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The Brownstoner Forum is for the site's users to ask and answer questions about real estate, renovation and matters of local concern. Please refrain from self-promotional postings.

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  • CITIBANK EXITS WHOLESALE LENDING

    A few years ago Citibank did wholesale business with over 10,000 mortgage brokers nationwide. Somewhere in 2008 they slashed the number of brokers from 10,000 down to 1,000. Only the top brokers with the cleanest business remained on their wholesale platform. I am very sad to say that on February 1st, 2012, Citibank notified the last of 1000 mortgage brokers that remained approved, and for that matter still in business that they have decided to exit wholesale lending. They have followed Bank of America, HSBC and a number of others with their decision. It...  More»

    11:04 PM 02/03/2012

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  • Where to get Custom Marble Bathroom Sink Top

    We want to get a marble or stone counter to replace a custom made tile counter that our bathroom sink is set into. The tile top is fallen apart from water damage. We probably need to have the vendor visit our apt to take measurements, so we can be sure that they will cut the exact hole to fit our existing sink bowl. Any recommendations of where to go?  More»

    5:58 PM 02/03/2012

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    61 st and 12 and 11 ave. See More »
  • Mahogany French Doors.

    We just renovated our UWS prewar coop and had to remove this double French door. They are refinished. Each door is 23.5" wide and 93.5" high, but they can be cut down. The knobs have been removed.There may be other tall mahogany doors in the building also available from renovations. If you have any use for them or know who might, please email me at chayapiot@gmail.com. We want them to go to a good home. Thanks.  More»

    12:32 PM 02/03/2012

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  • Reality Check--Construction Estimates

    We received a horrifying estimate from our architect yesterday on the total costs of the proposed renovations on our 3 story brownstone in Carroll Gardens. $300k, which includes all equiptment and $64k (!!) in soft costs (architect, expiditer, permits, assuming the architect hits his 17% of total work cap).I'm hoping you all will agree with me that this is insane and perhaps have ideas on strategies for cutting it back by half?The scope of work with rounded dollar values is as follows:HVAC (3 split-level units, small ducts snaked through walls, du...  More»

    12:19 PM 02/03/2012

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    if you've been on brownstoner for a while, you would hear from folks who owned homes in the primo hoods where their renovations are at least $100k per floor. if you sticking to folks who have done nice renovations for these old homes in these hoods, you're likely going to see such quotes - ie they ...... See More »
  • Has anyone worked with these contractors?

    We are taking bids from contractors and have it down to a few names. However, don't know too much about them. If you have worked with any of the companies below, please respond.Build Tech Construction CorpGibraltar Construction.AndRETRO Building Systems Inc.Thank you.  More»

    12:05 PM 02/03/2012

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  • Using glass tiles for kitchen backsplash - will it hold up?

    We are in the process of deciding on the backsplash for our new kitchen.Shown in the photo are:Top: 3" strip that goes all around the countertop (all glass)Middle: Ceramic tile that will in the back of the pro gas range that we have.Bottom: 3" x 6" Glass tile that will be used everywhere else. The 3" inch strip is situated inside it.The pattern will be subway style.What is the expected durability of these types of glass tiles? Will the color change after some time? How about if something hits it? We know that everything that is glass...  More»

    10:55 AM 02/03/2012

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    durability of glass tiles is pretty much forever. You shouldn't get any discoloration. The ceramic tile will yellow and crack long before the glass does. Keep your grout sealed (and reseal every year or so) - that's the weak link that can get funky over time. See More »
  • Basement clean out, trash removal recommendations?

    I'm looking for a recommendation from someone for a small basement clean out job. It looks like a two guy job bagging some trash and hauling it away. Four hours tops. Any recommendations? Thanks.  More»

    6:26 AM 02/03/2012

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    Check out Totalhousehold.com where you will find thousands of contractors, designers, electricians, and in your case, cleaning services, to help you with your job! You will find client reviews and contact information for companies in your area! See More »
  • Where can I acquire insurance for my move?

