guikazoid's Profile
- Guillermo
- 1988
- Brooklyn
- Sunset Park
- Consultant
- Male
- 25
Author's Posts
November 18, 2009
Utilities & Credit Checks
Move in date in a couple days. Calling the utility guys tonight but I wanted to know if ConEdison and NationalGrid perform hard credit inquiries?
Thanks.
November 17, 2009
Gotham Brokerage
I been with contact with someone at Gotham Brokerage for my renters insurance. I'd like to hear others experiences they've had with Gotham Brokerage before I officially submit my information to them. Stories welcomed. Thanks :)
November 13, 2009
Door lock Suggestions
I'm starting to move into a new apartment tomorrow. I'd like to install a new lock on the door to the apartment. Anyone have any recommendations for a secure, solid and dependable lock? Also - where should I go? Lowes? Home Depot? Or any local joints?
November 8, 2009
Landlord Responsibilities
Girlfriend's tenant has been living at the apartment for well over 2 years. The apartment was handed to him "brand new". According to the tenant the tiles in the living room need to be replaced. He states some of the tiles are lifting. Is this something the landlord is responsible for? Or does the tenant need to bare the costs?
October 30, 2009
Looking for a Tailor
I have a wedding to go to on Sunday and I need my suit adjusted. Can anyone recommend a tailor who can get the job done in a day? Anywhere around Park Slope, Bay Rigde, Sunset Park would be appreciated.
October 12, 2009
Help with Lease Clarification
There is a line on my new lease that I need some clarification on:
"Tenant must pay for all electric, gas, telephone, water, sewerage and other utility services used in the apartment and arranged for them with the public utility company"
I am fine with the electricity and gas part because I know we have our own separate meters. If there is only 1 water meter for both tenants must the landlord then cover the water bill? Secondly, is there a separate bill for sewerage? If so how much is that monthly?
Thanks.
October 5, 2009
Bizarre Foreclosure Scenario
Hello all,
A friend of a family's acquaintance is under water in his mortgage (sunset park). His original mortgage was for 679k, hes at 9.875% apr and hasnt paid in 3 years. He currently owes 802k. Anyhow, my dads friend friend lives in the house that I am talking about. The tenant has been living there for 2 years without paying rent because the owner has gone AWOL. The renter received a bunch of documents about the house from CitiBank. They have told him to pick up the house before its foreclosed. The renter has no interest in owning it. The house is a complete mess. The renter gave my dad all the documents the bank sent him and asked him if he was interested in it. I am actually interested in this property if its dirt cheap. I thought of a few scenarios:
1- buy the property with my brother in law and brother, destroy it and sit on the property for years until a developer wants it (what are the tax implications for just having a lot)
2-buying it with them and rehabing it (any govt assistance in this? maybe the neighborhood rehab program?3
3-destroy the property and use it as a parking space until a developer wants it
It seems like the bank really wants someone paying them. Chase Home Estimator and Zillow valued it at around 450-550k. The house is also very small around 1,300 sf.
Ive got on hand about 200 pages of documents on this house. How would anyone go about this situation?
[ offer them 50k ?? :)]
September 25, 2009
Renters Insurance
Moving into a Bay Ridge apartment on Dec.1. Who do you guys recommend for renters insurance?
[ will my iphone be covered :) ]
Dog Pooping in Front of House
There seems to be a poop problem on our block. This girl on our block has 3 dogs (pitbulls). We dont mind, the dogs are well trained and havent been bothering anyone. But recently there has been a lot of poop in front of our house. Yesterday, our house had a bunch of dog diarrhea, my dad cleaned it, and 2 hours later, again, poop all over. So he became furious because he couldnt open the front gate of our house. Everyone on the block knows her dogs are just pooing everywhere. He confronts her and she gets all defensive. "Prove it" she stated. Okay, so my dad walked away and told me about this and we bought a surveillance camera from RadioShack, rather cheap too. What actions do we have from her dogs pooping everywhere? Also their dogs are never on leashes (i think its illegal?). This has never been a problem to us because they seem well trained BUT now that she doesnt seem to be owning up and cleaning her dogs poop, is this something we can bring to her attention as well?
Okay, I know there have been many postings about working with your neighbors (e.g., bags on tree blocks, etc) but this girl just seems uncooperative.
