My coop has used Phil Chiarelli of Blazing Bug Busters for several years. Very sweet and reliable guy. (917) 226-1564

Posted by: sixtysox at July 28, 2009 3:33 PM in response to Honest Exterminator, Take II

We used Brooklyn Properties this spring to sell our coop. After a very brief email negotiation, they agreed to 3.75% if they found the buyer and 4.5% if an outside broker brought in the buyer on a cobroke I didn't get a sense they did anything less than their best effort. Generated lots of traffic.

Posted by: sixtysox at July 22, 2009 10:50 AM in response to 6% Broker Fees Still Happening?

we have the same material. i've used acetone and talc mixed into a paste, spread over the affected area and covered in saran wrap, taped at the edges. this works, but it's hard to do over a large area. i've basically given up and just let nature be nature.

Posted by: sixtysox at June 22, 2009 4:34 PM in response to Cleaning Stone Countertop

thank god. 7 corners shutting down was the worst. i'd have traded the five trendy restaurants that have opened since then for the convenience of not walking a mile to buy some nails. anyone know if it's the same people who ran 7 corners. It was annoying they were closed sundays, but very knowledgeable and helpful folks.

Posted by: sixtysox at June 4, 2009 5:52 PM in response to A Fulton Street Hardware Store to Fill the Void

Used Grobler once. Wasn't pleased with his results at all. He didn't take photos or notes during the inspection, and missed a whole bunch of things that architects/contractors/engineers all found easily on later visits. His report was basically a cut and paste job. Didn't even get the specifics of my building right, such as the number of stories and the type of foundation.

Posted by: sixtysox at February 24, 2009 7:05 PM in response to Need a good inspector

The FDNY came back Sunday to look over the mess. A fireman standing outside told me it was caused by burning incense.

Posted by: sixtysox at February 23, 2009 11:02 AM in response to 10-Truck Fire at 101 Lafayette Saturday Night

i just hired an outfit called Pro Test to remove an old oil tank. the job had to be filed with the FDNY for environmental/safety reasons. my tank actually had some residual heating oil in it from like 30 years ago. if you want to be safe, these guys were very thorough and professional. Ask for Bob. 631 321 4670.

Posted by: sixtysox at February 9, 2009 1:38 PM in response to disposing a brass heater tank

I like Steve Mossner, I.Dachs & Sons, Inc., 516-374-1900 x311.

I live in a small coop and Steve was very responsive, helpful, etc last fall when we renewed.

Posted by: sixtysox at August 5, 2008 3:39 PM in response to Can anyone recommend good insurance agent?

I had a similar musty smell from a fireplace opening that led to a capped chimney. i simply stuffed some fiberglass insulation up the flew and that seemed to solve it. sometimes if i get home from a weekend away and the windows were shut and it's a particularly humid and hot day i get a whiff, but not 10% as bad as before.

Posted by: sixtysox at July 9, 2008 2:51 PM in response to Need a good nose for chimneys

what are the dimensions of the inside edges of the frames versus the outside edges? depending on size, i'd buy the square one at the right price.

Posted by: sixtysox at March 8, 2008 1:51 PM in response to Fireplace Surrounds Update

thanks for the tip. i'll give them a call. isn't an audited statement required by law for coops?

Posted by: sixtysox at November 27, 2007 4:33 PM in response to accountant

I insulated our basement pipes this weekend. What you have are 2 inch pipes (measured by the inside diameter). I bought 2 inch insulation tubes with 1/2 inch fiberglass insulation at Park Slope Plumbing on 5th ave. They were $4.69 per three foot length. Super easy to install. You just slip them over the pipes and tape them closed. Wear gloves and safety goggles. My one regret is not getting 1 inch thick fiberglass, as it's a better insulater. But I would have had to special order and it was more like $8 per piece.

Posted by: sixtysox at November 19, 2007 3:50 PM in response to Insulating steam pipes in basement

several strategies. 1) install theromstatic valves on the radiators on the lower floors. that will shut the individual radiators off if it gets above the set temperature in the room. 2) insulate any exposed radiator piping, especially those fat ones that run from ceiling to floor. they throw off alot of heat. 3) turn off the radiators using the existing knobs. But shut the valve completely. half way will cause knocking.

Posted by: sixtysox at November 7, 2007 1:37 PM in response to Heating problems in a 10-storey apartment building

Forgot the phone number: Hi Tech Heating(718) 323-5430

Posted by: sixtysox at November 6, 2007 12:05 PM in response to Gas Boiler Repair Specialist?

Don't know exactly what you need, but I just used Hi Tech Heating from Howard Beach to clean and adjust our gas boiler and install a new boiler control. They were very punctual, reliable, etc and a good price. I quoted several other services that came in at a higher price or were unresponsive after an initial conversation. Hi Tech came back to adjust the control when it got cold for no extra charge.

Posted by: sixtysox at November 6, 2007 12:04 PM in response to Gas Boiler Repair Specialist?

Our engineer said that just because you have a lead main, doesn't necessarily mean you have lead in your water. Get your water tested for free by DEP. (They send you bottles that you fill and send to a lab.) We did that and nothing came up.

We ended up replacing the main the next year because it started to leak, but that's another story. Cost around $4,000 or $5,000, can't remember exactly. I won't recommend the contractor.

Posted by: sixtysox at October 9, 2007 3:48 PM in response to Lead water main

we had a metal fireproof (kalemein??) door and frame from basement to backyard replaced a couple of years ago for $800, parts and labor.

