gemini10's Profile
- 2003
- 2006
- Brooklyn
- Park Slope
- House
- Female
- 32
Author's Posts
February 23, 2010
Boilers inside the apartment?
Hi Everyone,
We are looking at a condo that has the boiler and water heater inside the apartment located in a "Mechanical Closet"
How safe is this?
Am sorta old school where you had your boiler and water heater in the basement, but more and more with new condo developments am finding you have your own heating units inside your apartment? I know they are behind fire protected doors, but wondering if something goes wrong how safe is it to be living literally right next to the "boiler room"
Thoughts?
January 5, 2010
Living in -Ditmas Park
Hi Everyone,
Sorry I know I haven't posted in ages, but life's been a little nutty.
As many of you know, we sold our house in Park Slope in sept and are on the hunt for a condo or inexpensive little house. We found a condo in Ditmas Park/Kensington we like and it's defintely for the right price. Can anyone tell me their thoughts on that neighborhood? What sort of amenities? What types of people live over there? Parking on the street (good/bad?)
Any advice would be helpful
Thanks as always!
September 14, 2009
Submitting an FSBO Offer
Hello!
We are interested in a property that is being sold FSBO. We have done our research and feel it's priced slightly high to comps. We were thinking it was fair to offer 10% off the asking price. But, how does one submit an offer to the seller of the property directly as it's an FSBO?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
July 14, 2009
Rental Apartment - timelines
Hi Folks!
So I warned you I would post annoying questions..
seriously though:
We will probably need to move into a rental apartment for Sept 1, when should we start viewing these apartments so we can secure a Sept 1 move in?
Any tips would be helpful
thanks!
June 4, 2009
House Values
Hi
Am hoping one of you smart Brownstoners can answer this question for me:
Bearing in mind we are "past the days of real estate hoopla"
What can one expect to gain each year on their house? Is it still 4% a year since the time you bought it. Is that compounded yearly?
For example if you bought your house in 2000 for $500K what would it's worth really be(minus upgrades)
Thanks in advance!
May 15, 2009
Anyone out there buying houses?
Is anyone out there buying houses in Brooklyn?
We have had our house on the market in Park Slope for almost 3 months now with A LOT of interest and a few offers(one offer which was low, but we were happy with almost went to contract but financing was the issue). But it seems to me the "buyers" who are out there either are scared, not really serious or are hoping to receive major discounts
However when I check around, I notice that none of the houses in prime nabes are selling or "flying off the shelves" and the only houses selling are the old junkers going for cheap!
Just posting to get some insight from other sellers and buyers and armchair quarterbacks....
It's a very frustrating time
May 12, 2009
Removing Moss from Brick Patio
Hi!
We have a brick patio in the backyard that has a layer of moss growing over the bricks. The bricks were put in with only sand and not with mortar to keep them in place(go figure).
How can we remove the moss ourselves? take a strong brush, rent a powerwasher, throw a bucket of vinegar water solution down?
Any tips?
January 23, 2009
Real Estate Companies-PS
What is everyone's take on using the same real estate company to sell/list your house that originally sold your house to you as a buyer??
Not sure if there is an upswing to this as I am assuming they would have the house info stored in their files. Also they have pics of the house before I would have done my renovations....
Also - what companies are good other than Corcoran at getting houses sold in PS?
Warren Lewis, A&H,Brooklyn Properties,Brown&Harris?
Any thoughts would be appreciated?
January 13, 2009
Telling Tenants We're Selling?
As some of you know we are planning on selling the old homestead within the next 1-2 months. Currently,we are trying to "declutter" and all that jazz. The plan is to have some agents come in Feb to give their market evaluation. What and when do I tell my tenants that we are selling our house? Their lease is up on June 30.
December 2, 2008
Diners!!
Hi Everyone,
wanted to gauge your thoughts on the need of a good diner! My husband and I really want to open a food establishment but with more of a soul/southern style experience. We were thinking Red Hook as the only diner I know is Hope & Anchor and that gets mixed reviews. We live in Park Slope and the now that "The Usual" is gone and Grand Canyon is just "ok" - do you think a diner is a good fit
Author's Comments
So where do peeps in BK celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
Posted by: gemini10 at March 16, 2010 1:07 PM in response to Open Thread
um $832 for common charges on a condo?
