I saw this house twice, and there were some truly great things about it. However, it does need renovation, and it is currently not set up as a glorious single family with a rental below in a way that makes sense. That being said, it has beautiful details and although I think the buyers got a great deal and will have absolutely no regrets. I believe the last listing was with prudential elliman and it was $3.8 or $3.9. I thought it would go for $3.6, so I think they did well.

Posted by: homey at November 6, 2009 2:15 PM in response to 85 State's Roller Coaster Ride

Great piece MM. I am so glad you are here! Thank you!

Posted by: homey at November 3, 2009 1:07 PM in response to Walkabout : The Italianate Style, part 1

I think they really playing fast and loose with the square footage, as Johnlife noted. These houses are nothing special, and I can't imagine paying that price for them. They have no real character to speak of. If you want modern, buy something in Ft. Greene for much less and make it modern (we have seen those houses on this site before). I really think this is one of the most overpriced houses we have seen on this site.

Posted by: homey at November 2, 2009 1:38 PM in response to First Resale at 14 Townhouses

This house rocks! I love the backyard. I could see someone falling in love here and paying $899,000 for a turnkey place. Stranger things have happened.

Posted by: homey at October 28, 2009 5:57 PM in response to House of the Day: 136 Hawthorne Street

you can email me at andrecom@earthlink.net and I will send you pictures of my all metal deck. I used fire escape grating and had decorative rails added. We love it.

Posted by: homey at October 21, 2009 7:48 PM in response to Pics of Metal Decks?

Petebklyn,

Check your math, that $10,000 a square foot. Not even close to worth it.

Posted by: homey at October 21, 2009 10:38 AM in response to All About the Clocktower

I saw the 1st street house twice. It was a bargain on a per square foot basis, but not on any other basis. It had a very interesting 1st floor, but needed a complete and total renovation on every floor, all new systems. It had no yard to speak of, not very good light, and lots of weird things about it. Because it is such a large home, you would need to spend a pretty penny on it, bringing it up to more than you would have to pay for an already renovated house (albeit you would have a giant house at the end.) So, I am not surprised at the price, and don't think it is a good comp for those reasons.

Posted by: homey at October 20, 2009 1:52 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

I also think they have a great selection and good service.

Posted by: homey at October 3, 2009 2:56 PM in response to Home & Stone?

I also would like the dimensions. and where are you located? I think I want it!

I can be reached at andrecom@earthlink.net

Posted by: homey at October 3, 2009 12:54 PM in response to Electric Fireplace

Hey, any of you ever sold a house in NYC before? It can actually take 8-10 months to sell, even in a good market. I wouldn't predict the total collapse (a la BHO) quite yet.

Posted by: homey at October 2, 2009 5:20 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

For me the people who did my shower doors also do all manner of mirrors. But the paradise above is a good price.

Posted by: homey at September 17, 2009 12:29 PM in response to Mirror Mirror on the Wall...

I'm loving this house. Great pictures. Yeah, it could use another bathroom, but the layout is really sweet. I would like to see the kitchen!

Posted by: homey at September 16, 2009 3:25 PM in response to House of the Day: 165 Fenimore Street

Was Hicks Street house really nice inside? I don't remember the listing but it seems like the seller did very well.

Posted by: homey at September 11, 2009 1:03 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

I used those types of tiles and that price is about what they cost. If you run around you may find one type a bit cheaper at one place, but then the other might be more expensive. So, unless you want to buy from two different places, and pay two different shipping costs, that price is about right.

Posted by: homey at September 11, 2009 10:19 AM in response to Price of Tiles High?

Park Slope house really needs a new broker. The house may be quite nice, but the photos and presentation are downright depressing. What a shame.

Posted by: homey at August 14, 2009 1:23 PM in response to Open House Picks

BHO,

I think a name change is in order. How about DOA, cause that's what your "educated guesses" have been for the past two years. People look for value, and when they find it, even in a down market, they buy. No surprise here.

Posted by: homey at August 11, 2009 2:35 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

Someone is going to get a pretty awesome house for the money. These people made excellent choices for the renovation. Don't know the block, but this is one of the best -looking interiors we've seen on this site for a while.

Posted by: homey at August 10, 2009 1:34 PM in response to House of the Day: 66 Clifton Place

I am the landlord, so no worries there. But it sounds like it's a bad idea, so I'll just have to replace the tile.

Thanks for the advice

Posted by: homey at July 29, 2009 3:24 PM in response to Painting Tile

It could be an SRO without a certificate of non-harassment. I still think it has the potential to be a great deal, if there is lots of original detail still left. The absence of a kitchen could be a plus. Now you can put it anywhere you like.

