dylanfan, can you please send me that info as well? seahag21 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Posted by: seahag21 at August 24, 2009 11:20 AM in response to Bathroom Reno?

I agree with all the other posters' advice, especially about having the proper documentation ready.

Here is my .02:
Beware of fake postings that are designed to lure money out of you before a lease is signed. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. DO NOT hand over any money (except, perhaps, for a reasonable fee for a credit check) without signing a lease.

Don't listen to brokers who tell you that something is listed "below market". Look at anything and everything (even if it is out of your price range), just to get a sense of what "market" really is. Brokers will flat out lie to you about market conditions to get you to rent some crappy place.

The same advice goes for the broker fees. Speak to different brokers to get a sense of what their fees are, and don't listen to them when they tell you that their fee is less than everyone else's. Honestly, you could probably target your search to places listed by owner to avoid the fee, but beware of brokers posing as owners to bury the fee somewhere else.

Be mentally prepared to act *very* quickly if/when you find your place. Even in a bad market, there are still plenty of people competing for the right apartments. If you have all of your documentation (paystubs, W2s, references, etc.) ready, you will be in good shape.

Check the address of all listings before you arrive to make sure it is actually listed in the neighborhood that the broker claims it is in. I think this is where most brokers scam potential tenants, since most people in your situation are not really sure what the neighborhood boundaries are. For example, most brokers want to claim that their listing is in Park Slope or Prospect Heights, but when you look at the address, it may really be in Crown Heights. Try to learn the real boundaries of the 'hoods to keep yourself educated.

In a nutshell, do not trust anything that you are told by people with no interest in you other than taking your money. Expect that almost everything you are being told is a lie. Do your own research, and don't be afraid to just look at things to get a sense of the market.

Good luck!

Posted by: seahag21 at March 8, 2009 9:51 AM in response to help with using craigslist...

Thank you Master Plumber. I always appreciate your useful posts!!

Posted by: seahag21 at January 13, 2009 10:58 PM in response to Your Heat & The Coming Cold

Looks beautiful! Of course, I had the luxury of seeing it in person (in the dark and pouring rain, though). :-)

Posted by: seahag21 at December 12, 2008 6:48 AM in response to Garden of the Day: King of Dirt in Bburg

I agree with what everyone else said. The proximity of the BQE and the elevated subway will prevent this particular block from ever being nice.

Posted by: seahag21 at December 1, 2008 9:32 PM in response to Huntington Street - Carroll Gardens

I second the plastic window kits. They are great.

Posted by: seahag21 at October 21, 2008 7:09 PM in response to Drafty Windows

I suspect AnneReal is a broker, given that one of her only other Brownstoner posts is plugging a Corcoran listing as "a much better deal". ;-)

Posted by: seahag21 at October 16, 2008 7:57 AM in response to Is it me or is this priced a little high?

This picture is depressing. The world is definitely unpleasant, but that doesn't mean we don't have the right to comment on it.

Posted by: seahag21 at October 16, 2008 7:52 AM in response to Closing Bell: Mmmmmmm, Pig Roast

It's RIDICULOUSLY priced. I saw this listing a few days ago, and was laughing out loud at it. I will be surprised if it closes for 900k.

Posted by: seahag21 at October 14, 2008 9:57 PM in response to Is it me or is this priced a little high?

I'm not surprised that these places are selling. My husband and I have been waiting to buy the right place for about 3 years. We just lost *another* bidding war on an apt that was on the market for 1 day and went over asking. It's shocking, but still happening for the right apts in the right locations.

Posted by: seahag21 at October 11, 2008 12:11 PM in response to Just Sold in Brooklyn

You will be able to find something for less than 300k without the lottery. As Bklyn born suggested, Bay Ridge is one neighborhood to consider. You may also want to check out Kensington. Both 'hoods have a (relatively) decent commute, amenities, a neighborhood feel, and are in your price range. Good luck!

Posted by: seahag21 at September 14, 2008 9:32 PM in response to Real Estate Lottery

I recommend SMC Stone in Williamsburg:
http://www.smcstone.com

They do a great job and are very reasonably priced.

