Does an extra half-bedroom sweeten the deal on this Greenwood, Brooklyn walk-up?

By Lucy Cohen Blatter | July 23, 2015 - 8:59AM

If you can make sense of these photos, you may spot some good bones in this $1,995 one-and-a-half bedroom in Greenwood, Brooklyn.

The extra half bedroom is always a nice touch, of course, as is the large kitchen. But don't forget that a two-flight climb is necessary to get to either of those. The neighborhood — named for its proximity to Green-Wood cemetery — isn't quite as high-end (or busy) as its neighbor to the north, Park Slope. But it's also more affordable as a result. The median price for a regular one-bedroom in the neighborhood is just over $2,000, and this place costs less than that, even with an extra half-bedroom.

So is the extra space worth the climb? I asked our experts (and veteran renters), RentHackr founder Zeb Dropkin and freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, to weigh in with me on this week's Take It or Leave It.

Size: One-and-a-half bedroom, one-bath
Location: 257A 20th Street (between Fifth and Sixth)
Cost: $1,995
Flexible layout: Yes
Days on the market: 9
Subway: R to Prospect Avenue

Pros and cons:

"I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the layout of this apartment and figuring out where the half-bedroom is; the fact that there's a lot of stuff in the photos isn't helping. That said, the rooms look generously proportioned, especially the kitchen, which has a decent amount of counter space. Of course, the neighborhood isn't exactly hopping (if that's what you're looking for), and the third floor walk-up is a negative in my book." —Lucy

"This is a confusing one-bedroom in Greenwood or "South Slope" in Brooklyn. It's pretty big, and it's pet friendly. " — Zeb

"While I’m kind of ‘meh’ on this apartment—nothing really jumps out at me as truly fabulous—fact is, that the half bedroom adds a feeling of spaciousness to the space and the kitchen (with window) is a definite bonus. What you’ll have to get used to is the walk-up, however." — Lambeth

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"A single person or couple who want some office space but don't need a lot of privacy in said office. Also, people who like the relative quiet of the neighborhood (compared to its neighbors)." — Lucy

"This is a good place for a pet owner looking for an affordable, no-frills one-bedroom—especially good for someone who can put the "half" room to good use." — Zeb

" A couple on the cusp of buying in South Slope who aren’t quite ready to make the leap."— Lambeth

The verdict(s):

TAKE IT "You could do worse for a starter apartment. Just check out the neighborhood first and make sure it's where you want to be." — Lucy

LEAVE IT "Avoid renting an awkward space unless it's an incredible deal." — Zeb

LEAVE IT "At almost $2,000 (plus broker's fee), it just isn’t worth the hike up the stairs." — Lambeth

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