REAL ESTATE Archives - Page 18 of 26

5 Boro Rentals: What You Get For $1200

March 7, 2008 RH 2 Comments

Let’s explore the rental market today, kids! What kind of an apartment can you get with $1200 in each of the boros? Apart from Manhattan… a 2 BR. All of these are no fee listings.

Manhattan

1BR in Inwood/Washington Heights. The ad states “Pictures are representative of typical renovations.” So does that mean this isn’t the actual apartment? Is there an actual apartment? Anyway, I chose this one because they accept dogs and cats.

Brooklyn

Midwood 2 BR. Again, maybe just a teaser. “This apartment is a must see, *however* I manage over 800 no fee apartments in Brooklyn.” The ad mentions that Joan Rivers, Chuck Schumer and Woody Allen have called Midwood home. They neglect to mention ME! Also sez Midwood neighbors Park Slope and Coney Island. Ok, I’m not sure “neighbor” is the correct word, agent Jason. It’s true, Midwood is right smack in the center of Brooklyn (Don’t bother looking at a map. In my mind it is, and that’s all that counts.) But no, it doesn’t “neighbor” PS or CI. I thought Midwood sucked when I was growing up. But now that the rest of Brooklyn is filled with the new Bourgeois Elite, Midwood is looking good to me.

Bronx

2 BR in Little Italy section. Well, it sounds like it’s a 1 BR with “office”. It’s in a private home. I’m not sure if the cleaning products shown in the Craig photos come with the apartment.

Queens

Ridgewood 2 BR. Railroad apartment near shopping. Heat and hot water included. Carpeting, new stove and cabinets. Probably a schlock renovation (yes, I AM my mother!), but I like Ridgewood. Ad lists: No section 8. No washing machine. No dryer. No pets. Love that negative advertising!

Staten Island

2 BR in a 4 room apartment. Yeah, I have NO idea where this is. Heartland Village. Sounds like a senior development. “It’s on a quiet dead end street near the golf course.” I would take it for those kitchen cabinets alone. They rock!

439 Metropolitan -LEED Platinum Pt II

March 6, 2008 RH 8 Comments

Last December we reported that NYC’s first LEED Platinum mixed use building project was underway in Williamsburg. I recently visited the site to interview architect Mark Helder for BCAT Brooklyn Review’s A Walk Around the Blog.

The building is slated for completion by July 2008. That seems a long shot at the moment (see photos), but Mark assures us that the most difficult part is behind him now. Because they saved the existing walls, underpinning the foundation was an arduous task.

The building will house Mark’s design studio on the ground floor and cellar and will have two residential duplex units above that. The first unit will be about 820 sf and the penthouse, about 1050 sf. Each apartment will have a private balcony and in addition, the penthouse will have exclusive use of the roof garden.

Because of the space constraints, the building was designed with as thin walls as possible while not sacrificing thermal or noise benefits.

I thought it was interesting that the greenest building in Brooklyn sits right near the BQE. But then again, that’s the ONLY kind of building that should be situated there. 100% of the ventilated air will be filtered to near HEPA standards. The building will have one of the best indoor air qualities in the city, far exceeding the American Lung Association’s standards for their Health House certification.

Heavy laminated glass windows will mitigate noise pollution. Concrete floors with an acoustically insulated radiant floor slab will further help with noisy neighbors.

See the blue on the front of the building? Solar panels.

Mark Helder moved to the states from Amsterdam when his wife Nikki felt it was time to reconnect after being away for a decade. Whenever he would visit NYC, he always looked around in astonishment at the abundant building opportunities. Lots of empty and smaller spaces and in general, an aging building stock with opportunities for improvement.

He also noticed that building technology followed the money and was of low standards as compared to what he used to in the Netherlands. Even though there were budgetary constraints back home, it seemed to him that the quality was higher even in the very low budget segments of the market. He feels it’s just what people are used to / demanding to get for their money.

Mark goes on: “In that sense it’s easier building green in the Netherlands, first, because it is a national consensus and people are aware of the long term maintenance effects when building a building which lasts for at least 50 years. Second, building standards and codes are kept up-to-date to the current (energy) developments. The minimum energy efficiency requirements are set to a relative high level in relation to the regularly available building technology and is updated every few years or so. In the US the minimum energy standards are relatively low and building a better performing building is basically voluntary. The gap between the minimum requirements and the regularly available building technology is large.”

