@Max - do you mean deliver or install? We can only deliver not install.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at October 31, 2009 3:35 PM in response to Cast Iron Radiators - $75

Forgot to post contact info -
Rose: 646-242-7955

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at October 30, 2009 6:41 PM in response to Cast Iron Radiators - $75

Posting dimensions under new thread.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at October 30, 2009 6:36 PM in response to Cast Iron RADIATORS - for sale

We actually have 14+ radiators! Didnt realize there were that many! Most appear to be the short window types you all are looking for. We are getting the measurements now. Pls call Rose and we can discuss further - we would like to get rid of them by tomorrow. 646-242-7955. Just reference brownstoner. Thanks!

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at October 30, 2009 12:43 PM in response to Cast Iron RADIATORS - for sale

phil lavendar
marcus attorneys
718-643-6655
lavendar@marcusattorneys.com

He just closed an unbelievable difficult deal for us. He was patient, amazing and thorough especially dealing with a VERY tough seller's lawyer to contend with. I saw him in action at the closing table and I was so proud he was sitting on my side of the table. I recommend him highly!

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at September 26, 2009 12:56 AM in response to Need a Closing Attorney

Same scenario for me. I'm going with Aubrey Nurse from Wells Fargo and using their Purchase and REnovate Program. It's not a cheap loan by any stretch - the upfront cost are steep but I felt comfortable with it as it's a loan that most lenders are not offering.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at July 20, 2009 9:40 AM in response to Financing "Unhabitable" Property

Robert Albani
President
Home Tech Consultants
M:516-524-1784
W:718-819-0174

Used him for my inspection and thought he did a great job. Moving forward would like to use someone that also uses digital pics in the final report.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at July 20, 2009 8:58 AM in response to Home Inspector Recs?

absolutely worth it. highly recommend.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at July 7, 2009 5:41 PM in response to NHS Home Improvement Classes

you may want to think about having the developer put funds in escrow if the C of O doesn't happen by x date. Got burned with a Temp C of O that the buildings department is not even close thinking about converting to a permanent C of O because of egregious code violations by the builder. Check to DOB website too - they have a big warning about this. I know my scenario was a worst case scenario but now stuck in a building that i can't sell my unit because we don't have a c of o. An escrow contingency wouldn't have helped me out of this situation but it's just a thought.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at May 20, 2009 8:26 PM in response to C of O on new construction

just closed a citibank heloc - 4.24% (prime + 0.99). It's for a co-op. Must keep line open for 3 years and agree to automatic payment from account.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at April 28, 2009 9:07 PM in response to HELOC rates

I took this course a couple of years ago. Best thing I ever did! solved SO many home improvement mysteries. The instructor was top notch, very familiar with the types of repairs brownstones most often need and i loved the hands on aspect. Highly recommend!

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at March 6, 2009 10:04 PM in response to Home Maintenance Training

http://www.oasisnyc.net/oasismap.htm

I found this type of information once before on this site but I can't remember how i got it. maybe you will have better luck?

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at March 5, 2009 7:29 PM in response to FAR amounts and extension

i went to energy audit seminar this saturday given by jeremy of prospect architects. His company can give them - i think the cost is about $500 depending on the property. it was a great seminar and their are lots of rebates/financing/other programs available if you decide to make energy efficient upgrades. Checkout nyserda.org and getenergysmart.com

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at March 3, 2009 8:23 PM in response to Energy Audits

I am loving the sketchup - Bravo!

I personally like the idea of the security cameras and agree if you are going to do it - do it right with a professional.

Question - do you have to post that you are using security cameras? I seen the warnings in taxis and some other buildings. Wondering if that applies to residential areas?

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at February 26, 2009 10:13 AM in response to where to put security cams

after many very bad property management companies - goldin seems to be one of the better ones. Both my condo and co-op use them as their management company. no issues thus far, responsive to repairs requested, billing/invoice system is accurate, and they listen to the needs and requests of the owners and board.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at January 30, 2009 7:36 PM in response to Goldin Management

@mopar - sorry i didn't check this thread sooner. agree the weird requirements are daunting for the 203k but the house won't qualify for a regular loan - needs major reno now(plumbing, electric, heating, running water - you know all the things that make a house habitable in the banks eyes!) Add to it the fact that even if a bank would loan despite those conditions, the c of o status (3 fam + comm'l) would ensure that i would need to put down 25% or more instead of the 3-5% i was quoted. i am not far in the process at all. Identified property, researched possible loan scenarios, met with other brownstoners that went through the wells fargo purchase renovate process, got pre-approval from Wells, researched lawyers, got a home inspection - shout out to robert albani - great work!, all in preparation for making my offer tomorrow. wish me luck!

the upfront costs, contingency costs, fees, and time limits, etc are the devil in the details for this type of loan but i figure with an interest only loan that I plan to refinance after the reno is complete, we'll be ok. my biggest worry is the contractor aspect.

