Have some friends who are already living there-amongst the first to close. They dig it...

Posted by: saint marks soul at January 16, 2008 11:37 PM in response to Forte Condo

Outstanding challenge "slick". Certain to garner a plethora of responses-sadly there will be countless to choose from! I personally don't have the stomach to comb through them all, but what's up so far are all worthy.

I think nycityguy9 is on to something with his post- the guy is absolutely classic (at least he SOUNDZ CLASSIC!)

And who, if anybody posting here has ever actually SEEN the one known as "Mordechai"? Would love some feedback on that...

Posted by: saint marks soul at January 16, 2008 11:07 PM in response to CRAIGSLIST CHALLENGE

What an absolute shame... for those who TRULY know that of which they speak on this forum (and I fear there are few), it is painfully clear that a "development" such as this is BEYOND counterproductive. As a long time and current resident, rest assured this will do absolutely ZERO to "enhance" any of the surroundings or property values-which most seem concerned with here (sigh). FAR MORE IMPORTANT, I am convinced at least, is the fact that these McChurches do EVEN LESS to actually increase, satisfy or other wise in general BENEFIT the souls of those seeking ill advised "council" betwixt their hallowed (or was that HOLLOW?) walls... Believe me folks-I'd love to see a brighter day EVERY SINGLE TIME I walk down this (and every other) block in the vicinity (read Franklin Ave., stretches of Bedford etc.)-And I still do. Sadly, I've been here long enough to recognize when some things are ultimately beyond one's control. All that stuff they "preach" (whether it's in a bestseller like the "Secret" or it's spewed in hollow halls) means nothing without some REAL FAITH behind it. And said faith is nowhere to be seen on this bleak stretch of asphalt. Rather, it's a bunch of hoods, thugs, and "droopy drawers" with little, if any respect, for the life they've been given or the 'hood in which they live. I hope I'm wrong about all of this-I've been waiting to see it with my own eyes-but it hasn't happened yet... Frankly, at this point, I smell nothing more than some opportunistic "faith givers" ready to pass around a collection plate, which will in turn draw those seeking "answers" which will in turn draw more of the ne'er do wells looking to take advantage... I'll even go a step further and propose that the city council/CB8 ought to SPEND LESS TIME worrying about bars, restaurants, and liquor licenses and spend more time worrying about, or limiting the number of "CHURCHES", NAIL/HAIR SALONS, KENNEDY//CROWN FRIED CHICKENS, and/or any other "service" or venue that has managed to replicate itself to UNGODLY, other-worldly proportions. And shouldn't there be a law against building absolutely hideous structures like the one just a scant block or two away- the one with amalgamation of red and beige stone, white "Juliet balconies"-basically the UGLIEST BUILDING YOU'VE EVER SEEN IN YOUR LIFE???

'Tis been a while (on my end) so rail away all you B'stoners out there. I'm curious...

Posted by: saint marks soul at January 16, 2008 10:29 PM in response to Development Watch: Universal Church at 1091 Fulton

I'd rather bond with a herring and take my chances with an assassin than further this "exercise". At this stage I'm just hoping you managed to get something out of all of this ysabelle. Whether you're a landlord(?), RE broker(??), mortgage broker(?!), generally curious and/or a concerned citizen/resident of Brooklyn(:-), or whatever-please, in the future, learn about what it is you're trying to school people on-or you will be schooled. Period. There is a wealth of information out there that you could access as easily as you do this forum that will assist in the "education process".

Posted by: saint marks soul at November 28, 2007 8:16 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

Frankly I just got a huge kick from ysabelle's last post-and I'm hoping 5:43 will as well. There's clearly an "over the head" factor going on here... I much prefer the direct approach (read 5:58 who suggested I was a "ranting idiot"). At least he/she/guest has the wherewithal to call it like they see it. Oh yeah, thanks for clearing things up for me 5:58! Always appreciated... I need that every now and then.

Posted by: saint marks soul at November 28, 2007 6:34 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

AND LOOK WHO'S BACK!

YSABELLE-please do yourself a favor and don't attempt to engage. You will only serve to further discredit yourslef amongst a community which I would like to believe is more than forgiving. Acknowledge your mistake(s) and move on.

This is your quote:
"This is what happens and it is legal....the Mortgage broker gives the real estate broker 6% commission from the total of the loan.

