Sanding and Painting

Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the Ft. Green Home Tour yesterday although I was in Ft. Greene for a big part of the day for the Flea and some exploring (and did at least walk by some of the great homes). What a beautiful day! The neighborhood had so much energy and excitement! Has anyone gone to that restaurant Kif on Dekalb...? Delicious if you have not tried it!

Brooklyn just keeps getting better and better!

A bunch of my co-workers have been saying...so have you heard about this Brooklyn Flea...I'm like...I've been there for the past 4 weeks!!!!

They all live in Manhattan. So the word is indeed spreading!

Posted by: jerri blank at May 5, 2008 11:43 AM in response to Fort Greene House Tour Wrap

Thank you, 5:22. You explained that perfectly.

I've been wanting to say the same thing, but couldn't have said it better myself.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 24, 2008 6:05 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 175 Eastern Parkway

I will absolutely print this out and post it all over the Slope.

And you think I'm kidding...

Please others...feel free to do the same.

I will be including the photo.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 24, 2008 12:52 PM in response to Slope Ruin Gets Served

If you go to a flea market outside of New York City, many, MANY items can be had for 50 cents or a dollar.

5 dollars would be considered the price on a pretty nice item. It's a Flea Market. Not a vintage or antique shop.

To suggest that it's the baseline to buy ANYTHING at the Brooklyn Flea leads me to believe that 3:01 has many good and valid points.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 23, 2008 3:40 PM in response to Whaddyawant from Us?

There are bars on almost every garden level window in Brownstone Brooklyn, 2:34. These here are just not as beautiful.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 23, 2008 3:02 PM in response to House of the Day: 36 Otsego Street

about 800k overpriced.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 23, 2008 1:49 PM in response to House of the Day: 36 Otsego Street

Repop has been at the Flea all three weeks.

Re: HOURS: I tend to agree about staying open later, but I don't think opening at noon is an option. Flea Markets are known to open super early (in fact, 10 is considered late by most accounts, but this is NYC so a different story).

To be honest though...some of us go out on Saturday and sleep in late on Sunday. In addition, many of these vendors seem to be coming from farther away and it would make sense to give them a nice full day. 5 seems early on a beautiful spring/summer day.

I think 10-6 or 7 would be ideal when the daylight hours can support it.

By the time I'm up (noon, in some cases), possibly brunch, it's already getting to be 2 or 3. I know a lot of people who are on that schedule on Sundays.

Might be nice to extend the hours by an hour or two if possible.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 22, 2008 4:52 PM in response to Whaddyawant from Us?

McD's?

Posted by: jerri blank at April 22, 2008 2:53 PM in response to Streetlevel: What's Going On at June?

I believe this quote from the listing also has something to do with the reason why it's so "cheap"

****
"A complete restoration is required, including plaster work, plumbing, electrical, and mechanicals."

Posted by: jerri blank at April 22, 2008 1:41 PM in response to House of the Day: 30 Orange Street

They don't 4:57.

Brooklyn Heights has the second lowest crime rate of any precinct in the ENTIRE city. Mostly attached homes there.

Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill all have extremely low crime given the population density, proximity to housing projects and the fact that we are smack dab in the middle of the largest city in the country.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 21, 2008 5:00 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

And if you call me Jer with a silent J, we've got BiPolJerDave.

Something you want to tell us Dave??

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 5:56 PM in response to Wall Collapse in Bed-Stuy

Keep it clean, Biff, keep it clean.

No seriously. Keep IT clean.

Never know when you might run into me smokin in the Park...

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 5:53 PM in response to Wall Collapse in Bed-Stuy

I'm with you guys...5:40 is a total jerkoff.

Don't say it, Biff!

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 5:48 PM in response to Wall Collapse in Bed-Stuy

That's exactly the handle I had in mind, Biffster.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 5:38 PM in response to Wall Collapse in Bed-Stuy

5:30. Actually the person who spammed this website for a week with cries of not being able to see the faded type started that.

Which is the whole reason we joke about it now.

Do you have a selective memory?

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 5:33 PM in response to Wall Collapse in Bed-Stuy

I don't know.

I've noticed toilet paper prices have skyrocketed this past year!

