A Family Considers 2BR's Under $900K

Every Sunday we pack up our 3yr old and hit the open houses. We have limited the upper end of our searches to approx $1.3M. Rather than looking at the higher end of what we can afford, today we decided to see how low we could go and still be comfortable. It was an empowering exercise for us and the best day of looking in 6 months. Here were two standouts. 229 west 97th St. Apt 5J $899K / $1170... [more]

Every Sunday we pack up our 3yr old and hit the open houses. We have limited the upper end of our searches to approx $1.3M. Rather than looking at the higher end of what we can afford, today we decided to see how low we could go and still be comfortable. It was an empowering exercise for us and the best day of looking in 6 months. Here were two standouts. 229 west 97th St. Apt 5J $899K / $1170 maint http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/369493-coop-229-west-97th-street-upper-west-side-new-york The building is advertised as being built in 1899 and presents well with f/t doorman, attractive renovated lobby and hallways. Apartment opens to a long gallery and leads directly to a very large open kitchen and appears to have been renovated over the last 2 - 5 years. There is some minor wear and touch-up needed on some of the paint, built-in trim and woodwork. Floors were decent, not great. Kitchen was outstanding, however. Kitchen counters were of maple butcher block but unfortunately had been sealed with polyurethane which doesn't hold up very well in a kitchen environment. There was some minor damage beginning to show around the sink. Mineral oil would have kept them looking new. The open concept design was a real winner with both of us. Corner master has 3 huge windows and is a decent size. Second bedroom is smallish but fine for a child. Unfortunately the one good sized bathroom was positioned awkwardly on the other side of the apartment from the bedrooms. Overall condition is very good and there was a terrific feel to the space with sun coming in the many south facing windows. Not the best location at 97th and Broadway though. 35 West 82nd St. Apt 4C $875K/$1197 maint http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/380554-coop-35-west-82nd-street-upper-west-side-new-york Small pre-war building. No doorman. Well kept and clean common spaces. The apartment is best described as a "mini" classic 5 and it faces the back of the building with decent light and open garden views. What a treat this one was. I'm a wood guy and the way the apartment has been restored is commendable. All original moldings are pristine. The apartment features pocket doors, wooden countertops, antique fixtures etc etc. All of the dimensions are small but what you have here is a very workable and flexible layout with the separate LR and DR. Little surprises are everywhere -like wood planked barrel ceiling in the kitchen and 6" wood plank on the floor. Sweet. Bedrooms are too small, storage is limited but I was looking beyond these limitations. I could see myself living here. It definitely wouldn't be for everyone but being a 1/2 block from Central Park when you have a kid and a dog is about as good as it gets. Zoned for PS 9 makes me less compelled to consider private schools. And with the small mortgage a house in the country and/or a nice sloop moored out at the 79th Street boat basin is back in the cards. [less]