In other words the real estate broker gets 6% from the seller and 6% from the mortgage broker. 12% for practically doing nothing."

THIS IS A KICKBACK.

Here's something else for you to read ysabelle-(I'm guessing they don't float these articles around the RE Offices at Chuck E. Cheese):

Experts say that the incidence of kickback requests increases in neighborhoods with more immigrants, who may not be aware of the illegality of the practice. Indian and Pakistani neighborhoods of Queens, Hispanic home buyers throughout the city, and other ethnic groups are more vulnerable to the system of bribery and unfair market control. The problem magnifies among African-American home buyers, who are sometimes also magnets for sub prime and predatory loans, where higher rates make it easier to mask additional points.

Hmmm...

Posted by: saint marks soul at November 28, 2007 4:35 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

Hey 2:35 or 3:58 or whatever the heck your name is- apologies??? None necessary! Banter is good, especially with one who has a true sense of humor and can read between the lines. As for this being between myself and "ysabelle" that's really neither here nor there. It was an attempt to (again) weed out those who have nary of clue of which they speak... and there are far too many B'Stoners out there to suffer through somebody else's misguided attempts at sounding "informed." They'll surface-don't you worry!

Posted by: saint marks soul at November 28, 2007 4:28 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

Now you're talkin' 3:58! THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT ;-) And please allow me to apologize on both of our behalves- I'm sure the ire of serious B'Stoners has been raised here. Sorry folks- just got into some tit-for-tat there for a moment (I know, I know- wrong place for it). As for the recipe, I've gotta run to the market because (gasp, clutch pearls!) the only thing on the list I've actually got in the house is Tequila! Liberally sampling as we speak. You really should come up with a "name" by the way-your sense of humor is appreciated and deserves far more than the ubiquitous "guest" moniker. OH OH OH CHERRY MISTMAS!

Posted by: saint marks soul at November 28, 2007 4:16 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

I'm amused 2:35 but far from entertained. Worse still- I don't know how to bake... Is that "entertaining"? Send me a recipe (one that won't blow up my house) and I'll get back to you on the "fun factor." Now THAT'S entertaining.

Posted by: saint marks soul at November 28, 2007 3:49 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

I'm somewhat surprised Putnamdenizen, as you and I have "conversed" and "agreed" in the past on this forum. I don't know if you took the time to actually read the original post/responses, but perhaps you would be well served to do so. This is not a "purify the forum" campaign as such-I humbly apologize if it came across that way. Rather, when one chooses to engage in a debate, (particularly in a manner that suggests condescension), and are CLEARLY wrong, I feel it appropriate to "out" the individual in question. I'm wrong on a daily basis (no need to gasp or clutch pearls-that's life) but you can be sure that if I don't know what I'm talking about, I'm not putting in my 2 cents -at least not in a "know-it-all" kind of way... Sometimes the "nicer, please" route just doesn't cut it-as evidenced by the original post...

Posted by: saint marks soul at November 28, 2007 3:44 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

2:41- Sooo glad somebody out there gets it! Make no mistake, my intent is not to "prey" on the ill-informed as suggested by
2:38's "three-legged gazelle" comment (???!). Rather I had hoped it would serve to weed out those who have NO BIZ taking up space in a place where those who DO, in fact, know what they are talking about. When this happens, the entire purpose of the forum becomes trivialized and the information (or lack there of) becomes diluted with MIS-INFORMATION, ultimately leading to an OP throwing their hands up in the air and saying "Jeesh-sorry I asked." Entertainment 2:35? How about some educational programming??? When I was a kid I hated being told to watch Channels 13 because I would learn something... Now PBS is pretty much the only thing worth watching. The same should come from here-real questions, real answers, real solutions (and they are out there in the forum to be sure). But let's stop clogging up the airwaves with a bunch of BS from people who would have you believe things that SIMPLY ARE NOT TRUE. That's all I'm sayin'...

Posted by: saint marks soul at November 28, 2007 3:05 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

By the way, the article can be found in the Real Deal:
March 2007
"Mortgage kickbacks on the rise"
Slack demand, consolidation increasing illegal practice

Always glad to shed some light... Even for folks like you Ysabelle.

