wasder's Profile
Author's Posts
October 20, 2009
Thoughts on Block Associations
I have been pondering starting a block association on my block and was hoping to hear from others about their experiences starting or participating in them. How does one go about starting one? What things are they helpful for? Do they deter crime at all? Are they good for block morale and neighborliness? Any thoughts very much appreciated.
October 10, 2009
Lawyer Rec for ECB Violation
As many of you know, I am enmeshed in a long standing tussle with DOB over an ECB violation. After 4 visits to the DOB court I am no farther along towards resolving my situation and have just been hit with another two citations for not resolving the first one. So basically, I give up trying to handle this myself and need a great attorney who can help me get this monkey off my back. Any recommendations greatly appreciated.
September 1, 2009
styroam moldings
My house has had many of its original moldings removed as the rooms have been remodeled and reconfigured. I would very much like to restore the crown moldings but don't think I have the money necessary to do it in plaster. Does anyone have any experience with the styrofoam moldings I have heard about? Are they more affordable than plaster (presumably)? And do they last for a decent amount of time? Any feedback appreciated.
June 29, 2009
Fujitsu ductless air conditoners
Anyone have experience with Fujitsu ductless air conditioning units? Just trying to figure out how to cool my office and considering this option. Any feedback much appreciated.
May 14, 2009
Mower suggestion
I have a grassy backyard with approximate dimensions of 40 x 20 or 800 square feet. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good, inexpensive mower for such a yard? Thanks!
February 24, 2009
Seed or sod that is the question
Hey all: I am about to enter my first spring in my new house and am hoping to hear some suggestions for how to get the best grass for the summer. My back yard is 20x60. It already has some patchy grass growing but I think I will have to till it all up and reseed. I am wondering whether anyone has any suggestions as to whether it is better both from a cost perspective and from a long term lawn perspective to try to seed it myself or to get sod put down. any feedback greatly appreciated. Thanks!
February 18, 2009
mouse extermination (follow up)
This is a follow up to my post the other day about mice in my Clinton Hill home...
Well I took several people's advice and bought a "Ratzapper", which was a highly satisfying use of 50 bucks. I killed three mice in the first two nights of use and haven't seen one since.
Now this isn't to say I am not going to do the long term solution thing and plug all the wholes with steel wool etc, but if eradicating mice is the game its hard to imagine a more efficiently death-dealing device. Highly recommended.
February 12, 2009
Exterminating Mice?
I posted this on the open thread and got lots of useful advice about cats that I am definitely taking into consideration. But I really want to do my due diligence and get some quotes from professional exterminators as well. Does anyone have recommendations to pass my way? I have two little kids so that has to be taken into consideration with the methods used. I may well get a cat anyway, but my wife is requesting that I give her options. Thanks in advance! wasder
November 19, 2008
Need Electrician recommendations
Hey Everybody--I am looking for a good, reasonably priced, licensed electrician to do some work in my new house. Does anybody have a good recommendation? Thanks in advance.
November 12, 2008
The Wasdies--best of my renovation
Since we are now finished with the work we are going to do with our house (for now at least) I thought I would recommend some of the folks that helped me immensely along the way. So here are the inaugural (and hopefully last ever) "Wasdies" awards.
1--contractor--F Alberth Chica was a godsend. I originally got his number from another recommendation here and I can't say enough about the care that he took throughout the project, the good ideas he had for utilizing space, and the generally awesome demeanor and attitude he brought to the job. A top notch contractor and all around great guy, you can call Alberth at 646-472-4842.
2--Pointing/exterior. P&D Contracting. They pointed the front and back of the house, repaired the roof, painted all the trim, fixed the front stairs etc. Babu is the guy to go to here and he can be reached at 917-743-0285. Reliable, friendly and fast!
Locksmith--Antonio Gomez, AG Locksmith. Antonio is a locksmith/security specialist and another very nice friendly reliable tradesperson. He also installed my new thermostat!
