I don't mean to be rude here, but is it possible for you to remove the dropped ceiling? That would be an immediate deal breaker for me and many others I think. Also, the sofa is blocking the fireplace, which is a charming detail that many people are drawn to...if you could get the tenant to move it out of the way for a quick photo I think that would help tremendously. The clutter and the pictures are definitely what's hindering you here. In all honesty when I look for apartments, I skip the text, scroll down to the pictures and if I'm not immediately drawn to the photos I move on to the next ad. This is what's happening to you.

Posted by: boofer at October 6, 2009 2:12 PM in response to Advice on Rental Market

I live in a mansion in Clinton Hill that was built by the same Royal Baking Soda family and they look exactly the same inside, same staircase and everything...except for mine has about 15 apartments carved out of it and it's dark and creepy.

Posted by: boofer at October 5, 2009 2:44 PM in response to House of the Day: 276 Berkeley Place

Seriously...you're coming off like a jerk.

Posted by: boofer at September 10, 2009 12:02 PM in response to Lease Notice & Termination

Bummer we're talking about a rent stabilized apt not rent controlled. Why should this person give up their home they've lived in for 14 years while they work abroad for a year? The apartment can be legally subletted, he just needs to follow the procedure. God, you all are like a pack of hungry wolves. Reading this thread is nauseating.

Posted by: boofer at September 9, 2009 11:27 AM in response to Questions About Subletting

I live in a rent stabilized apartment that is just shy of $2000, can someone explain what happens when the rent reaches 2000?

Posted by: boofer at August 3, 2009 1:19 PM in response to Heights Rent-Controller Out on a Technicality

I third Find on 9th street. Amazing stuff.

Posted by: boofer at July 15, 2009 10:38 PM in response to Furniture Stores in Brooklyn?

I highly doubt that a tent of the magnitude you describe, requiring a cement foundation, cost $47 or $67. I don't think you could purchase a tarp that size for that price. Since some posters are quick to call tent guy a prick, let's play devil's advocate for a second. Did you ever think that he got the tent to create some privacy? Perhaps he was hoping it would create a sound and smoke barrier in response to your complaints. Maybe it is temporary and he is the poster looking for a large tent for a wedding.
You have to realize that, as others have said, this is NYC. There are millions of people living here and they do not all work a 9 to 5 job or keep "normal" hours. In this city outdoor space is coveted and some people like to sit in their yard with friends and have a drink and smoke cigars. Maybe this guy rented this apartment just because it had a backyard where he could entertain and his hopes were squashed when he discovered his neighbor was sensitive to noise and smoke. Maybe the OP is the prick for seeking counsel because someone put up a tent on their own property? My neighbor likes to keep rotting rolls of carpet and computer towers and an old toilet in his yard, all in plain view from my deck. I pray everyday that he will erect a tent so I don't have to look at it anymore, but maybe I should just hire an attorney.

Posted by: boofer at July 15, 2009 10:21 PM in response to Neighbor's Huge Tent

The floors are very unfortunate. The bathrooms are heinous, the combination of the larger tile with the mosaic does not work here....and those sinks? Kitchen is out of context. It's a shame that someone will have to tear out all of these new renovations and that money was wasted like this. Could be gorgeous.

Posted by: boofer at July 15, 2009 3:24 PM in response to House of the Day: 202 Clermont Avenue

Another commercial they made for the mini-mall:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ3oHpup-pk

Posted by: boofer at July 2, 2009 12:51 PM in response to A Mini-Mall for Bushwick?

dirty hipster is right...carrying a bike up a narrow brownstone staircase can be tricky and your walls are bound to get marks all over them, plus it sucks having that ten-speed as part of your living room decor. I guess I wouldn't want a bunch of bikes chained to the front of my house either. We've usually always kept our bikes in the basement of places we've lived so I don't know what the solution is for you. I would ask them nicely if they could chain it to a sign nearby.

Posted by: boofer at June 24, 2009 12:32 PM in response to Allowing Tenant's Bikes?

anybody look at the 10 day forecast? it does not look pretty...no sun until NEXT saturday.

