TOH Mag has DIY instructions: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20281115_20625976,00.html

Posted by: fawn at November 5, 2009 2:58 PM in response to Wallpaper backsplash in kitchen

There has been a price adjustment in NYC, but that doesn't mean prices in Park Slope are destined to go back to (or should be at) 2004-2005 levels. You could poll everyone on this site and come up with lots of opinions on how the market is going to fare over the next 1, 5, 10 years. In the end, though, you’re going to have to decide for yourself whether to jump in or wait it out. So, do your research and find places that are priced well based on today’s market. Or, keep prior sales Easy Street data close to you heart, your down payment in cash, and hope the NYC economy takes another dive.

Posted by: fawn at November 5, 2009 2:48 PM in response to Park Slope PPSF

I agree with ilovebrooklyn. Given your criteria, I wouldn't be surprised if you're seeing listings ranging from $500k to $1m. If you're set on comparing $ PSF over time, try to find similar listings based on renovation level, layout, location, building type, etc and then do the analysis. Trulia's broad market $PSF number won't tell you much.

Posted by: fawn at November 5, 2009 2:01 PM in response to Park Slope PPSF

You could probably use plexiglass instead of glass, which might be easier/cheaper. I saved these two photos-- I think it can look really nice. (#1 may be tile but I think wallpaper could replace)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36529290@N05/3836904138/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36529290@N05/3769504184/

Posted by: fawn at November 5, 2009 11:02 AM in response to Wallpaper backsplash in kitchen

I delt with an infesttion a few years ago. IMBY's suggestion to watch for where they come in and out is a good one. We finaly solved the problem by moving all the furniture away from the walls, mopping the floors (I was told the smell of mice urine marks a place as 'mouse friendly' to others looking for a new home), and patching every crack and hole with steel wool and spackle. It took a full, messy, miserable day, but solved the problem.

Posted by: fawn at November 5, 2009 10:02 AM in response to Mouse Infestation - Help!

Third vote for 200 Fifth. It's very intense (you won't find more TVs in a single room outside of Circuit City) and a great time.

Posted by: fawn at October 28, 2009 10:22 AM in response to Best sports bar in Brooklyn?

I think the issue with the 1st St house is not so much the superficial renovation choices but the layout. I don't see a floorplan with the current listing but from what I remember it doesn't work particularly well as a one or two family home.

Posted by: fawn at October 17, 2009 4:00 PM in response to Open House Picks

Sorry to disappoint but not much status appeal to be found at Laytners (unless you are blown away by a $20 shower curtain). I shopped there regularly when I lived on the UWS-- the prices are good and the staff very helpful-- I think it's a great addition to the neighborhood.

Posted by: fawn at October 14, 2009 4:58 PM in response to Streetlevel: Laytner's Latest Location is in the Slope

Great news! CG, they have a nice selection and the store on the UWS had great sales. In addition to linens the UWS store also had useful bed/bath/entertaining items and some furniture. It's not as high-end as Gracious Home but good quality.

Posted by: fawn at October 14, 2009 3:05 PM in response to Streetlevel: Laytner's Latest Location is in the Slope

I was actually thinking of posting on the topic of mail today-- I live in a 4 unit building and about 5 times in the last 3 weeks the mailman has just thrown the unsorted mail on the floor of the vestibule instead of putting it in the apartments' mail boxes. Anyone else have this issue?

Posted by: fawn at September 30, 2009 10:29 AM in response to Mailbox Issue

If you sign a lease you are on the hook for rent for the full term of the lease. You may be able to sublet or find new tenants for the apartment to get out of the lease, but it all depends on the building/owner.

And I wouldn't be too worried about your boyfriend's name not being on the lease, especially if you're only planning to stay for another year. As far as I know rent payments don't how up on your credit report anyway and if he wants an official record of his address he can register to vote/pay taxes/etc. at the new address.

Posted by: fawn at September 30, 2009 10:19 AM in response to Adding to/Breaking lease

I agree with Northsloperenter.