4--Real Estate Broker--Corcoran. My most controversial Wasdie. As much as everyone loves to hate on Corcoran I sold and purchased through them and have nothing but good things to say about the folks that helped me on both ends. They listened to me when I said I wanted to price my co-op reasonably to get a quick sale, their photographer made my place look like a dream house and their marketing reach ensured that there were several buyers waiting to offer. In the month of September 2008 they managed to sell my place in two weeks which was no mean feat. They also negotiated a lower price with the seller of my new place. All in all they represented me well and walked me through every step.
Hope these recommendations help the next person crazy enough to do what I did and buy in this insanity!
Author's Comments
5) is an interesting one stevieb. I guess you are right about that but I am not sure that miss muffett would necessarily want to take credit for being prescient about the collapsing bubble. I have heard her refer to herself as "lucky." We have no way of knowing if What benefited financially from the collapse of the MAB.
Posted by: wasder at November 19, 2009 11:23 AM in response to 150 Bond Finally Sells—For a Loss
Address at Clinton Hill Co-op appears to be 345 Clinton not 365 Clinton. That apartment is a great deal I think. That's a really nicely laid out proper two bedroom with great views in the best location in Clinton Hill for under 500. I think that qualifies as good value.
Posted by: wasder at November 19, 2009 11:15 AM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million
slopefarm--you are being called out as a permabull in the 150 Bond thread. Most comical.
Posted by: wasder at November 19, 2009 10:41 AM in response to Open Thread
"I can NOT get that Lady Gaga song Bad Romance out of my head. I actually like it too. Super catchy, me and the kid are dancing up a storm."
As an occasional music video director I have to say that the video for that song is ridiculously good.
Posted by: wasder at November 19, 2009 10:40 AM in response to Open Thread
wasder: "BHO, did you get my dinner invitation?"
HAHA--we have been making nice recently. stevieb is the new BHO.
Posted by: wasder at November 19, 2009 10:39 AM in response to Open Thread
Oh my lord stevieb---you know nothing if you have listed slopefarm in your perma-bull category. That is so fucking comically wrong. Antidope and DIBS could qualify (and even they have more nuanced opinions than you) but slopefarm is one of the most level-headed, realistic people on this blog. you sir are an idiot of the first order, and I don't say that lightly.
Posted by: wasder at November 19, 2009 10:37 AM in response to 150 Bond Finally Sells—For a Loss
Man I wish my nosy neighbor (whoever narked me to DOB) would get their come-uppance like this. Boo hiss to nosy neighbors.
Posted by: wasder at November 19, 2009 10:35 AM in response to LPC Will Not Reconsider Norah Jones Decision
My very good friends rented in this house for many years with the previous owner, in the ground floor rental. I never saw the main unit but I was surprised to read that the new owners had gutted the place because it seemed to be in mechanically/physically reasonable condition. I definitely think that was the biggest mistake the new owner/flipper made (and no I am not dancing in the street with glee like some) is gutting the place. I mean I guess they thought they were going to have the capital to renovate as well and the mortgage market collapsed. Then they compounded their sin by asking renovated house price for a shell. Still, I am sure they are not the evil boogeymen of some people's (cough***stevieb****cough) imagination.
Posted by: wasder at November 19, 2009 10:34 AM in response to 150 Bond Finally Sells—For a Loss
I used to live next door at 20 Sidney Place and can testify to the nice location. Really enjoyed living on that quiet scenic block. Price seems reasonable enough given the location.
Posted by: wasder at November 18, 2009 1:59 PM in response to House of the Day: 22 Sidney Place
Now this pad, compared with the one on 8th ave the other day that I said was overpriced (the coop for 865), is one that I think is good value. Here you are paying a premium for Park Slope but its a good 170G cheaper than the other and has a balcony that the other one didn't. I like the looks of this place and certainly think they will get close to ask.
Posted by: wasder at November 18, 2009 12:49 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 85 8th Avenue, #3R
REgardless of broker issues, this is a very reasonably priced apt in a decent location. Seems like good value to me.
Posted by: wasder at November 17, 2009 1:05 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1110 Caton Avenue, #6C
Miss Muffet will be on here to defend herself shortly. She does so well and respectfully. She does sometimes miss the mark pricewise as we all do but she is a well reasoned person. I do think that there is something to the concept that she posts the prices she wants things to sell for but that is a crime most are probably guilty of.
