The plans are confusing - they seem to be showing 2 sets of plans for the upper floor, one post renovation, one pre-renovation? I don't really understand. Nonetheless, the plan I see shows the second bedroom as only accessible through the master, and w/o closets. This is a 1BR + study/baby room.

I could be reading this wrong, but if so, the listing has a problem with legibility.

Posted by: squaredrive at November 18, 2009 1:16 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 85 8th Avenue, #3R

"No recovery for years. Get used to a lower standard of living."

Dude have a milkshake for lunch or something and cheer up!

Just curious, what reaction are you looking for with such certain doomsday predictions? Do you feel like it's a public service or are you just entertaining yourself?

Posted by: squaredrive at November 13, 2009 1:26 PM in response to Big Turnout for 437 Waverly Auction

There is not a historical 1:1 correlation between state of the economy and crime. Interesting article about the metrics of this in last weeks' new yorker. But i guess you can always hope for the worst, right BHO?

Posted by: squaredrive at November 13, 2009 12:32 PM in response to Big Turnout for 437 Waverly Auction

I second Denton - call your bank. They all seem to have different requirements. I inquired about this recently and the bank mailed me a long letter about what is required to get out. Ours, for example, requires you to hold the PMI for minimum amount of time. (can't remember the figure now, a year or 2 years)

Posted by: squaredrive at November 12, 2009 6:06 PM in response to PMI/ FHA Insurance

Fair enough, man, everyone deserves to have an outlet...can't argue with that.

Posted by: squaredrive at November 12, 2009 4:49 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 40 Clarkson Avenue, #4F

Ty, I rub every penny together believe me. Both Kens and I both say this coop cost is reasonable based on our background knowledge. You only take issue with me because I wasn't as nice about it.

Posted by: squaredrive at November 12, 2009 4:29 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 40 Clarkson Avenue, #4F

tybur6 - wow you are pretty worked up. relax dude, it's just the internet and i'm feeling argumentative.

Particularly, i feel argumentative with you because every post of yours is pretty much the same broken record -"so let me get this straight, for 3000/mo i can live in a closet. seems reasonable." The cynical whining gets really tired. You pretty much daily call everyone else in NYC idiots for making the best decisions they can based on the current market - let go of the self-righteous arrogance. We get it, you think costs are high and you're smarter than everyone else.

Posted by: squaredrive at November 12, 2009 4:20 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 40 Clarkson Avenue, #4F

"Ty so if you add 115K for taxes plus another 100K for say mortgage, you have the revenues covered pretty much, correct?"

D'oh! Your audit forgot taxes and mortgage!

So if the expenses justify the maintenance afterall, does that mean the maintenance is "reasonable" now?

Posted by: squaredrive at November 12, 2009 4:00 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 40 Clarkson Avenue, #4F

Tybur6 - what's the status of the building's mortgage?

Posted by: squaredrive at November 12, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 40 Clarkson Avenue, #4F

So wait, is it your opinion that the coop board is arbitrarily raising maintanance on the tenants (and themselves) just to stock up on cash or are you suggesting....coop board embezzlement!?!?!?!

Oh snap! I'll contact the local precinct to let them know that you found something strange in your audit!

My maintenance on my non-full service building is around this cost per SF. I've seen our audited coop statements and there is no extra or wasted money. You have no idea what you are talking about, but I'll leave you to enjoy your indignant (and arrogant) speculation.

Posted by: squaredrive at November 12, 2009 3:19 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 40 Clarkson Avenue, #4F

Actually, my point was that you don't have ANY knowledge whatsoever of the financials of the building, so what's the point of doing a half-baked back of the napkin audit? Do you really think you are THAT much smarter than the people actually seeing the bills?

The buyer will have the opportunity to review the financials and make a judgement on what is setting the rate and where it's heading. All we can do is judge the listing and I feel comfortable with b'stoner's use of the word 'reasonable'.

To me, reasonable means in line with the going, accepted rate across the city. If you want to argue that point, feel free to go ahead and get yourself worked into a tizzy about the financial absurdity of living in NYC.

Posted by: squaredrive at November 12, 2009 2:49 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 40 Clarkson Avenue, #4F

what can justify an increase in maintenance fees? New roof needed, facade re-pointing, boiler issues, maybe they voted to raise money to build a spa on the roof or renovate the common areas. Who knows, so what's the point? The maintenance is in line the vast majority of coop buildings that I've seen, which tells me that it's not really an issue.

