If anyone is interested, the Tax Foundation performs a lot of studies on who bears the burden of tax payments and who recieves government benefits. There is a pretty good (albeit long) report here: http://www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/2282.html

Posted by: rjlovie at March 10, 2008 5:10 PM in response to Fannie Mae Supersizes You

Ha, z, you are right! I just noticed the pictures of the bay window... very tricky on the brokers behalf....

Posted by: rjlovie at February 26, 2008 1:06 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 806 Carroll Street

the links not working... it looks like brooklyn properties pulled it from their site?

Posted by: rjlovie at February 25, 2008 1:31 PM in response to House of the Day: 396 Vanderbilt Avenue

MsBrooklyn, I think that Hank's Saloon has rock band karaoke, right down the street.

Posted by: rjlovie at February 21, 2008 3:22 PM in response to StreetLevel: Magnetic Field Saying So Long

I work at at the Crunch on Flatbush and Sterling and I often duck into the Key Food across the street before I head home. It's ok. Pro's: large section of organic products, especially canned and dry goods, decent beer selection, pretty fresh meat department, decent sized cheese section, ok deli. Con's: its TINY, don't even think about going in there for a big shopping trip, its so cramped. They have organic produce that usually seems to be of good quality but the selection is very small. And they have high shelves, you frequently need to get someone to help you get something up high, especially if you are opting for the cheaper brand! But it's ok.

For what it's worth... I go to the Associated on Myrtle a lot, simply for their walk-in beer area. But that's just me.

Little side rant... why does no one in this city carry frozen hash browns? Like, just shredded potatoes, not anything thats been fried? They are very hard to find...

Posted by: rjlovie at February 21, 2008 11:07 AM in response to Got a grocery store you love--or even kinda like--in Prospect Heights, Clinton Hill, or Bed-Stuy?

I think you could walk from here to the Q stop at Dekalb and get into midtown pretty quickly.

Posted by: rjlovie at February 20, 2008 3:15 PM in response to The Clermont Condominium Open For Business

I think by an interruption they probably meant that your service would be disrupted while they put the thing in service. Most likely having a vault installed probably means they are upgrading service in your neighborhood (its probably to house a new transformer), which will likely result in greater reliability in your area, not worse. But don't take it from me, by all means attend the meeting.

I don't really know what you mean by recourse. They have to get you electricity somehow. Where else could they put it?

Posted by: rjlovie at February 6, 2008 5:20 PM in response to New Con Ed electrical vault?

The landlord is totally at fault here. Unfortunately, I still don't think that should me the tenants get to go back. I hope the landlord gets fined so much that a condo conversion loses its appeal, because he doesn't deserve to be rewarded for his behavior.

Posted by: rjlovie at February 6, 2008 4:50 PM in response to DOB, FDNY Deliver Bad News to 475 Kent Tenants

As a person who has her vehicle legally registered in this city and pays through the nose in car insurance, I would agree to pretty much any idea that helped root out all of the people committing insurance fraud in New York (like the guest at 1:45).

I lived in a city with residential parking permits... it was a college town that didn't want students coming in a parking on the streets rather then paying for university permits. It wasn't so bad. I don't think it would be a big deal to issue permits to tenants... all you need is a utility bill to prove tenancy. Update your proof once a year when you pay for the permit. I feel like permits wouldn't change evening parking that much... I mean we all pretty much practice zoned parking right now in the evenings, because we all try to park as close as possible to our homes. I think as long as I could use my neighborhood permit as a short term permit in other nabes to conduct my business (2 hrs seems fine to me) I would be ok with residential permits. What I don't get is issuing permits to workers, not residents. I'm just scratching my head on that one completely.

Posted by: rjlovie at February 6, 2008 4:37 PM in response to Pols, DOT: Parking Permit Program For Many 'Hoods

2:31pm: I know its a basement, but I have to figure the all of the details of the studio, like soundproofing, and the little booth thingy, and maybe some wiring and such are probably all priced into the house. And I wouldn't want to pay for it. That's all.

Even if they aren't figured into the price of the house, I think it would be hard for some people to get around, psychologically. Other than that, it looks like a sweet house. I have no idea if other houses in that area go for that price though.

Posted by: rjlovie at February 1, 2008 2:40 PM in response to Open House Picks

It seems like the Albemarle house might be priced right, for the right buyer. The condition of it seems great. But, how many people would ever want/need their very own recording studio? haha not me. Which is one of the reasons I would probably not buy this house.

