ejalbk's Profile
Author's Posts
October 28, 2009
Broker Contract?
A friend who is about to list a very high-end townhouse for sale (5M+) asked me some questions this morning and I was unable to give her good answers. Perhaps some of you can...
What specifically should be required of a broker who is given an exclusive listing? For instance, stating that the broker will do "advertising" for the listing seems way too vague. On a multi-million dollar townhome, where should the broker be expected to advertise today (both print and online)? Are there any media outlets in Europe that are considered essential to attract foreign buyers? How much advertising is considered appropriate?
What about mailings? To whom and how big of a mailing list?
Commission. What percentage is customary on an exclusive listing for a townhouse?
What length of time?
Anything I haven't thought of? Many thanks...
Tile Store?
Can anyone recommend a tile store that actually has a large selection of interesting mosaic and ceramic tile in stock? Just found out a I have to do a bathroom reno and can't wait the six weeks or so to custom order something but would like more selection than available at HD and Lowes. Many thanks!
October 8, 2009
Used Heat-Timers?
I've got an older Heat-Timer installed that has gone bad. I called Heat-Timer in to have a look and they tell me it can't be repaired and they are pricing a new one at over $3,000! Do any of you know some sort of supply store that sells used (but tested) Heat-Timers? Thanks.
July 8, 2009
Try this for rodents
I own a building and have had problems with mice inside and rats in the garden. I bought a device called a RatZapper (see Amazon)which electrocutes them. I caught four mice within a week. Very easy disposal and immediately back on the job. Downside is that it eats batteries. A rat must have gone into one I put in the garden after a few days and the rat must have gotten a good shock but the batteries were apparently already drained enough to where it wasn't a lethal shock. On the whole though I like the device and would recommend it. See Amazon for more reviews.
Mason in Manhattan?
I know...it's Manhattan, but don't hate me! I need a recommendation for a reputable but reasonable masonry company that can do pointing and repair cracks on the facade of a 50 ft wide 5 story building. Premier Roofing had recommended a couple of names, but neither of them would come to Manhattan. Thanks for honest suggestions....
June 16, 2009
Sanitation Tickets: Time of Day?
Got another absurd Sanitation ticket, but this one was written at 5:30AM! I vaguely recall that there were limited hours when the Sanitation gestapo are allowed to ticket buildings but have been unable to find the hours. Does anyone have a link to or know the schedule? Thanks.
Author's Comments
If this is a steam system and you're talking about replacing the air valves on radiators, it's a job that basically anyone with a wrench and some teflon tape can handle. The valves run $15-$20 each and the time involved is probably one minute per valve. However, that may or may not be the cause of your problem. It actually seems a bit unlikely that all the air valves just in one line would fail. Possible but unlikely.
Posted by: ejalbk at October 28, 2009 1:51 PM in response to Uneven Heat in Building
Don't have a specific recommendation, but I suspect much of the cost will be dependent on how far the fireplace will be from the nearest gas pipe. Also, are you okay with exposed piping for the gas or do you want everything buried inside walls?
Posted by: ejalbk at October 28, 2009 12:07 PM in response to Gas fireplace installation
Thanks for the (so far) three suggestions. Do all of these stores have a large selection in stock though??
Posted by: ejalbk at October 28, 2009 10:50 AM in response to Tile Store?
FYI, I called 311, and apparentlythe type of ticket I got (having one recyclable juice carton in a black bag) can be written any hour of the day! Gotta love NYC. I'd rather they just be honest about it and raise taxes rather than send out brownshirts to harass you to death with bs like this.
Posted by: ejalbk at June 15, 2009 3:31 PM in response to Sanitation Tickets: Time of Day?
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Excellent point DIBS. Perhaps our society is not ready for something like this as you aptly point out.
Posted by: newsouthsloper at June 16, 2009 10:07 AM in response to Sanitation Tickets: Time of Day?
The city needs cash. end of story.
Posted by: sam at June 16, 2009 11:23 AM in response to Sanitation Tickets: Time of Day?
that limited hours you were referring to has to do with cleaning curb .
Posted by: Petebklyn at June 16, 2009 11:31 AM in response to Sanitation Tickets: Time of Day?
sam is right. You can't take it personally, it's more like a randomly administered tax.
Posted by: Bklyn Fire Alarm Guy at June 16, 2009 2:15 PM in response to Sanitation Tickets: Time of Day?
I sometimes throw away "designated" recyclables... not often, but I do. And my landlord (old fart downstairs) NEVER recycles anything. I'm the only one that puts out recycling in my house.
We've never gotten a sanitation ticket.
Honestly, I didn't know recycling was "mandatory" in NYC, just suggested/encouraged. Is it really required?
btw, I'm all for it, just surprised.
Posted by: tybur6 at June 16, 2009 2:38 PM in response to Sanitation Tickets: Time of Day?
(by the way, I don't produce a lot of garbage... so I put out recycling only about once a month. So there are many recycling pick-up days where it's just my landlord's garbage bags...)
Posted by: tybur6 at June 16, 2009 2:41 PM in response to Sanitation Tickets: Time of Day?
nemo tiles in the city around 19th street, Lots in stock
Posted by: justpassing at October 28, 2009 12:10 PM in response to Tile Store?
the fireplace wouldnt be too far from a gas line so im not worried if there is a small amt of piping running along the ceiling..
Posted by: hazenyc at October 28, 2009 12:13 PM in response to Gas fireplace installation
ann sacks has the most amazing tile selection. see their displays, absolutely gorgeous!
http://www.annsacks.com/home.jsp
Posted by: CG_ups at October 28, 2009 2:28 PM in response to Tile Store?
Oh... I should add that budget is limited so ann sacks is way out of our range (although it is gorgeous stuff)....
Posted by: ejalbk at October 28, 2009 2:56 PM in response to Tile Store?
Oh... I should add that budget is limited so ann sacks is way out of our range (although it is gorgeous stuff)....
Posted by: ejalbk at October 28, 2009 2:56 PM in response to Tile Store?