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Community Corner

The Manhattan-Sized Co-op and the DIY Duplex

Our real estate columnist looks at a tiny unit near Fort Greene Park and a stay-at-home mom acting as her own broker

This week we look at two homes — a single person's den and small family townhouse —  with low monthly carrying costs on some of the priciest blocks of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill

181 DeKalb Avenue between Carlton Avenue and Cumberland Street #C1

The location of this co-op — on one of the best blocks in Fort Greene — is its best feature. DeKalb Avenue's restaurant row and Fort Greene Park are a block away.

But this junior one-bedroom, about 325 square feet, will be too small for most buyers; the unit is proportioned like a Manhattan studio.

The kitchen is small but adequate — the new owner will likely want to renovate it — and the bathroom has a soaking tub but no window.

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Last year several similar units in this co-op sold their first day on the market, according to Carolyn Romberg of Corcoran Group, the agent for this unit.

But now, "The market for smaller units has slowed," she said.

Still, this is an opportunity for the right buyer to own in the most desirable part of Fort Greene for under $300,000 and with low carrying costs.

Pros:

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  • Great transit access: every train that passes through Fort Greene is under half-a-mile away.
  • Great natural light.

Cons:

  • Small unit is likely only desirable for one person.
  • No outdoor space.

$269,000
$481 monthly cc (included property taxes)

For Showings:
Carolyn Romberg
Corcoran Group
212-500-7069
_______________ 

333 Grand Avenue between Lexington and Gates avenues #33A

Marisa Karplus decided to sell her condo without a broker — and she must have done something right — she is currently in negotiations with two buyers.

She felt confident that she could sell her home because of her enthusiasm for it and the neighborhood. She loves grabbing a cup of coffee at Outpost Café and bumping into neighbors at the Choice Market. Also, as a stay-at-home mom, she had the time.

"This became like my full-time job," said Karplus, reflecting on all the time she’s spent on showings, emails, and marketing,

At her open houses, buyers from Manhattan and Park Slope asked her if the neighborhood — in the heart of brownstone Clinton Hill — is safe.

"We feel very safe here," she said. "In fact, we feel so safe that we're moving further out into Bed-Stuy," where her family will have more space and a yard.

The condo is laid out over two floors (four if the entrance area and roof are included) and about 1,050 square feet.

This will put off some buyers seeking a flowing, open space. Rather than openness, the layout creates cozy and intimate places.

The unit is renovated with stainless steel appliances and 1.5 bathrooms. The unit also features several walk-in closets and central air conditioning.

Pros:

  • Common roof deck accessible directly from the condo
  • Parking space included with the sale

Cons:

  • Smallish kitchen
  • Layout creates some spaces with little use

$639,000
$230 monthly cc

For Showings:
Marisa Karplus
914-420-6997
333grandavenue@gmail.com

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