Posted by: fawn at September 29, 2009 2:49 PM in response to Who is Responsible?

This is a good question for www.apartmenttherapy.com if you don't get a response here.

Posted by: fawn at September 25, 2009 1:48 PM in response to Toning Shiny Fixtures Down

http://www.stonecare.com/
This site has great customer service-- I called about my limestone and was able to get advice of proper care. I'm happy with the products I ordered. On my counters the lighter rings/spots are acid stains but granite may be different.

Posted by: fawn at September 25, 2009 1:18 PM in response to Trying Again - Countertop

One more to add:
A book shelf for cookbooks! It's nice to have them in the kitchen.

Posted by: fawn at September 22, 2009 12:47 PM in response to ISO Your Kitchen Reno Favorites!

Some of these ideas are from my own kitchen and some from my own kitchen wish list.

-A large, deep sink-- mine is divided in two and I like that.
-A faucet with a hose and that can switch from a stream to shower.
-A seperate faucet for filtered water (filter under the counter). Mine is just on the side of the sink.
-I've always wanted kitchen cabinets to the ceiling and then a library ladder to reach them with.
-An appliance garage or counter-level cabinet with a power strip for easy access to coffe maker, toaster, ets.

Posted by: fawn at September 22, 2009 12:29 PM in response to ISO Your Kitchen Reno Favorites!

You and your lawyer should review them before you go to contract but, as Crownlfc says, it's really not necessary to do it before you bid. They are important to read because (among other things) they will lay out how common space is divided, which you should check against how the condo has been presented by the broker (eg, if the apartment has basement storage now is that specified in the bylaws?).

But if you're curious to read them now, the condo declaration should be posted on ACRIS, which you can access from the nyc.gov website.

Posted by: fawn at September 11, 2009 10:44 AM in response to Condo By-Laws

Hi Ysabelle, I'm really surprised you had a bad experience. I used Jamie and he was extremely professional (and always prompt). Anway, I second the OP's reccomendation. I have nothing but good things to say about the interaction and his work.

Posted by: fawn at September 2, 2009 4:39 PM in response to Excellent Painter

I was asked for my condo mortgage application. My building is 100% owner occupied, so not sure what a lower % does to the rate.

Posted by: fawn at September 2, 2009 4:32 PM in response to "Owner-occupied" coop units

Just a guess, but the provision may be there because anyone buying into the building will be asked by their bank if the bulidnig is fully owner occupied. In a building this small, a renter occupied unit might make it difficult to get a mortgage (and therefore diffult for our of your neighbors to sell).

Posted by: fawn at September 1, 2009 5:08 PM in response to By-Laws qs. Buying a condo.

Wow-- a lot of anger on this post. To the OP, when I was looking for my apartment I worked with a buyer's broker who I really liked and trusted. I was a first time buyer and wanted an advocate (with a grain of salt) on my side to walk me through the bidding, contract, closing, etc.

My broker sent me to several FSBOs and other listings that would not co-broke. If one of these places had been perfect I probably would have gone ahead on my own. If I had been on the fence about a FSBO or no-co-broke place, however, I would have weighed leaving my broker (or paying the commissions out of pocket) as a negative . I'd try to get a sense of how attached these buyers are to your home and to their broker.

Posted by: fawn at September 1, 2009 9:48 AM in response to FSBO - Dealing with Buyer Broker

Go for the Sluggo or ground shells. Beer traps are great at catching the little guys, but they also attract the big ones. I almost screamed when I saw my first leopard slug. I'm not exagerating- it was about 6 inches long. They're nocturnal and if I shine a flashlight into my Park Slope garden at night I can ususally see 4 or 5. They treated the beer traps like their local pub.

Posted by: fawn at August 26, 2009 10:33 AM in response to Land Snails in the Garden

I made the NY switch at the express DMV at Herald Square. Get there early and the line moves quickly. I was there 30 min before opening and on my way home about an hour later.

