alsawo's Profile
- Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Heights
- Rental
- Writer
- Female
- 26
Author's Posts
May 14, 2009
Rental Bargains
Does anyone know of a comprehensive listing of buildings offering reduced rent, free months, or other deals?
April 29, 2009
A little off topic, but... Dogs.
I've been looking to adopt a dog for months, with no luck.
Because I live in a small apartment I'm looking for a beagle mix, or something about the same size. I'm flexible about age, although ideally I'd like a dog on the younger size.
All the shelters I've visited (throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan, including BARC, Humane Society, Bideawee, Animal Care & Control, ASPCA, Petco, various adoption vans, etc.) are filled with dogs that are either too large for my apartment or have special needs that I'm not equipped to deal with.
Any advice or leads? Many of you must have dogs. How'd you find them?
April 23, 2009
Propane grilling on roofs?
For Christmas I bought my boyfriend a tiny propane grill to use on our apartment's roof. Looking for someplace to buy propane, we learned instead that it's actually illegal to use propane grills on rooftops.
Is this a law people take seriously or tend to disobey? We'd never leave the grill unattended, of course...
http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/barbeque.shtml
March 10, 2009
Digging up Previous Sale Prices
Is there a free website where one can check past sale prices of a property?
March 5, 2009
Percent down in NY vs. Elsewhere
So, I've been watching this show on TLC called My First Home and have been baffled by the fact that people are able to buy in MA or MS or MI with only 3% down. These are new episodes, so they can't be too dated...
Around NYC, though, I hear it's almost impossible to get financing without 20% down. Is this true?
Why the difference?
January 27, 2009
First-Timer Questions
Please help me avoid Wednesday night's "Homebuying for Hipsters" event! A few things I've realized I don't know but should:
1. What's the general time-frame for buying? For instance, if I'm looking to move in somewhere by the time my lease runs out in September, have I already missed the boat?
2. I know 20% is a standard down payment amount, but how often are 10% or 15% accepted? What are the disadvantages of putting down less up front?
3. I know people don't use brokers much anymore for renting; is the same true for buying? What risks do you face not using a broker?
4. What costs are affiliated with buying that I might not think about?
5. Generally, how long do you need to live somewhere for buying to be a sound investment?
6. Any low-cost neighborhoods you think are a solid investment?
Thoughts about any of these questions would be greatly appreciated!
January 19, 2009
NYC Department of Buildings
I'm writing a magazine article about changes in the NYC Department of Buildings since LiMandri took over, and specifically, how these have affected the city's co-ops and condos.
If you have any opinions or insights on the matter, please contact me asap at alexis.s.wolff at gmail dot com.
Thanks!
December 3, 2008
Radiator - Fire Hazard?
Hi all,
This is my first winter in an apartment with an old-fashion radiator. Because my apartment is so small, one radiator is quite close to my bed (namely: sheets and blankets). Is this a fire hazard? I make sure nothing's touching the raditor when it's on, but when it's off I'm not quite so diligent (and it does heat up a bit.)
Thanks!
December 2, 2008
Christmas Trees!
Any tips for a new Brooklyn resident about the best places to find the best deals? Tips in and around Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo and Cobble Hill especially appreciated.
Author's Comments
From the Willowtown website: "The boundary of Willowtown is from Joralemon Street to Atlantic Avenue and from both sides of Hicks Street to Furman Street between Joralemon and Atlantic."
It's basically southwest Brooklyn Heights.
Posted by: alsawo at November 20, 2009 10:53 AM in response to New Cafe for The Heights
It's a much-needed addition to the neighborhood. I hope it does well!
These retail spaces have been hoarded by the Pinnacle group (who owns the building) for years. They've claimed they're unrentable, but in reality, many potential renters inquired, only to be turned away. I'm thrilled to see that Pinnacle is finally letting businesses in.
An Italian restaurant is scheduled to open by the end of the year on the corner, and the owners of this cafe said they heard a doctor's office and salon will be moving in soon too.
Posted by: alsawo at November 20, 2009 10:23 AM in response to New Cafe for The Heights
I set up an appointment to look at that apartment last spring. It's a great price and, on a map, looks to be in a decent location. However, after walking down Caton Avenue, I canceled my appointment. It's a really depressing stretch of street. Not only do trucks drive by constantly, but the parade grounds make you quite far from Prospect Park and at the same time keep it from feeling like a neighborhood, nothing is well maintained, etc.
Posted by: alsawo at November 17, 2009 2:19 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1110 Caton Avenue, #6C
I wish I could see pictures of the duplex. Am I missing something? Are they there somewhere?
