15-17 Judge Street

i like it, but maybe that's because we're in the process of buying there! :)
we love the neighbourhood, especially a few blocks west there are great bars and restaurants.

'great prices, but not so great neighborhood'
Therefore not so great prices.

whatever steve.
i live in this neighborhood, have been here for years. we love it! i've personally lived in park slope, union square, washington heights, midtown, south williamsburg in nyc, and besides union square (which we can't afford) it's my favorite.

sorry bkgirl, I was just seeing what the reaction would be to that comment, I don't necessarily agree that prices are too high, especially when they are selling. Were you able to negotiate a good deal? Anything significantly below list?

Why do you think these are great prices? The decent sized one bedroom, with between 750 and 800 sf, is more than $450k.

There's nothing good about that. That's peak pricing. Plus this building has squatty little windows and an ugly, housing project-like exterior.

i don't think we got an amazing deal or anything...but it's one we're very happy with. and comfortable considering the freefalling economy and over inventory in BK, etc.
things that make sense to us though: the asking prices are a lot lower than other developments in the area (a lot of the 1 beds even at 292 powers, olive park, etc are nicer finishes but listed at $400K compared to $329 here), we're not fancy people who need amenities (although we would've liked common roof access or a balcony), we'll pay less per month than we do renting, we'll get the tax benefits from owning, we'll get the $8000 Obama rebate, interest rates are pretty low now (although they were lower in the Spring) historically, and we're ready to own after years of renting.

marco_m are you considering it?

I am considering it. have to check out the neighborhood more though

bk_girl - we are in contract there too. i must admit, i wasn't interested in buying a new construction and had to be dragged there - but once inside the place felt right. it was an easy decision for us especially after seeing a lot other places out there with terrible layouts, higher asking prices, or 45 minute commutes to manhattan. we aren't fancy people either. a lot of these places with "luxury amenities" were a big turn off.

Wow. Only 3.5% down and all closing costs paid.

That'll attract qualified buyers.

jeeps what floor are you guys on? we're at 1a. looks like the building is 8 in contract and 3 offers accepted...so 6 more to go? i wonder when the closing date will be...

we're 3B. yes, definitely looking forward to closing and moving in. also curious about the neighbors :)

i just don't understand why they don't drop the prices on those 4th floor units - i think they would go so fast at $400K! i think it will be mostly young people, first time buyers (like me)...at least that is what i saw at the open houses...

Hey bkgirl and jeeps - we're going to be one (or I guess two) of your neighbors. We're now in the process of buying one of the units, and I wanted to pick your brains about something outside of s/easy. I would post it here, but not sure who's checking (call me paranoid) :-) If that's ok with you, could you please shoot me an e-mail. It's my username here at g mail. Thanks!

yay! looks like a bunch more units have offers accepted. now only 3/16 left!! :)

I wonder why 2 units just went back up?

I dig the pigeon coop. Howse this work? They let you out in the AM to fly to work and then remarkably nightly you all fly back. Nature is amazing and, when it comes to crumbs...Williamsburg RULES!!!

(pigeons love crumbs)

I'll be moving in on the 1st floor (1B). Anyone have an idea as to when this place will have the TCO signed off so we can move in?

BTW, I'm Anthony. Enjoyed living in the Bronx for my first 25 yrs but looking forward to having my own place near a pretty hip area. With the L train just a block away, I'm going to be at my job over on 14th street in 10 minutes each day. Awesome, compared to my current 1 hr and 10 minute comute from the first stop of the 6 train.

I was hoping to throw a housewarming party in my back yard but that was back when I first found this place in the summer.

No idea when we might close... :(

If it doesn't happen before Dec 1, we're out of the deal...we'll see!

BTW, Anthony, what's your email?

aused1@gmail.com. I signed in July, the contract says I can get out if they didnt open up within 6 months.

Let's hope congress extends the tax credit.

I'd like that but don't believe it's likely.

Is there any real reason why they are taking so long to get everything signed off at 15-17 Judge?

My real estate agent said all construction is complete and the developer is just waiting on getting the inspections back.

