henrystreet's Profile
- Sarah
- 2006
- 2006
- Brooklyn
- Carroll Gardens
- Rental
- artist
- Female
- 29
Author's Posts
January 12, 2009
Car service tipping
What is the consensus regarding tipping car service and livery cab drivers. I do it, but am always unsure about it. A friend of mine never tips them claiming that they get a much higher cut from the fare and name there own price and therefore the purpose for the extra money is nullified.
Thoughts...?
October 19, 2008
Deposit return ???s
Hi All,
I'm writing mainly to the landlords of the bunch.
We moved out of our rental apartment on June 31st of this past summer and haven't heard a peep from our landlady about the deposit. I spoke to her a few times regarding other matters fairly shortly after our move-out, but now she is not answering or returning our calls that specifically address wanting to get moving with the deposit procedure.
We painted before we moved out (as was agreed upon, although generous on our part given the state of the apartment) and left the apartment in better shape than it was when we moved in. Of course, this is my side of the story, but even if she feels strongly that she can keep the full amount (over $2000) she has to follow protocol and provide receipts – am I correct on that?
I know she hasn't rented it and I'm sure she's putting off returning the deposit until she can get some money from the new tenants, but I doubt it's going to happen anytime soon and I don't feel that I should have to wait the 7 months that it took her to rent the other apartments last year.
My question is, how is it best to proceed from here? I'm in touch with the broker that set up the deal initially, and they're being semi-helpful. I believe they're trying, but she is a very difficult person to communicate with. I'm willing to get lawyers involved if that's what it comes to, but of course would rather deal with more in a more civil manner. Knowing that she is not famous for her professional handling of tenant relations, I fear that not only will we never get any portion of the money back, but that we won't even get receipts or an explanation.
Given that there is no state required time for the resolving of this matter other than "reasonable", I guess I'm asking what "reasonable" means in your opinions/experience?
Thank in advance!
July 15, 2008
Zodiac counter tops
We’re re-doing our kitchen and are strongly thinking of using Zodiac counter-tops. Seem to be tough with good color options, and I like that it's not granite and doesn't require maintenance or re-sealing.
Any thoughts? Also, what are the general opinions with using it for the backsplash? I’m not sure if that would be hideous.
Any feedback, experiences or opinions are welcome.
Thanks.
May 30, 2008
Quick poll - What neighborhood is this?
What neighborhood would one consider 255 Eastern Parkway?
It's on Eastern parkway, across from the BMA/Botanical Gardens and is between Classon and Franklin.
Some say Prospect Heights, others Lefferts Garden and others say Crown Heights.
Makes no real difference to me, I'm just curious as to what people think, especially those who live in the area.
Thanks!
April 23, 2008
Shady landlord lease question
My husband and I are have been living in our apartment since August of 2006, when we signed a one year lease.
When the lease was up for renewal last summer our landlady raised our rent by $200 and asked for an additional $200 in deposit (plus an extra $300 pet deposit for a second dog). We agreed and have been paying our rent in full and on time every month ever since.
However, she never gave us a new contract to sign. She claims to be too busy but, as is typical of her M.O., I suspect she likes to have the freedom to kick people out or raise rent at any moment and therefore has conveniently forgotten for what has now been nearly a year.
Now we have bought an apartment elsewhere and are planning to move out by the end of May (mid June if she’ll accept a pro-rated rent for that month). Am I correct in believing that we are free to leave as long as we give her 30 days notice given that we are technically now on a month-to-month lease?
I’ve done a little research online, but haven’t been able to find a concrete answer.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
February 28, 2008
Deck building costs?
Any thoughts on how much might it cost to build a deck on the roof of a first story space that juts out? The space seems ripe for it, it just needs the wooden floor, a rail of some sort and to be done legally, i.e. with all the city's approvals and fees. The space is about 20 x 6. Any ballpark guesses would help.
Thanks!
February 9, 2008
Realtor search vs. no realtor?
We are looking to buy an apartment in the Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, Downtown Brooklyn, Clinton Hill and Prospect Heights vicinity – not so interested in all the new condos. So far we’ve been hopping around to a lot of open houses and making isolated appointments without having an official realtor. My question is two fold. One, what are the advantages of committing to a realtor rather than continuing looking on our own (I doubt that establishing a relationship with a realtor is going to cut down on my obsessive internet searching)? And two, can anyone recommend a realtor that knows the above areas mentioned above who is reasonably straightforward?
Any leads would help….
Author's Comments
Try www.bignyc.org
They're not masters of communication, but they do good things. You may need to actually show up at the warehouse (in Queens) to see what they have.
