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« Bird Blog: Week 7 Closing Bell: Brooklyn Flea Marches On »
June 20, 2008
Open House Picks

houseCarroll Gardens
419 Union Street
Corcoran
Sunday 1-2:30
$2,550,000
GMAP P*Shark

housePark Slope
318 First Street
NYT
Sunday 12-3
$2,250,000
GMAP P*Shark

houseClinton Hill
439 Waverly Avenue
Corcoran
Sunday 12-1
$1,299,000
GMAP P*Shark

houseCrown Heights
1139 Dean Street
Mark David
Sunday 11-4
$750,000
GMAP P*Shark

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Posted by Brownstoner at 2:05 PM | Comments (80)
Categories: Open Houses
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Comments

Carroll Gardens house — that’s quite alot of money for a short house (only 35 ft deep) on a not very nice block in a not very good public school zone. Way over-priced, despite the nice renovation.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:25 PM

PS 1st Street house has been on the market about a year, I kid you not. It is also listed with almost all the local brokers for 2.3 and no one is touching it. The owner is delusional – would be lucky to get 1.8.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:29 PM

Regarding First Street, does anyone know what’s up with it? It’s been on the market for many months now and almost all the brokers have it listed (also for a bit more expensive $2.3). What is hiding behind these doors?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:33 PM

All seem way overpriced except maybe, maybe Clinton Hill.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:35 PM

2:33 – simple, overpriced. Knock off 500K and maybe it will finally sell.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:36 PM

The Union St house looks very impresive from the renovations.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:42 PM

CG house seems overpriced, but I do like how they’ve done it a lot. You are close to lots of good schools 261, children’s and new, plus all the privates.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:42 PM

I checked out the place on Waverly a few weeks ago. I think its priced well and very nice. A bit narrow, but in really good condition. I am surprised it isn’t gone yet.

Posted by: ks8000 at June 20, 2008 2:43 PM

Huh Dumbasses, I don’t think these seller got the memo. Wall Street is getting Ram-Roded today! On the CONsumer front, people are having a hard time now and the situation is not improving.

There some bad days going to Wall and Main street and people need to pull their heads out of there asses. I know, I know The What is always “Doom and Gloom” but, the writing is on the wall. Lookie here!

Crude Oil Rises as U.S. Dollar Weakens, Israel Conducts Drill

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a193k1qd_v4o&refer=home

“An Israeli military exercise involving more than 100 F-16 and F-15 fighters seems to have been a rehearsal for a bombing attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and long-range conventional missiles, the New York Times reported, citing several unidentified U.S. officials.

“If enemies, especially Israelis and their U.S. supporters, wish to speak in the language of force, they should rest assured they will be dealt a heavy blow on the face by the Iranian nation,” said Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, leading Friday prayers in Tehran, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency.”

Yep Asshats, Gas WILL BE AT 10.00 a Gallon! You know the sad thing is this crap will go down. It makes me so sick about people greed and stupidity, why? Because you know and I know most of CAN”t afford this crap but, the posers like you are is still drinking Kool-Aid..

Last Rant! Banks are getting KILLED today! I will bet you in 90 day’s will NOT BE ABLE TO GET A MORTGAGE!! Why?! you will be in the first leg of the implosion!

The What (Get it on!)

Someday this war is gonna end…

Posted by: what at June 20, 2008 2:50 PM

2:42 — doesn’t matter if you are “close” to good schools if you aren’t zone for them, because there’s only a slight chance you’ll get in. 261 is far away, children’s school accepts via lottery only, and there’s no private schools near except in Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights. For 2.5 million you might as well buy the house in the slope if you want to be near private schools.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:50 PM

i think bigger drawback to Union st is that is just 2 houses down from that wine bar where they have outdoor seating….which means you have people drinking smoking giggling 25 from your living room windows
every nice evening and way after you want to go to bed.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:55 PM

Well I live in this zone and everyone I know is doing fine with schools – my son got into Children’s, others are going to New School, some to Friends, and one to the Jewish school on Court. I think as the local schools around district 15 get better, it’s actually much easier to get into the lottery schools – especially Children’s, since I seem to have come across quite a few people who got in who are considering staying at their local schools, whereas before it was considered impossible to get in and people would never give up a spot…

Still much more stressful than being zoned for a good local school I know. I think house is definitely overpriced – but again, believe it or not – some people prefer this neighborhood to PS.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:56 PM

That CG house is a butter face.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:57 PM

CG is dead to me.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:00 PM

The PS house looks gorgeous to me. I don’t like the mismatched wood of the CG kitchen floor right next to the other wood on the dining room floor. Looks awful.

Union is a gross block for that kinda money.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:03 PM

I’d be interested in the CG and the PS houses at about 20% under these askings. But at these prices, it isn’t even worth going to the open houses.

This is just a rip off — and while I’ve got enough money to pay into the low/mid-two millions for the right place, I don’t have enough money to be ripped off.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:03 PM

“Well I live in this zone and everyone I know is doing fine with schools”

I’m looking for better than fine.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:03 PM

3:03 – I agree that about 20% is needed to come off PS – they’d be lucky to get 1.8. What the hell are they thinking?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:06 PM

Union St is just barely walking distance to Friends, St Ann’s and Packard, if you are looking for “better than fine.” But the price is silly — you could rent a whole townhouse in the heart of the Heights for less.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:07 PM

I went to an open house for First Street some time back. It was very obvious that the sellers are in no hurry to sell and don’t actually NEED to sell. They are just waiting for the right sucker to come along and take it for their price.

I actually think that’s more common than we think…

Older folks just testing the market to see how much they can get.

These people read the news, they aren’t stupid. They know that if they REALLY needed to sell the place quick, they’d drop the price and it would be gone in 3 days.

You all don’t give enough credit to people who own multi-million dollar homes. They don’t get rich be being stupid, by and large.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:10 PM

“and while I’ve got enough money to pay into the low/mid-two millions for the right place”

Dont tell me, you have a 6 figure salary and a job in the Arts.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:11 PM

3:11, don’t be so asinine.

your envy is palpable.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:14 PM

PS is a skinny 2000 s.ft 2 br house far from transit, below 6th Ave. No way it’s worth more than $1.5.

Do the brokers think buyers are going to confuse this with a 4800 sq ft on Garfield and the Park?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:16 PM

“They don’t get rich be being stupid, by and large.”

Yet the the rich sellers appear to assume the richer buyers are stupid.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:18 PM

I know Union St. house, been there, however not friends with owner. It is a very nice house, really beautiful. Lots of space too. I think price is ok.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:18 PM

Nothing that interesting, 3:11, Wall St related but secure job with a salary in the top 5% here and 1% anywhere else, and that isn’t nearly enough for a middle class lifestyle in this neighborhood.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:22 PM

The richer buyers ARE stupid. Otherwise they wouldn’t be willing to pay these prices.

Or else they are so rich that money is meaningless to them, in which case WE are stupid for not taxing it away from them and giving it to someone who’d appreciate it. (other than the last generation of brownstone owners)

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:26 PM

I think the rich buyers are getting smarter and realizing that things are overpriced and are balking at unrealistic asks. Trend will only continue as smart money waits things out – that said, they will jump on something reasonably priced – what I don’t get is why owners are so scared of selling in this market since owners can still make SO much more than what they paid!!

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:30 PM

One doesn’t have a middle class lifestyle in an upper class neighborhood. Unless you’ve got a rent stabilized apartment or bought a long time ago.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:30 PM

Mostly the people who own multi-million dollar homes got rich because after they bought the crime rate dropped, the Wall St elite increased its pay by a factor of 20, and mortgage banks decided to lend to everyone. It wasn’t smarts but luck.

Very few people have paid anything like current market prices. Even fewer bought because they saw the bubble coming.

To be sure, Daveinbedstuy and some of the other high price payers were willing or able to buy because they rode the bubble up and concluded it was going to continue — but that shows luck, an ability to extrapolate trends that often gets people in trouble and maybe some blind faith in miracles, not smarts.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:32 PM

3:26 = bitter, very, very bitter

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:33 PM

Top 1% of income isn’t middle class.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:33 PM

3:26 bitter? No, more resentful. Why should the people who destroyed our economy be rewarded so generously that they can also buy up our neighborhood?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:37 PM

Middle class in NYC is different than middle class elsewhere in country. That said, I know plenty of people who are middle class in PS. Granted, if they own (there are plenty of renters) they probably got in RE game earlier on, before huge price run up, and then traded up. I know – I’m one of them. We’re now planning to trade up from apt to house but it is hard – but the only way it’s even remotely possible is because we bought before. I have no clue how people start out today – it seems really unsustainable. But it’s hopeful that market is no longer going up and even weakening, since it will allow some diversity to remain in this great hood. It would kill the neighborhood if it becomes like UES.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:37 PM

3:32…I bought because i got tired of living in a Manhattan condo and wanted a brownstone with a yard. It was easy to sell the condo and buy over there with lots to spare. Didn’t really care whether or not I was paying top tick; in fact I was looking to buy the most detailed interior architecture i could find. So far, I haven’t paid top tick, others have. That said, I think prices have peaked out there and will probably come down somewhat. Let’s watch and see if that Monday HOTD on Putnam sells.

I’m there for 5-10 years.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 20, 2008 3:41 PM

The DOW is toast

http://depression2.tv/d2/node/134

Posted by: Polemicist at June 20, 2008 3:43 PM

“The Royal Bank of Scotland has advised clients to brace for a full-fledged crash in global stock and credit markets over the next three months as inflation paralyses the major central banks.

‘A very nasty period is soon to be upon us – be prepared,’ said Bob Janjuah, the bank’s credit strategist.”

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:49 PM

3:32…i’m not sure I fall into the category of high-priced payors either….under a million but more than that Crown Heights place. I would say that to be called a high priced payor in Brooklyn you have to be well above $2.5 MM

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 20, 2008 3:50 PM

That Union Street house looks gorgeous. Given that the new owner wouldn’t have to do a thing, and it is located near tons of amenities, it seems priced fairly to me. I bet they’ll get near ask. It’s zoned for PS 32, but the family that can afford $2.5 million can afford private school. It’s not walking distance to anything except Hanna Senesh, but it’s likely they’ll have a car, too.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:52 PM

1st st. will probably move. maybe slightly below ask in this “more normal” market. but that is a very nice block and the interior is tasteful. the house on the corner of 1st and 6th is the real gem.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:04 PM

Hello who can afford these houses? It is called borrowing money from Parents, large down payments 700000 mortgage. Come on people be a little creative here, this is NYC there are lots of people who have money or who have access to money. YOu all act like we live in Nebraska or something. And what bugs the crap out of me is you are probably the same whiners who boast that NYC is the only place on the face of the earth that is worth living in, but act shocked that some people have the money to purchase these over priced properties IN THE GREATEST CITY IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE. Cheese whiz I say get over yourself.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:11 PM

4:04 – why would 1st street move now when it’s been lingering for over a year? I actually think they started out asking 2mil and somehow decided to ask more, which is totally crazy. It won’t move without a min 20% price cut.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:14 PM

Private school for two kids is over 50k / year. That’s roughly the after tax cost of a $1m mortgage. So 3:52 is basically saying “the family that can afford $2.5m can afford $3.5m.”

Given the shape of the wealth and income distributions (both are very steep at the right end and the wealth is much steeper), there are likely to be many — 4 or 5 times as many — families in the first group as in the second.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:14 PM

4:11 you missed the point. It’s not who “can” afford these, but why would someone who worked hard for their money (or whose parents did) choose to waste it overpaying?

And anyone who thinks NY is the only place worth living really needs to get out a bit more. There are many places more interesting, beautiful, cheap, convenient to live in than CG or PS, even in this metro area. And while many industries pay more here than elsewhere, the pay differential is usually less than the housing cost differential.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:18 PM

The family that can afford $2.5m isn’t buying a block from the Gowanus Canal.

Though I suppose if they can afford private school, they can also afford a top notch oncologist.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:19 PM

3:52, it doesn’t matter if the owner “could” pay for private school, houses in good public school zones get a premium. And that block of Union is just not that nice. It’s “okay”, but definitely not prime Carroll Gardens — close to the Gowanus, etc. So paying over 2.5 million for a 35 ft. long house just seems ridiculous. I’m sorry but that renovation just isn’t that good. Is there central air?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:26 PM

A block from Gowanus? $3m. Glow-in-the-dark condoms littering the sidewalk? Priceless.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:27 PM

4:26 – is that what it all comes down to? God bless America!