Posted by: boofer at June 18, 2009 11:08 AM in response to Open Thread

LOL supersleuth...there is nothing crunchy about me, I assure you. :)

Posted by: boofer at May 29, 2009 3:11 PM in response to Mysterious bread on windows

It was one slice placed in the corner of each window..the same spot in each window. Yes, people live above me but it would probably be impossible to drop on my window sill the way they were placed. I threw the pieces of bread into the yard immediately after discovering them and they are still sitting there uneaten by birds or squirrels.
....I suppose we will never know the answer to the mysteries of the bread.

Posted by: boofer at May 29, 2009 2:34 PM in response to Mysterious bread on windows

I'm going to put creepy clown figurines in all of your windows tonight while you sleep...

Posted by: boofer at May 29, 2009 11:12 AM in response to Mysterious bread on windows

I'm glad everyone's getting a laugh out of this but in all seriousness...it's really freaking weird. As I said before the windows are quite high...at least ten feet off the ground and there are staircases going down to the basement level below them. It would be a very difficult and deliberate effort to place these pieces of bread on each window in the same spot.

Posted by: boofer at May 29, 2009 10:34 AM in response to Mysterious bread on windows

It was whole wheat actually...

Posted by: boofer at May 29, 2009 9:44 AM in response to Mysterious bread on windows

I can't comprehend this.

Posted by: boofer at May 27, 2009 12:40 PM in response to Commercial Klutch: May Edition

Rent a little boat in Atrani and explore the little caves all over the coast. I second trying to get a look at Gore Vidal's house in Ravello. I got a tour of it when I was there once and it's pretty spectacular. It's called La Rondinaia. Ask a local to show you where it is. While in Ravello you must eat dinner at Cumpa Cusimo! Ciao Ciao!

Posted by: boofer at May 22, 2009 10:30 AM in response to Closing Bell: Amalfi Coast, Here We Come

Why would someone want to sit out under the BQE and eat?

Posted by: boofer at May 20, 2009 11:09 AM in response to Community Board 2 Transportation Meeting Recap

This was my first house tour and I really enjoyed it. For me the highlights were 41 Cambridge Pl and 447 Clinton. The Cambridge Place house was a true restoration and the couple tried to preserve every last detail and recreate anything that had been lost right down to the original wallpaper. It felt cozy and seemed like people actually lived there unlike some of the homes which felt more like a showroom. I wish more of it had been open as I would have loved to see the kitchen.
447 Clinton was still very much under construction but you were able to see what the layouts of the apartments will be and the original details that had been preserved. Without seeing the finishes it's hard to tell but these look like they will be jaw-dropping. They are definitely the grandest rentals I've ever seen. The parlor floor has a 2000 sq foot duplex with gorgeous mantels and a very open plan. There is another duplex upstairs that has the original interior staircase that would have been I guess the service stairs. These led up to the top floor which had all the beams exposed in the ceiling. I don't know if that's staying that way but I loved the effect in contrast with the lower floor which was more polished. I just can't get over the fact that these will be rentals and I'm dying to know what the rents will be.
I was really not impressed with the condos at 275 Washington..I thought the layout was nice and spacious but the kitchen and bath were just not right.

Posted by: boofer at May 4, 2009 12:04 PM in response to Clinton Hill House Tour Wrap

Oooh Montrose I would love to learn more about the stained glass in my apartment. During the day it is a creamy peach color but at night it's a pearly light blue. Is this opalescent glass as you mentioned? There are also various rounded jewel colored circles, some of which are faceted, mixed in. Would this be bejeweled glass?

Posted by: boofer at April 28, 2009 11:04 AM in response to Walkabout With Montrose: Through Colored Glass, Brightly

This flu thing seems like bs to me. Normally wouldn't a particular strain of the flu be found in different countries around the world? How do they even know it started in Mexico? There could have been people sick with this who recovered already all over the place and no one thought anything of it because they got better. For whatever reason these people died in Mexico. Now it's a deadly swine flu spreading world wide by the second! Now anyone in the world who has the flu is being tested for this and if it's the same strain it's being sensationalized to add hype, sell newspapers etc. etc.
I happen to be suffering severely with allergies right now and was riding on a packed subway car yesterday when I started coughing. People were looking at me like "How dare she? Doesn't she know about the swine flu!?"

