Common charges/taxes - realistic??

Quality materials are terrific but you still need maintenance, cleaning, supplies, etc. Hype.

It's a big building so it seems kind of realistic (lot's of people sharing the expenses with you, plus something like common outdoor space shouldn't really be a drain on finances). Still I'm always skeptical of anything being offered this early in the game with any new development, I've seen things pulled on more than one occasion. Unless it's in offering plan and your lawyer's done due diligence before you sign anything, nothing is guaranteed.

I went to see this place yesterday out of curiosity as well (and the Argyle) and I have to say I was very impressed with finishes and amenities at 500, in fact I wonder if they went a little overboard in some cases with the "white glove" building features. I still think they are a little out of touch with the prices. You have to strike while the iron is hot, especially in this market, and they are turning interested parties away by not negotiating now and they will want those same potential buyers back in a few months. It was pretty busy when I went so it'll be interesting to see if they can capture people with their current non-negotiating beyond 10 percent promotion thing.

Seems like you did the whole 4th Ave tour from your other posts and it sounds like this is your favorite so far of all the buildings even though it's the most south. Interesting. I guess Viking appliances do work to push a sale after all.

Check out the heating and AC.

If the building is heating/chilling water and pumping it to your under-window units, then you're directly paying only for the electricity to run the blower, and your maintenance would cover the fuel.

Some buildings, on the other hand, arrange things so that the entire heating/cooling cost is borne by each unit owner directly.

You pay either way; just a question of how.

You do want to make sure it's not electric heat.

NWT, that's interesting info. How does one find out whether a particular building is the first case or the second case? Thanks.

Nice feedback. Kimerama - I have been looking on and around 4th for a year now. Compared to the others on the Avenue, 500 4th seems to be a step "up". I can deal with the 12th St location. The blocks to the west seem as good if not better than those "uptown". It is still the same distance to 5th (the restaurants seem to be a better value down here), and it is the same distance to the park. Thge views of Manhattan and Lady Liberty are just as good. Certainly better mass transit (F train next door, as well as M & R). The heating system is using "central heat and cooling, each unit pays only for the electric to "blow" the air. At least that is what the sales guy explained. Bottom line, if the 10% off is the bottom line - see ya!

i've seen two references of the 10% off...is that on the published asking prices or something else?

The 10% discount was only for "early birds" in the first few months of sales (till about the end of summer 2009). It was 10% off the asking price as listed in streeteasy and in the offering plan. Closings didn't take place until June 2010 so early birds had a long wait for apartments that weren't even constructed yet when they signed their contracts.