Posted by: homey at July 29, 2009 2:29 PM in response to House of the Day: 156 Hicks Street Revisited

Thanks everyone. Hookgirl, I would love to see some photos. Also, grand army, do you have any photos of your friends trex deck with integrated planters. We do have access, there is actually a room on the roof and we already have water up there. I just want to design a deck that will look good and last. I know trex is expensive but the reason I have always discounted it is because I was concerned it would look "fake." But I think the newer versions are pretty nice. I have also heard IPE is hard to take care of. Can one use cedar and just let it weather and age?

Thanks again for the help.

Posted by: homey at July 10, 2009 10:13 AM in response to Roof Deck Materials?

Here again we have the same debate. These are prime houses, in beautiful condition, and they fetched good prices, even in this market. I remain skeptical of what MM and other think will happen in 6 months. I own two high-end properties in LA. Their value was way down 6 months ago, and has now recovered significantly. I just received a strong offer for one, although it is still 10% off what it would have been at the height of the market.( But, it is 10% more than it would have been at the bottom.) Things may be settling. Less desirable properties in less desirable neighborhoods always fall more and take longer to recover. The essentials of living in Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights have not changed. Yes houses were overpriced. This has been corrected, in some cases substantially. The biggest sales are not a statistic sampling, but they often set a tone that is compelling to both buyers and sellers.

Posted by: homey at June 16, 2009 1:11 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

While Grace Court is completely charming, I can't see how it competes with other properties in BH that offer substantially more space. By my comparison, the house is overpriced by at least $800 a square foot even in turnkey condition. I don't see it as a great family house, but perfect for a couple (albeit a wealthy one) who entertain and have house guests. And I always think it is a little sad to buy a house without a yard of some sort!

Posted by: homey at June 14, 2009 12:54 PM in response to Open House Picks

It is not my intention to pick on MM. But I do want to make the point that you can over-analyze yourself onto the sidelines and miss some really great deals. Of course MM would like to see predictions and analysis of what the market will be in 1, 2 or 5 years - who wouldn't. But please let's not mistake that speculation for fact. My analysis, and I am an very experienced real estate investor who has purchased and sold several properties in NY and Los Angeles, is that you should consider the good deals out there now - as well as in 1 year, 2, and 5 years. Personally, I think 5 years is a long time to wait for a family home. Your younger children may be ready for middle school, or even high-school. Suddenly the neighborhood and primary school district are important, and other things are more so. I have seen some very good deals in this market, and plan to buy something in the next 6 months as an investment. I am looking carefully as price per square foot, not just in NYC, but across the country. ANd as for my comment "life is short," Well, I stand by it, and figure it into all my calculations. I think it is more accurate than most of the info on this blog. Cheers!

Posted by: homey at June 14, 2009 12:45 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

MM, pardon my frankness, but you strike me as a bit self-righteous. (not because our budget is lower....)Wait as long as you like my dear, but do remember life is short. You could be hit by a crosstown bus tomorrow. I think people like you really miss the point. You are so focused on beating the market ( you have not true idea of where it is going - or where interests rates are going, I might add), that you forget the pleasure of living where you want to live just to enjoy your life. Did I overpay for my absolutely stunning, fabulous house in a great neighbor (a former SRO)? Perhaps, but we love it and living here is great. I think when we are ready to sell, it will all be just fine. There are good deals in this market. If you feel superior because you are waiting, comfy in your apartment, so be it. But spare the rest of us your insights now and then, please!

Posted by: homey at June 13, 2009 12:07 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

You need to be very thoughtful about how you proceed and also who you listen to on this site (I won't mention names.) Brokers are always going to be brokers. But the fact is that many sellers have looked at the market, too. Prices are down, but Park Slope is still a very desirable, stable neighborhood with good schools. That is not changing. If a seller has already priced a reasonable discount into the market (you can figure this out by comparing the last two years of median sales for the type of unit you are looking at) offering 20% less will not put you into the serious buyer category. I don't care what the people above have said. There is an opportunity cost to everything. If you want to sit on the fence and wait till the bottom falls out, well, be prepared to wait and wait. Go to open houses, take a good look at which places are closing and for how much of a discount. Remember, sellers have their numbers, too, and not all of them are in such a big hurray. And, before the mob weights in, I want to say that I am a buyer, not a seller. I plan to buy another house in this market and I expect to pay 20% less than I would have at the housing peak. But that discount is already in the prices (give or take 5 -10% ) of the houses I am looking at. That's why I am looking at them! And I am looking at the high end of the market in Brooklyn Heights, etc. Good luck.

