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SevenBerry in Williamsburg

Started by REALESTATELAWYER
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 28
Member since: Feb 2008
Have anybody seen or dealt with the agents in Sevenberry?
Response by bjw2103
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

Yeah, they seem fine to me, based on the OH I went to. Have you had any issues?

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Response by REALESTATELAWYER
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 28
Member since: Feb 2008

I saw the the first amendment to the offering plan. It was 50K lower than they are asking for. Was wondering if anyone negotiated with them. I thought their price was on the high side

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Response by gbb
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 9
Member since: Dec 2007

I told an agent I'd be interested at 15% off listing. haven't heard back

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Response by bjw2103
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

realestatelawyer, did you mean 5k?

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Response by REALESTATELAWYER
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 28
Member since: Feb 2008

No 50K!!!

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Response by REALESTATELAWYER
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 28
Member since: Feb 2008

Sorry its 42K

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Response by nycdev
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 5
Member since: Feb 2008

If you are a real estate attorney, why would this suprise you? The original schedule A (pricing) for a development is typically created upwards of two years before a project even hits the market. Why would you expect that pricing to remain in tact?

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Response by jsey9
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 65
Member since: Feb 2008

I visited Severberry last week and was pretty shocked how high the listing prices were for what you get there. Most units seemed overpriced by 50K in my opinion. It seems to me that there is way better value north and that the prices in that area are not justified by the current market.

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Response by bjw2103
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

jsey9, any particular instances you're talking about? I thought the units were pretty good, a little overpriced, but 50k? I liked it much more than 80Met. Ikon's nice too, but not as close to the subway, and didn't like the 2nd br as much in the unit I saw.

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Response by Anon101
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 28
Member since: Jan 2007

I agree with Jsey9 that some of the units seem priced high. About 75-90k too high for the 2BR. The 1 BR are closer. If you look at the price cuts at 349 Met where they dropped a few 70K on a 700K base I don't think a price drop is out of the question.

Did you get an idea of how many listings were under contract. I haven't seen much movement recently and was wondering whether it was a factor of market or that the brokers aren't updating it.

On comparing it to 80 Met; Not quite as high quality with finishes and exterior (or extras) but the location is much better IMO.

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Response by nycdev
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 5
Member since: Feb 2008

There are really only four developments that are comparable on the north side at the moment. Sevenberry, 80 Met, 125 North 10th and Northside Piers (this is a bit of a stretch). The fact that you could even make a comparison to 349 Met shows that you do not know much about development. Nevertheless, I am curious what you all think the ppsf is on the north side of Williamsburg? I am working on something on Wythe on the north side and the feedback is very interesting to me. Everything is worked out on a ppsf basis and Sevenberry is actually the cheapest of those 4 buildings averaging roughly 740 to 770 per foot. 80 Met and 125 No 10th are typically averaging 825 to 870 per foot. Northside Piers is sometimes higher than that, but again that is a different type of product. What other projects are you guys using as a form of comparison?

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Response by Anon101
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 28
Member since: Jan 2007

NYC Dev, Thanks for your commentary, I agree that 349 is certainly inferior but its not bad enough or far enough away not to be a directional indicator for pricing.

As for other Devs I would add to the drawing board (quite literally) Urban Green, 70 Berry, and 161 North 4th. You could also use Warehouse 11 but I don't know the quality and inclusion drags the conversation towards the devs around the park.

For the finishes I think SevenBerry is best balance of finish to price. 125 N. 10th's finishes seem significantly inferior to the others in your set. The number of units, and layouts of 7berry were very attractive. If I was the developer I might push use of part of the basement as a small gym and ultimately I would have used the street facing space for retail. We found the first floor living spaces really a non-starter.

On the PPSF I think its important to factor in the type of apartment. The 2BR are significantly less expensive on a SF basis than the 1 BR. I would think this is due to the large % of cost that a kitchen build-out adds that is absorbed into a smaller 1 br vs 2br layout. 3G at 7berry is a 1050 Sqft Split 2BR layout listed for $805K. I found that this apartment (not on the 1st or 2nd floor, good size, finishes) served as our benchmark for the evaluation of all other options. We also thought the $35K for the parking space was a little expensive but probably worthwhile. The roof top cabanas seemed the least reasonable part of the equation. Just too much $.