Thanks again.
BTW-that NYDaily News article on dog shit in Sunset Park is correct :-\
September 22, 2009
Cleaning Person Rates
What would be the rate on a cleaning person for a (max) 800 square foot apartment in Bay Ridge? How often do you guys get it cleaned (weekly? biweekly?)
Thanks in advance.
Author's Comments
its actually not that uncommon. i work with utility companies (IT/smart meter stuff) and the clients I've had in Kentucky/West Virginia/Connecticut do have a process where they run credit checks in order to determine their deposit amount.
Posted by: guikazoid at November 18, 2009 2:37 PM in response to Utilities & Credit Checks
perfect :)
Posted by: guikazoid at November 18, 2009 2:36 PM in response to Utilities & Credit Checks
Wasnt Bay Ridge known as Yellow Hook? and not Sunset Park.
Posted by: guikazoid at November 17, 2009 4:07 PM in response to Closing Bell: Yellow Hook?
My vote is Sunset Park (biased). You can find some nice brownstone blocks, e.g. (47th 5/6). I there is still a property for sale on that block. Decent prices, good 5th ave scene and so close to P.Slope or Bay Ridge. Pretty safe as well.
Posted by: guikazoid at November 17, 2009 8:55 AM in response to Investment Neigborhoods.
@Adam - any suggestions of blocks or condo developments in jersey city (approx 300-350k)?
Posted by: guikazoid at November 16, 2009 8:20 PM in response to Williamsburg or Clinton Hill
@dogpatch - landlord told us to pick out whatever door we want and deduct it from the rent. this LL is great.
Posted by: guikazoid at November 15, 2009 6:03 PM in response to Door lock Suggestions
@pupmans - i ended up going to milano (john the tailor) is amazing.
Posted by: guikazoid at October 30, 2009 10:35 PM in response to Looking for a Tailor
They had 2 brs for mid 400s im sure you can work your way down. ive lived in sunset park my whole life and its a good area. youre right across the street from the park.
Posted by: guikazoid at October 27, 2009 12:14 PM in response to Looking to Buy condo in Brroklyn
one of the better condos ive seen in Brooklyn is One Sunset Park.
Posted by: guikazoid at October 27, 2009 12:10 PM in response to Looking to Buy condo in Brroklyn
guikazoid wrote a review about Two Boots Brooklyn on October 20, 2009 12:16 PM
cool place. good food, good drinks :)
kids running around every time i been there.
ysabelle - you must be named todd or married to a todd :)
Posted by: guikazoid at October 15, 2009 10:28 AM in response to Annual End of the World Party
any pictures of what they look like inside?
Posted by: guikazoid at October 15, 2009 10:25 AM in response to Closings and Move-Ins at 420 Classon Avenue
Posted by: guikazoid at October 14, 2009 5:00 PM in response to Annual End of the World Party
@byrdman - its like the george carlin's skit on "guys named todd". SOFT NAMES MAKE SOFT PEOPLE! lol. bocce ball is todd while mike and vinny are darts/billiards. :)
Posted by: guikazoid at October 14, 2009 4:59 PM in response to Annual End of the World Party
and bocce ball in the back. the place is decent. the people sometimes annoy me. too many ohio'ans who just moved to brooklyn, drinking their drinks with their pinkys up and using mommy and daddys amex card to pay the tab.
Posted by: guikazoid at October 14, 2009 4:35 PM in response to Annual End of the World Party
pretty ridiculous at that gravesend sale. if you zillow that address it seems like all the homes on that block are worth 2-3mill+. something doesnt seem right!
Posted by: guikazoid at October 14, 2009 4:26 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales
@benson - city view is the ones between 4/5 on 2nd st?
Posted by: guikazoid at October 14, 2009 12:11 PM in response to How Much to Live in that Slope Scarano?
http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/Fiosinternet/
Posted by: guikazoid at October 14, 2009 10:24 AM in response to High Speed Internet
check verizon fios. im not sure if its in slope yet.
Posted by: guikazoid at October 14, 2009 10:23 AM in response to High Speed Internet
@bxgirl - we havent signed the lease yet
update - i spoke with the landlord and he clarified the water/sewage situation. They typo'ed and they will be responsible for the water and sewage.