Posted by: wasder at November 17, 2009 12:29 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales
"We think this is more likely to go for around $1,600,000,"
Nice prediction on the Garfield house Mr B.
Posted by: wasder at November 17, 2009 12:00 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales
I have lived in Clinton Hill since 2002 but before that I lived on the Williamsburg/Greenpoint borderland around McCarren Park. While I don't know the East Williamsburg/Bushwick area specifically I feel like I have a good perspective on Clinton Hill and Williamsburg in general. A lot of it depends on what your specific variables are. If its nightlife that is top in your book then Williamsburg is your better bet (which is not to say there is nothing to do in Clinton Hill but the density is not the same). If a bit more peace and quiet and beauty in terms of architecture is a factor then Clinton Hill is probably your bet. Same with kid friendly stuff. I also think that investment wise Clinton Hill is a better bet overall but if its a condo all bets are off in either neighborhood. Given the higher density of condos in Williamsburg I have to think that that market is going to fare worse but you never know. There are good things about each neighborhood for sure and you should be able to find reasonably decent value in each neighborhood. Hope that helps.
Posted by: wasder at November 16, 2009 8:50 PM in response to Williamsburg or Clinton Hill
"Talking about 150K prime neighborhood tax is truly ridiculous. It sounds like something that may have been dreamed up in the central planning department of the old Kremlin."
I don't mean a literal tax Minard, just the fact that the sale of this place for 725 would be a 150 to 175 thousand dollars more than it would cost in most other neighborhoods in Brownstone Brooklyn, and that money is about what I think the market would bear in terms of increase in sales price (ie-the price of prime).
Posted by: wasder at November 16, 2009 6:17 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 130 8th Avenue, #7C
I don't know Columbiatch. Everyone has a different definition of a good neighborhood. In my book that kind of money (865) would have to be something better than a highly pedestrian 2 bedroom apt in any neighborhood. 700/725 would still be a lot to pay for a two bedroom pad but I would buy that as the prime PS levee. Certainly this pad in most other neighborhoods besides PS and BH would go for 550 or so. 150G as a prime neighborhood tax seems about right.
Posted by: wasder at November 16, 2009 4:44 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 130 8th Avenue, #7C
Maly--I am totally with you. As somebody who has purchased a million dollar property it is not as though I am immune to seeing value in a biggish price tag, but really in this apt you are still living the landlocked, claustrophobic NYC lifestyle that motivated my purchase of a townhouse in CLinton Hill for not too much more than this ask.
Chicken--that (4900) is very nearly my house payment. That's a lot for a little, none too interesting pad.
Posted by: wasder at November 16, 2009 1:23 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 130 8th Avenue, #7C
I think this is one of those apts that makes me question the whole notion of valuation in Brooklyn. It is one thing to pay this kind of money (or just above) for a whole house and get a yard and all that kind of stuff, but for this money to still be living in three rooms is just kind of insane IMO.
I marked down 700G because that is what I think it will sell for but even at that price a two bedroom pad in any neighborhood looks mighty expensive.
Posted by: wasder at November 16, 2009 1:01 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 130 8th Avenue, #7C
"In 5 years no one will remember who Madoff was."
somehow me thinks you are wrong DIBS. Just the name alone, with the fact that he MADE OFF with everyone's dough, will keep him in the public consciousness.
Posted by: wasder at November 16, 2009 11:15 AM in response to Open Thread
And again, neighbors in Brooklyn prove to be nosy and aggressive. Sounds too familiar to me unfortunately...Wouldn't want anyone to improve their home now would we?
Posted by: wasder at November 16, 2009 10:53 AM in response to Cobble Hill Neighbors Irked by Norah Jones' Windows
Biff--does the pope shit in the woods? there are parts of the Catskills teeming with Hasids.
Posted by: wasder at November 16, 2009 9:35 AM in response to Monday Links
Those are two long blocks west DIBS. I think that's a very solid price for the Hancock house.
Posted by: wasder at November 13, 2009 12:07 PM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million
In re the value of this shell, if it can be renovated for under 400G then I think that you would be hard pressed to find a newly renovated rowhouse in this neighborhood going for within 100G of that total price (940). Agree that it has more value to a single family buyer than to a developer or investment buyer.
