Banks that give mortgages on co-

"I just dont understand people who buy studios!"

It depends on where you WERE. I bought a studio years ago, after sharing a place for a few years. I was tired of renting and wanted my own place, so for instances like that, it works. If you are single, a studio is not bad. But, if you ever have guests, a studio sucks.
However, I wouldn't want THIS studio (at the asking price).

Posted by: broadwayron at October 29, 2009 3:52 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 125 Hawthorne Street Studio

"I like it but I have one pragmatic question - how (can you) control sun light through those clock faces? Can you put shades, curtains and or wall to block the sunlight?"

Funny, I was thinking the same thing. All that light would drive me nuts. But, I'm not really the 25 mil apt kinda guy.

Posted by: broadwayron at October 21, 2009 2:21 PM in response to All About the Clocktower

"yes, on corner of Pacific and Smith...but opening date says not till next year."

As for that one... wtf are they thinking? My girlfriend said that the place about a block further down Smith (it's some big nail chain) is the best around. Not that she's an expert, but she's been at this for a while. Apparently, cleanliness is often a problem in these joints, and the current one is spotless. Anyway, why take on that huge corner spot (the rent HAS to be high) to compete with an established company a block away? I'm just pissed because it's a waste of good retail space very near where I live.

Posted by: broadwayron at October 20, 2009 11:52 AM in response to Streetlevel: New Nails Spot for The Heights

I've found many descriptions of Boerum Hill going to Court St, and just as many that have the boundary at Smith. I've also seen some that consider Boerum Place the cut-off. I guess you can call it whatever you want. I'm looking forward to seeing these completed; the other day I could see the kitchen/living room areas, because they didn't have tint on the windows. I think this will be better than most newer projects in the area.

Posted by: broadwayron at September 23, 2009 1:17 PM in response to Advertising Begins for Big Boerum Hill Development

Yeah, I walk by this all the time, and can't figure out what's going inside (based on the outside dimensions). It's not a bad looking building, though.

Posted by: broadwayron at September 23, 2009 11:55 AM in response to Advertising Begins for Big Boerum Hill Development

I agree that a tree, or something should go there. The space is so big, it just feels/looks odd when crossing, now. I think it's an improvement, but I didn't think this intersection was really that bad. Yeah, Atlantic is much worse.

Posted by: broadwayron at September 2, 2009 1:25 PM in response to Calming Traffic at Bergen and Smith

Actually, their prices on cheese was better than Key... up to $2/lb cheaper on black-wax cheddar (I used to buy 1-2 pounds of cheese and meat per week there). I'll miss this place for the great selection of sliced meats/cheeses (they had stuff no one else had). What I won't miss is the slow as molasses employees, and (I don't know how to be politically correct when I say this) they were basically idiots. Sometimes, nice & stupid is better than a smart asshole, so I could handle it. At least they weren't like the Duane Reade "wha happen?" employees.

Posted by: broadwayron at July 27, 2009 10:44 AM in response to F. Martinella Closes After Less Than Nine Months

Thanks. That makes sense... I'll tell her.

Posted by: broadwayron at July 15, 2009 12:31 AM in response to Banks that give mortgages on co-

I'm impressed someone knows Tanner! Or, at least, knows who he is.

Posted by: broadwayron at June 30, 2009 11:21 AM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

You aren't going to find many "deals" in Cobble Hill. There's a premium in that area, and supply is usually low (I live there, so I know).
Try Boerum Hill, if you want slightly cheaper (basically, the further from Cobble Hill, the cheaper it will be).

Posted by: broadwayron at May 27, 2009 2:28 PM in response to Neighborhoods for Great Deals?

I think the Flight store is pretty cool... I go in the one on Smith St from time to time (if I'm ever traveling). The thing is- it's not just about luggage; they have all sorts of weird small items which are good for storage and time-killing, and travel-related crap. Actually, the suitcases comprise a small part of the store. But, I have always wondered how they can sell enough to stay afloat.

Posted by: broadwayron at May 22, 2009 9:45 AM in response to StreetLevel: Flight 001 Leaving the Slope

That's a decent part of BH, although I'd prefer to be further from Cadman Plaza. But, for that price, I'd expect a mint kitchen, and it doesn't have one. Actually, I'd probably want to gut the kitchen- looks like a mediocre rental-building kitchen.

