300 west 23rd street

?????

It's an extremely nice building, meticulously well-maintained, but $2,000,000 in liquid assets to buy a studio there? I don't think so. Is it possible you could you have misunderstood?

I think a misunderstanding is quite possible.

We looked at the building and were never told anything like that. The Streeteasy page for the building says 80% financing allowed, so I think it's a misunderstanding.

The studios seem to have lucked out with the share allocation, but the one bedroom apartments in this building tend to trade at a discount because of the super-high maintenance. It's probably the highest in the neighborhood. I haven't kept up with maintenance increases in the big buildings, but when we we looked 2 - 2.5 years ago, the maintenance for the one bedrooms was even higher than London Terrace, which has far more amenities.

Allow me to elaborate - most (if not all) co-ops require liquid assets after down payment so you can cover your monthlies for an extended period of time should you lose any income. Some fancier co-ops require a net worth in multiples of the purchase price to ensure even more stability. However, these co-ops aren't the type that permit 80% financing, but rather limit financing to 0-65% max. Moreover, these co-ops aren't located on the corner of 23rd and 8th avenue directly above the PetCo and Vitamin Shoppe (sic).

You should email the broker and ask him for the co-op's financial requirements.

Who said that? Patrick?

Almost bought an Apartment there with/for one of my kids. I never heard anything like those requirements. By far my favorite pre-war Chelsea co-op. Well maintained; beautiful lobby And as mentioned the studios are favore financially.

I think the problem is that I have a lot of cash (just sold an expensive apartment in San Francisco), but my only income is from social security. That makes me look bad, but with a high bank account, I would have thought that would not have mattered. Also, it's a very GAY building, and since I'm 66, maybe they think I don't fit in. Very disappointed because I would have loved to purchase that apartment: tiny, but magnificent view. Should I ask again? I HATE rejection..................... And thank you all for your comments. New Yorkers are the best, which is why I want to move from San Francisco. It's beautiful here, but we have no theater. I hope you all know how lucky you are to be living in the greatest city in the world. I'm not trying to brag, but I've lived in Rome, Barcelona, London, Amsterdam and Munich, and New York is absolutely the best.

I would think that since you don't have much other income they are looking for the return on your assets to produce enough income for you to live comfortably there,

Riccardo, you do *not* need the listing broker's permission to submit an offer. In fact, if you submit an offer, he is required by law to convey that offer to the seller.

If you love the building, and you feel can afford it, go for it. The board will decide if your finances are proper, *NOT* the listing broker.

Riccardo,

1st - it sounds like a complete misunderstanding with the broker, that building cannot possibly have that rule in effect.
2nd - if it's not a misunderstanding, the broker is not doing his/her job correctly
3rd - don't be shy. If you want it. Go for it.

I agree that Riccardo should not be shy, BUT the broker may be trying to help him present his finances and situation in the most favorable light.

There is a "packaging" need here, in my opinion, and Riccardo sounds like a buyer who could use the help of a broker -- not necessarily the one he met.

(And, no, I'm not a broker.)

Riccardo, 66-year olds can "fit" into any co-op in Chelsea, so I doubt that is an issue. Financials do matter, though.

While I agree with Isle_of_Lucy that if you like it, go for it and let the seller and board determine your qualifications, I would caution that the asking price on 14I seems quite high. #16I sold for $360k in 2010, and #41 (albeit on a much lower floor) is in contract with an asking price of $329. The sellers of #14I (over)paid $555k for this studio at the absolute top of the market in July of 2008. #14I should now probably trade for somewhere in the low to mid $400k range...

If you are seriously looking in Chelsea and need help navigating buildings and financials, why don't you enlist the help of Ali aka front_porch? She and her firm specialize in downtown, and she tends to give trusted and worthwhile advice. It would probably give you greater ease (and certainly more privacy) than posing very specific questions to the streeteasy board.

They are clearly taking into account the fact that you have virtually no income. This makes sense. If you have multiples of the purchase price in liquid reserves, it is more than likely that you will be able to keep up with the monthly maintenance indefinitely, even if you outspend your social security checks.

OP - If you like the apartment , agree you should seek the services of a good broker and perhaps an attorney to make sure you are able to show all your assets and income. A co-op board may not discriminate against an applicant for, among other things, age, sexual orientation, or any lawful source of income. http://www.nyc.gov/html/cchr/html/housing.html

Riccardo: You sold an expensive apt in San Francisco and you are afraid that you have too much cash? Is it under your mattress?
Aren't you getting a return from that money somewhere?