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:05 PM

to all critics – i wonder:

what are fair prices at this moments? are these brownstoners worth it at 20% less (like suggested) or would folks still carp at those prices?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:12 PM

We looked at the CG house when it sold 3 years ago for around $1.5M. A lot of the renovation had been done at that point, although the upper bathrooms needed to be finished and things cleaned up. It looks like current owners actually redid the parlor floor a bit (for the worse in my view, but that is a matter of taste).

We passed at that time because the block is terrible. The school is a negative for a variety of reasons, but also as you go down the block towards Bond it deteriorates quickly. Union & Bond is not a nice intersection. We’ve been by this house many times since and every time either my wife or myself comment that we are so glad we didn’t buy it. Still happy we landed in Cobble Hill and avoided this area.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:15 PM

4:26 – no what it all comes down to is that this is a way overpriced house and unrenovated houses that are much larger are going for 1.8 or less. So the only way to justify this 2.5+ million price is because the renovation is top of the line, and this one isn’t. Furthermore, I love Carroll Gardens, but for that kind of money I don’t want to buy the fanciest house on a crummy block — I’d rather buy a house in the prime part of the neighborhood and fix it up myself.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:24 PM

2.5 million to live on Union between Bond and Hoyt on Union. Are they fucking nuts? No way this goes for more than 2. That’s a terrible, terrible location.

Posted by: Brooklynnative at June 20, 2008 5:27 PM

RE: 1st street. Saw it almost a year ago when it was listed for 1.9. It is a very nice small 3-story, well renovated, with some nice touches.
That’s the good news.

The bad news is that it’s almost across the street from a Commerce Bank with a big red sign.

The layout is all screwy too. It doesn’t make a lot of sense. The nice bathroom is off the smaller bedroom. The much nicer kitchen is in the rental unit.

I understand the guy’s a doctor and does some nutrition stuff in the garden level kitchen, but most buyers (like me) probably walk out scratching their heads.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:33 PM

can we just be up front here and say none of these houses are (a) interesting or (b) worth the money being asked. really.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:35 PM

5:24 how can you judge a house by pictures? Have you been inside? Please tell me your definition of top of the line? I would love to know. Because if you are really searching for a house to buy and you do not think this house is top of the line, Then I suggest you go and look on 4th ave at some condo and tell me how the 2 properties combare? Really. And then go to Greenpoint and look at some cheap FEdders building and tell me again how this house is not “TOP of the Line”. Please do this for me because you need to get out and away from your computer and actually look and if you are indeed as picky as you seem good luck on your search for a house because most property in NY and Brooklyn is overpriced and not top of the line and/or on a bad block. I would suggest moving to a subdivision in Scottsdale where you can get top of the line and 4 car garage for 750000. You will feel better about your decision. Between Dave in Bed stuy and the what and the picky picky numbnuts this blog sucks.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:40 PM

i agree…the people on this blog all seem to have lost their minds.

most people in nyc would KILL to live in any one of these houses…especially the park slope or carroll gardens homes.

no one who’s spending 2 plus million on a home cares whether or not they might have to replace a ge slimline dishwasher with a miele somewhere down the line.

too many back seat buyers on this website for sure.

i’d LOVE to see the homes of some of these people complaining. i’m guessing the most top of the line appliance in your home is a cuisinart toaster oven your grandma gave you 14 years ago as a housewarming present.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:53 PM

Wow, are you the broker or seller? I do think the renovation is very nice, especially the bathrooms and of course this is much nicer than a 4th Ave. condo and fedders building. But the photos don’t make it look “top of the line”, sorry. And is there central air? I know people don’t like air conditioning, but when you are paying for a million dollar renovation, it usually comes with the package. And it’s a pain to put in if it isn’t already there, with the ductwork part of the renovation.

You are asking nearly $900/ft for this property. And, no matter how “fancy” the renovation is, location is everything, and this is simply not on a prime CG block. For 2.55 million, people have other options, but if you can get that price, more power to you. I hate the location, so even if it is a top of the line renovation, I wouldn’t buy it for 1.8 million, because I just don’t want to live on that block. It’s not a bad block, but for that kind of money I have other choices.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:54 PM

$900 a sq ft does seem like a lot. i know further down the block, i just saw an almost 1000 sq ft condo on huntington st going for 525K, but it is 1/2 a block from the bqe expressway, so i guess there are worse locations if you can still call it carroll gardens down there.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 7:19 PM

I’m usually defending the houses on here, but for once I’ll take the other side. I saw the 1st Street house, and it is super goofy. It has a poor layout, and not nearly as nice as the pictures make it look. It has a nice backyard though.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 7:26 PM

I like the Clinton Hill house. It reminds me of the houses in Philadelphia that are $250K. Nonetheless, compared to the rest of the Brooklyn market at this point and time, I guess that price is reasonable.

I know it’s common and fashionable to bitch about what this city is becoming… but seriously, what this city is becoming is kind of depressing. I feel like the only middle class people left in Brooklyn soon will be in the projects.

Posted by: Heather at June 20, 2008 7:56 PM

“1st st. will probably move. maybe slightly below ask in this “more normal” market. but that is a very nice block and the interior is tasteful. the house on the corner of 1st and 6th is the real gem.”

Yeah? Great analysis. This house has been on the market FOREVER and then some. Started out as a Craigslist FSBO. Now every broker and his grandmother has this listing. Owner must be paranoid or something because for a long time he did not allow a facade picture or address to accompany any listing. This house, for everyone searching in Park Slope, is officially a red flag by this point.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 8:28 PM

I saw 1st street house months and months ago. I don;t care for the kitchens or bathrooms. The garden level kitchen is dated. The basement is weird! While it is finished, it is all chopped up with exam rooms (doctor works there). It is not a family house with its present layout. It only has one proper bedroom. the second room that could be a bedroom works better as a sitting room off master bedroom. The garden overlooks the back area of a restaurant and the front of the house face the bank…not a great location. Don;t waste your time on this one unless you have money to burn on a renovation after buying a very over priced house.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 8:56 PM

Who is it that always posts the “you must be bitter” comments? Little Miss Sunshine? Pollyanna?
You don’t have to be bitter to question the sanity of these home prices or the ethics of RE brokers.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:29 PM

I think the Union Street house is terrific but most people would not pay close to $2.5M in this location at this point in time. But they don’t need most people, just one interested buyer, so who knows. After all, these folks paid $1.5 million three years ago.

This exact same house in Brooklyn Heights would be $4 million. Here it’s a $2 million house at best. If you’re betting for the long term that the Gowanus renaissance pans out, $2.5 million could be a fair price.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:33 PM

The whole real estate bubble is because people are “betting” that 2.5 million might be a fair price years from now. That is what is so ridiculous about the price. For $6,000/month you can probably rent the nicest house in Carroll Gardens, in a far better location. That doesn’t even cover 1 million in mortgage payments. So why, in this declining market, would you pay 2.5 million for this house?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:38 PM

I have never understood real estate. I admit it. I understand it less than ever now. In fact, I think it is now verging on the sociopathic, as shown by many of the postings on this blog.
My guess is that it is all about ego and blind optimism in the future. Two qualities that have always eluded me a little.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:58 PM

I think 1st Street may go the way of 601 President. That house had to have several price cuts, finally at 1.4 mil and was also shown by every single broker but by that time was totally stigmatized. Owner finally had to take it off the market. This house is a joke – don’t waste your time.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:35 PM

“Yep Asshats, Gas WILL BE AT 10.00 a Gallon!”

the WHAAAAH is seriously f-cking retarded. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, its difficult to see clearly when you walk around in diapers with fun dip smeared across your face like a 2 year old.

You throw around these news headlines but really do not understand the actual content. Can you please stop and try to think before you belch out these ridiculously exaggerated prognostications of doom and gloom. Gas will not reach $10.00 a gallon anytime in the next 10 years – no economy could actually function at that level.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:41 PM

“You throw around these news headlines but really do not understand the actual content. Can you please stop and try to think before you belch out these ridiculously exaggerated prognostications of doom and gloom. Gas will not reach $10.00 a gallon anytime in the next 10 years – no economy could actually function at that level.”

Ok I’m replying to a asshat. I guess you have your head up your ass. Israel and the US are ready to bomb Iran. I think this Attack will be within 90 days. Israel views Iran nuclear assets as a real danger!

Stagflation is bitting home! The price of goods are up 35% from last year and Energy is up over 50%.

“Gas will not reach $10.00 a gallon anytime in the next 10 years – no economy could actually function at that level.”

Hey Dumbass, the “eCONomy is not functioning now. You have a broken Banking System that will need years to repair.

Man o Man, please don’t let me “be right”! I will be that dude breakdancing on Fulton and Grand! Now run away o dumb one, The What is fulling the prophecy. hahahahahahahahahah!

The What (Look around, its OVER!)

Someday this war is gonna end….

Posted by: what at June 21, 2008 12:39 AM

For $2.5 million i’d definitely take the Townsley and Gay listing on union street in PS over this one in CG.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 1:48 AM

“Wow, are you the broker or seller?”

Interesting someone making a positive comment and you ask if they are the broker or seller…thats new!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 9:26 AM

The Union St. house in CG is a beautiful house. Really nice looks, nice feel. I love the top floor with the lower ceilings and exposed beams. If it’s done right like this one, those spaces should feel charming and European. There’s always potential for that floor.

BUT, the price, wow. It’s a full one million dollars more than our own similarly sized house that’s not in a great public school district either, but for the million we don’t spend we can pay for private schools. Somewhere the logic starts to fall apart. Even if a house IS located inside a good public school district is that really worth an extra million dollars for K-5? Or is that something RE brokers have taken advantage of in anxious parents who are simply striving to figure out the schools question, and therefore overinflated values of certain things in certain neighborhoods.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 10:23 AM

I defended the union st house, I am not broker nor the seller, I know the house I have been inside it. As far as price goes, everyone on here gets their panties in a ruffle over the asking prices. Asking is not selling. Get over it. The market will tell us how much this house is worth. I say 2.2.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 12:13 PM

I see many posts of sending kids to private schools. But it’s more than paying for the schools. You’d have to be accepted. Have you thought of that????

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 12:50 PM

These prices astound me when you see what much less money buys you outside NYC:

http://advantagerealty5.maryland.remax.com/listings/ListingDetail_r4.aspx?LID=48600149&RFRSKNID=85&

http://southbend.craigslist.org/rfs/714361720.html

Posted by: Steve at June 21, 2008 5:43 PM

you get what you pay for

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 6:08 PM

As someone who’s from Maryland, I can tell you that living in Owings Mills, Md (Steve’s 1st link)) would be a fate worse than death.

Ultimate suburban wasteland.

They can’t give away homes in many suburban areas these days…that house would have sold for 1.2 million 3 years ago.

Who wants to give up living in one of the most vibrant cities in the world for a soul-less northern suburb of Baltimore, Maryland…? You’d REALLY have to hate it here.

And I love Baltimore…

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 6:11 PM

i could use a little less vibrant and a little more affordable.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 6:45 PM

And you will work where…???

A lot of us here in Brooklyn work in jobs which can’t be found in many (or any other) parts of the country. I know that my options for employment are EXTREMELY unlikely in any other city but New York. That’s the reason a lot of us artsy type folks move here in the first place.

If you’d rather live in a suburb of a C level city with high crime, worst syphilis rate in the country, one of the lowest birth rates, highest high school drop out rates and horrible racial tensions , by all means, go for it.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 7:12 PM

None of the suburbs I’d actually want to live in if we left the city have affordable houses for under a million. I recently did a search in some CT counties where the property taxes aren’t quite so insane, and I didn’t even find anything decent for under $1.4 million. So we’d have to spend more than what we could sell our Brooklyn house for. Doesn’t sound so cheap to me!

