cortnyc's Profile

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Author's Posts

January 9, 2008

To skim coat or not?

I am having two light fixtures installed in my living room and one in my bedroom. The skim coating is putting me significantly over my renovation budget. My contractor said that I could skip the skim coating and it would look "ok, but not perfect" in the spaces where the wall was broken into. I'm having trouble deciding whether to spend the money to skim coat because I don't know what the difference would look like. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

January 2, 2008

BH Kitchen and Bath- any experiences

Just wanted to know if anyone on the board has used BH Kitchen and Bath (Queens) for a renovation project. I would love to get any feedback.

December 26, 2007

Cabinets: Laminate versus Wood (stained or glazed)

I am redoing my kitchen and I really want to get white cabinets. For those of you that have had laminate or wood cabinets (glazed), how do the cabinets hold up? Do they chip or scuff more easily than wood (unglazed) cabinets.

December 18, 2007

Renovation- I have no idea where to begin!

I am starting to renovate a one bedroom apartment. I am redoing the kitchen and bath, as well as knocking down some non-weight bearing walls, adding some overhead lighting, paining, and refinishing the floors. I have a pretty idea of the material and design that I want in the kitchen and the bathroom. I am moving into the apartment in January and need board approval for the renovation. I'm a little freaked out about the cost and the timing. Based on past experience, what should I expect to pay for labor and building materials (the bathroom is 5 by 8 and I'm not replacing the tub or sink and the kitchen is 8 by ten) Also, some people have recommended that I use a designer (I guess instead of a general contractor)? Has anyone here done that? Is it worth it? Thanks for any advice you can impart!

December 13, 2007

Illegal Electrical Outlet

If a coop that you are purchasing has an illegal electric outlet (in violation of contract), what is an appropriate amount to request as a credit to compensate the buyer at closing.

October 15, 2007

Acting as your own buyer's broker

I am currently apartment hunting in Windsor Terrace. Assuming that I have a real estate license in NY (currently processing the application and I should be able to obtain the license because I am admitted to practice law in NY), can I act as my own buyer's broker and retain the same commission that a third-party broker would receive. Has anyone had experience with this?

Author's Comments

I see that point. But really, it should be the same as any other situation where a buyer's broker is involved. Essentially, I have done everything that a buyer's broker will do. Would an agent be less likely to work with someone because they have to co-broke? Maybe. But I suspect that is equally true in every instance in which the buyer has their own broker.

Posted by: cortnyc at October 15, 2007 1:23 PM in response to Acting as your own buyer's broker

Does anyone know what that yellow paint color is?

Posted by: cortnyc at October 15, 2007 1:28 PM in response to Residential Sales in Brooklyn

It's a electrical outlet that should be GFI.

Posted by: cortnyc at December 13, 2007 3:25 PM in response to Illegal Electrical Outlet

Thanks- to clarify, I will not be moving into the apartment for two months and I will have a seven week period in between the time that I close and that I move in. Hopefully I can get at least most of the renovation done by then (and worse comes to worse, I have family I can move in with for a week or two).

Does anyone have any personal references for contractors?

Posted by: cortnyc at December 18, 2007 11:13 AM in response to Renovation- I have no idea where to begin!

It's generally a good idea to hire a lawyer to represesnt you through the process of buying. You should have a lawyer represent you prior to the time that you enter into a contract. It makes sense to wait until after you have an accepted offer to hire a lawyer to represent you.

Review of the financials is just one part of the service they should provide to you. They should also review the minutes of the co-op board, handle title-related paperwork, and represent you at closing. You should get references from people who have liked their real estate lawyers. The cost varies, but is generally $1200-$1800 for a co-op purchase.

Posted by: cortnyc at December 19, 2007 10:49 AM in response to RE Laywer & Building Financials

Thanks brooklyncouch- very helpful! You have really opened my eyes.

Posted by: cortnyc at December 27, 2007 11:53 AM in response to Cabinets: Laminate versus Wood (stained or glazed)

I would definitely look at other banks-- Even if you have a good rate from Chase, there is no harm in getting other rate quotes. I was able to use quotes from other lenders to bargain my lender's rates down. I have heard good things about Washington Mutual (secondhand info only). If you are able to get the rates down by a quarter or an eight of a point, you will save thousands-- can't hurt to try to increase your bargaining power.

I am actually using Citi because my employer has a deal with their private banking service. So far I have found them to be fine, but I am a week or two from closing.

Posted by: cortnyc at December 31, 2007 6:19 PM in response to Best Banks for Co-Op Purchases

Agree Zeebee My search happened in two phases. First, I spent a few months going to open houses. I was a little unsure about what I wanted to buy- I would guess that I saw approximately 50 places during this time. I put in a bid on one place and was outbid. I kept renting and then started looking after another year. By that time I had a really clear idea of what I want and what I would not negotiate on. Over a period of three months, I saw about fifteen apartments, bid on two, and bought one.

Posted by: cortnyc at January 1, 2008 9:51 PM in response to How long did it take you to find/buy your first apartment?

Nice but overpriced listing in crazy real estate market. Check!

Posted by: cortnyc at January 2, 2008 1:59 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 10 8th Avenue

You should get your own attorney. Are you buying from the sponsor or from the person that owns the unit? Its usual (though not required) that the buyer of a sponsor unit -- regardless of whether or not the unit is new construction -- will pay the transfer tax associated with the unit, a cost otherwise paid by the buyer. But I don't see why you would pay any other costs associated with their closing.

Also, it's hard to do, but you just can't worry about being thought of as a "jerk" because people will take advantage. You need to look out for yourself in these transactions and not think about what other people involved in the transaction think of you.

Posted by: cortnyc at January 2, 2008 11:44 PM in response to seller's attorney fees

Responses to Author's Forum Comments

Give us a call. Last month we completed a full brownstone renovation on 16th street.
We are willing to work within a budget, get great cabinet prices from a brooklyn distributer, and encourage the homeowners input and design.
Estimates are free and we can provide referals.
Tons of pictures on our website including cornices.
http://colonialconceptscorp.com/
steve wagner
project manager
516-792-5772

Posted by: steve79 at June 11, 2008 12:39 PM in response to Replacing Kitchens and bathrooms

Hi i would like to see this job call us for an free estimate also chek our vebsite of architectural plaster moldings at www.plastervisions.com

Posted by: plastervisions at June 11, 2008 10:48 PM in response to Replacing Kitchens and bathrooms