Posted by: homey at June 10, 2009 12:04 PM in response to State of Market?

The steel dunnage is a Fire Department code requirement. It is relatively new and not all contractors know about it. We ran into it recently when we were doing a reno. Expeditor said it wasn't dob, but was fire code - and that they are working on getting the two aligned. A few years back a unit came through the roof and killed a firefighter, and that's why it is part of the new code. You do need it. the architect is right in this case.

Posted by: homey at June 10, 2009 11:46 AM in response to a/c rooftop dunnage

Can you please repost the information.

Thanks

Posted by: homey at June 7, 2009 6:18 PM in response to Professional Mirror Hangers

Can you please repost the information.

Thanks

Posted by: homey at June 7, 2009 6:18 PM in response to Professional Mirror Hangers

This house looks really sweet. I like the set up and the light!

Posted by: homey at June 3, 2009 1:27 PM in response to House of the Day: 240 Dean Street

Well, 176 State sold fro 3, 850,000 in Jan 2009 and it is only 3,300 square feet. I can't find the listing you are referring to, but I think this house is competitively priced for Brooklyn Heights.

Posted by: homey at May 22, 2009 1:53 PM in response to House of the Day: 169 State Street

Again, we have the same complaints. This house is not narrow inside. The center staircase makes for a wonderful floor plan. I suggest the naysayers have a look and see how "unnarrow" a 17x 17 bedroom feels. I really love the layout of this house, but it does seem to be lacking in some moldings, etc. Still, it has a very nice, classic feeling. I don't know about that particular corner, but I have looked at other houses on State that were definitely asking more than 3 million.

Posted by: homey at May 22, 2009 12:16 AM in response to House of the Day: 169 State Street

BHO,

I do have to confess, but not to owning 4th street. My house its not on the market. and its not even in Brooklyn (on that other overpriced Island I'm afraid) But that still doesn't change a thing about what I said, I've owned other houses with center staircases and they were great.

Posted by: homey at May 15, 2009 6:28 PM in response to Open House Picks

Sometimes I wonder about you people. If a house has a center staircase, than a 15'6" parlor room is wider in a narrow house then it is in a 21 foot house (where the end up to be 13 feet.) While it is true that in a 21 foot house you can have one or two 21 foot bedrooms, the actually living space may not feel that much better because without the center stair you make more compromises for closets, etc. Many of these narrower houses are actually deeper, so they can end up actually bigger. You can't really judge from the width, you have to see the layout and the placement of the stairs.

Posted by: homey at May 15, 2009 2:15 PM in response to Open House Picks

Here is the listing. It looks pretty darn good to me. This is one of the better deals out there. The house is not so deep, but they did a thoughtful reno and the yard could be killer.
http://www.rsblvd.com/property/listing.aspx?Region=NYC&listingid=1527476#

Posted by: homey at May 12, 2009 11:49 AM in response to Price Cut at 355 Degraw Street

A 1 million umbrella is totally standard for someone who owns a property like that. And, it isn't so paranoid. If you have accident and injure someone, any lawyer might go after your assets. That's how the legal system is constructed. Do yourself a favor and get some insurance.

Posted by: homey at May 11, 2009 11:22 AM in response to Umbrella Insurance?

I think everyone expects a discount right now, and you have to convince them its been "priced to move." Look at the number of reductions that have been taken on existing listings. There is a "I can buy cheap now" mentality out there. But, I still think this house is well priced. The person who gets it for $1,380,000 has, in my opinion, done pretty well.

Posted by: homey at May 7, 2009 4:13 PM in response to House of the Day: 100 St. Mark's Avenue

Yes, I am DIBs. And sam, I don't think 3 bedrooms in with low ceilings on the "garden" level qualifies as aristocratic either. I really think that people looking in BH, many of whom are coming from Manhattan, are looking for something a bit grand. I don't think this place fits the bill, except for the price.

Posted by: homey at May 6, 2009 8:12 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 11 Garden Place

Don't want to get in between DIBS and the others, but I strongly disagree about the price of 5-6 mill. or maybe more for this house, even at this size. I have been looking in this very area, and have seen 3 houses, all about 5,000 sq. feet with good income garden rentals (my preferred set-up) and they were not going for that much, because the market in Brooklyn has definitely taken a hit and it is even more of a bargain compared to Manhattan. There are a couple of 6,500 - 7000 sq. foot house that are actually glorious mansions for that amount, but this sure doesn't look like they do. I think the price is out of line both in terms of the comps and the overall appeal of the place. It does have a nice floor plan, but that the only thing that I think it has going for it over similarly priced possibilities.