THAT's NOT REASONABLE!!!
the space is ok - it's totally for a dude though
Posted by: gemini10 at March 16, 2010 12:59 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 535 Dean Street, #616
Agreed!
also if this is a new condo development and you just recently purchased it, you might also get some $ from the developer for poor workmanship
document it all in video or pics and call your lawyer to see where you can start first with getting someone to pay for this (if they are responsible for the negligence)
Good Luck!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 16, 2010 11:56 AM in response to Need Help! Basement Leak
Hiya
POTHOLE CITY
omg - I was on the BQE this weekend and it was a disaster
ugh
The low-pro tires don't like the potholes - hahahah!
Girl Scout Cookies are sooooo gooood!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 16, 2010 11:26 AM in response to Open Thread
Well if these tenants are there for many more months until their lease expires, I would send a letter or speak to them in person and mention that you are concerned with how they "keep" the apartment as a very filthy apartment tends to attract vermin. Keep it polite and dont be too accusatory - but we had a similar situation where one of out tenants bedroom was in our entry hall and the smell sometimes was outrages - like old socks under the bed with smelly shoes - it was HORRIBLE! - my husband bluntly marched in one day and said look our hallway smells like old feet - so you gots to clean up!
they had no idea what he was talking about. They said they would try - we had to burn candles at our hallway for about 2 months
the tenants moved out and we new tenants move in and sure enough the smell was gone!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 16, 2010 11:22 AM in response to Dirty Tenants
well, I would agree agree with Petebklyn on one point at least - about noise in the building.
we rent in a "New Condo". I pretty much NEVER hear my neighbors through the walls
occasionally I might hear some walking above us
but nothing insane
Also I think it's better to go on a case by case basis rather than make sweeping statements about condos vs. co-ops.
There are some ridiculously notorious co-op boards who are filled with incompetent folks managing the finances and making the decisions that end up costing owners in the co-op more in the longrun.
Posted by: gemini10 at March 16, 2010 10:41 AM in response to Condo or Coop?
Warren Lewis has really NOTHING to sell as far as homes go
I check every week and its the same 10 properties for months into a year
they need to be more aggressive!
Hi yall!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 16, 2010 10:03 AM in response to Open Thread
eeks!
I will say this as one of those buyers that broker describes
we are out in droves - I do sense there are many buyers who have cash and are ready to make a deal - I just would have thought more buyers wouldn't be willing to pay near asking price - but in all the transactions I have dealt with - I have been overbid each time (and my starting bid is always about 10% off asking)
Posted by: gemini10 at March 16, 2010 9:40 AM in response to Bullish Words from One Brownstone Brooklyn Broker
Hi Snaps
when we owned the house - we CONSISTENTLY used (about every 2 months) Stanley Steemer
we had an "oatmeal" colored berber carpet on two stairways plus the landing that was about 12 feet long - it always came to about $110
I like Stanley Steemer b/c you can arrange an appt online which you get a confirmation # for and they call the day before to confirm
the men they send are very nice and not skeevy and really move fast
and I like that they STEAM out the dirt and not use chemicals
good luck!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 15, 2010 2:22 PM in response to Carpet Cleaner Recommendation?
I wonder what this original owner paid back in 1980?
maybe $300K
and wonder what the maintenance was back them? Maybe $500?
Posted by: gemini10 at March 15, 2010 1:05 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street 3BR
I agree! - wow 3million is a bit insane
it's a SPACIOUS place, no doubt with 3 REAL bedrooms and a great kitchen and views
but why isn't there at least a half bath for guests to use - why must they enter someones bedroom to use the bathroom?
you know?
Posted by: gemini10 at March 15, 2010 12:57 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street 3BR
haha Snaps - am 34! - ok maybe you were more sophisticated than I was
but I LOVED head of class and I loved Murphy Brown too!
Robin Givens does still look good
Posted by: gemini10 at March 15, 2010 11:26 AM in response to Open Thread
Head of the Class was good! -
I loved that show - again I was about 8-10 years old
maybe you were older Snaps?