Posted by: boofer at April 28, 2009 10:16 AM in response to Open Thread

Sj maybe you missed the part where I said that I did not move in next to a basketball court. It is a backyard of a mansion where the residents play basketball. I do not want to move out, I love my apartment and I wouldn't move out over this, but imagine you moved somewhere seemingly normal and then discovered that your neighbors are reliving march madness every single day.

Posted by: boofer at April 11, 2009 4:13 AM in response to Teen Challenge loves Basketball

Vinca "Within a Yard of Hell" how hilariously ironic.
Rob I can't build a wall cause I'm renting. Maybe I could convince my landlord to put up a wooden fence to replace the chainlink one we have now.

Posted by: boofer at April 10, 2009 1:02 PM in response to Teen Challenge loves Basketball

It's not a basketball court..it's a backyard of a house that they have turned into a basketball court.

Posted by: boofer at April 10, 2009 12:53 PM in response to Teen Challenge loves Basketball

I love when you get all sentimental What

Posted by: boofer at April 10, 2009 12:44 PM in response to St. George's Mosaic Demolished

Troy I'd love to go on a date with you in Ft. Greene Park. I think black and latin men are sexy. Unfortunately I'm married to a pasty white boy.

Posted by: boofer at April 6, 2009 7:40 PM in response to Wrestling with Fort Greene's Transformation

over it

Posted by: boofer at April 6, 2009 4:56 PM in response to Wrestling with Fort Greene's Transformation

Ok quick anecdote to illustrate my point and I'm out.
A few months ago I was on the G train. A group of people get on and sit next to me. They happen to be black. A woman also gets on who is very pregnant so I get up so she can sit down. When she gets off I don't sit back down cause I'm getting off at the next stop. The man I had been originally sitting next to starts loudly talking about how I don't wanna sit next to him because he's black and how every time he gets on the train it's the same thing. White women afraid of the black man blah blah blah. I was infuriated because it was obviously untrue but I did not give him the satisfaction of a response.
Sometimes these feelings do come from experience but can also come from a perceived experience.

Posted by: boofer at April 6, 2009 4:41 PM in response to Wrestling with Fort Greene's Transformation

Bxgrl
I am not denying racism. It is alive and well and it goes both ways. I'm just saying if you have the idea in your mind that white women are afraid of you...any reaction they have to you can be perceived as a sign of fear whether it is or it isn't. If I smile will they think it's a "nervous smile", if I'm looking down am I trying to avoid eye contact or am I trying not to step in shit? If I turn around and walk the other way is it because I'm avoiding them, or did I just realize I forgot something at my house? If I cross the street could it possibly be because I live there? Maybe I saw some period details in the trash and wanted to get a closer look...

Posted by: boofer at April 6, 2009 4:08 PM in response to Wrestling with Fort Greene's Transformation

I don't treat men as a threat period. I don't put myself in situations that make me feel threatened. ie walking down a street in the middle of the night alone. I will sometimes cross the street when I see a group of men..whether they be teenagers, construction workers, or "tall black" men becuase I don't feel like having them all turn and stare at me and make comments like I'm a sports car instead of a person.

Posted by: boofer at April 6, 2009 3:16 PM in response to Wrestling with Fort Greene's Transformation

I seriously doubt the woman walking down South Portland in the middle of the day was afraid of this man because he was tall and black. Get over yourself Nelson George. Sorry to disappoint but me and all of my white girl friends are not afraid of you. You are no different than any other man walking down the street. Not everyone wants to make eye contact with every stranger they walk by.
What:
you are the only race/class baiter I see here

Posted by: boofer at April 6, 2009 2:45 PM in response to Wrestling with Fort Greene's Transformation

Brenda-
Thank you for saying what I wanted to say in a much nicer way.

