Don't use the red truck guy unless you know for certain that you want your knives reground. He does not sharpen/hone your knives; he grinds the blade. From my experience, he does not really understand the correct angles needed on professional quality knives - he just grinds the heck out of them. Are they sharp? Sure. Are they sharpened correctly? No.

Posted by: hayduke at June 4, 2008 3:38 PM in response to Knife Sharpening

It's a co-op.

Posted by: hayduke at March 14, 2008 11:57 AM in response to Deal/Offer Sheet

This whole fsbo is turning out to be a more difficult decision than I was anticipating. Everybody- lawyer, family, etc is advising to use a broker. Don't know what we'll do...

Posted by: hayduke at February 15, 2008 2:56 PM in response to fsbo

1:34 - I don't suppose you have links to any of those for some ideas?

Posted by: hayduke at February 15, 2008 1:48 PM in response to fsbo

Robert Teitelbaum. I used him for a double closing (I sold and bought). He and his team were absolutely amazing. I've been recommending him to everybody. He was professional, punctual, and on top of everything. Even when he couldn't be the point person on something his associate knew exactly what was happening and didn't skip a beat.

212-697-8500

-Michael

Posted by: hayduke at October 2, 2007 11:46 AM in response to Lawyer Recommendation

My husband and I were really tempted to sell our place ourselves - we live on a highly desirable block in a great building and we knew it would go fast. But we learned it was totally worth it to hire a broker, she was able to create a feeding frenzy for our place that we never would have been able to - we definitely would have ended up taking a lower offer had she not been there to help. Also people can be weirdos, and our bidders and their brokers were no exception. I won't go into details, but let's say we were really happy not to have to deal with them ourselves. Just some food for thought!

Posted by: bklyn_girl at February 15, 2008 9:33 PM in response to fsbo

I would only suggest going FSBO if you have the time, knowledge and skill to do so. Time to set up showings and open houses, inspectors and appraisals. Knowledge of pricing and some real estate law (pre attorney). Staging, photography, web design and marketing skills. And most of all, you need the personality to pull this off. It's stressful enough having a realtor as the go between, but you'll have to deal with the sellers all by yourself. That being said, there area so many sh*tty agents in this city. You're probably better off going it on your own 75% of the time.

Posted by: rh at February 16, 2008 7:55 AM in response to fsbo

Bklyn Girl notes the main reason I wouldn't do FSBO, and also why I like using a broker when I buy too (I've bought properties twice now). Because I like having a mediator, someone between me and the seller or buyer. Because things can become weird. However, is it possible to use your attorney in this regard if you are a FSBO? You could deal with buyers yourself when you show the place and set appointments and all, but nicely inform the most serious buyers that when it comes time for making the offer and negotiating you are handing that task off to your attorney because they are so much more knowledgable than you are. Then just step away from it.

Posted by: guest at February 16, 2008 1:46 PM in response to fsbo

1:15 is a MORON, by all means do Craigslist, why do you think all the brokers list there? My money is where my mouth is, I found my house on CL and two pieces of commercial property purchased by a friend.

Posted by: guest at February 17, 2008 12:09 PM in response to fsbo

Actually 1:15 is not a moron, 12:09. I know people who just successfully sold their FSBO after only 3 weeks on the market and they said almost ALL their buyers said they saw the ad on NY TIMES. They asked people at the open houses as research. Almost none of the buyers who came to the open houses saw the ad on Craigs List. If you are too cheap to pay for NY TIMES it's your loss. Craigs List offers no search terms like number of bedrooms and bathrooms, types of properties, etc. Busy people (i.e. people with money) have no time for that.

Posted by: guest at February 17, 2008 3:08 PM in response to fsbo

Most brokers will do a combination of nytimes.com and craigslist. They both work.

If you have a personality that allows you to negotiate then you should try it on your own for a few months. If you know this is not suited for you then you should hire an agent.

I do agree that most agents are horrible but when you get that good one they can make the deal move quick and effortlessly.

I find that 20% of the job is producing a buyer and the other 80% is getting to the closing table.

A good agent will have a strong knowledge of marketing, mortgages, appraisals, title issues and some light construction knowledge. Most new agents no none of the above. They might not no what a "comp" is.

Do your comps with www.propertyshark.com to set your price. If you have problems with the program, you can contact me to help or I will do it for you and email the PDF to you.

good luck.

Posted by: evperry at February 20, 2008 12:46 AM in response to fsbo

Agree with 9:38

In addition: will this be your primary residence, monthly income after other major expenses (debts, alminony, etc.)

You may also want to make them aware (in writing) that the co-op board will need to verify each of the above and the buyer should be prepared to do so.

Posted by: guest at March 14, 2008 4:21 PM in response to Deal/Offer Sheet

Basically ask for every piece of financial information that the coop board will want to see when they get the application. That way, you won't have any nasty surprises.

Current income - and sources - and whether it is salary, commission, bonus portion, stock grants, etc.

Last two yers' income (the number on tax returns)

Savings, Investments - including what portion of that is retirement (IRA, 401K, etc.), as the board may want to know what portion of it is liquid, likely to be spent if necessary, on the building

Real Estate owned - and plans if selling any of it

Any mortgages, and all debts of any kind

Anount of downpayment; Amount of mortgage

Gift portion of down payment, if any, who it is from, and are that person is willing to sign a standard gift letter for the board

Mortage amount; Preapproval letter from bank

Likely terms of mortgage, if they've gotten that far with bank (some coops don't like high interest rates, or ARMS - find out now)

Names of those who will be owning the shares;
Names of those who will reside in the apt.; for each of the above, will this be their primary residence?; financial info, as above, on all adults who will be owning or residing

Guarantor of maintenance, if any, and if so, if guarantor is willing to provide a bank statement with big $$$$ on it to board to back up their guarantee of maintenance

Make your own form - what you really need on a coop is more detailed than what most brokers use (they depend on verbal answers a lot - I'd prefer to see it in writing.)

If they aren't willing to list all of this on a form with their offer on a coop, then assume they won't be able to get it together with all the supporting documentation necessary for the board later.

Posted by: guest at March 14, 2008 6:03 PM in response to Deal/Offer Sheet

Dave - I don't plan on using the sharpened instruments on Mr. L. At least not yet :)

Thanks for the warning about the truck. I'll try Cooks Companion.

Posted by: MrsLimestone at June 4, 2008 3:49 PM in response to Knife Sharpening

Cooks Companion on Atlantic Ave sharpens my good knives, and they do a very good job. I'm happy with them.

Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 3:51 PM in response to Knife Sharpening