Posted by: fawn at July 30, 2009 3:40 PM in response to Drivers License Question

I recently refinanced with the same bank that held my original mortgage. Only my husband and I and a bank representative were at the final signing. It was all very straight forward, though perhaps things are more complicated if you are switching banks.

Posted by: fawn at July 28, 2009 3:34 PM in response to Question about Refi

I have top-hanging wooden shades from Smith and Noble and am really happy with the quality and customer service. When I ordered last year there was also a '$100 off orders of $400 and more' code I found online.

Posted by: fawn at July 22, 2009 9:53 AM in response to Top Down/Bottom Up Shades

A few tips from dealing with my own infestation a few years ago. It's a pain, but pull all your furniture away from the walls and scour every inch. Plug every small hole with steel wool and spackle. Also, this is gross, but as mice move around your apartment they urinate and the smell of the urine is a sign to other mice that this is a 'mouse friendly' location. So mop all your floors. We had exterminators come in and out without much impact. It was only after a frantic weekend of cleaning and plugging holes that the mice disappeared.

Posted by: fawn at July 16, 2009 9:43 AM in response to Mouse in the House

My understanding is that the seller can stay in the property past closing, however, he/she will have to pay you a daily rate for the privilege. The amount to be paid should be specified in your contract (usually a deposit against damage and then a per diem amount-- and one rate for day 1-30 and then a higher deposit and rate thereafter). This seems to be standard language, so I wouldn't let the fact it's included in your contact worry you. Hopefully the seller have been upfront with you about when they are prepared to move (before July 24th) but if they do stay past closing you will be compensated.

Posted by: fawn at July 1, 2009 10:29 PM in response to If Closing Date is Postponed?

The clouds look like this last Friday after that crazy thunderstorm. I'm so glad you got a picture-- I'd never seen anything like it before!

Posted by: fawn at July 1, 2009 10:17 PM in response to Wednesday Blogwrap

I also recommend reading Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selling Coops and Condos and Crownlfc's suggestion to get pre-qualified for a mortgage.

My husband and I bought our first apartment last year, so my advice is based on that experience. We worked with a wonderful buyers’ broker. While we did search listings mostly on our own (NYT and Street Easy), and went to Sunday Open Houses on our own, our broker recommended we see some listings and when we wanted to make an appointment for a mid-week viewing, or wanted more information on a property, she arranged that. Having a buyers’ broker was invaluable during the bidding, negotiation, and contract process. We always kept in mind her business interest in getting the sale done, but she was a wealth of information and extremely helpful.

My advice is to go to open houses, talk to the brokers there, and find one you like. Don’t rely on him/her exclusively to bring you listings, but ask a lot of quetions about the process. If you find a wonderful FSBO or apartment with no co-broke, then pursue that on your own. Most big agencies, though, will co-broke and it’s great to have a buyers’ broker to help walk you through the process.

I also recommend you pay for a subscription to Street Easy to get a sense of neighborhood comps.

Good luck!

Posted by: fawn at June 30, 2009 10:21 AM in response to How to Buy?

Perhaps you could offer to forgo the 9% reduction in rent in exchange for more flexibility in the lease. While it would be painful to continue to overpay, it will likely be cheaper than the cost of moving.

Posted by: fawn at June 17, 2009 5:19 PM in response to help with lease renewal

My husband and I are recent first time home buyers. We looked for about six months and did a lot of the research on apartment listings, neighborhood comps, and went to open houses ourselves. We also worked with a broker who was honest, listened to what we were looking for, suggested listings, and helped calm our nerves. At some point in the early part of the process, I did question whether we needed a buyer's broker-- she really wasn't sending us anything that I could not have found myself. That completely changed, though, once we found the apartment and started the bidding/contract/closing process. I definitely recommend you find someone to work with who you like and who is competent. Even if you do most of the legwork now, it's invaluable having someone to walk you through the process later on.

Posted by: fawn at May 20, 2009 2:21 PM in response to Expectations of Realtors?

