Your search for "real estate" returned the following 23639 results:
Displaying results 1 to 25 sorted by recency. Sort by relevance.
[+] Is your HHI $500k - $750k but you do not feel "rich" or part of the 1% that OWS hate?... 15 replies
- her family since her DH got laid off). Watching HGTV & other parts of the country with these sparkling estate for $500k & we live in a box & pay 4x that much, just makes me wonder if it'...aren't running the same burn rate you are either. We are where you are too but I feel mostly embarrassed that we sunk so much into real estate and I'm not going to get into it with other people....
Talk : : May 14, 2012
Is your HHI $500k - $750k but you do not feel "rich" or part of the 1% that OWS hate? DH & I made $625k last year, down from 7 figures in the good old days, but we have 3 DCs in private school, mortgage, summer house, our help and we do not feel wealthy y any means! We honestly feel Ike we are "middle class". We cut back, ride subways to save money & watch what we spend. Does anyone else in NYC feel the same way?
15 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.14.12, 06:00 PM Flag ]-
I'm with you. Exact same boat. It's this city and the tuitions and the economy isn't helping any. If we lived anywhere else we would be very comfortable. It's a tradeoff still not leaving.
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 06:03 PM Flag-
op - Thanks. I just don't think our friends want to admit it. Everyone is downsizing, cutting back on bare necessities, firing help or cutting back on their hours, which also does not help the economy (our housekeeper has 3 kids of her own, so cutting her hours hurts her family since her DH got laid off). Watching HGTV & other parts of the country with these sparkling estate for $500k & we live in a box & pay 4x that much, just makes me wonder if it's time to move! I feel like we work so hard & now we are constantly worrying about money!
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 06:11 PM FlagThere are people like you, OP, who live on 625K a year and spend it all, and people who live on 625K and save. If you are one of the spenders, OP, you will ALWAYS be a spender. It doesn't matter whether you live in Podunk, Kansas. There will always be some new expensive thing you must have and you will spend your money on it. Believe me, you could earn twice as much in NYC and I bet you wouldn't save a penny.
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 06:15 PM FlagWhat should your friends "admit" to you? Some probably don't want to say anything to you bc they didn't stretch as much for apt/2nd home and are more frugal with day-to-day expenses (eating out, taxis, etc.) so don't have the excess they used to but aren't running the same burn rate you are either. We are where you are too but I feel mostly embarrassed that we sunk so much into real estate and I'm not going to get into it with other people.
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 06:20 PM Flag
-
-
[+] have we discuss this yet? no impact man runs for congress and NYT writes in up in a r...
Talk : : May 14, 2012
have we discuss this yet? no impact man runs for congress and NYT writes in up in a real estate column. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/15/nyregion/colin-beavan-environmental-activist-makes-a-run-for-congress.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hpw
[ Reply | Watch | More05.14.12, 04:36 PM Flag ]
[+] This might be a dumb question, but I can't find anything on the internet about it. Is... 7 replies
- That's only real estate taxes....
Talk : : May 14, 2012
This might be a dumb question, but I can't find anything on the internet about it. Is there any way to find out if people have or have not paid their taxes? I think my parents might be having an issue, but they are not the type to say anything. If they are, I'd like to be able to try to help them before any larger problems develop, but right now they are freezing me out on the subject. Or is this a privacy issue and I will just have to be stuck waiting for them to ask for help, when it might be even more complicated?
7 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.14.12, 12:05 PM Flag ]Unpaid property taxes are published in the local news papers once a year. No, you can't find out about income tax payments
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 12:18 PM FlagI think tax records are public. If you go to city hall I think you can look it up with their address and name.
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 12:47 PM Flagproperty - yes - in New York City for example you can look it up online -it is not always up to date but you get the gist - for income taxes - you can not find out until the government files a lien - OP if you think your parents need help get involved now- we found out months later that my mom's tenant wasn't paying her - she uses that money to live - we had to throw the commercial tenant out - turns out the partner was stealing the money - whatever, the point being the problem was a big mess by the time we got involved.
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 12:53 PM Flag
[+] Spin off of Mad Men post: Let's take a non-scientific survey. Of the women you know w... 37 replies
- about 75% had jobs, but they were fluffy ones - travel agent, real estate agent, secretary, nurses, teachers...
Talk : : May 14, 2012
Spin off of Mad Men post: Let's take a non-scientific survey. Of the women you know who lived as adults through the sixties, how many worked out of the home in professional careers?
37 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.14.12, 09:47 AM Flag ]-
-
about 75% had jobs, but they were fluffy ones - travel agent, real estate agent, secretary, nurses, teachers
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 09:53 AM Flag-
I'm a teacher. "Fluffy" is probably not the best word, but I understand what she means. My job can be tiring, but it's nothing like the time commitment involved in big law, and finance. I enjoy working, but have no desire to take on big law type demands AND try to raise kids. If my DH had a flexible job, I'd be more open to something like that. But between the two of us we want at least one of us to be somewhat flexible.
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 10:00 AM Flag
-
All of the poor and lower middle class women worked outside the home. Almost none of the upper middle class women did. I'm thinking of my childhood and the friends whose moms were teachers, nurses, office ladies, etc. and came from less wealthy homes. Friends with well-compensated fathers rarely had working mothers, although many of them went to back to school much later.
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 09:54 AM FlagGrandmothers: 40s and 50s-- both worked; one as a secretary once her youngest of 8 kids went to school, one always worked at the phone company; mother: (70,80s and 90s) nurse, always worked, very limited hours when we were young (once or twice a month to keep hospital seniority); aunts (all order than my mom so some in the 60s): all worked at least part time jobs
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 09:54 AM FlagUMC upbringing - those who worked returned to it when kids were in High School. Many were depressed, alcoholic, promiscuous -- some of which would have been avoided if they worked earlier (my mother was the depressed one..., her depression lifted the day she went back to work.)
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 09:54 AM Flagmy mom was mad men era - she immigrated to the US in 1960 at 22yo and worked in an office as a secretary and then bookkeeper for the next 9 years until she got pg with me - she'd been married 7 of those years. She went back to work FT when I was 7yo, as a bookkeeper and eventually the treasurer of a small company. My dad was an educated professional in a lower paid field and also an immigrant so there was some financial "need" in order to be able to have savings and buy a home, but not to put food on the table. Pretty sure my mom only SAH for those years bc my dad wanted her to though.
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 10:05 AM Flag
[+] Rent v. Buying: i'm conflicted and not sure what to do. Terrified of owning because a... 18 replies
- We owned (not in NYC) for about ten years, paying approximately $30K or so in mortgage payments and real estate taxes. The vast majority of the $250K or so we paid over that time was interest. So, I suppose we saved money...hand over more than 3x what you do -- but we have flexibility, no real estate taxes, no improvement or repair bills (and the time/energy to deal with that) and we invest money every month in a...
Talk : : May 14, 2012
Rent v. Buying: i'm conflicted and not sure what to do. Terrified of owning because am scared of extra costs, but find it ridiculous to pay over $16k a year in rent. Add to this the fact that dd is starting K in Sept so I need a good school zone. How do I make this decision? Others who have BTDT any advice? TIA!
18 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.14.12, 07:55 AM Flag ]-
op: looking into riverdale. if i'm happy there, i would probably live there for long period of time. I'm thinking PS 24 zone, and private for middle school.
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 07:59 AM FlagDon't count on private for MS if you are an "ordinary person" considering the hill schools. Their acceptance rates are low, so have a backup plan. We love Riverdale, but considering a move as thousands of people have done before us if we don't get good MS placement. DC in 4th and 2nd grade, so will probably be moving next year.
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 08:01 AM FlagYou could rent until you have an idea of what to do for middle school. Many people move, true, but there are other public and private options besides the ones mentioned here. The market in Riverdale is marshmallow-soft and you're in no danger of missing the boat by waiting for a few years.