Posted by: boofer at April 6, 2009 12:32 PM in response to Wrestling with Fort Greene's Transformation

hide the body...I actually did laugh out loud.

Posted by: boofer at April 3, 2009 2:05 PM in response to Open House Picks

I like the Lefferts house...it's gigantic and I find that block rather nice. However even if you drop over 300,000 for the 20% down payment you're still paying $3700 to live in the duplex that rents for $2800. Doesn't make much sense.

Posted by: boofer at April 3, 2009 2:02 PM in response to Open House Picks

shchune how do you know he bought the house? What else do you know about it? I live across the street and am endlessly fascinated by this house...

Posted by: boofer at March 31, 2009 1:56 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

I think the point is Mr. B is does not want his website to be a chat room circa 1997. It seriously sometimes reminds me of when chat rooms first came out and they would have a designated topic or theme and the same people would be in these chat rooms everyday but almost never talked about whatever the theme was. Not saying that the regs don't contribute valuable information on a variety of topics, but sometimes it's just kind of ridiculous. Part of the problem is that the same topics are discussed to no end. I think brownstoner should introduce some more topics for people to comment on that may include a broader range of people.
I agree with Heather that I would love to see some of the interiors of brownstones that are being renovated or have been already. A house tour section similar to Apartment Therapy but more focused on architectural detail and less on kitschy furniture would be of great interest to a lot of people. People who have great stories to share about the history of their homes would be nice. Maybe some of these regulars would like to open their homes and share a little about where they live...
I would love to see the What commenting on pocket doors and dumbwaiters every once in awhile instead of just the mutant asset bubble or whatever it is. My 2 cents.

Posted by: boofer at March 27, 2009 2:48 PM in response to Let's Talk About Commenting

no offense dirty.
Whoa DO NOT get me started on the Hasids.

Posted by: boofer at March 26, 2009 1:38 PM in response to Bushwick Projects and Environs Safe?

My good friend lives 4 blocks from these projects and to be honest I never knew they were even there. I have never felt unsafe there at all. I am a young woman and get my share of harassment from time to time but I can't recall anyone ever saying a thing to me over there. From what I've seen it's mostly nice families and hipsters. For my own safety I try not to engage the hipsters or make eye contact with them.

Posted by: boofer at March 26, 2009 1:30 PM in response to Bushwick Projects and Environs Safe?

http://2sweetsisters.com/item_1412/Grand-Victorian.htm\
I may spring for this one though, it's 17 ft.

Posted by: boofer at March 24, 2009 3:28 PM in response to House of the Day: 154 St. James Place

this 12 footer is starting to look like a seriously good alternative to the house of the day
http://2sweetsisters.com/item_1410/Cotton-Candy-Manor.htm

Posted by: boofer at March 24, 2009 3:25 PM in response to House of the Day: 154 St. James Place

no, no, no, no. are they high? the front door opens directly into the living room? the grey/blonde floors in the bedroom? the ceilings look really low in most of the house. this is like one of those fancy playhouses that rich people put in their yards for their kids that's like a mini replica of the actual house. 700k for this itty bitty.

Posted by: boofer at March 24, 2009 2:18 PM in response to House of the Day: 154 St. James Place

I'm a woman...and I'm married so I guess you can have him!

Posted by: boofer at March 20, 2009 3:53 PM in response to Open Thread

Yeah, who's that? He's sexy...

Posted by: boofer at March 20, 2009 3:48 PM in response to Open Thread

Yeah..you look much more debonair! I don't think people even know if I'm a man or a woman. Actually I don't think people think anything about me since I'm mostly a lurker..

Posted by: boofer at March 20, 2009 3:43 PM in response to Open Thread

DIBS you're the guy with gray hair and the suit? Completely not what I imagined you to look like at all!

Posted by: boofer at March 20, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Open Thread

I was getting my drink on at Weather Up last night...next time.
What do you live in my hood? You must if your walking by Autour Du Monde everyday...

Posted by: boofer at March 20, 2009 3:30 PM in response to Open Thread

Oops I forgot...I was gonna go! Cute pics!

