The house on Argyle looks pretty sweet, although it's a bit too close to Foster for my taste. For comparison's sake, 766 Argyle went for $925 a few weeks ago.

Posted by: westminster at November 21, 2008 1:35 PM in response to Open House Picks

There is also a wonderful little family-owned sandwich/salad/juice shop that just opened on Avenue H at Argyle called Salud. It's an adorable space and the staff is really sweet. They are a bit out of the way so I sure hope they suceed. Definitely check it out.

Posted by: westminster at November 14, 2008 4:26 PM in response to Business Boom for Ditmas Park

We got an opinion from a number of plumbers, and the IN7 seemed to be the consensus. Several wanted to give us an IN8.

Posted by: westminster at November 5, 2008 7:12 PM in response to boiler misinstalled?

Thanks for the advice, Master Plumber. Yes, the installation was less expensive than any of the other estimates we received.

The boiler has been cycling frequently and we suspected that it might be related to the piping. Are there any other adjustments to the boiler settings that we could make to mitigate this problem until we’re in a position to have the pipes redone?

Also, do you think we should demand that the installer redo the piping or would you expect that we would have to pay him extra (considering this is not something we discussed when we hired him)? Is there anything else we should be looking out for in addition to the takeoff piping?

Thanks again!

Posted by: westminster at November 4, 2008 3:08 PM in response to boiler misinstalled?

Hi. We might be interested. Are they for a one-pipe system or two? Could you please email photos to tzaluv@yahoo.com? Thank you!

Posted by: westminster at November 3, 2008 7:12 PM in response to Cast Iron Radiators

Hi. We would also be interested in purchasing one of the mantles for our home. Please email me at tzaluv@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Posted by: westminster at September 10, 2008 7:11 PM in response to Late Victorian/Craftsman Mantels

Since we're new to the area, I don't know much about the other neighborhood associations, but I can tell you that our DPW association seems pretty active and welcoming.

Are you talking about 766 Argyle? We saw the inside and it's in good shape and pretty charming (loved the oak staircase and the fifties kitchen). I think it's looking pretty attractive at under a million and I know the sellers are anxious so you could probably make them an offer.

Posted by: westminster at July 25, 2008 12:34 PM in response to thinking of Ditmas Park

Thanks premadas -- as a newcomer to the neighborhood, it's always interesting to hear the opinions of those who lived here in the past. I really love how many old-timers still live in the neighborhood, but I also appreciate the mix of continuity and change. We recently met someone who was born and raised on our block but who had moved away a while back (although her family still lives in the same house) and she, like you, was expressing her astonishment at how much the neighborhood had changed in recent years -- but from her perspective, for the better! – with the recent influx of yuppies and amenities, decrease in crime, restoration of houses, etc. It's also interesting to think of the neighborhood as "newer" and “more vibrant” when you lived here in the sixties, since I would guess that the WASPs that colonized the area when it was first converted from farmland to suburban housing at the turn of the century would have viewed the next wave of Jewish, Italian, and Irish inhabitants as suspiciously as you do the recent waves of immigrants. By the way, the Jewish stores still abound, just a little farther south, and Pomme de Terre (the bistro on Newkirk) is excellent -- I recommend you check it out next time you're in the area!

Posted by: westminster at July 23, 2008 12:36 PM in response to thinking of Ditmas Park

OP: have you checked out the 2 family for sale on Argyle (listed with both Julie Kestyn and Mary Kay)? We recently moved to Ditmas Park West from Brooklyn Heights and agree it is a bargain compared to Brownstone Brooklyn. I have to say that I couldn’t disagree more with the earlier post, as we moved here precisely because it was a safe, quiet, beautiful, and friendly place to raise a family with decent schools (both PS 139 and 217), increasing amenities, and a diverse population. We have been more than happy with amenities in the neighborhood -- we are a very short walk to Prospect Park, the Sunday farmer's market, two organic grocery stores, two coffee shops, two great restaurants with more on the way, a great little wine store, an awesome artisanal Italian ice shop, several yoga classes, a great old-school watering hole, and much more. We also love the interaction with people of many different cultures and try and take advantage of the ethnic markets, bakeries and restaurants in the area (not only Mexican and Pakistani/Bangladeshi but also Tibetan, West Indian, Jewish, Turkish, Eastern European, and more). We frequent many of these establishments for groceries and cheap, delicious food and find them to be perfectly “clean” and inviting by our relatively high standards. Contrary to being “seedy” or “deserted” we think that this neck of the woods has some of the most beautiful blocks in Brooklyn, if not all of New York City, and some very active neighborhood associations, and we love sitting on our porch and watching the children play in the street and the parade of passersby, young and old. To the OP, best of luck with your search, and let us know if you have any more specific questions about the neighborhood!

Posted by: westminster at July 22, 2008 12:26 PM in response to thinking of Ditmas Park

As we are considering some DIY skimcoating as well, I have two related questions:
1. Has anyone had luck skimcoating a ceiling? We were planning to tackle our walls but were assuming that our ceilings might be tricky and best left to a professional. Any specific tips for skimming ceilings?
2. If you use a mix of compound and plaster, what brand/type of plaster do you recommend?

Posted by: westminster at July 21, 2008 3:24 PM in response to Skim coating yourself

Just keep in mind that waiting for prices to come down will also mean continuing to watch mortgage interest rates go up, which may offset any price reductions you’re able to realize by waiting (unless, of course, you’re buying with cash).

Posted by: westminster at July 11, 2008 4:43 PM in response to Open House Picks

Please send me pictures as well...we are looking for just one replacement at geoffrey.gwin@groupgcapital.com

Posted by: ggwin at November 11, 2008 5:32 PM in response to Cast Iron Radiators