newsouthsloper's Profile

Name:
In Brooklyn Since:
2001
On Brownstoner Since:
2006
Location:
Brooklyn
Neighborhood:
Abode:
Condo
Profession:
Accountant
Sex:
Male
Age:
30
Website:

Author's Posts

May 2, 2008

Water from Neighbor Yard

I recently discovered the source of some serious water issues in my yard. Apparently our neighbor has built an extension to their building prior to us moving in. The bottom part of the building has a steep concrete slope that angles toward our yard and when it rains water pours off of their building down the slope and funnels directly into our yard.

This has caused serious issues including overwhelming our drain and flodding the basement and washing debris from their alleyway between the buildings into the yard.

I have been told it is not legal for their building to be designed to make their water problem our problem. I am planning on building a low wall on my side of the property between our fence and their yard that will no doubt create a narrow swimming pool in their alleyway when it rains. But before doing so, I was wondering if anyone can confirm if they are definately in the wrong (illegal, etc.) and what recourse I would have to force them to solve the problem?

Thanks!

April 7, 2008

Backyard/Garden Landscape Contractor

Looking for some recommendations for a landscape contractor to do some pavers and soil removal.

Looking to lay pavers over an area of about 18' by 30'set in gravel and sand and remove about 6" of soil.

Anyone do anything similar recently and have a contractor they recommend? Any idea what this project might cost? I am assuming it is about $1,200 - $1,500 for the cost of materials.

Thanks!

February 11, 2008

Anyone go to the "Vue" Open House This Weekend?

Hey Brownstoners - I went to the "Vue" Open House this weekend and aside from the shockingly high price tag, I found them to be decent in size and quality - especially on the upper floors with an amazing view.

Just wondering if anyone else had an opionion especially since I might actually consider an offer, but am wondering if maybe prices will drop a bit.

Thanks!

December 10, 2007

Estiamte of Water and Sewer Charges

Hi,

We are getting ready to take over the condo board for a 4 unit conversion and are planning to self manage (for now). Anyhow, before we have our first meeting with the sponsor, we are trying to estiamte what the general operating expenses for the building might be.

Could anyone offer an estmate of the water and sewer charges for a 4 unit building might be.

Thanks!

October 31, 2007

Corner of 4th ave and 16th Street

I was wondering if anyone knows what is going on at this huge empty lot on the corner of 4th avenue and 16th street in Gowanus/South Slope.

I walk by everyday and the site seems to be deteriorating daily with garbage piling up, the wood barracade collapsing, etc.

Anyone know if there are development plans in the works? Also, do you think this is 311-type offense I can call and complain to have the department of sanitation clean this spot up a bit? Its becoming an obstacle to weave around the mound of trash and carboard boxes piling up over there.

Thanks!

October 29, 2007

Awning Recommendation

Hi Everyone,

I am considering putting an awning in my yard and I was wondering if I could get some recommendations or referrals...

Also, Not sure if I want a retractible/fabric awning or the more durable metal kind - anyone have experience with either?

Thanks!

September 27, 2007

Are these Movers Ripping me Off?

Hi Everyone,

I am currently soliciting estimates for moving company's for a small move I am doing next month. I have never used a moving company, but company's like OZ, and Movers not Shakers are quoting me some pretty high charges. I only have a small ground floor 1 BR and am moving to a ground floor unit only 15 blocks away.

Anyhow, when I do the math these guys are estimating something like 4 guys and a truck for $150/hr for 8 - 10 hours.

Funny thing is when my wife and I moved ourselves a few years ago we spent about 6 hours, and didnt have any help. I also have less stuff now than I did then.

Anyone know if these rates seem reasonable or have a good alternative. I cant imagine this thing taking more than 4 or 5 hours with 3 guys

September 25, 2007

Installing an Outside Water Spiget

Hi Brownstoners,

I am buying a garden floor condo in a 4 unit building and I recently noticed that there is no outside water spiget to attach a hose.