Focus on issues that exist; don't invent them. I lived in Chelsea for 20 years, now live in one neighborhood over to the south, and am well-versed in NYC coops. I find it extraordinarily unlikely that being 66 and gay matters in the slightest to the board of the building you are discussing. Or any coop I'm familiar with in the area, to be frank.

What they and other coops care about--after determining you would be a respectful decent neighbor--is finances. That's it. Can you afford the place now and in the future. Period. What are your assets, what is your income stream, what is your debt-to-income ratio. Could you afford a special assessment if one were levied?

If one is retired, the focus on financial wherewithall becomes even more intense since your assets are essentially fixed for ever. For someone with only social security income, I'd want to see A LOT of assets that they could draw down for decades without running out after the purchase is made. Ideally there would be a well-diversified retirement portfolio of investments which generate a relatively stable stream of income in addition to the SS.

You are a fish out of water in the NYC RE world, and as we've said in past threads, it seems like finding a broker you trust would be a very wise way for you to proceed.

Thank you, all, for taking the time to respond. Sounds like one obstacle after another. Perhaps I should consider renting???? If landlord's were to see a large amount in the bank and stocks and bonds, would they reject me as well???? I'm afraid living in New York is just a magnificent dream....................

I think you are putting too much weight on what this one broker said (or at least what you believed he said). My suggestion would be to put in a bid on the place you already like, or work with a broker who specializes in the area and can make recommendations based on your financial package. You don't need to have four times the sale price in reserves to be admitted but will need to have sufficient cushion in reserves when you have no income, more like 4 years of maintenance in liquid assets.

Riccardo, just from following your posts, I think your best bet is to get a nice rental in Chelsea, see how you like the area/neighborhood, and then buy in a year or two. I think buying will seem a lot less intimidating then. I couldn't imagine buying when I first moved to New York, but over time, it became much less intimidating.

I know you liked London Terrace Towers, and the great thing is that London Terrace Gardens has very similar (some would argue better) rental apartments.

E24 and lad, thank you so much. That makes my dream seem more attainable. I'll be really honest here: social securiy equals $36k, and yearly from IRA is $24K. On top of that, I would have even 10 years in liquid assets for maintenance. I'm sure I would qualify for rental of a studio. You know, I don't need a lot of space: that tiny studio at 300 w 23rd was really cute, and I could see myself living there. The thing I LOVED was there was a subway right under the building, the crosstown across the street, and the M10 (?) which took me up 8th Avenue to the theaters. My last two days there I found you could take the subway only 3 stops, and voila! you were at 50th, closs to all theaters. I'm coming back for 2 weeks in July and would love to meet with an agent. Any suggestions????? Someone honest and nice??????

Riccardo
When I was looking in the area the follwing agent was the things you are looking for; he dealt more with the Chelsea/Village border but he'll give you the straight scoop

http://streeteasy.com/nyc/contact/59637-richard-j-ingenito

Riccardo: you sure do love N.Y. and you will be so happy living here.

So you have 60k a year in income and $105,120 in the bank ($876 x 120). Not only can't you afford this apartment, it will be difficult for you to live in manhattan at all unless you find some sort of senior housing.

I must have said something wrong: the yearly income is correct, but the IRA and sale of my apartment here is over $1 million. Perhaps I indicated that I had ONLY enough for 10 years in maintenance, but there's a lot more in the bank. Is that still poor in Manhattan? Senior housing is not for me. Your comment is somewhat disrespectful. I wonder how much YOU have in liquid assets, apartment boy.................

Look: I know you are so enthusiastic about this move and it is hard feeling hopes gets dashed. But it is all part of NYC RE. It is generally very unpleasant, but the good news is that you require only one place to live--not 20! You WILL figure this all out. I think renting to begin is an ideal solution. You get to truly feel out a neighborhood, a block, a building. You will come to see what you truly value in NYC and what you can compromise on. Even the rent/buy decision can become clearer. These are things you can get a small sense of by visiting, but living here is really a whole different level of understanding the city and finding how you want to make a life here. I think renting is a great way to begin.

Thanks for the reality check. Could you recommend a place to look for rent? I would like an alcove studio with a nice city view. Doesn't have to be in Chelsea, as I said, that place is full of all the pretty boys with no brains: not for me and I'm DEFINITELY not for them. Are there other areas close to the Theater District that are charming? Tudor City I've heard about. Would you recommend renting there? I could definitely walk to the theater disrict. And thank you so much, every one, for your help. This is why I want to live in New York.....................