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 09:42 AM Flag
for us renting makes so much more sense. if we wanted to buy an apartment the size of our rental, our monthly costs would nearly double. and that whole crap about building equity, is just that, crap! Unless you know you are going to live in that place for at least 6-7 years
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 08:00 AM FlagWe owned (not in NYC) for about ten years, paying approximately $30K or so in mortgage payments and real estate taxes. The vast majority of the $250K or so we paid over that time was interest. So, I suppose we saved money on our taxes, yes. In NYC that's mitigated a great deal by the AMT, so don't count on that as a benefit. When we sold our house to move to NYC after all was said and done we walked away with only about $10K more than we'd put down on the house. What did we learn? There's a great myth about home-owning in this country -- that it's always a positive investment. (I can't believe everyone didn't see the light on this after the bubble burst, LOL.) We happily rent now -- hand over more than 3x what you do -- but we have flexibility, no real estate taxes, no improvement or repair bills (and the time/energy to deal with that) and we invest money every month in a very diversified portfolio. I will never put all of our "eggs" so to speak in one basket again.
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 08:56 AM Flag
-
[+] I sometimes contemplating killing people who annoy me as in actually plotting the typ... 24 replies
- I mean, it's possible that you are an OK person and these thoughts go through your head, but if they take up a lot of mental real estate, then it's probably more about you than it is about them...
Talk : : May 13, 2012
I sometimes contemplating killing people who annoy me as in actually plotting the type of murder I'd chose for them, some of them being close family members(say like er...my husband). Does this mean I'm psychopathic? What often stops me is feeling sad about any possible pain they'd feel and realizing I'd never see them again.
24 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.13.12, 06:18 PM Flag ]do you love anything? animals, your children, parents? if you have genuine, unconditional love for any person or live thing, then i think you're safe. maybe cold, but not sociopathic.
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 06:19 PM FlagDo you picture murdering them yourself? That's bad. However, I have to say that there have been various people in the world (for example a neighbor whom my H cheated with) where, were I to hear that something went bad for them - say, cancer or a car accident - nothing that I would be involved in, of course, I might find myself curiously without emotion about it. Of course, I only fantasize about the not having emotions part, not about anything generating the event, which I would want to have no part in. And, in reality, I'd probably have emotions one way or another.
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 06:32 PM Flag-
i don't think you area sociopath but maybe you need to manage your anger. i know, it's hard. i have trouble myself sometimes but i cannot ever think of or imagine doing something actually that violent. punching, yet, stabbing, no. somehow, you have to mellow out. how about wishing them cancer or something? maybe meditate. maybe pray (though not a praying type myself). but learn to handle anger in a less explosive way. do it for your kids b/c they will turn adults someday and annoy the shit out of you, too.
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 07:05 PM Flag
-
My dad did this every night before bed. It helped him sleep better and he woke up happy and refreshed. Great father, great husband great humanitarian - surgeon who spent months a year doing surgery for free in the Third World and never turned away a patient for lack of funds. He used to tell me - "no law against thinking it."
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 06:32 PM Flag-
op: No anger issues. It's all impassively thought through. Down the screaming and thrashing(in the case of being set on fire). Then I get to the horrible pain and sense of betrayal they might feel and that always stops me. I'm always deeply saddened then which makes me realize how much I care for them despite my current anger.
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 07:03 PM Flag
op: When I was a young teen, I used to babysit this monstrous set of twins, about 3-4 yrs old. Dreadful, horrible children. Their home was on the back end of a levy and I often imagined killing them outright or somehow allowing them to drown by taking them for a walk on the levy. I justified by imagining that I'd be doing everyone a favor including their single mother. What stopped me was the fear of being caught and it being known that it wasn't an accident but intentional murder.
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 07:20 PM FlagI don't know. Sometimes there can be signs. Like the Austin water tower psycho who shot all those people in the 60s. He told people beforehand that he felt like doing it. And other psychos. But if it's not targeted towards anyone directly, I think it's just anger management. I have felt that way about a female celebrity after the man I was in love with raved about her. But I certainly would never really do anything like that. It could just be a way of letting off steam. But it you feel it's uncontrolable seek help.
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 07:50 PM FlagWhen did these types of fantasies start? If it seems like sudden or precipitous onset than likely not related to character type. However, the setting people on fire fantasy involves torture - not just violence or murderousness per se. It's good you are asking but I would most definitely seek help fro
[ Reply | More ]05.14.12, 12:38 AM Flag
[+] If you were 24 and accepted into a top 14 law school would you go? 17 replies
- what do you want to do? T&E or real estate closings in a small town. Fine. Big law making millions? No....
Talk : : May 13, 2012
If you were 24 and accepted into a top 14 law school would you go?
17 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.13.12, 04:04 PM Flag ]-
-
actually, it is. all the top 14 are basically the top tier. talking georgetown or similar. yes if you are prepared to work really hard and comfortable with the risk that you will not get a top firm job. but if you are in the top 20% you will get a job at a law firm, probably amlaw 100. if you tell me the school i will give you more specific advice because a lot depends on location.
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 06:02 PM Flag
-
If with full scholarship otherwise no. Very hard for lawyers to get jobs now.
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 04:11 PM FlagIt depends on what my other prospects were. Could I graduate from the school? Could I get into a better school? Could I secure a job after graduating and repay my loans? Are the finances going to be taken care of? Do I actually want to do something in the realm of law? What have most other graduates of #14 gone on to do? Could I get an internship while attending? Will school #14 be located in a city with a big job/internship market? If I don't want to go to law school, is there something else I want to do?
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 04:22 PM Flag
-
[+] Do you think UB is the 1%? I don't think the average American is fluent on multi-cit... 16 replies
- However we budget, watch every penny & do not feel wealthy, but comfortable. Our neighbors may make $2MM a year & the penthouse in our building was $10MM. Now I consider that wealthy. Most NYers live here for the highpaying jobs - Wallstreet, lawyers, real estate, so it is natural that a lot of 1% live here...
Talk : : May 13, 2012
Do you think UB is the 1%? I don't think the average American is fluent on multi-city European itineraries and think of naming their kids Augusten, Josiah, etc.
16 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.13.12, 03:23 PM Flag ]I'm pretty sure UB is the 1% it's drill of what many people would describe as "white people problems"
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 03:28 PM Flag-
People talk about their nannies,housekeepers, and wonder if they'll be able to "make it" on $600k...is there any doubt that a large portion of UB is composed of the 1%???
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 03:30 PM FlagI guess we are 1% bcs HHI is $800k but in NYC that is not wealthy because the cost of living is so high! We live in a $2MM condo, send both our kids to private schools, spend $400 a week on groceries & $200 a week eating out (dinners, lunch is usually $20 a day or $100 a week) However we budget, watch every penny & do not feel wealthy, but comfortable. Our neighbors may make $2MM a year & the penthouse in our building was $10MM. Now I consider that wealthy. Most NYers live here for the highpaying jobs - Wallstreet, lawyers, real estate, so it is natural that a lot of 1% live here
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 06:35 PM Flag
[+] So it looks like the Manhattan lower end market is tanking. This is really scary folk... 50 replies
- of the city. So, I think it's foolish to sell so much prime real estate to people who are never here. Morning rant over. Thanks for listening!...
- real estate sucks in general right now...
Talk : : May 12, 2012
So it looks like the Manhattan lower end market is tanking. This is really scary folks. Everyone I know trying to sell a one bedroom w or w/o alcove is dropping prices like crazy. Things have been sitting on the market for 8 months on average!
50 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.12.12, 06:54 AM Flag ]Wow, I thought all of Manhattan was hot right now. Are those easier to rent?
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 06:55 AM FlagOnly the high end market is hot. It's lukewarm in the middle and getting chilly down below. The college grads and young professionals don't have the coin to buy these starter type apts anymore. Even if they do, Boards are being super careful too.
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 06:56 AM Flag-
manhattan is not like anywhere else. very different market. foreclosures and short sales are rare. Most purchases were and still are for more than 20% down. Alot of purchases all cash. very different from the rest of the tristate area, and even more different than the nation
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 07:01 AM Flag
I am sad to hear this. Manhattan used to be the safest investment. Hope it bounces back soon. BTW-so many of the higher end are being bought by foreigners. Not that I begrudge them, but I wish Americans still had the means to buy.
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 06:59 AM FlagNP: This is a huge problem. Not that the people buying apartments are foreigners - that they're buying apartments as 3rd or 4th or 10th residences, that they're only spending a few weeks a year there. If this keeps up, whole neighborhoods will be ghost towns, not living communities. It's happened in other cities in Europe. Very sad.