I might be switching to gingko leaves.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 5:28 PM in response to Wall Collapse in Bed-Stuy

You can call me Jerr, Biff.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 5:14 PM in response to Wall Collapse in Bed-Stuy

That's a good one, Biff.

Very clever.

Although of course the first thing that popped into my head when you said hole was not on topic, but NOW I get it!!

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 5:07 PM in response to Wall Collapse in Bed-Stuy

Your royalty check...don't you mean your 6% Dave?

Didn't you hear...all of us who say we like a house are brokers!!!!!

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 5:01 PM in response to Wall Collapse in Bed-Stuy

Speaking of rehab, where is that little honey?

Haven't seen or heard from him a while either...

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 4:52 PM in response to Wall Collapse in Bed-Stuy

How can you see 4:41 anyway, Biff?

He's faded.

The date last week was great Dave. Thanks for asking. He lives southwest of Franklin I'd say. Just so we stay on topic. And I don't believe his house was busted in like this one. All in all, good news.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 4:50 PM in response to Wall Collapse in Bed-Stuy

Does anyone else see a problem with the phrase "get it going" and "gowanus" being used in the same sentence?

Mmmm...must just be me.

4:41. You do not decide for everyone who is and who is not wanted. I enjoy Biff being here. He makes jokes AND contributes to the threads at hand.

Unlike you, who makes an asinine comment which is neither here nor there.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 4:45 PM in response to Wall Collapse in Bed-Stuy

Sorry to disturb you 3:58. I don't appreciate those who lie.

First it's transoms, next it's weapons of mass destruction.

I prefer to nip it in the bud these days...just in case...

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 4:41 PM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

Looks like a prime spot for a Trader Joes.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 4:37 PM in response to Wall Collapse in Bed-Stuy

I don't think she can help it, Brooklynnative.

It seems to be in her nature.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 4:10 PM in response to House of the Day: 429 9th Street

Brooklynnative,

That is one sweet house you just linked.

Seriously. Maybe he was savin it up for Friday's HOTD or something.

Gorgeous. That place will be gone in no time.

I want it!

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 3:55 PM in response to House of the Day: 429 9th Street

Don't call me Jerr. That's for friends only.

See 3:16 for your lie. 3:12 you say you have no transom and I found your post which says you do.

This is my last comment to you.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 3:41 PM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

"I mean hello am i wrong here?"

Yes, about many things. Anytime someone uses the word "all" when referring to a group of people you are wrong. Especially when you are referring to people on a blog which is 95% anonymous.

And you can add liar to your list of credentials as well.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 3:33 PM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

Ronman, you posted this on February 8, 2008:

"Can anyone advise me on this front door issue. I was quoted $23,000 for a pair of Sugar Pine front doors from a wood craftsman recomended on this site. To me this seems like a lot of money. Currently i have a single door with a transom on top. I was hopeing to change that to 2 full length doors with no transom. Has anyone bought new doors? what was the price? Would it be less expensive if i went with 2 doors and a transom? Has anyone bought doors from Eddie and had them look the way they intended? thanks"

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 3:16 PM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

"547 9th Street, which we had called "the best deal we've seen in a long, long time" when it was listed back in January, sold at auction yesterday for $1,820,000."

Is that a different one than the one you are referring to, 3:07?

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 3:13 PM in response to House of the Day: 429 9th Street

My point is that you make it a habit of bashing other neighborhoods.

Your comments instigate others unnecessarily.

Anyone can scroll through your comments and see that you have some vested interest in CG/CH that goes beyond simply wanting to stand up for a neighborhood which is not your own.

Also you say you live in a brownstone with transom windows, which are in short supply in Sunset Park. Possible, but unlikely.

Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill are wonderful neighborhoods. No one has disputed that. But you are discrediting yourself by being so one-sided about the matter.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 3:07 PM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

A few more quotes from you, Ronman.

***
"I think Carroll Gardens is much nicer than park Slope and safer to"

"House is worth it very much so." (Regarding a 3.95 million asking price on 78 3rd Place in Carroll Gardens)

"I think that Henry street all the way down from Bklyn Heights to Carroll Gardens is Beautiful and one of the nicest blocks in NYC. They should just leave it alone."