Posted by: seahag21 at September 5, 2008 11:26 PM in response to Recomendations on Granite Counter top Installers

Wow, this is a shocking story. I really don't have any advice for you that has not already been mentioned by other posters, but this post was so amazing that I had to comment. I just can't believe that someone can move into your house uninvited and it's this difficult to get him to leave?!!? I do think you can make him an "offer" as another poster suggested, but I can imagine that it will eat at your pride (as it would for me).

Good luck. Post back and let us know how it goes.

Posted by: seahag21 at August 31, 2008 9:19 PM in response to Need advice on evicting squatter

I also live around the corner, and I love the location. It's very quiet, close to the subway and Smith Street, and never smells! I'm looking forward to seeing how those apartments look, but I'm wondering if there's an elevator. Wouldn't it be strange to build a new building of that size with no elevator?

Posted by: seahag21 at August 12, 2008 9:58 PM in response to Development Watch: 340 Bond Street

Thanks everyone for your feedback. There are some mixed feelings, which is exactly what we are feeling. It didn't even occur to me that they could do illegal work on the weekend, but I suppose that is a real possibility. We're also concerned with possible structural damage that could be done while they are building next to the party wall.

In hindsight, I suppose this is why this particular place is still on the market, while similar places were snatched up rather quickly.

Posted by: seahag21 at July 30, 2008 10:22 PM in response to Living next door to a construction site

In my opinion, I would prefer a non-renovated place to one that has not been renovated "all the way". I agree with traditionalmod that the small things can make a difference. However, I would not replace cabinets, appliances, and countertops, unless you are going to purchase things that you would buy if you planned on living there for a long time.

I get upset if I look at a place with brand new, but crappy stuff that I would want to throw out if I didn't feel guilty about it. :)

Posted by: seahag21 at July 29, 2008 10:46 PM in response to Renovate before selling?

Leela, another option would be taking out a HELOC (might be tough in this economy, but I don't know your situation) and using that money as your down payment. You could then pay back the HELOC when you close on your sale.

Posted by: seahag21 at July 29, 2008 10:40 PM in response to Sell to buy?

I tried to do something similar once, but the seller would not agree. My attorney had crafted an agreement that seemed amazingly fair for both the buyer (me) and the seller. I don't remember the exact details, but the agreement gave the seller the option to enter into contract with us, but if they found another suitable buyer (with no sell contingency), they would give us the right to drop the contingency and continue with the purchase, or they could break the contract and go with the other buyer. It basically allowed them to continue showing the apartment, but gave them a fall-back. It also gave us the time to try to sell our apartment.

Perhaps your attorney could suggest something like this, to make the transaction less risky for both parties.

Posted by: seahag21 at July 29, 2008 10:38 PM in response to Sell to buy?

I normally have a disdain for brokers when it comes to sales, but I do think it works out in your best interest to rent apartments through them. I know that not all folks will agree, but I think brokers attract the type of renter who does not mind paying a fee for a better apartment, which leads me to believe they are not under financial duress and will pay the rent in a timely fashion. I know this is not a logical argument, but it's my instinct.

I would stick with the bigger brokers though, since they have the name and reputation, and "lazier" people (especially coming from Manhattan) will gravitate toward the name that they know. Good luck!

Posted by: seahag21 at July 29, 2008 10:22 PM in response to Any tips on renting thru broker?

I fully agree with bxgirl's comments. I'm not sure why you have to bend over backwards to placate this neighbor, who is not being reasonable. Some people need strife in their lives, and this person is choosing you for that. I would continue to be nice and neighborly to him when you see him, but I certainly would not go out of my way to buy him gifts.

Posted by: seahag21 at July 29, 2008 10:14 PM in response to complaining neighbor

I love Howard Brickner. He is really the best, and he knows the area very well. I believe the fees are somewhere between $1500 - $2k.

Posted by: seahag21 at July 29, 2008 10:07 PM in response to Attorney for condo sale - recommendations and cost?

Just curious, are you looking at that 3 family house listed by Aguayo & Huebner? We recently looked at 2 places on that same block and had the same questions/concerns about that particular block. There is quite a bit of construction, and the Armory is sort of strange. Sorry this was not a helpful comment, but more of an affirmation of your concerns. ;)

Posted by: seahag21 at July 24, 2008 11:44 AM in response to 14th Street Btw 7th/8th

I want in on "Broker of the Day". Speaking of which, I was just commenting on how these brokers take the dumbest pictures. If this were my $7M listing, and the broker was displaying it using half of these crappy pictures, I'd be pissed!

