At the risk of getting flamed, isn't the fact that it's buying season some of the reason for the uptick? Also there is more optimism out there, the indices have surged...it's not surprising there's a jump in sales. I decided to wait until the early side of 2010 because I'm not making any commitments until I see what does, or does not, happen this fall.

Posted by: bridges at July 28, 2009 3:59 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

It's like Gunsmoke on this thread today, it's hysterical.

Posted by: bridges at July 27, 2009 2:20 PM in response to Open Thread

From patrick killea:

Renting is a cash business that reflects what people can actually pay based on their salary, not how much they can borrow.

That fact alone explains the developers fear and loathing of renters. The other stuff is a side show.

But, at least these condos have people willing to rent, unlike other areas of the country who can't find either buyers or renters at any price. In fact, some developments are being plowed under:

http://articles.latimes.com/2009/may/05/business/fi-demolish5

Posted by: bridges at July 27, 2009 1:23 PM in response to Renting 1 BBP: 'We Would Like Things to be Different'

those giant mint green lanes totally fuglify blocks.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at July 24, 2009 11:16 AM

At least if you eat the pavement your breath will be minty fresh...

Posted by: bridges at July 24, 2009 1:39 PM in response to DOT Greens a New Bike Lane on 9th Street

Don't get the statistical significance of 2 widget predictions. Out of a total of how many? Etc etc. Silly thread, Bstoner's just baiting...

Posted by: bridges at July 23, 2009 3:00 PM in response to Bearish Brownstoners Miss Mark on 2nd Street Sale

I like Winblad too bxgrl, there's something so good natured and kinda dopey about those face vases. "Homage" is a gracious way to put it ;)

Posted by: bridges at July 21, 2009 12:53 PM in response to Jonathan Adler Stealth-Opens on Atlantic

He's big on knocking off Bjorn Winblad, but he does it with aplomb. Love his store on Columbus.

Posted by: bridges at July 21, 2009 12:17 PM in response to Jonathan Adler Stealth-Opens on Atlantic

"and bridges? Join me in looking at that kitchen? :-)"

With pleasure bxgrl, let's mosey on over

Posted by: bridges at July 17, 2009 12:13 PM in response to Friday Links

"Enough about police brutality. Check out what this guy has done to his kitchen"

Lol, thanks mopar yah we need to lighten up ;)

Posted by: bridges at July 17, 2009 12:00 PM in response to Friday Links

Bxgrl, I'm sure there's more to the story, all the way around probably.

"...the facts of the story show that it was a very complex situation not made less so by him kicking the cop in the back of the head and punching him in the face. You put people in dangerous situations and mistakes will always happen- that's what happens when human beings do anything. Its the easiest thing in the world to blames cops for every mistake, but we ask a hell of a lot of NYPD, we are less than supportive, we demand perfection and have no intention of getting rid of them."

Ok, a bit overwrought there, bxgrl. Without out doubt many, MOST, cops are ok, ordinary guys under sometimes extraordinary pressure. That said, some of the same qualities--hypervigilence, fast reflexes-- that make a good cop can lead them to wrong actions.

An anecdote from last year: I was visiting my mother in California, Orange County, she was at the wheel and as we were coming off the freeway a trooper in his car instructed her to pull over. Now, she's elderly, ok? For a moment she catch he meant her. So she hesitated but slowed down til she could stop. BUT in those moments I could see the trooper becoming agitated--he'd given an order and expected instant compliance. PARAMILITARY style bxgrl.

He leapt out of that car practically with his gun drawn--he was ready to rock and roll--red face, he was agitated. The first thing he asked was whether we spoke english (he was himself hispanic). Turns out he couldn't see the shoulder strap of my seat belt and thought I wasn't wearing one. A small story I know, but the point is that he was a hairs' breadth away from dragging her from the car and cuffing her.

