Real Estate - One way or Another...

I spent the other morning combining biking and scouting for new properties for rent and ownership - and found more places for rent to replace places that had been taken...well, gee, I thought, they'll always be places to rent...so now I'm in the process of putting it all together in terms of what it's all going to cost, and then formulate a game plan...

...while, at the same time, preparing to send out 3 dozen copies of my portfolio to major regional theatres across the country....

...while working full time for the next month and a half....

...while, as a new development, pursuing the possibility of moving into a co-op apartment building with Molly, which would involve a mortgage, but would be a dream home with a view of Manhattan and at the edge of Astoria Park.

Now, I had been reading another blog which criticized the building for being ugly, overpriced, of shoddy construction, and just plain being uncool.  Having actually been the only person of all the people commenting who had actually been in the building, toured the apartments, talked with the sales staff, and started the paperwork to pursue owning a 1 BR apartment in it IN ADDITION TO BEING A DESIGNER...I have this to say...

1. Yes, the neighborhood side of the building looks like the back of an Orwellian cruise ship, and is in an unremarkable beige - but then again, the vast majority of newer apartments in the neighborhood fare no better in their decor.  Astoria, regrettably, is known for it's flat fronted, faux-Gothic facades, ostentatiously decorated wrought iron fenced, ALLEY-BACKED, flat topped buildings.  We will never have the Victorian history of Brooklyn and Manhattan...the back end of the building is not attractive at all.  Neither are most big residential buildings.  However, they have done a reasonably good job with the front, which is what most people in the park are going to see.

2. No one can criticize the interior unless they've seen it, and therefore, let me criticise.  the interior hallways are labyrinthine and devoid of natural light, with a reasonably average carpeting that you'd expect from a hotel.  the views from the terraces on the interior are unremarkable from the lower level, and the laminate flooring could use some work. The kitchen fixtures are small and generic, and the kitchen cabinets could be MUCH more stylish.  There are obstructions in some of the lofts.

THAT HAVING BEEN SAID:

The spaces themselves have a nice and airy feel - all the spaces feel clean and livable and the proportions of the rooms give a sense of comfort.  The lofts are refreshing and graceful, and they have created enough character to compensate for the complete lack of any "loft"coolness from exposed brick or girders.  The place will alter to fit tenants needs, and there are no creaky floors.  The views in some of the places are spectacular.  And those not fortunate enough to have a loft get a terrace or balcony to enjoy the outside air, which the lofts do not include.  The amenities are spectacular...

also, regarding the cheapness and generic-ness of the fixtures:  most people who own will alter to fit their tastes - usually starting with the kitchen - cause it's theirs.  so why should a building swing for a high end appliance when it'll be replaced in a few years during a renovation by the owner.  that it the primary thing I saw in the spaces - the ability to make them our own.  And right now , the prices are great - far better than what a craptacular house in the neighborhood will be asking for more space than you'll want with no storage....ah yes, I forgot about that...big closets - walk in closets, and multiple tenant storage rooms on each floor...and a fitness center...as for the asking prices - well, you'll just have to check the place out to see whether it's worth it.  No use in complaining from the outside.