Making an offer

One tip on the scale issue: I once read that it helps to make a cardboard cutout of a light fixture according to the dimensions and hang it with string. Buying on the internet or in a big warehouse store can make it difficult to select the right size. I look out my window into my neighbors place and always think their chandelier looks too big for the room.

Posted by: huh at March 13, 2008 6:07 PM in response to opinions on lighting fixtures wanted

Thanks all.

Wow, I haven't even been told I'm too ignorant to own a house...yet.

I do have a lawyer who advised I keep him out of the offer negotiations. The contingencies I'm thinking about are more about the condition of the property. I didn't know if I should put something in the offer about not being willing to pay so much if there are structural problems etc. With this property such problems could really add up.

Do people disclose all their financials up front? I'd rather they not know I have as much money as I do so that they will take my lower offer. I don't want them to think they have someone interested who will pay their inflated ask just because I can.

Posted by: huh at March 13, 2008 6:02 PM in response to Making an offer

Yeah, I too am hating that ornate one, but it's up to you. As far as the fixtures going together, I'd say just try and match the finish of the metal (chrome with chrome or antique bronze with antique bronze, etc.)

Is the rear one for over a dining table? It's a little hard to understand the scale, but it seems like more of a table lamp shade than a dining table pendant shade.

Posted by: huh at March 13, 2008 5:52 PM in response to opinions on lighting fixtures wanted

I have a similar question but want to know if my own agent is full of crap or not. I had found online a brownstone in Bed-Stuy that is really nice, and wanted to see the inside and a friend of a friend is a realtor with ERA and said he could show my partner and me the house and act as our agent. We said great. He said we should get a pre-qualification letter in advance so he would know that he wasn't wasting time as it was his company's policy. We said no problem and it took about 5 minutes to get the letter from the bank. So we went and saw the house, twice, and was ready to make an offer and were told that the seller's broker (Corcoran) required a loan pre-approval letter that stated we could get the loan. No problem. We did that by talking to the bank who has our current mortgage, gave them all the details, paperwork, employment and financial info etc., and they approved us with no problem even more that the price we were wanting to offer. So we were getting ready to make the offer when our agent sayd we now have to give him all the financial details, banks, employer stuff, credit reports, etc otherwise he cannot present the offer. WTF??? I already gave that to the bank before they would give me the pre-approval letter. Neither my agent (ERA) nor Corcoran is loaning me money, and they have all the proof they need in my actual loan approval letter. I said there is no way that it can be legal for a real estate agency to require all that just to present an offer to the seller and he assured me it is legal and the only way he could make an offer on my behalf. I told him to shove it that I am not handing over all my personal financial records to either brokerage just to make an offer when I already have the letter. So now we have no idea what to do. That was yesterday and he hasn't called me back today so I'm guessing he's mad. He said Corcoran also required all that info as well as the letter. I am tempted to call the attorney general and see if that is a legal requirement just to present an offer through a real estate brokerage. I can see the seller himself wanting to know if I could pay for it before accepting the offer and taking it off the market or at least pulling it off the active listings, but this brokerage requiring it is ridiculous if not illegal. Anyone who is a broker on here know what the law says?

Posted by: guest at March 13, 2008 6:37 PM in response to Making an offer

I can tell you that I have made offers on Corcoran properties (not through an agent) and they do not require such detailed info. That guy is trying to scam you. Do not give him your confidential information. Just call the Corcoran broker directly and make your offer. And, yes, I would report him to the AG.

Posted by: guest at March 13, 2008 7:35 PM in response to Making an offer

To 7:34. It looks like the listing broker at Corcoran is trying to avoid a co-broke which is against RYBNY regulations. Now, co-ops often do require unlimited amount of backup, but I never heard of a house in Bed Sty.

The only thing I can say in Corcoran's defense, is that lending institution are very reluctant to lend money for properties in "risk" neighborhoods (I live in one). The owner could have gotten burned already and is requiring all the info, but I doubt it.

Posted by: kdabrowski at March 13, 2008 7:56 PM in response to Making an offer

Thanks for the help guys. (I'm 6:37). We used to live out of state (been here about a year now) and I kept telling him that I have bought several houses in my previous state before and yes I had to have a pre-approval letter a couple times before the seller/owner would actually accept the offers, but never what he was saying was needed. He kept telling us that NYC was different from anywhere in the country and that every real-estate agency was required to keep all this info in a file in order to place offers for you. I thought it was a bunch of crap. Time for a new agent and/or call Corcoran directly. Thanks again!

Posted by: guest at March 13, 2008 8:06 PM in response to Making an offer

kdabrowski doesn't know what he's talking about. HSBC actually has a program (community works) that offers lower rates for "risk" neighborhood buildings.

Just call Corcoran and make your offer. You don't need a broker yourself!

Good Luck

Posted by: guest at March 13, 2008 10:36 PM in response to Making an offer

Which neighborhoods does HSBC define as "risk"?

Posted by: guest at March 14, 2008 2:31 AM in response to Making an offer

i'm not sure of the look i'm going for. i think more arts & crafts/transitional... the house doesn't have a lot of original detail so it's sort of a blank slate.

i don't know why this chandelier is appealing to me. i don't think i'm a tacky person, i am just trying to be a little more creative with the house... and i really don't like the more traditional chandeliers.

hmmm.

Posted by: 5onsackett at March 14, 2008 7:07 AM in response to opinions on lighting fixtures wanted

If you like something more transitional check Justice Design Lighting and Hubbardton Forge.
http://www.vtforge.com/Products/CatalogPages07/Page156_157.htm
http://www.justicedesigngroup.net/chandeliers

Posted by: guest at March 14, 2008 8:57 AM in response to opinions on lighting fixtures wanted

I do think the two fixtures are too different. The chandelier is a tough call; it's easy to say it's not my taste but it might be nice in person.

You might think this is too boring, but I think it can be really effective visually and help unite the space: buy two identical fixtures.

Light fixtures can be very hard. I think I tried five pairs of sconces in my dining room before I got the right ones. Take your time, and don't be afraid to take anything back (if you order online, make sure they have a very good return policy--not store credit only.)

Good luck!

Posted by: tinarina at March 14, 2008 10:16 AM in response to opinions on lighting fixtures wanted

The drum-shade chandeliers are a bit overdone and starting to go out of fashion. But I really like the chandelier with the leafiness. It's fresh. It's not ugly or ornate - I don't get that. That "toleware" look with metal leaves and stems is great and it adds an organic element to the shapes in a room. It references art nouveau and arts & crafts like you wanted. Yet it has an edgy industrial aspect to it too.

Maybe people's tastes here are different. I'm a huge fan of putting modern light fixtures in a brownstone. It's the best way to liven it up and have an offbeat element in your design. Light fixtures are pricey to purchase but are easily installed and easily switched out, so there's no need and no reason to be uptight about the light fixtures you choose. Have fun and be playful.

You might have better luck OP, posting on Gardenweb on the interior design forums.

Posted by: guest at March 14, 2008 12:52 PM in response to opinions on lighting fixtures wanted