apts either. True there aren't a lot of amenities but the subway runs great.

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 20, 2009 11:28 AM in response to Rental Picks: Bed-Stuy Edition

I see what you mean BHO, except that what's she's putting her house on the market for isn't a cut and run price. She says similar apts are going for for $400K and still she's trying to get $559K. So she's not even following the advice your giving. Sounds like you would say sell it before it drops even lower. Instead she is floating her asking price way above what the market is now, doing this she'll always be chasing a downward price making her situation even worse. If she does this she'll never get money out, actually she might end up in a short sale situation even if she did put down $100K.
Really what I'm saying is I think the Times might want to get a better example other then these people and their poor me stories that always seem so shallow. Would it be impossible for her and her fiance to *gasp* share a one bedroom if she can't sell at the price she wants? Future losses notwithstanding.
Also, her fiance is an ass. "No honey you decide if you should sell or not that way if you make the wrong decision in hindsight it will be all your fault and nothing to do with me." He doesn't scream Life Partner to me. More like Throw You Under the Bus partner.

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 17, 2009 11:01 AM in response to The Emotional Undercurrent of Buying and Selling

Am I missing something, because I don't understand Ms. Gorman's position in this article. She says she can either keep the apt or use the money from a sale towards a new place for her fiance. Um, if she sells this place at a huge loss (on the market for $559, bought for $615, loss of $56K so far) assuming she even gets what's she's currently asking, which doesn't seem likely since the article also says similar apts in her building were going for $400K. how would she be able to pull equity to buy something else unless she put something like 50% down??

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 17, 2009 10:35 AM in response to The Emotional Undercurrent of Buying and Selling

"$20 Festivus bonus" I'm crying, partly because I'm laughing so hard inside, partly because i'm biting my tongue so I don't actually laugh out loud since I'm at work on an open floor.

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 13, 2009 4:39 PM in response to Sex and the Other City

DIBS... I haven't had the monkfish but the salmon was perfect. I had a hibiscus flower salad the other day that just made my day. When you get food prepared with such beauty (the flower was bright yellow, fresh and wonderful), great aroma, taste.. walking distance from my house?? SOLD.
...Also i'm a total lurker, felt kind of self conscious taking liberties calling you DIBS... hope that's okay!

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 13, 2009 4:04 PM in response to Streetlevel: Saraghina on Halsey

I absolutely love this place. I think the food is actually special as opposed to just really good. Like instead of the specials being something that's gonna go bad in the freezer, they may have actually painstakingly searched for the best of what's in season at the market and carefully prepared something beautiful. LOVE IT.

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 13, 2009 3:14 PM in response to Streetlevel: Saraghina on Halsey

Just recently bought a stacked washer/dryer from Home Depot but the dryer was electric not gas. I think they won't install specifically because of the gas. From what I understand, there is a recent law in New York that requires gas to be hooked up by a licensed tradesman which is why Home Depot won't install. So since it's recent, most installers know HOW to do it, they just won't officially say they will at the store. If that's the case you might run into the same issue no matter where you go. I realize I'm not giving a solution, but just providing the info so you know exactly what to ask when you are asking if a company will install. You don't want an installer getting to your door and then saying "oh i didn't realize it was gas, can't do it" and your screwed. Of course cash on site has a way of working that kind of stuff out but there's no guarantee.

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 5, 2009 4:03 PM in response to Washer/Dryer Installation

What East New York did IS illegal. Basic law is that a contract not in compliance with the law is not valid. So just because it's in the contract doesn't make it legal since it's against the Real Property Law stated above. For example, you can't have a contract with someone to steal a car for you. Also, just because "people do it all the time" doesn't make it legal. You just got over on someone who didn't realize they were being cheated. Restricting occupancy correlates with raising the rent. Your restriction the tenants ability to live there if they can't/won't pay the additional rent you are requesting.
Anyway, if at the time you did it you thought it was legal, fair enough, but now you know it's not.

Posted by: Tdeezy at July 31, 2009 4:09 PM in response to No Rent Reduction: Stay or Go?