Posted by: broadwayron at May 20, 2009 2:22 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 30 Monroe Place, #5A

Are they calling the bedroom a "chamber" because it lacks a door?
That place seems way overpriced... it's really bland. For that price, I'd expect more.

Posted by: broadwayron at May 20, 2009 1:11 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 30 Monroe Place, #5A

I don't know why so many people base their current value of an apt on what the owner paid. What if he got a great deal? What if he got a lousy deal? What if he dumped $75K in reno's? I think the original price is a non-factor when determining current price.
That said, that crazy maintenance will make this tough to sell.

Posted by: broadwayron at May 18, 2009 2:35 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 100 Remsen Street, #8K

"I'd rather just be in the real thing"

If that implies Brooklyn is "fake" and Manhattan is "real", then I have absolutely nothing in common with that guy. Good riddance.

Posted by: broadwayron at May 18, 2009 10:57 AM in response to Will Everyone Go Running Back to Manhattan?

"Weird - I've never heard of dealers who do business where they live"

Yeah, that happens a lot. I knew of a guy who was running a whole operation out of his [big] apt. His dining room table was full of product, and he had employees around, always doing something.
I think, how you handle the situation says a lot about the type of person you are. Hence, I won't offer an advice.

Posted by: broadwayron at May 13, 2009 12:36 PM in response to What To Do About That Pesky Drug Dealer?

This happened to me in an up market (2003)... I was trying to buy a tiny studio in Murray Hill, and there were no comps nearby (because of the size). The seller even lowered the price by something like 25K (the place was about 150K), and my bank still said "no". I had already [barely] passed the Board interview, too. I was pissed at the time (lawyer fees & huge waste of time), but I was told I would not be able to get a good appraisal (but, I was only putting 10% down).

Posted by: broadwayron at May 13, 2009 10:26 AM in response to Low Appraisal: Any Recourse?

"The constant rain was the likely culprit"

It's not like we've had torrential downpours. That seems like a pretty lame reason for a building to collapse.

Posted by: broadwayron at May 8, 2009 3:30 PM in response to 217 Court Coming Down?

A good thing when selling FSBO, is you should be able to answer many more questions than a broker would. Hopefully you know your apt and building very well.
A bad thing is, some people don't feel as comfortable poking around your apt while you are present... they are also more likely to present your apt's misgivings to a broker, than to you.

Posted by: broadwayron at May 7, 2009 3:17 PM in response to Broker or FSBO

I sold a [cheap] place a few years ago, and it was easy. However, the market was much better, and my place was tiny and very low-priced. I think, the more expensive the place, the more you may need a broker. For cheap places (pretty much all I know, although "cheap" is now over 300K), I think buyers know to check craigslist & NYT. I think some sophisticated buyers may not want to deal with a FSBO, sorta how lechacal mentions. But, people looking for a bargain (or, an inexpensive place) probably don't care who they deal with.

Posted by: broadwayron at May 7, 2009 2:17 PM in response to Broker or FSBO

The comments on Curbed are mostly idiotic... I can barely click on the "comments" section, because it's the same tired crap.

Streeteasy posters will have you believe it's Armageddon. And, half the posts degenerate into personal attacks that veer so far away from the original subject, that you forget why you clicked on the thread. That also gets tiresome.

I find Brownstoner to be like a bit of fresh air, because most folks seem like fairly rational people. Plus, The What's posts are easy to ignore.

Posted by: broadwayron at May 4, 2009 11:39 AM in response to Real Estate Blogs: Double-Edged Swords

I used to like the beer distributor... it had a cool vibe. But, I think the new renos aren't all that bad. And, the guy is right- that block is a total crapshoot for aesthetics.

Posted by: broadwayron at April 28, 2009 10:37 AM in response to Development Watch: 216 Pacific Street

Gravy was good. I miss that place, and their chedder-red-skinned-smashed-potatoes.
Big Trout sucked.
Trout was called a "poor man's Gowanus Yacht Club"? That's perfect.
Other than having an outdoor seating area, I don't see the appeal.