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 7:13 PM
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« Bird Blog: Week 7 Closing Bell: Brooklyn Flea Marches On »
June 20, 2008
Open House Picks

houseCarroll Gardens
419 Union Street
Corcoran
Sunday 1-2:30
$2,550,000
GMAP P*Shark

housePark Slope
318 First Street
NYT
Sunday 12-3
$2,250,000
GMAP P*Shark

houseClinton Hill
439 Waverly Avenue
Corcoran
Sunday 12-1
$1,299,000
GMAP P*Shark

houseCrown Heights
1139 Dean Street
Mark David
Sunday 11-4
$750,000
GMAP P*Shark

Imagery ©2008 DigitalGlobe, Bluesky, Sanborn, GeoEye, Map data ©2008 Tele Atlas – Terms of Use
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Posted by Brownstoner at 2:05 PM | Comments (80)
Categories: Open Houses
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Comments

Carroll Gardens house — that’s quite alot of money for a short house (only 35 ft deep) on a not very nice block in a not very good public school zone. Way over-priced, despite the nice renovation.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:25 PM

PS 1st Street house has been on the market about a year, I kid you not. It is also listed with almost all the local brokers for 2.3 and no one is touching it. The owner is delusional – would be lucky to get 1.8.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:29 PM

Regarding First Street, does anyone know what’s up with it? It’s been on the market for many months now and almost all the brokers have it listed (also for a bit more expensive $2.3). What is hiding behind these doors?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:33 PM

All seem way overpriced except maybe, maybe Clinton Hill.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:35 PM

2:33 – simple, overpriced. Knock off 500K and maybe it will finally sell.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:36 PM

The Union St house looks very impresive from the renovations.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:42 PM

CG house seems overpriced, but I do like how they’ve done it a lot. You are close to lots of good schools 261, children’s and new, plus all the privates.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:42 PM

I checked out the place on Waverly a few weeks ago. I think its priced well and very nice. A bit narrow, but in really good condition. I am surprised it isn’t gone yet.

Posted by: ks8000 at June 20, 2008 2:43 PM

Huh Dumbasses, I don’t think these seller got the memo. Wall Street is getting Ram-Roded today! On the CONsumer front, people are having a hard time now and the situation is not improving.

There some bad days going to Wall and Main street and people need to pull their heads out of there asses. I know, I know The What is always “Doom and Gloom” but, the writing is on the wall. Lookie here!

Crude Oil Rises as U.S. Dollar Weakens, Israel Conducts Drill

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a193k1qd_v4o&refer=home

“An Israeli military exercise involving more than 100 F-16 and F-15 fighters seems to have been a rehearsal for a bombing attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and long-range conventional missiles, the New York Times reported, citing several unidentified U.S. officials.

“If enemies, especially Israelis and their U.S. supporters, wish to speak in the language of force, they should rest assured they will be dealt a heavy blow on the face by the Iranian nation,” said Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, leading Friday prayers in Tehran, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency.”

Yep Asshats, Gas WILL BE AT 10.00 a Gallon! You know the sad thing is this crap will go down. It makes me so sick about people greed and stupidity, why? Because you know and I know most of CAN”t afford this crap but, the posers like you are is still drinking Kool-Aid..

Last Rant! Banks are getting KILLED today! I will bet you in 90 day’s will NOT BE ABLE TO GET A MORTGAGE!! Why?! you will be in the first leg of the implosion!

The What (Get it on!)

Someday this war is gonna end…

Posted by: what at June 20, 2008 2:50 PM

2:42 — doesn’t matter if you are “close” to good schools if you aren’t zone for them, because there’s only a slight chance you’ll get in. 261 is far away, children’s school accepts via lottery only, and there’s no private schools near except in Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights. For 2.5 million you might as well buy the house in the slope if you want to be near private schools.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:50 PM

i think bigger drawback to Union st is that is just 2 houses down from that wine bar where they have outdoor seating….which means you have people drinking smoking giggling 25 from your living room windows
every nice evening and way after you want to go to bed.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:55 PM

Well I live in this zone and everyone I know is doing fine with schools – my son got into Children’s, others are going to New School, some to Friends, and one to the Jewish school on Court. I think as the local schools around district 15 get better, it’s actually much easier to get into the lottery schools – especially Children’s, since I seem to have come across quite a few people who got in who are considering staying at their local schools, whereas before it was considered impossible to get in and people would never give up a spot…

Still much more stressful than being zoned for a good local school I know. I think house is definitely overpriced – but again, believe it or not – some people prefer this neighborhood to PS.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:56 PM

That CG house is a butter face.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:57 PM

CG is dead to me.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:00 PM

The PS house looks gorgeous to me. I don’t like the mismatched wood of the CG kitchen floor right next to the other wood on the dining room floor. Looks awful.

Union is a gross block for that kinda money.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:03 PM

I’d be interested in the CG and the PS houses at about 20% under these askings. But at these prices, it isn’t even worth going to the open houses.

This is just a rip off — and while I’ve got enough money to pay into the low/mid-two millions for the right place, I don’t have enough money to be ripped off.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:03 PM

“Well I live in this zone and everyone I know is doing fine with schools”

I’m looking for better than fine.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:03 PM

3:03 – I agree that about 20% is needed to come off PS – they’d be lucky to get 1.8. What the hell are they thinking?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:06 PM

Union St is just barely walking distance to Friends, St Ann’s and Packard, if you are looking for “better than fine.” But the price is silly — you could rent a whole townhouse in the heart of the Heights for less.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:07 PM

I went to an open house for First Street some time back. It was very obvious that the sellers are in no hurry to sell and don’t actually NEED to sell. They are just waiting for the right sucker to come along and take it for their price.

I actually think that’s more common than we think…

Older folks just testing the market to see how much they can get.

These people read the news, they aren’t stupid. They know that if they REALLY needed to sell the place quick, they’d drop the price and it would be gone in 3 days.

You all don’t give enough credit to people who own multi-million dollar homes. They don’t get rich be being stupid, by and large.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:10 PM

“and while I’ve got enough money to pay into the low/mid-two millions for the right place”

Dont tell me, you have a 6 figure salary and a job in the Arts.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:11 PM

3:11, don’t be so asinine.

your envy is palpable.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:14 PM

PS is a skinny 2000 s.ft 2 br house far from transit, below 6th Ave. No way it’s worth more than $1.5.

Do the brokers think buyers are going to confuse this with a 4800 sq ft on Garfield and the Park?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:16 PM

“They don’t get rich be being stupid, by and large.”

Yet the the rich sellers appear to assume the richer buyers are stupid.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:18 PM

I know Union St. house, been there, however not friends with owner. It is a very nice house, really beautiful. Lots of space too. I think price is ok.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:18 PM

Nothing that interesting, 3:11, Wall St related but secure job with a salary in the top 5% here and 1% anywhere else, and that isn’t nearly enough for a middle class lifestyle in this neighborhood.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:22 PM

The richer buyers ARE stupid. Otherwise they wouldn’t be willing to pay these prices.

Or else they are so rich that money is meaningless to them, in which case WE are stupid for not taxing it away from them and giving it to someone who’d appreciate it. (other than the last generation of brownstone owners)

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:26 PM

I think the rich buyers are getting smarter and realizing that things are overpriced and are balking at unrealistic asks. Trend will only continue as smart money waits things out – that said, they will jump on something reasonably priced – what I don’t get is why owners are so scared of selling in this market since owners can still make SO much more than what they paid!!

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:30 PM

One doesn’t have a middle class lifestyle in an upper class neighborhood. Unless you’ve got a rent stabilized apartment or bought a long time ago.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:30 PM

Mostly the people who own multi-million dollar homes got rich because after they bought the crime rate dropped, the Wall St elite increased its pay by a factor of 20, and mortgage banks decided to lend to everyone. It wasn’t smarts but luck.

Very few people have paid anything like current market prices. Even fewer bought because they saw the bubble coming.

To be sure, Daveinbedstuy and some of the other high price payers were willing or able to buy because they rode the bubble up and concluded it was going to continue — but that shows luck, an ability to extrapolate trends that often gets people in trouble and maybe some blind faith in miracles, not smarts.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:32 PM

3:26 = bitter, very, very bitter

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:33 PM

Top 1% of income isn’t middle class.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:33 PM

3:26 bitter? No, more resentful. Why should the people who destroyed our economy be rewarded so generously that they can also buy up our neighborhood?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:37 PM

Middle class in NYC is different than middle class elsewhere in country. That said, I know plenty of people who are middle class in PS. Granted, if they own (there are plenty of renters) they probably got in RE game earlier on, before huge price run up, and then traded up. I know – I’m one of them. We’re now planning to trade up from apt to house but it is hard – but the only way it’s even remotely possible is because we bought before. I have no clue how people start out today – it seems really unsustainable. But it’s hopeful that market is no longer going up and even weakening, since it will allow some diversity to remain in this great hood. It would kill the neighborhood if it becomes like UES.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:37 PM

3:32…I bought because i got tired of living in a Manhattan condo and wanted a brownstone with a yard. It was easy to sell the condo and buy over there with lots to spare. Didn’t really care whether or not I was paying top tick; in fact I was looking to buy the most detailed interior architecture i could find. So far, I haven’t paid top tick, others have. That said, I think prices have peaked out there and will probably come down somewhat. Let’s watch and see if that Monday HOTD on Putnam sells.

I’m there for 5-10 years.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 20, 2008 3:41 PM

The DOW is toast

http://depression2.tv/d2/node/134

Posted by: Polemicist at June 20, 2008 3:43 PM

“The Royal Bank of Scotland has advised clients to brace for a full-fledged crash in global stock and credit markets over the next three months as inflation paralyses the major central banks.

‘A very nasty period is soon to be upon us – be prepared,’ said Bob Janjuah, the bank’s credit strategist.”

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:49 PM

3:32…i’m not sure I fall into the category of high-priced payors either….under a million but more than that Crown Heights place. I would say that to be called a high priced payor in Brooklyn you have to be well above $2.5 MM

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 20, 2008 3:50 PM

That Union Street house looks gorgeous. Given that the new owner wouldn’t have to do a thing, and it is located near tons of amenities, it seems priced fairly to me. I bet they’ll get near ask. It’s zoned for PS 32, but the family that can afford $2.5 million can afford private school. It’s not walking distance to anything except Hanna Senesh, but it’s likely they’ll have a car, too.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:52 PM

1st st. will probably move. maybe slightly below ask in this “more normal” market. but that is a very nice block and the interior is tasteful. the house on the corner of 1st and 6th is the real gem.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:04 PM

Hello who can afford these houses? It is called borrowing money from Parents, large down payments 700000 mortgage. Come on people be a little creative here, this is NYC there are lots of people who have money or who have access to money. YOu all act like we live in Nebraska or something. And what bugs the crap out of me is you are probably the same whiners who boast that NYC is the only place on the face of the earth that is worth living in, but act shocked that some people have the money to purchase these over priced properties IN THE GREATEST CITY IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE. Cheese whiz I say get over yourself.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:11 PM

4:04 – why would 1st street move now when it’s been lingering for over a year? I actually think they started out asking 2mil and somehow decided to ask more, which is totally crazy. It won’t move without a min 20% price cut.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:14 PM

Private school for two kids is over 50k / year. That’s roughly the after tax cost of a $1m mortgage. So 3:52 is basically saying “the family that can afford $2.5m can afford $3.5m.”

Given the shape of the wealth and income distributions (both are very steep at the right end and the wealth is much steeper), there are likely to be many — 4 or 5 times as many — families in the first group as in the second.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:14 PM

4:11 you missed the point. It’s not who “can” afford these, but why would someone who worked hard for their money (or whose parents did) choose to waste it overpaying?

And anyone who thinks NY is the only place worth living really needs to get out a bit more. There are many places more interesting, beautiful, cheap, convenient to live in than CG or PS, even in this metro area. And while many industries pay more here than elsewhere, the pay differential is usually less than the housing cost differential.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:18 PM

The family that can afford $2.5m isn’t buying a block from the Gowanus Canal.

Though I suppose if they can afford private school, they can also afford a top notch oncologist.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:19 PM

3:52, it doesn’t matter if the owner “could” pay for private school, houses in good public school zones get a premium. And that block of Union is just not that nice. It’s “okay”, but definitely not prime Carroll Gardens — close to the Gowanus, etc. So paying over 2.5 million for a 35 ft. long house just seems ridiculous. I’m sorry but that renovation just isn’t that good. Is there central air?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:26 PM

A block from Gowanus? $3m. Glow-in-the-dark condoms littering the sidewalk? Priceless.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:27 PM

4:26 – is that what it all comes down to? God bless America!

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:05 PM

to all critics – i wonder:

what are fair prices at this moments? are these brownstoners worth it at 20% less (like suggested) or would folks still carp at those prices?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:12 PM

We looked at the CG house when it sold 3 years ago for around $1.5M. A lot of the renovation had been done at that point, although the upper bathrooms needed to be finished and things cleaned up. It looks like current owners actually redid the parlor floor a bit (for the worse in my view, but that is a matter of taste).