Posted by: gemini10 at March 15, 2010 11:21 AM in response to Open Thread
I think I oddly liked Designing Women and Murphy Brown (meantime I was about 8 years old watching these shows)
SMall Wonder was HORRRRRIBLE - omg that Vicky girl was incredibly annoying and wore the same damn outfit - how come these dummies couldn't realise something was a bit "off" about her? - and that annnnoying little boy on the show "Jaime"
Posted by: gemini10 at March 15, 2010 11:20 AM in response to Open Thread
Agreed - I REALLLY love what they did!
am not a fan of that wallpaper choice in the kitchen
but everything else is amazing!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 15, 2010 11:18 AM in response to Architect's Journal: Park Slope Brownstone
OMG I seriously thought ALF was one of the WORST shows EVER
UGH!!!
I did like Punky Brewster however! -
OMG WAIT - the WORST SHOW EVER WAS:
"SMALL WONDER" where there was the Robot names Vicky living with this family and no one knew she was a robot
Posted by: gemini10 at March 15, 2010 11:12 AM in response to Open Thread
good one DH!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 12, 2010 1:30 PM in response to Open Thread
"Well Joe that is Bullsville vs Beartown. I myself reside in the happy little hamlet called Reasonableburg."
Posted by: wasder at March 12, 2010 1:15 PM
Well Played! Hilarious!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 12, 2010 1:29 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later
ok let's start with the HORRENDOUS pictures of the Smith Street abode. 1.1 is VERY attractive and will probably be sold by tomorrow - but perhaps taking a picture of the tiny corner of someone's messy bed listed under the "Den" picture isn't the best way to sell a property, nor is the picture of the Virgin Mother bathed in sunlight in the very messy kitchen
hahaha!
The Carrol Street place does look good - you would have to renovate it - but it looks solid
Posted by: gemini10 at March 12, 2010 1:28 PM in response to Open House Picks
haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kokGh5XWQ8U
Posted by: gemini10 at March 12, 2010 1:22 PM in response to Open Thread
so this is where everyone is hiding
the other threads are QUIET!
ARKADY/BSD - I am not so sure it's a train
I live on 1st and 4th and hear it and I think it's a boat in the distance near the Verranzooooo
when I lived on 6th and 15th I heard it too
Posted by: gemini10 at March 12, 2010 12:50 PM in response to Open Thread
"
yeah - it was very enjoyable. i guess i'm probably being a little too critical about DM since I assumed he didn't have must experience playing live (i was promptly correct outside by two hipsters -who informed me DM used to be the keyboardist for the roots - which i was not aware of)"
HE WAS? wow I didnt know that either
It will prob debut top 10 on the overall album chart on Wed
Posted by: gemini10 at March 12, 2010 10:46 AM in response to Open Thread
DH:
ok glad you bullied your way past the label folks to get up to the front?
hmmm that's weird that he would stand there playing a guitar with his back against the audience
I heard they were realllly good on stage maybe DM was having a bad night?
Posted by: gemini10 at March 12, 2010 10:17 AM in response to Open Thread
PS - am hating everyone today! - GRR - not you folks
just real esate brokers and sellers in general
why are people SO not negotiable? But expect you to take all the bumps and bruises?
Posted by: gemini10 at March 12, 2010 10:10 AM in response to Open Thread
DH!!
here I am
I asked you yesterday how was the show - but no reply
that's the US marketing side - I do intl - starbucks was a pretty big coup for them though as it sells more records - sorry
how was the show
Posted by: gemini10 at March 12, 2010 10:05 AM in response to Open Thread
Agreed this is a very cute house
how's that part of the nabe?
I see it's super residential and fileld with little houses
but where's the nearest coffe place? or even bodega?
Posted by: gemini10 at March 11, 2010 2:04 PM in response to House of the Day: 871 East 15th Street
LOVE THIS PLACE!
Love the deck and the layout and the kitchen and windows
will they take my offer of $550K though? that's all I can afford
Posted by: gemini10 at March 11, 2010 12:59 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 154 Broadway, #4
DH:
you there?
did you survive the Broken Bells song?
Posted by: gemini10 at March 11, 2010 12:21 PM in response to Open Thread
Kens yes yes I know - honestly I LOVE that stretch of BK now - really do
After 415 Argyle duplex fell apart on us, we decided we don't want to live in a co-op though b/c frankly we want to have a dog and we are fearful if we want to sell it in the future we have to run every buyer by the board and that's a risk we may not want to take
Posted by: gemini10 at March 11, 2010 11:40 AM in response to Open Thread
I give Rob until tomorrow morning to break
well am looking for real esate b/c well I've BEEEN looking for real estate!
oy! it never ends
anyone live in Sunset Parkish?