Posted by: saint marks soul at November 28, 2007 1:07 PM in response to Mortgage broker needed

I knew it would happen sooner or later... Something to wake me from my "blogging slumber" (a desire to comment/offer insight on relevant topics). It's been a while as it had truly become an exercise in painful, and sadly, worthless futility. But then there are the completely CLUELESS, utterly MISINFORMED, stunningly UNEDUCATED posters who raise my ire to a level which simply can no longer be contained. And the winner is...: YSABELLE!
I have recently suffered through some of your absolutely incoherent posts over the last couple of days, all the while waiting for somebody else to completely blow you out of the water and expose you for the FRAUD that you are. Some have come close to doing so, despite your pathetic attempts to "reconcile" or "rationalize" the drivel you spout. Make no mistake dear- IT IS ABSOLUTELY, 100% ILLEGAL for a mortgage broker to pay points to a RE broker in "exchange" for a "referral". It's called a KICK-BACK, and if you had any clue as to precisely what that means, you would do well to keep your BLINDLY IGNORANT comments to yourself. What is a KICK-BACK you ask Ysabelle? Glad you asked! Read the following culled from an article in the Real Deal not too long ago addressing this very issue:

"Kickbacks from mortgage brokers are the payments that real estate brokers demand before they refer their buyers to the mortgage broker for a mortgage, after or even before the client has decided to buy the property. Those requests are ILLEGAL, but they are rising because of the slackening demand in mortgages across the region, said some in the industry."

I could go on but hopefully you've got the point (a stretch I know...).

You've either got too much time on your hands, really are that stupid, or all of the above to attempt to comment so "decisively" on a topic you clearly know absolutely NOTHING about. Save us all (those who have an clue) some time and get lost!

Posted by: saint marks soul at November 28, 2007 1:02 PM in response to Mortgage broker needed

OP, at the end of the day, you need to do what's best for you. There is no "shame" in that. But as per my earlier comments, if you do the right the thing you'll get the right results. You ought to give your tenants as much notice as possible/you are comfortable with- if not 3 mos. then how about 2 months? Would that fairly balance out the squeeze/screw play? Something else to bear in mind is the state of the rental market right now. Contrary to another poster's comments, $1100 is pretty cheap for a desirable Brooklyn 'hood. The tenants who came with house may wind up needing that amount of time (2 mos.) to find something suitable. Again, not necessarily your "problem" but it seems pretty clear from your posts that you want to do right by them. Fine line between "squeeze" and "screw" but it's do-able...

Posted by: saint marks soul at October 23, 2007 5:38 PM in response to renovating w/out tenants

11:36 has heard of it too. It's clear I'm a bit "out of the loop" but glad to see that last post. I have, in the last day and a half, let 4 other friends know that that area does, in fact, ALREADY have a name attributed to it. Gonna have to do some research on the origination of the "Wallabout" part... It's "fringe" in the truest sense of the word. Sadly, not for long I suspect.

Posted by: saint marks soul at October 22, 2007 7:11 PM in response to NEW NEIGHBORHOOD DEBATE ANYONE???

Glad somebody's got their "thinking cap" on. 4:21 is, of course dead on. FC (FOREST CITY) RATNER anyone??? If it were a site in England/Europe (the land of Football Clubs/FC's) perhaps there could be some justifiable "confusion" as to the owner/developer. A new FC Stadium is getting built and I didn't even know it??! Here in BKNY??? I'm "surprised" it was even mentioned as a mystery...

Posted by: saint marks soul at October 22, 2007 6:23 PM in response to At 80 Dekalb, No Mention of Ratner

Has anyone here ever actually lived in a building that wound up getting SOLD whilst still a tenant??! I have, and I got 90 days notice from my landlord, which was really a gift in hind sight. My lease had expired months before but I think because I had pretty much always done the right thing by him, he gave me some extra leeway. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Under the terms of a month to month agreement, a landlord need only provide 30 days written notice for an existing tenant to vacate the premises. This clause has been in every lease (3) I have ever drawn up.