Tudor City is probably further from the Theater District than Chelsea. It is on the East Side, and while it's a perfectly pleasant place, it's very much a sequestered neighborhood and not very vibrant. If you are attracted to the allure of NYC, you may be underwhelmed by Tudor City.

I think you are characterizing Chelsea using an increasingly outdated stereotype. Most of the younger gay crowd have moved up to the more affordable Hell's Kitchen as Chelsea has gotten increasingly expensive. Hell's Kitchen might in fact be a great option for you. I personally don't love it, but it is far nicer than its reputation and name, and it has many buildings with alcove studios and outstanding views. Plus, there's still a fair amount of diversity, and of course, it's very close to / almost part of the Theater District. And you never know, some of those pretty boys may in fact have brains and be attracted to a Daddy-type of a certain age, especially the hungry actors!

Yes, Chelsea definitely skews older gay relative to Hell's Kitchen. And, as happened in the West Village, I'm seeing more and more anecdotal evidence of gays moving out of Chelsea to be replaced by straight families with young children. School district is not a factor for us, but my neighbors with children rave about PS11.

Riccardo, I think your experience in Chelsea will be very dependent on what building you select. If you go with an older, pre-war, established rental building that does not allow temporary walls, you're likely to fit right in. If you go with a newer building, a building that allows temporary walls, etc., you're likely to get more of the "pretty boys with no brains" crowd. Though I have to say, Chelsea is so expensive that you need to have a brain to afford to live here unless dad and/or daddy is paying your rent. (And there are plenty of those situations....)

There are 6 big factors to consider in NYC RE. You must prioritize them. You are unlikely to be able to afford a place that meets all 5 requirements. Achieving any one of them is pricey--all 5 is nearly impossible:
-Desired Location
-Building Quality
-Layout
-Views
-Light
-Budget

Until you rank these, you'll be lost. The priorities drive the search. For example, you may decide:
1. Budget = no more than $3,200/mo.
2. Location = somewhat flexible on west side from Chelsea up to Lincoln Center area.
3. Layout = studio with an alcove but willing to settle for simply studio without alcove
4. Building Quality = safe and clean but not necessarily with a doorman
5. View = anything that looks New York-y
5. Light = unimportant

This type of list helps you and a broker if you work with one. For example, yes, you like prewar apartments, charm and views, but more important is the location, layout and staying within the budget. So type of building, light and views need to be areas you would compromise if it means achieving the priorities.

First step for you is determining your budget and the max you will pay for rent + utilities (gas/electric/cable/phone) + renters insurance per month. Once you do that, others may be able to better access which areas are available to you and might be places you would like to live.

Thanks, kyle.
see, Riccardo? Take it step by step. You love N.Y. so much you want a place to live and be happy. Good for you that you don't ask for much because you also enjoy the best things in N.Y. that are free (or almost free).

I meant to be clear there are 6 factors to consider--sorry I wrote 5 in some places and 6 in others. Aslo, last line of my last post should say "assess," not "access."

Tudor city is kind of isolated. Agree that you might like Hell's Kitchen, which is pretty affordable. Keep in mind that 23rd is a major street, which can get annoying. But definitely start off in a short-term furnished rental in the area you are considering before making the plunge. If you wanted something a little different you could also consider Fort Greene, where BAM is. Culturally very nice and good subway access.

Wow, I just can't believe the time and thought you all put into these responses. They are extremely helpful. You know, after the theater (as I said, last visit I saw 10 shows in 11 days!!!!!!), I frequently ended up on quaint little places on 9th avenue, close to the theaters. That must be Hells Kitchen? I LOVED it. As you all indicated, very gay, but gays interested in the theater or getting into it, so lots of good people to converse with, involved in the arts and very intelligent. And I felt NO discrimination regarding my age. Now, can anyone suggest where I start looking. I am in a agreement that I should look for a rental, but I have a lot of bautiful furniture, so unfurnished would be better. Can someone recommend an agent who knows that area? Again and again, thanks for your time in responding to a perfect stranger. I'm telling you, it is very different here in Califoornia.

If you go with agent you will have to pay 15% of the yearly rent as a fee. If you want to do that then try and see who works in the neighbourhood and contact them. If you're brave you could just post another thread asking for a broker for Hells Kitchen and you'll get lots of suggestions. There are also a lot of new construction buildings near the water that you could look at if you want newer with amenities.