Posted by: wasder at November 13, 2009 11:38 AM in response to Big Turnout for 437 Waverly Auction
While I am loathe to dismiss out of hand BHO's analysis of some form of "formulaic" valuation for houses based on rent roll I find his conclusions FAR too simplistic and reductionist. Also, the notion that FG/CLinton Hill/Bed Stuy will revert to the the bad ole days crimewise is similarly heavyhanded. There is no way that these neighborhoods will slide back into the sorts of crime levels seen in the 80's.
Posted by: wasder at November 13, 2009 11:31 AM in response to Big Turnout for 437 Waverly Auction
"But wasder, not that I'm a big fan of Atlantic Mall (NOT!), but what are they to do? If they refuse to admit teens, the teens will spill out to the street."
RF--I hear you . Wasn't trying to pin it on cops or Atlantic Center so much as dispute the notion that this incident is a reflection of Fort Greene.
Posted by: wasder at November 11, 2009 1:01 PM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
MAybe he could open a Sports Bra.
Posted by: wasder at November 11, 2009 12:44 PM in response to Mamary: Crown Heights, Greenpoint Ripe for the Picking
"It is a fantasy to think that the poverty and crime that have plagued areas like Fort Greene and Clinton Hill for decades have vanished because house prices are now so high that they are unaffordable to middle class families."
Minard, the police have already said that this was a group of teen agers from all over the borough and none of the shooters was from the area. This has very little to do with FG and alot to do with the Atlantic Center Mall and the lack of security that apparently prevailed there.
Posted by: wasder at November 11, 2009 12:43 PM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
"jerks who shoot each other over chicken wings."
Better than chickens who shoot each other over jerk wings.
Posted by: wasder at November 11, 2009 12:21 PM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
Mounds of support for old mamary!
Posted by: wasder at November 11, 2009 11:48 AM in response to Mamary: Crown Heights, Greenpoint Ripe for the Picking
"These are not the facts that happened last night—I was there."
Which begs the question then: what were the facts as you witnessed them last night?
Posted by: wasder at November 11, 2009 11:40 AM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
tybur, that's a gateway drug you know! Definitely causes violent tendencies. Haha.
Posted by: wasder at November 11, 2009 10:09 AM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
Olive Garden/TGIF
Posted by: wasder at November 11, 2009 9:34 AM in response to 'Nationally Known' Restaurants May Land in 345 Adams
"If this can happen there what hope is there for farther east on Fulton which doesn't have all the foot traffic."
Not sure there is a correlation to be drawn on this particular point Delepp. Lots of times shootings happen in very well attended places specifically because there are so many people milling about. All the more chance that two people with beef with each other will encounter one another. Shootings in less trafficked areas tend to be of the more intimate nature.
Nonetheless there is no getting around the fact that this is an awful thing and that is now the second shooting along that stretch of Fulton in the last year (with the hideous execution in the hair salon last year). Don't think it means that gentrification isn't happening as much as this continues to be a neighborhood with a large number of uncontrolled firearms floating around and that really sucks.
Posted by: wasder at November 11, 2009 9:31 AM in response to Two Teens Shot on Fulton in Fort Greene
Beautiful photo!
Posted by: wasder at November 10, 2009 4:32 PM in response to Tuesday Blogwrap
Tybur--I was about to post in agreement with you on that one.
Posted by: wasder at November 10, 2009 1:38 PM in response to House of the Day: 615 2nd Street Revisited
"Subway access ain't that bad for 2/3 and F. 1/2 mile stroll. Other part of the Slope are much worse -- you're stuck with the F-train alone... not great."
Looks more than 1/2 mile on google maps but I am not an expert. Still, that's a decent 10/12 minute door to door stroll when taking into consideration making your way through the station etc. Tacks 20 minutes onto daily commute. Not hideous but not ideal either.
Posted by: wasder at November 10, 2009 1:31 PM in response to House of the Day: 615 2nd Street Revisited
Nice house, great location except for subway access. Kitchen could easily be ripped out and replaced and it wouldn't make much of a ripple in the 2.5 million or whatever sale price.