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 07:08 AM FlagI do not begrudge them but I do believe that their purchases deserve to be pretty heavily taxed. First, they are taking up a lot of square footage that they do not even use except for maybe a few weeks a year. This means that they do not contribute to the city in the form of sales tax. Second, they are really distorting the whole market for the people who actually live and work here. Both DH and I WOH F/T. We do not want to commute from the 'burbs because that means that we will never see dc. But there is almost nothing affordable ($200K HHI) within a commutable distance to lower Manhattan where we work. Our savings is modest, but we have saved, no debt. We've worked hard and are professionals. Bloomberg should be somewhat cognizant of the fact that if you price your workforce out of the city, they will no longer want to work in the city which will give the upper hand to employers outside of the city. So, I think it's foolish to sell so much prime real estate to people who are never here. Morning rant over. Thanks for listening!
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 07:16 AM FlagNP above you: I agree. I also think it's better for the city itself if its neighborhoods aren't so financially segregated.
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 07:18 AM FlagAnd Americans that buy pied a terres? Does this apply to them to or just foreigners?
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 09:08 AM FlagIt should only apply to foreigners. That's how it works in most countries: if you're foreign, you pay a premium to the government for the privilege of owning property. And let's face it: must of the uber-wealthy foreigners who are buying $20M+ apts are buying them in order to diversify their assets and keep them out of reach of the governments of their home country. So they get a huge benefit from investing in NYC: a stable asset unlikely to be seized by an angry mob or capricious despot.
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 12:15 PM Flag
-
-
-
-
-
We bought at 225K (5bdroom), listed at 495K, Sold at 395K. Lived there 10 years and put in about 80K of improvements. We live in NYC now so it made no sense to hold on.
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 07:03 AM Flagthen you did fine. we have a $1.5MM that's going to go for like $1.2MM. it sucks but well, that's life.
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 07:06 AM Flagbut how long have you lived there? I think there are alot of people who bought when the market was very hot and paid a premium. Those people will still have to live there a long while to get what they paid. If you look back into the late 80's alot of people who bought then had to wait till mid 90's to get back to their purchase price. (which then doubled till now)
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 07:09 AM Flag
-
not in my building, the junior 4 next door (about 800 square feet) just sold for what it was purchased for in 2008. Kitchen renovated about 10 years ago.
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 06:59 AM Flag-
I disagree. The ones I see not selling are 1 bedrooms with 700-800 sq ft and and ask of $700k! That's a lot and does not make sence on UES near 1st Ave!
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 07:18 AM FlagRental prices are off the chart --- highest levels ever with few concessions.
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 07:20 AM FlagI am in Europe. With these rates prices are on par with New York, but incomes are considerably lower. I bought a decade ago, one of the best decisions I ever made. If I had to do it all over again I wouldn't be able to. High rental prices too (commensurate with wages, so lower than NYC but still very high IMO.)
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 08:22 AM FlagAgent here: I work UWS/Downtown and I strongly disagree with this. Things that have been sitting for a year are starting to move. Combo of high rents/low rates is forcing first-time buyers back into the market. Boards are uptight, but 1-BRs are moving.
[ Reply | More ]05.12.12, 08:59 AM FlagAre you a buyer trying to scare people into dropping their prices, because this is not what I'm seeing.
[ Reply | More ]05.13.12, 11:49 AM Flag
[+] PIM here. I'll try just one or two to see how it goes, assess from there. Shoot. 35 replies
- experience says that's mighty fast- but I feel it is a real possibility, and then you can move on with life. (although on a...
- Real estate wise, what should I do? Stay or go?...
- you move (Chicago?), and it works. But unless it's a real love situation, yes, you say goodbye and send Christmas cards in a...
Talk : : May 11, 2012
PIM here. I'll try just one or two to see how it goes, assess from there. Shoot.
35 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.11.12, 08:55 PM Flag ]-
I'm smiling and not in an ironic way, so I hope that's what you're looking for! You will be content. And don't knock content v. passion, necessarily.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 08:57 PM FlagContent vs. passion? I want my soul mate? My content lover might have to move.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:00 PM FlagI meant that most relationships start with passion, and where they fall apart is people expecting the passion, midday booty calls, pawing each other to last forever. Doesn't happen. I meant you'll have that attraction, but realize/mature fast that it could become a contentment situation and be happy, and ok. But if that's not you and you're going to need constant excitement, well...
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:03 PM FlagNo I get it. I feel deep attachment to current lover of 1.5 years. However they are relocating for a job and it looks like the demise of our relationship. So what's in store for me now? Meeting a lovely new gent?
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:07 PM FlagIf both of you are committed, you move (Chicago?), and it works. But unless it's a real love situation, yes, you say goodbye and send Christmas cards in a few years. You will find a lid for your pot. You'll be ok.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:09 PM FlagNo, he doesn't want kids. He, this sounds f'd up, but he gets off on the idea of getting me pregnant while we are doing it, then afterwards says he wants a vasectomy. Not sure why I am telling you this but I don't think it will work out. However I want to meet someone I can build a life together with.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:12 PM FlagHoney you're not telling me, you're telling yourself. You don't need an amateur psychic to answer this one :( I'm sorry, but I get nice people vibes from you. Cut the loss, grieve, and start looking again. You will be OK. The reason I can believe that is because you recognize what's wrong to begin with.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:14 PM Flag
hi. is my house going to close in june? son math G&T. are we moving overseas? sorry to be so boring. thanks!
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 08:57 PM Flaghaha, I half feel like I know you by now! I don't feel like the decisions have been closed yet on math and overseas, so I just don't know. close in june - hard to separate out the day residue as my practical experience says that's mighty fast- but I feel it is a real possibility, and then you can move on with life. (although on a practical note, if you're selling your house and moving abroad, doesn't math G&T become moot)? Can I guess/sense something about you, if you're willing?
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:01 PM Flagplease! who doesn't love psychoanalysis -- for free no less.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:02 PM FlagWhoa, no psychoanalysist here, just a good guesser! :) Is it true that you do not have many girlfriends, feel you can't talk to your husband too much about this stuff, and are feeling generally out of the loop and expected to make.shit.happen at a moment's notice, whether school, a move, a house sale, etc.?
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:04 PM Flaguh, yeah. for sure. he's like a freaking robot. 24/7 on the bloomberg terminal. very, very decent human being and a good husband and father in many ways but yeah, i have to do EVERYTHING. yeah, not too many girlfriends. i don't know why. i guess i find the commitment too burdensome. i don't think i do but i must unconsciously. otherwise, why do other women have girlfriends but i don't?
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:07 PM Flag-
this is what kills me about people wanting to tax the rich because "a monkey can pick stocks and it certainly isn't mopping floors." they don't get it that it is extremely hard work. i used to work in finance, too, and i hated it. my husband told me before we married that there were some nights he would cry because of the stress of all the positions he was holding. people who don't make big bucks think money falls like manna from heaven for people on wall street if only a person could get his/her foot in the door.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:12 PM Flag^^that said - and again, given what I do, there's the concept of day residue I have to try to get past - your husband's identity is going to be extraordinarily caught up in his professional life. Could you imagine him out of work? He'd be a wreck, no? As for you, I suspect you like nice things but aren't into the Barney's set, either. You'll find your way, maybe through temple if applicable? Just haven't found it yet.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:13 PM Flaghe's sort of already "out of work." he trades our money now. but now, he says he has to do his own support work so he's busier -- yeah, ok. also, ny closed? well, there's tokyo! we seriously have a ton of money and i am starting to think i need to get used to spending some of it because we ain't blowing through a fraction of it at our rate before we die. i just can't get into shopping. and even cars, i am like, just get whatever is most reliable so we don't have to bother with mechanics -- luckily, lexus is pretty reliable. i don't know. i guess maybe i'll just read a lot of books and watch the kiddies grow and hope my husband and i get a second wind after they leave the nest.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:17 PM Flag
-
-
You're going to be a strong and wonderful person to be around, no matter if you bring anyone home for Thanksgiving dinner. I'm sorry, but I don't have a solid reading on this, or the below questions. I'm going to keep watching, and see if I feel moved to answer.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 09:06 PM Flag
-
[+] Do you anticipate a healthy inheritance from your parents? Have you already spent it ... 32 replies
- Eventually. Have some ideas. More immediately, will receive real estate from my grandmother - DH knows and we're both sort of unsure about what to do (keep and renovate or sell)....