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Response by bjw2103
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

Anon101, agreed 80Met is higher quality in some respects, but I have no interest in a pool or "zen garden," which you're obviously paying for. Maintenance is quite high for WB too. I'm a little confused about your 7berry comments - you think the 2BRs are priced about right or 75k too high? Your last two posts seem to conflict a bit, or maybe I'm a little slow today.

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Response by nycdev
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 5
Member since: Feb 2008

Well it is difficult to add 70 Berry or 161 North 4th to the mix because they have not begun their sales process. Therefore it is impossible to compare. The finishings at Urban Green are quite inferior from any of the other developments we mentioned earlier. I cannot comment on the construction because nothing is built. In fact, they have been having a large issue with the water level at their building site and everything appears to be a little up in the air from my understanding. I hope it works out though, I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

I think the issue is that many buyers are convinced that it is purely a buyer's market and they can dictate pricing. This could not be further from the truth. Can buyer's negotiate a little? Sure. But there are so many factors that go into the pricing of a building, and as we mentioned on the other Wburg thread, it would be more lucrative to go rental at a certain point. The other thing to consider is that people are still buying. Pricing has leveled off, but product is still moving.

Ultimately, if you are not buying as an investment, I would be more concerned with finding a home that feels comfortable and works within my lifestyle. I am very hands on with any project I work on because I refuse to produce something that I would not want to live in myself.

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Response by jsey9
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 65
Member since: Feb 2008

I was specifically referring to the 2 bedrooms at Sevenberry which I thought were overpriced. There are some really nasty vacant lots that you look out into from some of the two bedrooms and at prices of 800-850K, I don't see how you could justify that. I look at Warehouse 11, IKON, MAC (although this is a strecth) as being a better options, closer to the park, etc.

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Response by bjw2103
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

jsey9, assuming you're referring to that pretty dreadful abandoned Mobil station across Berry St. It does look like there should be an occasional tumbleweed rolling around, but do you think that's worth a 50k reduction? I'm guessing that'll be built on at some point. It will be costly to remove the gas tanks (or whatever the proper term is) that are buried pretty deep, but the zoning is for 70ft height max, so it won't be a tower a la the Edge either.

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Response by lrs2004
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 1
Member since: Feb 2008

NYCDEV, I think your approach to renting is a little unrealistic. Clearly, there is less supply in the area for rentals, but that is a fleeting thing. Not only are certain new developments being pegged for rentals, but other developers are in the same situation. Rental income isn't going to cover the loan interest, the administrative costs are high, and you think that you are going to turn those rentals back into condos and sell them at some point. I doubt someone is going to want to buy a condo turned rental turned condo, when they are still going to have a lot of pure condo options in the near to short-term. You should just make your best deal and move on to the next project.

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Response by Anon101
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 28
Member since: Jan 2007

I think its relevant to ask what is going in the lot directly to the West of the building on North 7th. Any views west from the roof or from the apts below could be lost

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Response by Anon101
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 28
Member since: Jan 2007

Walked by the place yesterday and saw cleaning crews scrubbing away. With the exception of some exterior stone finishing and some tree planting the place looks very close to finished. Did anyone learn of the closing schedule for the units? April 08?

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Response by fedup
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 51
Member since: Feb 2008

Anyone know if anything's moved in this place? Seems like nothing's sold for a while.

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Response by bjw2103
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

Doesn't look like anything's moved in a while, but there were a lot of people at the open house I went to a few weeks ago. I liked the building though. Buyers are being more patient, especially outside Manhattan.

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Response by fedup
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 51
Member since: Feb 2008

bjw2103, I've seen it also and liked it but really think it's overpriced. I also think the CCs are a bit high considering you're not getting much, and the post-abatement RE taxes are quite high, which might cause re-sale problems. I'm definitely taking a wait-and-see approach with the market being what it is and so much upcoming inventory. Are there any other place you've looked at and liked?