We passed at that time because the block is terrible. The school is a negative for a variety of reasons, but also as you go down the block towards Bond it deteriorates quickly. Union & Bond is not a nice intersection. We’ve been by this house many times since and every time either my wife or myself comment that we are so glad we didn’t buy it. Still happy we landed in Cobble Hill and avoided this area.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:15 PM

4:26 – no what it all comes down to is that this is a way overpriced house and unrenovated houses that are much larger are going for 1.8 or less. So the only way to justify this 2.5+ million price is because the renovation is top of the line, and this one isn’t. Furthermore, I love Carroll Gardens, but for that kind of money I don’t want to buy the fanciest house on a crummy block — I’d rather buy a house in the prime part of the neighborhood and fix it up myself.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:24 PM

2.5 million to live on Union between Bond and Hoyt on Union. Are they fucking nuts? No way this goes for more than 2. That’s a terrible, terrible location.

Posted by: Brooklynnative at June 20, 2008 5:27 PM

RE: 1st street. Saw it almost a year ago when it was listed for 1.9. It is a very nice small 3-story, well renovated, with some nice touches.
That’s the good news.

The bad news is that it’s almost across the street from a Commerce Bank with a big red sign.

The layout is all screwy too. It doesn’t make a lot of sense. The nice bathroom is off the smaller bedroom. The much nicer kitchen is in the rental unit.

I understand the guy’s a doctor and does some nutrition stuff in the garden level kitchen, but most buyers (like me) probably walk out scratching their heads.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:33 PM

can we just be up front here and say none of these houses are (a) interesting or (b) worth the money being asked. really.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:35 PM

5:24 how can you judge a house by pictures? Have you been inside? Please tell me your definition of top of the line? I would love to know. Because if you are really searching for a house to buy and you do not think this house is top of the line, Then I suggest you go and look on 4th ave at some condo and tell me how the 2 properties combare? Really. And then go to Greenpoint and look at some cheap FEdders building and tell me again how this house is not “TOP of the Line”. Please do this for me because you need to get out and away from your computer and actually look and if you are indeed as picky as you seem good luck on your search for a house because most property in NY and Brooklyn is overpriced and not top of the line and/or on a bad block. I would suggest moving to a subdivision in Scottsdale where you can get top of the line and 4 car garage for 750000. You will feel better about your decision. Between Dave in Bed stuy and the what and the picky picky numbnuts this blog sucks.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:40 PM

i agree…the people on this blog all seem to have lost their minds.

most people in nyc would KILL to live in any one of these houses…especially the park slope or carroll gardens homes.

no one who’s spending 2 plus million on a home cares whether or not they might have to replace a ge slimline dishwasher with a miele somewhere down the line.

too many back seat buyers on this website for sure.

i’d LOVE to see the homes of some of these people complaining. i’m guessing the most top of the line appliance in your home is a cuisinart toaster oven your grandma gave you 14 years ago as a housewarming present.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:53 PM

Wow, are you the broker or seller? I do think the renovation is very nice, especially the bathrooms and of course this is much nicer than a 4th Ave. condo and fedders building. But the photos don’t make it look “top of the line”, sorry. And is there central air? I know people don’t like air conditioning, but when you are paying for a million dollar renovation, it usually comes with the package. And it’s a pain to put in if it isn’t already there, with the ductwork part of the renovation.

You are asking nearly $900/ft for this property. And, no matter how “fancy” the renovation is, location is everything, and this is simply not on a prime CG block. For 2.55 million, people have other options, but if you can get that price, more power to you. I hate the location, so even if it is a top of the line renovation, I wouldn’t buy it for 1.8 million, because I just don’t want to live on that block. It’s not a bad block, but for that kind of money I have other choices.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:54 PM

$900 a sq ft does seem like a lot. i know further down the block, i just saw an almost 1000 sq ft condo on huntington st going for 525K, but it is 1/2 a block from the bqe expressway, so i guess there are worse locations if you can still call it carroll gardens down there.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 7:19 PM

I’m usually defending the houses on here, but for once I’ll take the other side. I saw the 1st Street house, and it is super goofy. It has a poor layout, and not nearly as nice as the pictures make it look. It has a nice backyard though.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 7:26 PM

I like the Clinton Hill house. It reminds me of the houses in Philadelphia that are $250K. Nonetheless, compared to the rest of the Brooklyn market at this point and time, I guess that price is reasonable.

I know it’s common and fashionable to bitch about what this city is becoming… but seriously, what this city is becoming is kind of depressing. I feel like the only middle class people left in Brooklyn soon will be in the projects.

Posted by: Heather at June 20, 2008 7:56 PM

“1st st. will probably move. maybe slightly below ask in this “more normal” market. but that is a very nice block and the interior is tasteful. the house on the corner of 1st and 6th is the real gem.”

Yeah? Great analysis. This house has been on the market FOREVER and then some. Started out as a Craigslist FSBO. Now every broker and his grandmother has this listing. Owner must be paranoid or something because for a long time he did not allow a facade picture or address to accompany any listing. This house, for everyone searching in Park Slope, is officially a red flag by this point.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 8:28 PM

I saw 1st street house months and months ago. I don;t care for the kitchens or bathrooms. The garden level kitchen is dated. The basement is weird! While it is finished, it is all chopped up with exam rooms (doctor works there). It is not a family house with its present layout. It only has one proper bedroom. the second room that could be a bedroom works better as a sitting room off master bedroom. The garden overlooks the back area of a restaurant and the front of the house face the bank…not a great location. Don;t waste your time on this one unless you have money to burn on a renovation after buying a very over priced house.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 8:56 PM

Who is it that always posts the “you must be bitter” comments? Little Miss Sunshine? Pollyanna?
You don’t have to be bitter to question the sanity of these home prices or the ethics of RE brokers.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:29 PM

I think the Union Street house is terrific but most people would not pay close to $2.5M in this location at this point in time. But they don’t need most people, just one interested buyer, so who knows. After all, these folks paid $1.5 million three years ago.

This exact same house in Brooklyn Heights would be $4 million. Here it’s a $2 million house at best. If you’re betting for the long term that the Gowanus renaissance pans out, $2.5 million could be a fair price.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:33 PM

The whole real estate bubble is because people are “betting” that 2.5 million might be a fair price years from now. That is what is so ridiculous about the price. For $6,000/month you can probably rent the nicest house in Carroll Gardens, in a far better location. That doesn’t even cover 1 million in mortgage payments. So why, in this declining market, would you pay 2.5 million for this house?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:38 PM

I have never understood real estate. I admit it. I understand it less than ever now. In fact, I think it is now verging on the sociopathic, as shown by many of the postings on this blog.
My guess is that it is all about ego and blind optimism in the future. Two qualities that have always eluded me a little.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:58 PM

I think 1st Street may go the way of 601 President. That house had to have several price cuts, finally at 1.4 mil and was also shown by every single broker but by that time was totally stigmatized. Owner finally had to take it off the market. This house is a joke – don’t waste your time.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:35 PM

“Yep Asshats, Gas WILL BE AT 10.00 a Gallon!”

the WHAAAAH is seriously f-cking retarded. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, its difficult to see clearly when you walk around in diapers with fun dip smeared across your face like a 2 year old.

You throw around these news headlines but really do not understand the actual content. Can you please stop and try to think before you belch out these ridiculously exaggerated prognostications of doom and gloom. Gas will not reach $10.00 a gallon anytime in the next 10 years – no economy could actually function at that level.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:41 PM

“You throw around these news headlines but really do not understand the actual content. Can you please stop and try to think before you belch out these ridiculously exaggerated prognostications of doom and gloom. Gas will not reach $10.00 a gallon anytime in the next 10 years – no economy could actually function at that level.”

Ok I’m replying to a asshat. I guess you have your head up your ass. Israel and the US are ready to bomb Iran. I think this Attack will be within 90 days. Israel views Iran nuclear assets as a real danger!

Stagflation is bitting home! The price of goods are up 35% from last year and Energy is up over 50%.

“Gas will not reach $10.00 a gallon anytime in the next 10 years – no economy could actually function at that level.”

Hey Dumbass, the “eCONomy is not functioning now. You have a broken Banking System that will need years to repair.

Man o Man, please don’t let me “be right”! I will be that dude breakdancing on Fulton and Grand! Now run away o dumb one, The What is fulling the prophecy. hahahahahahahahahah!

The What (Look around, its OVER!)

Someday this war is gonna end….

Posted by: what at June 21, 2008 12:39 AM

For $2.5 million i’d definitely take the Townsley and Gay listing on union street in PS over this one in CG.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 1:48 AM

“Wow, are you the broker or seller?”

Interesting someone making a positive comment and you ask if they are the broker or seller…thats new!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 9:26 AM

The Union St. house in CG is a beautiful house. Really nice looks, nice feel. I love the top floor with the lower ceilings and exposed beams. If it’s done right like this one, those spaces should feel charming and European. There’s always potential for that floor.

BUT, the price, wow. It’s a full one million dollars more than our own similarly sized house that’s not in a great public school district either, but for the million we don’t spend we can pay for private schools. Somewhere the logic starts to fall apart. Even if a house IS located inside a good public school district is that really worth an extra million dollars for K-5? Or is that something RE brokers have taken advantage of in anxious parents who are simply striving to figure out the schools question, and therefore overinflated values of certain things in certain neighborhoods.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 10:23 AM

I defended the union st house, I am not broker nor the seller, I know the house I have been inside it. As far as price goes, everyone on here gets their panties in a ruffle over the asking prices. Asking is not selling. Get over it. The market will tell us how much this house is worth. I say 2.2.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 12:13 PM

I see many posts of sending kids to private schools. But it’s more than paying for the schools. You’d have to be accepted. Have you thought of that????

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 12:50 PM

These prices astound me when you see what much less money buys you outside NYC:

http://advantagerealty5.maryland.remax.com/listings/ListingDetail_r4.aspx?LID=48600149&RFRSKNID=85&

http://southbend.craigslist.org/rfs/714361720.html

Posted by: Steve at June 21, 2008 5:43 PM

you get what you pay for

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 6:08 PM

As someone who’s from Maryland, I can tell you that living in Owings Mills, Md (Steve’s 1st link)) would be a fate worse than death.

Ultimate suburban wasteland.

They can’t give away homes in many suburban areas these days…that house would have sold for 1.2 million 3 years ago.

Who wants to give up living in one of the most vibrant cities in the world for a soul-less northern suburb of Baltimore, Maryland…? You’d REALLY have to hate it here.

And I love Baltimore…

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 6:11 PM

i could use a little less vibrant and a little more affordable.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 6:45 PM

And you will work where…???

A lot of us here in Brooklyn work in jobs which can’t be found in many (or any other) parts of the country. I know that my options for employment are EXTREMELY unlikely in any other city but New York. That’s the reason a lot of us artsy type folks move here in the first place.

If you’d rather live in a suburb of a C level city with high crime, worst syphilis rate in the country, one of the lowest birth rates, highest high school drop out rates and horrible racial tensions , by all means, go for it.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 7:12 PM

None of the suburbs I’d actually want to live in if we left the city have affordable houses for under a million. I recently did a search in some CT counties where the property taxes aren’t quite so insane, and I didn’t even find anything decent for under $1.4 million. So we’d have to spend more than what we could sell our Brooklyn house for. Doesn’t sound so cheap to me!