Posted by: alsawo at November 5, 2009 10:52 AM in response to Price Cuts at 156 Pulaski Street
alsawo wrote a review about Ghang Thai Kitchen on September 23, 2009 2:37 PM
I've never been here. Excited to try it though.
As for Joya, I hate the atmosphere inside. It's more like a club than a restaurant. However, if you can get a seat in the garden out back, it's a lovely place.
alsawo wrote a review about Pane e Vino on September 21, 2009 12:39 PM
They actually spell it Pane e Vino.
In any case, it's one of the most reasonably-priced brunches in the area. An entree, coffee or tea and a drink cost only $11. Once time I went a nice basket of pastries was included too, but another time it wasn't, so who knows. Is the food amazing? Well, no. But it's good enough.
Anyone seeing photos for the PLG place? I'm curious what a 90k one-bedroom looks like.
Posted by: alsawo at August 27, 2009 11:30 AM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million
I'm personally not a fan of the high rise buildings around the Cadman Plaza area, but if you can get into the neighborhood for a reasonable price, I say go for it.
If you have kids, the public school (P.S. 8) is great.
Subways are good. You're right by the A/C; close to the 2/3; and not far from the 4/5, R and F.
You're a short walk to DUMBO and steps from Clark Street, with some shops and restaurants. Montague Street, another Brooklyn Heights commercial hub, isn't far, and Atlantic Avenue is easily accessible too.
Posted by: alsawo at August 25, 2009 1:48 PM in response to Cadman Plaza North?
I looked at renting in the sister building across the street, and, frankly, I was tempted. The insides are pretty well done. And you get a lot more space for your money than elsewhere (at least when I was looking about a year ago). Ultimately I passed because of the neighborhood, but sometimes sitting in my tiny studio, I regret it.
I wouldn't write these buildings off. Last year, at least, they were offering a rent-to-own option, which I'd imagine some may find appealing.
Posted by: alsawo at August 24, 2009 12:28 PM in response to 175 Spencer Street in Suspended Animation
I live a block closer to the subway than 1BBP and can tell you from experience that a ten-minute walk is optimistic.
It takes me at least 12 minutes, and that's if I'm really in a hurry. Door to door from my apartment to my office in Midtown is 40-45 minutes.
The shuttle offered by the building is a nice idea but not all that useful. It runs on a 20-minute loop, so you're often better just walking than waiting around.
Posted by: alsawo at August 18, 2009 1:50 PM in response to Price Cuts at One Brooklyn Bridge Park
alsawo wrote a review about Corner Burger on August 10, 2009 12:09 PM
It's got a fun, '50s-diner sort of vibe, but I found my food pretty mediocre. If you want a burger, it's a solid bet. If you want a burger that's going to blow you away, look elsewhere.
I was the only person sitting in the restaurant; it seemed like a lot of people used it as a carry out place.
That carpet makes me sad. But nice to know a decent three-bedroom place can be had for under 400k.
Posted by: alsawo at July 29, 2009 1:36 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 416 Ocean Avenue, #12
alsawo wrote a review about Ignazio's on July 28, 2009 2:51 PM
This place will do fine with the tourist crowd, but no real Brooklynite is going to be impressed.
The decor is strange (think part Moroccan, part suburban mom, plus tacky red carpet), the live music is bad and loud (sounded like a dying bird), the pizza is mediocre and overpriced (and prices have jumped up since they first opened).
Yes, you can take a bike on the ferry.
Posted by: alsawo at July 22, 2009 11:21 AM in response to New Ferry Service Between Brooklyn and Guvs Island!
A ferry from Atlantic Ave? That'd be amazing. When does it start?
Posted by: alsawo at July 22, 2009 11:16 AM in response to New Ferry Service Between Brooklyn and Guvs Island!
"Bringing a lock" isn't code for anything. You've got to bring the sort of lock you had on your locker in junior high. They won't let you in without it. You've got to lock up all your stuff before heading out to the pool.
Posted by: alsawo at July 20, 2009 11:10 AM in response to Behold the Gowanus Country Club
Rob -- I just went to the Red Hook pool for the first time this weekend and was pleasantly surprised. It's huge, with both lap lanes and plenty of open space. Have you been to a public pool, though? Only downsides to the one in Red Hook are the same things that are annoying about all NYC pools (you have to bring a lock, pretty much nothing's allowed with you poolside, there are no chairs, etc.)