You might like the Parc Vendome (twin of London Terrace, but a condo). I have a tenant in place, but the building has a lot of studios so I'm sure something will open up.

ali r.
DG Neary Realty

Thank you all, again, for your kindness and helpfulness. I did some research and find that area to be very promising. Does anyone know why it is sometimes called Clinton? Is that to soften the name of Hell's Kitchen? Also, front_porch, might you be able to help me with a search for a rental (even though I still prefer to buy)??????

If you say yes, I'll look you up on the internet so we can talk in person.

I'm going to start a new thread, so again, thanks to everyone: I feel I've gotten quite an education from all of you.

Yes Riccardo I am happy to help.If you Google me, you may find my book about NYC real estate, which I also think you'd enjoy.

Ali

The Parc Vendome is a terrific idea. It's very close to both the theater district and Central Park, and the building is quite striking. The layouts, including studios, tend to be more generous. Like London Terrace (same architect), the residents feel a strong connection to the building and sense of pride and community which makes for friendlier and more courteous neighbors. Plus, you will be renting from an owner so the apartment will be more unique (and potentially nicer) than apartments in other pre-war rental buildings.

Hi Ali: I'm rushing to an appointment, so must be brief. I'm delighted to have found an expert who is willing to help. Based on the recommendations here, I located two buildings, 430 and 433 West 34th. They had very generous layouts, particularly the more modern one, and although I kinow the front apartments would be hideously noisy (my taxi driver always brings me up that tunnel and I see all the signs about honking horns), the back ones were beautiful and had gorgeous views. I know the area isn't chic or hip, but might that be a good place to start???? Rentals there are very cheap.....................

Ricardo - if you've managed to locate the places yourself why use an agent? Maybe there is a no fee, or an owner renting directly on Craigslsit or something.

If you liked it Riccardo, you can rent it without ali. If you wait to see more you may find something you like better.
Look in some other neighborhoods. Also look at the block around the building at night. See if you feel safe.

The rents in that building are low because of their location over on the west side.

Dear Truth: Is that a bad area? I stayed in the New Yorker at 34th and 8th, and it was really sleazy, but didn't seem dangerous at all. I guess I'm spoiled by 300 west 23rd because of its location and all the transportation. At 433 west 34th, I'd have the crosstown, right? And is a subway near? Although I'm 66, I walk fast and am very fit, so I'm not usually afraid of people and I keep my distance. Still, I find New Yorkers so very friendly -- on the subway, in the park, on the street, people talk to you and I love that. Here in San Francisco, people are not so friendly and generally keep to themselves, and have little cliques.

Riccardo:
Back in the bad old days the areas closest to the river on the west side were not safe.
Manhattan has changed a lot since then. It's not the most desirable area but some are perfectly happy living there.

The N.Y.C. transit system is wonderful as you know.
We have "local" buses that stop around every few blocks and "Limited" buses that stop only at the cross-town transfer locations. "Limited" buses usually have an orange sign in the front window: "LIMITED".
Those buses run on crosstown routes, which are river-to-river, east-to-west side. Also uptown and downtown. If you are going North, we say: "Uptown" , for South: "Downtown".
The dividing point between East Side and West side is Fifth Ave. (from the Village up to Central Park) at Central Park, the park itself is the dividing point.

The cross-town 34th Street buses are now on a trial program called "Select buses", where you must first go to the machines on the sidewalk next to the bus-stop signs and dip your MetroCard into it and get a little white receipt out of the machine. Then you can enter those buses through any door -- BUT HANG ON TO THAT LITTLE WHITE RECEIPT! because it's ridership on the honor system. If Transit inspectors board the bus at any stop for a receipt check of all passengers-- and you don't show it to them, it's a $125. fine. Just hang on to it until you leave the bus and are walking away on the sidewalk (the inspectors are also stationed outside the bus doors and check for the white receipt when passengers depart the bus.)

If you transfer to a cross-town bus from an uptown or downtown bus,( and vice-versa) you must use your metro card again at the machine on the sidewalk near the bus-stop. The white receipt will have "Transfer" on it. Hold onto it as you ride and have it ready in case of inspectors.

Regular non-SELECT buses are boarded at the front bus door with your metro card or coins (exact fare)
as payment. A transfer will automatically be credited to your metro card and when you dip it in the next bus, the bus meter will read: "Transfer". If you pay with coins, you must ask the driver for "a transfer". Use the transfer the same way as a metro card at the next bus. You don't need to dip your metro card again.

Those Select buses are also running uptown on First Ave. and downtown on Second Ave., they may be all around the city one day. The Select buses have a blue sign on top of the front bus window: "SELECT".