we can talk off line if you have more questions.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at January 14, 2009 9:49 PM in response to Financing For Mixed Use Property

thanks for lucky wishes - you can change the c of o to a 1-4 family. I am comfortable finanancially with the payments of the 2 family limits. 3 family would certainly get me the extra $$$ but that monthly nut would kill me. Also not digging the idea of dealing with more than one tenant in my home.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at January 12, 2009 8:38 PM in response to Financing For Mixed Use Property

hey onefineday -
im kind of in the same predicament - commercial space + 3 family c of o that i wnat to change to a 2 family. wells fargo is one of the only banks i found that could work the situation with their purchase and renovate loan program. don't know all the ends and outs especially based on your million plus price tag but i can get a loan w/ 3.5% down, it's an fha so the maximum loan limits do apply - for a 2 family the limits is $800,775. This amount must include the renovation cost along with property amount so if the owner and i can't see eye to eye on the purchase price - the renovations funds will be next to nothing. Also - they will take out 10-15% for a contingency reserve fund. Hope that helps. And if you hear of any other programs - drop a line.https://www.wellsfargo.com/mortgage/buy/loans/descriptions/renovation
ALso - people keep mentioning scott cohen of wells fargo. he seems to be highly recommended. wish i used him before contacting my wells fargo contact. couldn't switch once my preapproval was in the system.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at January 12, 2009 7:21 PM in response to Financing For Mixed Use Property

wells fargo is about the only one doing a purchase and renovate loan. Be prepared for sticker shock on the intereste rate. It's running about about a 1.5 - 2.00 points higher than a 30 year jumbo for a 30 yr fixed.

also, sunny from countrywide said they are still doing them.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at December 22, 2008 5:28 PM in response to construction loan in this market?

upsteamaccess so glad you posted again with pictures! I took you up on your first offer to see the handy work that Lam completed for your renovation and it was truly spectacular! I am gonna follow up with you to hear if your friend's renovation (started after your renovation) also went as well.

Congrats again on a job well done.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at December 3, 2008 9:24 PM in response to We recommend a contractor

upsteamaccess so glad you posted again with pictures! I took you up on your first offer to see the handy work that Lam completed for your renovation and it was truly spectacular! I am gonna follow up with you to hear if your friend's renovation (started after your renovation) also went as well.

Congrats again on a job well done.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at December 3, 2008 9:23 PM in response to We recommend a contractor

Goldin Management

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at October 31, 2008 9:02 PM in response to Co-op Management companies

Hey Wasder thanks for sharing. looks great. Can you share roundabout your renovation costs and what work was involved?

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at October 9, 2008 9:44 PM in response to Interiors: Expanding the Space But Not the Debt

Try Keyspan? They may be able to help you out.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at October 8, 2008 8:39 PM in response to rec's for oil to gas conversion (plumber?)

Awesome! Thank you for the new feature. I like it very much.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at September 15, 2008 10:55 AM in response to Interiors: Boerum Hill Townhouse in Shades of Red & Gray

housebywe.com - they post on the forum too.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at July 16, 2008 9:50 PM in response to Project Manager Recommendations

Try a local real estate managment company - or the super of an apt building they may be able to help you out with the signage you need or point you in the right direction.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at July 16, 2008 9:33 PM in response to HPD Self Certified Violations

Thanks all for the advice.

@el salar - I will definitely check out Wells Fargo.

@11216 Good suggestions. I was thinking of something along those lines using the equity in my current properties that I don't have mortgages on and using the rental income so I won't have to much of a noose around my neck. I know cc's are risky but it's a good back pocket option.

& ontheparkway - thanks for the response. not in over my head and need to make sure i stay that way. trying to paint the financing picture before I make any offers on the property. I learned my lesson early on that issue. Just trying to gauge the financing landscape since it's changed so much since my last purchase in 2004.

@denton & bricktar - I'll check out the mortgage broker option after i check in with Wells Fargo. I used a broker the last time and ended up with an indy mac loan. I was kicking myself because I could have gone directly to the bank.

@ the what - brother i hear you on all points and trust, I am not making any decisions without considering every possibility.

Love the opinions - keep 'em coming. Thanks.

Posted by: couldashouldawoulda at July 15, 2008 10:24 PM in response to Financing? How do you do it?

Nowhere in Brooklyn is there a bottom now, mopar. Nowhere. And you and Pierre are spot off about interest rates. Mortgage rates dropped and the market still tanked because of a tightening in lending standards. Higher rates will complement the downward price pressure already in place. Because of affordability, everybody would have to downgrade their market area to a lower-income nabe. But there's an income hierarchy that looks like a triangle (a few high earners on top and many low earners on the bottom). There'd be only so many buyers left above to absorb the void in the buyer pool below at each price level, in downward progression. Prices would have to drop to fill these voids. Higher rates will compound the collapse. The rush to buy is pure broker/seller/banker/investor propaganda.