Posted by: squaredrive at November 12, 2009 2:21 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 40 Clarkson Avenue, #4F

Because it's 83 cents a square foot - which is reasonable for a coop even without a doorman. This covers taxes, heat, steam, common space maintenance.

Posted by: squaredrive at November 12, 2009 12:58 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 40 Clarkson Avenue, #4F

btw, denver doensn't really have a waterfront to speak of - ever been? It's basically in the desert. So 'take that shyte back to denver' doesn't even make sense. But hey, as long as you guys are amusing yourselves....

Posted by: squaredrive at November 3, 2009 10:02 AM in response to Pelli Tower Proposed for Greenpoint Waterfront

Don't mean to piss on the cynical parade over here, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say those are trees and buildings, not mountains.

Posted by: squaredrive at November 3, 2009 9:48 AM in response to Pelli Tower Proposed for Greenpoint Waterfront

I'd like to attend today, sorry if this is a dumb question, but can we still tour if we don't show up until 1pm? I assume that's what self-guided means? thanks!

Posted by: squaredrive at October 3, 2009 11:00 AM in response to Crown Heights House Tour Tomorrow

My original number is probably low given the additional information, but I think these numbers are high for a less-than-2BR not in mint condition, and not in the best school district. I would look for comps-

Posted by: squaredrive at October 2, 2009 9:27 AM in response to Price My Apartment

$500K. That pretty much means nothing but there is a number to start the bidding.

Posted by: squaredrive at October 1, 2009 3:35 PM in response to Price My Apartment

Toren is one of the more interesting buildings to come out of the boom and a good addition to downtown Brooklyn.

Was the purpose of this post to actually fish for compliments or to indulge your ego?

Posted by: squaredrive at September 25, 2009 4:08 PM in response to The Toren

Question relative to NYC employment: Did wall street jobs really disappear in droves in the past year? I kept reading predictions of it, but the wall street people I know are all employed and there is talk of larger bonuses this year.

Posted by: squaredrive at September 18, 2009 9:51 AM in response to NYC Unemployment Passes 10%

babs, that's not how standard architecture contracts work. Architects are paid progressively based on work completed. Many building projects die off or don't come to fruition; architects are not THAT stupid.

Posted by: squaredrive at September 14, 2009 7:59 PM in response to Closing Bell: DDDB's Letter to SHoP

"This is a young firm, without the financial resources that allowed Frank Gehry to devote years (and considerable staff members) to this project only to be dumped in the end. SHoP can't really afford all that -- they really need to look more closely at how much and when they can expect to get paid..."

I'm sure they greatly appreciate the condescending business advice...a building doesn't have to be built in order for the firm to get paid, you realize that, correct? It's a boon for a young firm to have this kind of project and money flow through the office, built or not.

While I'm not insensitive to DDDB's arguments, they are barking up the wrong tree. While it's nice to be high-minded, architects in the city are suffering. If the project is successful it exposes SHoP to more arena work in the future, long after this debate is over. In my view, leaving the job would give them an enormous black eye to other developers and potential clients.

DDDB would be better off lobbying SHoP to improve the proposal. Architects can't control whether or not a project happens, but they can make it better.

Posted by: squaredrive at September 14, 2009 5:56 PM in response to Closing Bell: DDDB's Letter to SHoP

I'm happy to hear this, it gives me a sliver of optimism about the results.

ShoP are innovative and thoughtful designers, (and not least of all, in New York City!). There is plenty of time and opportunity for them to influence the design. Certainly the results will be better than with Ellerbe alone.

Posted by: squaredrive at September 3, 2009 1:16 PM in response to Atlantic Yards Taps New Arena Architect

Wait, Rob haven't you written on this site that you owe back taxes and haven't paid off your student loans at all? It's galling that you always say things like "it's disgusting that people in nyc get benefits out the a$$". Have you taken a look at yourself?

Since you are so opinionated, seem to rail against everyone and everything in every thread on this site, please enlighten us on your thoughts about gov't sponsored deadbeats.

Posted by: squaredrive at August 27, 2009 2:29 PM in response to Sunset Park Finally Getting Its Own High School

BHO, curious, at what point will you be willing to say that the economy has bottomed? Are you only measuring via real estate, Case-Schiller YOY? What do you expect to actually happen in the next 6 months in quantifiable terms?

Posted by: squaredrive at August 26, 2009 3:34 PM in response to Reno Prices Down?