Posted by: seahag21 at July 23, 2008 7:55 PM in response to Houses of the Day: Head-to-Head in The Heights

Howard Brickner & Tracy Makow are FANTASTIC and they are in Cobble Hill.
Email: howardbrickner@verizon.net
Tel: 718-624-1550

Posted by: seahag21 at July 18, 2008 9:59 AM in response to Real Estate Lawyer

I agree with guest @ 5:27. If you offer to take 5-10k off the price, the buyer will feel like they won and are getting a deal. It might be enough for them to proceed with the deal, and it won't really hurt your pockets too much.

Posted by: seahag21 at July 13, 2008 8:04 PM in response to appraisal values

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Central heat/AC, and am willing to pay more for a place that already has it installed.
With that being said, you don't have to get standard central AC. Why not look into the ductless systems, like the Mr. Slim? They're much less expensive and don't require you to run duct work. I'm no expert, but there's plenty of information about them if you do a google search.

While some of them have that big unit in each room, I did some research and found some that don't. Here is the list that I had compiled:

Mr. Slim - requires room unit
Spacepak - no room unit
Fujitsu - like mr. slim
Unico - like Spacepak
Sanyo
LG
Daikin

Good luck!

Posted by: seahag21 at July 11, 2008 7:44 PM in response to How Important for Resale is Central AC?

I live between Hoyt & Bond, and I don't really care what it's called because I love it. It doesn't feel toxic even remotely, and we're right in the middle of Smith Street or 5th avenue amenities. Our walk to the subway is 2 minutes, unlike what it would be if we lived up by Henry Street.

For the poster who talked about the various houses for sale for under 1.2M, please let me know where they are! I see the one on Sackett, and I saw 2 a few months ago on 1st Place, but those were scooped up for close to asking price. That configuration is exactly what I've been looking for, and it's not that easy to find.

Posted by: seahag21 at July 10, 2008 8:42 PM in response to House of the Day: 28 2nd Place

I've had the opposite experience of Guest 11:05. I've tried to shop for mortgages on my own by going to individual banks, but my mortgage broker has always gotten me a better rate (with the SAME bank I tried directly!). I'm not sure how it actually works.

If you want a 2nd opinion to your broker, try Victor & Aaron Angel at Manhattan Mortgage - (718) 596-6425. They are fantastic.

Posted by: seahag21 at July 10, 2008 12:48 AM in response to Mortgage Brokers

Wow, I am shocked by some of the people who post comments on this site. The situation went from a simple landlord/tenant dispute to a torrid sexual affair!

Flora, I'm impressed that you took the time to answer each weirdo individually. Good luck with your situation. I think you are doing the right thing by raising his rent so he leaves.

Posted by: seahag21 at July 10, 2008 12:45 AM in response to tenant problem

I think you should look in Bay Ridge. It's a nicer transition from the suburbs than some of the areas mentioned (Bushwick, Redhook, etc.). It's safe and quiet, with restaurants and other amenities that you would expect, and you should be able to find something that meets most of your requirements in your price range. The only drawback is that your commute won't be as short as you like.
The other areas in your range are on the rough side, and you may not be comfortable with that.
Jersey City might be good too, and it's closer to Manhattan than most of Brooklyn.

Posted by: seahag21 at July 10, 2008 12:19 AM in response to I Have a Problem Finding an Apartment... MY DOGS!

Chip, you have to decide on a listing price, take some good pics, and advertise your place. 90% of people look at NYT.com and craigslist, so those are good places to start. NYT.com is not expensive (maybe $60 a week or so, I don't remember) and craigslist is free.

If and when you accept an offer, you get mortgage pre-approval information from the buyer (if they have it) and your attorney will draft a contract to send to theirs. There is no credit check done by the seller, because you're relying on the mortgage pre-approval for that.

I've done FSBO before, and my only regret was that I feel that a broker could have negotiated better on my behalf. It can sometimes be awkward for both the buyer and seller to negotiate directly.

From the buyer's end, my one piece of advice is to avoid over-advertising and over-talking when people come to look at your place. Good luck!

Posted by: seahag21 at June 27, 2008 8:29 PM in response to What's involved in selling FSBO?