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Response by bjw2103
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

fedup, CCs could be lower, but I saw 80Met, where admittedly you do get more in terms of amenities, but it's a lot more there. What are the post-abatement RE taxes like? I missed that info somehow. What are you basing your overpriced call on? It seems a bit high, but in line with other things I've seen in the neighborhood (Ikon, 125 N10th, Sophia Lofts, Urban Green - which doesn't even have a foundation yet). Parking is much less than what I've seen in other buildings though.

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Response by jsey9
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 65
Member since: Feb 2008

Has anyone looked at other developer's group properties North of the Park (Northpoint Towers, mAC, The New Condos, etc.). Curious what people think of those and that park of town.

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Response by bcg
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 7
Member since: Feb 2008

Did sevenberry just release more units. I don't remember seeing some of the units listed preiously?

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Response by nyc08
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 74
Member since: Feb 2008

i agree with fedup that the sevenberry is overpriced which is why it's not moving. for example $895 per sf for a 1br when better waterfront properties like northside piers, which has more amenities plus beautiful manhattan skyline views, can be had for less!

furthermore, the CCs are definitely a puzzle since sevenberry does not have the amenities offered at all the other surrounding bldgs in north williamsburg such as 125 N10th, ikon, warehouse 11, etc. (i.e., doorman, concierge services, yoga room, common roofdeck, swimming pool, children's playroom, etc.) what is the $800-900 CC going towards besides a dinky little "fitness room" which will have a couple treadmills and a common indoor lounge area?

i read on curbed and other nyc RE websites that there are many new buildings coming to the williamsburg market this spring and summer nearby so i'm waiting for something better to come along... and honestly, even then i'm pretty nervous about making a RE purchase in a still-developing neighborhood in such a precarious economy without a better price concession... why buy in williamsburg when the nytimes, fortune, wsj, etc. are all predicting solid 14%+ price drops in manhattan proper over the next 5 years with places outside manhattan, such as brooklyn and queens experiencing an even more dramatic drop?

the prices most of these new buildings are asking for still doesn't take into account the reality of today's housing market, the aftermath of the billion-dollar subprime crash which is also affecting the prime market, the current credit crunch and new lending restrictions and now the looming recession...

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Response by BillyRes
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 166
Member since: Feb 2008

jsey9: I've commented on here before. About NorthPoint Towers, I'm a fan. Great finishes. High end appliances. Solid doors. Good layout. Wonderful light. High ceilings. Private (few units per floor). Overall nice. Locationwise - there are other properties closer to the subway.

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Response by inthemarket
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 5
Member since: Feb 2008

I am currently looking to buy but I would really like a two bedroom and may need to save some more money before I can move ahead. I have religiously been reading this stuff and I really disagree with a lot of things that are said. First off, buying a home is a personal thing. I can understand asking for other people's opinions and for information, etc. But many of you seem to be actually basing your decisions on what random people (myself included) have to say on a blog. I find that a little strange. If you find a home that you are comfortable living in, in a neighborhood you are comfortable in, and the price is not outrageous, then why do you need to get validation from others? Many of which think anything they cannot afford must be overpriced and that in 5 years they will be able to buy a PH in Manhattan. I myself cannot afford a two bedroom in the buildings I am interested in (which happen to be Sevenberry and 80 Met). But I don't think they are overpriced. They are selling at market value and I just happen to not have enough saved up to make it happen.

I find that many of the facts here are incorrect as well. NYC08 - you picked one apartment at sevenberry which I would assume is 2B according to the price sheet I have. Did you mention that it has a 400 sq ft terrace? Did you mention that the majority of the building is selling for less than $800 a foot? The common charges are a little bit high for a building without too many amenities, but they do include all heat and gas which is at least 100 bucks a month you would normally pay and its a smaller building which is sort of nice but inadvertantly raises common charges

I also thought the unabated taxes comment was way off base too. That is a standard thing. Unabated taxes are always significantly higher than abated taxes - obviously. Its not just this development. In addition, no one actually knows what the taxes will be in 15 years. The building will likely have been reaccessed by then.

