karo25's Profile
Author's Posts
August 10, 2009
Good sofa store
I need to buy a nice fabric sofa or a sectional. I cannot find any good store that has products worth attention. I do not need anything fancy, rather, comfy fluffy and not expensive. IKEA out of the questions, however.
Preferably in NJ.
Thanks guys, any ideas please.
Down payment and Mortgage
Question to those who are familiar and Adam Dahil.
I am about to close on a condo in NJ. My uncle gave me two check made out to my bank as a transfer to cover the down payment. The money wasn’t a loan or a gift (which he would have to pay the tax on) but simply my money I had once gave him for investment purposes and to hold in his account. Now the bank tells me they need him to sign a gift letter but they won’t report him to IRS, the letter is only going to Fannie Mae and last time I checked this is a federal bank. What should I do to avoid this issue? They said they won’t close it if I don’t have the proof of where the money came from.
May 14, 2009
Kitchen renovation
I am moving to NJ and was wondering of the cost of renovating the kitchen. We have something you usually see in the Brooklyn coops but a bit bigger. I am trying to figure out if we can tear down the wall and extend the kitchen with the countertops and drawers. Any suggestions? (the wall to the right of the table)
April 28, 2009
Wallpaper removal
How do you remove a wallpaper?
I would like to repaint my bathroom but have no clue how to get rid off that old wallpaper I had put on years ago.
Many thanks.
April 15, 2009
Mortgage rates
Who has the best 30 year fixed rates today?
I'm going crazy with visiting all the sites.
March 31, 2009
To those who disbelieve that the
I got this email last week myself, so as my other co-workers. There is another one from one of the banks, if I find it I will post it.
http://www.dhl.com/publish/g0/en/information/customer/fraud.high.html
March 17, 2009
To Adam Dahill
Adam,
I am thinking to purchase a vacation home in PA. Are you familiar with the mortgage market there, or, can I apply for a mortgage here? What are the best rates now and any requirements that changed over a few month period?
I found this article as well taking about the 8000 for home buyers and very little down payments. What are the FHA loans and how can you obtain them?
http://www.citizensvoice.com/articles/2009/03/16/editorial/letters/wb_voice.20090316.t.pg15.cv16housing_s1.2371730_let.txt
March 13, 2009
Personal loan question
I know some of you are in lending business. What is the best place to go for a personal loan for about 15K?
Thanks.
Author's Comments
Great, thanks guys for all the help.
As to macys I really didn't find anything worth attention, bo concept is too high for me, although the furniture is fantastic.
I think I will try R&F since they seem to have the comfort I am looking for.
I will give it a shot with Siegermann's as well, never heard of them before.
thanks again.
Posted by: karo25 at August 11, 2009 4:28 PM in response to Good sofa store
No you do not!
Posted by: karo25 at July 17, 2009 1:15 PM in response to Basic Kitchen Reno-Need Permit?
I'm not sure about the rents going down. The landlords on my block increased their rentals about $100.00 per month. They all started complaining how the water bill is more and gas bill comes every month and the property taxes are going up. I am the only one left that the increase did not hit thus far. I told my lady that I'm on a 4 day week and just cannot afford it. Basta
Posted by: karo25 at July 8, 2009 4:29 PM in response to Rents going down? By how much?
Absolutely not, however, you will usually look for someone close to the property since the closing goes down in the purchaser's atty's office.
Posted by: karo25 at July 8, 2009 4:26 PM in response to Potentially Dumb Lawyer Question
If you mean a Title COmpany call Counsel Abstract, Inc.
Small yet professional company based on Park Ave. in NYC.
They do all deals all over the country.
Speak with Stephanie (212) 355-2460 tell her Carolina send you.