Those apartments never sell for what a "regular" apartment with all bedrooms on a main floor would go for. I think that's just important to keep in mind for when you resell. Personally, I would be wary of an apartment that has too much of the square footage in the cellar level. I've seen a lot of those basement floors get flooded in these older buildings.

Posted by: seahag21 at June 21, 2008 9:56 PM in response to basement duplex code for bedrooms?

You would probably be happy anywhere within Brownstone Brooklyn. Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens are fantastic neighborhoods with tons of amenities and are very close to Manhattan. Park Slope is a bit further out, but the North Slope has some amazingly beautiful architecture, and will probably remind you of the UWS, especially because Prospect Park is a decent substitute for Central Park. All the neighborhoods I mentioned (as well as others in the area) are safe, and have a strong sense of community (Park Slope probably more so). There are also tons of vegeterian options and organic markets (if you're into that) every 3 feet in Park Slope.

Having been born and raised in Brooklyn, I may have a slightly different definition of a safe neighborhood, but you should walk around and see what feels right.
Good luck!

Posted by: seahag21 at June 21, 2008 8:57 PM in response to Sense 'o the neighborhoods

Hi OP, have you started checking out NYTimes & Craigslist, and going to Open Houses in your target areas? You should be able to find a decent 1BR on your budget.

I'm not convinced that a FSBO will necessarily be priced less than a broker listing. Some homeowners (wrongly) assume that their place is worth more than the neighbor's house for whatever reason. This is especially true in a softening market.

Posted by: seahag21 at June 17, 2008 8:50 PM in response to Professional couple wants to buy in Brooklyn

My advice would be to simply ask them about it, and remind them that they signed a lease stating "No Pets". You can let them know that the tenant below them has allergies, and if their allergies are triggered due to the cat (although this is very difficult to prove), you may have to ask them to remove the cat. I don't think there's any reason to become overly confrontational at this point, but you certainly have to let them know that you are not going to be walked all over. Good luck!

Posted by: seahag21 at June 13, 2008 9:06 AM in response to Tenants Have a Cat!!!

shiny,
Although it really depends on the individual building, but many co-ops place strict rules around subletting, especially as you get into the nicer buildings in Park Slope. Some may require you to live in the building for several years before subletting, and some may not allow it at all. A condo is typically yours, and you may do with it as you wish, however they are more expensive for a comparable apartment, and the closing fees are much higher.
One thing to note is that the prices are not in line with rents in the areas that you mentioned. If you are really interested in subletting, I would expect to put down a fairly large down payment to keep your expenses lower or to take a loss when you rent it out. Good luck!

Posted by: seahag21 at June 9, 2008 7:05 AM in response to First Time Buyer - Condo or Co-op?

Thanks everyone. I'm guessing they simply run another line inside the wall for the condensation, which could also be run outside?

Posted by: seahag21 at June 8, 2008 10:09 PM in response to Ductless AC - Outside Wall?

Also, street parking is much easier in this area, and there is even a relatively inexpensive garage on Union & Bond. And everyone I've met in the area is very nice. There's a cool combination of newcomers and old-time Carroll Gardens residents. Good luck!

Posted by: seahag21 at June 8, 2008 8:20 PM in response to union street btw hoyt and bond

What projects are you referring to? I live on President between Hoyt & Bond, and I can't say enough wonderful things about it. You are nestled between Park Slope and Carroll Gardens, so you have tons of amenities around you. The projects are a few blocks down, and I almost never even know they are there, unless I specifically walk down Hoyt Street. Union Street may be a bit busier because it is a bus route and through street to the park, however.

Posted by: seahag21 at June 8, 2008 8:15 PM in response to union street btw hoyt and bond

Thanks everyone. Unfortunately, there is no wood floor underneath the carpet, so new floors are necessary.

Posted by: seahag21 at March 23, 2008 9:49 AM in response to Laminate floors?

Thank you all for your advice! I am definitely going to walk around and get a feel for the different blocks.

Posted by: seahag21 at December 9, 2007 6:43 PM in response to Which blocks in Bed Stuy are the nicest?