Posted by: broadwayron at April 27, 2009 10:00 AM in response to Streetlevel: Trout Re-opening Today

What's upstairs in that Pampa building? I walked by there the other day and was thinking how odd the place looked. I didn't even notice there was a restaurant downstairs (but it was nighttime), so I thought it was a condo.

Posted by: broadwayron at April 23, 2009 2:42 PM in response to Streetlevel: Two Closings for Williamsburg

I found it to be a combination of Jubilee (in the FiDi) and Key Food... not bad. For me, the location is great, because I always go to Trader Joes, & Key Food, and occasionally Met (on Smith St). But, when I take the A/C to Hoyt on my way home, I now have a decent grocer to use. Everyone's definition of a good grocery store varies (for example, I don't eat fruit or vegetables), but this one meets my needs. It just makes where I live even more convenient than it already was, which is nice.

Posted by: broadwayron at April 23, 2009 9:09 AM in response to Brooklyn Fare Launching Today

I've always liked when bricks are used to create a rounded facade (like a castle, or silo-looking thing).
Nice pics.

Posted by: broadwayron at April 22, 2009 11:46 AM in response to Walkabout With Montrose: Build Me a House of Sturdy Brick

This program is free, right? I heard about it years ago, and think it's a great idea. It's nice to know that there are people out there willing to do stuff like this; and, to give up your night-out to help some drunk get home for FREE... impressive.

Posted by: broadwayron at April 20, 2009 12:38 PM in response to Right Rides Expanding into Safe Walks

"there's nothing more frightening than 12-18 year olds in packs"

My girlfriend says and feels the exact same way. She thinks they are much more likely to pull some violent crap (like, shoot you) because they have nothing to lose, and are still young enough to be fearless. Granted, she's seen too many of those specials on tv about gangs, where they often brag about random violence towards unsuspecting folks.

(sorry to get off-topic)

Posted by: broadwayron at April 17, 2009 3:47 PM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million

Last week, I walked down Meserole from Union to Waterbury, and I was shocked at all the new construction. It seemed like 50% of the street was new condos... which, apparently, no one is buying. (At the time, all I could think was, who is buying this crap?)

Posted by: broadwayron at April 16, 2009 11:14 AM in response to Price Cuts at 194 Meserole Street

I thought the half-height thing was the d/w. But, I couldn't see the fridge (around the corner?) I don't know how people live with those mini-fridges. I have a huge fridge and it's practically filled all the time.
That place has way too many strikes against it, in my opinion. I think it's worth about 265K in this market. But, I wouldn't pay that.

Posted by: broadwayron at April 15, 2009 1:12 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 277 Washington Avenue, #3J

I saw Weedeater play in that concrete basement of Siberia when it was somewhere around 40th st. It was so loud, my teeth rattled. I only went there to see bands play, so if they manage to book anyone I like, I'd check out the new joint.

Posted by: broadwayron at April 9, 2009 12:59 PM in response to Manhattans in Brooklyn

I love Hank's. I'll be bummed when it becomes a bank or a Sleepys, or some shit like that.
And, as far as bodegas go, Ziad's is damn fine.

Posted by: broadwayron at April 6, 2009 11:53 AM in response to Lost City's Guide to Boerum Hill

Why do people renovate bathrooms with absolutely NO storage? Who lives like that?

Posted by: broadwayron at April 6, 2009 11:45 AM in response to 658 Park Place: The Little Condo That Could

"There is a large dining foyer"
That's a waste of space (at least, for me, it is). The building is fugly, and definitely has the "designed by the same guy who built the Gowanus Houses" look to it. However, it's actually not too close to the projects. I think the location is pretty good.

Posted by: broadwayron at March 30, 2009 1:33 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 200 Congress Street

Warfarin? Interesting... I've heard of it, but not by that name. Thanks.

Posted by: broadwayron at March 30, 2009 12:44 PM in response to Death at Eastern Parkway Drug Den

"heroin spiked with rat poison"

Man, you can't trust dealers these days. Why rat poison... because it's cheap? I mean, dealers don't often want their patrons dead... how about cutting it with some other non-DEADLY chemical? Morons. I hope they go to jail.