You can go online to check the various bus routes. The crosstown buses run on Canal Street, Houston St., 8th st.,14thst., 23rd st., 34th st. (that's your crosstown bus), 42nd st., 49th/50th st., 57th st., 68th st., 72nd st., 86th st., and more uptown.

I suggest the Lexington Ave.#103 bus (the buses are identified by numbers , also found on the bus signs on front of bus.) On some lines there are more than one bus route. The #103 goes all the way down to City Hall and there's good sightseeing on it. The other Lexington Ave. buses are the #101 and #102 which follow the same route but only go as far as the East Village to their last stop, right outside Cooper Union. The Fifth Ave. and Broadway buses are also good for sightseeing.

I don't take the subway, although it's nicer than in the bad old days.I prefer the bus and take extra time to get where I'm going. There is a subway on 8th ave., I believe. (other se folks will correct me if there is one more nearer you to the west.)

People are friendly in N.Y. just be cautious as you would in any big city known for tourism. There are bad guys out there who will try to scam you out of , well, just about anything. So be aware of who is talking to you and don't fall for any hard-luck stories about needing money.

also Riccardo:
I'd like to suggest that you join some Broadway-related charities such as The Actors Fund. You can go online for info. They hold very nice events throughout the year including shows and after-parties for members only in the Theater District. Tickets are tax deductable.
You will find friendly people there ( fans and actors, Broadway theater musicians) that share your interests.
You can root for them at the Central Park softball fields when they play ( a very big N.Y.C. thing. Broadway actors from each show form teams and play against each other, law firms play against other law firms, you get the picture).

and get membership at the great museums. Their benefit parties are wonderful. Go to museum art lectures.
Check out Cooper Union for N.Y. architectural history lectures. Walking tours are also offered. (check the New School and architectural groups such as the Art Deco Society for more.)

Don't miss Bette Midler's annual Hulaween Ball. It's the most fun charity benefit event of the year, IMO.

Dear Truth: I can't believe you went to all the trouble of educating me on these important New York necessities. I'd love to email you apart from this site, if possible, so all the others won't be bothered by the things that they already know. I hope it's not prohibited, but I'd like to give you my email and I'd love to hear from you, if you care to: riccascio@comcast.net.

Again, thank for all the useful information. As I believe I told you, I love the buses, but obviously the subways are great if one is in a hurry. I wondered why they wouldn't let me on the 34th street bus!!!!! Now I know! Have a great Memorial Day!!!!!

Love, Riccardo

LOL, Riccardo!
Will e-mail you.

Ricardo, you don't want to be in the 30s on the West side, where it is a little scuzzy. You want to be north of Port Authority, which is where scuzziness begins and is not the most comfortable place to walk at night. On West side in the 40s there are some beautiful tree-lined streets between 8-10th ave. So try and get around here. Into the 50s is fine for your purposes as well. Subway is on 8th I think. Going crosstown here though is a bit of a pain as you have to fight through the tourists at Times Square. I lived at 50th and 9th for a summer and location was pretty good. Not my cup of tea (I like downtown) but loads of restaurants, lively, etc. So suggest limiting your search to 40-59th St.

Ottawa: The discussion boards are powered by whisky these days and so you just hit the reply button 6 times wondering what the bikes and doughnuts were up to.

Ottawa is correct -- it's not the most desirable -- that area around Port Authority is the last hold-out of sleaze in the area.

And Ottawa - you have no idea what you are talking about with regard to the west 30s. Riccardo - you would be wise to ignore Ottawa on this one. The buildings you mentioned on west 34, and the neighborhood in general, would fine for a gay man in his 60s. In fact, if I had a dollar for ever gay man in his 60s living in the west 30s......

And the basketball courts and sex toy shops near 6th ave and Bleeker make that area a total shithole. Does that taint the whole west village?

Relax, West34.
I said some people are perfectly happy living there you are obviously one of them.
The fact is that the area north of Port Authority is nicer in terms of what Riccardo likes to do.
He can walk to the theater (and home) without passing Port Authority.
He can walk to Central Park.

The point is that he hasn't looked at that many apts and wanted to know if that area is a good place to start.
If he doesn't find something he likes better he can return to look at that apt or another in the area.

kylew so patient so informative as always. OP, you are coming across as green as a pea pod. do some real research with your feet and online.

