I stopped at an open house for a one-bedroom apartment last weekend, mostly out of voyeuristic curiosity. The realtor showing the place said that now is the time to buy because interest rates are at a crazy low. Something to consider if you’re on the fence. Here are some of this weekend’s most promising spots.
265 9th Street #2B between 4th & 5th Avenues
Open House: Sunday March 3, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
This convertible one-bedroom features one oversized bedroom with decorative fireplace and room for a king sized bed plus furniture, and a separate home office on the opposite side of the long apartment which ostensibly could be used as a second bedroom. The second bedroom/nursery/office is right off the kitchen, with entry through French doors. The building is prewar and pet-friendly with 8 units, and it provides bike storage, laundry, and common storage in the basement. Plus, monthly maintenance is pretty cheap. Enter the second room through the French doors which overlooks the back garden making for a peaceful home office, nursery or guestroom. Keep in mind that it is on 9th Street and most likely pretty loud. Corcoran lists it at $445,000 ($321 maintenance).
569 Carroll Street #9 between 4th & 5th Avenues
Open House: Saturday March 2, 12:00-1:30 p.m. & Sunday March 3, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
This duplex condo offers two floors of open, loft-style floorplans, meaning the place is great for entertaining, but also meaning there are no doors or “rooms,” just “areas.” But they’re nice, big areas! It doesn’t hurt that it also has a very large, private deck with panoramic views. The spiral staircase (pictured above) is the best, and the boldly-painted red walls bring some drama. The pet-friendly walk-up building has common bike storage and laundry, and offers tax abatement. Brown Harris Stevens lists it at $599,000 ($370 maintenance).
357 4th Street #3 between 5th & 6th Avenues
Open House: Sunday March 3, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
This recently renovated townhouse condo offers two bedrooms plus one office/den. Large bay windows keep the place bright, which is spacious with its 10′ ceilings and open floor plan. The two “spa-like” bathrooms are outfitted with Kohler fixtures and limestone tile. All of the appliances and add-ons are top-notch: sub zero refrigerator, Bosch and Miele appliances, California Closets, plus in-unit washer and dryer. The building is pet friendly offers a large private storage room. Brown Harris Stevens lists it at $1,175,000 ($413 maintenance).
133 Sterling Place #4D at Seventh Avenue
Open House: Sunday March 3, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
This 3.5-bedroom/2.5-bathroom penthouse is one of 22 units in The Vermeil, the 5-story elevator building Corcoran calls “one of North Slope’s premiere condominium residences.” The place is sprawling, offering three bedrooms and a sitting room, a large “great room,” entry hall, walk-in closets and four outdoor areas: two balconies, a huge terrace, and an even larger roof deck overlooking Sterling Place. The open kitchen is equipped with an island/breakfast bar, Wolf range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and pantry. The condo is also equipped with video intercom, a children’s play room, and a private basement storage closet. Corcoran lists it at $2,250,000.
Photo via Brown Harris Stevens
