coop woes

We have been looking on and off for 6 months for a coop in Queens, primarily looking at garden apts because I really didn't want to live in an elevator building (DH spent his whole life in an apt. building, I grew up in a house, so I'm spoiled). Since most of the garden apts. in Queens are about the same size as a fluke we went to look at some buildings and they are much bigger for basically just a little more money.

Do you think its worth it to get a bigger apt. in a building as opposed to looking at every single garden apt... the one we saw today in the building was really nice and had a pool and was completely move in condition (which was also another issue - we don't want to do major renovations).
ITs the Cambridge apts. on Union tpke. and Springfield Blvd... any one have any info on them?
Thanks... sorry for rambling.

Re: coop woes

Sorry I do not know anything about the complex. I do however live in the neighborhood and love it here.

Re: coop woes

If you wouldn't mind an elevator building... go for Windsor Park on Bell Blvd and 73rd avenue area.

Its a safer bet as far as a co-op goes. The co-op is in excellent financial condition... and prices have gone up steadily every year (especially in the last three). I don't know much about Cambridge Heights (but I do know the area).

I understand your woes with the garden apartments. They are much smaller. The parking also sucks bigtime. Most co-ops that have garden apartments have YEARS of a waiting list to get a garage. If they give you free parking on their property... good luck finding a spot.

Parking is a piece of cake at windsor park. You will probably wait 3-6 months for a garage spot. But if you want outdoor... you could get one right away in some areas.

Also... Windsor Park is the only co-op in that area that allows a seller to 'sell' the rights to their parking spot with the apartment... so the buyer doesn't have to wait to get a spot. HUGE selling point IMO and this rule just went into effect this year.

Windsor park also has a pool as well (if thats important).

Re: coop woes

I am in a 2 bedroom garden apartment in Queens. Parking is ample on the street and in parking lots. All the units that are being sold are totally renovated, only thing we had to do was decorate. I grew up in a house and can understand not wanting to live in a building. If you want info FM me.

Re: coop woes

We have a one bedroom garden apartment in Oakland Gardens that is rather spacious.

The buildings are a bit older so I am not sure if we would pay what they are asking for apartments today but the market is just nuts right now. IMO most housing in NY is not worth what they are asking.

Re: coop woes

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Posted by Moehick

I am in a 2 bedroom garden apartment in Queens. Parking is ample on the street and in parking lots. All the units that are being sold are totally renovated, only thing we had to do was decorate. I grew up in a house and can understand not wanting to live in a building. If you want info FM me.

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What neighborhood/complex do you live in where the parking is good? I know when I looked in Windsor Oaks... i tried to find parking at around 11-12midnight... and i had to literally park blocks away.

Re: coop woes

We live in Langdale Gardens and whether we come home at 4pm or 4am we never have a problem with parking. The farthest away we ever have to park is across the street.

Re: coop woes

Never heard of Langdale Gardens. Where is that located?

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Located on Langdale St. which is inbetween Union Tpke. and Hillside Ave. It is not far from Long Island Jewish.

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Well that explains a lot. Thats probably not a hi-traffic area like Oakland Gardens / Bayside is.

There is tons of property (co-op uinits) in Oakland Gardens... and most units have families with more than one vechicle. That produces a parking problem.

I am just glad I have my garage spot for myself, and my outdoor assigned spot for my FW.

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Hey DanDJ. If you don't mind... let us know... or let me know via FM what you are paying for that co-op and what it has (1/2br... 1/2bath).

I am curious what the market is for that complex since I never looked over there.

I know 2br / 1ba co-ops in Windsor Park are going in the 200-235k range depending on condition.

Re: coop woes

We are offering $242,000 for a 1000 sq. foot, 2 br, 1 bath apt. Its a lot bigger than most I have seen around...also, its completely renovated, so I think it might be a little bit higher than others that need some work.

UPDATE: Both our offers were accepted... tonight we need to sit down and do some serious thinking and deciding... all I know is I'd better be a homeowner (coopowner) in a few months! I hate paying rent!

Re: coop woes

You made two separate offers on two properties? That means you will have to retract an offer to somebody. Ouch!

Don't be surprised if the seller on the offer you retract has a couple of choice words for you. I know I would if I told somebody I accepted an offer and they backed out.

I actually did that once (took back an offer). Seller was not happy. But hey... you have to do what you have to do.

$242k eh? Good to see property is still rising.