- I don't like to think about it. My parents are still young to me. They have a good-sized estate and spend very little, but you never know what can happen. DH and I don't "expect" a certain...
Talk : : May 11, 2012
Do you anticipate a healthy inheritance from your parents? Have you already spent it in your head? Does dh know?
32 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.11.12, 05:18 PM Flag ]somewhat healthy, depending on how long they live and if they end up needing nursing care/nursing home. Sometimes think about spending it, but would probably put it towards retirement or dcs college since we haven't been able to save much. Haven't talked to dh about it.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 05:25 PM Flag-
-
I don't like to think about it. My parents are still young to me. They have a good-sized estate and spend very little, but you never know what can happen. DH and I don't "expect" a certain amount.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 05:29 PM FlagI had a dad who was so intent upon inheriting from my great uncle that he pretty much spent his entire adult life kissing up to her; unfortunately he lived way longer than anyone thought and exhausted about a million in the nursing home. When he passed I was actually surprised to get an inheritance of about $60 as one of many nieces/nephews. I think my Dad got about $600. Good luck with the "inheritance plan" ...
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 05:35 PM FlagHoly moly, I hope I don't offend, but dear old dad sounds like a grifter who deserved it.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 06:07 PM FlagHe did. He has used the same plan with me and my brothers for a long time with some dangling carrot of something. At one point when I wasn't speaking to him, he even sent some "papers" to me to have me sign "away" my inheritance from him. I ripped them up and told my brothers to tell Dad's dumb lawyer (or, more likely, Dad) that Dad didn't need my permission to disinherit me. It's seriously amazing I am here on UB to post at all, considering I come from stock where the "Hills Have Eyes"
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 07:02 PM Flag
Yes. No - I don't count on it. I hope they live for a long time and they might need the money eventually. DH knows my mom's projections - and knows she's very conservative. On the other side, widowed MIL will run out of money before she dies (hopefully - because I'd also like her to live a very long life). We'll take care of her because DH is the oldest and we have the means to help her out.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 05:50 PM FlagNot from mine. At least I don't think so. I think my parents are "stuff-rich" and "cash poor" and it will probably be a freaking nightmare to go through an estate. My ILs I believe have a lot of liquid but also lots of DH's sibs and ultimately whatever. They are sweet people and I hope they live long and spend what they want to spend. They have lived good solid lives and they are entitled to spend every last penny of what they have.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 05:51 PM Flag-
[+] NOMAD - north of Madison Park. Where does it end? Other new NY neighborhoods? 27 replies
- Real estate people scamming newbies into thinking neighborhoods are "cool an upcoming". It's bullshit....
- never and i work in real estate....
Talk : : May 11, 2012
NOMAD - north of Madison Park. Where does it end? Other new NY neighborhoods?
27 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.11.12, 01:09 PM Flag ]
[+] childhood friend of my dh, kind of like a cousin, has become very succesful in the pa... 10 replies
- np - good point. but in real life if every time you spoke to/saw someone and they constantly talked about their purchases, it would be tacky and tiring. FB is not much different, in that regard I think. That said, I bet OP's friends probably are just excited and don't...
Talk : : May 11, 2012
childhood friend of my dh, kind of like a cousin, has become very succesful in the past year. Sold his company and I am sure made a lot of money. Good for him. My beef is that he , but mostly his wife, is constantly posting on facebook about where they are, what they are buying, where they are going. Within two weeks they bought an estate in westchester and a apartment in the village, just posted one month later that they are going to buy another escalade. Would I love their means, yes but I think it is more the fast that I find this so so tacky! Wife constantly posting where she and husband are having dinner, pics of her new shoe purchase. Is it just me or is this soo tacky?
10 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.11.12, 12:33 PM Flag ]I'm a work-at-home-mom and most of my interaction with the outside world is on facebook and twitter. I post pics (not of cars or houses, that's kind of weird) but of trips or food or other activities. I hate that anyone finds it bragging, it's just the kind of socializing people do these days. It's also why you shouldn't be FB friends with anyone who might be your frenenemy as FB induces envy.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 12:56 PM Flagnp - good point. but in real life if every time you spoke to/saw someone and they constantly talked about their purchases, it would be tacky and tiring. FB is not much different, in that regard I think. That said, I bet OP's friends probably are just excited and don't realize how this appears to others.
[ Reply | More ]05.11.12, 01:03 PM Flag
[+] I loved the NYT real estate section this weekend. So rents are out of control and wha...
Talk : : May 10, 2012
I loved the NYT real estate section this weekend. So rents are out of control and what do rich NYers do? Buy more apartments and rent them at three x the mortgage...... I guess I am a little jealous... what I wouldn't do to be able to do that. My rent is exactly half my income and I would leave nyc in a heartbeat if I didn't have to contend with an ex-husband who can be hostile. Just venting ladies....
[ Reply | Watch | More05.10.12, 04:15 PM Flag ]
[+] Is it reasonable for a building to charge 2 months rent as a security deposit? My DH ... 39 replies
- ^^ just sayin' you should be more up on real estate trends...
- There is a difference between real racism and fake racism. This is an uneducated remark about the real estate market in the toughest real estate market in...
- What is the difference between real racism and fake racism? Racism is racism. Discrimination is still real...
Talk : : May 10, 2012
Is it reasonable for a building to charge 2 months rent as a security deposit? My DH and I both have credit scores over 700, we make more than 40 times the rent by about 30k and are both professionals. My DH has some dings on his credit report from a few years back but it's all good for the last three years. I'm wondering if this is standard? I hate to think it but my gut tells me that it has more to do with the fact that I am Latina and my DH is AA. I don't want to fork over an extra 4k for an unspecified amount of time... Thoughts?
39 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.10.12, 03:45 PM Flag ]I think they have to give you interest on your deposit, don't they? And yes, that is fairly standard.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 03:46 PM FlagOMG asking for a security deposit is NOT about race. 2 months is a very normal amount to ask for. They dont care about credit score, they care about you smashing a wall and then they can't find you after you move out to get you to pay for it.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 03:47 PM FlagI get what a security deposit is about... I also own an apartment in manhattan. I just assume the norm is one month if you are qualified.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 03:50 PM FlagSome say 1, some say 2. But in my experience (and I am white and college educated and have perfect credit), it's been 2.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 03:54 PM Flag^^I should add they usually say "first and last month's rent, plus XXX amt security" which usually equals one month's rent, yes. So that's how some people make it seem like only one month. But they are holding onto your last month's rent as well so it's really 2 months.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 03:57 PM Flag
if you own an apt in nyc you should be more up on standards and norms for renting.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 03:55 PM Flag-
I am a landlord and insist on 2 - don't care too much about your credit score - I will check all your references ( and do a search of court records for evictions) - two months is not enough if a tenant cannot/ will not pay and won't go quietly - I am in court now with a very wealthy guy who simply decided he didn't want to pay and it wouldn't be worth my while to sue him - he actually said those words.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 04:06 PM Flag
Two months is completely normal for NYC. Sometimes it's phrased as first month, last month, and one month security, but that's really the same as two months security.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 03:50 PM Flag-
I know, right? "The baker charged me 10 dollars for the cake... I know the price said 10 dollars, but I can't help but feel he would have lowered that price if I weren't black..."