Thank you master plumber

Posted by: troll at January 14, 2009 12:17 PM in response to Your Heat & The Coming Cold

I live on the parlor floor of a brownstone with baseboard heat. It is absolutely freezing in my apartment...to the point where I feel like I could almost see my breath sometimes. We have told our landlord and he just says that he has the heat set at the appropriate temp. I know the law says that if the outside temp is below 55 the inside temp must be at least 68. Last time I checked the thermostat in the buildings hallway said the temp was 51. I believe it may be a few degrees warmer inside my apartment..maybe. I have even opened it up and raised the temp myself and it is still freezing. I don't think other apartments in the house are as cold as mine. I think either the heating system just isn't working or my apartment is so poorly insulated that the heat just goes right out. The brownstone is freestanding and I've often wondered if that makes the house colder. I have one other suspicion. Where the fireplaces would have been has been sheetrocked over (poorly..sheetrock doesn't even meet the floor and ceiling evenly)Knowing how cheap my landlord is I would not be surprised if he didn't even seal the fireplaces and just left it all open and through that sheetrock up right in front of it, because I can literally feel a cold breeze coming from under that wall. Can anyone give me some advice on how to get my landlord to do something about it and how to get it warmer in here. I went out and bought a space heater that I literally roll around the apartment with me day and night, but I just got walloped with a $300 electricity bill, so that's got to stop. My toes is froze!!

Posted by: boofer at January 14, 2009 1:30 PM in response to Your Heat & The Coming Cold

Master Plumber - I appreciate all of the information that you contribe on the Forum. For those of you who missed his video on this blog last winter on steam heating systems, search the archives.

When is Gateway going to expand it's service area to include Victorian Flatbush?

Posted by: yaakovdoe at January 14, 2009 2:23 PM in response to Your Heat & The Coming Cold

Boofer
am sorry to hear that
My suggestion would be to buy those "draft Guards"(you can find at Lowes) and just put them up against all crevices and door jams to at least seal in the little heat your cheap landlord is giving you.

If your apt really is at 51 degrees you must call your landlord asap and tell him you are freezing.If he stalls and says he keeps the temperature at the legal limit, demand him to show you. If the temp is at a legal setting, then you might have a problem with your baseboards in your apt that he HAS to fix! If all this doesn't work - call 311 and make a heating complaint against him.
Sorry, I'm a landlord and am a stickler for heating the house enough so we and our tenants are comfortable. If it gets too hot, they can open a window.

Posted by: gemini10 at January 14, 2009 2:43 PM in response to Your Heat & The Coming Cold

Master Plvmber,
Every winter, I seem incapable of balancing my 3 story brownstone's hot-water heating system. Gateway had every floor a nice even temperature, but despite my efforts to bleed the air from the radiators, the top floor remains freezing cold. The thermostat is on the parlor floor, and stays barely acceptable, while the garden floor is by far the warmest. Can I get all the radiators warm without cranking up the heat on the lower floors just to get the top floor bearable?
Thanks!!

Posted by: Drew at January 14, 2009 2:49 PM in response to Your Heat & The Coming Cold

Yaakovdoe,
Unfortunately, spreading ourselves too thin in the past proved counter-productive.

If I could find two more mechanics who knew what they were doing and weren't candidates for rehab, I'd widen my circle to include Victorian Flatbush in a heartbeat.

Posted by: Master Plvmber at January 14, 2009 2:50 PM in response to Your Heat & The Coming Cold

Drew,
I'll bet you can. I'm mot sure who you are or what kind of system you've got, but get in touch and I'll give you an idea of what can be done.

http://www.GatewayPlumbing.com

Posted by: Master Plvmber at January 14, 2009 3:04 PM in response to Your Heat & The Coming Cold

M.P. I worked 15 years supervising repairs for management companies in the city. I have seen some pretty good plumbers in my day, steam fitter types who deserved to be in charge of the smart end of the tape measure, yet almost all had some kind of substance abuse problems. Does the profession drive one to self medicate, or vice versa?

Posted by: IMBY at January 14, 2009 4:28 PM in response to Your Heat & The Coming Cold

IMBY, you should see the résumés I get.

That's such a conversation for another place and time.

Definitely food for thought, though.

Posted by: Master Plvmber at January 14, 2009 7:14 PM in response to Your Heat & The Coming Cold

Here is a link to the videos yaakovdoe mentioned:

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

Posted by: Master Plvmber at January 18, 2009 7:14 PM in response to Your Heat & The Coming Cold