***Bid half off peak comps***

Posted by: Brownstones Half Off at July 20, 2009 11:29 PM in response to Financing "Unhabitable" Property

We just went through a similar process on an unihabitable 7 family. We ending up having to go for a "bridge loan" (read loan shark) so that we could get it inhabitable and as soon as we can we plan to refinance. I'm not sure if that will work for you with 20% down (we had a higher %) and it is a higher initial interest rate, but may be worth looking into? If you'd like the contact for the one we used (who I did a lot of research on and we've had a good experience with) post here how I can get ahold of you and I'll be in touch. Good luck either way and don't listen to the naysayers! :)

Posted by: amybnyc at July 20, 2009 11:33 PM in response to Financing "Unhabitable" Property

Dov Herman
NY Inspect
718-Inspect
He checked the whole place with this really cool infrared and his report had tons of digital pics.

Posted by: Brownstone1 at July 21, 2009 12:29 PM in response to Home Inspector Recs?

Two constraints with a 203k: the renovation will need to be wrapped into the mortgage, at least the issues that FHA concerns themselves with; and the loan limit is around $729k (at least for single family). So with a $700k property and $200k in repairs, you would have to borrow $700k and contribute your $200k as a down payment (>3% min). But yes then the $900k+ appraisal could be a real problem. What about looking for something similar but that's closer to a bank's definition of habitability? There may be places that need extensive work but the water and electricity is currently technically functional and there's a kitchen and a bath etc. You might be able to find something similar in terms of potential return on improvements but without the habitability issue.

Posted by: BHS at July 21, 2009 3:36 PM in response to Financing "Unhabitable" Property

I've got to agree with BHS. The market is still way to high.

350K in Bushwick sounds cheap, but not if you consider how cheap they were five or ten years ago. Your also talking about a neighborhood where your wife (not to mention you and your kids) probably won't feel safe walking alone at night.

Also, as the higher end market tanks, the lower end will tank as well. When a real estate market tanks, everything goes down, not just one segment.

I'd wait another two years or so for the market to drop another 50%. What's so bad about renting for a couple more years?

Posted by: IronBalls at July 22, 2009 8:00 AM in response to Financing "Unhabitable" Property

Richard Perri is fantastic.

Posted by: UnprotectedWrecks at July 22, 2009 8:49 AM in response to Home Inspector Recs?

Congratulations, Pierre. Can't wait for the photos.

Ironballs, what do prices of five or ten years ago have to do with anything? The dangerous reputation of Bushwick is massively overblown. I live in the area near Ridgewood and it's full of delightful families. I don't walk around by myself late at night when there's no one on the streets, but that's a rule I follow everywhere, not just in Bushwick. Around 10 or 11 on a Friday or Saturday, the streets are teeming and it's great fun to walk around and get an ice cream or whatever.

Prices are already cheaper than renting. And only going up. This area is going to be massively expensive in a few years. It's gentrifying rapidly. That's a reason not to wait.

Posted by: mopar at July 22, 2009 5:25 PM in response to Financing "Unhabitable" Property

Sergey Belov
Advanced Inspections, Inc.
1.800.535.9859
advpropertyinspections.com

Reasonable price with excellent service.
He checked 1500 points with infrared camera and his report had digital pics and all necessary explanations.

Posted by: Yelena at July 29, 2009 2:34 PM in response to Home Inspector Recs?

Rich Perri is great! 718-828-9116. He was recommended by someone on a different post, and I'm so glad we went with him. He is professional and friendly, and so far the most stress-free part of the buying process.

Posted by: 9eor9ia at August 11, 2009 5:56 PM in response to Home Inspector Recs?

Greetings,

I'm glad the course was useful to many of you. For all those interested, here is information for the 2009 Fall Home Maintenance Session at NHS of East Flatbush:

The course runs for ten weeks and is totally hands-on. Topics include carpentry, basic plumbing and electrical, proper tool usage, safety, wood faming and much more. We have two Level I classes and a Level 2.

Open House will be Thursday September 10th, 6:30pm. The location: To Be Announced.

The Level I Class begins Monday Sept. 14th and Wednesday Sept. 16th at 6pm.

Level II Classes begins Tuesday Sept. 15th.

Class Location: Chase Bank (formerly Washington Mutual)
1462 Nostrand Ave., basement Level (bet Church ave & Erasmus Place) Brooklyn, NY 11226.

Registration is based on a first-come-first-served basis.
Don't go to Chase to register. For more info. and to register, call Kimberly or Tyrone at 718-469-4679. I can also email an application to you. My email: tyrone_mcdonald@nhsnyc.org

www.nhsnyc.org/eastflatbush

Posted by: tyronem at August 21, 2009 11:30 AM in response to NHS Home Improvement Classes