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 03:58 PM FlagThanks for the flame.. Clearly you have never experienced discrimination in your life
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 04:00 PM FlagI'm just saying it's not healthy to get your hackles up so much. Security deposits are incredibly standard. Yet you are on edge because you think they wouldn't have asked for it if you'd been white.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 04:03 PM FlagI was under the impression that first months rent and one month security was pretty standard and that's what the broker said thee usual fee was. What other reason could they have to add another month security if our credit and income are good. Trust me I am not paranoid about these kinds of things generally. I just found it odd which is why I asked this board which is full of UES residents.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 04:08 PM Flag
There is a difference between real racism and fake racism. This is an uneducated remark about the real estate market in the toughest real estate market in the country (from someone who claims to own here) weird.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 04:06 PM FlagI've been charged more for being white - does that count? I found it offensive.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 04:07 PM Flag
Yes it is reasonable and is actually the norm in high end apts. Having a credit score over 700 and a high income are just qualifications and no guarantee of acceptance. DH & I are planning to rent our $3M condo when we go to Asia next year & we plan to ask for 6 months rent in escrow. Our neighbors did the same thing when they were in Hong Kong. BTW we are a mixedcrae couple AA & White & there are all races in our building on UES & all potential go through the same level of scrutiny as others, regardless of race.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 04:09 PM FlagI paid 2 mths security and I live in CT. I would be surprised if you didn't have to pay 2 mths security in the city.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 04:18 PM Flag
[+] Candy Fans- Have you had candy from Dylans Candy Bar? Does it taste really bad to you... 20 replies
- my friends who since moved to London - we both paper routes and would meet at the soda fountain after we collected out money on Saturday mornings - this was in Brooklyn, now I think it is real estate office - sad that....
Talk : : May 10, 2012
Candy Fans- Have you had candy from Dylans Candy Bar? Does it taste really bad to you? I am a huge candy fan. I eat healthy most of the time but treat myself with candy from time to time. The two times I have been to Dylans the candy was disgusting. When ever I go to California I get Sweet Factory candy and almost everything there taste good. Is it because they have it sitting around for too long? Is it cheaper candy? I don't understand how every type I have tried at Dylans taste terrible.
20 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.10.12, 08:56 AM Flag ]They get enough business so I doubt it's a shelf-life issue. What type of candy are you talking about? We get jelly beans and such--taste fine to us.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 08:58 AM Flag-
OP- Exactly. I heard so much about it and I love the Sweet Factory so I had high expectations. If your going to charge a lot at least have high quality candy.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 09:36 AM Flagdid you ever try see's candy from the bay area? such good chocolate and i usually hate being all snotty about candy.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 09:39 AM Flag-
^^^sorry got excited. I love see's candy. That reminds me of high school because the mall had a see's store. Now that is quality candy!
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 09:41 AM FlagYou totally have me missing the penny candy store that was on the corner of Belmont and Clifton in Chicago. We were DIRT POOR, and if I did all my chores my mom would give me a foodstamp and I would go there and rack up. I miss those days however I don't miss being poor.
[ Reply | More ]05.10.12, 09:47 AM Flag
-
[+] Any SAHM - LW around? (Lawyer Wives or 'Widow'(ha ha)) ...Does DH work at Big Law? Cr... 14 replies
- OP here - I was just reaching out for some support from other LW. DH works in Commercial Litigation & I have real estate investment income (I worked in commercial real estate for 15 years before being a SAHM). HHI this past year was $875,000. Net worth is $3 million. So seriously, are there any LW who can offer advice on...
Talk : : May 09, 2012
Any SAHM - LW around? (Lawyer Wives or 'Widow'(ha ha)) ...Does DH work at Big Law? Crazy hours - not home before 9p ever? I have FT nanny and housekeeper, but it is still so hard with 2 DCs ages 3 and 4. I always have to be "on"...entertaining clients every week, dinner parties. Will it get better when DH makes partner?
14 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.09.12, 03:31 PM Flag ]FAKE to rile up wohm vs sahm. Which, irl doesn't even exist, except for this board. Also to get people who aren't rich to go nuts. Nice try.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:38 PM FlagTotal fake. My dh worked big law-we never entertained-the last thing the partners want to do is socialize with the lowly associates after hours.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 04:58 PM FlagOP here - I was just reaching out for some support from other LW. DH works in Commercial Litigation & I have real estate investment income (I worked in commercial real estate for 15 years before being a SAHM). HHI this past year was $875,000. Net worth is $3 million. So seriously, are there any LW who can offer advice on whether DH hours will get better once he makes partner. Yes, we do entertain clients on a regular basis.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 05:14 PM FlagWhat kind of entertaining? Just curious bc my dh is a big law ptnr and we've never, ever entertained. I do think the hours are better now, but if the entertaining is dh's way of getting and keeping clients that will never change. And even if hours get better there's still constant stress.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 06:16 PM Flag
[+] We might be moving back to Boston. I've lived there before, but never with kids. Wher... 40 replies
- to the poster above) it's a mixed bag in terms of safety, crowding, traffic and real estate (lots of old housing on tiny lots). I've lived in Cambridge and commuted...
- Brookline, great schools, cosmopolitan, good food but bidding wars on real estate...
Talk : : May 09, 2012
We might be moving back to Boston. I've lived there before, but never with kids. Where would you live. We want to be on the T and in the city (though not necessarily Boston proper). DCs will be in public, DH will be working between the south end and Bedford.
40 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.09.12, 02:57 PM Flag ]I love Somerville, esp near Davis Sq. Inman Sq in Cambridge is good, too. If I could afford it, I'd live in Harvard Sq or North Cambridge. Public schools in the lower grades are fine in either city. You'll hear 'move to Brookline or Newton or Coolidge Corner' here, but I think those neighborhoods are boring.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:01 PM FlagSomerville and Cambridge are also on the T's red line which would be direct to South End, but (no disrespect to the poster above) it's a mixed bag in terms of safety, crowding, traffic and real estate (lots of old housing on tiny lots). I've lived in Cambridge and commuted from there to the South End but did so as a student. I agree lots of residents send their older children elsewhere for HS and probably MS. There are different teen elements in those communities.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:08 PM FlagOP I actually grew up in Somerville, but I went to private school. That was a while back, do you think it has gentrified enough?
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:11 PM FlagOR: it is Slummerville no more! Davis Sq is just like Cambridge now. Inman sq is all hipsters and yuppies, but it's nice. I live in a crappy part of Somerville (Ten Hills) but compared to NYC or parts of Boston, it's totally fine. I walk around at night by myself.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:18 PM Flag-
Lexington would be a perfect in-between suburb between Boston and Bedford. I don't think you're on the T at that point but am certain there's a commuter train. If you are looking for "suburbs" to be on the T, Newton and Brookline are options, not sure Wellesley is on the T. Boston "proper" is about the size of a postage stamp and would be only apartments.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:04 PM FlagI lived in Boston and the big question is how much $$$$ do you have? Money dictates your location.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:06 PM Flag-
City school -- Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Charlestown, west Roxbury -- will be tough with older kids. Better schools are out in the suburbs (though they do have good commuter rail services as well). How old are your kids. Temporary or permanent move?
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:12 PM Flagkids are young, don't know anything but unless DH gets an amazing offer we don't see ourselves leaving. The idea of the suburbs makes me so sad.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:16 PM Flag-
^^oops and now ive really become used to living in a city. I'm originally from Boston and will likely move back there in a year or two. But, don't want to move out to the suburbs at all! If I could I would move to Cambridge but its a mixed bag education wise and there are schools that are much much better just a few towns out...
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:20 PM Flag
What about it exactly makes you sad? Name specific things and we might be able to change your mind. :) Boston is definitely not NYC, but it's not necessarily exile, either. We're a nice bunch, many of us. Former NY'ers, too :)
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:20 PM FlagOP: Can't stand the idea of needing to drive everywhere. I living in a busy area where I can walk to the store. I like the idea of my kids growing up with access to public transportation. And I'm not sad to move to Boston, I'm sad at the idea of moving to the suburbs I don't want to move to Beverly.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:33 PM Flag
-
Given the age of your DB and your plan to have another, I'd move to Central Square. Massively gentrified in the past 15 years. It's walking distance to Harvard Square, close to the river trail, and on the Red Line. But I agree with other posters -- Cambridge public schools can be great, but you may decide to move to Arlington when your DB is 5. So rent.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:31 PM FlagCambridge Public Schools are a lottery...definitely do your research before buying. FWIW, Central Square still has the largest concentration of drunks and crazies in Cambridge. It's not the best. The area of North Cambridge off Rindge Ave towards Danehy Park/Sherman St is much nicer. Lots of townhomes, too.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 03:37 PM FlagAgree with this. Everyone I know in Cambridge did not get any of the schools they wanted in the lottery; they either moved or send their kids to private. Central Sq itself is indeed still pretty sketchy. Cambridgeport and the Inman Sq area (neighborhoods just S and N of Central) are gentrified, but, again, the Cambridge schools are a crapshoot.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 04:41 PM Flag
Brookline would get my vote - schools are great, it's not too suburb-y, and public transportation into town is fantastic. (Plus you can walk or bike if you want.) It's a hike between the South End and Bedford - is he going to have to drive back and forth? Yipe!
