Brooklyn Real Estate

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The Graham L Train stop and its surrounding neighborhood is growing in popularity.  While the community has been defined by 2-5 family homes and housing filled with hipsters and Manhattanites, new construction can be seen rising on many blocks.  Many rental projects include(now standard) amenties such as onsite laundry, rooftop access, and outdoor space.  The 8-unit new residency located on Metropolitan ave, right by the corner of Graham, includes the above mentioned features as well as modern kitchens and bathrooms.  On the top of the building sits 2 duplex lofts with 18ft ceiling and 2 full bedrooms, with their own full bathrooms.  One of the 2 bedrooms resides on the 2nd level, making the space ideal for shares looking for privacy and separation.  The rooftop boasts 360 degree view of Brooklyn and while it is accessible by all of the property’s occupants, it will most likely be shared by just 2 penthouse residence.  While the penthouses are nice and priced well, a 4 floor walk up may deter some.  The price, finishes, and location of the Williamsburg Apartment Rental is why I picked the residency as my ‘Rental Pick of the Month’.  An open house will be hosted this Saturday between 11am-1pm, for those who decide to inquire.

The home located on the corner of Lorimer street and Powers features original details such as attractive crown molding, antique lighting, and old, very well kept wood floors.  When I first entered the 3 story property I was pleasently suprised to see tastefull renovations focused on maintaining the attractive antique qualities of the Williamsburg apartment.  Unlike many owners that have neglected and poorly maintained their property, this particular owner has paid careful attention to detail.  The 2 apartment rentals take up the entire 2nd and 3rd floors and have been upgraded with new kitchens hosting stainless appliances, dishwasher, recessed lighting, and tons of cabinetry that meshes well with the feel of the home.  Many windows and antique overhead lamps nicely illuminate the space.  The corner lot is located a block away from Key Foods and Associated supermarket, located on Grand street, and just 4 blocks from the Lorimer L train. 

The Empire-Fulton state park located in DUMBO sits abutted with the riverfront and encompasses the foot of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge.  If you have not visited the park I highly recomend doing so as it boasts some of the most impressive views of downtown Manhattan between both bridges.  The typical route is a stop at Brooklyn’s famous Grimaldi’s, for some of NYC’s best pizza, followed by a visit to the park and walk on the waterfront boardwalk.  For those foddie’s who can’t get enough of New Yorks great dining culture, I recomend grabing a cone of delicious ice cream before leqaving the boardwalk.  The ice cream shop is easily found by the long line that regularly wrapps around the small building that stands alone on the boardwalk. 

Allthough this williamsburg apartment is packed with just about every amenity that can fit into a 4 floor small building, size still matters.  The very small 2 Bedroom plus office duplex is advertised as a 3 bedroom apartment, but will really only accomidate a couple, or 2 roomates not interested in having a living room.  For a couple the brand new apartment works out nicely as one bedroom can be used as a den, while the kitchen(which I suppose the developer considered to be the livingroom) can fit a small kitchen table.  Both bedrooms have double doors accessing a large private balcony.  The very small 3rd bedroom, located on the second level, is perfect office space and also has a glass sliding door which gains access to a very large semi-private roofdeck which showcases spectacular views of Brooklyn and the Manhattan skyline.  The apartment features a dishwasher, stacked washer/dryer, and central air.  The elevator building also boasts a large back yard filled with furniture.  Price seems a bit high at $2600, even though the williamsburg rental is located just 2 blocks from the Graham L train stop.

This outstanding luxury Williamsburg condo rental stands among the best rental properties found on the Northside of the Bedford L.  Unlike many new cookie cutter condos, the above loft style condo features many of the orginial details found in the old steam factory building, including original brick, oversized factory sized windows, and a huge industrial stainless steel elevator.  The gated entrance and orginal detailed lobby are quiet impressive.  The building sits 1 block off of Bedford avenue which makes the location ideal for professionals and familys that need quick access to Manhattan, but wish to stay away from the weekend noise generated by locals and party goers bar hopping on the Bedford strip.  A roofdeck boasts phenomenal Manhattan views and Maxim Fitness center takes up the entire 2nd floor of the building.  I viewed an exceptional corner unit sporting views of Manhattan and the Williamsburg Bridge as well as lighting upgrades and a huge island with stainless appliances and dishwasher.  I loved the overall comfort feel in the space and found that the layout was suitable for a variety of potential living room/dining room set ups. 

