tell your LL that the only time lead in old paint is a concern is when paint is chipping or being removed -- and since they were painted just 18 months ago and paint in this country has not had lead in it for WAY longer than that, it's hard to understand their concern.

And, speaking as a LL myself here, I'd think you are entitled to the premises and their contents as they were when you signed a contract to rent them....LL should not be able to remove an amenity, which is clearly how you view the shutters even if they don't.

Posted by: bricktop at November 10, 2009 10:34 PM in response to Keeping Brownstone Shutters?

I think it's crazy that you are bending over backward -- and will probably end up paying more to get a plumber there a night or weekend -- because your tenants have aggressive dogs. Why not have them find another place for the dogs to stay the day you arrange for a plumber to come during normal working hours? Or at least have them lock them in a room, or take half a day off work to control them while you're there with the plumber?

Posted by: bricktop at August 11, 2009 8:58 AM in response to Need plumber for night or Sun.

I have a cast-iron claw foot tub that needs refinishing....if reglazing is so bad, what's another option?

Posted by: bricktop at February 19, 2009 8:54 PM in response to Bath Re-Glazer and Pre-War Peach

"the snake probably entered the home through its toilet pipes"

talk about having something with the potential to come back and bite you on the ass!

that is HORRIFYING! I will never sit again down without looking to make sure there are no boa constrictors coming up from the toilet!

At least now I know what my nightmares will be about for at least 2 weeks.....

Posted by: bricktop at February 19, 2009 5:52 PM in response to Closing Bell: Boa Constrictor in Brooklyn

Similarly interested. Please PM me with address and the price. Thanks.

Posted by: bricktop at February 17, 2009 10:32 AM in response to 2 Family Shell In Crown Heights

I had curtains custom made by a shop that isn't there any longer...used a sheer with a scroll pattern that, like the lace Back40 used, lets in filtered light in a pretty way.

Posted by: bricktop at February 11, 2009 7:42 AM in response to Curtain for vestibule door

You must consult with an experienced tax preparer on this stuff....

Posted by: bricktop at February 10, 2009 8:59 AM in response to Rental taxes and deductions

Sounds normal to me.....Everything is hard, the first time. Find yourself a good handyperson, if you can't do the work yourself....and before long all these details will feel like no big deal.

Posted by: bricktop at February 7, 2009 3:48 PM in response to Is Buyer's Remorse Normal?

Goldie with a name like a Brooklyn bubbie is anti-tooth? Huh?

Posted by: bricktop at January 12, 2009 3:00 PM in response to Streetlevel: Flyer Saucer Cafe Grounded

What's with all the comments about Jews? Is it supposed to be funny?

Posted by: bricktop at January 12, 2009 2:52 PM in response to Streetlevel: Flyer Saucer Cafe Grounded

Talk to a mortgage broker, who has access to products from 2 dozen lenders. I like Norman Calvo at Universal Mortgage. He has offices in Manhattan and Park Slope.

Posted by: bricktop at January 11, 2009 9:18 AM in response to Financing For Mixed Use Property

I just took a look at the other photos you posted on your website, and I have to say, I like it the way it is (BUT DON'T DO GROUT LINES! IT WILL LOOK WIERD!)

It is pretty strong and bold, but if you were going for a sunny feel, you certainly got it....or maybe it will be like taking a walk on Mars! But it certainly is a bright element that will bring visual warmth to a dark basement space.

Good for you for doing something creative and bold.

Posted by: bricktop at December 31, 2008 11:55 AM in response to What do you think of this concrete floor?

I think it looks great, but of course taste is personal, and you can't fault your GF, or anyone else, for not liking it. But I'm wondering why you want to add grout lines? A tinted cement floor is its own thing, and one of the beautiful things about it is the uninterrupted expanse....why try to make it look like tile, when it won't really look exactly like tile in the end anyway?

Posted by: bricktop at December 31, 2008 9:06 AM in response to What do you think of this concrete floor?

why does OP sound to me like Latke Gravis?

Posted by: bricktop at December 28, 2008 8:18 PM in response to House's title not clear, can the bank close

I was in Target a few times in the weeks leading up to Xmas and it was D-E-A-D quiet. Weirdly empty. So I'm kinda glad to hear that it was very busy right before the holiday -- glad for the economy. And even gladder that I stayed away then!

