Forte integrated

i know this may sound dumb, but has anyone actually tried measuring the apartments? i'm coming up 300sf short for the C units and i'm including all interior walls out to the outer edge of the windows. generously it's 900sf, not 1200.

does the contract talk about including share of the common spaces or something?

Cline, I've been wondering this too. This is my first post, I've been following the thread for a while. I have some offers out on some apts, hoping to hear something soon. On the C line, it looks so much smaller than say the D line and it's supposed to be 100 and some odd feet bigger. The bedrooms are smaller and it seems like the living room might be the same or a bit smaller. I would be very interested to see if anyone else has measured it out. I know a lot of sq ft is lost in the hallway.

Hey folks - I just spoke with Vladamir at Advanced Inspections (Sergey's firm). He quoted $250 for the home inspection and additional $125 for infrared. He said that anyone else from the Forte who is interested in purchasing these services would be able to get $10 off - sorry, I couldn't do any better on any group discounts, but Vladamir said their profit margin is already very slim. I am getting my inspection done this weekend, so if you are also interested in taking advantage of this $10 off discount, please call Vladamir at (800) 535-9859 and tell him that Kris referred you to get the additional $10 off. Vladamir also assigned Sergey as my inspector so hopefully his familiarity with the building will help translate into a good inspection. Good luck!

JJ - you got the best deal from Sergey!

I have calcurated sqf for 2 beds A line in Autocad. It is about 950 sqf including w/d space and closet. There is no way it is close to 1156 sqf in this unit unless including common space like rooftop, hallway, Gym and lobby.

joahjoah, what about the C line, i'm coming up with 900, and yes, the contract says size includes share of common areas.

and you have to include walls, etc all the way to the outside edge of the outside wall. inside it's to the middle of the wall dividing the units.

I only calcurated interior space, which is 'white' portion on floorplan. If I have to include exterior wall line, then I need to calcurate again. I will post more acurate actual sqf of usable interior space and sqf including exterior wall tonight for A line

cline// since I have accepted offer on A line, I only calcurated A line. after i finish A line, I will try on C line as well, but I can't guarantee. :(

what about exterior line toward hallway? As unique shape of Forte, there is large area of weird looking black portion on floor plan. Should i include that as sqf too?

basically you have to include everything, your number might be off a little depending on which parts could as half (walls shared with other units, and possibly the common space). the difference between the number you get and the listed size is your common area share.

From my Cad calculation,

A-line 1157 sqf and interior sqf came up 875

C-line 1206 sqf and interior sqf came up 946

I have pics and I tried to upload on google 230ashland groups, but there was no upload button or I couldn't find it.
If anyone let me know, i will upload pics how I came up with sqf from floor plan

joah, thank you

Joahjoah // thanks for that. I imagine the cad files will be very useful to others including myself. I tried to do a c-line floorplan in google sketchup and failed miserably. To upload files, you have 2 options on google groups. You can either login and use the browse button or upload button on the files page, or email them as attachments to the group address 230Ashland at googlegroups....

Happen to find this this floorplan (B & C combined) with very precise measurement. Hope this could be of use to folks in these two units:
http://img.streeteasy.com/nyc/attachment/show/52873.pdf

In one unit I noticed water marks running alongside a window , and some drafts coming through other windows. Anyone else find window leaks or drafts in other units? I am wondering if problem is a design flaw or just sloppy work in some units.

What floor did you notice this water damage on?

Hey everyone, It sounds like I might be going in contract for a C line apt. I had originally hoped for a B or D, but C seems to be all that is available. I would love any advice on the C line. If anyone is living in a C line now, how do you like it? I'm a little worried about the proposed construction in the parking lot (Theater for New Audience building) however, that seems to be on the far back burner. Anything good or bad would be greatly appreciated, thanks so much.

Pretty much all units have the potential to have blocked views except for the B line, it appears. Dane, are you on a low floor? Not sure how recently you've been in the building, but they have rearranged the furniture in the C line putting the dining area in the round nook and the living area off to the side with hallway. I think it actually works better that way.

FAYEK and others regarding the floors - I just spoke with the folks at Fried Floors. I told them that the floors were prefinished and I was interested in getting them sealed per the advice of other neighbors. The folks at Fried Floors were very nice and said that if the floors feel smooth, it does not need to be refinished or sealed. If it is rough, it needs to be refinished and the cost would be about $1,500 for 3 coats of polish. Essentially Fried Floors said was that if the floors are smooth, there really isn't anything they could do and anything that would be done would be unnecessary and a waste of money.