Posted by: karo25 at July 8, 2009 4:24 PM in response to Condo Insurance
Thanks theklahy, yes, it does. I will give them the letter if that's the case. I don't care as long as the poor guy won't have any issues:)
Posted by: karo25 at May 18, 2009 4:06 PM in response to Down payment and Mortgage
Thank you Adam, as always:)
We looked in Verona whcich I loved because of the park but the place was horrible for the price and finally found one in West Orange of the Conforti Avenue.
Are you familiar with the area?
Posted by: karo25 at May 18, 2009 3:55 PM in response to Down payment and Mortgage
If you told me yes than I'd go about it differently lol smartass
Posted by: karo25 at May 18, 2009 2:04 PM in response to Down payment and Mortgage
Do they report a gift letter to IRS?
Posted by: karo25 at May 18, 2009 12:21 PM in response to Down payment and Mortgage
I'm just trying to avoid him paying the tax which he really shouldn't pay.
Posted by: karo25 at May 18, 2009 10:59 AM in response to Down payment and Mortgage
Guys you are great! Thanks so much and yes sam I know the wall has got to go. I have no idea what were they thinking putting it up:)
Christine I will call you after the closing so keep me on file:) Thank you again!
Posted by: karo25 at May 15, 2009 11:09 AM in response to Kitchen renovation
I will, and 10K sounds ok. I was scared I have to spend more than 15, which would be out of the question. Thanks
Posted by: karo25 at May 14, 2009 4:19 PM in response to Kitchen renovation
Thanks bessie 2! I like that number, even if it's a bit more I would be fine with that. I will make sure to take more pics and post them.
Posted by: karo25 at May 14, 2009 2:09 PM in response to Kitchen renovation
That is the only pic I have on hand for now. My problem is that I really don't know how much that sort of job costs. Is 10K enough? Nothing crazy just expension and inexpensive cabinets
Posted by: karo25 at May 14, 2009 12:19 PM in response to Kitchen renovation
Thank you again!
Posted by: karo25 at May 12, 2009 2:06 PM in response to Wallpaper removal
Will do, thanks!
Posted by: karo25 at April 30, 2009 11:18 AM in response to Wallpaper removal
bayridge has lots of those
Posted by: karo25 at April 30, 2009 11:17 AM in response to Studio Search
Thank you guys!
I have a clothes steamer, would that work? I peeled a bit off the wall and it’s not coming off easily and the idea with the fabric softener is great, never heard of it.
Posted by: karo25 at April 29, 2009 11:11 AM in response to Wallpaper removal
seller pays the broker's fee. He wants to get rid of the place therefor he pays.
Yes, the lawyer is your next step, call few of them in the neighberhood and pick the cheapest that specializes in condos. Your fee should be more than 1500 for the lawyer and closing should exceed 5000
Posted by: karo25 at April 28, 2009 3:07 PM in response to FSBO / buyer's broker
nyflicka: I suggest you start a new post with the subject jumbo mtg. you most likely won't find your answer here. Sorry but I don't have any experience with jumbo.
Posted by: karo25 at April 17, 2009 9:32 AM in response to Mortgage rates
they comin for us lol
Posted by: karo25 at April 17, 2009 9:30 AM in response to Southern Lights?
InsertSnappyNameHere, that's great, thank you!
Posted by: karo25 at April 17, 2009 9:09 AM in response to off the topic now
I second mopar. Reason why I asked in the first place. Your lawyer should take care of the details like that and the back and forth with the bank. The title company will be involved as well, you shouldn't look for your own guy.
Posted by: karo25 at April 16, 2009 4:03 PM in response to How to find an engineer
thanks.
Posted by: karo25 at April 16, 2009 3:46 PM in response to off the topic now
why would you need an engineer?
Posted by: karo25 at April 16, 2009 3:19 PM in response to How to find an engineer
There is one thing I have noticed. I just ordered a free 30 day trial and it looks like my AMEX accounts were not updated in months. I have sent a dispute letters to the 3 companies to update the information and boost up my credit.
I learned not to trust AMEX lately. this is just FYI
Good Luck!