Posted by: bricktop at December 26, 2008 3:27 PM in response to No Recession at Target

yes, tipping newspaper delivery people is normal...they expect it (and how much could they be earning, after all? And let's face it, it's a crummy job.....Mine gets my papers to me on time almost every day of the year....I think he deserves a tip.....)

If you lost the envelope he sent you, I'd put a note on the door asking him to leave you another......or you could try the newspaper's home delivery customer service and ask them......

Posted by: bricktop at December 23, 2008 3:57 PM in response to Talking about Tips...

We do the same as CMU at this time of year -- we give each tenant a bottle of bubbly. I think it's a nice gesture (but of course only as long as we are also responsive to repair issues etc...., which we very much are). We have great tenants and are happy to do what we can to keep them happy. Happy tenants = happy landlord.

Posted by: bricktop at December 22, 2008 8:30 PM in response to gift for tenant?

there are a couple of different types of emergency escape ladder out on the market....do some online research and perhaps you'll find one which fits. Good luck.

Posted by: bricktop at December 6, 2008 7:13 AM in response to fire escape question

I passed by The Usual today and it appeared to be open for business.....

Posted by: bricktop at December 3, 2008 3:21 PM in response to Diners!!

I would take the apartment but rather than pay your future broker fee, have them reimburse you for the broker fee you would pay to take the apartment. That gives you more leverage -- they would reimburse you as soon as they notify you of the two months notice, rather than you having to try and collect as you're on your way out.....You are doing them a favor by renting the place -- don't forget that. Otherwise sounds like it would just sit empty and they are just waiting till prime selling season to try again. And there's a good chance you won't have to move at all....sounds overpriced.

Posted by: bricktop at October 31, 2008 7:38 PM in response to Weirdest rental situation

don't have this problem. I use Safari on a Mac.

Posted by: bricktop at October 29, 2008 7:49 AM in response to Adobe Flash Popup

It's definitely an ugly thing, that's for sure too.

They look crapola.

Posted by: bricktop at October 17, 2008 12:57 PM in response to Chromed Out Houses?

used to happen all the time to us until we started taking a drill and "writing" our house number around the can and on the lid in small holes that we drill through the plastic. That way the guys who steal them can't use them for beer coolers (what I think they used to do).

Posted by: bricktop at October 16, 2008 7:17 PM in response to Trash Can Theft

Eons ago we looked at this house, which was then an SRO.....and too much work for us at the time. A nicely done traditionalist look in the renovation. But it was foolish not to make the garden level a rental apartment......

Posted by: bricktop at October 16, 2008 1:31 PM in response to House of the Day: 132 St. Marks Avenue

Putting in bluestone would have looked much nicer....

Posted by: bricktop at October 4, 2008 7:53 AM in response to scooter off the street and safe behind bars.

no offense, justinm, but you sound like a first-time buyer. Not that your stress isn't warranted, but this is just how real estate lawyers tend to behave -- without much apparent regard for their clients. But, unless yours is really bad, they do tend to get it done. Your job is to stay on him.....these things always seem to have complications until the last possible moment....I'm sure it will work out. Just try not to get an ulcer in the process.

Posted by: bricktop at September 30, 2008 6:50 PM in response to Help -- real estate lawyer problems

look at ParkSlopeParents.com, under recommendations and then interior help, and then painters, for many reviews of his work. I hired him -- and was sorry I did.

Posted by: bricktop at September 22, 2008 11:18 PM in response to Di Santo Painting?

begin by hiring a good real estate lawyer.

Posted by: bricktop at September 21, 2008 5:43 PM in response to How to turn a brownstone co-op? Commercial property?

I've seen this several times as an open cabinet/bookshelf type thing for cookbooks and trinkets. I also saw closed versions in fancy Italian made kitchens....if I were you I'd start by going to a kitchen cabinet manufacturer or reseller to ask. If all else fails ask at Loew's.

Posted by: bricktop at September 14, 2008 9:27 AM in response to Rounded Kitchen Cabinet?

some lenders will cooperate with this and others won't. Some charge a fee -- we once paid $1500 -- for one. It's a big, fat, hairy pain in the butt to deal with but can save you thousands on taxes. If you have a mortgage broker s/he should be dealing with this. You have to contact your lender directly, if not, to as if they will.

Posted by: bricktop at September 9, 2008 8:58 AM in response to Mortgage Tax on a Refinance

We need our Hot Bird! I live near Vanderbilt, used to patronize you, and still miss you!

