A $2,500 Fort Greene two-bed is no-frills, but does the price make it a winner?

By Lucy Cohen Blatter | March 18, 2015 - 1:15PM

If you can get past the clutter in these photos, there's quite a bit to work with in this $2,500 two-bedroom in Fort Greene. It looks like the current renters managed to squeeze in a dining space, extra kitchen area, office space and living room into the main room. With a bit more organization, you could probably pull it off, too, and make it look a whole lot tidier.

While the living/dining room is well sized, the kitchen is pretty small (though points for that petite dishwasher), so you'll probably need an extra butcher block/storage space to do some chopping (and possibly hold a microwave?).

The apartment, which itself is no-frills, is in an equally no-frills walk-up in a busy Brooklyn neighborhood that also happens to be close to lots and lots of trains (more points for convenience).

Compared to other apartments in the area, it's on the cheaper side, about $800 less than the neighborhood's median price.

So should you check it out? I asked our veteran renters, including RentHackr founder Zeb Dropkin and freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, to weigh in with me on this week's Take It or Leave It.

Size: 2-bed, 1-bath
Location: 98 Dekalb Avenue (between Rockwell and Ashland)
Cost: $2,500/mo
Flexible layout: No
Days on the market: 15
Subway: 2, 3,4,5 at Nevins; B, Q, R at DeKalb, G at Fulton

Pros and Cons:

"There are no bells and whistles in this walk-up, and the fixtures are rental all the way (see light fixtures and closet doors). But it's in a bustling neighborhood, near tons of transportation options and it looks like, if you're creative, you could make the small-ish space serve lots of different purposes." - Lucy

"This is an affordable two-bedroom with a dishwasher that's super close to Fort Greene Park and subways. The only downsides look to be it's got a railroad-style feel in the pictures, and the finish isn't anything fancy." - Zeb

"It might be underpriced for the neighborhood at $2,500 per month because the main living space looks right onto a parking garage. On the other hand, this apartment couldn’t be better placed if you’re commuting ‘round town since pretty much every subway line is within mere blocks from this building." - Lambeth

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"If we're talking ideal situation, I'd say a single person or a couple who want an extra room for guests or an office. I can't imagine that small kitchen would be too convenient for a family or roommates." - Lucy

"This spot is perfect for low-maintenance roommates who will thrive in Fort Greene. Pets aren't mentioned, so it may be a strikeout for pet owners. " - Zeb

"Two recent college grads who have been circling Fort Greene, love going to BAM or concerts at the Barclays Center and want to give this Brooklyn fave a try." - Lambeth

The Verdict(s):

TAKE IT "As long as you're not looking for any frills, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better deal in such a hot neighborhood." - Lucy

TAKE IT "This is a score in a great neighborhood! Make sure there are no red flags, then lock it up. " - Zeb

TAKE IT "Provided this apartment isn’t super loud—it’s on a low floor overlooking Dekalb Avenue, after all, and having traversed this avenue many a time, I can say it’s honking/siren central. Check that out before you sign." - Lambeth

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