How awesome is it that Filmmer offered up his find to the OP. The internet at it's finest! :-)

Posted by: Tdeezy at July 24, 2009 10:54 AM in response to Front Gate Stolen

I'm so glad this has opened, the hours sound fantastic. That's really the big problem with a lot of new places that open. I used to live by Fulton and Washington were a smoothie place opened up. Perfect for breakfast on my way to the subway I thought. Nope! Alway opened late and wondered why they didn't stay in business (there's a dominican hair spot there now. I now live closer to this new place and can't wait to try it out!

Posted by: Tdeezy at September 8, 2008 5:04 PM in response to Streetlevel: T-Cup Opens on Throop

I love these things, me and my husband are addicted. Finally got around to checking out the Prefab exhibit at MOMA that's going on now through October. They have 4 models built onto an adjacent site you can check out as well.

Posted by: Tdeezy at August 27, 2008 2:42 PM in response to Design*Sponge Checks Out Brooklyn Kithaus

1:45pm - i hear ya, me too! haha

Posted by: Tdeezy at June 18, 2008 2:35 PM in response to Who Rents Here?

12:41: it's not retarding, it's the truth. i'm telling you that having worked in private wealth many children of means prefer not to share their status with other personal friends. it's not even an insult upon them. i don't know that if i were rich i would either since many people would be bitter towards you about it. i didn't say the majority, I said some do lie about their wealth. you're quite defensive. did I touch a personal nerve?

Posted by: Tdeezy at June 18, 2008 1:01 PM in response to Who Rents Here?

Honestly I don't care either way if you're a trust fund baby or not but I will say this. Having working in a private wealth occupation, I noticed that a lot of these recipients lie or are extremely secretive if they have this type of wealth. So just because you weren't told, doesn't mean they don't have it.

Posted by: Tdeezy at June 18, 2008 12:34 PM in response to Who Rents Here?

BrooklynLove-
I'm not really commenting on the coverage of AY as the reaction of some of the posters to the source of the article. I personally see pros and cons to the plan although I certailny see that certain sides of the fence have benefitted greatly compared to others and I especially find what I view as the abuse of eminent domain saddening. Nevertheless... I absolutely agree, you could pick any major city to make the point. I'm using Toronto as the main example here just because it's Canada's major city which is the place people seem to have such an issue with. But I have the feeling these same folks would've jumped down the back of any international commentary be it Berlin or Paris as though no one outside of NYC is worthy of commenting on what looks like a plan that's a bit on the shady side.

Side note - the article mentions that Frank Gehry is Canadian born which is probably a big reason why the newspaper thought to comment on the plan. As in every country Canada likes to talk about the status of its own.

Posted by: Tdeezy at May 20, 2008 5:11 PM in response to O, Canada: Paper Sniffs at NYC Mega-Projects

New York is an example of urban planning that people all over the world look to both for negative and positive examples. That global train of thinking is what gives countries such as Canada a leg up when it comes to international relations and civic pride. But instead of taking constructive criticism with a grain of salt, in true Bush fashion, some of you spit on the very thought that someone would dare critique your city as though it's a personal attack. It's true some of the comments in the article are silly. The thing about street level living for example when Toronto is full of highrises with more going up everyday, but still it does make some intersting points about the abuse of beaurocracy (sp?) that occurred to get this project done.
Toronto, the biggest city in Canada is hardly a Baghdad,it's not as though Toronto is so far flung and out of touch with city living. It's film festival is a major draw these days, as big as the Tribeca festival. Many major corporations have sister parent companies to those in New York both financial and otherwise. Oh yeah and it's dollar increased something like 50% in the last couple of years alone to become at parity with the US dollar and Europeans and other global investors still find it worthwhile to invest in the many new developments that are going on there.

The city should be glad people are still looking at it as an example of urban culture as it becomes more and more mid-west generic every day.

Posted by: Tdeezy at May 20, 2008 2:06 PM in response to O, Canada: Paper Sniffs at NYC Mega-Projects

nevermind I missed that line in your post 1:07pm. still i think it sucks that a community with a lower tax base gets stuck with whatever manhattan wants to discharge on it becasue they don't have the money to allocate for a sports center to make the space unavailable

Posted by: Tdeezy at May 8, 2008 1:56 PM in response to Thursday Links

1:07pm or anyone else who knows:
Not an argument, I'm actually asking: Who came up with the money for the rec center in Park Slope? City funds State funds? Park Slope community itself? Depending on were the money came from could it be that the money could have been spent in another community but better heeled/influential constituants pushed for it to be spent in their neighborhood?
ps. i don't live in Crown Heights, I just thinks it's blatantly obvious that this community is unfairly being burdened and I don't see how any citizen can argue otherwise.