Brooklyn Review airs Monday, March 10th on Time Warner channel 56 or Cablevision 69. Check listings for encore presentations. I’ll post the video here if it’s not completely embarrassing.

5 Boros: Which is the Best Value?

February 29, 2008 RH 2 Comments

How far does $350k go when trying to purchase a home in NYC? Let’s take this boro by boro.

Manhattan Studio: Sutton

Hey, this is actually cute! Although it’s teeny (looks to be under 300 sq ft judging from the floor plan), it’s not a dump. And the Sutton area address has gotta be worth something.

Brooklyn: 3BR in Flatbush

I tried to find an actual house for $350k in Brooklyn, but alas, it doesn’t exist. If I had gone up to $400k, I would’ve come up with a few. So I chose to search for a 3BR and here’s what I came up with. A pre-war coop in Flatbush. A small 1 BR in Park Slope South can be had for this price as well.

Queens: St. Albans Brick

This is the first listing that came up under my search criteria for Queens. It looks too good to be true, but then again, I don’t know a thing about St. Albans. Brick single family with 4 bedrooms. No info. Just says “seller must go”. I’m too scared to call! You do it!

The Bronx: Baychester Single Family

Ok, not bad. A 2000 square foot, 3 BR home in Baychester. No maintenance fees (apart from all the repairs on the 1931 house), alittle outdoor space and you’re still in the boros.

Staten Island: Stapleton 3BR

This one is a mere $349,900! I chose this home because Stapleton is the only part of Staten Island I know anything about. It’s close to the ferry and has an urban feel to it rather than a….um….a….Staten Island feel. This 1809 square foot home is looking a bit worn, but the choice is yours…. Would you rather have your own home in Staten Island or a cramped studio in Manhattan?

Reality Check

February 28, 2008 RH 3 Comments

Once we put our bid in, it didn’t take long for the shenanigans to start.

Sure, we started the bidding 100k lower than their asking price, but we had good reasons for doing so. We weren’t even planning to see the house at all, but when we took the drive out to look at other properties, the agent pressed us to see this house. He pointed to the original list price and showed us how the sellers had already come down a bit, but that the property has been on the market since June and the house had been showing well, but no one was bidding since they were put off by the high price. To our surprise, we really liked the house. A 1920s Colonial, it was extensively updated in 2006 with a new roof, kitchen, three new bathrooms, a deck, and siding. The first floor rooms are bordered with the original wood beams and French doors delineate the entryways. The wooden banister leading to the second floor is thick and sturdy as are the stairs. New carpeting on the basement steps and steps to the finished attic are covered with paper to prevent viewers from sullying the pile.Continue reading Reality Check

Landlord Resources

February 27, 2008 RH 2 Comments

So, you’re a first time landlord. Congratulations! If you’re completely lost right now, here are some rental resources that I’ve found handy in the past.

The first thing you want to do is get the apartment in shape, set your price and market that baby. Keep in mind that your tenants will only be as good as the apartment. If do a schlock job, you’ll get get schlock tenants. I prefer to present quality accommodations and get market rate or slightly above rather than waiting to see if someone bites on a piece of crap.

Friends of friends or co-workers are always a good place to start spreading the word. They come with references you actually know. If that doesn’t pan out, Craigslist will. It’s the best free advertising you’ll ever get. You can swing for a $125 ad on the NY Times site, but don’t throw that $ away until you know Craigs hasn’t worked.

Whether you’re setting up appointments or having an open house, you’ll want to be prepared to screen your prospective tenants. You can download free rental applications from Legal Forms. Be sure to print out a few of them. You may not go with the first tenant who wants the place.

I always verify employment and get a reference from the previous landlord. It doesn’t hurt to look at W-2’s or pay stubs. Some apartment hunters are already prepared and come with these items in hand.

A credit check runs about $35 and yes, you may charge the tenant for that. Just disclose this up front under “fees” for the apartment. Transunion and Equifax are the two biggies in the credit check industry.