My apologies if the following are really dumb questions as I do not have any experience with this - you mentioned that based on your experience, it would be advantageous to have the floors sealed. Could you please clarify why you believe the Forte Floors need to be sealed? What are the advantages / disadvantages? Would this be necessary, given Fried Floors' feedback? Many thanks in advance for any advice you can give!

Andra, I would be in the middle of the building. I'm not even in contract yet, but before I do get in there I would like to know everything. I've been looking a bit at Warehouse 11 in Williamsburg too. I like the resale and location of the Forte more though. Williamsburg is a bit overcrowded.

I have seen the new layout, I like it too. Not sure what I would do though, I suppose I have to get all my stuff in there first.

Hi folks, I'm also interested in the floors discussion. My understanding is that the matte finish on floors like these scratch easily - sliding a chair, etc. In order to get a more durable finish, a new poly coat - the shiny kind - can be applied. It will make the floor more resistant to scratching. Is that what you've been told, Fayek?

It's a bit odd that Fayek has become the flooring expert for Forte buyers. Fayek is a RE Broker, and not a buyer. He started the thread for discussion purposes. You have to take any referral from him and all others with a pinch of cynicism and do your own research. Kudos to Fried Floors for being honest about work that is required.

CCFORTE- THANK YOU!!! Great news about the floors. If anyone gets any information counter to that please let us know.

If ANYONE has good painters to recommend please provide them to the list.

I can't wait to host a wine party in my place for all of us and we all have to wear our streeteasy names on tags!

Dane - I was looking in Williamsburg for the last year and a half which is where I have lived for the last 15 years and all I can say is that I couldn't be happier with my purchase at Forte. Williamsburg is awful now - super over-crowded with an endless supply of new shoddy condos - most with awful views and no sun. Worse then that is that the nab feels like one giant dormitory for 20 somethings. Resale at forte will def be much more then anything in bburg. Also you will be in a beautiful neighborhood, near the park, near BAM, and near 14 subways - you just can't beat that.

Well put JJ.

So how about final price. Is anyone getting their apt for under asking?

Universalrooster - great comments and thanks for the feedback.

JJ - no problem - hopefully Fried Floors has helped save us all a bunch of money.

JJ - another question on the inspections - did Sergey perform the inspection alone or was he assisted? the reason I'm asking is that due to a family commitment, Sergey is no longer available to perform my inspection, but I was assigned his partner, Gene. I would have preferred Sergey since he already has experience in the Forte, but was curious if you or anyone else had any experience with Gene. Thanks in advance for any insights!

Regarding the Wood Floors!

I would have Fried come down and visually SEE the floors and give their professional opinion!

From my experience the prefinished floors that come in any new developemnt are better preserved with addition sealing, like moistacure or polyurythane. If Fried sees the Floors at Forte and thinks it is completely unnecessary to seal the floors I would accept their opinion!

I have not seen the actual floors but did have experience with prefinished wood floors!

Brooklyn Home Sale Prices Decline 9% in 2009, http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Hms-Associates-Llc-1098212.html

Looks like there maybe a slight Forte effect in Ft. Green.

Hi all,

I just found this forum and spent the last several hours reading through all the posts. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to share these great details. Hopefully I can contribute going forward. My wife and I have an accepted offer on a D line, but have not yet seen the offering plan, contract, or any building financial statements or meeting minutes.

I noticed several people have brought up the lack of minutes before, but I wondering if that has been resolved to your satisfaction. Also wondering if anyone can comment on the condo financials (as to whether current owners are paying their maintenance, etc).

We did confirm with our lawyer that there is no current litigation in the building.

we have also been following this forum, as we will be moving in shortly. All very helpful ... Does anyone have any remark to make about the "moving in" experience? Anything in particular one should be aware about?

Re: the floors I think the concept in this thread originated with an architect (leom's?) who actually viewed the floors at 230 Ashland and suggested two more layers for the floor: one "sealer", one "finish." For people who do not want to pay for this is it probably not necessary -- just recommended if you are worried about protecting your floors. We discussed with the sales agent and she seemed to think the floors had been left in some state of unfinishedness (I realize this is not a word) so that people could choose their own color stain, but did not seem to think it would be an issue to leave them as is. We are hoping to do ours because we would like a darker color and it would be a real pain to do them later after we have moved in.