Thanks for passing on the photo-- is a door make of 1/4" laminated glass over 1/4" laminated glass easy to find? I don't recall seeing the option before but also have not been looking.

And the fences around my yead and their neighbors' are about 8-9' high and the buildings surrounding all 4-5 stories. Yes, someone could get in but it would not be particularly easy.

Posted by: fawn at April 27, 2009 1:22 PM in response to Informal Poll: Door for the Deck

No alleys-- it's solid walled back gardens at least three deep on all sides. Thanks for the feedback-- it's much appreciated.

Posted by: fawn at April 27, 2009 11:21 AM in response to Informal Poll: Door for the Deck

I occasionally buy a dozen roses at Union Market ($12). They smell and look great and last for about 10 days. You do have to cut them right, though--on an angle and then use a knife to shave off the outer coating on the bottom 1.5" or so of the stem (so they can absorb even more water). And re cut every 3 days. As much as I love hydrangea, I don't buy them because of the instant wilt. Tuplips always go fast too.

Posted by: fawn at April 8, 2009 3:50 PM in response to Buying cut flowers in Brooklyn

Try posting the question on apartmenttherapy.com-- they are in kitchen/bathroom month and have a lot of readers with modern design taste.

Posted by: fawn at March 5, 2009 11:27 AM in response to Kitchen shelving

The qualifications and process for refinancing is essentially the same as securing the original mortgage.

Your bank should be able to provide you with an estimate of the cost before you really start the process. And Bankrate.com and other sites have online calculators that will estimate your new rate and how long it will take you to recoup the cost of the process. To decide if it is worth it, just compare that figure (10, 20, 30 months etc) to how long you expect to own the property.

Posted by: fawn at February 11, 2009 5:04 PM in response to Refinaning your mortgage.

I second Prints Charming on 4th St. I've had a handful of things framed there and have been very happy.

Posted by: fawn at February 11, 2009 4:56 PM in response to Picture Framing

I moved into an apartment with a mostly soundproofed ceiling (unfortunately I'm not sure how the work was done). Just wanted to point out that if you are tyring to keep costs down you may be able to soundproof selectively. Our bedroom is the only room in the apartment without a soundproofed ceiling, but it sits under our neighbor's dining room, so there is not much overlap in use and we never have any problem with noise. If you know how the unit above you is laid out you may be able to soundproof the ceiling under their high-traffic areas and make a big difference.

Posted by: fawn at February 2, 2009 5:21 PM in response to ceiling soundproofing

And a third endorsement-- Jamie painted our floor-through apartment this summer and did a fantastic job. I'm happy to reccomend him.

Posted by: fawn at February 2, 2009 12:02 PM in response to Painter Recommendation

I think you did a fantastic job with the staging and photos. The website is nice too. I would double check some of your comps on price, though. It seems a little high to me for the location.

Posted by: fawn at January 21, 2009 11:25 AM in response to Tips on FSBO?

You need to get over your fear of acting like the landlord you are. If you have good tenants and want to keep them, tell them their rents are under market (they know this already) that you are raising their rent 4-5% in March, and that you plan to increase their rent each year by approximately that amount. This is what most people expect from their landlord-- even people in rent controlled apartments see their rents increase from year to year.

Posted by: fawn at January 8, 2009 2:13 PM in response to Raising Rent, Followup

I agree that incremental increases are the best way keep the peace while bringing the rent closer to market value. (Unless you want your tenants out, that is.) In the last two buildings I lived in, as a market-rate non-stabilized tenant, my landlords still used the annual Rent Guidelines Board rate as my annual increase. So my rent went up, but it seemed more predictable.

Posted by: fawn at January 7, 2009 4:06 PM in response to Raising the Rent

I'll second Vicki's comment-- I have an 18" with a top tray for cutlery. We use it every time we cook dinner, rather than twice a week like when we had a full sized one. No complaints, though.