Posted by: wasder at November 10, 2009 1:19 PM in response to House of the Day: 615 2nd Street Revisited
MM--love those Mutton Chops. Maybe you can sport a pair of those at the next gathering?
Posted by: wasder at November 10, 2009 10:34 AM in response to Walkabout: The Architects - Montrose Morris, Part 1
Having a three year old I watch a lot of Sesame Street these days and compared to the classic stuff we see on Youtube, it is definitely tamer and blander now. But there is still some pretty cool stuff. A friend of mine is a director there and we went together to the exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library of the original puppets. They had a Roosevelt Franklyn puppet there. I had forgotten all about this character, but he was bad ass.
Posted by: wasder at November 10, 2009 10:34 AM in response to Open Thread
surprised how little the parachute jump featured in that video though.
Posted by: wasder at November 9, 2009 4:25 PM in response to Closing Bell: Coney Island from Above
That is f-ing ridiculously cool. Thanks for posting. Like a scene from some dream of my childhood.
Posted by: wasder at November 9, 2009 4:21 PM in response to Closing Bell: Coney Island from Above
Also, in my case, I was concerned about the massive tax liability from the sale of our coop...
Posted by: wasder at November 9, 2009 3:51 PM in response to House of the Day: 430 10th Street Revisited
"The idea that you have to buy is absurd. I know you knew that but I just wanted to point it out."
Should have said, for those with kids who want to buy, who can wait 5-7 years. How is that BHO? Nobody has to do anything of course but as we have discussed ad nauseum if one is in the market and wants to buy and doesn't want to move from rental to rental for their children's childhoods, time is somewhat of the essence. But to each their own.
Posted by: wasder at November 9, 2009 3:50 PM in response to House of the Day: 430 10th Street Revisited
MFN--sounds great. In no way was I questioning your judgement. Just curious. And I think you articulated well the issues of waiting for prices to drop. If you have kids, who can wait 5-7 years. That is essentially the same choice I faced last year. I found a house that was well off its original ask, in a similar ball park to yours, and went for it (to many people's derision). So good luck to you. It sounds like a nice house and that loan sounds great. Monthly nut pretty damn manageable all things considered.
Posted by: wasder at November 9, 2009 3:27 PM in response to House of the Day: 430 10th Street Revisited
One other thing MFN, a million (or just under) in Hoboken doesn't sound like such a steal. Not bad but not the kind of deal I thought you were angling for.
Posted by: wasder at November 9, 2009 2:59 PM in response to House of the Day: 430 10th Street Revisited
Wow--congrats MFN! Great news. Hope you will still visit us from time to time across the two rivers.
DIBS--didn't Montrose just post a story about Federal style brownstones on here last week?
Posted by: wasder at November 9, 2009 2:58 PM in response to House of the Day: 430 10th Street Revisited
I would imagine that they will be lucky to get 1.3 at this point for this house.
Posted by: wasder at November 9, 2009 1:30 PM in response to House of the Day: 430 10th Street Revisited
And yes that is about as middle of nowhere as they come.
Posted by: wasder at November 9, 2009 12:49 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 689 Myrtle Avenue, #1G
And what is with the caps in the middle of the terms? I mean Tribeca kind of works because it looks like a real word of some kind. And does anyone write SoHo? no, you write Soho. (not that this would save Gocaga--which does sound like a command you would give to a toilet training toddler).
Posted by: wasder at November 9, 2009 11:39 AM in response to Creative (Desperate?) Neighborhood Rebranding
"Clinton Hill Coop 2BR's are fundamentally worth no more than $250K. No way this rents for $3,825/mo. A single guy/gal well into six figs, or a couple making 60k a piece, will have much better options for $459K going forward. You don't even get an additional bathroom.
FHA Ponzi sale."
One of your most controversial posts of all time. Whatever one says about the exterior of these buildings the layouts are great the views unbeatable for the neighborhood and in this case the finishes nice. And when I run the sale price through the mortgage calculator I come up with an even 3G for mortgage and maintenance. You could definitely rent this place for 3G to two professionals. Saying that this is worth no more than 250G is just silly.
Posted by: wasder at November 19, 2009 4:57 PM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million