Dane, re: prices -- at the time we offered they were agreeing to pay things like transfer taxes and sponsor atty fees, and when I discussed with the sales agent she seemed to be saying that if they did not pay for these things you might get a corresponding reduction in purchase price (same difference). I don't know if this is still true now that most units are taken except the 3 bedrooms and many units also have 'back up offers'.

Thank you everyone for the information on the floors. I am still unsure if we need to seal them or not. Please keep the information flowing.

Felisil, we are also moving in shortly. My recommendation is to try and book the elevators early. I am not sure if you received the Forte instruction book, which has all the details on what to do prior to the move. I suggest you obtain the book and if you are running out of time I could just post the important details on Streeteasy for you. Let me know.

Santhonys, with regards to the minutes, there were early discussions on this topic and the lack of minutes raised our concern as well. We are in contract for a C line unit and at one point I raised the possibility of buying the B line unit next to us as well - it was not an honest discussion with the sponsor but I just wanted to test the truthfulness that all units are accounted for. I was informed by the sponsor that the unit had already been purchased by the owner of the A line unit who's been living in the building since it opened, I guess over a year or so. Looking at historical data, the guy paid $1.1 million for his A line unit and now he is adding the B line one for approx. $500k. The fact that a current owner who should have some insight about Forte is increasing his investment in the building gives us some assurance that things are ok and hence we did not worry about the minutes much. I know it is not complete assurance but it does give us some comfort at least.

Also, someone requested information on painters. We will be using Master Painters. I am not sure how good they are but will be able to tell you that following the week of January 18th when they are supposed to be doing the work at our unit.

has anyone been able to obtain a mortgage pre-approval from any bank other than wells fargo?

Hi folks - in the continued spirit of trying to exercise group purchasing power, here's another potential money saving tip - I met with Budget Blinds of Brooklyn the other day to evaluate blinds for my unit. I mentioned that other prospective buyers might also be considering window shades so I convinced them to offer a special group discount to new Forte owners.

Budget Blinds of Brooklyn has installed shades for a number of units in the building already, and was recommended during the initial marketing of the building (per MoMoYa's post). They are apparently very knowledgable and experienced with these installations which they said are complicated in the Forte due to the 2 layer concrete and steel beams that need to be drilled into and anchored for brackets above the windows (which apparently would be an issue for any non professional installer looking to perform a self installation). I met with Eric (who I believe is the franchise owner) and he was very courteous, helpful, and not pushy.

Budget Blinds of Brooklyn is willing to give a 40% across the board discount for any Forte buyer who does the following:

1. Contact Eric Griffith of Budget Blinds of Brooklyn at either 718.789.5500 or brooklyn@budgetblinds.com
2. Tell them that "Kris" referred you and that you are a purchaser at the Forte
3. Schedule a free consultation with Budget Blinds for no later than the next 2 weeks

Eric said he would extend this discount for those purchasers who schedule the consultation within 2 weeks and whose purchase totals $1K or more after discount (which seems reasonable given the amount of windows in the Forte units and the fact that Budget Blinds offers a wide range of products for different price ranges).

Eric said this discount would only be available for the next 2 weeks since it is more than the 30% discount originally offered to Forte buyers, and usually requires a $10K minimum order to achieve - thus, he said that if there is sufficient response to this offer over the next 2 weeks (i.e. he receives enough volume business to justify the discount), he would consider extending it - if not, it would be discontinued. Good luck!

Amazing, thanks so much ccforte!

We have someone from Wood Floors by Classic (www.woodfloorsbyclassic.com) coming to look at the floors the week after next, to assess what, if anything, we need done. We spoke to Eric and explained that it was a new development and he spoke about "sealing" and "finishing" the floor. Based on our square footage (1200 sqf), he said it would be between $1000-$1200 and that if we want to proceed, that we should do so after painters, etc... have finished their work and that it would take one day work/one day to dry.

JJ - saw your post regarding your wine party/SE name tags...my husband, George12 and I, can't wait! Out of curiousity, when are most people on here closing/moving in?
In response to your question regarding painter, we are using Master Painters & Home Improvement - 718.568.4509 - we had a few people come in to quote us, and Marcel seemed like he really knew what he was doing and seemed very passionate about his work and had a large sense of pride of what his finished product would look like. The work is being done in two weeks, so we will be able to speak more about our experience then.