I like 80 Met a lot too. They seem to be averaging about 820 - 850 psf which is a bit higher, but I really enjoy the warehouse look of the building, and the amenities seem great. Though, as previously mentioned, it does raise common charges quite a bit. I am still considering a 2 bed at 80 Met as I may have enough time to save up money because it will not be done for quite some time. With sevenberry being so close to completetion there is no way I will be able to come up with the additional money to live comfortably.

Anyway, sorry for the venting but I just think many people on this board post misleading information and it really bothers me sometimes.

Oh and jsey-9, I saw a few of those building. I think they are nice apartments. A little too far from the train for me, but that is just me. What do you think? Are you comfortable with the 10 minute walk to the train? You get what you pay for, and those apartments are less money because they are a little further away.

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Response by bjw2103
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

nyc08, haven't seen Northpoint Towers from the inside, but (and I can only speak for 2BRs here) all the available units are more expensive than Sevenberry. The views are great, I imagine, but it's a glass tower with little charm and a farther walk from trains/amenities, etc. Also, the ccs at Sevenberry are not $800-900 at all. You were talking 1BRs, and the priciest real 1BR is at $530: http://www.thedevelopersgroup.com/apartments/apartment.aspx?webid=13061

Someone said 125 N10th's finishes were subpar - anyone second that? Seemed ok to me.

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Response by BillyRes
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 166
Member since: Feb 2008

inthemarket: I signed a contract at 80 Met. Like you, I'm attracted to the warehouse look and the large windows that start at thigh height (giving a little privacy). I posted my reasons for choosing the building on the 80 Metropolitan discussion. The building just feels right. I really like Williamsburg and 80 Met and have been encouraging those on the fence to consider the location and building as well. Oh and yes there is some time to start saving for those outrageous closing costs. Good luck.

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Response by fedup
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 51
Member since: Feb 2008

inthemarket, the whole point of this board to get information from people. And as is the nature of most message boards you don't know who's on the other end. No one can make you do anything, you can only take in as much information as you can and make an informed decision. And just as you disagree with my unabted taxes comment, I have to disagree with your "they are selling at market value" statement. I have been looking for a while now and unabated taxes vary wildy from building to building and area to area. However, between at least 2 buildings in the williamsburg area, for a 2bdrm/2bath, Sevenberry is 50% higher. *Obviously* no one knows what taxes will be in 15 years, so you can only base it on the information you have now. As for common charges, many other places also include electricity (such as Northside Piers). In fact most new developments I've seen at least include heat and gas so that doesn't factor into the equation. As for selling at market value, you can choose to believe what you want. Each building has it's pluses and minuses and you can't base everything on just $/PSF.

bjw2103, I also looked at 125 N10th and thought their finishes were quite nice.

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Response by bjw2103
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

fedup, not clear what you're saying is 50% higher at Sevenberry? I'm seriously considering it, but would like to hear your experience. Also, broker told me a new 2BR/2BA around here could rent for $4200. I found that hard to believe. Anyone have more insight on that?

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Response by Anon101
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 28
Member since: Jan 2007

From the Eagle Earlier this month: WILLIAMSBURG — On the market in Williamsburg are 27 (ONLY 24 LISTED ON DEVELOPERS GROUP)condominiums in a new four-story building designed by the now familiar architect, Karl Fischer.

A project of Brooklyn developer Edward Wydra of 101 Lafayette Realty LLC, the 50-foot-tall, 50,500-square-foot building is at 120 N. 7th St., corner of Berry Street — hence its name: Sevenberry. “Sevenberry offers all the best ingredients for a chic new building,” said Highlyann Krasnow, executive vice president of The Developers Group, who is overseeing sales.

The 27 units range in size from a 694-square-foot one-bedroom unit to a 2,215-square-foot three-bedroom home. Prices start at $575,000.

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Response by inthemarket
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 5
Member since: Feb 2008

Information, yes. Opinions, sure. But to actually make decisions that directly effect your life based on if someone else thinks something is priced too high, or if someone else thinks the walk to the train is too far, that is ridiculous.

