Not that it matters, but this is not on the Prospect Heights/Crown Heights border--where ever that is. GMAP indicates that this is on Underhill at Prospect Place which is solidly Prospect Heights.

Posted by: jurist at October 26, 2009 1:07 PM in response to New Grocery and Coffee Shop To Open on Underhill

Thanks all. I appreciate it!

Posted by: jurist at April 24, 2009 11:17 AM in response to Outdoor Lighting for Brownstone

Gunnar, I will contact you via email.
eman1234, work on your reading comprehension skills. I didn't say we couldn't afford the job, I said we are looking for ways to lower the cost.

Posted by: jurist at March 31, 2009 2:54 PM in response to Garden Demo Work Needed

I went to the open house when this was still a FSBO. It definitely needs some interior decorating. In addition to the aesthetics of the kitchen, I recall it being small. I think the price needs to come down some more, especially in this market. Maybe $800K is a fair price. BTW, nothing wrong with the backyard. It's quite spacious. The deck could use some work, but that easy.

Posted by: jurist at December 4, 2008 5:14 PM in response to House of the Day: 177 Maple Street

DOW, methinks you'll be eating those words 10 years from now. No one has a crystal ball, but there are only so many brownstones and victorian era homes around in Brooklyn and certainly only so many of them that are on top of Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn Museum. So while I agree it's highly unlikely that Lincoln Rd will be flipped for a handsome profit in the next few years, I have no real doubts that 10 years from now they will be sitting on a property that is considered much more prime then than it is now. (And let's not forget that the market was no picnic in May, although the outlook for the economy was better than it arguably is now.)

Posted by: jurist at November 14, 2008 3:26 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

The new owners of the Lincoln Road place certainly have themselves a nice, big house which needs no immediate renovations. I live in the neighborhood and am not crazy about that block b/c of the predominance of apartment buildings, but the house is gorgeous (saw it during the open house). To the extent that the owners are planning on being there for the long haul, I think it will prove to be a good investment.

Posted by: jurist at November 14, 2008 2:08 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

Multi-lock keys are great because only you can have copies made (as only you will be the keeper of the card that a locksmith will need to create another key). So you don't have to worry about contractors or other service professionals copying your keys w/o your knowledge.

Posted by: jurist at October 27, 2008 1:17 PM in response to Locksmith Recs in Williamsburg?

Sorry, three units, two of which appear to be two floors. Where's the mini-loft?

Posted by: jurist at October 23, 2008 1:15 PM in response to Condos of the Day: 473 Clinton Avenue

Am I missing something? This appears to be a four-story brownstone, but there are 5 units, two of which take up two floors?

Posted by: jurist at October 23, 2008 12:51 PM in response to Condos of the Day: 473 Clinton Avenue

Paul Bunyon delivers upstate firewood to Brooklyn. You can probably google them.

Posted by: jurist at October 22, 2008 1:28 PM in response to Firewood

It will be interesting to see how the PLG house does in this market. It's nearly $1.4M, but 49 Rutland Road fetched $1.425M (closed in June). Of course we are miles away from what the lay of the land was back April (when 49 most likely went into contract). If 73 Rutland sells, it will most certainly sell for over $1M, whether it's closer to $1.1M-$1.2M is really the question. Anyone who is (seriously) looking at this house, in this neighborhood, has already made the determination that they are willing to trade certain neighborhood amenities (as would be available in a 2/3bdrm apt in PS or Prospect Heights) for the space and privacy that they will gain by owning their own house.

Posted by: jurist at October 17, 2008 2:13 PM in response to Open House Picks

Thanks all. (FYI, the fabric is for upholstering a bench seat, chair seat and a foot stool.) I really appreciate the recs.

Posted by: jurist at October 17, 2008 12:07 PM in response to Desperately seeking fabric

Ditto,

Be clear about this: it is not easier to get a loan on a $1.1M house versus a $1.3M (assuming down payment percentage is roughly the same). Especially now when banks are hoarding cash.

Posted by: jurist at October 10, 2008 4:13 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

"11217", you are right on the money. I don't think interest rates are going to go lower any time soon. If you were in the market and smart/lucky enough to get a formerly jumbo loan at a 6% (30 year fix) interest rate, you did just fine. For those who are waiting for prices to come down $100K on million dollar homes and end up with 8%(+) interest rates, don't think you got a deal.

Posted by: jurist at October 10, 2008 3:41 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

Guys, yes, there is a point at which a mortgage is so low that even in this environment one might breeze through the process. However, the prices at which these houses are listed are not in that range. (Let's face it, these houses wouldn't list now for half of the price that they listed for six months ago. Ten percent lower, I wouldn't argue with that.)
Also, recognize that some of these buyers may have sold places at the same time they were in the market to buy. If you are a buyer hoping to do that now, you're in for long wait since properties aren't flying off the shelf. Six months ago, things were moving faster. (I know because that is when we sold and bought--and I am ecstatic that we did.)