Posted by: gemini10 at March 11, 2010 11:24 AM in response to Open Thread
well Park Slope is broken up into:
"Park Slope"
"South Slope"
But the site doesn't allow you to click both boxes in your search
only one at a time
Posted by: gemini10 at March 11, 2010 9:48 AM in response to Open Thread
Hi All
anyone notice how crappy the NYtimes real esate section has become when doing an advance search in Brooklyn for properties?
UGH!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 11, 2010 9:39 AM in response to Open Thread
DH - yes that's it - it sounds too Beatles
so apparently the MGMT album is all sorta 60's sounding much like the Byrds or Mamas and Papas
thoughts?
Posted by: gemini10 at March 10, 2010 1:21 PM in response to Open Thread
DH - yes I like October as well
there are a few I just don;t like I think track #4 - not sure have to listen again
so of course I get the album and now am all a fan again of the Shins - hahaha - so that's cool
oh yeah Label people can be REALLLLLY boring and won't get into it as much as fans - so um have fun! - hahahaha!
I can't bring myself to go see Precious - I heard that the whole movies sticks with you the viewer for days and weeks after you see it it's that disturbing
Hurt Locker WAS reallllly good - just not sure if it should have taken Best Pic
Posted by: gemini10 at March 10, 2010 12:56 PM in response to Open Thread
Hi Everyone
sorry I haven't checked in at all
Oy Rob - most people work more than 8 hour days. I work about 11-12 hours a day not to mention on my BB at 7am on my way to work dealing with Europe/Australians and then reading BB at night so there you go.
Being a nanny is a TOUGH job - case closed. Also don't think that all parents that have nannies are well to do.
I would say most people are not happy in the job they are in b/c most of us are overworked, underpaid and undersupported at our jobs
Ringo - it's focusroom.com - try it
DH: Broken Bells tonight? did you get the album yet? My favorite track is Mall and Misery - i play it NON STOP
tonight will be FILLLLLED with label folks btw - I got cut as I don't work their project - so I won't be going
Posted by: gemini10 at March 10, 2010 12:44 PM in response to Open Thread
I agree with Eman - try the south slope (meaning 9th - 18th street from Prospect Park West down to 5th/4th avenue)
if schools do matter - at least you will be in PS10 which is a good school.
I think it's totally doable to find a 3 BR in that stretch of park slope - however the apartment might not be renovated with a new fancy kitchen.
good luck!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 7, 2010 10:42 AM in response to Tips renting in Carroll Gardens/
thanks - ha
all I know is that I reallllly don't want to eat meat from a poor animal that was mis-treated and stressed and hopped up on antibiotics-so Ringo def has a good point!
I really wish I could give you up...meat!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 3, 2010 2:07 PM in response to Open Thread
Ok someone really should revoke any degree I have in anything
my grammar is just plain horrid!!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 3, 2010 1:26 PM in response to Open Thread
haha - I have a REALLLLY dumb blonde question:
why you know when you go and buy potting soil (organic or not) - where are they actually BAGGING this soil from?
Posted by: gemini10 at March 3, 2010 1:23 PM in response to Open Thread
Doldrums:
B/c as far as I have been told Southside coffee was only serving...coffee - not really bakd goods etc
however I DID forget about Little Buddy which has amazing baked goods on 5th and 17th! - so that's cool
Southbrooklyn - oh I will have to check those both out! - thanks!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 3, 2010 1:17 PM in response to New Bar for Greenwood Heights
Kens - interesting point, I guess I thought though the fashion world which had been riding the high horse for YEARS had started to succomb to what other industries had experiencing for a decade plus
gotcha on the job front!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 3, 2010 12:36 PM in response to NYC Recession Turning Out Better Than Expected
Slope:
down on 1st street in a rental waiting to buy....
I miss the old nabe - what's happening with those new condos on 6th ave(I think btwn 16th and 17th)???
Posted by: gemini10 at March 3, 2010 12:08 PM in response to New Bar for Greenwood Heights
Kens -the clothing industry is NOT hiring
so many designers are scaling back with their staffs/factory orders and creativity.