Riccardo has had a wonderful career in the Arts.
His enthusiasium for N.Y.C. and his decision to live here has provided us with insight into a non-jaded, non-cynical newcomer to the se discussion boards.
His questions have been polite and his appreciation for Manhattan and those of us who have given tips on his apt hunt, is delightful.

He has been doing research of his own and also enjoys chatting with the se commenters.

kyle is indeed so patient and informative. Others on this thread have also given advice without complaint.
He is welcome to share our little corner of cyberspace.

So, all of you with your wonderful comments and suggestions, my research shows what I initially thought: I want and WILL live at 300 west 23rd. With the sale of my apartment, and with an increased monthly (income) distribution from my 401(k), I can, indeed, afford to live there. 400 sq. ft. is a stetch, and makes the word "downsizing" a reality beyond words. But standing at my stove, cooking chicken scarpariello looking at the magnificent Empire State Building, and knowing that I can catch the C or E and be at the theater district in 2 minutes says it all. And I don't know if you guys know (sure you do): on every street corner in Chelsea, there are vendors with carts selling the most beautiful fruit and vegetables immaginable: artichokes, cauliflower, manilla mangoes, and the list goes on. I wish I could shake everyone's hands. And believe it or not, you WILL see me on Broadway (in bit parts, but that's cool).

Love and good energy to you all. Truth especially.

another satisfied customer!

"Manhattan Mini Storage". For those who need to downsize but have items they want/must keep.

Congrats Ricardo! You'l also be able to enjoy strolls along the Highline, which has really invigorated the area.

Riccardo - sign up for broadwaybox.com. Good discounts on shows that have not yet opened (saw some great shows in preview) as well as discounts for current shows.

Riccardo, do not offer more than $400K for a studio in that building.

OK, I just checked out the photos and layout. I'll admit, it's an adorable little place with a cute little kitchen, and an ingenious way of actually carving out a tiny bedroom to give you enough separation from the living/kitchen area that you don't feel like you're living in a hotel room.

Not worth a penny over $450K, however. And even that is being generous.

Thanks everyone. I agree that the price is ridiculous. The only thing I really like about that apartment is the view and the sleeping area. The agent told me there are two lines of studios where combining two closets is possible to create a sleeping area. The current renos for that apartment: I hate them. The apartment currently looks iike an office, not a comfy living space. I have met a friend who will let me stay indefinitely at his place in Penn South across the street, so I can wait until a more affordable place opens up at 300 w 23rd. I've looked and looked, and I just LOVE that location and the transportation.

Finally, I made the mistake of giving out my email address, and now I have two people writing me telling me they are "truth." I trust neither, so I am blocking both from my personal email: please, don't waste my time or yours. There are so many lovely people who have given their time and thought to my search. I thank you all who have been sincere.

Riccardo

Hey NYCMatt: Can you help me with a strategy? Should I contact the broker via email and say that I want to present an offer? I don't know how New York works, but here in SF, banks look at comps (comparables) to determine whether the property is really worth the asking price. But since I'm paying all cash, does that make a difference? I've looked extensively via this site, and I don't see anything (other than the D line, which is considerably larger than the other lines) over $400K. But maybe I should be more flexible and look at other lines. I noted the J, L, and C lines, which eiher have a 4th window or the possibility of cretaing the sleeping area. But I don't know what they view. A nice city view, even without the Empire State Building, would be lovely. In fact, I see that a lot of them sold for the mid 300K, not even one for the mid-400K. Should I just put in the low offer and see what the owner thinks? It would seem that she is not very motivated since it's been on the market for a long time.

Thanks for your help.

I e-mailed Riccardo early in the morning before the imposters contacted him.

There is only one Truth.
I also e-mailed the most recent newspaper column which has an item about Levon Helm and it quotes me by name.
That is the same name that Riccardo received e-mail from.
That column was e-mailed to me from The Post, to my e-mail address.

Riccardo was warned that others might try to claim they are Truth.

huntersburg: Who do you think the imposters are?

Please, whoever you are, leave me alone. That's all I ask. Others have been forthright. Please don't ruin my impression of New Yorkers. I will certainly NEVER give out personal information. I should have learned this by now, but I'm old.

Thanks everyone else.

They thought they would get to Riccardo before I had the chance to e-mail him.
I happened to be up early: 8:43am is early for me. 9:am is early and 11:04am is early.

So it didn't work. The drunken losers that post comments here (and those who "left" but continue to post comments under other names) are making fools of themselves again.

Beware of "truth"; I think she/he is a fraud......................

Sorry you had to find out the hard way. She's a nut job.