Posted by: boofer at March 20, 2009 3:20 PM in response to Open Thread

In regard to the building code vinca posted I would guess it will be interpreted that "dividing their properties" means IF it's straddling the lot line. If it is on your side of the lot line I don't think this applies.

Posted by: boofer at March 19, 2009 11:40 AM in response to Is this my fence???

rob - Cats are a lot less destructive than dogs (aside from the tenant's own upholstery perhaps.)

Posted by: Arkady at October 6, 2009 3:05 PM in response to Advice on Rental Market

I'd reprice at $1200/mo and hopefully rent it quickly.

The rental market is shit right now.

When the economy rebounds, jack the rent.

And if that were my apartment, I'd rip out the ugly drop ceiling and revamp the kitchen. Folks still love granite.

The "new economy" is over.

The Age of Obama is upon us.

Posted by: IronBalls at October 6, 2009 3:12 PM in response to Advice on Rental Market

And don't give in and allow pets.

They stink and make it harder to rerent next time.

Who the hell wants to rent an apartment that smells like piss?

Posted by: IronBalls at October 6, 2009 3:13 PM in response to Advice on Rental Market

dogs pee and poop outside outside. unfortunately cats pee and poop indoors and it's very difficult to get feline poo mist particles out of woodwork, tiles, etc. i guess dogs can have accidents tho. but generally landlords clean an apartment before someone new moves in so you probably shouldnt have to worry about any of this.

*rob*

Posted by: Butterfly at October 6, 2009 3:21 PM in response to Advice on Rental Market

"What about that older generation that is not so computer savey? Is their cash no good|? or are they too stupid for you?"

Hanible, if you're of th pre-PC generation, you'll hardly want to live in a 4th floor walkup.

To the OP, pix suck, and the kitchen ain't much better.

Posted by: denton at October 6, 2009 3:35 PM in response to Advice on Rental Market

when i was apartment hunting 3 months ago I can't tell you how many places I saw with drop ceilings. I don't care how cheap or big or convenient the apartment is, drop ceilings are a DEAL BREAKER. The landlords would ask me, why don't you want this place? I'd say, I might as well sleep at my office.......

Also FWIW, acoustical lay-in tiles are odor sponges. So any pet smells, or cigi smoke etc will live in that shite forever.

Posted by: bowl of dicks at October 6, 2009 3:40 PM in response to Advice on Rental Market

quote:
"What about that older generation that is not so computer savey? Is their cash no good|? or are they too stupid for you?"

LOL! you really do NOT want to rent to anyone over 65 tho because it's legally IMPOSSIBLE to get them out if you had to.

*rob*

Posted by: Butterfly at October 6, 2009 3:50 PM in response to Advice on Rental Market

ugh. psychic vision of me at 65 years old frantically looking for a place to live and having the doors shut on me.

*rob*

Posted by: Butterfly at October 6, 2009 3:51 PM in response to Advice on Rental Market

The rent of $1400 is about right for an apartment that size in that location. However, you should clean up the place and apply a coat of paint. Additionaly, get rid of the drop ceiling if you can.

I have 6 apartments in your area (all 1 bedrooms) and when a tenant moves out I always make sure its cleaned out really well and a new coat of paint put on. Additionaly I have tall tin ceilings and I would never in 100 years put drop ceilings.

When you take pictures make sure there is lots of light in the apartment. Light colors on the walls make the space look larger.

If done right there is no reason why you would not be able to rent the space in a weeks time at the most. your building is in prime park slope and although the market is down there is still a huge demand for your area.

good luck.

Posted by: landlord at October 6, 2009 7:28 PM in response to Advice on Rental Market

Lots of good suggestions here. Take talknerdytome's advice on the ad copy, and I agree about the dropped ceilings -- they would be a definite NO for me and probably others. Only one thing to add: once the tenants are gone and you get the place spiffed up, TAKE SOME GOOD PICTURES of the apartment, empty on a sunny day, for use in the future. Then you'll never be stuck using pictures of tenant clutter again.

Posted by: casacara at October 6, 2009 7:30 PM in response to Advice on Rental Market