Posted by: homey at May 6, 2009 4:31 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 11 Garden Place

I like August at Artistic Wrought Iron in Coney Island. He did my front and back deck. He is a pleasure to work with. 646-739-6918. You can tell him Lydia recommended him.

Posted by: homey at May 6, 2009 2:57 PM in response to Iron work in need of serious wor

There is actually a better house, in my humble opinion, for sale on Bergen Street. Here is the link http://www.prudentialelliman.com/Listings.aspx?ListingID=1103825&SearchType=broker_current&BID=

I saw it and it is pretty awesome. The yard was one of the nicest I have ever seen. Here, again, the kitchen is on the small, not enough storage size, but overall the house is beautiful. It is listed at 2,375,000. I think it will go for $2,100,000. They are getting a good number for the rental.

Posted by: homey at May 6, 2009 2:54 PM in response to House of the Day: 433 Pacific Street

Hi,

I used this guy and he did a great and fast job for me.

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Member Type: Paperhanger

Posted by: homey at April 28, 2009 1:50 PM in response to wallpaper installer

How about the corner of Garden Place and State as a micro-neighborhood. I think you can hear traffic in the backyard, but not in the house. I like being close to Trader Joes, and although I love the promenade, I lived in a very touristy area once before and really prefer to avoid having weekends in the city like that. This is all really helpful information. I especially appreciate any parking and garage tips for this area. A car is definitely part of the picture.

Thanks.

Posted by: homey at March 31, 2009 11:44 AM in response to neighborhood info

Thanks Johnny. I was looking at a place on State and wondering if that was the case. I understand that it is a very desirable neighborhood, but because I haven't livex there I wanted to ask the locals what they thought. As you may have noticed, houses there ain't cheap, so I want to do as much research as possible. Thanks for all the comments.

Posted by: homey at March 30, 2009 6:17 PM in response to neighborhood info

We did a gut renovation (and I mean everything) of a 5,000 square foot landmarked house. We got bid from GCs that were over 2 mil. So, Instead, we chose a very specific type of GC, and then found other subs, who we managed and helped coordinate with the GC. We did the demo, elevator, exterior doors and brownstone work, windows, floors, and a.c all decorative plaster, and masonry/ fireplaces that way. I also hired my own expeditor. We also ordered and designed the kitchen, but had GC install. And, we purchased and had delivered alll bathroom and kitchen fixtures, all tile, hardware, etc. We saved a lot, because, for example, if a GC said a/c would be $75,000 - I found someone to do it for $55,000, so it cut down on the costs. Overall we saved 20% (not insubstantial considering the original numbers.) However, we were around a lot, although obviously not living here. And, we do have jobs, but we are self-employed. The thing is, you have to be around no matter what, because things don't look the same on paper as they do in the house, and you do need to see stuff.

Posted by: homey at March 28, 2009 7:11 PM in response to ANYONE USED A PROJECT MANAGER

Their prices are really high. Every time I call about something I am shocked at how expensive it is. Do you have a different experience with them? I like some of these items but I am almost afraid to ask.

Posted by: homey at March 27, 2009 3:49 PM in response to To Houses Coming Down - Salvage

This is the first apartment I have seen that makes me think twice about owning a townhouse. I love the floor plan and having that wrap around terrace is killer. The light and views must be amazing. I am going to watch this one, thats for sure. Do you think they will have to drop the price, given what's going on in the market?

Posted by: homey at March 26, 2009 1:32 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 160 Henry Street

I'm interested but the link does not work. Can you email me pictures to andrecom@earthlink.net

Thanks

Posted by: homey at March 26, 2009 9:30 AM in response to 1800's Iron Gate and Fencing

Does it fit a California King mattress? Can you post your email?

THanks

Posted by: homey at March 16, 2009 3:07 PM in response to Restoration Hardware Bed For Sal

The person who posted that picture made a big mistake. The floor plan looks great, but the picture tells a 1,000 words, and none of them are good. Better to have no photo than a lousy one, I think.

Posted by: homey at March 12, 2009 1:29 PM in response to House of the Day: 557 7th Street

If you are giving the broker the listing to sell your house and also buy a house with him, he will be happy to give you a discount. I have done this. There is a limit as to how far you can go - and I think that is at about 4%. Remember, he has to get the other broker to agree, and also the folks at Corcoran have to approve the deal, as it reduces their cut, too. You can always ask for a discount. but in your case, because you are dealing with multiple deals, you have better leverage.

Good luck,

Posted by: homey at March 12, 2009 9:59 AM in response to Realtor commissions