My perception(not complete reality of course) is that finance and banks have begun to hire instead of lay-off
ps - what industry do you work in?
Posted by: gemini10 at March 3, 2010 12:01 PM in response to NYC Recession Turning Out Better Than Expected
Slopefarm:
I wish we were still there - I sold my house in Sept (booo!)
but I agree with your take on that part of the nabe it's not really "a scene" but it's quiet and filled with all around good people - new and old owners
Posted by: gemini10 at March 3, 2010 11:57 AM in response to New Bar for Greenwood Heights
If babies are allowed in Park Slope bars, then I should be allowed to drink in the 3rd Street playground.
Fair is fair.
Posted by: DitmasSnark at March 3, 2010 11:23 AM
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA - now that's funny...and oddly on point?!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 3, 2010 11:25 AM in response to Brooklyn Bar-Baby Debate Goes National
I have to say after living on 15th and nearer to 6th for the past 6 years - it's such a great stretch of streets down to 23rd -it's super quiet, tree-lined and peaceful
Does anyone know if SouthSlope coffee is still on 6th and 18th?
I think a solid cafe/bakery would do really well there
Posted by: gemini10 at March 3, 2010 11:21 AM in response to New Bar for Greenwood Heights
"gemini, not to slight your industry but finance reinvents itself with new product every year. The music & publishing industries cant get out of the way of the internet and cheaper and cheaper delivery."
Dibs - you are certainly right about music. our industry saw downloading as the devil and did nothing about it until Steve jobs changed the game and now we are at his beck and call.
Posted by: gemini10 at March 3, 2010 11:19 AM in response to NYC Recession Turning Out Better Than Expected
Tiptoe:
couldn't agree more
I think this article raises the question of modern discipline. It seems many of us adults were brought to bars without issue as kids back in the 70's and 80's probably becaure we were well behaved and didn't run around like "banshees". a lot of parents nowawdays have trouble disciplining their children especially in public places!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 3, 2010 10:56 AM in response to Brooklyn Bar-Baby Debate Goes National
I totally agree Rob
I think sometimes people who work in finance never really understand other industries. The only business hiring are finance and banks.....
I have worked in Music where our industry has consistently suffered year after year. I have survived 10 years of lay-offs
Posted by: gemini10 at March 3, 2010 10:47 AM in response to NYC Recession Turning Out Better Than Expected
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Hey, if it is your house and they create bad energy, get rid of them. Brownstones are intimate spaces and if you don't like the tenant just make your life better by saying bye bye. Why suffer? Just don't renew the lease. I love my tenants; I can't believe how lucky I am, but I really inherited one doozy, now long gone thanks to NY State tenant landlord court. Just say bye bye.
Posted by: donatella at March 16, 2010 9:19 PM in response to Dirty Tenants
There's no one right answer. I can recommend a book called "The New York Coop Bible: Everything You Wanted to Know about Coops and Condos" by Sylvia Shapiro. I've been very happy with having gone the prewar coop route, but a brand new condo might be better for others.
Posted by: BDNYC at March 17, 2010 4:46 AM in response to Condo or Coop?
Does the main sewer line run under the floor or is it above ground? If it's underground, you may have a crack in the line somewhere. You can see this by having a camera inspection done of the sewer line.
Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at March 19, 2010 3:07 PM in response to Need Help! Basement Leak
"When the day arrived the examiner was not there and we were told he had taken a personal time off and would not come back for another month. I went to the head examiner and asked him if he could just look at..."
Been there with that!..i wanted to strangle someone...my examiner went on vacation for 2 weeks after the 2 week wait to get the review. Calls in sick on my day and they bump me another month! The chief says " well if there were no corrections you would not be here!" meaning it's all my fault the plans are not "perfect"..finally the examiner let me do a walk-in a few days later and approved it. So much time wasted in traveling and sitting down there. Don't bring a weapon to the DOB..you will use it!(besides they screen)
PS nice house!...don't let the comments get to you but it was fun reading how you stuck up for yourself!..F'em all!!
Posted by: codeconfused at March 20, 2010 7:38 AM in response to Renovation Reveal and Advice
haha - DIBS
bring on the GREEN BEER!
Posted by: gemini10 at March 16, 2010 1:17 PM in response to Open Thread