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 04:35 PM FlagDo you know what dh's split btw South End and Bedford will be? More in one or the other? If he's going to be in the South End more, I'd recommend Brookline, as others have. If Bedford or 50-50, I'd recommend Belmont. Good schools (much better than Cambridge, Arlington, Somerville or Watertown), but--near the Cambridge line--has easy access to Harvard Sq and Boston.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 04:46 PM Flag
[+] Is there anything my mother can do to protect herself financially for the future with... 2 replies
- for estate planning purposes it often makes sense to have assets split equally between spouses. Probably not at their income level, but it is a good argument for separate accounts....
Talk : : May 09, 2012
Is there anything my mother can do to protect herself financially for the future without completely offending or tipping off my father? They are both retired, she is late 60s, he just turned 70. Middle class. Love them both and they are good people, but he is a spender. He gets bored and drives out to buy stuff for home, garden, the cat or dog. He does it enough that it is really adding up. The real concern is when he says he thinks they need a car with better gas mileage and starts looking around. I have a fear he might actually buy a car without asking her (just as an example). She is stubborn and never shops, so I know why he is this way after many years of marriage. My question is, how can she protect the money without completely upsetting him that she is purposely trying to squirrel money away because she doesn't trust him? They have house renovations and other things that this money should be earmarked for, but how to get that through to him? It is a little scary.
2 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.09.12, 11:37 AM Flag ]for estate planning purposes it often makes sense to have assets split equally between spouses. Probably not at their income level, but it is a good argument for separate accounts.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 11:39 AM FlagWould he see that as completely unnecessary given they are middle class and their kids are more economically sound than they are? I like this idea. How could I approach the topic? They own a home, 2 cars, the old family farm also. All in both of their names. He gets a pension. She worked but is now retired, so there is no way to tuck away bonuses anymore or anything like that. What they have is in one joint account. The pension they need for both of them to live off of.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 11:48 AM Flag
[+] Landlord moms - where do you own property and how is it going for you? Will you buy m... 8 replies
- NP: we do our listings as well, every time I start down the path of hiring a real estate agent I tell myself I'd rather keep the money and do it myself....
Talk : : May 09, 2012
[+] ok. selling our freaking house. thank goodness! so, when do the buyers do inspecti... 21 replies
- NYC real estate agent here: buyers usually do inspection post-contract signing, but that is a matter of custom so inspections might be done pre-contract in...
- .but seriously start reading up on real estate transactions so you do not fuck this up...
Talk : : May 09, 2012
ok. selling our freaking house. thank goodness! so, when do the buyers do inspection? b/f or after signing the contract? what does it mean when they have a mortgage contingency? i mean, i know what it means but they told us they have mortgage lined up so i don't know why they needed that contingency. can they use it as an excuse to back out for some odd reason? when is mortgage contingency expired? thanks, all!
21 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.09.12, 07:20 AM Flag ]inspection after contract. Contract is usuall contingent on home inspection. There are always more price negoatiations after the inspection if anything is found to be in need of repair. Mortgage means that if they don't qualify for a loan or their loan falls through, the contract is void and they get their earnest money/deposit back. Maybe you should read a little about home buying/selling before you go further in this process.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 07:23 AM FlagShouldn't seller's broker be advising seller on the basics of this process?
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 07:25 AM Flagno seller's broker. have an attorney but wanted to ask good questions.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 07:26 AM FlagWouldn't seller be at a disadvantage with no agent when buyer comes back with all sorts of concerns and tries to knock down the price?
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 07:29 AM Flagnah. the seller agent doesn't do shit anyway. before these people came along, i was going to go with one of the highest earning, very highly rated, star broker. wanted me to list it for less than what i got with these buyers on my own, wanted me to rip out carpets, take out sheet walls, "DEEP" clean EVERYTHING. was going to damn cost me like $5K just to get it listed. then, also didn't want me to use house managers who provide stage-quality furniture in exchange for no rent. she just wanted an easy buck. same thing when i bought the thing. buyer's agent didn't do me a damn favor. they all just work for themselves.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 07:41 AM Flaggood luck negotiating with the buyers when you couldn't even negotiate with a broker....but seriously start reading up on real estate transactions so you do not fuck this up
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 08:00 AM Flagi didn't negotiate with her. was going to go with another broker when i saw her proposal. but before i could tell her that bad news, this buyer came along b/f i signed with the other broker. man, it felt good to tell her she was full of shit when she called to follow up.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 08:43 AM Flag
The mortgage contingency comes down to the exact language in the contract. It means as OR said, but sometimes they are requires to go to X additional lenders, other times the contingency doesn't apply if it is skmethig w/in their control (eg, they can't pull mortgage app and then say "well, seems we didn't get a mortgage"), the remedy for it also may vary, do you just get the deposit and walk away or do you only get a portion of it, can you try to force them to close in court (specific performance). If you don't understand the contract and/or aren't capable of negotiating it, get a lawyer. @$3000 or less will be $ well spent
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 07:30 AM Flag
NYC real estate agent here: buyers usually do inspection post-contract signing, but that is a matter of custom so inspections might be done pre-contract in your area. They are looking for major defects in physical systems -- electricity not up to code, foundation cracks, etc. -- but will compile a list of minor things to try and negotiate that you fix them or give them a small price rollback. This is completely normal so expect it. How long the mortgage contingency runs for is negotiated by whoever is negotiating your contract (whether that is your broker or your lawyer depends on your area). I would say 45 days isn't unreasonable as banks are swamped with refis because of low rates, but as seller, it is in your interest to make it shorter.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 07:26 AM Flagit is a pretty new house -- 2005 build. but there is a crack in the basement wall. i sure would hate to try to remediate that thing. we shall see. our seller was an asshole and didn't fix crap. it is a $1.2MM property. about how much rollback should i expect? ty!
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 07:47 AM FlagOr you were too eager to buy and didn't negotiate to have it fixed or bought despite the defect and are now hoping to do the same w the next guy. What was that you said about two brain cells?
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 08:05 AM Flagcrack in the basement wall can be cheap to fix - i would call a basement systems guy and price it out. better than having to negotiate on the back end without having any estimates
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 08:08 AM Flag
[+] I need recommendations for online sites to purchase a moderately priced tote for work... 59 replies
- Real estate agent here: I love my Highway bag, which isn't quite a tote but is large enough to hold files and has plenty of zippered pockets so I can find everything. Plus it's nylon, so...
Talk : : May 09, 2012
I need recommendations for online sites to purchase a moderately priced tote for work, at a discount. Tried Bluefly with no success. TIA!
59 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.09.12, 05:37 AM Flag ]Why don't you post a coule of pictures of what you love, if you could afford it, and we'll try to come up with alternatives (or talk you into investing)..for example do you love the Goyard tote that seems to be popular on here.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 05:41 AM FlagCole Haan seems like a good value to me, how does that work for you? too...expensive/cheap/frumpy/conservative?
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 05:42 AM FlagOP, I would find something in the village from a random little store you like. I know this isn;t efficient, but it would be unique. if you don't want or can't walk around for shopping, I would suggest trying piperlime or ebay
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 05:44 AM FlagOP: Medium sized, good leather, hopefully less than $500, structured but not boxy....something like this but with longer shoulder strap....
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 05:48 AM Flaghttp://www.bluefly.com/Jimmy-Choo-chocolate-grained-leather-Rosabel-structured-tote/cat20442/317517901/detail.fly
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 05:48 AM FlagOh, wow, you have great taste, That is a lovely bag...a lot like Mulberry which is also somewhat expensive. I think Michael kors does this shape. Did you check him?