I am not trying to pick a fight with you, but I find much of your information is inaccurate from my experience. Hardly any of the developments I have seen include heat or gas in their common charges. Furthermore, why would the city be out to get the owners at sevenberry with unabated taxes that are head and shoulders above everyone else? I would ask to see solid proof of that from you. Plus, as you mentioned, buildings will be reaccessed and no one knows what taxes will be in 15 years. What were the unabated taxes at 80 Met?

I 100% agree with you that you cannot base a decision on price per foot, but that seems to be a popular sentiment here. I think if you can afford something and you like it and it is priced approapriately for the area, then you should go for it. If you just look to get the best deal in the end, I think you will only end up kicking yourself.

Having said that, why do you believe sevenberry is overpriced? If you compare it to 80 Met or 125 north 10th it has the lowest overall price per foot and the best location in my opinion.

BJW, I saw 125 North 10th as well. I thought it was nice, but there was nothing about it that stood out to me. It offers similar amenities to 80 Met, without the pool, but I personally preferred the overall look and feel of 80 Met finishes. Thats just me though, and there was certainly nothing wrong with the 125 North 10 finishes with the exception of that fridge.

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Response by Anon101
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 28
Member since: Jan 2007

The same developer also developed the Gretsch building another Karl Fischer that has received great reviews. The Gretsch on "the border between the Northside and South Williamsburg neighborhoods, contains 130 lofts carved out of a 10-story factory where the Gretsch company once made guitars and other musical instruments. Martin Wydra and his brother, Edward, second-generation builders from Brooklyn, are doing the $75 million conversion"

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Response by fedup
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 51
Member since: Feb 2008

bjw2103, I was referring to the unabated taxes. As for what brokers say, well, put it this way, by default I don't believe anything they say, and it doesn't mean anything unless it's in writing. I've had a broker *guarantee* me that my property will substantially increase within a couple of years after I bought it. Are these people serious???

inthemarket, if you're not trying to pick a fight, then quit with the perjoratives. I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm not trying to "mislead" anyone. My information comes from the offering plans. Where's your "proof" of anything you say? Have you compared the unabated RE taxes of various developments? If not then I'd suggest you keep your suspicions to yourself unless you can back them up. And I'm not saying I know why there's a disparity, all that I know is there is. Also, please list which developments that you've seen which don't include heat or gas that are relevent to this discussion. And this point is somewhat moot, whether it's included or not you're still paying for it and if you're comparing developments that also cover heat and gas (and maybe electricity) then you need to look at the amenities, and a lot of developments add what I consider garbage amentities to jack up the price and make it look more attractive.

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Response by jsey9
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 65
Member since: Feb 2008

I've concentrated on the North side on wburg primarily based on price and superior views for the money. I think Sevenberry is great also and pretty much prime in terms of the location to the subway and bars/restaurants. I also think that area will see a ton of development, probably more than the North of Mccarren.

The G to E is convenient for people that work in Midtown so I think there is some good value to be had on the North side of Mccarren. I also like the fact that the buildings have elevators that open into your apartment, which I think is really cool. The walk to the L from the north side of Mccarren is about 12 minutes but that could be your walk from york to the subway on the UES.

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Response by inthemarket
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 5
Member since: Feb 2008

You are the one making these claims, therefore the burden on proof would be on you. However, to be perfectly honest, you just seem like a bitter guy who has a chip on his shoulder . So I am not really interested in anything you have to say.

bjw, some useful advice would be to just start looking on websites for rental comps. I would check out the bigger resale companies like corcoran, elliman, halstead, etc. See what the rentals they have are listed at.

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Response by fedup
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 51
Member since: Feb 2008

inthemarket, I backed up my claim whereas you just sound like a shill. Again where's your proof? Oh wait, there is none since you've yet to backup any of your claims. And you've posted a lot for someone who's not really interested.

jsey9, which condos near the park did you like? I've seen Aqua, Ikon and some others I can't remember but wasn't really impressed (aside from the views). Which buildings have elevators which open into the apartment?

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Response by BillyRes
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 166
Member since: Feb 2008

Wow. Heated discussions. bjw: I doubt you can rent a 2 bedroom/2 bath for $4200 in Williamsburg anytime soon. Williamsburg isn't attracting that crowd yet. In 5 years perhaps. Have a quick look on craigslist to get a sense of what 2 bedrooms are currently going for - not $4200.

