Chase requiring bedroom window bar removal for refi?

We have a mortage through Chase on our Park Slope brownstone, now attempting to refi also through Chase. The loan officer for the refi just told us that no bedrooms can have security bars on them unless they can be opened.  New fire code or something. We have window security bars in bedrooms on both the street and back side on the garden floor. This is not a landmark block, so the loan officer suggested modifing the bars so that they can be opened from the inside.     Every building on our block has iron bars on the garden floor both on the street side and the garden.  Many of these garden windows are for bedrooms.     Can this be for real?  The trade off of physical security vs fire security seems very unbalanced here… The each bedroom has only one form of egress, but the floor itself has 4 (front door, backdoor, up the stairs to the parlor, down to the cellar). Any advice or experience is welcome.

allinone

in Doors & Windows 12 years and 7 months ago

9

Please log in, in order to post replies!

9 replies

Newest Oldest

Springs | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5114 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4945 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "13117"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "Springs"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BTLknXuobfkPdh2APXje29kDjduYU8/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "Springs"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "jamie.grubb@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2008-07-16 03:51:12"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "Springs"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(13117)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Get the quick release bars ( can only be opened from the inside)  .  better safe than sorry…..dont forget people never wore seat belts years ago…..very dumb

brokelin | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4934 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4935 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "90954"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BukARi5fCxcdKRwwLKRkiawWixLEUK/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "annindc@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/brokelin/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:32:08"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(90954)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Uh, for real?  So people do not break in.  You obviously have never had people break in through your windows.  I have, more than once.  The cut the locks on the gates, or removed lag screws screwed deep into the window frame (while standing on a window sill four flights up.) Bars with no gates that open in them are sooo much safer.  Fire doesn’t worry me – less frequent, and usually from things one can control (smoking, candles, poor wiring, etc.)

pigthree | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4938 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5115 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "14451"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "pigthree"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BLWPHnp6ACZZrNPDRPJDLuA5YeTYn3."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "pig-three-2-2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "go67racing@mac.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/pig-three/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-17 21:34:36"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "pig three"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(14451)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

why do people want to keep bars on their windows?

psp215 | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5114 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5117 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "50847"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "psp215"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BzEsHt2ew9byiits7afpSfds2usX/X/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "weaver"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "mcsternbach@nyc.rr.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/psp215/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:42:13"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "Weaver"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(50847)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We had same situation two days before we were to close on a house — bank suddenly freaked out regarding bars. Our mortgage broker was able to argue on our behalf and they waived requirement.

Brooklynista | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4934 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5116 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1302"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "Brooklynista"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BCvmbM0DURV2.5K4Y8LQ/zGVC903vw."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "brooklynista"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "brooklynista@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "/forums/users/brooklynista/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:11:44"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(12) "Brooklynista"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1302)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We had this problem with Citibank on a refi a few years back.  We held firm, insisting that we didn’t want to remove or modify the steel bars on a rear window of the parlor floor (not in a bedroom). They compromised by insisting we insert a “hold harmless” waiver provision into the terms of the agreement.  We signed off and, to this day, those bars are still in place.  But again, we got them to compromise back when the banks were more willing to compromise just to be able to sell the note. Stiill, I would think it can’t hurt to ask.

scarter | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4938 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5118 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "18435"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "scarter"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BzA5g4XG7F5ax9JbbbL0jO1hl9YBBE0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "scarter"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "michlew30@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(26) "/forums/users/scarter1560/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:03:31"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(7) "scarter"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(18435)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Same here.  had to do the same recently with a new purchase.

adam_dahill | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5114 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5119 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176783"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "adam_dahill"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BVbT/.9EbE6MTZNRIO4K4/iGsGDl3l0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "adam_dahill"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "adamdahill@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(39) "https://www.mortgagemaster.com/adahill/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2013-06-24 16:57:52"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "adam_dahill"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176783)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Correct some lenders like Chase as well as Citibank will not budge on the bars issues. It’s extremely problematic when you are in a historic district. That said there are lenders that do not care about the bars and I have gotten it done numerous times.

guikazoid | 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4934 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5120 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "23671"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "guikazoid"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BXcrKK9kzLiIcqRnxPRe1f96mzmC7g1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "guikazoid"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "guikazoid@Hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2009-01-16 18:17:40"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "guikazoid"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(23671)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Not uncommon, we had to remove our gates from our bedroom.

shahnandersen

in Doors & Windows 12 years and 7 months ago

string(1) "2"
object(WP_User)#137709 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5130 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(1) "6"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "shahnandersen"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "shahnandersen"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(31) "brownstoner@brownstoner.com.old"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "brownstoner.com/renovation1"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2006-09-08 20:12:54"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(6)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

A lender (and insurer) can make any requirements it wants.  Agree to modify the bars or find another lender. This is not a great cost and if you can arrange to add it to the mortgage it will cost just a few dollars per payment.