I would not necessarily have asked for a rent reduction and permission to have a cat at the same time - that probably annoyed him, especially since he gave you a break on raising the rent previously.

I would try to figure out what your priorities are and go from there. If cat is primary, ask him to negotiate on this point and you will pay the rent he requests. Tell him you'd like to compromise and he'll probably be more receptive.

Posted by: squaredrive at July 31, 2009 10:01 AM in response to No Rent Reduction: Stay or Go?

In my understanding, adding upholstery etc, on your side will only have a marginal effect - probably won't perceptibly reduce the sound. You really have to either reduce the sound at the source or add mass to the wall/floor between the apartments. If their TV is mounted to the wall that could definitely be part of the problem as drilling into the wall would compromise the sound reduction. Agreed that talking to them diplomatically is probably your first step -

Posted by: squaredrive at July 28, 2009 10:09 AM in response to TV Noise Through Wall

"the one thing that IS relevant is that EVERYBODY said it was IMPOSSIBLE. They were wrong. Do your research and find out for yourself."

I second this. We've been told many things (including PMI for a 10% equity refinance) would be impossible and all it took was 3 phone calls. You might try talking to Adam Dahill - he posts here.

Posted by: squaredrive at July 7, 2009 1:51 PM in response to Still Hard to Obtain PMI?

Perhaps i read your statement too narrowly based on personal experience - when we bought, we didn't weigh moving to the suburbs, we didn't price it, didn't consider it, didn't think about it. Didn't consider hoboken, jersey city, newark, westchester. Didn't run the numbers and wouldn't care if it was cheaper - we wanted to be in brooklyn, and specifically wanted to be in the neighborhood we're in.

I'm sure 'cost factor' is relevant to some people (maybe many people) like Paul C, but there are others like us who would be willing to pay a premium, even when all lifestyle issues are considered, to be in specific city hoods.

Posted by: squaredrive at June 30, 2009 5:20 PM in response to 215 Gates Sells...For the Fifth Time in Five Years

"A manhattan employee chooses between the burbs or the city and that is based on math."

This is exceedingly reductive and over simplistic. It doesn't apply to me (manhattan employee) or most other people i know. There are major lifestyle issues that weigh in to these decisions as well.

Posted by: squaredrive at June 30, 2009 1:50 PM in response to 215 Gates Sells...For the Fifth Time in Five Years

Rob, the point is that the MTA is in a perpetual financial crisis and constantly has a hand out for taxpayer bailouts and fare hikes, yet is basically giving away it's assets to a developer w/o due diligence. Why would they do that if not related to corruption and/or cronyism? This debate is not so much about NY v. Tokyo's daily subway experience.

Posted by: squaredrive at June 25, 2009 10:31 AM in response to MTA Ignores Fiduciary Duty, Approves Revised Yards Plan

"are you restricted as to what type of curtains you're allowed to hang in your windows?"

There are built-in shade pockets and shades from what i've seen walking by.....

Posted by: squaredrive at June 23, 2009 12:04 PM in response to Apartment for Rent at Meier's OPP

tybur6 has this right. the bike lane doesn't prevent trucks from physically double parking, so what's the issue? I would be very surprised if the bike lane was actually enforced enough to create hardship for the businesses.

Posted by: squaredrive at June 10, 2009 10:09 AM in response to CB6, Fifth Avenue BID Going After Bike Lane

I'm confused - what aspect of this apt makes it a "starter" 2 bedroom?

Posted by: squaredrive at June 8, 2009 12:46 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 96 Luquer Street

"nor do I care if anonymous blog posters see me as pure, wholesome or innocent."

Ha ha ha! That's funny! Why do you waste so much time defending/ justifying/ talking about yourself and your situation?

Posted by: squaredrive at June 5, 2009 4:48 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

"Most coops require at LEAST 20%. Only way you can do less is purchasing a sponsor-owned unit in a coop coversion -- not many come on the market."

This is false. Many brooklyn coops only require 10% down.

Posted by: squaredrive at June 4, 2009 6:34 PM in response to Conforming Loan Question

d_h - have you actually looked into it recently? i know were were told often last summer that it wasn't possible to get financing with 10%, but we did pretty easily. May be a different ballgame now though.

Posted by: squaredrive at June 1, 2009 1:12 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 279 Sterling Place Studio

Wow, madness - What's the space the tenant is annexing? Corridor? Common space? It's hard to picture what's going on....but agreed, sounds like a letter's not goign to do much at this point.