Posted by: bridges at July 17, 2009 11:58 AM in response to Friday Links

Hope the cops get nailed on the Shem Walker killing. I won't get started on the utter failure/fiasco of our drug policy, or the folly of an armed paramilitary a/k/a cops vs an unarmed man. But watch the media goons spin this that somehow the Walker, an army vet, was provoked his own killing.

Posted by: bridges at July 17, 2009 10:12 AM in response to Friday Links

Well, I consider the beginning of the collapse to be the bankruptcy of New Century Financial, in April 2007.

Posted by: bridges at July 17, 2009 10:06 AM in response to Elliman: Brooklyn Market Improved in 2nd Quarter But...

Rent is a cash business, it shows clearly what people are earning, not borrowing. The NYT shows NY with 8% unemployment and rising. Some neighborhoods will fare better than others, but the days of assuming you can offset an inflated purchase price by renting the space out are numbered.

Posted by: bridges at July 16, 2009 4:38 PM in response to Elliman: Brooklyn Market Improved in 2nd Quarter But...

" I do know that they can't fall too much further than the cost of renting."

Mopar, true, but then again rents cannot exceed actual average income, no? It is now obvious that even at the peak many people weren't living on their income, but income + credit cards. It is equally apparent those days are over. SO over. As What might say: Reality has shoved an I-beam up everybody's ass. Or something.

Posted by: bridges at July 16, 2009 1:41 PM in response to Elliman: Brooklyn Market Improved in 2nd Quarter But...

“We’re seeking to move away from traditional curriculum.”

Translation: We're dumbing down the curriculum even further.

Posted by: bridges at July 16, 2009 1:10 PM in response to New Middle School Coming to Fort Greene

Ok, thanks dibs. So, if inflation does not affect wages, if wages stagnate even, where will consumers find the oomph to buy inflated assets? Am I understanding this correctly?

Posted by: bridges at July 16, 2009 12:09 PM in response to Elliman: Brooklyn Market Improved in 2nd Quarter But...

dibs, do you expect inflation to propel prices past the peak? If so, when do you think this will happen?

Posted by: bridges at July 16, 2009 11:55 AM in response to Elliman: Brooklyn Market Improved in 2nd Quarter But...

The consumer credit economy is dying. The service economy is starting to die off as well. What is the replacement? What will amp the economy back up to the 2007 level? Tech? Finance? Selling each other french fries?

Posted by: bridges at July 16, 2009 11:36 AM in response to Elliman: Brooklyn Market Improved in 2nd Quarter But...

"Is there some reason that you wouldn't be bullish on Brooklyn brownstones over the next 3-5 years from where we are now or even slightly lower??? You cannot tell me that prices will be off 50-70% without providing a well defined set of parameters that would cause that to happen"

Ok, I'd like to hazard an opinion...I think we're heading for an L shaped recovery, and that over a several years. I would be "bullish" on brownstones if I thought inflation would push prices, but I don't think that's going to happen, not for a few years anyway.

Posted by: bridges at July 16, 2009 11:02 AM in response to Elliman: Brooklyn Market Improved in 2nd Quarter But...

I think the place is ok, certainly there are, and will be, better. Personally I'd turn any open space into a vegetable garden I think things have to the potential to get that bad. Truly, think the sellers shouldn't try to fancy dance this, just cut the damn price and unload it now. Sadly, there'll be plenty of brownstones to pick from by winter once those recasts get going.

Posted by: bridges at July 15, 2009 2:13 PM in response to House of the Day: 202 Clermont Avenue

my favorite bartender there was this big old chinese-american brute who grew up in brooklyn and had the biggest vinnie accent. hot.

Posted by: winthropst at July 9, 2009 4:19 PM

LOl. Sounds hawt! The chicken coop was on the corner, you'd go in, chinese guy behind the counter (relevant only because technically it was still little italy)and floor to ceiling caged chickens. Always old ladies on line. They'd point to a chicken and that was it: dinner.