Posted by: rjlovie at February 1, 2008 2:18 PM in response to Open House Picks

I'm intrigued by the Stuyvesant house... pics don't seem to be working on the broker page. Anyone know anything about it?

Posted by: rjlovie at February 1, 2008 1:54 PM in response to Open House Picks

Lefferts Manor question - I know these houses have to be kept single family... but does that bar you from putting in a second kitchen altogether? I'm asking from the perspective of someone who might want to have an in-law's suite in her house somewhere down the road, but not necessarily a rental... Thanks!

Posted by: rjlovie at January 18, 2008 3:23 PM in response to Open House Picks

Back to the PLG/Midwood house, when I compare that house to the 11/8 HOTD a block away on Rutland:

http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2007/11/house_of_the_da_404.php

I'd much rather pay $1.45m for the house on Rutland. It makes the Midwood house seem way overpriced.

Posted by: rjlovie at January 18, 2008 2:33 PM in response to Open House Picks

re: PLG/Midwood house - obviously this house is on a pretty prime block, and has some detail in it (although the photos don't show as much as I'd like to see, like kitchens and baths). I'm taking the lack of photos and any other information on the kitchens, baths, mechanicals, etc as a sign that they may all need some work. I just moved to PLG (renting) and have only recently started watching prices here so I have no idea if this price tag makes sense, but it does seem like being in the Manor alone is a huge plus.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the wallpaper? I know its probably proper in terms of historical value, but my first thoughts when I saw it were WOW! Haha, maybe that kind of thing is just not my taste. To me it screams funeral home, haha. The woodwork and the fireplace look awesome though.

I'm finding the type on Corcoran's listings more and more annoying... this one is particularly wordy! "...created by artisans and crafts persons to bring to life, the dream of well living." What does that mean?!? ick!

Posted by: rjlovie at January 18, 2008 2:12 PM in response to Open House Picks

You say alcoholic, I say my new best friend.

Cheers! Enjoy it! I'm jealous!

Posted by: rjlovie at January 9, 2008 4:35 PM in response to Weekend Warrior: DIY Wine Cellar

3:14pm - I wasn't suggesting that the landlord subsidize their tenants lifestyles. I was just pointing out that for a lot of smaller-time landlords, keeping good tenants is more valuable than the increase in rent they would recieve. I was just pointing out a risk involved... if her tenants decide to move, she'd have to find new tenants, and create a hassle for herself. Some people wouldn't want to have to deal with that, just to get $1200 more a year on rent rolls. By all means, ask for whatever rents you wish.

Posted by: rjlovie at January 9, 2008 4:22 PM in response to fair rent increase

Can I just ask why you want to raise the rents? For people who have been in the same place for that many years, a rent increase, even somewhat slight, is just what you need to edge you out into another place. So if they are good tenants and you don't want them to move, and you don't have legitimate reasons for raising the rent (like increased heat costs), I wouldn't do it. But that's just my two cents.

Posted by: rjlovie at January 9, 2008 2:57 PM in response to fair rent increase

I would just like to take this moment and thank the regular Brownstoner posters who have helped make the word asshat part of my daily vocabulary. Everytime I see it here I giggle. Thanks for the laugh, 2:03!

Posted by: rjlovie at January 9, 2008 2:16 PM in response to House of the Day: 78 3rd Place

Another thing, double check your bill, was it an actual meter reading or an estimated reading? It might be a high estimate, considering they think that you are heating a whole three family house. If its an estimate, take your bill down to the meter and check the actual reading against the one on your bill. There is always the chance they read the meter wrong. If it is incorrect, you can call them and they will adjust.

Posted by: rjlovie at January 4, 2008 10:31 AM in response to Price-Check on Gas Bill

Yes, you are correct, Keyspan does not provide electric service in New York City. You must go to ConEd.