Posted by: bricktop at September 9, 2008 7:44 AM in response to Hot Bird Founder

It looks like a Victorian lesbian sex toy.

Posted by: bricktop at August 27, 2008 3:14 PM in response to What the heck is this?

the trick with Sanitation workers is that they can't accept "tips" to take away stuff like this but at the same time they won't do it without that little incentive.....we "dropped" $20 bills on the street in front of them when we needed them to take away post-renovation stuff (that all fell within DofS guidelines, but they wouldn't take it otherwise). They picked up the money and the garbage, too!

Posted by: bricktop at August 4, 2008 9:28 AM in response to hauling away heavy bags

you asked -
do TOTO toilets provide a superior bathroom experience?

indeed they do.

Posted by: bricktop at July 31, 2008 2:59 PM in response to House of the Day: 1721 Glenwood Road

I've been getting the same thing, on my lower legs.....I figured it was an allergic reaction to the weeds or whatever it is I'm brushing up against in my own back yard. Its weird....and those tiny no-see-ums are vicious right now!!!!

Posted by: bricktop at July 31, 2008 2:58 PM in response to backyard bugs

This is a sad day for Brooklyn.

Posted by: bricktop at July 31, 2008 10:48 AM in response to LICH Selling Off More Cobble Hill Buildings

you never know with bank appraisers. We just got a HELOC from a major bank and while here, the appraiser literally wouldn't say one word to us beyond hello and goodbye...not at all interested in being shmoozed. We thought he'd come in way under what we think the house is worth but actually he appraised it higher! So I guess ya never know. But like slopefarm said, be prepared with your own comps in case the appraiser is receptive to your 'help.'

Posted by: bricktop at July 30, 2008 9:42 PM in response to Bank Appraisal for HELOC

top floor ceiling heights are low -- maybe 7 feet -- and they put a pendant lamp in one of those top-floor bedrooms, so anyone over 5'5" would bang their head on it.

It's not all new construction on the 3rd floor -- they left in the existing layout and (weird) closets up there......

Posted by: bricktop at July 25, 2008 1:46 PM in response to House of the Day: 210 Prospect Place

The photos on Corc's website make the rooms look much bigger than they feel when you're standing in them....anyone else here actually see the house?

Posted by: bricktop at July 25, 2008 12:02 PM in response to House of the Day: 210 Prospect Place

Was at the open house. Saw the house before it sold, too. It had been a total dump. The renovation is nice, but very generic. Take away the staging props and it looks like every post-war apartment you've ever seen. They ripped apart the building in record time and did away with alot of what I thought was the charm. To be sure the developer added some nice touches, like raising the roof a little, adding good windows at top level out front, putting back the stoop. And it looks absolutely fabulous from the street. But there had been charm to the house under all the original owner-family's crapola, and that too has all been demolished. Now you have ordinary sheetrock ceilings with some of those plastic faux-plaster centerpiece thingys tacked up (and you can still see the nails on at least one). They look really out of place in an otherwise modern and very simple interior. I think the dark-stained floors and bathroom fixtures -- all very trendy -- are going to look hopelessly dated in about a minute. The kitchen cabinets are basic moderne, off-white, and look fine. They left a weird concrete sort of race-track in most of the back yard and put little landscaping rocks over part of it, leaving very little usable room. Somebody will probably buy it at or above ask, but that's because most people don't know any better. Also the central a/c wasn't working on the first two floors -- not a good sign.

Posted by: bricktop at July 24, 2008 7:06 PM in response to House of the Day: 210 Prospect Place

Check PropertyShark.com

Posted by: bricktop at July 24, 2008 12:59 PM in response to How do I research comps?

glad to hear it.

Posted by: bricktop at July 22, 2008 1:54 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

PropJoe should be kicked off the board for his racist comment.

Posted by: bricktop at July 22, 2008 12:09 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

DON'T use All-Star Locksmith on Flatbush Ave. He'll rip you off.

Posted by: bricktop at July 15, 2008 11:11 AM in response to Locksmith recommendations?

Try Norman Calvo at Universal Mortgage, they have an office in Park Slope and one in the city. He's been helpful to us before.

Posted by: bricktop at July 14, 2008 8:56 PM in response to Financing? How do you do it?