I had inspection done today. During inspection, I found there was whistle coming from HVAC unit on second bedroom. I made sure I turned it off completely, but I still could hear it. My best guess is that there is gap on air way through outside of building. I could hear from entrance door (A line unit). If anyone knows this issue, and is it possible to out it on 'punch list'? It mention on OP that appliance won't be sponsor's responsibility. I wonder HVAC unit is considered as appliance.

Thanks for the comment re: budgetblinds.com. We will definitely give them a call this week too. The southern exposures were blinding this morning when we were there.

Also, is anyone planning any kitchen remodeling? We're thinking of extending the countertop in the D unit or putting in an island. Still in the early stages of thinking about it, but would be happy to coordinate and share info w/ others out there.

JJ - would love to come to the wine party too to meet the new neighbors ;)

ccforte - Thx for coordinating the window treatment. I've just emailed Eric for a consultation.
momoya - My contract is still partially executed b/c the sponsor just came back to town after the holiday. I've heard that he's got 7 more contracts to sign. Plz keep us posted about the floor painting.
santhonys - I asked about building a cooking island. One architect said it'd be easier to run the pipes & wires from the ceiling. I'm afraid this approach wouldn't look nice. Plz let me know if you got good solutions.
jj - Can't wait to see everyone at the party! :)

Hi all,
We inspected the apartment with architects yesterday, and found several things to be fixed... hopefully it will be taken care of, but when you inspect your unit, check if the moldings around the doors and closet frames are properly sealed, that there's not paint in doorhandles and floor and that all kitchen cabinets are finished and close well.)
Thanks George12 about that info, we'll request a copy!
We can't wait to move in and meet you all as well!

For those considering extending kitchen counters or designing a kitchen island, the source of the cabinets/counters and possibly bathroom vanities is http://www.dbscabinets.com/. I was hoping to come up with a design for a kitchen counter with matching materials and did a search for the Tabu Lolo Pacific wood material the cabinets are made from, and came across http://www.dbscabinets.com/ajx_Bovis_clarett.html. Apparently, Tabu Lolo Pacific wood is merely marketing invention of a producer of cabinets for the construction trade. Anyone know if these type of contractors are willing to sell their materials or cabinets to individual or a small-group of individuals? If so, individuals in the c-line and other lines interested in kitchen island and extended counters may be able to purchase matching materials and/or counters.

NYT's Local Blog today writes about Project Reclaim and it's plans for 230 Ashland. Too bad the author didn't bother to check any facts. http://fort-greene.thelocal.nytimes.com/2010/01/11/can-jeffries-big-housing-idea-work/#comments

Hi rooster,
That's great info about who provided & did the cabinets at Forte. Seems that Forte was called the "Clarett Tower" in the client referral sheet, which also features 1 Hanson.
I've emailed inquiry about small group purchase. Anyone wants to do kitchen expansion & cooking island?

BTW, it doesn't bother much to be singled out in the blog now that Forte is out of the woods. :)Converstion to rental or moderate income housing could be a real threat to Toren, 1bbp, if not a reality (Oro, 1 Hanson).
http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2009/01/one_hanson_rema.php

Hey Rooster and Leom - I also emailed DB Cabinets to see if they sell "retail" and will let you know what I hear. Thanks for tracking them down.

We weren't planning to build an island immediately, however, if the only way to get the matching cabinets is buying as a group, we'd be interested in tagging along...thanks.

I'm getting screwed...

After telling me that everything is working on a first come first serve basis, now they are bumping me as the contract is being put in my hand to someone offering all cash. Didn't even come back to me to ask if I could match it. My mistake was not going directly to the building, another agent in the local office said she could work with me and because I'm sure the building agents didn't want to split a commision, they worked it so I kept getting moved around until now it seems every place is snatched up. Even though I've had an offer out since almost the building was back on the market.

I'm very sad by these events, learn from them. I was really hoping to call Forte my home, I hope I can still accomplish this, but looks doubtful.

Dane - this is terrible news! Something similar happened to me. I was literally one of the first people in the building and bid on a top floor unit. No one ever told me why but some one who came in after me ended up getting it. I grabbed what was left. After an initial period of bitterness I am happy now. I wish you luck!!!

