http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/211135-condo-275-west-96th-street-upper-west-side-new-york This apartment has been discussed on several threads, so I thought I'd share my impressions after finally seeing it. Layout and flow are very good. Ceilings are a bit on the low side. It functions as a very legitimate 3-bedroom, but making the dining room into a four-bedroom is a stretch at best - makes a... [more]
http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/211135-condo-275-west-96th-street-upper-west-side-new-york
This apartment has been discussed on several threads, so I thought I'd share my impressions after finally seeing it.
Layout and flow are very good. Ceilings are a bit on the low side. It functions as a very legitimate 3-bedroom, but making the dining room into a four-bedroom is a stretch at best - makes a very small/awkward bedroom and leaves a pretty small living room. We had guessed as much from the floorplan, and visiting confirmed that impression.
Kitchen and bathrooms are solid but unspectacular, but at least don't need any work. Floor does need work, and is falling apart in one bedroom. AC units are also falling apart. Far from a gut renovation candidate, but it needs more work than we thought from the pics and description.
The balcony is great, but the view of Salvation Army across the street is a bit of a downer. Similarly, the dining room has huge and beautiful windows on two sides, but faces the same salvation army on one, and a wall 30 feet away on the other. Mediocre views overall, but tons of light, as advertised.
Neighborhood is not ideal, but building is amazing for families. Very family friendly, great staff, very nice gym and pool, great kids' playroom, sundeck.
I wanted to see it because based on the listing, the value for the money seemed better than anything else we'd seen. Although there were a couple of minor negative surprises (views and condition), overall, I still think the price is very competitive.
The apartment is currently empty. The broker indicated that the owners had lived there for more than 20 years, but had recently moved to another apartment. Broker also indicated that they have an offer above asking which they are accepting, but not in contract yet. Broker appeared pretty honest, but offer above asking in this market, after multiple chops does appear a bit weird. We shall see...
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Response by joedavis
about 17 years ago
Posts: 703
Member since: Aug 2007
Thx so much newbuyer -- I have not had a chance to go there. Your impressions ring true with what I anticipated and hence had not put more effort into checking this one out
We had seen the building and it is reasonably attractive, though Broadway and 96th promised to be noisy
I had talked to this broker when they first advertised in an insert in the NYT. I was told that the apt was in estate condition (which in a post war building suggested it may need gut reno). He promised to call me when it was ready for showing which turned out to be a couple of months + later. Then they had upped the original price by $150k and said it had been remodeled and was super hot -- much interest and bids. It was now also priced above what a couple of recent sales were tagged at.
Pics were put up, and it looked like there were new appliances in the kitchen and a paint job, but low ceilings, and relatively high maintenance. So, did not really follow up after that.
Now they have dropped prices lower than the last sales, and it is possible that someone who was obsessed with the building and knew of the previous sales will bid higher than the current ask. I was waiting for the ask to drop below $1million..............
More will come...currently pricing seems to be quite inconsistent
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Response by nshipley
about 17 years ago
Posts: 125
Member since: Jun 2007
Just wanted to point out that there are plans in the works to demolish and build over Salvation army building. It will be 15 stories. The open view facing south will disappear unless you're over floor 15.
It's a great building though.
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Response by ddanyc
about 17 years ago
Posts: 31
Member since: Dec 2007
Nshipley: I'm curious about the plans regarding the Salvation Army building. Do you have any specifics or links to further information? The south side of 96th between Bway and WEA is a blight. Any concrete plan to improve this would certainly improve the appeal of the immediate area whether or not some views are diminished.
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Response by nyc10023
about 17 years ago
Posts: 7614
Member since: Nov 2008
I'm not a lover of 275 W 96th. The best feature may be that it's a condo and has some amenities.
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Response by newbuyer99
about 17 years ago
Posts: 1231
Member since: Jul 2008
I am with nshipley - would gladly take improvement in the buildings even if the views are diminished.
joedavis - I don't disagree with any of your criticisms, but still think it's much better for the price than anything else I've seen. Maybe it drops further, but only with the market - meaning lots of other apartments have to drop further, in my opinion.
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Thx so much newbuyer -- I have not had a chance to go there. Your impressions ring true with what I anticipated and hence had not put more effort into checking this one out
We had seen the building and it is reasonably attractive, though Broadway and 96th promised to be noisy
I had talked to this broker when they first advertised in an insert in the NYT. I was told that the apt was in estate condition (which in a post war building suggested it may need gut reno). He promised to call me when it was ready for showing which turned out to be a couple of months + later. Then they had upped the original price by $150k and said it had been remodeled and was super hot -- much interest and bids. It was now also priced above what a couple of recent sales were tagged at.
Pics were put up, and it looked like there were new appliances in the kitchen and a paint job, but low ceilings, and relatively high maintenance. So, did not really follow up after that.
Now they have dropped prices lower than the last sales, and it is possible that someone who was obsessed with the building and knew of the previous sales will bid higher than the current ask. I was waiting for the ask to drop below $1million..............
More will come...currently pricing seems to be quite inconsistent
Just wanted to point out that there are plans in the works to demolish and build over Salvation army building. It will be 15 stories. The open view facing south will disappear unless you're over floor 15.
It's a great building though.
Nshipley: I'm curious about the plans regarding the Salvation Army building. Do you have any specifics or links to further information? The south side of 96th between Bway and WEA is a blight. Any concrete plan to improve this would certainly improve the appeal of the immediate area whether or not some views are diminished.
I'm not a lover of 275 W 96th. The best feature may be that it's a condo and has some amenities.
I am with nshipley - would gladly take improvement in the buildings even if the views are diminished.
joedavis - I don't disagree with any of your criticisms, but still think it's much better for the price than anything else I've seen. Maybe it drops further, but only with the market - meaning lots of other apartments have to drop further, in my opinion.