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Response by fedup
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 51
Member since: Feb 2008

Actually, now that I think about it (and this will be my last post regarding inthemarket), if you were *really* in the market, wouldn't you be concerned about the unabated taxes affecting re-sale value? So instead of claming that I was "misleading" people, I would think you would want more information instead of trying to discredit it...as anything I've said is easily proved with a little legwork...

To all the others, I hope some of the information I've shared is valuable as I've gotten a lot of valuable information from the rest of you. It just gets my goat when someone pops out of the woodwork trying to discredit my information which I thought was valuable to other buyers.

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Response by inthemarket
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 5
Member since: Feb 2008

OK, well then this will be my last response to you. If you are trying to imply that I am not actually looking to buy and just here for fun, then I repeat, you are just a bitter guy who STILL has yet to give one legitimate FACTUAL piece of information to back up his claims. It's actually right in your screen name isnt it, FEDUP?

I am not concerned about this affecting my re-sale value for the following reasons...try and keep up now...
1 - I am not buying in sevenberry. As I have previously mentioned it is closing too soon and I do not have the money for a two bedroom at the moment.
2 - The unabated taxes listed in an offering plan are just an estimate. NO ONE knows what taxes will actually be in 15 years. Why you think they will be substantially higher than other buildings when the abatement expires and all of these buildings are re-accessed is still a little strange to me.
3 - Tax abatements are going to end very soon. I would be happy to take advantage of any building that offers a tax abatement now, as they will cease to exist in the coming year without the inclusion of affordable housing.
4 - Whatever building I end up buying in I do not plan on being in for more than 5 - 6 years. Therefore I will still have a partial abatement to sell with the apartment.
5 - A difference in one or two hundred dollars in post abatement taxes, which would not affect me regardless, would not deter me from buying an apartment in a development that I liked. The money either works or it doesn't. If it works I look for location, layout, and design.

I don't mind that you are trying to post opinions, or give your input. But do not try and come across like you are some sort of offering plan expert that has read through every offering plan that has passed through the attorney generals office because I do not buy it.

I believe you also said that sevenberry was priced high for the area. If you take a look at the 2 other developments we have been discussing than you will see it is actually the best value of the three. You can look that up right on streeteasy. Now I agree that decisions should be based on more than just price per foot, but I bring it up because it is an instamce of you saying something that is incorrect.

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Response by fedup
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 51
Member since: Feb 2008

sigh, why do I bother? Because it's fun to respond to people who have poor reading comprehension skills and are really this inane and like to ignore rebuttals to their accusations while maintaining their accusations...

I didn't say you were here for fun, I said you were a shill. Reading is fundamental. I told you I saw the offering plans...that is a fact. What do you want me to do? Scan them in and upload them? Go do the work yourself, or are you really this lazy? So tell me what FACTS you have? Please list the number of building where you've seen the unabated RE taxes. Oh, and I'm still waiting for the list of buildings that don't include heating and gas in the CC while you're at it. And this list is laughable.

1 - Buy or don't buy in sevenberry...who cares? I don't. However unabated RE taxes could be a concern for others. And again, if you can't afford it and aren't interested why are you even on this board telling other people to buy? Hmmm...

2 - Uh, hello, obviously it's an estimate. I would hope an estimate based on some educated guesses, and based on their educated guesses it's 50% higher than some other buildings...*I* don't think anything, I'm just looking at their numbers...can you really be this dumb?

3 - Um, ok.

4 - Good for you and your family. Maybe not so good for someone looking to buy after you.

5 - Dude, where you do come up with this stuff? Where are you pulling "one or two hundred" from? Facts please.

As I mentioned, I've seen offering plans, have you? And as for you not "buying" anything, that's fine, because I'm not selling anything. Everyone should do their own research as I have. How about backing up some of your claims instead of continuing to attack mine? And hello? "best value" is not an absolute term, so stop acting like it is.

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Response by jsey9
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 65
Member since: Feb 2008

MAC and Northpoint have elevators that open directly into your unit. I agree on Aqua, didn't seem that impressive (common roof deck on the 2nd floor, wasn't impressed). Maintenance is also high at aqua. I really liked MAC and Northpoint on the North side of Mccarren. 128 Newton was also nice.