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 05:52 AM FlagMe again...check zappos under Michael Kors, DKNY and Kooba and let's have some feedback on that.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 05:54 AM FlagOP: Thanks! I like Kooba. Is it a well-made sturdy brand? Never heard of it. I don't care for MK and DKNY
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 05:56 AM FlagBecause I am having my coffee right now....here you go! Seems pretty well respected. < Because of the popularity of the Kooba brand and the high prices attached to their products, there is a significant amount of counterfeit merchandise produced and sold, some of which ends up on online retail and auction websites such as eBay. Authenticity can sometimes be determined by the presence of these characteristics[6]: Tags are two-sided and folded with a string connected in a corner Certificate of Authenticity is included with each bag No plastic on the handles [edit] Kooba in popular cultureCelebrities who are known to own a Kooba handbag include actresses Jennifer Aniston, Sienna Miller and Kristen Bell, as well as singer Avril Lavigne.[7] Kooba bags appear on a number of television shows on the Bravo network including "The Fashion Show" and "NYC Prep." Kooba designed exclusive colors for its bags, and the cast members got to pick their favorite. The bags will be sold on Bravo's website.[8] >
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 06:07 AM Flag
-
OP: really? I'm not in a trendy field. I work in medicine so maybe i'm behind the trends. What's a "classic" bag? Oh, I also need a bag that fully zips so my work "tools" and lunch snack stay put :)
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 05:58 AM FlagNP: Nice bag but I agree the lots of hardware seems dated, not fresh. What about a minimalist modern bag like this: http://www.orlakiely.com/usa.cfm/bags/mainline/12SB-STS068/19427/Smoke/
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 11:35 AM Flag
-
http://www.zappos.com/product/7797905/color/3
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 06:17 AM Flag
http://couture.zappos.com/product/7918711/color/368132
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 06:34 AM Flag-
-
same bag at half price on endless.com. what's the skinny on this site? fake? http://www.endless.com/botkier-Nicola-Botkier-Womens-Tote/dp/B0060GWT3O/184-2961839-6695555?ie=UTF8&suppressRedirect=1
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 07:03 AM Flag
-
Real estate agent here: I love my Highway bag, which isn't quite a tote but is large enough to hold files and has plenty of zippered pockets so I can find everything. Plus it's nylon, so it's lightweight. I'm out with clients running around, and I could never carry a leather bag all day. Plus plus, $134.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 07:20 AM Flag-
Not sure what "for work" would entail (i.e. is it important that it's particularly understated?) but C-Wonder has excellent cute totes in a material similar to Goyard (!) but cost about $30
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 11:36 AM Flag
[+] NYC real estate moms: I am pregnant with our second living in a 1 bedroom apartment. ... 14 replies
Talk : : May 09, 2012
NYC real estate moms: I am pregnant with our second living in a 1 bedroom apartment. My dh "surprised" yesterday by finding a 2 bedroom apt on the ues for us to buy (we can't afford 3). The issue is the bathrooms are in bedrooms. He loves the place, but I don't think we will get our money back when we sell it. Thoughts? It is 1200 sq feet for 825k and maintenance is 2k. It is on 83rd and 1st. Thanks.
14 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.09.12, 04:29 AM Flag ]-
aside from slighhtly high maintainance I think you will be fine, there is always demand for 2 beds of that size under $1, you may not make a ton but highly unlikely you will lose money
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 04:39 AM Flag-
If the maintenance is high that would give me pause. The location is pretty kid friendly though. Is that ps290? That is a very good public school. The facilities are really bad but people are very happy there generally. You can get to Carl Shurz Park pretty easily and you have Fairway a little bit of a walk away.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 04:59 AM Flag
Do you mean that there are en suite bathrooms and just no bathroom that opens up to the living area? So, basically, your guests will have to go through a bedroom (probably dcs') to get to the bathroom? I know this type of thing really upsets people, but I don't see what the big deal is. And having a bathroom in the master br is usually a plus.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 05:02 AM FlagI spent ages looking at 2bd in that neighborhood. this actually sounds pretty good. 1200 (measure yourself, brokers always overstate) is in a postwar right? maintenance is actually fine, its 1.67/sq ft that is just below the avg for a doorman building. any other amenities? storage, basement laundry, gym? etc. the price sounds right but only you know if it needs work or not, faces a loud 1st ave, has light, etc. the price sounds right. there is a LOT of supply right now so you could negotiate a much lower price,like down 5-8%
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 05:54 AM Flagfor UES maintance is on the average to low, NOT high. Seems like a good deal based on what I have seen in the neighboorhood, been living here 15 years. Seems like most apts are closer to $1m and 2500 maintance and I live a few blocks away. Many prefer bathrooms in bedrooms, that would not change my opinion of apt. Yes, it is ps 290 and a good school. Carl Shurz is very popular. Lots of families with young kids.
[ Reply | More ]05.09.12, 07:07 AM Flag
[+] envious of all people who have family help to make a down payment on an apartment or ... 41 replies
- below our means while we scrimped and saved for a down payment on a place. Once we had that we made some smart real estate trades and we are really comfortable now. We are much prouder for doing it ourselves than for having it handed to us....
- who outright inherited their homes or had one given to them as part of early estate planning/settlement strategy. Considering the cost of housing around here that's an incredible boost...
Talk : : May 08, 2012
envious of all people who have family help to make a down payment on an apartment or a house. Can't help it! Sucks when you are working as hard or harder as your friends, scrimping & saving money for a down payment, and then all of a sudden they are able to buy a sweet apartment because mom and dad stepped in with a down payment. Eventually I will wish them well, but I am having my small person moment right now...
41 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.08.12, 04:54 PM Flag ]DH's parents did this for us. I found it very odd at first, my parents would never do something like this, but I am now very grateful. NYC apartments are expensive!
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 04:56 PM Flag-
I'm with you OP. I don't begrudge my friends (as my husband does, frankly) because 1. PLENTY of people are being funded by their parents before AND after buying a home, for as much money or more than a down payment, but MORESO, becuase 2. If you have money, what better place to give it then to your children so that they don't have to go through what I (we!) are going through? It stinks! So for me it's helpful just to be like, you know what? I would want to prevent someone from this too. I'm glad someone else doesn't have to go through this and can focus on living life. That's on a good day, at least. :)
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:01 PM Flag
-
Yep, that's life. I never got a nickel's worth of help, but I got there eventually. Literally everyone I know who bought got help from spmeone, somewhere along the line. Inheritance, gift from family, small insurance settlement typically.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:00 PM Flagnp where are you from? I have never met anyone who's parents paid for a down payment.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:01 PM Flag-
^And that doesn't include the ones who outright inherited their homes or had one given to them as part of early estate planning/settlement strategy. Considering the cost of housing around here that's an incredible boost to your spendable income. (no mortgage)
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:16 PM Flag
-
yes, it sucks, but I'm sure you have had opportunities that other people wish they had.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:00 PM FlagWe had no help whatsoever and made it happen. We worked our asses off and lived way below our means while we scrimped and saved for a down payment on a place. Once we had that we made some smart real estate trades and we are really comfortable now. We are much prouder for doing it ourselves than for having it handed to us.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:10 PM FlagI have a hard time with the living below your means part. It's like, it's going to take me so long to afford anything and I'm living in NYC for crying out loud, can't I enjoy it while I'm somewhat young? I'm not even young. Sometimes it just feels like, god what's the point. Just rent for the rest of my life and be done with it. Everyone ends up throwing away 100K at the end of the life of mortgage anyway.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:19 PM Flag
I am too. I have parents who could do this for us but they have decided it's better for us not to help financially...a serious Yankee perspective pull-yourself-up. I'm grateful in many ways but there have been times I resent their parsimonious attitude. I'm pretty sure they're giving most of their money to schools, charities, etc. Hard when you've had the best and been around people whose parents lavish and spoil their adult children. We make a good income now and are content with our wealth or lack thereof.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:15 PM FlagHere's my smug moment - posts like this make me so thankful for my parents and a little perspective. Someone will always have more and many people will always have less. $ and stuff is just stuff and emotions like this just make you cranky. Everyone's entitled to their feelings and I'm not saying I've never felt a bit of jealousy when someone seems to 'have it all,' but my family is happy and healthy and I never lose sight of the fact that we have everything that's important. I would NEVER want to rely on anyone for $ or help. I hope I do a good job w/ my kids and they learn these important lessons and grow to be independent, happy, and confident people.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:16 PM Flagyep, that's a smug moment! In OPs defense, I'm sure she wants to be a good mother as much as you do. That's not the point.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:22 PM FlagThat wasn't my point -my point was just that I'm thankful that my parents raised me in such a way that I don't covet other people's situations. I realize that everyone has struggles and blessings and that I control my life.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:27 PM FlagOP my parents raised me to not covet other people's stuff too, but I can not help it in this instance. Yes, cranky!!! I wish my parents had a down payment to give me along with all the live and let live lessons they taught me but I clearly can not remember tonight. I've worked since I was 15 and would love to own instead of rent someday. I know, life is not fair. I'm sure tomorrow I will be more chill...
