These guys are great, we use them once a month - Ditmas Park . On time and they really do a great job. in response to the comment from "i disagree" if you cant handle alanguage problem you are in the wrong town...

Posted by: j banks at August 25, 2008 4:29 PM in response to Cleaning Service Cooperative

Thanks for the info, are they flexible on the % of commission?

Posted by: j banks at June 17, 2008 3:39 PM in response to Ditmas Park Realtors

Does anyone agree that 100K would make it habitable, new kitchens, baths, electricals and plumbing?

Posted by: j banks at June 12, 2008 5:53 PM in response to House of the Day: 266 Stuyvesant Avenue

My cousin had a horrible experience with Mary K.
My cousin gave an offer on a house that was alot lower then asking. Mary K. got very upset and told my cousin that she would not even present that offer. My cousin informed her that she must present the offer no matter what the amount is! Mary K. produced the low ball offer and my cousin got the house. Mary K. was furious that she lost out on a large part of the commision and threw a fit.

Posted by: guest at June 19, 2008 11:43 AM in response to Ditmas Park Realtors

why would a realtor care? The commission is only $6,000 per $100,000. I'm sure they'd rather move the house and pocket $60,000 than do a bunch more legwork to theoretically get an extra few thousand.

The usual concern is that realtors push lowball offers so they can move the house and get their commission.

Posted by: slick at June 19, 2008 10:19 PM in response to Ditmas Park Realtors

I suppose when you lowball you have to be prepared for some snotty attitute. I lowballed a greenpoint brownstone, got laughed at, then he called me back 4 months later when he couldn't move the place. My lesson was that it takes thick skin, but especially in this market, its worth a try.

Posted by: bqe1970 at July 27, 2008 7:31 PM in response to Ditmas Park Realtors

Goodness, "i disagree" is hardly out of line for wanting to converse with her cleaning woman.

I myself need my cleaning woman to understand a certain amount of English, and I won't apologize for it. I care about my house and I'm very picky and particular about which cleaning products are used on which surfaces. If they're going to help with laundry I absolutely have to be able to explain how to use the machine and the proper amount of HE detergeant to use. To avoid disaster with those machines. I also sometimes have the cleaning woman focus on one particular task more than another most visits. Every visit requires some instructions.

This looks like a great cause and I'd absolutely keep it in mind to use in the future. It's great everyone is enthused about it. But it's not all that unusual to want to converse even a little with one's cleaning woman.

Posted by: traditionalmod at August 26, 2008 11:14 AM in response to Cleaning Service Cooperative

What are their rates like?

Posted by: Bessie at August 26, 2008 12:14 PM in response to Cleaning Service Cooperative

we've used them before--as recently as today--and they really are superb. They stay until the job is done for a flat rate--not but by the hour. Really a great service and a great organization. All info and prices are one their website referenced in the original post.

Posted by: be37 at August 26, 2008 4:26 PM in response to Cleaning Service Cooperative

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