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 2:53 PM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

I've noticed small, 300sf or 400sf studios that certainly sell for more than 300K and 400K so yes, I do think that sometimes smaller apts (both co-op and condo) do command a price premium per square foot.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 2:19 PM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

Ronman,

Judging by this post from you in January, it sure would sound as though you live in Carroll Gardens. Every other post you've made has referred to the neighborhood (most of the time saying how it's better than somewhere else) and not once a mention of Sunset Park till today. I don't want to start anything with you, but please quit it with the neighborhood bashing. It's extremely immature. All of these neighborhoods are beautiful and have different things to offer.

***
"I Think Mr. Brownstoner needs to go to carroll Gardens a little more often. Ummmm Hello this is the safest nabe besides Brooklyn heights in Brooklyn. UMMM no there is no inventory glut, there is nothing for sale. I can not believe you people don't get it how close to manhattan Carroll Gardens is 3 stops. 24 min to midtown what more do you want? and yes the school is a top notch ps58. If you guys think you can find better than go buy in Clinton Hill."

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 2:14 PM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

Really excited about this place, Barrio. Heard a rumor that someone saw the owner of Bubby's on site. Just a rumor, though.

They look like they are doing a nice job on the renovation...those big arched, carved doors are nice.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 12:34 PM in response to Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up

It's great that you love Cobble Hill and CG over Park Slope, 12:19. I take it you live there. That's the beauty of it...everyone has different likes/dislikes and taste. And everyone has things that are more or less important to them.

If everyone liked the same thing, we'd have a problem.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 12:24 PM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

Just another note on that from what I've witnessed. A lot of people after a certain number of years CRAVE that outdoors stuff more and more...especially when you have kids. It's one of the reasons many people end up moving to the burbs, I think.

I think Prospect Park is the reason why people who move to Park Slope seem to be able to endure city life for a long time. If I lived in Chelsea, I don't think I'd be able to last a lifetime living with little to no greenery around me.

Living in Park Slope with all that parkland right there is JUST ENOUGH so that I do not crave the feeling of needing to leave for "greener pastures"

Everyone has a different threshold though, when it comes to this stuff. I have friends who could go the rest of their lives and never see another plant again.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 11:57 AM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

Prospect Park for me is the one thing, above all else, that keeps me in Park Slope also.

If you are the outdoors type as well as a city type like I am, there is nothing more refreshing than being able to crawl out of bed on a Sunday morning, take a blanket, some food, a book and a few smokes up to the Park.

It's a real treat every time. Never gets old. I find it the single best attribute of the neigborhood and I was willing to pay a premium to live within spitting distance of it.

That being said, I LOVE Cobble Hill also.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 11:51 AM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

Don't think anyone here said there is a fascination with the "P-Slope area," 11:23.

We are discussing a building being constucted in Park Slope, however.

We'll talk some about Cobble Hill next time there is a thread on it though.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 11:30 AM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

You are correct, 11:06. There is a need for 3 bedroom apartments in Park Slope. But not so much along 4th Avenue, I don't think. I see parents more inclined to be closer to Prospect Park and singles/young couples closer to 4th and 5th Avenues.

The Vermeil and On Prospect Park have 3 bedrooms for sale. I'm sure there are others. There are also 3 bedrooms in brownstones that occassionally come onto the market.

I don't see The Argyle as a building attractive to a couple with 2 kids.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 11:11 AM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

I know a couple people who have bought places here. Seems to be the best of the 4th Avenue lot so far.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 9, 2008 10:57 AM in response to 4th Avenue's Argyle 60% Sold

I'm really curious about this also. I'll be interested to see if anyone knows anything...

Posted by: jerri blank at April 8, 2008 4:46 PM in response to bathroom exhaust fan

I know you were joking Brooklynlove.

I just hear people compare NYC to Dubai all the time and it really is like comparing apples to oranges.

Dubai is a culture-less, soul-less city in the middle of the most desolate landscape you can imagine. Then top that off with slave labor.

Think Las Vegas, 10 times bigger with no casinos.

New York is a lot of things...but it certainly is not soul-less.

And for what it's worth...I predict Dubai will be in the same situation we are in in about 10 years or less. Like I said...you have to wonder who is going to buy the 100,000 million dollar apts they have being constructed right now...