Posted by: henrystreet at October 16, 2008 5:55 PM in response to granite remnants
We used them for a post-reno clean up (in Prospect Heights) and the woman that ended up doing the job was fantastic. No language barrier for us. Perhaps if it's an issue you can make the request when scheduling and they can be sure to send someone with your required language skills - we found them, as a company, really easy to work with and flexible.
They're also great b/c it's hard to find a reliable cleaning person for only occasional cleaning and this gets around that. Perfect for pre/post moves and before parties or houseguests to really make the place shine a little more than you might have the time or willingness to do yourself.
Also, the eco-consciousness is great. They give you a list of things that they'll need (depending on what you want them to clean) with both their "preferred" options (eco-friendly) and alternatives if you can't find them or can't afford them. It’s not excessive at all, basic cleaning stuff.
Plus, unlike other agencies, the bulk of the money doesn't end up in some other person's pocket. The woman who does the cleaning gets all of the money you pay her.
They're professionals and we're definitely going to use them again.
Posted by: henrystreet at August 28, 2008 1:02 PM in response to Cleaning Service Cooperative
We used 'Movers, Not Shakers' for our last move (small ground floor 1 BR to 2 BR on 6th floor in elevator bldg) and had a pretty positive experience with them. They were late, but once they showed up they were fast and, to everyone's shock, didn't break a single thing.
We didn't have them move a few semi-valuable paintings (they offered for an extra fee, but I didn't trust that they actually knew how to take care of a stretched canvas) and they didn't want to move our plants, but all in all, they were good.
We tipped them $150 for three guys, which was 20%.
Funny, we had a guy take a HUGE dump in our bathroom too.
I would use them again, but second iheartbrooklynliving's comment about not necessarily using them if you have a lot of valuable and/or delicate things.
Posted by: henrystreet at August 28, 2008 12:44 PM in response to Follow Up Report: experience with Movers Not Shakers
It would be helpful if you could at least give a neighborhood or area. "Prime" can mean different things to different people. "Prime" Fort Greene or "prime" Williamsburg or "prime" Bay Ridge? I'm just trying to get a better idea to help, not draw out specifics you may not want to give. A friend of mine just rented a space in Park Slope, I can ask how much she's paying per sqft.
Good luck!
Posted by: henrystreet at August 13, 2008 3:54 PM in response to Retail advice
I hope you have lots of cash, because this isn't a great time to be a college student looking to get a mortgage. If you're flush or have other investors, go for it...I suppose. But it's a little unclear what you're asking. If you really don't know the first thing about this maybe you should team up as an active investor with someone else who's done this before and learn as you go. Either way, realize that it's risky - in addition to the possibility of making a big profit, you could also lose a lot of money.
Posted by: henrystreet at August 8, 2008 1:54 PM in response to HELP!
I recently repainted my radiators. When I moved into my apartment they were disgusting with dirt and dust and the paint was flaking off. I spent a solid few hours scraping off the old paint with a scraping knife and vacuuming out all the corners with a shop-vac (wearing a mask). Then I painted them silver with radiator paint (more like enamel). I wouldn't say they look brand new, but they look much much better, and are suited to the pre-war apartment. I did mine earlier this summer and haven’t turned the heat on so I can't say how they'll look after a winter of heat, but I have no reason to believe it won't last a few years.
One problem with my relatively DIY technique is that there are areas on the radiator that are impossible to access without removing the radiator. I figure that since I can't see it, no harm done.
Finally this may be obvious, but in case it's not, paint the radiators BEFORE you paint the walls. If it's too late, make sure you have wall paint to cover up the inevitable splatter on the wall.
Good luck!
Posted by: henrystreet at August 7, 2008 6:05 PM in response to painting radiators
VBP, I completely agree. Being a good neighbor is absolutely a two-way street. I am a huge fan of 311 in general, but fear that people use and suggest its use as a surrogate for direct, often more effective, communication. OP: Maybe write a note or knock on their door and mention that 2:30 was too late for that level of noise, or ask that you at least be forewarned next time (I always appreciate at at least knowing in advance when neighbors will be keeping me up - gives you time to get the earplugs in before it's too late).
Posted by: henrystreet at July 14, 2008 11:54 AM in response to Police Response to a Noise Complaint
How often does this happen? I know it's annoying and disruptive, and I'm not claiming to love loud inconsiderate neighbors, but if this isn't a regular occurrence I say it's ok for them to have a loud long party once in a while (meaning once or twice a year). I know it’s a pain, but truthfully we all live in the city in close proximity to one another and have to learn to deal with other people’s lives. If this is something that happens often, that is a completely different situation. But even then, I think they’d be much more responsive to a plea from you personally than they would the cops.
Good luck next time!