Posted by: bridges at July 9, 2009 4:22 PM in response to Open Thread

dh/wintropist - Recently I turned up Centre Market, of course it looks nothing like it did almost 20 years ago! I lived there around the time of the gotti trials. It was quite colorful. Especially for a mix like me ;)

I'm not sad about the changes though I realize more and more that in my mind NY is a different city than newbies experience. Newbies see what's right in front of them, I see the changes ;) Winthropist remember the chicken coop on on grand street and centre?

Posted by: bridges at July 9, 2009 4:10 PM in response to Open Thread

Winthropist you bring back memories...I used to live on Mulberry, then Centre Market, right by the hanging gun sign!

Posted by: bridges at July 9, 2009 3:44 PM in response to Open Thread

Co-ops are a peculiarity of New York City. I think they're dreadful. Expensive, rule bound and STILL surrounded with people on 4 sides [shiver]...

Posted by: bridges at July 9, 2009 3:09 PM in response to Thursday Links

Meh. Annoying, el cheapo cabinetry. I can see it going in the 300s though.

Posted by: bridges at July 9, 2009 2:27 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 75 Livingston Street, #7B

Are the photos blurry? Or am I having a seizure?

Posted by: bridges at July 9, 2009 2:23 PM in response to House of the Day: 180 Adelphi Street

The start of more serious investigations to come? Or bread and circuses while the the real culprits relax in the Hamptons for the season...?

Posted by: bridges at July 9, 2009 2:20 PM in response to Massive Mortgage Fraud Ring Busted

WOW...why is part of my posting being deleted??? Very bizarre.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at July 9, 2009 9:58 AM

Maybe Brownstoner's being pwned by North Korea

Posted by: bridges at July 9, 2009 10:06 AM in response to Open Thread

...If we have no more shocks, we will move back to recovery....

Posted by: mopar at July 8, 2009 12:43 PM

Mopar, recasts of Alt-A and Pay Option ARMS made to higher quality borrowers will come down the pike later this year. I suspect that what the tick tick tick is referring to...

Posted by: bridges at July 8, 2009 12:50 PM in response to Open Thread

I feel weird asking this - but has anyone been watching 'True Blood' or 'Weeds' ???

Posted by: dirty_hipster at July 8, 2009 12:07 PM

I love True Blood, it's fun. Why do you feel weird asking?

Posted by: bridges at July 8, 2009 12:17 PM in response to Open Thread

But dibs we are in this mess because of the fed and banks monkeying around, there's no good reason to believe the people who got us into this mess possess the wisdom to get us out again.

Well who is going to run the IMF if not bankers? Baristas, ad agency execs, nurses??????

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at July 8, 2009 11:11 AM

LOL. You're funny to day dibs, good one

Posted by: bridges at July 8, 2009 11:15 AM in response to Open Thread

bridges, what are you talking about??? What has our contributions to the IMF got anything to do with their forecasts??

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at July 8, 2009 10:38 AM

Well, it's just striking to me that the people running the IMF have investment bank backgrounds, such as this gentleman:

"John Lipsky assumed the position of First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund on September 1, 2006.

Before coming to the Fund, Mr. Lipsky was Vice Chairman of the JPMorgan Investment Bank. In this position, he advised the firm's principal market risk takers, published independent research on the principal forces shaping global financial markets, was actively engaged with JPMorgan's key clients, and represented the firm around the world with senior public and financial sector decision makers.

Previously, Mr. Lipsky served as JPMorgan's Chief Economist, and as Chase Manhattan Bank's Chief Economist and Director of Research. He served as Chief Economist of Salomon Brothers, Inc. from 1992 until 1997. From 1989 to 1992, Mr. Lipsky was based in London, where he directed Salomon Brothers' European Economic and Market Analysis Group."

Posted by: bridges at July 8, 2009 11:07 AM in response to Open Thread

Can't we still try to enjoy and appreciate the positive things in our lives?