Download a free lease agreement from (once again) Legal Forms. Add as many riders as you feel is necessary. Pets? Smoking? Storage in hallway and basement?

I’ve never once received a lead pamphlet or disclosure from a landlord, but don’t let this stop you. Go to the EPA Lead page and download the booklet and disclosure form. These items should be presented at the time of lease signing.

Any questions?

Taking It Up A Notch: Brooklyn Under $500k

February 22, 2008 RH

Last week’s affordable Brooklyn under $600k was so popular, we thought we would do it again. Only this time, we needed more of a challenge. We’re taking it up a notch! Brooklyn homes for under $500k. And we haven’t even touched upon East New York or Canarsie yet.

$439k: Sheepshead Bay Single Family

3 BR brick, needs updating. It’s near the Belt, which means it’s closer to the water but far from the train. Eh. What do you want for $439k?

$495k: Prospect Lefferts 2 Family

Check out the interior photos. Lemme tell you something. If I bought this place, I would just carry on with the decorating vision. I wouldn’t bother restoring it. I’m groovin’ to the red carpet and mirrors. I’d totally go bordello style. So tacky that it’s AWE-SOME.

$499k: Bed Stuy 2 Family

Bless you, agent Andre. The only one who got back to me regarding availability of these homes. Looks cool from the outside. Hancock at Malcolm X, 2100 sq ft. You’re past prime Stuy Heights and in the middle of 2 train lines here, but it’s probably still a good deal at that price.

$499k: Flatbush 2 Family

Oooh…I like this. $100k cheaper than last week’s Flatbush brick which was in better condition. This one needs TLC but the details are intact. Do I see a clawfoot tub? Original plaster and parquet floors? Suh-weet. Map shows it’s close to Newkirk and Flatbush.

$499k: Sunset Park Single Family

Ok, agent Albert got back to me last minute. This property is still available. 43rd and 4th Avenue. So it’s not the prettiest part of Sunset Park, but it’s near the train. Ad says “move in condition”. Since there aren’t any interior photos, you won’t know what that means until you see it in person.

Home Buying For Hipsters

February 20, 2008 RH

Eve Levine, founder of Home Buying for Hipsters is a self described “practitioner of many trades, master of none”. As with the rest of us who float around between various careers, she dabbles in the real estate business.

This free event educates “non traditional wage earners” on buying property.

Since it’s geared towards hipsters it takes place in, where else? Williamsburg.

Tonight. 6:30-8pm @ Huckleberry Bar, 588 Grand St.

What $300k Buys You In & Out of NYC

February 20, 2008 RH

$289k: Upper West Side Studio

Let’s start with Manhattan. Broadway at 107th Street…awesome! Doesn’t give the square footage of this coop, but I’m assuming it’s the size of a closet. Not a walk in closet. But hey, if you just need a place to crash, this is it! I’m lovin’ this chick’s website. Adina! Is she a broker or a teen idol?

$ 300k: Ft Hamilton: 920 Sq ft, 2 BR coop

Looks like a nice renovation. They fixed up, but left some retro details. Advice to agent: Remove the litter box from the photo before taking picture. Maintenance of $668 includes gas, heat, water and tax.

$ 300k: Jersey City: 4 Family in need of TLC

The bad news is: This house hasn’t been touched for years. The good news is: This house hasn’t been touched for years. From the one interior shot it looks like there may be some detail left. Do I wear rose colored glasses or what?

$299900: Mt Vernon 3 Family

I’m drooling over this one! 3 Family, 2600 sq ft home built in 1928. Needs total rehab. Fire damage. It looks so sad and forgotten, but I see the inner beauty. Come to mamma, I’ll save you!

$297900: Beacon 2 Family

Hmm, not bad. Two 2 BR units with a little backyard. No interior shots. It’s on the “mountain side” of town as opposed to the “river side” which means nice views, pleasant area…..far walk to train.

Affordable NYC: Brooklyn Under $600k

February 15, 2008 RH 3 Comments

We’re going into a recession! There’s a housing slump! So does that mean a Brooklyn townhouse can be had for under $600k now? Let’s see….

$599k: 2 Family, Crown Heights North. OH Sunday!