Posted by: broadwayron at March 30, 2009 10:02 AM in response to Death at Eastern Parkway Drug Den

"You clearly know nothing about the area.... stay where you are."

Ummm... I use the Hoyt A/C all the time. Yesterday, I saw a guy taking a piss on Jay/Smith St at the parking lot which goes from Schermerhorn to State. Granted, he was facing the lot, as opposed to facing the street, but this was 6 pm in broad daylight.
I guess we have different definitions of "ghetto". (FWIW, I consider the Fulton Mall to be "ghetto".)

Posted by: broadwayron at March 26, 2009 11:42 AM in response to The Be@Schermerhorn Price Cuts We've Been Waiting For

Those prices are still too high. I've been in there, and I think the place has too many negatives to ever make it as a condo. I'll stick with my prediction (as well as many others): rental.
Yeah, the floorplans (from what I saw) are really inflated- the spaces feel way smaller than their quoted size. The area is really a fringe 'hood, at best. Sure, Downtown BK butts up against a bunch of nice neighborhoods, but this particular spot is pretty ghetto. And, again, who is going to get (or give) financing on this project until it gets to 50% (or 70%) sold? It's not going to happen.

Posted by: broadwayron at March 26, 2009 10:57 AM in response to The Be@Schermerhorn Price Cuts We've Been Waiting For

The catch is that moving is a PITA, and the bigger the apt, the bigger the Pain. And, landlords know that. If you consider the amount of the increase versus the thousands you'll spend moving (and the huge hassle), plus the cost of finding a new place... it may make sense to stay.

Posted by: broadwayron at March 24, 2009 9:06 AM in response to lease renewal in cobble hill

Heh, I was going to say the same thing about F. Martinella. However, they DO have a GREAT selection (I eat a lot of cheese) and the prices aren't bad (better than Key Food, since they jacked up prices a few months ago). I go there weekly, and my only problem is their employees are dumb as hell. I mean, they're aren't ignorant Duane Reade types... they are just plain dumb. I had to explain to a girl at the deli that a half pound was actually ".50", not ".25". Seriously, she didn't know.

Posted by: broadwayron at March 23, 2009 3:16 PM in response to Monday Links

That Nu Hotel has roughly the same rates at the BH Marriott. I can't see that working out well.

Posted by: broadwayron at March 3, 2009 12:50 PM in response to Hard Times for Brooklyn Hotels

I'm against dog racism... what if your dog is an AmStaff/pit mix? Would that be allowed? Granted, in the pool of "idiot dog-owners", it seems that many prefer pits, unfortunately. I agree that small yappy dogs are worse than big dogs, but I think owners should be fined much more for not cleaning their crap. Big dogs take (err, leave) big dumps.

Posted by: broadwayron at February 26, 2009 2:45 PM in response to Inside Third & Bond: Week 73

22K is insane for that space. I can't believe anyone thought that would be profitable.
That place WAS a franchise, so it may have been approved by the home office, but the owners surely weren't receiving an financing from the corp... I imagine that they had to pay a hefty franchise fee, too.

Posted by: broadwayron at February 23, 2009 12:45 PM in response to Spicy Pickle Loses Its Crunch

The food was on par with a Quizno's type of joint. Not bad... and way better than Subway. I can't believe how fast some businesses fold... I'm also thinking of the cupcake place on Atlantic near Court (and next to Subway). Granted, when it opened, I thought it would never succeed, but what do I know? That place lasted only a few months, also. (The space is STILL for rent, too.)

Posted by: broadwayron at February 23, 2009 11:47 AM in response to Spicy Pickle Loses Its Crunch

How did they come up with 400 sq ft based on that floor plan?

Posted by: broadwayron at February 11, 2009 3:36 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 70 Remsen Street Studio

I'll take this over another VeganEuroAsain place. I just hope they can stay afloat, seeing as how half the places on Smith St can't (based on the high turnover).
I actually have wing sauce from the Park Slope location in my fridge- they'll sell it to-go, if you ask.

Posted by: broadwayron at February 11, 2009 1:55 PM in response to Atomic Wings Picks Up the Slack on Smith