boundsk2's Profile
- Kenneth Bounds
- 2007
- 2007
- Brooklyn
- Park Slope
- Condo
- Financial Services Consultant
- Male
- 29
Author's Posts
December 28, 2007
Tipping the Movers?
Hi, moving to Brooklyn next week and this is the first time I will use a moving company. Just wanted to see if it is customary to Tip the movers. I know tipping is a personal matter, but I would like to know what others have typically done.
Thanks!
October 12, 2007
Making an Offer and the Shady Real Estate Broker
I recently submitted an offer on a place in Park Slope. After 3 open houses, I submitted an offer below asking and was told my offer was the first. The next day, I was informed that there would be a Friday EOD deadline for all offers and the seller will accept the highest or most qualified offer. I chose to stand pat with my bid even though I was told by the broker he was confident it would go at asking or higher. I get an email with another apartment coming to the market from the same broker. When I navigate to the page to check out the pictures, I noticed the property I have a offer on, is having an open house Sunday. WTF? Is this common practice? I am seriously considering pulling my offer because I think they are using it as a way to get higer offers. Would I be crazy to go to the owners directly and talk to them? Anyone here encounter a similar experience? What did you do and what was the outcome?
Thanks!!
October 2, 2007
Lawyer Recommendation
Hi, I am going to attorney review on a new construction condo in the park slope area. I was looking to get the names/phone numbers of lawyers that have worked out for Park Slope (or brooklyn in general) residents in the past.
Thanks in Advance!!
Author's Comments
I am new to the experience in Brooklyn. I have never for the life of me heard about the "all bids in" process. Usually, you make an offer, it is presented to the seller and they accept, reject or counter offer and negotiate.
Very possible it is a legit practice but I can't help but feel I am getting taken for a ride.
Posted by: boundsk2 at October 12, 2007 9:55 AM in response to Making an Offer and the Shady Real Estate Broker
9:19, 9:40, 10:57 - Thanks for sharing the experiences, good to hear it is common and good info on the different Real Estate Companies.
10:27, 11:00 - I certainly understand their rights to hold another open house. But with a sealed bid deadline, I am not sure I understand the point especially when they decided (exact words of the broker) to take the Highest Bid or most qualified offer after the Friday deadline. How can you have a bidding process that should determine who's offer is accepted only to reserve the right to accept an offer after the Friday deadline. Why even have a bidding deadline? Just review the offers as they come and decide what to do with them individually. I am selling a co-op myself, I have a number in my head aside from asking that I would setle with. As soon as an offer is made, my decision is pretty easy.
11:13 - Not in a hurry, but we are expecting and I would like to be settled before then. So to get the 3 month process of closing started is important. I fully agree that they could try harder to get their asking but then just say that. I will leave my offer on the table and continue looking.
Posted by: boundsk2 at October 12, 2007 11:37 AM in response to Making an Offer and the Shady Real Estate Broker
Jeffrey,
Agreed that it is all about the contract and I understand the sellers risk, I am currently selling as well.
It would just be nice to have an answer, whatever it might be instead of having blind offers out there for extended periods of time.
I will continue to look obviously but I would not bid in multiple places as to not back out in the future on the seller. I just can't get excited about having 2 or 3 offers on different places. I obviously have my favorite and anything else will be "settling".
Posted by: boundsk2 at October 12, 2007 11:52 AM in response to Making an Offer and the Shady Real Estate Broker
10:57 - I'll assume Pratt was worthless getting you a job.
Career Non-services.
Posted by: boundsk2 at November 1, 2007 12:32 PM in response to pratt institut chimney air pollution
I had a similar problem in our building. Frezing on the lower floors hot as lava on the upper floors (Boiler is on the roof)
The building had a plumber expand some of the baseboard heating in out unit (and some others on our floor) and it really worked great.
That could be an option.
Posted by: boundsk2 at November 7, 2007 11:39 AM in response to Heating problems in a 10-storey apartment building
I had a similar problem in our building. Frezing on the lower floors hot as lava on the upper floors (Boiler is on the roof)
The building had a plumber expand some of the baseboard heating in out unit (and some others on our floor) and it really worked great.
That could be an option.
Posted by: boundsk2 at November 7, 2007 11:46 AM in response to Heating problems in a 10-storey apartment building
speaking aout blue in the face, this guy really went to far:
http://www.wltx.com/FYI/story.aspx?storyid=56709
Posted by: boundsk2 at December 20, 2007 11:54 AM in response to No Slump in the Slope
You may want to check with your local fire department. I would imagine that gas stoves are not allowed.
Posted by: boundsk2 at December 20, 2007 11:55 AM in response to LP Gas Grill on a Balcony
Well if that's true, my walk to the bank got MUCH shorter!
Count me as the minority happy poster!
Posted by: boundsk2 at February 12, 2008 4:57 PM in response to StreetLevel: Bank Signs on for Old Supermarket Space
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
The FDNY has the law for bbq's on their website. The bbq needs to be located at least 11 away from the dwelling and you need an immediate source of water or a bucket of water - the fdny site has the size needed. I don't think gas grills are allowed at all on balconies but again check the site and the above poster is correct that if barbecuing is illegal and anything happens you pay for it.
Posted by: guest at December 20, 2007 1:58 PM in response to LP Gas Grill on a Balcony
It is definitely illegal. Forget about that New Year's Eve Pig Roast.
Posted by: guest at December 20, 2007 2:35 PM in response to LP Gas Grill on a Balcony
Are gas grills permitted on decks?
Posted by: guest at December 20, 2007 2:46 PM in response to LP Gas Grill on a Balcony
Please read:
http://home2.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/barbeque.shtml#charcoal
Posted by: bren at December 20, 2007 4:19 PM in response to LP Gas Grill on a Balcony
Per FDNY:
"Never use a propane barbecue grill on a balcony, terrace or roof. It is both dangerous and illegal."
However charcoal is legit if you have a ginormous balcony:
"Only use a charcoal barbecue grill on a balcony or terrace if there is a ten foot clearance from the building and there is an immediate source of water (garden hose or four (4) gallon pail of water). Otherwise, such barbequeings is dangerous and illegal."
Source:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/barbeque.shtml
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at December 20, 2007 4:23 PM in response to LP Gas Grill on a Balcony
read their bios they are identical twins
Posted by: guest at December 21, 2007 11:24 AM in response to No Slump in the Slope
Also from the FDNY site:
Do NOT use any flammable liquid to start an electric grill.
Teeheehee :)
Posted by: guest at April 26, 2008 12:28 PM in response to LP Gas Grill on a Balcony
I noticed that you could rent out the 2 bedroom portion of the house. Any idea what a 2 bedroom in this area rents for?
Posted by: boundsk2 at October 3, 2007 3:31 PM in response to House of the Day: 56 Hawthorne Street