Posted by: fawn at December 30, 2008 6:15 PM in response to 18 inch Dishwashers

When I passed by JJ Byrne Park (5th Ave/3rd St) this weekend there was not a great selection of trees but maybe there are more to come. We got ours tree at the church on 7th Ave betw Carroll and President. There were a few place on 7th selling trees-- I havn't seen any trees on 5th Ave between Union and 9th St, but maybe there are some farther north.

Posted by: fawn at December 8, 2008 3:01 PM in response to where can i buy a xmas tree in park slope? and one other question

I walk pass this every morning and evening too. The apartments look beautiful and the landscaping is great. Also, glad a low fence will be going in to keep the block consistent.

Posted by: fawn at December 4, 2008 2:52 PM in response to 392 3rd Street Goes Condo

z, my point was not that there are no toll bridges in NYC. Rather, that one can currently travel between boroughs (minus SI) withough paying tolls. Traveling from Manhattan to the Bronx there is the 145th St and University Heights Bridge, among others operated toll free by the NYC DOT.

Posted by: fawn at December 4, 2008 2:31 PM in response to Adding Tolls to Brooklyn Bridges?

I wonder how this would work for cabs? If the toll is one-way (Manhattan bound, for example) will you have cabbies refusing to ride to Brooklyn because they will get hit with the toll on the way back? (And to the haters, please don't jump all over me for admitting I take cabs.)

Maybe it's just me, but I also think there are psychological implications to the proposed tolls. New York is unique among great cities for allowing us to travel from end to end without financial penalty. People who ride 10 miles to work by subway pay the same as those who go 2 miles. And there are hefty tolls to come in or out of the city, but none to travel within. I won't argue the MTA doesn't need the money, or that I have a better solution, but I do think if this goes through our sense of the city as a union between the boroughs will suffer.

Posted by: fawn at December 4, 2008 12:01 PM in response to Adding Tolls to Brooklyn Bridges?

I am also surprised by the negative comments. It's fair to say this home is not decorated to everyone's taste but tacky? Lacking style?

There is an ease to homes decorated by the gradual acquisition of items (an occasional purchase here and there, other furniture passed down) but all well decorated homes, including those decorated with hand-me-downs and Ikea, have balance, proper proportion, and visual appeal. I this home possesses all three. These photos are highly staged and pretty sterile (no family photos, the ‘casually strewn’ shoe, for example), but the house is a good example of the art of interior design done well. The warmth will come with the family bringing their own things and natural clutter.

Posted by: fawn at December 2, 2008 1:40 PM in response to Interiors: Modernizing a Row House in the Slope

Wow-- this place is beautiful.

Posted by: fawn at December 2, 2008 10:41 AM in response to Interiors: Modernizing a Row House in the Slope

I think we all recognize your desire to get the value of an apartment right. I think the first step is to start with the math:

A $450k apartment with 20% down at 5% 30yr FRM = a monthly mortgage payment of $1,932.56 + $600 est. maintenance = $2,532.56.

When you consider the interest expense deduction equivalent to $350 per month and the principal payment equal to $440 per month gets your equivalent rent payment to $1,742.56.

I think you need to ask yourself if you think $1,742.56 is an acceptable rent to pay for the type of apartment you can get for $450k. If so, then you should be comfortable with buying the apartment.

Posted by: harlem381 at November 5, 2009 2:57 PM in response to Park Slope PPSF

TOH Mag has DIY instructions: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20281115_20625976,00.html

Posted by: fawn at November 5, 2009 2:58 PM in response to Wallpaper backsplash in kitchen

Thank you all for the advice

Posted by: kiosk at November 5, 2009 3:03 PM in response to Park Slope PPSF

"Thanks for being so judgmental!"

Oh, I'm not being judgmental. I don't care about the mice, but I do worry about the mouse screams poisoning people's souls, but only in a philosophical way.

I would have whacked them with the hammer rather than drowning them in the toilet, but that's just me.

I had some mouse issues last winter and found snap traps with peanut butter did the trick. Actually, I sprinkled some sugar on top of the peanut butter, which I think helps (although if you are using "sugar added" peanut butter this is probably not necessary).