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 06:06 PM FlagI heard someone say recently, If money doesn't buy you happiness, you're not spending it correctly- so true! I'm sorry for all these unhappy people wiht money, but my morals are intact! My sense of self- good! family- great! I just really want some money. It would really, really, make me happy. :)
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 06:36 PM Flag
One of my ILs had this easy financially greased life. Guess what? 20 years later, the marriage broke down because neither of them ever had to grow up and make hard financial decisions or work towards a financial goal together. They were forever waiting for the parents to step in, resentful of it because of the power and control issues, but they became helpless to it. And it really eroded the marriage.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:21 PM FlagNot to get too philosophical, but as info through life, I have come to the realization that different things come easy for different people, whether it is looks, family money, health, brains etc. I look at my group of friends as an example: I passed the bar exam no problem, first time, my best friend took it 3 times and studied 10 times harder. However, I needed 8 rounds of ivf to have a successful pregnancy, she got pregnant easily both times for her children. We have another friend who is beautiful and has tons of family money, she has breast cancer. A friend who has not been fortunate financially and has suffered many bad breaks has a really close knit family, our wealthiest friend with a kick ass apartment has no family. Everything has different struggles. Sorry if this comes off sancti...
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:22 PM FlagIf THAT bothers you, you really aren't going to like the new world once the Republicans enact the "Ryan budget". It's about making sure ALL wealth is handed down to the next generation. So the kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren of the 1% are set for life already.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:25 PM FlagHopefully you will be able to help dc some day. That's what I tell myself, anyway
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:32 PM FlagListen, ladies, gents, whoever. We all know everyone has their struggles. It's ok for people to vent. Life is unfair. Yes, sometimes you are the benefactor, but let the lady vent. You can be sympathetic and not contrarian. It won't kill you, I swear! Say it with me, We understand! It's tough living in New York! Jeesh.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:34 PM Flag
We're in the same situation--no parental help and we're both teachers so it's been a struggle but we finally saved enough to buy our first apartment!! Yay!!
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:52 PM FlagEveryone has these moments. Yes, it would be nice to be one of the people whose parents or in laws bought them a big fat apartment. However, when you do buy a home, which you will, you will feel all the better about it because it is yours and yours alone, and you bought it for yourself as adults. A woman I know has all these hangups because her in laws bought them their apartment and bought her dh his company, and you have to ask, is it worth it? Would they be better off just doing it for themselves?
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 07:51 PM Flag
[+] How much life insurance do you and your spouse have? Do you think it is enough to pro... 45 replies
- one of us dies the other could support dcs especially since the mortgages could be gone. If we both die selling the real estate would provide for dcs through college and beyond....
- 2mm in a life insurance trust. The bulk covers estate taxes. They will be fine....
Talk : : May 08, 2012
How much life insurance do you and your spouse have? Do you think it is enough to provide for DCs all the way through college?
45 replies [ Reply | Watch | More05.08.12, 01:30 PM Flag ]enough to pay off the mortgages on our apartment and weekend home so we wouldn't have to make any major life decisions right away. we both work and if only one of us dies the other could support dcs especially since the mortgages could be gone. If we both die selling the real estate would provide for dcs through college and beyond.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 01:35 PM Flag2 million on me - 2.5 on DH. It would be enough with our other assets for them to live very well and have a great education. If one of us died, it would be enough for the surviving spouse to take some time off if needed. The extra 500k on DH is because he owns a duplex with his mom. It's her primary residence and I would not want to leave her w/ the full burden of the mortgage if he died. I would offer to pay it off and put the house in a trust that would transfer to my boys.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 01:44 PM Flag-
We have young kids and we're in our 30s. I can't expect someone to pay for them if we were to die - it's very unlikely -but it does happen. My parents have money and I'm sure they'd help - but kids are EXPENSIVE! It'll be a million just for their college (2 kids). PK - 12 will be close to 300k - and that's w/ moderately priced Parochial school that gives a deep sibling discount. Not to mention babysitters and camp and clothes and food - they're two boys who never stop eating and the oldest is only 3. I could never burden someone else w/ their grocery bill!!
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 01:50 PM Flagwho's their guardian? because if they go to live with Aunt Sue in Peoria they'll probably attend public school and you wo't need that parochial school tuition. My ds would go to live with dh's brother who doesn't have nearly as much money as we do. ds will have plenty in the trust but I expect the cost to raise him will be significantly lower than it will be for us.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 02:01 PM FlagMy brother who lives nearby. They DEFINITELY can't go to public school where he lives - they may be able to stay where they are because our apartment is much bigger and a better neighborhood so I don't see why they wouldn't move in. + we own it and they rent. Those are all decisions they'll hopefully never have to make -but they'll make them without me if I'm gone.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 02:05 PM Flag-
I can't exactly know when we're going to die. I'm pretty sure if we both go, it'll be quite sudden. They may have other kids and need to move to a bigger apartment / house. There are a billion factors that come into play - I picked the guardians and the trustees. Everything else they'll just figure out if it ever happens. They have to live w/ each other - I trust they'll make the right choices at the time, that's why I picked them.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 05:00 PM Flag
-
-
I think my sister would need to move to a bigger house if she had to adopt our kids. She'd probably have 3-4 kids of her own at that point, so I'd like to have at least a couple million so that she could rent a mansion.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 02:10 PM FlagWe don't have life insurance. We're both 40 and have 2 kids. Are we making a mistake? I'm a doctor and DH is in finance, so if something happened to one of us, the other would continue working and could support the kids. We have about 1 million in cash and 1 million in retirement, so that would go to the kids if something happened to both of us. Hmmm... I guess maybe that's not enough? Maybe we should look into this insurance thing-- any recommendations of agencies and costs?
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 02:29 PM FlagHave you figured out who the guardian will be. I think in your case you only need to figure out what the guardian will need to take care of your dc.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 02:32 PM FlagOR: God no. Another tough decision. We think it would be my parents for now, but every year they are obviously getting older and it will be more difficult for them to care for our kids in the long term. My sister would take my kids in, but they are financially and emotionally already in a tough place (only one income, their son has ADHD, etc). My brother and his wife are both doctors and good parents, but I know my SIL would be resentful of my kids and very partial to her own. DH's family lives abroad. So no great options:(
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 02:36 PM FlagWe asked friends stipulating grandparents will take the kids on the weekends and in the summer. We discussed what friends needed financially to be comfortable. They will need a bigger apartment, extra babysitter/nanny, extracurricular activity costs, food, clothing. You might have enough in savings depending on who you go with...
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 02:41 PM FlagThis is impressive. We need to get our act together and have these tough conversations. I never even thought about the need for their guardians to move into a bigger place, but that makes sense. Wow. Does the life insurance money go to the kids directly, the guardians, or split?
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 02:50 PM Flag
If one or both of us kicks the bucket while kids are still young, money will be the least of their problems.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 02:51 PM Flag-
-
Years ago, so $1mm 2p yr term up in 15 yrs on me, and $200k universal, and I think $150k through work. DH has $300k or so through work. We should have more, but I especially have pre-existing conditions, so we try to live and save as though there will be NOTHING once my term policy runs out - anything after that is a bonus.
[ Reply | More ]05.08.12, 08:01 PM Flag
ie8 fix
Subscribe to our newsletters!
Go »
Inside UrbanBaby
UrbanBabyBuzz
Most famous for his comic novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (and the two enormously popular film adaptations that resulted), amusing misanthropic author Roald Dahl had plenty of other movie projects going in his day. Here are the best of ...
More »
UrbanBabyNewYork
Happy Mother’s Day!
GoPirate SchoolAhoy, maties: This one-man family vaudeville show teaches kids how to be pirates with funny, zany details on how to stand, talk, sing and laugh like Buccaneers. A blend of clown theater, music and magic ...
More »
