An under-$2,000 apartment in Brooklyn has our experts divided
We're headed out to Northeast Flatbush/Flatlands in Brooklyn for this week's edition of Take It Or Leave It.
This apartment appears to be a one-bedroom with an extra small room, but its exact layout is a little unclear. Obviously you'll want to see for yourself, but for $1,764 a month (with no broker's fee), it's kind of a steal—if it is a two-bedroom.
For some more input, we asked our experts (and veteran renters), real estate research and analytics firm NeighborhoodX founder Constantine Valhouli and freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, to weigh in with me on this week's Take It or Leave It.
Size: Two-bedroom, two-bath
Location: 1780 Flatbush Avenue (between Avenue J and K), Flatbush, Brooklyn
Monthly rent: $1,764, no broker's fee
Flexible layout: Yes
Days on the market: 2
Subway: 2, 5 at Flatbush Avenue
Pros and cons:
"The apartment isn't ultra modern or anything but I've seen a lot worse. It does seem to be newly renovated, and if the photos are correct, there seems to be an extra (very small) room that would suit a baby's room or small office. On the down side, the neighborhood (which is northeast Flatbush/Flatlands) isn't exactly ideal—this isn't 'hip' Brooklyn—and it's about half a mile from the nearest subway. But, at least it's an express/reliable 2 train!" —Lucy
"'m still trying to work through the brokerbabble: 'You will be able to enjoy ... a gorgeous guy renovated bathroom that will sure house a lot of Zen moments after a hard days work.' Is is a gorgeous bathroom? Or did a gorgeous guy renovate it? Is this allegedly attractive fellow contributing to your moments of Zen? Inquiring minds want to know.I'm a bit puzzled. The listing claims it's both a one-bedroom (in the summary) and a two-bedroom (in the text). It's listed as being in both northeast Flatbush (summary), as well as Flatlands (text). By our map, it's in Flatlands. There's no floor plan, but the bedrooms look like one is twice the size of the other. And the photos aren't of the actual property." —Constantine
"I completely dig the splashy kitchen appliances and old-school hardwood floors but that's about the only thing that makes this second floor one-bed in a nondescript Flatlands brick building worth the almost $2K per month." —Lambeth
Who this apartment would be perfect for:
"A young family or couple who want a home office and are looking for a deal. The building is pet-friendly, too, so tht's a plus for some." —Lucy
"Peter Parker, from the Spider Man movie. This is a step up from his basement studio in the LES." —Constantine
"A pet-owning single who doesn't mind living on busy Flatbush Avenue." —Lambeth
The verdict(s):
TAKE IT "I might be in the minority here, but I say go for it. Just make sure the apartment looks the same as the photos." —Lucy
LEAVE IT "It's a hike to the subway, and then a long haul to Manhattan. For this price, you can get a place in Hamilton Heights or Inwood with a shorter commute." —Constantine
LEAVE IT "Leave it and please keep looking." —Lambeth
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