I’m putting this one at the top of the list because judging from internet alone, it looks like the best choice. A 3200 square foot 2 family limestone in Crown Heights North. It looks like this has great detail. According to the floorplan, only 2 floors are finished. Agents suggest finishing the “English basement” for a lower duplex. If the previous owner had done this, the price would not be under $600k! Open House this Sunday: 1274 Park Place.

$575k: 2 Family Bed Stuy

Location! Location! Location! This house needs a full reno, including roof, plumbing and electric. Maybe even windows and facade, judging from the picture. Some details remain. They list it as a 3 story, but I’m looking at 4 in the photo. That would mean more rental space=more money. Or a larger space for yourself. The map is showing MacDonough and Tompkins, which is right near an up and coming strip of shops and restaurants, close to Fulton and 2 blocks from the A express. Oh, and a block from the Reclaimed Home Brooklyn headquarters. The rehab needed might be too extensive to make this work.

$599k: Renovated 2 Family in Bed Stuy

Looks like they did a nice job of restoring this place, but it’s difficult to see since 2 of the 3 shots are of the hallway. And no exterior photos! Located on Monroe between Stuyvesant and Lewis. I know that Stuy/Lewis is verrry desirable closer to Fulton, but I’m not familiar with that particular block.

$599k: Flatbush

Not much to go on. To say this house needs updating would be an understatement. Nice vinyl panels in the hallway! But I’m seeing some details, which makes this an exciting option. Looks like some original plaster, molding and doors are left.

$599k: Bushwick 3 Family

Hmm, not much info here as far as photos or exact location. Sez 3 renovated apartments. I’m thinking, live in one and fill the other two with hipsters who will pay your entire mortgage. Not a bad scenario, no?

$575k: “Park Slope/Gowanus”

And if you must live in Park Slope, there are still homes on the fringes of the neighborhood. This 2 BR ~~shack~~ house in need of updating is somewhere within walking distance to 7th Ave, 5th Ave and Smith Street. Maybe it’s even got breathtaking views of the Gowanus? Oh wait, there’s already an accepted offer. What? I didn’t say anything.

Weekender: Saugerties, NY

February 14, 2008 RH 1 Comment

Used to be you went to Saugerties for the antiques. Now it looks like there’s much more happening in that little town east of Woodstock.

I visited Saugerties for the first time in a few years when I met up with Jean for lunch at Miss Lucy’s Kitchen. I had been boycotting Saugerties prior to that. Let’s just say: F*ed up stone countertop from Nelsen’s Supply, small claims court and small town justice. 5 years later, maybe I can even the score now that I have a blogging voice. Don’t use Nelsens! Ah, that feels good.

Anyway, Saugerties. The Hudson River village is just off the NYS Thruway about 2.5 hours north of NYC. I couldn’t find a bus service directly into town so I’m thinking you would have to make your way over from Kingston or Woodstock if you were using public transit.

Saugerties has a great choice of restaurants for both veg and non veg. New World Home Cooking, outside of town, is one of the better restaurants in the entire Hudson Valley. Eclectic fare, casual setting.

You can spend a full day, maybe two exploring the shops in town. The Saugerties Antiques Center is a multi dealer shop with decent prices.

It’s no secret that this area of the Catskills offers great hiking trails and kayaking. FYI, there’s white water in them Saugerties waters as well! And for more tame outdoor adventures, check out Seamon Park, Esopus Creek swimming, the local farmer’s market and pick your own.

While in Saugerties, DO NOT MISS Opus 40. Six acres of natural stone sculpture created by one man. The other major Saugerties landmark is the lighthouse which is also serves as a B&B. Give me one reason anyone would choose to stay somewhere other than the lighthouse? Ok, maybe if it was booked. Seriously, there are some lovely B&B’s in town, but….a lighthouse! Too cool to pass up!

Some of these things are seasonal and may be closed for the winter. In fact, I might give the weekender posts a break until Spring. Any objections? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

Discover Saugerties
Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
Lighthouse Keeper’s Logbook

Neighborhood Housing Services:DIY Course

February 8, 2008 RH 3 Comments

Neighborhood Housing Services, or NHS, is a non profit housing organization that has been helping New Yorkers improve their homes since 1982. They educate the community on everything from first time home buying to being a landlord to diy repairs.