Anything new over the last 4 weeks?

not really, it's ridiculous. i live nearby and whenever i pass the building there's never anyone there construction wise.

i did see two more units are now offer accepted on aptsandlofts.com though...so just 2 unsold.

So anyone want to place bets on when Judge opens? Winner gets a bottle of wine.

Looks like they just filed the papers to sub-divide the building into condo units this week (according to the DOB website). My guess is that the first closings will be in February?

We are out! Buying somewhere else now...

But good luck everyone!

My contract can be canceled without repercussion in 3 months. I would love to move to 15 Judge but if I can't close before then, I'm out. Hopefully in time to catch that tax credit.

this place go under ?

I heard they resubmitted paperwork in mid december. That may mean its possible they'd have the taxblocks ready and a tco in february

What ever happened to this place?

The final inspection is scheduled to happen March 18th. I'm assuming DOB will take 6 weeks to give the C of O after that.

I signed a rider to the contract last month. Is anyone else still waiting on this place?

Still waiting...

You're a trooper - saw that they took the remaining top floor units off the market last week. Have they sold, or are they just giving up?

I would guess they just removed them from the sales site just to make buyers feel like the building will be ready soon. Yeah, I've been pretty patient. Back in March I hit the 6 month ppoint from signing my contract and I could've backed out entirely. I looked around but couldn't find anything like what I'm buying at Judge St. I've bought one of the first floor condos in the back. Having a duplex, with 1.5 bathrooms, a back yard, and 950 sqr ft for the price I paid is an attractive offer (if the building ever actually opens). I have another opportunity to back out in June or July, I'll let you know what happens.

Hm Meritage did you get the 1B unit when someone backed out? Because I remember those went right away back in May 09...and sounds like you went into contract in September!

Yeah. I took it off the market in July and in contract by September, you sleuth.

I was in contract for the front units, but we're buying elsewhere now. I love the 1B units though - the best IMO in the development. Good luck! I hope you'll be bbqing in that yard soon!

Final inspection tomorrow:
http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/COApplicationSummaryServlet?requestid=5&passjobnumber=301757098&passdocnumber=02&allisn=0000959451&allbin=3070403

No, final inspection at that time. This place is begining to look hopeless.

Oh Jeez. I admire you for sticking in there so long, but I do think this place is hopeless now. I can't for the life of me figure out why they can't close this thing out. It's built, it's finished. Unless there's some sort of major structural issue that they won't disclose, what on earth could be taking so long?

I used to be in contract there. Someone let out that at some point the building transfered ownership, but they did it completely wrong and now they don't have the right paperwork to get the CO from the city. Not sure how true this was, but once I heard this I got out.

It's just such a heartbreaker to back out of the 3.5 FHS, closing cost paid, large sq ft, and low price. I'm going to stay in until I can find a property that I would feel happy with. Any of you have a suggestion on listings I should look for?

A new developement compy bought the project "HH BUILDING CONSULTING & ARCH". I'm still in and waiting.

There are only two buyers still in contract at this property. I wonder if the sponsor is waiting for all to back out.

Wow, still hanging in there!

I feel like there's going to be a lot of new stuff opening this summer. Hope you find something comparable and can get out of the 15 Judge limbo.

I don't know if something like this would be interesting you; it's also FHA, and is one stop away (Montrose) - we pass by it everyday. The prices and finishes are similar to 15 Judge, but not sure if they have any apartments with backyards; http://www.228bushwick.com/index.html

I walked by the building yesterday and there was an agent showing people around who are interested in renting there.

I'm still in contract and don't believe they can bump me out but they already have plans torent out the units.

I put a down payement on a Unit in the 15-17 Judge Street Condominium in Brooklyn, back in July 2009. I am still in contract. The building has recently recieved it's C of O.

The offering plan states that "...Upon closing of the sale of 50% of the Units... (the sponsor has) the right to rent rather than sell Units.

Two problems:
1. The sponsors attorney has not communicated with my attorney to close on my condo.
2. Units are being listed for rental on the internet "http://streeteasy.com/nyc/building/17-judge-street-brooklyn"

What can I do?