Anyone ever had something like this installed - I imagine they will need to run pipes, etc. so I am not sure if it is going to be worth the expense.

Any insight, pricing, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Author's Comments

Just locked in a great mortgage with Commerce Bank.

Originally was going to fund a $540K Jumbo with Countrywide at 6.375%. When time came to lock in - Rates were like 7.25%.

Commerce split the Mortgage into a $417K at 6.125% and $123K Home Equty at 6.74%. Overall, Mortgage came out cheaper than before.

Key is good Fico though, if you dont have that your lost!

Posted by: newsouthsloper at September 24, 2007 9:15 AM in response to As Mortgage Rates Rise, More Deals Sink

Both Fixed - The 417K is 30 years, the 123K is 29 years

Posted by: newsouthsloper at September 24, 2007 9:29 AM in response to As Mortgage Rates Rise, More Deals Sink

I put 10% Down - Fico is over 720 Though.

If we didnt get this deal through commerce, we would have ended up paying like 4 or 5 hundred a month more...

Might have thought about backing out at that point.

Posted by: newsouthsloper at September 24, 2007 9:35 AM in response to As Mortgage Rates Rise, More Deals Sink

9:41 - Funny, Wamu was a close second in mortgage. They also had really decent programs.

I think the local banks have alot to offer in this mortgage market. They tend to be more willing to extend 80/10/10 deals because they are not packaging these things off to investors so quickly like the "Big Boys". They also typically keep the Home Equity in-house which means better approvals and rates.

Posted by: newsouthsloper at September 24, 2007 9:50 AM in response to As Mortgage Rates Rise, More Deals Sink

Oh, Hey What - I was wondering where you been...

I knew you would be weighing in with some irrelevant recycled quote sooner or later.

BTW - As far the the blah blah blah programs, I locked in last week not July.

I do agree with you though (Yes, I actually did say that)in that Fico is the Key. No one wants to lend money to people with low Fico anymore - just dont know what you are getting. Maybe that is the way it should be.

Posted by: newsouthsloper at September 24, 2007 10:13 AM in response to As Mortgage Rates Rise, More Deals Sink

What - Dont get me wrong, I totally respect your right to post your opinion here, even though you resort to calling people a-holes and worse.

I just wish you would come up with some more new stuff to quote - getting tired of the Jefferson, Wilson, and Acpocolypse now stuff.

Surely you have alot of time on your hands being a broker in bed-suy and all. Maybe you could research some new material.

Greenspan had some interesting stuff to say over the weekend - maybe you could start with that...

Oh BTW - Another comment I agree with you on "Thank God for Ron Paul." Totally love the guy, but unfortunately he is politically 'irrelevant' and wont have any impact on our world.

Posted by: newsouthsloper at September 24, 2007 10:45 AM in response to As Mortgage Rates Rise, More Deals Sink

Hey 10:40 - Never Said HELOC, it is a Home Equity Loan fixed for 19 years. Check Commerce Bank Website for your self...Its one of the best Home Equity Loans out there right now.

Posted by: newsouthsloper at September 24, 2007 10:48 AM in response to As Mortgage Rates Rise, More Deals Sink

meant 29 not 19 years.

Posted by: newsouthsloper at September 24, 2007 10:49 AM in response to As Mortgage Rates Rise, More Deals Sink

Looks that way 11:31 - With one exception:

If your Fico is under 720 and you've got lots of cash, you are still a "Have"

Posted by: newsouthsloper at September 24, 2007 11:35 AM in response to As Mortgage Rates Rise, More Deals Sink

I kind of dont mind "The What" too much.

His views are alarmist and extreme, but he does make some interesting points...

Better than alot of the other dribble that comes out on this board.

I think he is wrong, but entitled to an opinion like everyone else.

Posted by: newsouthsloper at September 24, 2007 3:11 PM in response to As Mortgage Rates Rise, More Deals Sink