Finally, you have to keep in mind, that (depending on the downpayment) these homes closed in the temporary window of reduced conforming loan limits. That window closes December 31 and I read that some banks are trying to move up that date. People who are looking at homes that are priced at nearly a million dollars or more are going to be looking at jumbo rates in very short order.

And don't kid yourself by thinking that just because the Fed lowers interest rates that banks are passing along that savings to their customers because they most certainly are not. So yes, if you close on a jumbo loan on January 1, 2009 you will have a high interest rate, which will probably offset whatever gain you think achieved by waiting to buy.

Posted by: jurist at October 10, 2008 3:11 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

PDT, maybe the buyers would have saved a little if they had waited, but you overlook the fact that getting a mortgage in today's environment is a heck of a lot tougher now than it was even six months ago and it was tough then.

Posted by: jurist at October 10, 2008 1:36 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

Long Live (Thrive?) Lefferts Manor!

Posted by: jurist at October 10, 2008 12:06 PM in response to Happy Birthday PLG!

If the pictures can be trusted, the renovation looks good. I like the kitchen, however "severe" it may be. I like the detail as well, but agree with the earlier post re the blond-esque wood. In order to determine the fairness of the price (whatever that means in this market) it's critical to know the condition of the English basement. If it's renovated, and the renovation is done as well as the rest of the house, then the price doesn't seem so outrageous. However, if it's scary and tomb-like, the price definitely needs to come down.

Posted by: jurist at September 30, 2008 2:43 PM in response to House of the Day: 208 Midwood Street

DIBS, I am not missing your point; I am making an entirely different one. Of course, people have the right to free speech (within the limits of the Constitution) and there is no corresponding right to make an unprovoked assault on a bookstore manager. That said, those taking advantage of their right to free speech by propagating insensitive, racially charged commentary need to look in the mirror when using the word "animal".

Posted by: jurist at September 12, 2008 11:56 AM in response to Wild Teens Trash Court Street B&N, Assault Manager

Those of you using inflammatory, race-baiting language are no less ANIMALS than the delinquents that are the subject of this thread. The fact that your weapon is your keyboard and not your fist is of limited distinction. Your words have a deep impact on not only the readers of this blog, but those persons with whom your comments are shared. Perpetrating prejudice is just as animalistic as perpetrating violence. It's ironic that you can mock a misguided teen for thinking that he is entitled to respect from a stranger, but no doubt feel that your simplistic and arguably racist commentary is worthy of reverence by the strangers who read this blog.

The kids in this situation were wrong and should be pursued and prosecuted accordingly. Frankly, I don't know why anything more needs to be said.

Posted by: jurist at September 12, 2008 11:38 AM in response to Wild Teens Trash Court Street B&N, Assault Manager

This is really an unfortunate incident and I hope the manager is okay. From Brownstoner's account, it's unclear if the cops were called as soon as it was clear that the behavior of the students was inappropriate. Also, doesn't this store have security guards? Not that the same thing wouldn't have happened to them, but surely they are less of a target than a buttoned up manager. Hats off to the manager for attempting to stand up to the kids in the first place though.

Posted by: jurist at September 12, 2008 10:14 AM in response to Wild Teens Trash Court Street B&N, Assault Manager

The new conforming limit is $729K. The catch is, I am not sure that it applies to coops or condos. It definitely applies to single-family homes b/c I rec'd a rate of 6.2% on an amount above $440K back in May--bought 1 point.

Posted by: jurist at September 10, 2008 1:43 PM in response to Will Jumbo Rates go down further?

Man Products installed one at my old building. Don't recall how much it was, but it was reasonable and they were easy to work with.

Posted by: jurist at September 10, 2008 1:38 PM in response to Looking for new cellar door and installer

I couldn't find the earlier posting about the carpets. Are you selling them, do you have different colors? If so, depending on price, I am interested. Thanks.

Posted by: jurist at September 4, 2008 3:40 PM in response to More Photos of Oriental Carpets

This pricing is bit high. We recently sold a real 2 bdrm (1 bath) in this area for $600K and it had a renovated kitchen and bath, in unit w/d, a working wood burning fireplace and a back garden. I think more appropriate pricing would be between $530K - $550K. But Prospect Heights is red hot right now and is showing no signs of slowing down. If you think you want to buy a starter apartment in this area, no time like the present. I imagine prices are not going to drop significantly, if at all.

(This may post twice, sorry.)

Posted by: jurist at August 26, 2008 3:44 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 193 Sterling Place

This pricing is bit high. We recently sold a real 2 bdrm (1 bath) in this area for $600K and it had a renovated kitchen and bath, in unit w/d, a working wood burning fireplace and a back garden. I think more appropriate pricing would be between $530K - $550K. But Prospect Heights is red hot right now and is showing no signs of slowing down. If you think you want to buy a starter apartment in this area, no time like the present. I imagine prices are not going to drop significantly, if at all.

Posted by: jurist at August 26, 2008 3:42 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 193 Sterling Place

Thanks!

Posted by: jurist at July 1, 2008 6:14 PM in response to Sidewalk repair

Thanks so much!

