Finding a Town House for Less Than $1 Million
Newsflash! What’s the secret to finding a brownstone for under a million bucks? Looking in “overlooked neighborhoods” and being willing to take on a big renovation. In addition to Mott Haven in the Bronx and Sunnyside in Queens, Bedford Stuyvesant and Crown Heights are cited as the ripest spots in Brooklyn. No argument here. You…
Newsflash! What’s the secret to finding a brownstone for under a million bucks? Looking in “overlooked neighborhoods” and being willing to take on a big renovation. In addition to Mott Haven in the Bronx and Sunnyside in Queens, Bedford Stuyvesant and Crown Heights are cited as the ripest spots in Brooklyn. No argument here. You can still get a lovely brownstone in Bedford-Stuyvesant for well under $1 million, said Halstead’s William Ross (himself a brownstone owner, albeit in ritzier Cobble Hill). The market begins around $650,000 to $700,000 for a real four-story brownstone. Comment: Plus at least another $200,000 in renovation costs.
Finding a Town House for Under a Million [NY Times]
Photo by Chad Wilcomb
God(dess) bless you, Bob Marvin, for being the only sane one here (you too, South Slope!). 1:18, I’ll tell you what a $150k TOTAL renovation of a 4 story brownstone looks like…it looks like someone took great pains (that’s me!) to restore the home to it’s original beauty, when in actuality, well, that’s what I did…very painful! The money was saved by finding salvaged materials to replace the missing details, including lighting, tubs, sinks, flooring and cabinetry. Lots of sweat, lots of time…but it came in under $150k and that includes upgrading of systems. It’s no fun, but it’s possible.
I am surprised that there isn’t a little more discussion of frame houses on this site. I realize that it’s called Brownstoner for a reason. However, all that dark wood in a lot of the “original detail” homes does not appeal to all. Lots of cheaper frame houses (south slope, windsor terrace, etc.) have at least some of that much-sought-after original detail–marble mantels, tin ceilings, etc. I just would like to see more discussion of the non-brownstone (cheaper) options. I completely realize that some people just want that brownstone and won’t settle for “less” but I’d love to hear from more frame owners, like me!
you people never cease to amaaze me arguing over such mundane things.
2:31 — I did read your posts. I read your post above where you said you understood the point of view that people without millions should leave, and you complained that others who jumped on that comment were being jerks. Do adults really need to be told to “consider their options”? Like I said — condescending. And again, sorry you find Brooklyn so very “rough”. Don’t really know what you mean by that, but good luck with it.
2:11,2:24, you’re not reading the posts. Your 2:11 post was responsding to my 2:07 post and I did not say that anyone who couldn’t afford a million should leave. I said they should consider their options. And accepting the fact that Brooklyn is a rough place to live and to raise a family doesn’t mean I don’t love it here. I just love other places too. You should try to get out some time.
2:19 — Pay attention. Poster above stated that anyone who cannot afford to drop a million shouldn’t live in NYC. Are you actually surprised that this would generate a negative response? Good on you for owning a brownstone — not relevant to your condescending advice that people of “limited” means should consider living elsewhere. You state, and I quote, “you’d have to be an idiot not to consider your opitons as far as other (cheaper, nicer, easier) places to live”. Sorry to read that you think so little of your home — since you find it harder and apparently not as nice as other places, may I suggest that you sell and move to Florida.
2:11, I’ve lived here for 45 years, and I have no intention of leaving. Why would I–I own a brownstone. I never called you an idiot. I said one would have to be an idiot to not consider ones options–sounds like you have considered yours and have made your decision. Good for you. I wish you had decided to leave, but so be it.
Anon at 2:07 — if YOU don’t like NYC and YOU don’t consider the costs to be worth the benefits, then YOU can leave. You’d be an idiot not to, IF that’s the way you feel. As for ME, I have lived in Brooklyn for over 20 years, I love living in Brooklyn, I have no intention of leaving EVEN THOUGH I cannot afford a million dollar home. If you don’t understand that, then you certainly don’t belong here, and I would never try to convince you that you do. Please do me the same courtesy and respect my personal decision without calling me an “idiot” or “stupid”.
I certainly understand what 1:43 and disgusted are saying. I think you’d have to be an idiot not to consider your opitons as far as other (cheaper, nicer, easier) places to live. Whether it is really worth the scarifices and cost to live here is a personal decision. But anyone with “limited” means should totally look around before deciding if it is worth it to them. And 1:47/2:03, don’t be such jerks.