Posted by: jerri blank at April 8, 2008 2:15 PM in response to Brooklyn Can Finally Get Down With OPP

You are correct, 1:55. It was the women who worked in the hotels, restaurants, spas and shops that were mostly of east asian heritage.

When I was there, we had a car and driver, stayed in a 5 star hotel and the heat was STILL too unbearable to function.

I really didn't enjoy my stay there watching those workmen out during all hours (even at 3am on a Friday night) suffering in that climate and situation. The entire city is run on slave labor. It was a depressing place for me to visit.

Fantastic to see another culture and all of the great architectural marvels, as well as meet very interesting people, but really sad to see the rest of what is behind the scenes.

Made me appreciate being from a truly free country.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 8, 2008 2:03 PM in response to Brooklyn Can Finally Get Down With OPP

I guess the old phrase location, location, location is playing a role in this one, bigtime.

How much would it cost to completely redo the exterior?

10th and 7th Avenue is great though. A block from the subway.

Price does seem high, but again...not much inventory to choose from. I guess this one might be investor friendly like the ugly-from-the-outside Sterling Place one we saw sell for 2.2 million.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 8, 2008 1:33 PM in response to House of the Day: 547 10th Street

I'm not sure how much they purchased the land for or how much the building is costing to build, but according to my calculations, they have sold $41,675,700 worth of condos so far.

I'm not so sure they aren't far away from beginning to turn a profit, even with only 40% sold thus far.

That's a lot of dough.

You ever been to Dubai, Brooklynlove?

I have.

Nothing wrong with it, I guess...especially if you enjoy having your home built by slave labor from Indonesia.

So tired of the Dubai comparisons. Go check it out and then report back to me how wonderful it is.

There are about 50 highrises (AT LEAST!) in Dubai sitting 60-70% EMPTY right now. But they keep building away. Why not, when you are paying someone 5 bucks a week and putting them 4 to an UNairconditioned room.

Dubai is a tourist destination. Nothing more. No one actually wants to live there full-time, if at all. They want to make money off it.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 8, 2008 1:27 PM in response to Brooklyn Can Finally Get Down With OPP

I agree...1100 psf is a lot of money. But I also think this is the nicest new property in Brooklyn.

40 units out of 100 is not bad considering the prices. Did you see that Corcoran link which lists the apts. already sold? Those are some hefty numbers that people have plunked down to live there. Surprising actually.

This place is a special property and attracts a special clientele. It's not for everyone so it takes a while to find those who would be interested in buying one.

This is like buying a $5,000 purse. They aren't going to stock 1000 of them at Target. There is maybe one or two in the Madison Avenue boutique and it might sit there for a while till someone comes in and falls in love with it.

I think the onsite sales office will help enormously. It's difficult to see this building and not be at least mildly taken with it, the location and the views.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 8, 2008 12:00 PM in response to Brooklyn Can Finally Get Down With OPP

"Now NO ONE is spending that kind of dough for a place that (1) won't hold any type of family and (2) won't appreciate at all from the purchase price for several years."

I'm not sure this is entirely true. I've seen on "top sales in Brooklyn" for the past few weeks that The Vermeil (not far from here) has sold a handful of larger units in the 1.6 - 2.2. million dollar range.

Maybe not many people are spending that kind of dough, but no one isn't exactly accurate either.

I bet 75% of those who read this blog would have no idea we were even in a recession or troubling times if not for the media. So please don't make it seem as though everyone is all of the sudden poor because CNN talks about it incessantly.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 8, 2008 11:36 AM in response to Brooklyn Can Finally Get Down With OPP

11:21...

The building had 114 units to start. They realized that people wanted larger spaces so they combined a few and made 100.

Those numbers have nothing to do with the 40% sold. It has to do with the number of apts in the building.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 8, 2008 11:25 AM in response to Brooklyn Can Finally Get Down With OPP

I'm a big fan of this building. Looks terrific. The way the light hits it in the evening is quite beautiful.

I also love seeing it from inside the park.

I'm not surprised they are taking a while to sell though. They are the most expensive condos sold thus far in Brooklyn, I believe.

Or close to it. I don't think Meiers' Manhattan/Perry Street buildings sold out in minutes either.

Posted by: jerri blank at April 8, 2008 10:32 AM in response to Brooklyn Can Finally Get Down With OPP