Posted by: squaredrive at May 29, 2009 1:37 PM in response to illegal construction in condo

Sometimes the hyperbole here is a little crazy.

It's not uncommon to see average 1BRs in park slope selling for upper 475 - 499K. This one is obviously exceptional - 2 bathrooms, beautiful, large. I'm not sure where it should land but to say 500K seems ridiculous, unless the market has adjusted a great deal more than I have seen.

Posted by: squaredrive at May 27, 2009 1:37 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 806 Carroll Street, #2 (Revisited)

"If you can't make the monthly payment, it doesn't matter how much you're getting back at the end of the year."

Definitely agree on that point!

Posted by: squaredrive at May 18, 2009 3:08 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 100 Remsen Street, #8K

The tax deduction is "overblown"? That's like saying math is overrated. Whether or not it comes out of your total tax liabilty, it's still money you don't get if you're renting, and it's easy to calculate how much it will benefit you. Why would you not factor it into the cost of owning?

Posted by: squaredrive at May 18, 2009 2:51 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 100 Remsen Street, #8K

I attended an open house for a 1BR here some time ago. I think these are well done, finishes were great, space felt light and airy.

The major thing that we didn't like is that in the bedroom, pretty much the only place to put the bed is against the glass window wall.

Posted by: squaredrive at May 5, 2009 11:27 AM in response to Checking In On Hello Living Sydney

Yes, I've found it interesting how vanderbilt and washington both continue to get new bars, shops, restaurants in spite of the recession. There have been many predictions of gentrification reversal during the downturn and so far the opposite seems true.

Posted by: squaredrive at May 4, 2009 3:38 PM in response to Streetlevel: Skateboards, Flowers and Dry Goods

I saw this very unit last summer. The condos actually seem pretty nice, but we felt it was way too cramped for 2 adults who actually own some stuff. The bedroom is pretty tight and not much storage.

Posted by: squaredrive at April 30, 2009 1:06 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 655 Washington Avenue, Apt. 3B

Slightly OT, but i was in DC two weeks ago walking around the U-street area near adam's morgan and happened upon 3 different open houses for 1 BR apts.(2 in one building)

They were all priced between $350 and 400K, were between 600-750 SF and nothing special (one was ground floor and needed kitchen reno. The open houses were very busy. I was really surprised at the prices.

I don't know how you compare prospect heights to that area but it put some perspective for me on the claim that NYC prices are way out of whack with other US cities.

Posted by: squaredrive at April 29, 2009 1:04 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 175 Eastern Parkway, #6N

I thought this article in sunday's times was pretty interesting:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/business/26pay.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=banking%20salaries&st=cse

Basically says that banking salaries are back at 2007, pre-crash levels. This could be because bonuses have become politically non-viable, not sure. But to some degree this opposes many on this site have been saying about the sector's future and the effect it will have on real estate in NYC.

Posted by: squaredrive at April 29, 2009 11:32 AM in response to Case Shiller Index: Negative Numbers Across the Board

Difficult to comment with no plan, no kitchen/bath pics.

Broker text insinuates no dishwasher so I would imagine the kitchen's not renovated.

Posted by: squaredrive at April 27, 2009 12:58 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 101 Lafayette Avenue, #6A

Wait, isn't rob the one a few months back who confessed that he is completely delinquent on gov't financed student loans but was out buying video games? Seems like a pretty tough spot from which to rail against subsidies for pretty much anyone.

Don't really see the big deal as there is other subsidized housing available for all professions. Having one that's artist-centric doesn't seem like such a big deal. But I'd also be happy if there was one for nurses, and another for teachers, etc. Seems like a cool idea.

Posted by: squaredrive at April 27, 2009 12:25 PM in response to Lots of Love for the Schermerhorn House

This board is pretty much an all-day everyday argument about "fair" value. There is no consensus.

Your best bet is to do your own research - find properties similar to those you're interested in and see what they are both asking and selling for via streeteasy, property shark, or other sites people use to find comps.

Posted by: squaredrive at April 26, 2009 9:43 PM in response to What's Fair Value in Bk now?

streber, i could recite you a bunch of stuff about the science of sound and acoustics, but, at the end of the day, I really don't feel that inadequate. Knowledge of the science does not equal solutions that are without major expense or trade-off. If i'm wrong on that, I and others would have a great deal of gratitude for your knowledge, please share.

Posted by: squaredrive at April 23, 2009 8:15 PM in response to Excessive Noise in a Co-op?