The McMansion Condo and the Lefferts Place Townhouse

This week's pair of properties are blocks away from each other in Clinton Hill, but will appeal to totally different buyers.

483 Washington Avenue #6B between Gates Avenue and Fulton Street

Many apartments in New York City force their owners to live like animals in living spaces so small that the occupants are constantly shedding their possessions to relieve interior congestion.

Then there is how the other half lives: in apartments that feel so spacious, they seem more like a suburban home than a living space in the city. 

Indeed, this 1,287-square-foot unit feels like a McMansion, but with the customizations and finishes fit for the luxury condo that it is. 

The broker, Eugenio Stangher, said that the developer of this property was "obsessed" with including as many outdoor spaces as possible in this seven-story condo development. This six-floor unit has two balconies (that extrude from the master bedroom and living room) and a large common terrace just one floor above. A large shared garden is in back. 

The interior woodwork, a rich caramel hue, is custom and imported from Italy. The slate tiles in the entry foyer are a colorful contrast. The floors are bamboo.

The living room is large and ripe for entertaining. The kitchen opens to it, but remains separated in its own nook. 

The unit is the last available for sale directly from the developing sponsor (though it has been rented twice before, according to Stangher). Still, everything from the floors to the appliances look new. 

The unit's two walk-in closets (in addition to two others) allow occupants to keep their clutter hidden.

Pros:

• Stunning construction that reflects a real attention to detail.
• Great natual light throughout the apartment.

Cons:

• The private outdoor spaces aren't large enough to entertain guests or grow food.
• The marble bathrooms are attractive but may look dated to some buyers.

$695,000 with $682 monthly common charge - 11.5 abated taxes left

For showings:

Eugenio Stangher

Prudential Douglas Elliman

 718-486-4456

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112 Lefferts Place between Classon and Grand avenues

Townhouse buyers and condo buyers are usually mutually exlusive.

Townhouse buyers may have large families (or in-laws) or they may be fiercely independent personalities — people unwilling to dance for notoriously political co-op or condo boards.

A five-story, two-family townhome with a backyard is on the market now and it's in "turn-key" condition. The structure is now configured as a lower duplex and an upper triplex (which is currently rented).

The building can be delivered to the new buyer either vacant or with the current renters intact.

The 1899 townhouse is totally renovated, has about 3,600 square feet and has a large classic Brooklyn stoop. While the new buyers will enjoy the space, they will notice that the renovation is completely unremarkable and stodgy.

All five floors have new floors and appliances according to Gamal Hasan, the broker marketing the property (the upper triplex was unavailable to view due to the current tenant's schedule).

$1,195,000

Pros: 

• Townhouse is renovated and in "turn-key" (no renovation neccesarry) condition.
• Rental income could help carrying costs

Cons:

• The building facade could use a good cleaning.
• Layout provides for many rooms, but not any large open spaces.

For showings:

Gamal Hasan

Century 21 Block & Lot Real Estate

718-768-4500

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