A $1,500 one-bedroom in a charming Brooklyn neighborhood sounds too good to be true. Is it?
Ditmas Park is a Brooklyn neighborhood known for its large Victorian-style houses, and while this $1,500 one-bedroom, one-bath apartment isn't a house of your very own, it is a generously sized place to call home.
The apartment is in a well-maintained elevator building. There are hardwood floors, crown mouldings and the bedroom features two closets. Heat and hot water are included in the rent.
Note: The listing points out that you'll need excellent credit to qualify.
So is it worth checking out? For other perspectives, 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: One-bedroom, one-bath
Location: 490 East 23rd Street (between Foster Ave. and Stephens Ct.)
Flexible layout: Yes
Days on the market: 3
Subway: 2,5, B, Q at Newkirk Ave.
Pros and cons:
"Ever since I read Emma Straub's Modern Lovers, I've loved the idea of living in the comparatively quiet and quaint Brooklyn neighborhood of Ditmas Park. And this apartment proves that the neighborhood has well-priced apartments that are generously sized. That said, the kitchen appears to be dishwasher-less and those cabinets could use an overhaul." —Lucy
"The apartment has some nice details--the millwork on the walls, the herringbone floors--but the kitchen seems newly renovated to look like the same 1980s kitchens that are being torn out of other parts of Brooklyn. Plus, the listing URL offers one address while the text says another. No square footage is listed, but it looks large. The gratuitous ALL CAPS, ***** multiple asterisks ******, and exclamation points everywhere make it difficult to take the listing seriously. It's like someone is shouting at you on the street." —Constantine
"There's so much to love about this old-world Ditmas Park one-bed, especially those gorgeous parquet floors and spacious bathroom. And, while I'm taking points off for the pressboard cabinets, at least you'll get a highly functional (though dishwasher-free) place to cook." —Lambeth
Who this apartment would be perfect for:
"A couple that's looking for a quieter living experience." —Lucy
"Someone who prefers more space and a newer apartment, and is willing to put up with a longer commute. Also, someone who prefers a quieter neighborhood to a lively one." —Constantine
"A single working right along the 2 or 5 train since that's closest (or a personal fan of Coffee Mob, since the cafe is just a few blocks away)." —Lambeth
The verdict(s):
TAKE IT "It's a well-sized apartment for a good price in a charming neighborhood. Assuming it's the kind of neighborhood you're interested in-- a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and busier parts of Brooklyn -- isn't that what we're all looking for?" —Lucy
TAKE IT "But ask for a rent concession, or for the owner to cover the agent fee." —Constantine
TAKE IT "Quickly. I bet this one will get snatched up fast!"—Lambeth
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