Posted by: rjlovie at January 4, 2008 10:29 AM in response to choosing energy companies

Ok, I'm assuming that right now, you have a cable modem (provided by time warner) that connects to a cable wire, and then an ethernet cable runs from your modem to your computer. Does that sound right? In order to set up a wireless system, you need to buy a wireless router of some sort, and have the cable modem connect to it instead of your computer. Then you have to make sure your computers have wireless cards so that they can communicate with the router. You will want to make sure you set up your wireless router with some sort of security/password, to prevent people from stealing your bandwith. This link sort of illustrates the basics of it. Hope I helped.
http://www.geeksquad.com/tools/detail.aspx?id=339

Posted by: rjlovie at December 20, 2007 11:24 AM in response to Wireless Computer

Chiming in a little late here, but I was driving up Bedford Ave today, and I cannot believe the way that certain drivers will take that bike lane and use it as their personal express lane. One livery driver sped by me at at least 50 mph this morning. It's a huge bike lane that should add a lot of safety, but i felt terrified for the bicyclists I saw along my way. I have to drive for my job, but I always try to give courtesy to bicyclists. If the roads were a little safer, it would be a preferred method of transit for a lot more people (including myself).

Posted by: rjlovie at December 20, 2007 9:07 AM in response to Closing Bell: No Love for the Adams Street Bike Lane

10:05, maybe I did not articulate my point well enough. My question is, wasn't it already illegal to:
1) Fail to provide essential services as a landlord, and
2) Harass another person, including repeatedly cursing and using racial and ethnic slurs?

I by no means am against these things being illegal. I just think this kind of legislation is for show. And if I am wrong about either of the two things above being illegal, by all means...

Posted by: rjlovie at December 18, 2007 10:10 AM in response to Council Debates Bill Aimed at Abusive Landlords

Can't any citizen already file a restraining order on anyone who harasses them, landlord or not? I didn't think it was that difficult a process. I don't really see what this bill does, except make the politicians appear as if they are doing something for renters. Unless I'm missing something.

Posted by: rjlovie at December 18, 2007 9:29 AM in response to Council Debates Bill Aimed at Abusive Landlords

4:11, yes I did sign it, and Mrs. Limestone was right, it was a standard lease form. Like I said, OP's lease might not have a clause in there, but I'm guessing that they just signed it this summer, and their landlord probably had an idea that they were going to sell, and probably put it in the lease. I know, a lot of assumptions, but there you go. If they don't have a clause, I think that just gives the tenant more leverage to ask for more money (as your tenancy impacts the value of the house). In that case, I'd bring out my bargaining tools and get a nice settlement, rather than fight to stay. But thats just me.

Posted by: rjlovie at December 12, 2007 7:42 PM in response to Can my landlord evict me?

I thought this was an interesting question, as I know the last two leases I've signed have specifically said that the lease is voided if the owner sells the property, and they are only obligated to give me 30 days notice. I would double check your lease, just to make sure. Otherwise, I say take the money and run. Sure, its inconvenient to move early, but like the other posters said, you are going to need to move anyway. Three months rent seems fair to me. Your landlord will not want to fight you in court.

Posted by: rjlovie at December 12, 2007 2:46 PM in response to Can my landlord evict me?

My husband and I were just discussing how having a two-family home would give us the option in the future to care for our parents, should we need to. I think your multi-generational home sounds lovely. Good luck!

Posted by: rjlovie at December 12, 2007 12:01 PM in response to Entry level

I'm a renter, not an owner, but I can tell you one thing... laundry facilities were a MUST in my most recent move, and it was something I was willing to pay a premium for. Just something to keep in mind.

Posted by: rjlovie at December 4, 2007 3:55 PM in response to Washer / dryer in brownstone rental

I wish this place had better signage. I don't know how many times I've gone by and thought to myself, is this a restaurant? Now I know.

Posted by: rjlovie at December 4, 2007 1:12 PM in response to Restaurant Sorrell Closing?

This guy is awesome. I wish I loved my bathroom this much. Good for you!

And for those who want a radio for their shower, you can totally buy a battery operated one that hangs from your shower head. I have one, its a sony thats am/fm and plays cds, runs on C batteries. I think it was only 30 dollars or so. I miss it when I forget to stock up on C batteries!

Posted by: rjlovie at December 4, 2007 1:09 PM in response to Bathroom Reno #9: Connected In Crown Heights

Oh... and also, we were a little hesitant about $2400 rent PLUS a brokers fee... that also shied us away a little. We ended up going for similar rent, bigger apartment by owner with no fee.