Posted by: Biff Champion at July 8, 2009 10:39 AM

I don't think it's an either/or proposition though. Put it another way, isn't this lifestyl that you enjoy and appreciate worth preserving by questioning our economic policies? Or at least emailing your representative and encouraging them to fight on behalf of individuals and not just banks?

Posted by: bridges at July 8, 2009 10:48 AM in response to Open Thread

Bridges, my asking a question did you in? You need a vacation my brother!

Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at July 8, 2009 10:30 AM

Snappy, your mouth, God's ear. Please!!

Posted by: bridges at July 8, 2009 10:35 AM in response to Open Thread

dibs, not looking for a dustup with you today, but...the U.S. is the largest contributor to IMF funding, no? How can we afford this??

Posted by: bridges at July 8, 2009 10:33 AM in response to Open Thread

Bridges, you thought I was serious with that selling san diego post? Come on!!! Besides, even if this country allows CA to sell san diego, what the heck will Mexico pay us with? Not like Mexico is sitting on a pile of gold

Posted by: more4less at July 8, 2009 10:22 AM

Yes, yes I thought you were serious. Snappy's comment at 9:39 just...did me in, lol.

Posted by: bridges at July 8, 2009 10:25 AM in response to Open Thread

Isn't "hubris" a reference to Hugh Jackman's ceremonial circumcision?

Posted by: Biff Champion at July 8, 2009 10:18 AM

That's Hugh Grant.

Posted by: bridges at July 8, 2009 10:21 AM in response to Open Thread

Bridges - Ever hear of gallows humor?

Posted by: Arkady at July 8, 2009 10:12 AM

Arkady, forgive me, I must have CONTACT CLUELESSNESS

Posted by: bridges at July 8, 2009 10:15 AM in response to Open Thread

why dont California sell San Diego back to Mexico for hefty sum so they can solve the budget deficit that forecasted for a while?

Posted by: more4less at July 8, 2009 10:03 AM

I'm not getting all cut and paste with this today, but will observe if you're unable to grasp why this economic meltdown is THE issue of your lifetime, why this concerns you personally..Then you've never learned ONE GODDAMN THING WORTH KNOWNING.

Posted by: bridges at July 8, 2009 10:08 AM in response to Open Thread

Seriously, California had the highest GDP in the nation, it's bankrupt with a $23 billion deficit, issuing iou's for everything, and you're all, oh well it's poor mangagement???? Seriously??? The hubris on this board is truly stunning sometimes.

"As California goes so goes the nation."

Posted by: bridges at July 8, 2009 9:57 AM in response to Open Thread

My 2 cents re illegal immigration - Reagan had the chance to fix it and chose instead to pass it on to future generations.

All I can is that this is just one more issue which undermines trust in how our society operates. One more straw on that camel's back.

Whatever the "truth" may be, the fact that millions of legal immigrants and citizens PERCEIVE that they are following the rules and getting screwed while someone else gets a "free ride" is just more fuel for the fire that is smoldering.

Add to that resentment over banker bailouts and it won't be a surprise to see more middle class choose to opt out of what used to be called the rat race and instead go for a smaller nicer lifestyle that, incidentally, will kick in fewer taxes. Just some thoughts...

Posted by: bridges at July 7, 2009 2:13 PM in response to Open Thread

From Yahoo:

"...The recession has taken a devastating toll on tax revenues and state finances. States had a cumulative $121 billion budget gap in crafting this year's budgets — and the gap would be even bigger without federal stimulus money, said Todd Haggerty, a research analyst at the National Conference of State Legislatures.

"You can't look to any one region that's performing better than the others," Haggerty said. "You can see Arizona and California in the west, Ohio and Illinois in the middle and Pennsylvania and North Carolina in the east..."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_state_budgets

Note especially the map embedded in the article...

Posted by: bridges at July 2, 2009 12:13 PM in response to Housing Market - Where Are We?