NHS helps people get mortgages and gives loans towards down payment and home improvement. They counsel folks on ownership and foreclosure prevention.

I’ve never taken one of their home maintenance courses, but I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews. I just noticed that the East Flatbush branch is offering a class that begins this Monday, February 11th. There is also a Wednesday class available which starts on February 20th. Classes meet once a week for 10 weeks, from 6pm-9pm. Topics covered are: safety, basic plumbing and electrical, carpentry and framing.

NHS does have other locations around NYC and offers more advanced courses, so do check them out!

NHS East Flatbush Courses : 718.469.4679.

Reclaimed Home Super Tuesday Poll

February 5, 2008 RH

You’ve probably noticed that we’ve cut back on our posts. Gotta go out and bring home the tofu bacon, ya know? Please help out and let us know what is important to you so we can make y’all happy. Thanks!

Update: Oh dear, I was just informed that this isn’t showing up on iphone. If it doesn’t work with your browser, here’s the link.

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Welcome to the Neighborhood

February 4, 2008 RH

Author: Brett

Last Saturday, the next door neighbors moved away. We knew that it was coming; they had told us the week before, and of course, we had been there when the “For Sale” sign had gone up last April, the same day that we had left Manhattan and descended on the Boro of Kings.

Still, we were taken aback when we woke on Saturday morning to find the immense moving truck parked out front and to see the shouting men hoisting couches and mattresses and tossing them into the back.

All those many months of speculating who would buy the run-down, Colonial next door was finished. After 36 years, this family, one of the last of the old-timers on the block was selling to a wealthy family from around the corner. Apparently, the new owner had wanted to expand his house and met resistance from the neighbors. Eventually, he won the right to expand, but by then, bad feelings abounded, so they decided to move instead. Now we are not only coping with the loss of a fine next door neighbor, but the prospect of a new, arrogant one. Finally, what was this new owner planning to do? Would he knock the house down, as so many in this area have done, and construct a McMansion? Or would he simply add on, towering over us? Either way, our future is sure to be filled with the many sounds of scraping and drilling.

On Monday morning, I picked up the mail to find a postcard from the realtor who had sold our neighbor’s house. “Congratulations!” It read, “You have new neighbors!” Then: If you are looking to sell your home, please call us. When and if we will move or not is another issue entirely, and one better left for a future post.

Affordable NYC: Sunset Park

February 1, 2008 RH

Up until a few years ago, I considered Sunset Park “that area between Park Slope and Bay Ridge”. No offense to any long time residents, but the area didn’t seem to have much going on. Or at least I didn’t notice it.

We did briefly consider Sunset Park two years ago, before settling on Bed Stuy. Our decision was based on our own irrational concept. We sold our South Slope home in 2003 and we felt Sunset Park would be taking a step backwards since it’s that much farther out into Brooklyn. Bed Stuy felt like more of an upgrade, as the commute is less than half that of the South Slope. (Don’t argue, I lived it for 9 years.)

Anyway, enough with my own mishugas. Sunset Park does have a good mass transit system. The D,M,N&R run through the area, as well as bus lines. And if you do own a car, I have one word to say to you: Costco!

Sunset Park actually does have a park and is located just south of the historic and peaceful Greenwood Cemetery. This area is highest point in Brooklyn and has great views of the Manhattan skyline.

The architecture is nothing to sneeze at. Brownstones, bricks and limestones line the streets. There are the less expensive frames and apartment buildings as well.

Sunset Park has become more desirable in recent years. The folks getting priced out/cashing out of Park Slope are moving a few stops farther out for superior houses at a fraction of the cost.

This neighborhood should remain quite diverse as it was thriving before the newcomers arrived. 8th Avenue is home to Brooklyn’s Chinatown. Over on 5th Avenue is the Latin American section.

Village Voice
NRV Lowdown

Sunset Park Listings

February 1, 2008 RH

$190k: 1BR Coop: OH Saturday!

$619k: 2 Family Frame: OH Sunday!

$649k: 3 Family Brick: New Listing, OH Sunday!

$660k: 2 Family Brick

reclaimedhome.com

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