We've been happy with Alix Figliolia for this kind of thing -- 718-643-0900 alexfigliolia.com. -bricktop

Posted by: bricktop at July 14, 2008 9:07 AM in response to Check of Sewer and Water Lines

We had one of our buildings come in at less than we thought once when we applied for a HELOC....explain to your bank contact that you think it's too low and why, provide some comps yourself, and ask that they send another appraiser....it could work.

Posted by: bricktop at July 12, 2008 2:58 PM in response to appraisal values

Any thoughts on painting bathroom tile? Anyone ventured into that terrain using oil based paints and or a professional re-glazer?

Posted by: Pergolesi at February 20, 2009 8:45 PM in response to Bath Re-Glazer and Pre-War Peach

it sounds like bubby's is the place youre describing. theres one in tribeca and one in Dumbo.

the secret would be to find a reasonable rent and low expenses so you can keep price points down.

Posted by: slick at March 22, 2009 5:50 PM in response to Diners!!

HI Sunny. Do you work in Countrywide? My current loan is with Countrywide and I've been trying to ask the customer service dept if they know anything about CEMAs and if they're willing to assign the mortgage to a new lender, but no one knows what it is. Can you let me know which department I should contacat in Countrywide. Thank.

Pleasepost the answer here or e-mail me at soungchoi@yahoo.com

Posted by: chk207 at April 3, 2009 10:03 AM in response to Mortgage Tax on a Refinance

We just had Miguel's (4th Ave and Bergen) do all common doors including gates and basement access, and one full apartment in our brownstone on 3rd St in PS, based on recommendations here, and they were great. Andy and his crew arrived exactly when they said they would, were straight shooters, and very easy to deal with. I consider it a grand well spent and will certainly use them next time. As John said, prompt and professional.

Posted by: jland at July 1, 2009 11:04 PM in response to Locksmith recommendations?

I agree.
The biggest problem with working after hours is that all the suppliers are closed.
"If something goes wrong, and something always goes wrong..."(Cosmo Castorini in Moonstruck)
...you are forcing the plumber into a make-do repair.

Posted by: Master Plvmber at August 11, 2009 9:28 AM in response to Need plumber for night or Sun.

You best bet would be with a Chinese plumber. Go down to Chinatown and ask around. . .

Posted by: IronBalls at August 11, 2009 9:55 AM in response to Need plumber for night or Sun.

"Shower body at most" is not necessarily a small job. Are you dealing with leaks in the meantime (i.e. additional damage)? Ask your tenants to pick a day or days when they guarantee they'll either be home or boarding their dogs with a friend or kennel. If they're unwilling to do so, get a price from a legitimate plumber for work on overtime and collect an advance deposit from your tenants for the extra charges. If necessary, cite the section of the lease that guarantees access for repairs.

Posted by: vinca at August 11, 2009 10:59 AM in response to Need plumber for night or Sun.

I agree that the bigger problem is difficulty accessing the premises. Whether or not you allowed a menacing dog on the premises, you need to be able to access the apartment. While your current situation is not an emergency, some day there may be one. You need to think long-term about how you want to resolve that situation so that you have the access you need as the owner consistent with the tenant's rights under the lease. Right now it appears you do not.

Posted by: slopefarm at August 12, 2009 9:23 AM in response to Need plumber for night or Sun.

Can they have the dogs somewhere else for an afternoon? This certainly seems like something they should cooperate with to enable you to use a plumber during normal business hours. It's not your fault they have a dog that complicates this.

Posted by: jland at August 12, 2009 1:35 PM in response to Need plumber for night or Sun.

Hi,

Is the landlord abating the lead condition because of a violation?

The landlord has a responsiblity to abate lead in his/her building. Regular paint does not abate lead.

I had to do lead abatement at my home. When we tested lead was found on all the doors and window even though they were painted less that a year before. There was no lead on the walls as we had them skim coated.

There are strict conditions for removing lead, similar to asbestos abatement. You can use a special lead stop paint on the shutters. However before painting, you will need to wet sand. The room has to be sealed, wet mopped and vacummed with a hepa vacuum cleaner. A resperator has to be worn will the work is done. It is an expensive process and should be performed by an EPA certified lead abatement company.

Here is a link to the NYC gov page on lead abatement

http://search1.nyc.gov/search?output=xml_no_dtd&site=default_collection&proxystylesheet=default_frontend&client=default_frontend&q=lead+abatement&submit222=Go

Posted by: BedstuyMaven at November 10, 2009 11:01 PM in response to Keeping Brownstone Shutters?