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Response by nyc08
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 74
Member since: Feb 2008

i still agree with fedup's statements and observations, and honestly he's the only one who seems to have done his homework as far as analyzing the comps and using data and facts to support his statements and observations. homebuying is personal decision but it is a big investment that should not be taken lightly, based solely on "feelings." i'm doing my own due diligence of course but the better informed i am the more comfortable i will be with my final decision when i do buy. so if other people on the forum can share their knowledge and experience i am very open to that and am happy to listen. so thanks to all...

inthemarket: please see below 1-3:
1. i am a serious buyer, e.g., i have the cash downpayment onhand NOW and a bank guarantee to underwrite the remainder of the purchase price up to $700K. but that doesn't mean i will buy anything, especially at inflated prices. again, a home purchase is a serious purchase and i want to make sure i'm making a solid investment. you are not ready to buy yet and are attacking people who are trying to have an intelligent exchange of ideas. what's your angle?

2. as a matter of fact i was speaking of 2B, which is listed for $666K for a 739SF 1br/1ba. that works out to $895 per SF. i am looking for a 1br/1ba and did not see any that are selling for less than $800 per SF as you claim which apartment are you referring to specifically? there were some 1br/1.5ba combinations on the GROUND FLOOR that were selling for less (per SF although more expensive overall) but they offered NO PRIVACY, especially with the floor to ceiling store-front glass windows. the bedroom and living room both face the street and anything that would take place in the "privacy of my home" would be unavoidably "publicly displayed" unless i lived with my blinds drawn 24/7. that was not a compromise i personally wanted to make. it wouldn't be so bad if the unit were on the 2nd floor but 2B is the only non-ground floor 1br available in the building and is priced too high for what it has to offer. for me an outdoor terrace in williamsburg which can only be used during the warm months and which offers no particular view, doesn't justify a $67,000+ mark-up, but that's just me. (a similar unit that was on a higher floor was offered at $595K).

3. as for the CC, i took the range of CC for a 1br from $529.77 to $911.87, and you are correct that 2B is only $529.77 - though that is still high in my opinion since the amenities are so little. i was taking the median CC. sorry if that was misleading.

bjw2103: i'm not sure where you got your information that no 1brs are listing for more than $530K. that could not be further than the truth. there are none at that price and the cheapest 1br is listed at $595K (3B) and is no longer available.

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Response by inthemarket
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 5
Member since: Feb 2008

I will happily respond to everything you mentioned. You can agree with fedup, I have no problem with that. However, other than claiming to have read lots of offering plans there has been not one bit of factual information represented. Anyway...

1 - I am a serious buyer as well. If you would take the time to review the posts again you will see that I am still heavily considering 80 Met. All I said was that I was not considering Sevenberry because it was closing to soon and I would like the additional time to save more money. I have a down payment and a loan committment as well. However, I am looking to put down upwards of 30%. If I did that on a development that was closing in the next few months things would be tight for me. I am not attacking anyone, I just have not read anything solid to back up the claims that were made.

2 - I am looking at the sevenberry price sheet from 4 weeks ago . 2B is listed at $662k. It is 739 sq feet and has a 403 sq ft terrace. Whether or not you personally want or need a terrace has no bearing on what the price will be. Outdoor space is typically calculated at 1/4 of what the interior space is calculated at. That means you add 100 sq ft for a total of 839 sq ft which results in a price per foot of $789. In addition, as someone else mentioned earlier, one bedrooms are always a higher price per foot. I am looking for a two bedroom which is where I pulled my information. If you do the math just about all two beds come under $800 a foot at sevenberry.

3 - The common charges are what they are. I agree they are a bit high for a non-full service building. But it is a small building and so costs gets spread over less units. It does include some utlilties as well.

In regards to bjw, I believe the $530 he was referring to was the price of the common charges, not the price of the apartment.