Posted by: karo25 at April 16, 2009 2:33 PM in response to Mortgage rates
And here is a brakedown from FICO's site
http://www.myfico.com/Default.aspx
Posted by: karo25 at April 16, 2009 1:22 PM in response to Mortgage rates
MKSK: IT LOOKS THAT ANYTHING BETWEEN 760 and 850 WILL GUARANTEE YOU THE LOWEST RATE.
See this article:
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/Financial_Literacy/March07_credit_score_mortgage_a1.asp
Posted by: karo25 at April 16, 2009 1:18 PM in response to Mortgage rates
4.75 nice, the rates in late march were in low 4s. should have locked it....
Posted by: karo25 at April 16, 2009 9:46 AM in response to Mortgage rates
what rates did you get?
Posted by: karo25 at April 15, 2009 4:11 PM in response to Mortgage rates
Yes, what's the question?
Advancing new money and consolidating it with the other mortgage(s). Tax on the new money must be paid.
Posted by: karo25 at April 2, 2009 12:08 PM in response to PURCHASE CEMA
40% overall in the country
Posted by: karo25 at March 31, 2009 4:27 PM in response to Real Estate Values
and more from IRS
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=155682,00.html
Posted by: karo25 at March 31, 2009 4:03 PM in response to To those who disbelieve that the
Bessie is correct as to the gains tax
Posted by: karo25 at March 20, 2009 9:31 AM in response to SELLERS CLOSING COST
Real Estate Transfer Tax: $1,540.00 (2.00 per 500)
Real Property Transfer Tax: $3,850 (based on the residentail house 1-2 family and purchase price less than 500K)
Also, if there is a mortgage payoff involved you will be responsible for paying the cost of recording of the SAT, which shouldn't be more than 120.00 and the preparation of the Transfer Tax Forms.
I do prepare transfer tax forms for 75.00 if you are interested (karolina2570@optonline.net)
That should be it for you if it comes to the closing cost.
Posted by: karo25 at March 19, 2009 3:03 PM in response to SELLERS CLOSING COST
Yes, yes you are very valuable:)
and thank you!
Posted by: karo25 at March 18, 2009 1:58 PM in response to To Adam Dahill
I was looking for those in months already, yet, no luck. It's a great opportunity for people to own but are not yet ready to purchase. It's not, however, that popular in ny.
If you find out more please post.
Posted by: karo25 at March 16, 2009 4:47 PM in response to condos/rentals
try to post on Linkedin.com there are many different groups and associations created already and people are very active.
Create a profile, if you don't have one yet.
Posted by: karo25 at March 16, 2009 4:45 PM in response to Seeking Brooklyn Board/Assoc.'s
Thank you. I did look into credit unions and they seem to have a bit lower interests. Also, I noticed that if you do not have an account where you take a loan the interest rate is higher. Is that normal?
What about credit.com ?
http://www.credit.com/products/loans/pl-comparison-chart.jsp
Posted by: karo25 at March 13, 2009 2:27 PM in response to Personal loan question
I found some online banking that offers them as well but I'm not sure they can be trusted.
Thank you Adam
Posted by: karo25 at March 13, 2009 12:40 PM in response to Personal loan question
Completely normal. No worries.
Posted by: karo25 at March 12, 2009 3:21 PM in response to New to the Area
THANKS GUYS. I will take you word for it. No more Leske's !
Posted by: karo25 at March 12, 2009 2:26 PM in response to Leske's SUCKS
YOU'RE RIGHT. IT'S ELEGANT AND THE FOOD IS OUTSTANDING.
Posted by: karo25 at March 12, 2009 2:24 PM in response to FYI Petit Oven in Bay Ridge
Will check out Alba's over the weekend:) thanks Giovanna
Posted by: karo25 at March 12, 2009 11:18 AM in response to Leske's SUCKS
where is villabatte?
Posted by: karo25 at March 12, 2009 10:56 AM in response to Leske's SUCKS
Other news, since we’re on the subject, does anyone know Angelo’s in Bensonhurst?