MoMoYa - please keep us posted about the floors. I spoke to my broker who told me all the floors were finished and had a polyeurthane coating of protection. I would prefer to get a more professional opinion though.

Felisil - thanks for the tips on things to look out for. My unit also had vanity doors missing and shelves missing in kitchen. I wonder how hard it is going to be for us to get them to deal with our punchlists.

George - I LOVE transform! Thanks for recommending them. I worked with someone who was really great and managed to help me come up with a good plan despite my limited budget. Her name was Julia - if anyone else wants their closets done you can call her at: 917-330-4953

Will update all about mortgage later.

I won't be in until March so will plan the wine party for around then!

Does anyone else in the A or B line agree that we don't need blinds? The light is perfect!

Hi there. Can anyone give me the contact information for the management company for this building?

Dane, I am sorry to hear about what happened. You need to keep in mind that this is not an auction, they are expected to take the best offer on any unit. Best offer could be full asking, cash purchase etc...I am assuming you don't have your financing yet or you just offered below asking, while someone else has financing ready or gave them the full asking. I would offer full ask on a few other units and hope one works out.

nyhibo, Property Manager is Phillis Nappi at Pnappi@caranproperties.com.

here is the contact for one more painter, in case anyone still needs it: 917 7742356 (Ramiro). He does a lot of work in high end properties and is first rate, and not expensive.

Had my inspection yesterday. We are in the A line and biggest issue seems to be heat loss near the windows. Not sure what exactly can be done - the second bedroom in particular seemed to be a problem. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I know at some point an estimate of heating costs was posted on this board and I think they were relatively high...maybe this is why.

Otherwise unit looked great and we are on our way to closing!

hi all,

i currently live in the forte and noticed this discussion when i was checking out sales on streeteasy. glad to have you all moving in! i just wanted to respond to jj1918 - i live in the b line, and although the light is great it gets really hot in the summer if you don't have blinds. the sun also shines directly into your eyes in the morning. we got solar shades and love them because they keep the apartment cool and cut the glare, but you still get the view and you can keep them pulled up most of the time.

Many of the windows are not set properly, which is the reason for the heat loss. You should request that they be fixed. I suspect most people are going to have this issue. I say we all ask. Again, strength in numbers.

Momoya,

The thing that was so odd about it was that I had all my financing ready to go. I offered above asking on some apts, offered 20-40% down on some units and they said they wouldn't hear it. Since it was under foreclosure they couldn't ask for any more than they already were and percent down didn't matter because it was all first come first serve. But now that there are only a few apts left, they are deciding to throw all that out.

wow that's too bad. I am really sorry to hear that. I hope something works out for you.

Andra, I agree about the windows being an issue. I've noticed water and air leaks in the windows. When I have raised this with the agent and sponsor they indicated that these are punch list repairs. However, re setting a window seems like a more serious repair than your typical punch list item. Seems like an expensive repair for owner and condo if not done properly.

I don't think heating will be an issue. I visited on one of the coldest days last month and the unit even with the heat off was nice and toasty. Aircondirioning in summer seems like the biggest expense.

universalrooster// Is common charges covering heat in the unit?

Agree, the windows are an expensive repair, which is why I think everyone should request it. It's a huge problem. I wouldn't trust that it will get repaired as a "punch list" item.

Dane, I'm really sorry to hear what happened to you.

We recently met with our attorney to discuss the contract (we have signed it, and are awaiting counter-signature from the sponsor's attorney). Our attorney added a rider stating the the unit would be free of leaks and that appliances would be in working order. She told us that floors are "as-is" but that the sponsor was aware of issues with windows and was prepared to fix them (at their expense).

Of course, we're still early in the process and are hearing it through our attorney, but it sounds like they will fix window problems.

Andra// have you had any success in adding the windows to the contract? Can't say I've made much progress in 2 weeks back/forth

JoahJoah// I don't think heating is covered.

Turtle - thanks for your comments about the solar blinds. Is it costly? Can you recommend where you got your or someone to install them that I may contact?

Windows...I did not notice anything in my unit and neither did my inspector but I am getting worried. Does anyone recommend a specific thing to look for when I do my walk through? I would rather we work as a group on this. Strength in numbers....I already signed my contract so I cant add it in now. What kind of repairs should I be looking for and what should I request?

