lgs782's Profile
- LGS
- 2007
- 2007
- Brooklyn
- Female
Author's Posts
September 20, 2009
Renting Room to a Friend
I just bought my first apartment and I'm renting the second bedroom a friend of mine. I'm living in the apartment, too. Does anybody have any experience/advice in putting together a contract for this situation? We're good friends, but both agree that a (semi)formal contract is necessary to avoid any misunderstandings. I've looked online for sample lease agreements, etc, but haven't found any examples where the landlord is living with the tenant. Thanks!
July 31, 2009
Condo Insurance
I'm about to close on a 2br condo in an older building that's just been gut renovated. I need home insurance before I can close. Does anybody have any good reviews? Online quotes from Allstate and State Farm are comparable, but if anyone has anything good/bad to say about their experiences I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
June 25, 2009
Benefits of a Mortgage Broker?
I'm in contract for a condo in a sponsor building. I'm a first time buyer now ready to secure a mortgage. My (relatively modest) income is supplemented by more significant money in the bank, but I know getting a mortgage will likely involve more paperwork/scrutiny as it's not as straightforward. Should I try to do this on my own or should I get help from a mortgage broker? What real purpose does a broker serve? Thanks.
June 6, 2009
self-managed condo?
I'm thinking about buying a condo in a 9 unit sponsor building. One stipulation in the contract is that the building will be self-managed, unless the condo board chooses to hire a manager. Since nobody has moved in to the building yet there's no existing condo board. Of course the board could choose to hire a building manager, but maintanence would then naturally go up. Does anybody have experience self-managing their condo building? Is this common? Does it work? I envision all sorts of complications. But one less expense, too...
Author's Comments
Depending on the specific type of commercial zoning, residential occupancy on the 2nd floor may or may not be permitted. If zoning prevents ground- or second-floor residential occupancy, you'd have to change the zoning (which is often harder than just changing the C of O). If you have the address of the property, the Department of City Planning should be able to help. You can call their zoning help desk to find out exactly what's permitted.
Posted by: lgs782 at September 4, 2009 11:59 AM in response to Changing Commercial Zoned Floor
When I moved I collected all the boxes I needed from my neighborhood the night before recycling pickup. Those Fresh Direct boxes were generally in great shape.
Posted by: lgs782 at July 7, 2009 1:26 PM in response to Suggestions - moving boxes?
You can also call the Dept City Planning's Zoning Help Desk - 212-720-3291. You give them your address and your question and they can probably help. I think you usually leave a message but they do call back.
Posted by: lgs782 at June 9, 2009 3:54 PM in response to researching zoning regulations?
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
The U-Haul at 4th Ave and 6th St has a used box exchange. You can just drop off your used boxes or take whatever someone else has left.
Posted by: Peter18 at July 7, 2009 4:27 PM in response to Suggestions - moving boxes?
Recycle day.
***Bid half off peak comps***
Posted by: Brownstones Half Off at July 7, 2009 4:37 PM in response to Suggestions - moving boxes?
The Park Slope Food Coop always has boxes for the taking, and some are pretty huge. And as someone who does a receiving shift, taking stuff out of them and putting them out front, they're as clean as you could imagine : )
Don't know if a non-member could make out with a bunch, but I just did exactly what you're doing (boxing up during renovations) and my free box of choice is Coop!
J
Posted by: jland at July 9, 2009 1:50 PM in response to Suggestions - moving boxes?
All Star moving was excellent. I will only use them in the future. We had some delicate furniture and they did a great job. Not the cheapest, but very professional.
Posted by: glasgirl at September 22, 2009 5:48 PM in response to ISO Great Moving Company
I would not use Movers Not Shakers if you have quality furnishings. They are fast and strong, but not very careful. They broke and scratched several of my things when I used them 2 years ago. They did do a great job of packing up my apartment though.
Posted by: Freckles at September 22, 2009 8:10 PM in response to ISO Great Moving Company
I've had good experiences with Oz and plan to use them for my next move.
Not the cheapest, but they will send an estimator to your place (if you have enough stuff to warrant it) and give you a fairly solid estimate.
Posted by: northsloperenter at September 22, 2009 8:28 PM in response to ISO Great Moving Company
We used the super movers (http://www.thesupermovers.com/live/) just two weeks ago and they were fantastic. All of our stuff made it in perfect condition and, perhaps most importantly during the hell that is moving, they were upbeat and fun.
Posted by: 20thstreet at September 22, 2009 8:56 PM in response to ISO Great Moving Company
flatrate
Posted by: denton at September 22, 2009 9:48 PM in response to ISO Great Moving Company
We used flatrate two times and felt that they were very professional
Posted by: PHfamily at September 23, 2009 8:01 AM in response to ISO Great Moving Company
Used Flat Rate for two recent moves and they were very good - professional, on time, careful with our stuff, no hidden charges.
Posted by: zeebee_in_bklyn at September 23, 2009 8:32 AM in response to ISO Great Moving Company
Dumbo Moving and Storage is excellent. I've used them a couple of times.
Posted by: lgs782 at September 22, 2009 5:47 PM in response to ISO Great Moving Company