Posted by: rjlovie at November 1, 2007 3:47 PM in response to Rentals of the Day: Brownstone Craigs Picks

My partner and I visited the St. Mark's apartment last week. I thought the craigslist posting was pretty interesting, because they've dropped the rent $100 since we went to visit it.
Our impression of the apartment on the whole was fairly positive. The kitchen is nicer than you will find in most rentals, with a ton of cabinet space. The bathroom seems pretty new. The washer/dryer was huge for me. You have to walk through the bedroom to get to the office, and it was pretty small (I would guess 6x8 or so) but large enough for a desk and bookcases, or a crib and dresser I would suppose.
We felt the rent was worth it because of the location (very close to the 7th Ave Q) but in the end walked away because the living space wasn't as big as we would have liked. We wanted room for a kitchen table, plus a sofa and television. I think the bedroom is actually a little bigger than the living space. But on the whole, I thought it was really nice. Oh, and also, the wood floors seemed really old (maybe original) but in ok shape.

Posted by: rjlovie at November 1, 2007 3:38 PM in response to Rentals of the Day: Brownstone Craigs Picks

I'm lucky enough to have a spouse whose guilty pleasure is crummy chain restaurant dinners. Even he didn't like this TGIFridays. The service was terrible and it was a lot more expensive than Applebee's at the other end of Fulton Mall. We only went once.

I also agree that the fact that the mall is totally dead after 8 does not help business here.

Posted by: rjlovie at October 9, 2007 9:15 PM in response to Streetlevel: Still No Takers for Gage & Tollner Space

If I had $2.8 mil to spend on a house, I think I would love the Park Slope one.

I also really love the stair case in the Boerum Hill house.

Posted by: rjlovie at October 5, 2007 2:17 PM in response to Open House Picks

This is going to sound silly... but could someone please clue me in to the proper pronounciation of Cortelyou? I feel like a mush mouth every time I go to say it. Help me build by Brooklyn speech confidence!

Posted by: rjlovie at September 18, 2007 3:44 PM in response to What's on Tap for Cortelyou Road?

My advice would be not to spend a ton of money on a high end renovation, but give yourself a $500 budget or so to make some small changes that will just make it look nicer. A new coat of paint, perhaps a new light fixture or mirror... you know, the kind of stuff they do on those Sell My House shows!

Posted by: rjlovie at August 27, 2007 4:14 PM in response to Should we renovate our bathroom before selling?

As a young person looking to make my first home purchase in the next year or so, I can say that I definitely am feeling no rush to purchase at this point. We feel like we can wait (hope, perhaps) for some price correction. And it seems like in developments like this, the prices have a way of falling a little after a few months. However, I was pretty surprised to see that offers have already been accepted on two of the 2-bedroom units. I feel like with the risk involved, if young people do buy condos, they are going to look to buy places with room to grow so that they can afford space-wise to hold onto the property for a few years if values drop. But maybe this is just my thinking
Little pet peeve too... no floorplans?

Posted by: rjlovie at August 21, 2007 1:06 PM in response to Condos of the Day: Maze at 447 Humboldt Street

check the math on 1-2 dollars per sq ft annually

Posted by: brownstone89 at March 20, 2008 5:59 AM in response to Price-Check on Gas Bill

I just recently enrolled with MxEnergy. They are great and have no contracts on variable plans and competitive and lower rates to Con Edison. I didn't have to pay to enroll and I can cancel whenever I want without any penalities. Another thing my rep told me to look out for with ESCOs is hidden fees. A lot of companies quote a rate, lock you into a contract then charge these extra fees. This company does not do this! My reps name is Kristi Chacon. She said I could post on this her information so you can contact her directly. Phone Number is 800-480-5192 ext.3252 Her e-mail is kristichacon@mxenergychoice.com

I have so far been saving about 30% on my utilities a month now!!!

Posted by: guest at June 3, 2008 3:21 PM in response to choosing energy companies

You are trying to increase the rent by >7.5%. You should have raised it 2 to 3% each year. Such a large increase will hurt the tenant and might push him/her to look elsewhere.
Moving expenses are low compared to $1200/yr increase. A good tenant is hard to get and keep.

Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 7:30 PM in response to fair rent increase

I recently tried buying my groceries online and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was. I found all of the items on my shopping list in about 20 minutes, paid and they were at my door by late afternoon. I never even had to leave my house! I used D’agostino’s (www.dagnyc.com) online shopping but I believe there are many others. Really good idea, wish I had done it sooner.

Posted by: guest at July 7, 2008 12:08 AM in response to Got a grocery store you love--or even kinda like--in Prospect Heights, Clinton Hill, or Bed-Stuy?