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Response by bjw2103
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

Yeah, there's a lot of confusion going on here. I was citing $530 as the maintenance, and nyc08, not sure how the median works out to $800-900. Many of you are saying the ccs at Sevenberry are high, but of all the buildings I've seen in the area, they are much lower. I know you get less, but you pay less too, so I don't see what the fuss is about here. I bid on a 2BR/1.5BA walkup in Nolita where maintenance was twice what it is at Sevenberry. If someone can point to specific examples, please share.

As for what rent such a condo could fetch, not sure craigslist is a great resource, as most places for rent aren't of the same caliber. I agree $4200 is unrealistic, but if $3200 is possible right now, that's not a bad deal.

fedup, what were the unabated tax estimates? I've got them for 125 N10th, but never saw what they estimated at Sevenberry, so very curious to see those figures.

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Response by fedup
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 51
Member since: Feb 2008

bjw123, in terms of the CC being less, yes, you get less therefore you pay less, but it's still a matter of is what you're paying for worth what's you're getting? Which is only something each buyer can decide. Given the size of sevenberry, the CCs are obviously spread over a smaller number of units, but considering what you're getting (which IMHO is not much) it seems high to me. Then again, I've heard other brokers say that buildings will lowball the CCs to entice buyers and then raise once the building is up and running. Anyone else heard this?

As for the unabated tax estimate, I'd be interested in comparing figures also. It might be easier to do this via email. Do you have an email address?

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Response by bjw2103
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

fedup, sure thing. Just tack on @columbia.edu to my screenname. Don't have the 125 N10th figures on me, but can get those to you when I get home tonight. As for buildings lowballing CCs, I've heard that this can/does happen, but there's probably not much of a way to guard for it, unless you're very familiar with the actual costs of amenities, etc.

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Response by Anon101
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 28
Member since: Jan 2007

Lots of listing changes today....

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Response by tenemental
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 1282
Member since: Sep 2007

12 active sales listings: $687 per ft² (avg)
9 previous sales listings: $778 per ft² (avg)

That can't be good.

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Response by bjw2103
almost 18 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

tenemental, take a closer look at the specifics. Most of the apartments are quite different and the ppsf varies quite a bit. I think this is due to some very large first floor 2BRs and several apartments having outdoor space, while others don't have any. Think this building's actually doing ok since it's pretty small compared to some of the other stuff going on in WB.

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Response by bjw2103
over 17 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

Anyone here moved into this building yet? Thoughts?

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Response by fedup
over 17 years ago
Posts: 51
Member since: Feb 2008

bjw2103, did you buy here? I'd be curious as to people's thoughts on it as well as I was pretty close to buying here. BTW, I noticed that my old friend "inthemarket" hasn't posted on any other thread other than this one...I guess they were only "inthermarket" for Sevenberry...

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Response by fedup
over 17 years ago
Posts: 51
Member since: Feb 2008

bjw, congrats! Glad you like your new home. I'm currently in contract at another building in Williamburg which I think is a little more suited to our tastes but always thought Sevenberry was a fine building in a great location.

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Response by bjw2103
over 17 years ago
Posts: 6236
Member since: Jul 2007

Thanks! Where in WB is the place (if you don't mind sharing)?

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Response by axle
over 16 years ago
Posts: 47
Member since: Sep 2009

anyone out there going to buy the last four units? They seem pretty expensive and likely due a price cut to get some interest going.

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Response by LoftyDreams
over 16 years ago
Posts: 274
Member since: Aug 2009

Hmm, I've been looking for an old-fashioned loft, but the one new building I've liked is 80 Met. Didn't consider 7Berry because it looked too close to the epicenter (My weekend-night searches led me to think I want a place that's not on the route between the bars and the subway!) Maybe I'll take a look?

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Response by axle
over 16 years ago
Posts: 47
Member since: Sep 2009

I have not seen 80 met. I would not expect the building to be too loud.

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Response by axle
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 47
Member since: Sep 2009

1C closed 2/5/09 at 872,500 and now listed for 949,000 - seems like an aggressive move in price

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Response by orp967
about 13 years ago
Posts: 0
Member since: Oct 2012

Does anyone have any new info on Sevenberry as of November 2012? I'm in the market to buy in WB and am considering a unit in this place. Any info about the building or area would be great.

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