Posted by: henrystreet at July 14, 2008 9:58 AM in response to Police Response to a Noise Complaint
As tragic as it is to sacrifice a window, the window mounted ACs are much much better. We had a portable unit in our bedroom last summer because the bars outside our window are too close and it's kind of a drag.
First of all, the heat that is produced is directed out the window via a tube and you feel it. So it's this constant battle between the heat the ac is creating and the cool are it is trying to pump out.
Also, the moisture that it draws from the air is pooled in a reservoir that has to be emptied, usually at least once a night if not more during the dog days.
You may feel like you'd rather give up floor space (within 8 feet of your window) than window space, but they're not exactly small objects.
Finally, I hear they're less energy efficient.
Of course, you could also skip the whole ac thing and get a fan, but that may be too tropical for your tastes.
Good luck!
Posted by: henrystreet at May 30, 2008 4:13 PM in response to Portable Air Conditioners
Don't respond to the idiotic violent posts. They just want attention and all the subsequent responses just give them that.
OP: Call 311, stay on it and keep track of calls. Although your neighbor may not be abusing the dog, they are clearly irresponsible dog owners. By the way, if you were to follow much of the alternative advice you could be sent to jail for animal cruelty after your lovely neighbor called the cops on you.
Good luck.
Posted by: henrystreet at March 11, 2008 12:44 PM in response to New Neighbor's Barking Dog!
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
House flipping is to this decade what day trading was to the '90s. It is a form of gambling. Unless you can afford to lose the money you using to buy and renovate this house you should choose another form of investment. Flipping was viable when house values were skyrocketing on a daily basis. With the current credit crisis and house prices cooling off, you have sort of missed the boat. Don't believe everything you see on TV.
Posted by: hancock1 at August 8, 2008 3:08 PM in response to HELP!
Owner12 is being sarcastic. And no, a college student can't "afford to take a loss" Yaakovdoe. Flipping just isn't happening now. That's so 5 years ago.
Posted by: traditionalmod at August 8, 2008 3:44 PM in response to HELP!
Is this Ole Man Goota Moolah syndrome and doesn't know what to do with it? I think the whole thread he started was a joke.
Posted by: Iknow at August 8, 2008 10:07 PM in response to HELP!
No "IKNOW"..in fact im bein dead serious..my "ole man" actually has no money n instead of relying on a family with no money to help support me through college n the rest of my life I am trying to seek a beneficial investment that can help me live the way I want to live. Is there anybody willing to help me?? If so please e-mail me at t_azizullah@yahoo.com
Posted by: t_azizullah at August 11, 2008 12:45 AM in response to HELP!
...missed the boat. Consider yourself lucky.
Try internet pornography. I hear college kids are into that stuff.
Posted by: IMBY at August 12, 2008 10:36 AM in response to HELP!
I'll sell you my house.
Posted by: Dumpstress at August 12, 2008 12:13 PM in response to HELP!
Taimur:
It's not that easy. How will you afford to purchase? You need assets and income to get a mortgage. Why would a bank loan you a significant amount of money, especially now that mortgage brokers are being EXTRA careful? How would you even make the mortgage payments? Where will you get the thousands of dollars in closing costs and legal fees?
How will you make the tax payments? Where will you get the money for the remodeling? How will you know who to hire to do the work? How will you know how to facilitate and schedule the process? It's not as easy as calling a plumber and an electrician and buying a new sink!!
It's also a horrible market for sellers right now. How would you even sell a remodeled brownstone when the market is at it's worst and people are having trouble getting mortgages, keeping their jobs, etc? Additionally, are you aware that you will get taxed when you try to sell? There is a "flip tax".
You need to be realistic about what kind of undertaking this is, the gigantic risk and the staggering expense.
The best lesson you can learn is that real estate is a LONG TERM investment. Invest in real estate by buying what you can afford and buying the property you want to live in for many years.
I agree with the others who insinuated that you should stop being so inspired by the flipper-tv shows out there.
Posted by: macki at August 13, 2008 12:43 PM in response to HELP!
Key money is what he's paying someone to assume the remainder of their lease...in this case 5 years he says. At least thats what it is outside the US...as long as he's not actually paying it to the landlord...which is illegal, i believe, here.
So you have to factor that into the monthly rent as well...If his Key money is $80,000...then he's paying an extra $1,333 per month for the 5 year period or $4,333 per month total. Even more if you consider the time value of money.
5 Years is a short lease in which to try and build a new business on without the economics going haywire after the end of the 5 years if the rent is doubled or worse.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 13, 2008 4:35 PM in response to Retail advice
What do they do in the winter, aren't they designed for more tropical climates? A quick perusal of the websites didn't say much.
Just curious, now that I know they exist I'm fascinated.
Posted by: henrystreet at November 18, 2008 3:39 PM in response to Green Parrots?