I replied to the original poster's question about which would I buy, brownstone or Maxwell.

I said Maxwell, and later was accused of being a Toll employee, realtor or flipper.

I didn't realize the purpose of this post was only to solicit opinions from people who DIDN'T prefer Maxwell. I fall into none of the categories above - I just answered the question. Gee whiz. Do people find it that hard to believe that others actually PREFER condos to brownstones?

To each their own. My personal opinion, when buying a home to LIVE IN AND NOT FLIP (or sell within 2-3 year)....it's all about personal preference.

Everyone here is speculating prices will go up or down, for those who are speculative buyers, time will tell. Recent data suggests those 'bears' could be correct this time. But the actual 'spring market' is still early. If prices go up or down for those who actually plan on staying in their places, it will work out eventually.

Everyone here agrees that real estate goes in cycles, usually 7-8 year cycles from what I see. Just how bad it gets, no one will truly know. NO ONE.

I don't think the original question pertained to where the housing market is or is not going.

From a Brownstone owner:

lot size 16.5x100
I have about 3,500 sq ft space on four floors - basement included ( currently being rented, but will annex when lease is over this year). While I don't have a nice sweet gym to go to, I'll be able to make the basement into personnel gym and play area for kids. Four bedrooms and a lot of storage space is a plus.

Private backyard is a delight to have for barbecuing and parties.

14" plaster crown molding is quite impressive.

Five fire places is nice to have - but none are working and will cost $15k to have opened.

A great block with well to do owners and families is quite pleasent.

I do have to pay $260/month to park my car 2.5 blocks away.

I keep breaking nails when trying to hang pictures - I guess the place is just built too well. I think Maxwell owners will have to worry about breaking their walls when they try to hang a picture.

I do have the satisfaction of knowing that no more 115 year old quality brownstones will be built in the near future and that there is a continued steady demand for their unique charm. You can't say that for Maxwell and every new condo being built.

For comprable at Maxwell I would get 1500-1800 sqr feet and a view of Manhattan. I have to walk three blocks to see the water.
It will take you four mintues and 30-40k to get to your parked car . It takes me six. It wil take you three minutes to get to your gym - 30 seconds for me.

Enjoy your view at Maxwell Place. I'll stay in my brownstone.

There are definitely lots of pluses to living in a brownstone - but also lots of minuses. Not enough light. Rickety stairs (maybe some brownstones are well-built, all aren't as we have seen in multiple open houses), musty smells. You may talk about spending $30-$40K to park at Maxwell - but earlier in your post that you said it was costing you $260. Not exactly free.

Personally, I'm not interested in paying $1.5 million to get what I could get in the suburbs for half that. I like the amenities a condo gives me, plain and simple.

Again, it's a preference thing. You say tomato, I say tomaaaahto.

If I was young and single I think I would prefer the gloss of Maxwell. As I am older and married with child, I prefer the space and hominess of the older brownstone.

FYI - maintenance?? lest you forget

and taxes... maxwell taxes will make brownstone taxes of $10-12K look cheap!!

when the details of the true costs of living in maxwell come out prices will take a hit.

problem is the rowhouses in Hoboken are disgusting. 17' wide railroad style creaky and musty moldy
I'd take one of those detached single families in Castle Point, but we're talking 2-3MM for unrenovated.

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yes, we know.. we saw your first post way back on the first page.. thanks for reiterating..