Posted by: Tdeezy at May 8, 2008 1:53 PM in response to Thursday Links

The Park Slope armory got a new fitness center, why can't they do something similar to this center? I'm sure none of you people agreeing with the placement of more homeless in Crown Heights would've went for that.
I bet that's not what you went by space is it 11:21? oh no not THAT space.

Posted by: Tdeezy at May 8, 2008 11:43 AM in response to Thursday Links

I don't see why Crown Heights should have to take on more of the homeless problem then any other area in the city. It's easy to say this move would help "the city as a whole" when it's not your neighborhood being asked to bare the burden.
10:03-are you suggesting that because in your eyes the neighborhood is "pretty rough" they should have to put up with more strain on their community? Sounds pretty classist to me.
The city as a whole should have to shelter their needy on a proportionate basis not just shuttle everyone off to what some might see as an undesirable section. Does anyone care about the families and businesses that exist here or are we all only to be concerned with the welfare and standard of living of those in the monied sections ie midtown.

Posted by: Tdeezy at May 8, 2008 10:44 AM in response to Thursday Links

correction, i shouldnt say high end, ther's no sub zero in there, but good quality as in G&E, fisher&packal (sp?). Plus there's zero maintenance/work to be done, low maintenance and zero taxes for 12 years thanks to 421a abatement.

Posted by: Tdeezy at January 3, 2008 12:36 PM in response to 921 Greene Avenue: Pregnant with Possibility

I bought it a few months ago, but from my experience condo's are never the same as a whole house for sq ft costs so i'm not sure that's apples to oranges. plus we got all higher end finishes appliances, laundry in the apt and two bathrooms (its a two bedroom) so I think in all it was decent. Plus there's a balcony and a communal roof deck. its smallish but they did a good job with the floorplan so every inch is usable space.

Posted by: Tdeezy at January 3, 2008 12:32 PM in response to 921 Greene Avenue: Pregnant with Possibility

What do you mean? Not every condo conversion has to be for luxury buyers only. For a couple trying to get into the market why wouldn't they buy a decently done condo here? I say $300K each would still give the converter a decent profit and a few people a chance to build some equity in an error that may not be pretty but its a 3 minute walk to the J train, 20 minutes into downtown Manhattan. Not many amenities but a decent vegetable market is around the corner along with a grocery story, huge clean laundrymat and everything else you really need.
I bought a condo conversion around the corner for $400/sq ft, neighborhood not so great, paying the same amount i was paying in rent into my pocket, priceless. Even as the market drops, I still look around and don't see anything for around the price of what I got. Low price you trade some stuff in but its better then nothing in my opinion.

Posted by: Tdeezy at January 3, 2008 12:20 PM in response to 921 Greene Avenue: Pregnant with Possibility

sorry i shouldn't say realistic, more so "real" as in he doesn't think he's being insulting even though I agree that he is.

Posted by: Tdeezy at November 12, 2007 10:17 AM in response to Bed-Stuy: The New Lower East Side?

10:05am. you made good points about this guys choice of language. I found his "homey's" comment laughable but I got the feeling he genuinely had his head in the clowds as opposed to a stone cold racist. He's not PC that's for sure but seems like a realistic guy. Of course I'm not always the best judge of character but that was my take. He's annoying but at least he gave the neighborhood a chance unlike many people on this site who cant wait to serve up dumbass comments about shootings, etc whenever bedstuy is mentioned.

Posted by: Tdeezy at November 12, 2007 10:15 AM in response to Bed-Stuy: The New Lower East Side?

Agreed 9:55am - Look at the qualify of work he has done. Not to mention the sense of community he seems to have established with his tenants and neighbors. Congratulations to him finding happiness.

Posted by: Tdeezy at November 12, 2007 10:01 AM in response to Bed-Stuy: The New Lower East Side?