    I planning to shift from san jose to san mateo.. Could you provide useful tips where to purchase insurance for my move?  More»

    12:42 AM 02/03/2012

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    This is a blog about Brooklyn, NY. But as to your question, I am afraid I am unfamiliar with the concept of moving insurance....except when dealing with cross-country movers. Perhaps ask the movers themselves, or call your home owner's/renter's insurance company and see if they offer it. See More »
  • Another shout out for Adam Dahill

    First, I want to thank the Brownstoner community for recommending Adam. I just closed on a refi with him. It was the smoothest and quickest one I have ever done, and the terms of the loan were great. Counting my previous place, this is the 5th refi that I have done, and I wish I found him sooner. I have two other friends that are in process with Adam, and so far they have nothing but good things to say about him. Also, kudos to Alesia who is Adams assistant. She was also a pleasure to work with and was very responsive.And, I am not a Shill. You c...  More»

    9:10 PM 02/02/2012

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    Thanks for the kind words pwhite. It was very nice working with you as well and thanks for sending your friends my way. -Adam Dahill See More »
  • Estate sale

    I'm moving from a house to an apartment and need to do an estate sale. Does anyone have a recommendation for a company that specializes in this?Thanks.  More»

    4:52 PM 02/02/2012

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    if you're talking about a company that specializes on handling the sale of the contents in the house, you'll find some recommendations within the forum here as I recall others asked the same thing and got some good recommendations. If you're talking about selling the house itself, there's nothing d...... See More »
  • Carpenter Recommendations

    Looking for a quality carpenter with good references.Thanks!  More»

    4:09 PM 02/02/2012

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    Chad Richens has done a substantial amount of work for us (at our current brownstone & our previous apartment). He does excellent work. 718-612-1158 See More »
  • Substantial 25 Ft Beams For Sale

    I have 25 ft solid wood (ceiling) beams for sale, rare to find them in this length. Excellent shape - great for townhouse construction, furniture maker, or decorators who want to use them for exposed beam look. Interested party please msg me. Thanks.  More»

    2:32 PM 02/02/2012

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    what's your contact info? would like 1 or 2 to replace ones in basement. See More »
  • Attorney with Prior 203K Loan Experience

    We entered into an agreement with a contractor and he is looking to walk away before the work is completed. I am looking to consult an attorney with prior 203K loan breach experience.I would also appreciate any suggestions anyone can offer on this.Thanks.  More»

    8:45 AM 02/02/2012

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    We do alot of 203k projects and unless the loan was incorrectly structured or the bid was way too low I can't see why the contractor would walk away. I don't think that this situation comes up enough where there would be an attorney that has handled too many of these. Any attorney that can handle a ...... See More »
  • tenants

    we have a tenant with a yappy dog. he has had it for some time but now it yaps all night and its a problem. He also does not walk the dog wee pads but ofcourse he always has accident. Can I ask the dog to leave? My neighbors are ready to call the asap since the dog is kept in one room and not brushed. any help is appreciated. he is rent control  More»

    8:20 PM 02/01/2012

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    if that dog has been there longer than 3 or 6 months, I don't remember the law exactly, no, you can't do shit except call 311 to complain. after the city comes out and verifies, they can start to get fines for noise/nuisnace but you can't evict or force them to give up the dog especially if the leas...... See More »
  • Evicting tenants

    The building is a legal four family and they have no lease. They are a husband and wife with two kids. I bought the place a few months ago (should have had them evicated beforehand but it is what it is) and they have been a pain in the neck since they one... Late payments, dirty, false complaints to avoid rent, and so on. I decided to evict them and served them a 30 day notice (took a lawyer who handled it so there is no chance of not serving them correctly). I spoke with several lawyers before starting this and they all said that it is a question of tim...  More»

    7:51 PM 02/01/2012

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    yes ifes a b**ch. It can easily take 6+ months and they can put the rent into an escrow account and fught you. sry See More »