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 7:13 PM
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« Bird Blog: Week 7 Closing Bell: Brooklyn Flea Marches On »
June 20, 2008
Open House Picks

houseCarroll Gardens
419 Union Street
Corcoran
Sunday 1-2:30
$2,550,000
GMAP P*Shark

housePark Slope
318 First Street
NYT
Sunday 12-3
$2,250,000
GMAP P*Shark

houseClinton Hill
439 Wav

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« Bird Blog: Week 7 Closing Bell: Brooklyn Flea Marches On »
June 20, 2008
Open House Picks

houseCarroll Gardens
419 Union Street
Corcoran
Sunday 1-2:30
$2,550,000
GMAP P*Shark

housePark Slope
318 First Street
NYT
Sunday 12-3
$2,250,000
GMAP P*Shark

houseClinton Hill
439 Waverly Avenue
Corcoran
Sunday 12-1
$1,299,000
GMAP P*Shark

houseCrown Heights
1139 Dean Street
Mark David
Sunday 11-4
$750,000
GMAP P*Shark

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Posted by Brownstoner at 2:05 PM | Comments (80)
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Comments

Carroll Gardens house — that’s quite alot of money for a short house (only 35 ft deep) on a not very nice block in a not very good public school zone. Way over-priced, despite the nice renovation.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:25 PM

PS 1st Street house has been on the market about a year, I kid you not. It is also listed with almost all the local brokers for 2.3 and no one is touching it. The owner is delusional – would be lucky to get 1.8.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:29 PM

Regarding First Street, does anyone know what’s up with it? It’s been on the market for many months now and almost all the brokers have it listed (also for a bit more expensive $2.3). What is hiding behind these doors?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:33 PM

All seem way overpriced except maybe, maybe Clinton Hill.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:35 PM

2:33 – simple, overpriced. Knock off 500K and maybe it will finally sell.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:36 PM

The Union St house looks very impresive from the renovations.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:42 PM

CG house seems overpriced, but I do like how they’ve done it a lot. You are close to lots of good schools 261, children’s and new, plus all the privates.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:42 PM

I checked out the place on Waverly a few weeks ago. I think its priced well and very nice. A bit narrow, but in really good condition. I am surprised it isn’t gone yet.

Posted by: ks8000 at June 20, 2008 2:43 PM

Huh Dumbasses, I don’t think these seller got the memo. Wall Street is getting Ram-Roded today! On the CONsumer front, people are having a hard time now and the situation is not improving.

There some bad days going to Wall and Main street and people need to pull their heads out of there asses. I know, I know The What is always “Doom and Gloom” but, the writing is on the wall. Lookie here!

Crude Oil Rises as U.S. Dollar Weakens, Israel Conducts Drill

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a193k1qd_v4o&refer=home

“An Israeli military exercise involving more than 100 F-16 and F-15 fighters seems to have been a rehearsal for a bombing attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and long-range conventional missiles, the New York Times reported, citing several unidentified U.S. officials.

“If enemies, especially Israelis and their U.S. supporters, wish to speak in the language of force, they should rest assured they will be dealt a heavy blow on the face by the Iranian nation,” said Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, leading Friday prayers in Tehran, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency.”

Yep Asshats, Gas WILL BE AT 10.00 a Gallon! You know the sad thing is this crap will go down. It makes me so sick about people greed and stupidity, why? Because you know and I know most of CAN”t afford this crap but, the posers like you are is still drinking Kool-Aid..

Last Rant! Banks are getting KILLED today! I will bet you in 90 day’s will NOT BE ABLE TO GET A MORTGAGE!! Why?! you will be in the first leg of the implosion!

The What (Get it on!)

Someday this war is gonna end…

Posted by: what at June 20, 2008 2:50 PM

2:42 — doesn’t matter if you are “close” to good schools if you aren’t zone for them, because there’s only a slight chance you’ll get in. 261 is far away, children’s school accepts via lottery only, and there’s no private schools near except in Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights. For 2.5 million you might as well buy the house in the slope if you want to be near private schools.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:50 PM

i think bigger drawback to Union st is that is just 2 houses down from that wine bar where they have outdoor seating….which means you have people drinking smoking giggling 25 from your living room windows
every nice evening and way after you want to go to bed.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:55 PM

Well I live in this zone and everyone I know is doing fine with schools – my son got into Children’s, others are going to New School, some to Friends, and one to the Jewish school on Court. I think as the local schools around district 15 get better, it’s actually much easier to get into the lottery schools – especially Children’s, since I seem to have come across quite a few people who got in who are considering staying at their local schools, whereas before it was considered impossible to get in and people would never give up a spot…

Still much more stressful than being zoned for a good local school I know. I think house is definitely overpriced – but again, believe it or not – some people prefer this neighborhood to PS.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:56 PM

That CG house is a butter face.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:57 PM

CG is dead to me.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:00 PM

The PS house looks gorgeous to me. I don’t like the mismatched wood of the CG kitchen floor right next to the other wood on the dining room floor. Looks awful.

Union is a gross block for that kinda money.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:03 PM

I’d be interested in the CG and the PS houses at about 20% under these askings. But at these prices, it isn’t even worth going to the open houses.

This is just a rip off — and while I’ve got enough money to pay into the low/mid-two millions for the right place, I don’t have enough money to be ripped off.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:03 PM

“Well I live in this zone and everyone I know is doing fine with schools”

I’m looking for better than fine.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:03 PM

3:03 – I agree that about 20% is needed to come off PS – they’d be lucky to get 1.8. What the hell are they thinking?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:06 PM

Union St is just barely walking distance to Friends, St Ann’s and Packard, if you are looking for “better than fine.” But the price is silly — you could rent a whole townhouse in the heart of the Heights for less.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:07 PM

I went to an open house for First Street some time back. It was very obvious that the sellers are in no hurry to sell and don’t actually NEED to sell. They are just waiting for the right sucker to come along and take it for their price.

I actually think that’s more common than we think…

Older folks just testing the market to see how much they can get.

These people read the news, they aren’t stupid. They know that if they REALLY needed to sell the place quick, they’d drop the price and it would be gone in 3 days.

You all don’t give enough credit to people who own multi-million dollar homes. They don’t get rich be being stupid, by and large.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:10 PM

“and while I’ve got enough money to pay into the low/mid-two millions for the right place”

Dont tell me, you have a 6 figure salary and a job in the Arts.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:11 PM

3:11, don’t be so asinine.

your envy is palpable.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:14 PM

PS is a skinny 2000 s.ft 2 br house far from transit, below 6th Ave. No way it’s worth more than $1.5.

Do the brokers think buyers are going to confuse this with a 4800 sq ft on Garfield and the Park?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:16 PM

“They don’t get rich be being stupid, by and large.”

Yet the the rich sellers appear to assume the richer buyers are stupid.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:18 PM

I know Union St. house, been there, however not friends with owner. It is a very nice house, really beautiful. Lots of space too. I think price is ok.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:18 PM

Nothing that interesting, 3:11, Wall St related but secure job with a salary in the top 5% here and 1% anywhere else, and that isn’t nearly enough for a middle class lifestyle in this neighborhood.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:22 PM

The richer buyers ARE stupid. Otherwise they wouldn’t be willing to pay these prices.

Or else they are so rich that money is meaningless to them, in which case WE are stupid for not taxing it away from them and giving it to someone who’d appreciate it. (other than the last generation of brownstone owners)

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:26 PM

I think the rich buyers are getting smarter and realizing that things are overpriced and are balking at unrealistic asks. Trend will only continue as smart money waits things out – that said, they will jump on something reasonably priced – what I don’t get is why owners are so scared of selling in this market since owners can still make SO much more than what they paid!!

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:30 PM

One doesn’t have a middle class lifestyle in an upper class neighborhood. Unless you’ve got a rent stabilized apartment or bought a long time ago.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:30 PM

Mostly the people who own multi-million dollar homes got rich because after they bought the crime rate dropped, the Wall St elite increased its pay by a factor of 20, and mortgage banks decided to lend to everyone. It wasn’t smarts but luck.

Very few people have paid anything like current market prices. Even fewer bought because they saw the bubble coming.

To be sure, Daveinbedstuy and some of the other high price payers were willing or able to buy because they rode the bubble up and concluded it was going to continue — but that shows luck, an ability to extrapolate trends that often gets people in trouble and maybe some blind faith in miracles, not smarts.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:32 PM

3:26 = bitter, very, very bitter

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:33 PM

Top 1% of income isn’t middle class.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:33 PM

3:26 bitter? No, more resentful. Why should the people who destroyed our economy be rewarded so generously that they can also buy up our neighborhood?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:37 PM

Middle class in NYC is different than middle class elsewhere in country. That said, I know plenty of people who are middle class in PS. Granted, if they own (there are plenty of renters) they probably got in RE game earlier on, before huge price run up, and then traded up. I know – I’m one of them. We’re now planning to trade up from apt to house but it is hard – but the only way it’s even remotely possible is because we bought before. I have no clue how people start out today – it seems really unsustainable. But it’s hopeful that market is no longer going up and even weakening, since it will allow some diversity to remain in this great hood. It would kill the neighborhood if it becomes like UES.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:37 PM

3:32…I bought because i got tired of living in a Manhattan condo and wanted a brownstone with a yard. It was easy to sell the condo and buy over there with lots to spare. Didn’t really care whether or not I was paying top tick; in fact I was looking to buy the most detailed interior architecture i could find. So far, I haven’t paid top tick, others have. That said, I think prices have peaked out there and will probably come down somewhat. Let’s watch and see if that Monday HOTD on Putnam sells.

I’m there for 5-10 years.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 20, 2008 3:41 PM

The DOW is toast

http://depression2.tv/d2/node/134

Posted by: Polemicist at June 20, 2008 3:43 PM

“The Royal Bank of Scotland has advised clients to brace for a full-fledged crash in global stock and credit markets over the next three months as inflation paralyses the major central banks.

‘A very nasty period is soon to be upon us – be prepared,’ said Bob Janjuah, the bank’s credit strategist.”

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:49 PM

3:32…i’m not sure I fall into the category of high-priced payors either….under a million but more than that Crown Heights place. I would say that to be called a high priced payor in Brooklyn you have to be well above $2.5 MM

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 20, 2008 3:50 PM

That Union Street house looks gorgeous. Given that the new owner wouldn’t have to do a thing, and it is located near tons of amenities, it seems priced fairly to me. I bet they’ll get near ask. It’s zoned for PS 32, but the family that can afford $2.5 million can afford private school. It’s not walking distance to anything except Hanna Senesh, but it’s likely they’ll have a car, too.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:52 PM

1st st. will probably move. maybe slightly below ask in this “more normal” market. but that is a very nice block and the interior is tasteful. the house on the corner of 1st and 6th is the real gem.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:04 PM

Hello who can afford these houses? It is called borrowing money from Parents, large down payments 700000 mortgage. Come on people be a little creative here, this is NYC there are lots of people who have money or who have access to money. YOu all act like we live in Nebraska or something. And what bugs the crap out of me is you are probably the same whiners who boast that NYC is the only place on the face of the earth that is worth living in, but act shocked that some people have the money to purchase these over priced properties IN THE GREATEST CITY IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE. Cheese whiz I say get over yourself.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:11 PM

4:04 – why would 1st street move now when it’s been lingering for over a year? I actually think they started out asking 2mil and somehow decided to ask more, which is totally crazy. It won’t move without a min 20% price cut.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:14 PM

Private school for two kids is over 50k / year. That’s roughly the after tax cost of a $1m mortgage. So 3:52 is basically saying “the family that can afford $2.5m can afford $3.5m.”

Given the shape of the wealth and income distributions (both are very steep at the right end and the wealth is much steeper), there are likely to be many — 4 or 5 times as many — families in the first group as in the second.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:14 PM

4:11 you missed the point. It’s not who “can” afford these, but why would someone who worked hard for their money (or whose parents did) choose to waste it overpaying?

And anyone who thinks NY is the only place worth living really needs to get out a bit more. There are many places more interesting, beautiful, cheap, convenient to live in than CG or PS, even in this metro area. And while many industries pay more here than elsewhere, the pay differential is usually less than the housing cost differential.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:18 PM

The family that can afford $2.5m isn’t buying a block from the Gowanus Canal.

Though I suppose if they can afford private school, they can also afford a top notch oncologist.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:19 PM

3:52, it doesn’t matter if the owner “could” pay for private school, houses in good public school zones get a premium. And that block of Union is just not that nice. It’s “okay”, but definitely not prime Carroll Gardens — close to the Gowanus, etc. So paying over 2.5 million for a 35 ft. long house just seems ridiculous. I’m sorry but that renovation just isn’t that good. Is there central air?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:26 PM

A block from Gowanus? $3m. Glow-in-the-dark condoms littering the sidewalk? Priceless.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:27 PM

4:26 – is that what it all comes down to? God bless America!

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:05 PM

to all critics – i wonder:

what are fair prices at this moments? are these brownstoners worth it at 20% less (like suggested) or would folks still carp at those prices?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:12 PM

We looked at the CG house when it sold 3 years ago for around $1.5M. A lot of the renovation had been done at that point, although the upper bathrooms needed to be finished and things cleaned up. It looks like current owners actually redid the parlor floor a bit (for the worse in my view, but that is a matter of taste).