Like universal I was in the unit with no heat on a freezing day and was very comfortable and warm.

JJ - during our last visit, I took a number of photos including some minor water damage on the sill: http://drop.io/230ashland/asset/dsc-0046-jpg

I expect you would have noticed something like this... no?

Also: Has anyone tried to get Verizon Fios? Looks like there is fiber optics in the closet and Verizon's website says the building is eligible.

JJ - we got our solar shades at budget blinds. they were very familiar with the building and gave a discount for all building residents (i can't remember how much it was, but it was a standard discount - we didn't have to negotiate). it cost $1500 for blinds for all windows in the larger b-line unit, including installation. i think our contact's name was eric griffith - 718.789.5500.

Also, we have verizon fios, as do many people in the building. We have not had any problems with it.

Hi, this is my first time commenting. Just got the mortgage commitment letter today, so hopefully should be on track to closing on my unit at the Forte at the end of January. When are most people moving in?

I'm in the same boat as jj1918, as I've already signed my contract, so can't negotiate anything on that front. I am about to do the walk-through though, so any advice on what to look out for besides the windows and what is on the punchlist would be much appreciated.

I corresponded with Budget Blinds (thanks ccforte!) about setting up a consultation and they were very responsive and professional.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Thx for your great info, turtle. By coincidance, ccforte has negotiated a group purchase w. budgetblinds. I've emailed them about the solar shades. My only concern is that solar shades don't have a very high light blocking % and my C line has walls of south facing glass windows. Do you think it's strong enough?
jj- I'll have them do a walk through for measurement this weekend. Will report the estimation.

JJ and others - regarding Verizon FIOS, I was able to get them to provide me with an AMAZING deal and discount - especially since there are signficant expenses associated with installing FIOS (or any other phone, cable, etc.) due to the fact that there are no phone jacks or other outlets in the Forte condo walls and cables need to be brought out from the coat closet (these are not insignificant and can be a few hundred dollars per jack). I have put a call into the FIOS rep to see if they can extend the same discount to others in the Forte and also to see if they can offer an even better deal if we all purchase as a group (e.g. a building discount). I am waiting to hear back from her. Thus, I would encourage anyone who is thinking about getting FIOS to hold off until I hear back from my rep at FIOS, so hopefully we can all leverage our group buying power to get a good deal. I'll post as soon as I hear back.

thanks for the tip on budget blinds - i will contact them now.

ccforte - this came up before and Zinka said that there are phone jacks in the Forte Condo Walls. ?
Looking forward to your update.

santhonys - yes i saw the exact same thing in my unit but it ended up not being water damage nor linked to the window installation. It was just badly attached window sills that were lifting at the joints causing the paint to crack. They just need to be pinned down and sanded and painted.

thanks Leom!

You should check the actual window frames for water marks.

You should check the actual window frames for water marks.

You should check the actual window frames for water marks.

You should check the actual window frames for water marks.

I remember I read something about heating is provided and HVAC heating is for extra as required on Offering Plan. Also, current Unit owner said electric bill was about $80 for winter and $200 for summer on other thread. I think CC is extremely expansive if CC doesn't even cover for heating.

Leom, the roller shades have varying degrees of "openness factor" (I think ranging from 3%-14%...the higher the %, the higher the openness to light/bigger holes in the weave). We're doing roller shades and had samples sent to us so we could hold it up to the direct light to verify it would block the sun (we're in the brightest of bright C-line as well)- which the 3% did. We're doing blackout shades in the bedrooms. If you're having your guy come this weekend to measure, make sure he brings fabric samples for you to see.

Thx, MoMoYa. And here's some noteworthy comments from my research for other purchasers' consideration:
Solar Shades are ideal for any room with high sun exposure. Solar shades reduce heat transmittance, keeping rooms cooler, offering unmatched durability, minimal maintenance and excellent outward visibility.
Select a color: Choose from UV blocking choices. Keep in mind that darker fabrics provide a better daytime view, while light-colored fabrics provide less of a daytime view. But the lighter the fabric color, the better the temperature control.