Posted by: alsawo at July 20, 2009 11:03 AM in response to Behold the Gowanus Country Club
Two votes for attractive? Really? Am I missing something here?
Posted by: alsawo at July 17, 2009 11:56 AM in response to Market-Rate Units Available at Red Hook Co-Op Project
I like the looks of these. Don't know much about the neighborhood, but I bet with FHA approval they'll go pretty fast, especially since the starting prices are quite a bit lower than most of the FHA places in Williamsburg.
Posted by: alsawo at July 17, 2009 11:43 AM in response to Checking In On 552 Lafayette Avenue
$47,000 is about what those hideous apartments are worth.
I feel bad for the lottery winners; if their closing really is tied to market-rate sales, they're in trouble.
Posted by: alsawo at July 17, 2009 10:37 AM in response to Market-Rate Units Available at Red Hook Co-Op Project
Mice have nothing to do with how clean you do or don't keep your apartment, unfortunately.
Is your aversion to traps that you don't want to kill the mice? I've had good luck with glue traps. They get stuck but don't die.
Posted by: alsawo at July 16, 2009 3:13 PM in response to Mouse in the House
I should mention that I actually do like the aesthetic of the building, but those prices are insane given the location.
Posted by: alsawo at July 15, 2009 2:50 PM in response to More Price Cuts at The Satori
Small detail, but the ask price is actually 365k, not 360k.
In any case, it's a lovely apartment--I just wish the maintenance were lower.
Posted by: alsawo at July 15, 2009 2:27 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 403 Avenue C, #2B
That's not Carroll Gardens.
Posted by: alsawo at July 15, 2009 11:55 AM in response to More Price Cuts at The Satori
Nova Zembla on Atlantic Ave is great for quirky and unique but fairly high-quality stuff.
Posted by: alsawo at July 14, 2009 4:01 PM in response to Furniture Stores in Brooklyn?
I might have chimed in that this is a good price for a decent place in a great neighborhood, but I just got done peeking at a 2,200 square foot three-bedroom in my hometown listed for 79k. Sigh.
What SHOULD this place sell for? 150k tops. What WILL it sell for? Probably 350k.
Posted by: alsawo at July 14, 2009 1:24 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 59 Pineapple Street, #2L
Sam -- You're right, this is a great middle-class option amidst a broken market system, but also remember that this is a solution for only a small percentage of people. I apply for every program like this that comes up and needless to say have never had any luck. From what I can gather, getting picked for one of these subsidized projects is akin to winning the lottery.
Posted by: alsawo at July 14, 2009 11:17 AM in response to PACC Cuts Ribbon at 566 Gates Avenue
fsrg -- I was just expecting a totally different establishment based on all the excitement. In my opinion, there's a big difference between a real burger and a fast-food burger, and I was expecting the former. The picture menu made perfectly clear that Checkers offered the latter.
Posted by: alsawo at July 2, 2009 10:05 AM in response to No Shortage of Demand for Checkers
PitbullNYC -- Just wanted to drop in and belatedly thank you for telling me about a few beagles up for adoption at Eva's Play Pups back in April or so. I ended up adopting four-year-old Abbey -- she's great!
Posted by: alsawo at July 2, 2009 9:55 AM in response to Open Thread
I hate the building (big, bland) but the space is nice, the location isn't bad and the price is quite reasonable.
I bet this gets snatched up quickly for not much below ask.
Posted by: alsawo at July 1, 2009 12:53 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 135 Ocean Parkway
I really don't get it.
I bought into all the Brownstoner hype and headed to Checkers a week or so ago, but standing there looking at the menu overhead, my boyfriend and I turned to each other and said in unison, "Five Guys?" And off we went.
Checkers is much more McDonalds than Goodburger.
Posted by: alsawo at July 1, 2009 12:19 PM in response to No Shortage of Demand for Checkers
An inconvenient location?
Biased though I may be, I actually think this is one of the best locations in the Heights.
You're close enough to prime Heights areas like Montague Street and the Promenade, and let's be honest, there's not a whole lot more than that. Here, you're also steps away from Atlantic Ave and a short walk to Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens. You've got a lot of options.
However, I will concede that it could be closer to a subway...
Posted by: alsawo at June 23, 2009 12:59 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 30 Willow Place, #4
"They have their hair died and tattoos so they can't have a job so they're all living on public assistance..."
That's some fine deductive reasoning. =)
Posted by: alsawo at June 17, 2009 9:41 AM in response to Conservative Talk Show Host Beholds Williamsburg
Here's a current Craigslist listing for Cobble Hill Towers: http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/nfb/1207370574.html
Decent shape, but looks to be lacking original details.
