Comments on: What’s It Worth? 54 West 130th Street (Astor Row, Harlem)

By: Jay Harper

Jay Harper — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:46:09 +0000

@Paulina - We’re currently in contract on a townhouse in Central Harlem. It’s been a crazy process finding a place, but hopefully it’ll be ours in a couple weeks.

By: Paulina

Paulina — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:38:59 +0000

Hi Jay,
I just read your blog re: buying in Harlem and I find it very helpful! I have been struck by the idea to buy a town house in Harlem and turn it into a nice spacious home for myself(and future family.
Did you end up buying for yourself? Would you mind sharing resources/agents that helpled you in your search. Many Thanks!

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:40:05 +0000

If I had the money I would buy it and renovate. I like Harlem and always loved these houses. I am praying that God would bless me with a financial blessing so, I could make this Harlem Palace for me to pass down to my children, grandchildren etc…

By: Jay Harper

Jay Harper — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:54:11 +0000

@valgb - Of course on one level you’re right. There is definitely an emotional component to purchasing a home and ones that look better than they are get bid up higher than they should. But that’s a really good way of making a decision you regret later.

Still the market is more logical than you think. Often when an aberrant comp appears and you dig into it you find out it’s not an aberration at all - the official square footage was off or it’s an inside deal or something like that.

It will be interesting to see if the pending deals fall apart after inspection/appraisal.

By: valgb

valgb — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:54:33 +0000

Seems like all your calculations are quite logical. Problem is, the market isn’t logical. The house is worth what buyers say it is.