We passed at that time because the block is terrible. The school is a negative for a variety of reasons, but also as you go down the block towards Bond it deteriorates quickly. Union & Bond is not a nice intersection. We’ve been by this house many times since and every time either my wife or myself comment that we are so glad we didn’t buy it. Still happy we landed in Cobble Hill and avoided this area.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:15 PM

4:26 – no what it all comes down to is that this is a way overpriced house and unrenovated houses that are much larger are going for 1.8 or less. So the only way to justify this 2.5+ million price is because the renovation is top of the line, and this one isn’t. Furthermore, I love Carroll Gardens, but for that kind of money I don’t want to buy the fanciest house on a crummy block — I’d rather buy a house in the prime part of the neighborhood and fix it up myself.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:24 PM

2.5 million to live on Union between Bond and Hoyt on Union. Are they fucking nuts? No way this goes for more than 2. That’s a terrible, terrible location.

Posted by: Brooklynnative at June 20, 2008 5:27 PM

RE: 1st street. Saw it almost a year ago when it was listed for 1.9. It is a very nice small 3-story, well renovated, with some nice touches.
That’s the good news.

The bad news is that it’s almost across the street from a Commerce Bank with a big red sign.

The layout is all screwy too. It doesn’t make a lot of sense. The nice bathroom is off the smaller bedroom. The much nicer kitchen is in the rental unit.

I understand the guy’s a doctor and does some nutrition stuff in the garden level kitchen, but most buyers (like me) probably walk out scratching their heads.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:33 PM

can we just be up front here and say none of these houses are (a) interesting or (b) worth the money being asked. really.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:35 PM

5:24 how can you judge a house by pictures? Have you been inside? Please tell me your definition of top of the line? I would love to know. Because if you are really searching for a house to buy and you do not think this house is top of the line, Then I suggest you go and look on 4th ave at some condo and tell me how the 2 properties combare? Really. And then go to Greenpoint and look at some cheap FEdders building and tell me again how this house is not “TOP of the Line”. Please do this for me because you need to get out and away from your computer and actually look and if you are indeed as picky as you seem good luck on your search for a house because most property in NY and Brooklyn is overpriced and not top of the line and/or on a bad block. I would suggest moving to a subdivision in Scottsdale where you can get top of the line and 4 car garage for 750000. You will feel better about your decision. Between Dave in Bed stuy and the what and the picky picky numbnuts this blog sucks.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:40 PM

i agree…the people on this blog all seem to have lost their minds.

most people in nyc would KILL to live in any one of these houses…especially the park slope or carroll gardens homes.

no one who’s spending 2 plus million on a home cares whether or not they might have to replace a ge slimline dishwasher with a miele somewhere down the line.

too many back seat buyers on this website for sure.

i’d LOVE to see the homes of some of these people complaining. i’m guessing the most top of the line appliance in your home is a cuisinart toaster oven your grandma gave you 14 years ago as a housewarming present.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:53 PM

Wow, are you the broker or seller? I do think the renovation is very nice, especially the bathrooms and of course this is much nicer than a 4th Ave. condo and fedders building. But the photos don’t make it look “top of the line”, sorry. And is there central air? I know people don’t like air conditioning, but when you are paying for a million dollar renovation, it usually comes with the package. And it’s a pain to put in if it isn’t already there, with the ductwork part of the renovation.

You are asking nearly $900/ft for this property. And, no matter how “fancy” the renovation is, location is everything, and this is simply not on a prime CG block. For 2.55 million, people have other options, but if you can get that price, more power to you. I hate the location, so even if it is a top of the line renovation, I wouldn’t buy it for 1.8 million, because I just don’t want to live on that block. It’s not a bad block, but for that kind of money I have other choices.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:54 PM

$900 a sq ft does seem like a lot. i know further down the block, i just saw an almost 1000 sq ft condo on huntington st going for 525K, but it is 1/2 a block from the bqe expressway, so i guess there are worse locations if you can still call it carroll gardens down there.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 7:19 PM

I’m usually defending the houses on here, but for once I’ll take the other side. I saw the 1st Street house, and it is super goofy. It has a poor layout, and not nearly as nice as the pictures make it look. It has a nice backyard though.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 7:26 PM

I like the Clinton Hill house. It reminds me of the houses in Philadelphia that are $250K. Nonetheless, compared to the rest of the Brooklyn market at this point and time, I guess that price is reasonable.

I know it’s common and fashionable to bitch about what this city is becoming… but seriously, what this city is becoming is kind of depressing. I feel like the only middle class people left in Brooklyn soon will be in the projects.

Posted by: Heather at June 20, 2008 7:56 PM

“1st st. will probably move. maybe slightly below ask in this “more normal” market. but that is a very nice block and the interior is tasteful. the house on the corner of 1st and 6th is the real gem.”

Yeah? Great analysis. This house has been on the market FOREVER and then some. Started out as a Craigslist FSBO. Now every broker and his grandmother has this listing. Owner must be paranoid or something because for a long time he did not allow a facade picture or address to accompany any listing. This house, for everyone searching in Park Slope, is officially a red flag by this point.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 8:28 PM

I saw 1st street house months and months ago. I don;t care for the kitchens or bathrooms. The garden level kitchen is dated. The basement is weird! While it is finished, it is all chopped up with exam rooms (doctor works there). It is not a family house with its present layout. It only has one proper bedroom. the second room that could be a bedroom works better as a sitting room off master bedroom. The garden overlooks the back area of a restaurant and the front of the house face the bank…not a great location. Don;t waste your time on this one unless you have money to burn on a renovation after buying a very over priced house.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 8:56 PM

Who is it that always posts the “you must be bitter” comments? Little Miss Sunshine? Pollyanna?
You don’t have to be bitter to question the sanity of these home prices or the ethics of RE brokers.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:29 PM

I think the Union Street house is terrific but most people would not pay close to $2.5M in this location at this point in time. But they don’t need most people, just one interested buyer, so who knows. After all, these folks paid $1.5 million three years ago.

This exact same house in Brooklyn Heights would be $4 million. Here it’s a $2 million house at best. If you’re betting for the long term that the Gowanus renaissance pans out, $2.5 million could be a fair price.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:33 PM

The whole real estate bubble is because people are “betting” that 2.5 million might be a fair price years from now. That is what is so ridiculous about the price. For $6,000/month you can probably rent the nicest house in Carroll Gardens, in a far better location. That doesn’t even cover 1 million in mortgage payments. So why, in this declining market, would you pay 2.5 million for this house?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:38 PM

I have never understood real estate. I admit it. I understand it less than ever now. In fact, I think it is now verging on the sociopathic, as shown by many of the postings on this blog.
My guess is that it is all about ego and blind optimism in the future. Two qualities that have always eluded me a little.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:58 PM

I think 1st Street may go the way of 601 President. That house had to have several price cuts, finally at 1.4 mil and was also shown by every single broker but by that time was totally stigmatized. Owner finally had to take it off the market. This house is a joke – don’t waste your time.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:35 PM

“Yep Asshats, Gas WILL BE AT 10.00 a Gallon!”

the WHAAAAH is seriously f-cking retarded. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, its difficult to see clearly when you walk around in diapers with fun dip smeared across your face like a 2 year old.

You throw around these news headlines but really do not understand the actual content. Can you please stop and try to think before you belch out these ridiculously exaggerated prognostications of doom and gloom. Gas will not reach $10.00 a gallon anytime in the next 10 years – no economy could actually function at that level.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:41 PM

“You throw around these news headlines but really do not understand the actual content. Can you please stop and try to think before you belch out these ridiculously exaggerated prognostications of doom and gloom. Gas will not reach $10.00 a gallon anytime in the next 10 years – no economy could actually function at that level.”

Ok I’m replying to a asshat. I guess you have your head up your ass. Israel and the US are ready to bomb Iran. I think this Attack will be within 90 days. Israel views Iran nuclear assets as a real danger!

Stagflation is bitting home! The price of goods are up 35% from last year and Energy is up over 50%.

“Gas will not reach $10.00 a gallon anytime in the next 10 years – no economy could actually function at that level.”

Hey Dumbass, the “eCONomy is not functioning now. You have a broken Banking System that will need years to repair.

Man o Man, please don’t let me “be right”! I will be that dude breakdancing on Fulton and Grand! Now run away o dumb one, The What is fulling the prophecy. hahahahahahahahahah!

The What (Look around, its OVER!)

Someday this war is gonna end….

Posted by: what at June 21, 2008 12:39 AM

For $2.5 million i’d definitely take the Townsley and Gay listing on union street in PS over this one in CG.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 1:48 AM

“Wow, are you the broker or seller?”

Interesting someone making a positive comment and you ask if they are the broker or seller…thats new!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 9:26 AM

The Union St. house in CG is a beautiful house. Really nice looks, nice feel. I love the top floor with the lower ceilings and exposed beams. If it’s done right like this one, those spaces should feel charming and European. There’s always potential for that floor.

BUT, the price, wow. It’s a full one million dollars more than our own similarly sized house that’s not in a great public school district either, but for the million we don’t spend we can pay for private schools. Somewhere the logic starts to fall apart. Even if a house IS located inside a good public school district is that really worth an extra million dollars for K-5? Or is that something RE brokers have taken advantage of in anxious parents who are simply striving to figure out the schools question, and therefore overinflated values of certain things in certain neighborhoods.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 10:23 AM

I defended the union st house, I am not broker nor the seller, I know the house I have been inside it. As far as price goes, everyone on here gets their panties in a ruffle over the asking prices. Asking is not selling. Get over it. The market will tell us how much this house is worth. I say 2.2.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 12:13 PM

I see many posts of sending kids to private schools. But it’s more than paying for the schools. You’d have to be accepted. Have you thought of that????

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 12:50 PM

These prices astound me when you see what much less money buys you outside NYC:

http://advantagerealty5.maryland.remax.com/listings/ListingDetail_r4.aspx?LID=48600149&RFRSKNID=85&

http://southbend.craigslist.org/rfs/714361720.html

Posted by: Steve at June 21, 2008 5:43 PM

you get what you pay for

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 6:08 PM

As someone who’s from Maryland, I can tell you that living in Owings Mills, Md (Steve’s 1st link)) would be a fate worse than death.

Ultimate suburban wasteland.

They can’t give away homes in many suburban areas these days…that house would have sold for 1.2 million 3 years ago.

Who wants to give up living in one of the most vibrant cities in the world for a soul-less northern suburb of Baltimore, Maryland…? You’d REALLY have to hate it here.

And I love Baltimore…

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 6:11 PM

i could use a little less vibrant and a little more affordable.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 6:45 PM

And you will work where…???

A lot of us here in Brooklyn work in jobs which can’t be found in many (or any other) parts of the country. I know that my options for employment are EXTREMELY unlikely in any other city but New York. That’s the reason a lot of us artsy type folks move here in the first place.

If you’d rather live in a suburb of a C level city with high crime, worst syphilis rate in the country, one of the lowest birth rates, highest high school drop out rates and horrible racial tensions , by all means, go for it.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 7:12 PM

None of the suburbs I’d actually want to live in if we left the city have affordable houses for under a million. I recently did a search in some CT counties where the property taxes aren’t quite so insane, and I didn’t even find anything decent for under $1.4 million. So we’d have to spend more than what we could sell our Brooklyn house for. Doesn’t sound so cheap to me!

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 7:13 PM
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« Bird Blog: Week 7 Closing Bell: Brooklyn Flea Marches On »
June 20, 2008
Open House Picks

houseCarroll Gardens
419 Union Street
Corcoran
Sunday 1-2:30
$2,550,000
GMAP P*Shark

housePark Slope
318 First Street
NYT
Sunday 12-3
$2,250,000
GMAP P*Shark

houseClinton Hill
439 Waverly Avenue
Corcoran
Sunday 12-1
$1,299,000
GMAP P*Shark

houseCrown Heights
1139 Dean Street
Mark David
Sunday 11-4
$750,000
GMAP P*Shark

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Posted by Brownstoner at 2:05 PM | Comments (80)
Categories: Open Houses
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Comments

Carroll Gardens house — that’s quite alot of money for a short house (only 35 ft deep) on a not very nice block in a not very good public school zone. Way over-priced, despite the nice renovation.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:25 PM

PS 1st Street house has been on the market about a year, I kid you not. It is also listed with almost all the local brokers for 2.3 and no one is touching it. The owner is delusional – would be lucky to get 1.8.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:29 PM

Regarding First Street, does anyone know what’s up with it? It’s been on the market for many months now and almost all the brokers have it listed (also for a bit more expensive $2.3). What is hiding behind these doors?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:33 PM

All seem way overpriced except maybe, maybe Clinton Hill.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:35 PM

2:33 – simple, overpriced. Knock off 500K and maybe it will finally sell.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:36 PM

The Union St house looks very impresive from the renovations.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:42 PM

CG house seems overpriced, but I do like how they’ve done it a lot. You are close to lots of good schools 261, children’s and new, plus all the privates.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:42 PM

I checked out the place on Waverly a few weeks ago. I think its priced well and very nice. A bit narrow, but in really good condition. I am surprised it isn’t gone yet.