Posted by: saint marks soul at October 22, 2007 6:14 PM in response to renovating w/out tenants

4:13- you're right insofar as "Give them notice, do the work, re rent." Of this there is NO QUESTION. But where does the "squeeze everything they can out of the tenants they want to kick out." part come in? I heard/read "i have a rental unit i'd like to renovate. I have tenants in there (their lease is up november 1st)...i'm not renewing their lease so i can do this reno in between tenants. i'd like to be nice and give them a few months notice..." WHERE'S THE SQUEEZE as you put it??? Who knows-maybe the tenants "came with house" as often happens and the buyers opted to keep them (and an "inferior" apartment) as part of the transaction. And maybe, just maybe, the current owners would now like to upgrade their building/apartment. Whatever happened to OWNERSHIP FOR PRIDE'S SAKE- it doesn't ALWAYS have to involve squeezing out somebody's last dime! Geesh...sad state of affairs in the land of opportunity I tell ya.
OP, just do the right thing and you'll get the right result.

Posted by: saint marks soul at October 22, 2007 5:36 PM in response to renovating w/out tenants

Month to month is indeed the way to go as put forth by putnamdenizen, and I believe is pretty much in effect from the date of the official lease expiration (please don't barrage me with insults if I'm mistaken all you Brownstoner atty's out there). I think of equal or even paramount importance is the actual relationship (if any) you have with your current tenants. I have owned buildings in the borough and peacefully coexisted with my tenants throughout a couple of these same scenarios-thanks to a bona fide "relationship". No "holding over" as it were, and frankly, if renos didn't take longer than is invariably the case, I'm sure some would have chosen to return after a "brief" exodus". Unfortunately it's clearly not practical for a tenant who currently resides there...so expect your tenants to move on time and do the right thing provided you do the SAME- give them ample notice-90 days is plenty.

Posted by: saint marks soul at October 22, 2007 4:00 PM in response to renovating w/out tenants

Now there's a cogent argument 1:43. Reeks of a disgruntled Corcoran broker. Painfully transparent. MM et al who suggest that market is the only true barometer are 100% correct and I realize this. It just makes my blood boil when I see listings like this that are so far out of whack with reality and the negative effects it winds up having on the neighborhood in which I live. As you so eloquently put it MM "Slow steady growth is the only winning solution here, and that is predicated on realistic real estate prices that encourage more middle class people of all backgrounds to settle and become involved in the community." This is exactly what I was trying to say.

Posted by: saint marks soul at October 22, 2007 9:23 AM in response to corcoran brokers must be stopped!

Navy Greene was a bit too... Oh well, can't knock me for trying. OK then- Wallabout it is. Thanks for setting the record straight 2:33 (precisely what I was looking for there) and suffering through my juvenile sense of humor. For those who saw the levity (and "relevance"), it's good to know that this blog or forum or whatever the heck you call it is not totally filled with self-righteous, self-important people. Were that to be the case it would be a real shame. Life's too short as most of us all know. I just learned something new- I was in a place in Brooklyn soon to be officially christened Wallabout!

Posted by: saint marks soul at October 22, 2007 12:12 AM in response to NEW NEIGHBORHOOD DEBATE ANYONE???

9:22 Please forgive my "inappropriate use of the forum." Seemed like the perfect place to put that out there and see if any INTELLIGENT visitors out there had anything to say about it- "good" or "bad." Seeing as how you've managed to comment solely on a person you don't know, not the question raised, your words become worthless. Make a comment directly related to the subject like "Jeez, that's the stupidest name I've ever heard." Or "It's Clinton Hill and always has been you clown!" Those comments would be taken to heart. But "have another drink and go away?"... Bitter and dejected is no way to go through life 9:22. I think they have some meds out there (to be taken with a stiff drink of course), that could cure that ailment of yours.

Posted by: saint marks soul at October 21, 2007 9:39 AM in response to NEW NEIGHBORHOOD DEBATE ANYONE???

And so it begins. Thanks so much for the advice "guest". I would expect nothing less. Your comment is duly noted. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on who you ask), there's no alcohol involved here. Perhaps too much time on my hands, but nothing as nefarious as a cocktail. Please do continue to sound off though, preferably with a somewhat more enlightened and engaging statement... Cheers!

Posted by: saint marks soul at October 20, 2007 8:34 PM in response to NEW NEIGHBORHOOD DEBATE ANYONE???