The new williamsburg lofts, located just a few blocks from McCarren Park and the Bedford L train, initially landed on the market for a very steep asking price.  After a much needed rental amount adjustment the spacious lofts are expected to move quickly.  For around $2,100 a prospective renter can secure a 928sqft 1 Bedroom unit which features tall ceilings, modern bathrooms, skylights, oversized windows, and kitchens boasting stainless appliances(including dishwasher and microwave).  The owner was wise to include a laundry room as an amenity.  The rentals are all located on the second floor of a renovated building in the heart of Williamsburg.  Within steps from the entrance many stores and shops can be found, including a large grocery store and Maxim Fitness Center.  Allthough many of the bedrooms are quiet small, I beleive the loft rentals will be very attractive to any local, artist, musician, or couple interested in loft living. 

The cast of Top Chef may have been able to afford a Penthouse Condo Rental in 20 Bayard, high rise Williamsburg condo, but $5,200 for a 3 bedroom located on the 2nd floor is asking way to much.  The corcoran listing is clearly priced way above market value, and I’ve heard that the luxury rental is ‘non-negotiable’.  In today’s market EVERYTHING is negotiable, so it is unlikely that the 20 Bayard condo will move anytime soon.  Is the owner of the unit so out of touch and unaware of the slumping economy, or did the agent representative not do the proper comparative market analysis?  For $5,200 any prospective renter can easily find a gorgeous apartment rental in Manhattan.  I anticipate that this particular luxury condo rental will rent for no more then $4,500, at best.     

You will not find many 2 bedroom apartment rentals near the Lorimer L train in Williamsburg for lower then $1,800, or at least, not with an eat in kitchen, separate large living room, and 42inch flat screen thrown in.  This apartment is conveniently located on the corner of Grand street and Leonard, just 5 minutes to the subway and 1 block from 2 grocery stores and a number of cafes, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.  The 2nd floor rental is in outstanding condition and was recently renovated.  Allthough 1 of 2 bedrooms is quiet small, the large living room(with flat screen) and separate kitchen make up for the deficiancy.  As the third quarter of 2009 approaches prices will continue to fall, as expected, and many Williamsburg Apartment Rentals may flood the market.

Quality well priced Brooklyn Real Estate is not allways so easy to come by.  There are not many well priced luxury lofts by the Bedford L train stop, which makes this particular duplex loft the right fix for any artist, professional, or couple looking for a home that offers quality appliances and close proximity to the subway.  The building is located on Grand street by the corner of Bedford avenue, only a few minutes from the subway and all that Williamsburg has to offer.  The loft features a spacious kitchen with stainless appliances, a dishwasher, and huge island for entertaining.  The tall 18ft ceiling and huge windows allow for plenty of sunlight to illuminate the space.  A balcony with sliding glass doors lets a fresh breeze circulate through the loft.  This is the kind of space where I could personaly reside.  The building also boasts a large roofdeck showcasing amazing views of Manhattan.  For $2,200(negotiable) and No Fee, the duplex loft is a good find.

The corner penthouse in this modern condo residence will be available for rent begining July 1st.  The building sits right on McCarren park, on the corner of Driggs avenue and Manhattan ave, 1 block from the Nassau G Train stop and roughly 10 minutes to the Bedford L.  The boutique building offers direct living room access via the elevator and private balconies.  I was more then impressed by the views from the Southeast corner penthouse, which included everything from Long Island City, all of Manhattan, Williamsburg, and McCarren Park.  The large balcony is ideal for entertaining guests while enjoying the views and action in the park.  I really do like the overall quality and design of the property, however, how long will the wooden panels, that cover much of the building’s exterior, hold up against the brutal northeast seasonal changes?  Just a little over a year ago, these condos were selling from 600-800k.  Now owners wishing to sell are looking at a loss of around 200k, which is why it is best to rent out your condo and wait for a few years, if it is finacialy feasible.