Posted by: ks8000 at June 20, 2008 2:43 PM

Huh Dumbasses, I don’t think these seller got the memo. Wall Street is getting Ram-Roded today! On the CONsumer front, people are having a hard time now and the situation is not improving.

There some bad days going to Wall and Main street and people need to pull their heads out of there asses. I know, I know The What is always “Doom and Gloom” but, the writing is on the wall. Lookie here!

Crude Oil Rises as U.S. Dollar Weakens, Israel Conducts Drill

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a193k1qd_v4o&refer=home

“An Israeli military exercise involving more than 100 F-16 and F-15 fighters seems to have been a rehearsal for a bombing attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and long-range conventional missiles, the New York Times reported, citing several unidentified U.S. officials.

“If enemies, especially Israelis and their U.S. supporters, wish to speak in the language of force, they should rest assured they will be dealt a heavy blow on the face by the Iranian nation,” said Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, leading Friday prayers in Tehran, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency.”

Yep Asshats, Gas WILL BE AT 10.00 a Gallon! You know the sad thing is this crap will go down. It makes me so sick about people greed and stupidity, why? Because you know and I know most of CAN”t afford this crap but, the posers like you are is still drinking Kool-Aid..

Last Rant! Banks are getting KILLED today! I will bet you in 90 day’s will NOT BE ABLE TO GET A MORTGAGE!! Why?! you will be in the first leg of the implosion!

The What (Get it on!)

Someday this war is gonna end…

Posted by: what at June 20, 2008 2:50 PM

2:42 — doesn’t matter if you are “close” to good schools if you aren’t zone for them, because there’s only a slight chance you’ll get in. 261 is far away, children’s school accepts via lottery only, and there’s no private schools near except in Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights. For 2.5 million you might as well buy the house in the slope if you want to be near private schools.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:50 PM

i think bigger drawback to Union st is that is just 2 houses down from that wine bar where they have outdoor seating….which means you have people drinking smoking giggling 25 from your living room windows
every nice evening and way after you want to go to bed.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:55 PM

Well I live in this zone and everyone I know is doing fine with schools – my son got into Children’s, others are going to New School, some to Friends, and one to the Jewish school on Court. I think as the local schools around district 15 get better, it’s actually much easier to get into the lottery schools – especially Children’s, since I seem to have come across quite a few people who got in who are considering staying at their local schools, whereas before it was considered impossible to get in and people would never give up a spot…

Still much more stressful than being zoned for a good local school I know. I think house is definitely overpriced – but again, believe it or not – some people prefer this neighborhood to PS.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:56 PM

That CG house is a butter face.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:57 PM

CG is dead to me.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:00 PM

The PS house looks gorgeous to me. I don’t like the mismatched wood of the CG kitchen floor right next to the other wood on the dining room floor. Looks awful.

Union is a gross block for that kinda money.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:03 PM

I’d be interested in the CG and the PS houses at about 20% under these askings. But at these prices, it isn’t even worth going to the open houses.

This is just a rip off — and while I’ve got enough money to pay into the low/mid-two millions for the right place, I don’t have enough money to be ripped off.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:03 PM

“Well I live in this zone and everyone I know is doing fine with schools”

I’m looking for better than fine.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:03 PM

3:03 – I agree that about 20% is needed to come off PS – they’d be lucky to get 1.8. What the hell are they thinking?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:06 PM

Union St is just barely walking distance to Friends, St Ann’s and Packard, if you are looking for “better than fine.” But the price is silly — you could rent a whole townhouse in the heart of the Heights for less.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:07 PM

I went to an open house for First Street some time back. It was very obvious that the sellers are in no hurry to sell and don’t actually NEED to sell. They are just waiting for the right sucker to come along and take it for their price.

I actually think that’s more common than we think…

Older folks just testing the market to see how much they can get.

These people read the news, they aren’t stupid. They know that if they REALLY needed to sell the place quick, they’d drop the price and it would be gone in 3 days.

You all don’t give enough credit to people who own multi-million dollar homes. They don’t get rich be being stupid, by and large.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:10 PM

“and while I’ve got enough money to pay into the low/mid-two millions for the right place”

Dont tell me, you have a 6 figure salary and a job in the Arts.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:11 PM

3:11, don’t be so asinine.

your envy is palpable.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:14 PM

PS is a skinny 2000 s.ft 2 br house far from transit, below 6th Ave. No way it’s worth more than $1.5.

Do the brokers think buyers are going to confuse this with a 4800 sq ft on Garfield and the Park?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:16 PM

“They don’t get rich be being stupid, by and large.”

Yet the the rich sellers appear to assume the richer buyers are stupid.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:18 PM

I know Union St. house, been there, however not friends with owner. It is a very nice house, really beautiful. Lots of space too. I think price is ok.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:18 PM

Nothing that interesting, 3:11, Wall St related but secure job with a salary in the top 5% here and 1% anywhere else, and that isn’t nearly enough for a middle class lifestyle in this neighborhood.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:22 PM

The richer buyers ARE stupid. Otherwise they wouldn’t be willing to pay these prices.

Or else they are so rich that money is meaningless to them, in which case WE are stupid for not taxing it away from them and giving it to someone who’d appreciate it. (other than the last generation of brownstone owners)

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:26 PM

I think the rich buyers are getting smarter and realizing that things are overpriced and are balking at unrealistic asks. Trend will only continue as smart money waits things out – that said, they will jump on something reasonably priced – what I don’t get is why owners are so scared of selling in this market since owners can still make SO much more than what they paid!!

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:30 PM

One doesn’t have a middle class lifestyle in an upper class neighborhood. Unless you’ve got a rent stabilized apartment or bought a long time ago.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:30 PM

Mostly the people who own multi-million dollar homes got rich because after they bought the crime rate dropped, the Wall St elite increased its pay by a factor of 20, and mortgage banks decided to lend to everyone. It wasn’t smarts but luck.

Very few people have paid anything like current market prices. Even fewer bought because they saw the bubble coming.

To be sure, Daveinbedstuy and some of the other high price payers were willing or able to buy because they rode the bubble up and concluded it was going to continue — but that shows luck, an ability to extrapolate trends that often gets people in trouble and maybe some blind faith in miracles, not smarts.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:32 PM

3:26 = bitter, very, very bitter

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:33 PM

Top 1% of income isn’t middle class.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:33 PM

3:26 bitter? No, more resentful. Why should the people who destroyed our economy be rewarded so generously that they can also buy up our neighborhood?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:37 PM

Middle class in NYC is different than middle class elsewhere in country. That said, I know plenty of people who are middle class in PS. Granted, if they own (there are plenty of renters) they probably got in RE game earlier on, before huge price run up, and then traded up. I know – I’m one of them. We’re now planning to trade up from apt to house but it is hard – but the only way it’s even remotely possible is because we bought before. I have no clue how people start out today – it seems really unsustainable. But it’s hopeful that market is no longer going up and even weakening, since it will allow some diversity to remain in this great hood. It would kill the neighborhood if it becomes like UES.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:37 PM

3:32…I bought because i got tired of living in a Manhattan condo and wanted a brownstone with a yard. It was easy to sell the condo and buy over there with lots to spare. Didn’t really care whether or not I was paying top tick; in fact I was looking to buy the most detailed interior architecture i could find. So far, I haven’t paid top tick, others have. That said, I think prices have peaked out there and will probably come down somewhat. Let’s watch and see if that Monday HOTD on Putnam sells.

I’m there for 5-10 years.

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 20, 2008 3:41 PM

The DOW is toast

http://depression2.tv/d2/node/134

Posted by: Polemicist at June 20, 2008 3:43 PM

“The Royal Bank of Scotland has advised clients to brace for a full-fledged crash in global stock and credit markets over the next three months as inflation paralyses the major central banks.

‘A very nasty period is soon to be upon us – be prepared,’ said Bob Janjuah, the bank’s credit strategist.”

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:49 PM

3:32…i’m not sure I fall into the category of high-priced payors either….under a million but more than that Crown Heights place. I would say that to be called a high priced payor in Brooklyn you have to be well above $2.5 MM

Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 20, 2008 3:50 PM

That Union Street house looks gorgeous. Given that the new owner wouldn’t have to do a thing, and it is located near tons of amenities, it seems priced fairly to me. I bet they’ll get near ask. It’s zoned for PS 32, but the family that can afford $2.5 million can afford private school. It’s not walking distance to anything except Hanna Senesh, but it’s likely they’ll have a car, too.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 3:52 PM

1st st. will probably move. maybe slightly below ask in this “more normal” market. but that is a very nice block and the interior is tasteful. the house on the corner of 1st and 6th is the real gem.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:04 PM

Hello who can afford these houses? It is called borrowing money from Parents, large down payments 700000 mortgage. Come on people be a little creative here, this is NYC there are lots of people who have money or who have access to money. YOu all act like we live in Nebraska or something. And what bugs the crap out of me is you are probably the same whiners who boast that NYC is the only place on the face of the earth that is worth living in, but act shocked that some people have the money to purchase these over priced properties IN THE GREATEST CITY IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE. Cheese whiz I say get over yourself.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:11 PM

4:04 – why would 1st street move now when it’s been lingering for over a year? I actually think they started out asking 2mil and somehow decided to ask more, which is totally crazy. It won’t move without a min 20% price cut.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:14 PM

Private school for two kids is over 50k / year. That’s roughly the after tax cost of a $1m mortgage. So 3:52 is basically saying “the family that can afford $2.5m can afford $3.5m.”

Given the shape of the wealth and income distributions (both are very steep at the right end and the wealth is much steeper), there are likely to be many — 4 or 5 times as many — families in the first group as in the second.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:14 PM

4:11 you missed the point. It’s not who “can” afford these, but why would someone who worked hard for their money (or whose parents did) choose to waste it overpaying?

And anyone who thinks NY is the only place worth living really needs to get out a bit more. There are many places more interesting, beautiful, cheap, convenient to live in than CG or PS, even in this metro area. And while many industries pay more here than elsewhere, the pay differential is usually less than the housing cost differential.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:18 PM

The family that can afford $2.5m isn’t buying a block from the Gowanus Canal.

Though I suppose if they can afford private school, they can also afford a top notch oncologist.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:19 PM

3:52, it doesn’t matter if the owner “could” pay for private school, houses in good public school zones get a premium. And that block of Union is just not that nice. It’s “okay”, but definitely not prime Carroll Gardens — close to the Gowanus, etc. So paying over 2.5 million for a 35 ft. long house just seems ridiculous. I’m sorry but that renovation just isn’t that good. Is there central air?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:26 PM

A block from Gowanus? $3m. Glow-in-the-dark condoms littering the sidewalk? Priceless.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:27 PM

4:26 – is that what it all comes down to? God bless America!

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:05 PM

to all critics – i wonder:

what are fair prices at this moments? are these brownstoners worth it at 20% less (like suggested) or would folks still carp at those prices?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:12 PM

We looked at the CG house when it sold 3 years ago for around $1.5M. A lot of the renovation had been done at that point, although the upper bathrooms needed to be finished and things cleaned up. It looks like current owners actually redid the parlor floor a bit (for the worse in my view, but that is a matter of taste).

We passed at that time because the block is terrible. The school is a negative for a variety of reasons, but also as you go down the block towards Bond it deteriorates quickly. Union & Bond is not a nice intersection. We’ve been by this house many times since and every time either my wife or myself comment that we are so glad we didn’t buy it. Still happy we landed in Cobble Hill and avoided this area.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:15 PM

4:26 – no what it all comes down to is that this is a way overpriced house and unrenovated houses that are much larger are going for 1.8 or less. So the only way to justify this 2.5+ million price is because the renovation is top of the line, and this one isn’t. Furthermore, I love Carroll Gardens, but for that kind of money I don’t want to buy the fanciest house on a crummy block — I’d rather buy a house in the prime part of the neighborhood and fix it up myself.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 5:24 PM

2.5 million to live on Union between Bond and Hoyt on Union. Are they fucking nuts? No way this goes for more than 2. That’s a terrible, terrible location.