From the DOL Commish' press release this morning:

"...Payroll employment declines continued to be widespread among the major industries. In June, there were large decreases in manufacturing, construction, and professional and business services. Together, these three sectors have accounted for nearly three-quarters of the jobs lost since the recession began.

Manufacturing employment fell by 136,000 in June, bringing job loss in this industry to 1.9 million since the start of the recession. Motor vehicle and parts employment declined by 27,000 over the month; since the start of the recession, the industry has lost 335,000 jobs, about one-third of its total.

Construction employment decreased by 79,000 in June. Job losses in the industry have totaled 1.3 million during this recession.

Employment in professional and business services dropped by 118,000 in June. Job losses occurred throughout the industry, including temporary help services (-38,000), services to buildings and dwellings (-17,000), and architectural and engineering services (-14,000). Since the start of the recession, professional and business services has lost 1.5 million jobs; temporary help services accounted for over half of this decline.

Posted by: bridges at July 2, 2009 11:25 AM in response to Housing Market - Where Are We?

Just fyi, pulled this from the Dept of Labor that came out this morning:

"In May, 295 metropolitan areas reported over-the-year decreases in nonfarm payroll employment and 15 reported increases. The largest over-the-year employment decrease was recorded in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, Calif. (-254,700), followed by New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, N.Y.-N.J.-Pa. (-232,900)..."

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/metro.nr0.htm

Posted by: bridges at July 2, 2009 10:55 AM in response to Housing Market - Where Are We?

P.S. When I say "pack their bags" I mean people may move to a lower tax state, that's part of what initially fueled the sunbelt anyway. Rob said somewhere today why pay $11 for Newports when they cost 4 somewhere else?

Posted by: bridges at July 1, 2009 4:44 PM in response to Case-Shiller: Beware the Head Fake

Gemini. Ok. The noose has been tightening for consumer debt (I refuse to call it credit because it's not). Credit limits are also being slashed, which will worsen consumers' troubles, though I'm sure it works in the banks' favor. Some of this does depend on your perspective, if you're a bank guy, you might see it as a positive. If your severance package and unemployment are running out, then, uh, not so much, eh?

NYS will have no choice but to jack up taxes of all sorts and probably dream up more before they realize that people with no money to spare will sooner pack their bags than hand over what money they have to the state. The state's going to have to contract...Not that NYS ever spent money wisely...It could get ughly

Posted by: bridges at July 1, 2009 4:29 PM in response to Case-Shiller: Beware the Head Fake

gemini10 wrote:
I hate being a doom/gloom person...

I understand, but, optimist/pessimist doesn't apply, that's immaterial...what's important is basing your decisions on where you think we're headed. Short term rally, yes, but long term? Exactly.

Posted by: bridges at July 1, 2009 4:02 PM in response to Case-Shiller: Beware the Head Fake

Ok getting away from NYC for a moment...what happens to California now they've declared bankruptcy? Is an outside agency created to administer its finances? That happened to NY in the 70s, right? Big Mac or something?

Posted by: bridges at July 1, 2009 3:22 PM in response to Case-Shiller: Beware the Head Fake

Here Joe, this is from a few months ago, charlie the unicorn:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5im0Ssyyus

Posted by: bridges at July 1, 2009 2:44 PM in response to Case-Shiller: Beware the Head Fake

LOL.

Posted by: bridges at July 1, 2009 2:24 PM in response to Case-Shiller: Beware the Head Fake

If the matter ends up in court it is the landlord's fault. The landlord's fault. You know, the person being unreasonable. Anyone suggesting that you lay down is helping to undermine the free society under law we live in.

This is assuming there was only one bathroom, the problem was not an act of god, and $300 is less than 6 days rent. The LL has the obligation to supply a hospitable apartment. I don't understand why anyone would pay for a service not rendered. That would be like paying for a tree not cut down. Any days the LL does not do so the LL should not be paid. People insulting Oxygen's post are insane

Posted by: Blindweb at August 11, 2009 5:39 AM in response to Withholding Rent?