BrickUnderground

At this point in my apartment-buying career—and yes at times it has felt like a full-time job—I began coming around to the idea that hope looks through a blind eye.

With so many obstacles in my way, should I give up? Or was that purchase just around the corner? Or a phone call away?

After the Wells Fargo debacle--and upon the advice of Sidney, my real estate agent--I called the local branch of Mortgage Master, a privately owned direct lender with access to more flexible loan products than what commercial banks can offer. 

I was assigned by phone to Peter, a loan specialist, who took in my details, clucking sympathetically at various points. He ran my credit report while we were on the phone. I held my breath: with so many inquiries into my credit the past six months, my score had dropped a few points, even though I had taken out no new credit or ever had a late payment.  

This $4,895 three-bedroom has modern finishes and is in a building with all the amenities. You better believe if it was on the island of Manhattan it would be going for much more money per month.

This week we're making our first foray onto Roosevelt Island (and, fyi, contrary to what many an apartment listing says, Roosevelt Island is not the Upper East Side). Assuming you're okay with a Tramway or F-train commute, this $4,895 three-bedroom seems like a pretty good deal.

Pros: The building has a pool, gym, concierge, doorman and all the amenities you could ask for. All apartments are pre-wired with outlets for Cable TV and have room-to-room climate control and hardwood floors. The kitchen is modern, bright and inviting and there may also be a balcony, though the generic listing info is a little vague on this point.

This a $1.375m six-bedroom, five-bathroom multi-family townhouse in Clinton Hill needs to be fixed up, but the intricate ceilings and the fact that the home can also earn you some rental income could be a good start. (And who wouldn’t want a backyard?)

If you don't mind a little fixer-upper, grab a pencil (and maybe a hammer and some nails for later, while you’re at it) and pay attention to this edition of StreetEasy’s Most Wanted--the 10 sales listings those browsing StreetEasy this week saved more often than any others--for a look at some apartments that could use a little vision, and some TLC. 

Over in Brooklyn, on Lincoln Road and Rogers Avenue in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, you’ll find a $995k five-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse that needs some work, despite “good mechanicals” and a new roof. Though the home (which also has a backyard) needs updating, it  it can either serve as a single-family home, or an owner’s unit with one-bedroom garden rental. There are also plans drawn up for converting thisinto a two-bedroom garden rental and a four-bedroom, three-bathroom owner’s duplex with a walk-in closet and study.

This $1.69 million East Harlem condo  looks like the purrfect spot for a "True Blood" themed premiere party.

This $1.6m East Harlem condo has over 2,400 square feet, amazing 20-ft ceilings and a wood burning fireplace.

With its vaulted ceiling and archways, Gothic-style church windows and dark wood criss crossing against crisp white walls, the stunning space has an old cathedral feel...no doubt Eric Northman and his vampire cohorts would feel right at home here, as would a Season Six premiere party for True Blood.

Alas...the two-bedroom apartment is already in contract.

R.I.P.

Real Estate Want is a weekly column featuring New York City apartment details we're coveting right now.