On the other hand, we're still responsible for "trash" and "snow removal". the landlady said her husband usually takes care of it BUT at the end of the day we're responsible for it.
is that something we should ammend? because im concerned that if he gets a ticket for snow or trash, they will point to the lease, which gives me the responsibility.
Posted by: guikazoid at October 12, 2009 8:15 PM in response to Help with Lease Clarification
also - the lease states "tenant is responsible for trash collection and recycles" along with "tenant is responsible for sweeping and snow removal".
again, this is my first time signing a lease. so im not too sure. it seems like a lot of responsibility on me.
this all sound "normal"?
Posted by: guikazoid at October 12, 2009 4:30 PM in response to Help with Lease Clarification
@senator - what would be a safe approximation on a water/sewage bill for a 1 br 800sf apartment (2 people living in it).
how much and house often?
Posted by: guikazoid at October 12, 2009 4:22 PM in response to Help with Lease Clarification
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13530098
Posted by: guikazoid at October 12, 2009 4:19 PM in response to Columbus Day Open Thread
@john - I would have thought water costs would be included in the base rent as well. I am trying to calculate (estimate) monthly costs. And this line has me thrown off because I was anticipating:
Electricity - ConEd
Gas/Hot Water - National Grid
And I do not have an issue with this because we will have our own independent gas/electric meter.
I would have never thought the tenant is responsible for the water/sewer bill.
Thanks.
Posted by: guikazoid at October 12, 2009 3:43 PM in response to Help with Lease Clarification
if you buy into a 2-family building and the person you go in with stops paying their mortgage, do they just lose their portion? what other affects will that have on the other party?
Posted by: guikazoid at October 6, 2009 3:27 PM in response to Buying 3-Family w/ 2 Others
safe to assume best way to divide mortgage amongst the parties would be by square footage?
Posted by: guikazoid at October 6, 2009 1:44 PM in response to Buying 3-Family w/ 2 Others
@Adam - in a TIC, what would happen if one person wishes to move out or no larger be part of the building? Same as a condo? Also in TIC, do the parties usually split common area expenses?
Posted by: guikazoid at October 6, 2009 1:13 PM in response to Buying 3-Family w/ 2 Others
ive called citibank this morning nothing... no one knows anything. i check NYC DOB and there's a bunch of violations (recent ones)... the latest illegal conversion... "EXTENSION ADDED TO FRONT OF HOME WITHOUT PERMIT VIO ISSUED"
when i went by the house yesterday that "conversion" looked like a shack built with cinder blocks and some paint!
ive tried contacting one of the lawyers listed in the documents... nada!
Posted by: guikazoid at October 5, 2009 2:52 PM in response to Bizarre Foreclosure Scenario
jre- from sorting thru the documents thats what the totaled owed says. theres literally a couple hundred pages, you'd need a lawyer to interpret all this. you do mention a "referee". there is a document with a lawyer signing it as the "referee". the document is titled "Schedule A: Abstract of Documentary Evidence"... it shows a statement.... with a breakdown of whats owed. its dated 10-23-08. maybe thats what the #s might be a little off. the #s are from 2008! wow! i guess the process has begun. im going to call the lawyer tomorrow and see whats the deal
Posted by: guikazoid at October 4, 2009 8:44 PM in response to Bizarre Foreclosure Scenario
id be surprised if the place fetches that much! its a POS
Posted by: guikazoid at October 4, 2009 3:44 PM in response to Bizarre Foreclosure Scenario
@misty - agree with you. too harsh to call animal control. cameras are rolling though! :)
Posted by: guikazoid at September 26, 2009 10:35 PM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House
@DIBS - the other neighbors are upset too. one other gentleman confronted her and she went crazy. told the guy "why dont you tell this to my husband". the husband confronted the guy... the guy was probably in his 50s, the husband in his 20s... the guy tells this guy to keep his wife in check. lol. drama :)
Posted by: guikazoid at September 25, 2009 10:27 AM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House
@rob - i just mentioned the dogs because theyre BIG dogs and their shits are HUGE. if it was a chihuahua, i would say its a chihuahua. trying to put their shit into perspective. but its 3 HUGE pitbulls. i have nothing against them. i actually liked her dogs until they started this shitting rampage.