Step by step ordering instructions
http://www.solar-screen-shades.com/sheerweave.htm

has anyone looked into the cost of motorized roll shades?
depending on manufacturer, multiple shades can be ganged on a single motor or circuit so you can lower all of the shades on the east side and leave the west side up for instance. you'd have to run wiring to one end of the shade, ideally hidden inside the wall.
mechoshade's electroshade system is the top of the line but probably quite pricey.
http://www.mechoshade.com/motorizedshades/index.cfm
in my experience 3% openness is the way to go to block out sun/glare but still maintain some minimal view of the exterior.

Motorized definitely makes sense in the C line so we looked into it - the price to do it was roughly 3-4 times the price of the shades themselves(!)...so didn't do it.

santhonys, is your atty's initials SG? sounds like her kind of rider :)

Just curious -- has anyone had experience or heard anything on how long it took the building to fix items on the punchlist? Did people generally wait to have everything fixed before moving in? I ask because we have fairly tight timing -- hoping to close at the end of January and move in shortly thereafter.

Turtle, perhaps you have some insight?

Zinka - Ha! How did you know? This message board is full of "small world" phenomena.

Hi tea - we did not have everything fully fixed before moving in. We had to wait a few weeks to get a few bathroom finishes installed. But everything else - crooked shelves, some hot water issues, was fixed before move-in. However, there were many fewer people moving in at that time so they may have had more capacity. Sorry I can't be more helpful!

Zinka & Santhony// Did sponsor accept and sign with the rider? If so, I'm gonna sign up with your attorney. Would you be able to pass on her contact details? If you don't wish to post it publicy you can send via my email address on the google groups board or at http://scr.im/universal/

BTW. The first of the recent sales is showing up on ACRIS. Apartment 24B sold on 01/05/10 for asking, i.e., $468,000.

Was everyone able to work through the "alarming" details that were discovered in the offering plan in earlier discussions? PC0, pricing of super's unit, etc?

I have an accepted offer at the Forte at the asking price, and I'm just working through the contract now. I'm curious to know how others handled the temporary certificate of occupancy. Are you waiting for a perm certificate of occupancy for closing? Requiring the sponsor to hold part of the purchase price in escrow until the perm c of o is achieved? Thanks

We closed yesterday!! Can't wait to get the work done on our units and move in later this month.
Andra/Forte, please see previous discussions which cover your questions.
See you all at the wine party at jj's place :)

Turtle: Thanks for your comments about the work after closing.

george12: Congrats on closing! Did they give you a timeframe when they would finish the things on your punch list? I heard a rumour that they promised that everything would be fixed within 30 days...

Tea, I'm also concerned about that... some things are fine to be fixed after move in, but others not... We sent several questions to the seller's lawyers to no response. Does anyone know who to speak to about this? or have any other insight?

Universal + Leom...just wondering if you've heard back from the cabinets people?

No. I also called their # but no one answered the phone. :(

Same here... no response from the cabinet people.

anyone have any updates on the floors? i love them the way they are but would rather put a protective coat on them before moving in if it is needed....

Looks like Forte is now offically Fannie Mae approved. They certainly have come a long way in this market and now have the "golden stamp" of approvals.
forte230 - it is very common for new construction condos to have just a TCO for closings. Most full CO's are obtained until the full completion of the project.
sunny.hong@bankofamerica.com

Anyone have any luck with the windows? When we told the contractor about the heat loss, we were basically told to pound sand and that the windows are working properly.

Momoya// I haven't heard from the cabinet maker either.
Timonstreet// check the offering plan. For now they are only fixing leaks etc due to settling of the building.

Has anyone started working with an electrician? We would like to get a quote to install ceiling lights and don't know any electricians.

We're meeting with Budget Blinds and Transform Closets (Julia) on Saturday morning--thanks for those referrals. Also California Closets the following week to get a second opinion (Ralph, 516-334-0077).

P.S. Am married to santhonys & looking forward to meeting you all! We heard that our contract was countersigned yesterday. Thanks for all the advice and community on this board.

I believe that the contractor we've been using to take down drywall for our closet door install is a licensed electrician. His name is Josh from Highline Design Corp and he is AMAZING! Their # is 646-641-9308 and ask for Paige.

Forte makes Bloomberg:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=email_en&sid=at4tdy1hc6bU

interesting that corocaran says they received offers on 65 of 70 units. I wonder which ones haven't received offers.

All low fl 3 bedrooms. Not a surprise given their higher total price & higher per square foot price, plus the window line concern and a less than dramatic view.