Posted by: sixtysox at October 1, 2007 2:16 PM in response to cost to install a door?

We use Blazing Bug Busters. Call Phil. He's a great guy. (917) 226-1564

Posted by: sixtysox at September 27, 2007 10:28 AM in response to Only the Dead Roaches Know Brooklyn

Thanks cm and johnife for the advice. I'll put in for the non-alien laser cannon coverage amount. hilarious. seriously. thanks.

Posted by: sixtysox at September 21, 2007 2:24 PM in response to Square Foot Construction Costs

BHS and Corcoran agents/brokers are not allowed to negotiate their commissions since they are owned by corporations and the standards are set from the top. Some of the very experienced brokers with those firms are allowed to accept 5% for an exclusive but never less. Also, serious buyers in brooklyn find out rather quickly that Corcoran and BHS are not the only game in town. All reputable brokers use the same exact marketing techniques, advertising with the NY Times, web ads, open houses, etc. You should use someone with a good track record of success, good reputation, knowledgeable about the neighborhood, and in my opinion, negotiable. Good luck!

Posted by: broker at July 22, 2009 12:53 PM in response to 6% Broker Fees Still Happening?

In this market FSBO is a hell more attractive than through broker- more so if a big name is attached.

Through the owner- you will almost always have more room to negotiate.

I'd say try that first, if it fails you can always take a
5% hit.

Posted by: Brooklynchimp at July 22, 2009 2:19 PM in response to 6% Broker Fees Still Happening?

I agreed to pay it-full 6% with highly respected and professional brokers. He is a pleasure to work with and got a contract in 1 month, almost at full asking, in this market. I tried to go at it alone but I found the NYT exposure alone is not enough. It was good amount of traffic but since it was FSBO, people expect it to be free. There's something about associating with a boutique type of brokerage firm brings a difference class of buyers.. the ones who are serious about purchasing and have the money to get the deal done. Don't get me wrong, it hurts to have to give up a huge chunk of change, but the alternative maybe to sit on the property for a lot longer.

Posted by: ClintonHillGal at July 22, 2009 3:40 PM in response to 6% Broker Fees Still Happening?

"a difference class of buyers"

You mean dimwits who think BHS will give them a money back guarantee or something?

Posted by: dittoburg at July 22, 2009 3:50 PM in response to 6% Broker Fees Still Happening?

The trick is to nail the broker at the end:

1) Figure out who your buyers are and agree roughly on a price.
2) Now tell your broker to get 2% more and tell the buyers to walk away if you don't move.

3) Broker will kick in 1-2% to make the deal happen.

Posted by: thwackamole1 at July 22, 2009 4:23 PM in response to 6% Broker Fees Still Happening?

Ditto:
why are the people who are actually looking to purchase through BHS "dimwits"? We will always disagree on name calling. At the end of the day, I believe and in my case proven true, the people who go to boutique brokerage houses are there as seriously looking to purchase their next home or investment and they have a higher budget limit. Would I rather keep the 6% for myself, absolutely, but once I made up my mind to sell, I rather it'd done than not. keeping the house clean every minute of every day wears me out.

Posted by: ClintonHillGal at July 22, 2009 4:40 PM in response to 6% Broker Fees Still Happening?

Personally, I would rather deal directly with an owner than through a real estate agent. I find they introduce needless complication, trouble, and miscommunication.

Posted by: mopar at July 22, 2009 4:58 PM in response to 6% Broker Fees Still Happening?

I'm referring to the ealier idea that going with Corcoran or BHS somehow means a stamp of approval, as if it is somehow safer that way than going with other brokers, and the goons who believe that.

Posted by: dittoburg at July 22, 2009 5:12 PM in response to 6% Broker Fees Still Happening?

Mopar:
I'd agree with you for the most part. But, there is a lot to be said for not being emotional attached to the property. Naturally I think my property (my home) is the best thing on the market. It might be less than mediocre for all I know. An outside voice can also be the voice of reason. I see a lot of negative opinions on this site concerning brokers and I also have some negative expierences with them. I am pretty pleased with the current one. As far as the fees goes, one side will always think it's too much, the others not enough.. age old debate. My own barometer for anything is .. did the job get done on time.

Posted by: ClintonHillGal at July 22, 2009 5:15 PM in response to 6% Broker Fees Still Happening?

Nonsense - Broker is right, Corcoran may not be as flexible on their commission because the are owned by a parent company. According to a trade magazine and the NY Times, their parent company NRT is leveraged up to their eyeballs in debt, that explains a lot. Like Starbucks, many people mistakenly think they get better value, just because they're charge more. If you want to pay 6% by all means pay it but in this market 5% if they use buyer's broker, and %4 if they sell it directly is totally reasonable. You should get a firm that preferably belongs to REBNY, or is at least willing to CO-BROKE off the bat, that has a strong web presence, that will advertise in the NY Times, that will run open houses just about every weekend. Also, an agent that is personable, that will give you realistic comps, take good pictures, give good descriptions, and stage your home well for open houses.
You can follow Mopar's "advice" cut out the middleman and try on your own. But, like those who try to give themselves haircuts or change their own car oil, if you don't know what you're doing or don't have the time or patience, you may end up paying double in the end.
And of course theWACKmole1 has probably never read an exclusive contract or understand the concept, that also goes for his grasp of ethics as well, unless you want to get sued, I would avoid his "advice" at all cost.

Posted by: Crownlfc at July 22, 2009 6:35 PM in response to 6% Broker Fees Still Happening?