Posted by: guikazoid at September 25, 2009 10:20 AM in response to Dog Pooping in Front of House
anyone know what nabe that "alleged terrorist" is from?
Posted by: guikazoid at September 25, 2009 8:59 AM in response to Friday Links
i went this open house months back and it wasnt too shabby. i liked the amount of natural light coming in due to the huge windows!
Posted by: guikazoid at September 24, 2009 12:42 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 475 Sterling Place, #3I
shady aftermath
Posted by: guikazoid at September 23, 2009 4:25 PM in response to General Contractor
throw $ at the nba... it will get approved
Posted by: guikazoid at September 23, 2009 3:03 PM in response to Nets Will Have New Owner; FCR Will Have New AY Partner
AEPE any recommendations?
Posted by: guikazoid at September 22, 2009 3:17 PM in response to Cleaning Person Rates
File a complaint with the public service commission. Ask for your meter to be tested IMMEDIATELY.
Posted by: guikazoid at September 21, 2009 2:06 PM in response to Conned by Con Edison?
try http://www.ezlandlordforms.com/documents/
Posted by: guikazoid at September 20, 2009 6:04 PM in response to Renting Room to a Friend
we got it for 1,100.
Posted by: guikazoid at September 19, 2009 3:10 PM in response to Signing 1-Year Lease
the landlord doesnt want to list it. he asked the current tenant (a friend/coworker of my gf) to find someone. and she found us. so shes our referral :). she was there for like 3 years and really likes her.
Posted by: guikazoid at September 18, 2009 12:31 PM in response to Signing 1-Year Lease
checked out the place myself today, spoke with landlord, and (gf's) friend in more detail. she pays like 60 a month for heat/water (budget billing) and like 100 a month for electricity. not bad.
Posted by: guikazoid at September 17, 2009 10:56 PM in response to Utilities Bill
so the landlord HAS TO provide the water? Even if its 3 family private home?
Posted by: guikazoid at September 17, 2009 9:35 AM in response to Utilities Bill
Back40-i know stuff isnt making sense. im going to speak with the landlord today..
Posted by: guikazoid at September 17, 2009 8:49 AM in response to Utilities Bill
She says she pays 150 for water.... about 100 for electricity
What do you pay for water?
Posted by: guikazoid at September 16, 2009 9:41 PM in response to Utilities Bill
We asked her but she says her AC is on 24/7, and heat is cranked. Very wasteful. So i wanted to see general usage. Im actually pretty energy conscience (as i work in IT for utility companies and stress efficiency).
Posted by: guikazoid at September 16, 2009 9:14 PM in response to Utilities Bill
yea i really like this pic
Posted by: guikazoid at September 10, 2009 8:47 PM in response to Thursday Blogwrap
guikazoid wrote a review about Park Slope Ale House on September 10, 2009 1:48 PM
@rob - the problem with them working there is that the ones ive encountered there do not know their drinks and are on their iphones/psp's. so it can take some time to get your next round. serving us is not their #1 priority.
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
its actually not that uncommon. i work with utility companies (IT/smart meter stuff) and the clients I've had in Kentucky/West Virginia/Connecticut do have a process where they run credit checks in order to determine their deposit amount.
Posted by: guikazoid at November 18, 2009 2:37 PM in response to Utilities & Credit Checks
Will this be your first account w/ them? They may require a deposit.
Posted by: Arkady at November 18, 2009 2:46 PM in response to Utilities & Credit Checks
This is my first, yes.
Posted by: guikazoid at November 18, 2009 3:36 PM in response to Utilities & Credit Checks
I believe ConEd and Keyspan (or whatever they are calling themselves these days I can't get used to the new name) require a credit check/deposit for a commercial account, but not for a personal/residential account.
Posted by: brooklynstyle at November 18, 2009 7:48 PM in response to Utilities & Credit Checks
Hmmm, if you don't have a previous delinquent account then all they may ask for is a lease
Posted by: Crownlfc at November 18, 2009 9:42 PM in response to Utilities & Credit Checks
This is my first, yes.
Posted by: guikazoid at November 18, 2009 3:36 PM in response to Utilities & Credit Checks