I had a little trouble at first, but I found if I left a garbage bag with dinner leftovers under the sink and put traps around it, it was fairly effective.

A trap in the broiler was also useful -- just remember to take it out before cooking!

I kept a hammer around in case any rodents got wounded instead of killed by the traps, but I didn't end up needing it.

So, yeah, I'm no buddhist either.

Posted by: northsloperenter at November 5, 2009 3:04 PM in response to Mouse Infestation - Help!

"Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim'rous beastie,
O, what a panic's in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty
Wi bickering brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an' chase thee,
Wi' murdering pattle."

Havelc, I do not leave my home under any conditions.

The following mice have restraining orders against me:

Minnie, Miss Bianca, Gus, Jaq, Jerry, Stuart Little, and Pearl Pureheart. Also entire cast of Ratatouille. Currently on parole after conviction for class B misdemeanor of "Stalking in the Fourth Degree". Clarabelle Cow, please forgive me.

Posted by: IMBY at November 5, 2009 3:16 PM in response to Mouse Infestation - Help!

BTW......The Senate voted on Wednesday to extend the home buyer tax credit through April 30, 2010.

The program is being expanded to include a $6,500 credit to buyers who "move up" or "trade-in" their home for a better one, as long as they have lived in their current property for at least five years.

The credit will not cover second homes.

It is limited to homes purchased for less than $800,000.
The credit will be extended to a larger pool of buyers by raising income caps to $125,000 for single filers and $250,000 for joint filers, up from $75,000 and $150,000, respectively.

Provisions strengthening the authority of the IRS to oversee the processing of credits have also been included in light of reports of rising fraudulent claims. A HUD-1 settlement statement will now be required when claiming credits.

Posted by: harlem381 at November 5, 2009 3:16 PM in response to Park Slope PPSF

My neighbor has a cat, who watches as the mice parade around their house. Lol. In addition to steel wool, there is a foam spray that you can spray on top of the wool or in holes to help.Also put some poison in all the corners of your basement. The exterminator has packets of pellets which you can probably get at home depot. Mice find all kinds of ways to get into brownstones and then make holes the size of a penny to get into the apts. Gotta stay on top of things but it could be worse. Could be Rats, like my girl friend who is in a tizzy ever since Ratner started demolishing buildings and the railways by Atlantic Yards. I cant even visit her cause the rats are always around to welcome you...even in the daytime Yikes. They are as big as cats ...some of them.

Posted by: iluvclintonhill at November 5, 2009 3:23 PM in response to Mouse Infestation - Help!

you should look on apartmenttherapy.com. they recently featured an apartment that did this in their kitchen.

Posted by: tiptoe at November 5, 2009 4:00 PM in response to Wallpaper backsplash in kitchen

I had this problem for the last 3 years. (Thanks to construction around me, shocker!) Finally I had a contractor come with the exterminator and they went and found every little hole in my apartment. They pulled out all my appliances and plugged up the gaps around my gas line in my stove. I also had about 12 traps set in a 700 sf apartment, and since my holes have been filled, not one of those traps have had a mouse in them! Good luck!

Posted by: Cobblehillbaby at November 5, 2009 4:13 PM in response to Mouse Infestation - Help!

As others have said, the Slope is a large neighborhood; it's really a collection of neighborhoods. There are okay parts, good parts, and premium parts. They can't appropriately be lumped together. And the paramaters you provide for the area in which you seek to live do not narrow it down much.

That said, your general question is interesting: Will prices in the Slope decrease?

Of course, no one has a working crystal ball.

But studies from last year showed that NYC prices would decrease. And they were right. So, what do more recent studies show?

Deutsche Bank has been predicting (was predicting?) further NYC decreases.

What do other experts predict?

Do any of you Brownstoners have a good sense of it?

Posted by: Pigeon at November 5, 2009 4:15 PM in response to Park Slope PPSF