Hi MM, thanks for alerting me to the prop's status as having been on the market for a while. I was unaware as a site I looked at had it listed as 2 days "old". And I don't mean to entirely disparage brokers- I figured that the homeowners did indeed have a hand in pricing the home well "outside the box." But wouldn't you agree that it behooves the brokers involved in the sale to at, the very least, make an attempt to "talk some sense" into the prospective seller? I view it as nothing more than a waste of time on account of all involved-seller, brokers and perhaps more significantly prospective purchasers when a home is so clearly overpriced. And don't get me wrong- I live in CHN and expect great things...in due time. The last six months here have been quite remarkable in the evolution of the demographic. As I'm sure you're aware, while the neighborhood is still "rough around the edges," I don't know if I have ever been smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood so clearly poised for change- and that's coming from a guy who grew up on 82nd and 2nd in Manhattan 30 years ago when 86th st. was the cutoff and the corridor between 2nd and 3rd ave. was full of hookers and John motels!!! At any rate, my thought is that while these sellers may have indeed been pioneers in the initial purchase of the house (applause, applause) they should understand that simply because they chose to invest in preserving details etc. (as well as the wonderful bonus of private parking, etc.), they ought not attempt to cash out in such a detrimental manner. They'll only wind up delaying the progress they (one would assume) hope to see. Free markets are a wonderful thing-in the hands of rational, logical sane people...

Posted by: saint marks soul at October 20, 2007 11:30 AM in response to corcoran brokers must be stopped!

It all comes down to "right" or correct pricing. In this inflated market, a savvy buyer will certainly recognize value (compared to the numerous "dogs" he or she will have undoubtedly come across during the course of their hunt), and brokers are acutely aware of this. A property doesn't have to be priced below market-rather, simply priced at what it's worth, and you can be fairly certain that buyers who have been in the market for some time will come calling. The strategy works wonders because you figure to get at least x number of bids at the ask. A broker can then turn around and say to all involved he's going to a best and final. Those words strike fear in the hearts of interested purchasers and then it comes down to a poker game. Who wants the house more? The price will go up accordingly from there. It is a highly effective strategy if you ask me...

Posted by: saint marks soul at October 20, 2007 9:01 AM in response to House Pricing Strategy?

Frankly I just got a huge kick from ysabelle's last post-and I'm hoping 5:43 will as well. There's clearly an "over the head" factor going on here... I much prefer the direct approach (read 5:58 who suggested I was a "ranting idiot"). At least he/she/guest has the wherewithal to call it like they see it. Oh yeah, thanks for clearing things up for me 5:58! Always appreciated... I need that every now and then.

Posted by: saint marks soul at November 28, 2007 6:34 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

wow. everyone is on fire today.

Posted by: guest at November 28, 2007 6:42 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

To Saint Marks Soul:

You have the heart of an assassin and the soul of a herring!

Posted by: Ysabelle at November 28, 2007 7:26 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

Ysabelle and Saint Marks Soul are HOT, HOT, HOT for each other.

Posted by: guest at November 28, 2007 8:13 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

I'd rather bond with a herring and take my chances with an assassin than further this "exercise". At this stage I'm just hoping you managed to get something out of all of this ysabelle. Whether you're a landlord(?), RE broker(??), mortgage broker(?!), generally curious and/or a concerned citizen/resident of Brooklyn(:-), or whatever-please, in the future, learn about what it is you're trying to school people on-or you will be schooled. Period. There is a wealth of information out there that you could access as easily as you do this forum that will assist in the "education process".

Posted by: saint marks soul at November 28, 2007 8:16 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

Ysabelle, shut it.

SMS, you have been the voice of many in raising this issue.

Posted by: guest at November 28, 2007 9:01 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

I am having a hard time removing the mental image of Putnamdenizen "clutching pearls" from my mind. Anyone know if the silent paint remover would work in cases such as this?

Posted by: guest at November 28, 2007 9:25 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

Wow. This is truly strange. Anonymous person(s) conversing with themselves.

Posted by: guest at November 28, 2007 9:31 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

Have to agree with 9:01. Ysabelle go away.

Posted by: guest at November 29, 2007 6:46 AM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)

9:25 are you referring to using paint removal to unclench my fists from the lovely pearls I metaphorically wear around my neck when confronted with idiotic Brownstoner threads (to which, alas, I contribute)? Or paint removal to remove this thread?

Posted by: Putnamdenizen at November 29, 2007 3:48 PM in response to Re: Nov. 22- MORTGAGE BROKER NEEDED (AND A CERTAIN POSTER'S IGNORANCE CONTAINED THEREIN)