This truly is a gorgeous building (at least outside), but the location right near the BQE makes it not really feel like part of a neighborhood. It also seems to be a hike from the subway...
Posted by: alsawo at June 11, 2009 11:01 AM in response to Cobble Hill Towers Condo Plan Drops
Yes, you can bring bikes. And there are 5 miles of bike paths on the island. Have fun!
Posted by: alsawo at June 5, 2009 12:05 PM in response to Ferry Service to Governor's Island Starts This Weekend!
overstock.com
Posted by: alsawo at June 4, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Inexpensive rugs?
Beautiful facade, but really, 389k for that studio?
As charming and up-and-coming as Prospect Heights may be, you can get a studio in prime neighborhoods for that... and maybe even a two-bedroom elsewhere in Prospect Heights.
No thanks.
Posted by: alsawo at June 1, 2009 1:28 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 279 Sterling Place Studio
Love it. Wish I could afford it.
Posted by: alsawo at June 1, 2009 1:21 PM in response to House of the Day: 130 South Oxford Street
I'd love to see pictures of what you can get for 105k.
Posted by: alsawo at May 28, 2009 11:40 AM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million
1842, you're right, but my point is that while you may get more for your money in Brooklyn, you don't necessarily save money.
Posted by: alsawo at May 27, 2009 3:07 PM in response to Neighborhoods for Great Deals?
Chantal,
I'm curious why you're re-locating to Brooklyn. As others have mentioned, if it's primarily to save money, you might honestly be better off in some areas of the UES, Washington Heights, Inwood, etc, where you can find one-bedrooms in your price range and be much closer to places in Manhattan you like.
Moving to Brooklyn only really makes sense if you're also looking for a different lifestyle than what you had in the East Village. Most of the Brooklyn neighborhoods you've heard are "cool" are every bit as expensive as Manhattan.
Posted by: alsawo at May 27, 2009 2:51 PM in response to Neighborhoods for Great Deals?
How much do you think you could get for the two bedroom plus den rental unit? (I know, hard to know without photos...)
Posted by: alsawo at May 27, 2009 1:37 PM in response to House of the Day: 456 Bainbridge Street
Daveinbedstuy, what's this (non-Bed Stuy) area like?
Posted by: alsawo at May 27, 2009 1:32 PM in response to House of the Day: 456 Bainbridge Street
Actually looks like it's in pretty decent shape.
See pictures here: http://tours.vht.com/Viewer/PhotoGallery.aspx?ListingID=1129858&Style=DEN
The kitchen would have to go, of course. Not sure how you'd make the front less hideous...
Posted by: alsawo at May 27, 2009 1:26 PM in response to House of the Day: 456 Bainbridge Street
Not really realistic to spend 1200-1300 in Fort Greene or Cobble Hill. If you're willing to consider a studio, maybe, but even then not likely.
Other places to try:
-Clinton Hill (near Fort Greene)
-Bed-Stuy (a little beyond Clinton Hill)
-Crown Heights, Lefferts Gardens, Prospect Heights, Windsor Terrace (bordering Prospect Park, but not Park Slope)
-Sunset Park, Ditmas Park, Bay Ridge (all a bit further out, but increasingly popular neighborhoods)
Good luck!
Posted by: alsawo at May 27, 2009 9:20 AM in response to Neighborhoods for Great Deals?
Stop posting! Enjoy vacation! =)
Posted by: alsawo at May 26, 2009 3:40 PM in response to Postcard from Amalfi
The long-term tenant was probably rent controlled.
When he/she moved out, the apartment probably either became market rate or rent stabilized--either of which would have resulted in a big price jump.
I know that's happened a few times in my building.
Posted by: alsawo at May 26, 2009 12:42 PM in response to rent stabalized rent raise
Who exactly is it that stays at a Super 8 in Gowanus?
Posted by: alsawo at May 26, 2009 10:43 AM in response to Gowanus Super 8 Opening Soon
HoldYourHouses--Everyone's given you great advice. It's very very unlikely you'll find a place more than a few weeks before your move-in date unless you're willing to pay for an extra month. Keep in mind, however, that a lot of buildings are offering incentives right now, like a free month's rent.
Posted by: alsawo at May 26, 2009 9:27 AM in response to Best time to find a rental?
Nomi -- agreed! And on that note: imagine how much we'd be complaining if a Starbucks opened up there. We should be welcoming this place with open arms.
Posted by: alsawo at November 20, 2009 11:45 AM in response to New Cafe for The Heights