The bakery was there for probably 30 or so years. The woman was like a Mussolini to her employees and not that long ago the bakery has closed. The sign said “we retired”. In reality the department of health came and closed their door for being unsanitary!
In one respect I’m glad since the mouth on those people was way too big and their goods were not that good at all.
The best was when they charged 5.00 for an iced coffee lol….
Posted by: karo25 at March 12, 2009 10:54 AM in response to Leske's SUCKS
True Giovanna, Leske's is Norwegian and as much as some of their products were ok, the fact that they were mean and unsanitary turned me away.
Posted by: karo25 at March 12, 2009 10:48 AM in response to Leske's SUCKS
I would buy if I had that kind of money. Perfect timing if you were thinking of investing in real property already.
Posted by: karo25 at March 12, 2009 10:04 AM in response to To Buy or Not to Buy
That is true. The building goes under and you go with it. If you look closer to some of our discussions here you'll see people advising not to buy unless the building is at least 50% sold (that's for condos) and coops have most of their mortgages paid off or have low amounts on them. Run and hide.
Posted by: karo25 at March 11, 2009 4:08 PM in response to Co-op Property and bankruptcy
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
My condo in Park Slope is under All State.
Posted by: crimsonson at July 9, 2009 9:46 PM in response to Condo Insurance
We used State Farm through Alan Wheeler Agency--it was pretty cheap for basic coverage, decent service.
Posted by: woodys at July 10, 2009 2:53 PM in response to Condo Insurance
We used State Farm through Alan Wheeler Agency--it was pretty cheap for basic coverage, decent service.
Posted by: woodys at July 10, 2009 2:53 PM in response to Condo Insurance
Indy, very curious to know how the offer is going. We were looking for a two family on the L train on the Bushwick Ridgewood border for over a year but couldn't find anything. Now we are in contract for a house on the JMZ. Good luck!
Posted by: mopar at July 12, 2009 11:10 AM in response to Potentially Dumb Lawyer Question
1842 - Are you saying if they wanted to add "electrical" then they would need a permit?
My understanding is if you're not adding a new breaker and running a new line from the fuse box, then you don't need a permit. E.g. extending a run by adding an extra outlet.
Posted by: CookieCutterBrownstone at July 17, 2009 1:51 PM in response to Basic Kitchen Reno-Need Permit?
If you ask the DOB they will say "yes" -so for heavens sake don't ask.
Posted by: Minard Lafever at July 17, 2009 3:17 PM in response to Basic Kitchen Reno-Need Permit?
no permit.
Posted by: Petebklyn at July 17, 2009 3:51 PM in response to Basic Kitchen Reno-Need Permit?
no permit, but don't forget the coop board!
Posted by: denton at July 17, 2009 3:54 PM in response to Basic Kitchen Reno-Need Permit?
Thanks very much for all the replies! Sounds like the consensus is that we are safe without a permit.
Posted by: perach at July 17, 2009 5:00 PM in response to Basic Kitchen Reno-Need Permit?
Rents are going down a lot. Most brokers now aren't charging fees-- that shows you how bad the rental market has gotten.
Posted by: johnsodana at July 18, 2009 1:26 PM in response to Rents going down? By how much?
I had a similar problem with an appraisal and Wells. It's not the appraser but the bank, I think. I used a guy from Jersey and the same thing happened. This was for the purchase, however, and it came back 10k less than the purchase price. I wonted to put 25% to keep my rate at 4.875% and the bank gave me a hard time saying their 25% is based on the appraised value not the purchase price. I lost the rate since I wanted to proceed with the purchase. Bankg away was an option but the inspection, appraisal, etc. was already paid for and no one will refund the money for that.
I'm not sure why they do it but something is definately going on. Few of my friends had a similar problem during their purchase.
Sorry.
Posted by: karo25 at August 17, 2009 4:39 PM in response to Appraiser Trouble