Posted by: Brooklynnative at June 20, 2008 5:27 PM

RE: 1st street. Saw it almost a year ago when it was listed for 1.9. It is a very nice small 3-story, well renovated, with some nice touches.
That’s the good news.

The bad news is that it’s almost across the street from a Commerce Bank with a big red sign.

The layout is all screwy too. It doesn’t make a lot of sense. The nice bathroom is off the smaller bedroom. The much nicer kitchen is in the rental unit.

I understand the guy’s a doctor and does some nutrition stuff in the garden level kitchen, but most buyers (like me) probably walk out scratching their heads.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:33 PM

can we just be up front here and say none of these houses are (a) interesting or (b) worth the money being asked. really.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:35 PM

5:24 how can you judge a house by pictures? Have you been inside? Please tell me your definition of top of the line? I would love to know. Because if you are really searching for a house to buy and you do not think this house is top of the line, Then I suggest you go and look on 4th ave at some condo and tell me how the 2 properties combare? Really. And then go to Greenpoint and look at some cheap FEdders building and tell me again how this house is not “TOP of the Line”. Please do this for me because you need to get out and away from your computer and actually look and if you are indeed as picky as you seem good luck on your search for a house because most property in NY and Brooklyn is overpriced and not top of the line and/or on a bad block. I would suggest moving to a subdivision in Scottsdale where you can get top of the line and 4 car garage for 750000. You will feel better about your decision. Between Dave in Bed stuy and the what and the picky picky numbnuts this blog sucks.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:40 PM

i agree…the people on this blog all seem to have lost their minds.

most people in nyc would KILL to live in any one of these houses…especially the park slope or carroll gardens homes.

no one who’s spending 2 plus million on a home cares whether or not they might have to replace a ge slimline dishwasher with a miele somewhere down the line.

too many back seat buyers on this website for sure.

i’d LOVE to see the homes of some of these people complaining. i’m guessing the most top of the line appliance in your home is a cuisinart toaster oven your grandma gave you 14 years ago as a housewarming present.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:53 PM

Wow, are you the broker or seller? I do think the renovation is very nice, especially the bathrooms and of course this is much nicer than a 4th Ave. condo and fedders building. But the photos don’t make it look “top of the line”, sorry. And is there central air? I know people don’t like air conditioning, but when you are paying for a million dollar renovation, it usually comes with the package. And it’s a pain to put in if it isn’t already there, with the ductwork part of the renovation.

You are asking nearly $900/ft for this property. And, no matter how “fancy” the renovation is, location is everything, and this is simply not on a prime CG block. For 2.55 million, people have other options, but if you can get that price, more power to you. I hate the location, so even if it is a top of the line renovation, I wouldn’t buy it for 1.8 million, because I just don’t want to live on that block. It’s not a bad block, but for that kind of money I have other choices.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 6:54 PM

$900 a sq ft does seem like a lot. i know further down the block, i just saw an almost 1000 sq ft condo on huntington st going for 525K, but it is 1/2 a block from the bqe expressway, so i guess there are worse locations if you can still call it carroll gardens down there.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 7:19 PM

I’m usually defending the houses on here, but for once I’ll take the other side. I saw the 1st Street house, and it is super goofy. It has a poor layout, and not nearly as nice as the pictures make it look. It has a nice backyard though.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 7:26 PM

I like the Clinton Hill house. It reminds me of the houses in Philadelphia that are $250K. Nonetheless, compared to the rest of the Brooklyn market at this point and time, I guess that price is reasonable.

I know it’s common and fashionable to bitch about what this city is becoming… but seriously, what this city is becoming is kind of depressing. I feel like the only middle class people left in Brooklyn soon will be in the projects.

Posted by: Heather at June 20, 2008 7:56 PM

“1st st. will probably move. maybe slightly below ask in this “more normal” market. but that is a very nice block and the interior is tasteful. the house on the corner of 1st and 6th is the real gem.”

Yeah? Great analysis. This house has been on the market FOREVER and then some. Started out as a Craigslist FSBO. Now every broker and his grandmother has this listing. Owner must be paranoid or something because for a long time he did not allow a facade picture or address to accompany any listing. This house, for everyone searching in Park Slope, is officially a red flag by this point.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 8:28 PM

I saw 1st street house months and months ago. I don;t care for the kitchens or bathrooms. The garden level kitchen is dated. The basement is weird! While it is finished, it is all chopped up with exam rooms (doctor works there). It is not a family house with its present layout. It only has one proper bedroom. the second room that could be a bedroom works better as a sitting room off master bedroom. The garden overlooks the back area of a restaurant and the front of the house face the bank…not a great location. Don;t waste your time on this one unless you have money to burn on a renovation after buying a very over priced house.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 8:56 PM

Who is it that always posts the “you must be bitter” comments? Little Miss Sunshine? Pollyanna?
You don’t have to be bitter to question the sanity of these home prices or the ethics of RE brokers.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:29 PM

I think the Union Street house is terrific but most people would not pay close to $2.5M in this location at this point in time. But they don’t need most people, just one interested buyer, so who knows. After all, these folks paid $1.5 million three years ago.

This exact same house in Brooklyn Heights would be $4 million. Here it’s a $2 million house at best. If you’re betting for the long term that the Gowanus renaissance pans out, $2.5 million could be a fair price.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:33 PM

The whole real estate bubble is because people are “betting” that 2.5 million might be a fair price years from now. That is what is so ridiculous about the price. For $6,000/month you can probably rent the nicest house in Carroll Gardens, in a far better location. That doesn’t even cover 1 million in mortgage payments. So why, in this declining market, would you pay 2.5 million for this house?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:38 PM

I have never understood real estate. I admit it. I understand it less than ever now. In fact, I think it is now verging on the sociopathic, as shown by many of the postings on this blog.
My guess is that it is all about ego and blind optimism in the future. Two qualities that have always eluded me a little.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:58 PM

I think 1st Street may go the way of 601 President. That house had to have several price cuts, finally at 1.4 mil and was also shown by every single broker but by that time was totally stigmatized. Owner finally had to take it off the market. This house is a joke – don’t waste your time.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:35 PM

“Yep Asshats, Gas WILL BE AT 10.00 a Gallon!”

the WHAAAAH is seriously f-cking retarded. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, its difficult to see clearly when you walk around in diapers with fun dip smeared across your face like a 2 year old.

You throw around these news headlines but really do not understand the actual content. Can you please stop and try to think before you belch out these ridiculously exaggerated prognostications of doom and gloom. Gas will not reach $10.00 a gallon anytime in the next 10 years – no economy could actually function at that level.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:41 PM

“You throw around these news headlines but really do not understand the actual content. Can you please stop and try to think before you belch out these ridiculously exaggerated prognostications of doom and gloom. Gas will not reach $10.00 a gallon anytime in the next 10 years – no economy could actually function at that level.”

Ok I’m replying to a asshat. I guess you have your head up your ass. Israel and the US are ready to bomb Iran. I think this Attack will be within 90 days. Israel views Iran nuclear assets as a real danger!

Stagflation is bitting home! The price of goods are up 35% from last year and Energy is up over 50%.

“Gas will not reach $10.00 a gallon anytime in the next 10 years – no economy could actually function at that level.”

Hey Dumbass, the “eCONomy is not functioning now. You have a broken Banking System that will need years to repair.

Man o Man, please don’t let me “be right”! I will be that dude breakdancing on Fulton and Grand! Now run away o dumb one, The What is fulling the prophecy. hahahahahahahahahah!

The What (Look around, its OVER!)

Someday this war is gonna end….

Posted by: what at June 21, 2008 12:39 AM

For $2.5 million i’d definitely take the Townsley and Gay listing on union street in PS over this one in CG.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 1:48 AM

“Wow, are you the broker or seller?”

Interesting someone making a positive comment and you ask if they are the broker or seller…thats new!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 9:26 AM

The Union St. house in CG is a beautiful house. Really nice looks, nice feel. I love the top floor with the lower ceilings and exposed beams. If it’s done right like this one, those spaces should feel charming and European. There’s always potential for that floor.

BUT, the price, wow. It’s a full one million dollars more than our own similarly sized house that’s not in a great public school district either, but for the million we don’t spend we can pay for private schools. Somewhere the logic starts to fall apart. Even if a house IS located inside a good public school district is that really worth an extra million dollars for K-5? Or is that something RE brokers have taken advantage of in anxious parents who are simply striving to figure out the schools question, and therefore overinflated values of certain things in certain neighborhoods.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 10:23 AM

I defended the union st house, I am not broker nor the seller, I know the house I have been inside it. As far as price goes, everyone on here gets their panties in a ruffle over the asking prices. Asking is not selling. Get over it. The market will tell us how much this house is worth. I say 2.2.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 12:13 PM

I see many posts of sending kids to private schools. But it’s more than paying for the schools. You’d have to be accepted. Have you thought of that????

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 12:50 PM

These prices astound me when you see what much less money buys you outside NYC:

http://advantagerealty5.maryland.remax.com/listings/ListingDetail_r4.aspx?LID=48600149&RFRSKNID=85&

http://southbend.craigslist.org/rfs/714361720.html

Posted by: Steve at June 21, 2008 5:43 PM

you get what you pay for

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 6:08 PM

As someone who’s from Maryland, I can tell you that living in Owings Mills, Md (Steve’s 1st link)) would be a fate worse than death.

Ultimate suburban wasteland.

They can’t give away homes in many suburban areas these days…that house would have sold for 1.2 million 3 years ago.

Who wants to give up living in one of the most vibrant cities in the world for a soul-less northern suburb of Baltimore, Maryland…? You’d REALLY have to hate it here.

And I love Baltimore…

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 6:11 PM

i could use a little less vibrant and a little more affordable.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 6:45 PM

And you will work where…???

A lot of us here in Brooklyn work in jobs which can’t be found in many (or any other) parts of the country. I know that my options for employment are EXTREMELY unlikely in any other city but New York. That’s the reason a lot of us artsy type folks move here in the first place.

If you’d rather live in a suburb of a C level city with high crime, worst syphilis rate in the country, one of the lowest birth rates, highest high school drop out rates and horrible racial tensions , by all means, go for it.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 7:12 PM

None of the suburbs I’d actually want to live in if we left the city have affordable houses for under a million. I recently did a search in some CT counties where the property taxes aren’t quite so insane, and I didn’t even find anything decent for under $1.4 million. So we’d have to spend more than what we could sell our Brooklyn house for. Doesn’t sound so cheap to me!

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 7:13 PM
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« Bird Blog: Week 7 Closing Bell: Brooklyn Flea Marches On »
June 20, 2008
Open House Picks

houseCarroll Gardens
419 Union Street
Corcoran
Sunday 1-2:30
$2,550,000
GMAP P*Shark

housePark Slope
318 First Street
NYT
Sunday 12-3
$2,250,000
GMAP P*Shark

houseClinton Hill
439 Wav

What you’re paying for is a neighborhood, which you don’t own. Or rather a snapshot in time of that neighborhood. Ten years from now those houses could be sitting in a Duane Reed/T-Mobile urban wasteland with much of what’s cool about the neighborhood forced out by the high rents created by $2+ million former tenement buildings.

Without interior photos I can’t say but I bet none of these mortgage queens comes close to matching the architectural woodworking in that $170,000 house in Indiana.

And you will work where…???

A lot of us here in Brooklyn work in jobs which can’t be found in many (or any other) parts of the country. I know that my options for employment are EXTREMELY unlikely in any other city but New York. That’s the reason a lot of us artsy type folks move here in the first place.

If you’d rather live in a suburb of a C level city with high crime, worst syphilis rate in the country, one of the lowest birth rates, highest high school drop out rates and horrible racial tensions , by all means, go for it.

As someone who’s from Maryland, I can tell you that living in Owings Mills, Md (Steve’s 1st link)) would be a fate worse than death.

Ultimate suburban wasteland.

They can’t give away homes in many suburban areas these days…that house would have sold for 1.2 million 3 years ago.

Who wants to give up living in one of the most vibrant cities in the world for a soul-less northern suburb of Baltimore, Maryland…? You’d REALLY have to hate it here.

And I love Baltimore…