Posted by: jurist at June 26, 2008 4:30 PM in response to Searching for Aluminum or Tin for Backsplash

What is the total square footage of the entire lot? Do you have an email address?

Posted by: jurist at June 20, 2008 3:26 PM in response to missm

yi

Posted by: jurist at May 19, 2008 10:16 PM in response to House of the Day: 168 Midwood Street

7:41pm, as I said in my earlier post, no house in LM that has been on the market recently in the $1.4M range needs all of the work that you list.

7:37pm, when you say that you know of no families where money isn't an issue, you are emphasizing my point. Another person indicated that a four-story house was "too big" for most families and I simply stated that most families in NYC would take the space in a heartbeat if they could afford it.

I think this Midwood house is nice and well appointed. I happen to think it's overpriced, but I understand that everyone comes in much lower than asking these days, so as a seller you gotta start high.

Posted by: jurist at May 19, 2008 10:04 PM in response to House of the Day: 168 Midwood Street

6:46pm, You know not what you speak. A $200K renovation means the house was nearly a wreck. Obviously, one can spend into the stratosphere for renovations, $60 per square foot tile, Viking stoves, etc. But putting those subjective expenses aside, I haven't seen any LM house recently on the market in the $1.4M range that need $200K in work. (Yes, in CH and FG you will see houses that are falling down and the ask is still near $2M, but not in LM.) The LM houses are generally in good shape because it's always been a middle class community. Even if you have to re-wire the whole house you are "only" looking at $50K and that's on the high side. Anyway, the houses that are most recently on the market in LM have already undergone electrical upgrades and are mostly in need of cosmetic work.

We have a four story house and it's definitely big and spacious, but I don't think it's "too big for many families." If money was not an issue, I think most families in NYC, especially those with kids, would always opt for more space. If you have it, you use it.

Posted by: jurist at May 19, 2008 7:05 PM in response to House of the Day: 168 Midwood Street

I am new to PLG and having looked around a bit before taking the plunge I can say that even though this house "has everything new" it's still only 3 stories and from what I can tell there are four story houses in PLG in LM that are priced only a hair above this $1.35 asking price. My view is that anyone in that price range will settle for a bigger house even if there's a little work to be done.

As for restaurants and bars, they'll come to PLG eventually. What's there already is the real draw: Prospect Park, Botanic Garden, express subways, and it's just a skip to Prospect Heights and Park Slope for other amenities. If you have the financial wherewithal to buy a house for $1.3M, you can afford the five minute cab ride to another, dare I say it, "nabe." Or if you feel like gambling with your life, take the dollar van down Flatbush.

Posted by: jurist at May 19, 2008 5:41 PM in response to House of the Day: 168 Midwood Street

We are using Custom Metal Products, 718 443-2676. They came last week-end to measure and give a quote. We need a cover for the front and back and another for the roof. It's running us about $1500 for all three. Didn't price anyone else b/c they came on a referral, so not sure how they stack against others. Installation isn't for a couple of weeks, so can't fully vouch for them yet. However, they did return my calls promptly and showed up for the estimate when they saiad they would.

Posted by: jurist at May 14, 2008 11:33 AM in response to Please recommend an Iron Works Company??!!

Enduro is a great place, but I agree with Dutch, the food is average. Maybe it's just what I ordered. In any event, the ambiance is great and there is certainly a need for more options like it.

Posted by: jurist at May 13, 2008 5:39 PM in response to Streetlevel: Lincoln Road Nail Salon Shuts Down

How did you revive the old hydrangea? We just bought a house and the backyard is a bit of a jungle, but there's a withered hydrangea that would be great to save.

Posted by: jurist at May 13, 2008 5:23 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Bushwick 'English Garden'

Thanks!

Posted by: jurist at May 9, 2008 10:03 AM in response to Discount Tile

Thanks all, these are helpful comments.

Posted by: jurist at May 8, 2008 2:04 PM in response to Electrical Wiring Query

We will be putting in a washer/dryer and a dishwasher. There are some window A/C units, but we will be removing those. It's a forced air heating situation, so at some point we will probably install central air. In the meatime, we'll use fans and maybe ceiling fans.

Posted by: jurist at May 8, 2008 11:31 AM in response to Electrical Wiring Query

I was told that Brownstone Insurance Agency was the best. I just signed up with them for a single-family 4-story brownstone; we got the top coverage (i.e., not the basic plan). Premium is around $6K for three years. Not sure how State Farm compares to that.

Posted by: jurist at April 16, 2008 2:32 PM in response to Insurance Recs

Thanks. Any idea on cost for such a project? The house is four stories.

Posted by: jurist at March 12, 2008 5:59 PM in response to Cleaning Air Ducts

I used Nick and Transcend for a job recently. It started out okay, although it took a couple of phone calls to get him to show up. His competent crew came and did a good job on the first part of the repair, but after that I could never get him to come back and do the finishing work even though he had said he would. After a few calls were not returned I gave up on him.

Posted by: Sisophys at April 10, 2009 12:37 PM in response to Sidewalk repair