My Neighborhood: Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

By Luke Constantino 11/14/2012

What does the word “cobble” mean?

Cobble Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, just south of Brooklyn Heights and north of Carroll Gardens; its name was derived from all the cobblestones left here from the ships that used them as ballast. Cobblestone ballasts kept large ships (which had large sails back in the 1600’s) from tipping over and gave them an even keel. Back then, South Brooklyn was a major shipping port.  

The beautiful homes

Cobble Hill has some of the most beautiful homes in NYC, dating back to the mid 1800’s. Most of the homes here are designated as historical landmarks. There are a few different influences here: Romanesque, Greek, Gothic, Queen Anne and French structures. The tree lined streets here are some of the most beautiful streets NYC has to offer.

Retail, Restaurants and Lounges

Where do I start? You can get everything here and then some! Court and Smith Street have some of the best restaurants and shopping in NYC.  People from all over the 5 boroughs flock here at any given time, especially on the weekends. If you are a foodie like me… Cobble Hill is the place! From “The Peanut Butter Bomb” at “Wild Ginger” to “The Hangover” at “Mooburger” you will be hard pressed to find such an eclectic variety of restaurants so close to each other. They even have formal dining, such as “Marco Polo’s Ristorante” (one of my favorites).But if your just looking for a good loaf of Italian bread of some cookies, stop by Capouto’s on Court Street, right next to my office.

There is so much to see and do here I cannot mention it all. Here are a few sites that might help you:

YELP

Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens Patch

Cobble Hill Association Blog

Luke Constantino 
Realtor
Coldwell Banker
(212) 300-3919
lukeconstantino@gmail.com 
7428 5th Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11209

Sackett Union Townhomes, 340 Court Street Brooklyn NY 11231

Sackett Union Townhomes, 340 Court Street Brooklyn NY 11231

Sackett Union is this beautiful condo/townhouse going up right across from my office, Prudential Douiglas Elliman Real Estate. We get quite a few people who come in and ask “What’s available”? I show them the floor plans and tell them “The best time to buy is in pre development. The place is more than ½ sold!

Availability: We keep in close contact with the developer, Alchemy Properties so we are current on what is still available:

I love the Carroll Gardens/Cobble hill area! You have everything here and are close to everything else. Imagine waking up early on a Sunday morning and smelling Caputo’s Bakery making bread, getting fresh rolls and having them with your morning coffee.

Give me a call if you are interested in purchasing any of the units or the exclusive townhomes.

Luke Constantino 
Realtor
Coldwell Banker
(212) 300-3919
lukeconstantino@gmail.com 
7428 5th Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11209

The New York Coffee Cup – “We Are Happy To Serve You”.

By Luke Constantino

Every time I go into Brooklyn Heights or Manhattan I’m surrounded by either a Starbucks or some little café selling some foo foo vente’ chai latte half calf with hazel nut moco garbage. I think I need “The Idiots Guide on how to buy Coffee “here. My friends seem to enjoy buying this stuff, and I always ask “What did you get?” They always give me some description of their coffee that is in 3 different languages and is topped with something that should be on ice cream. I always answer “You didn’t get sprinkles with that?” laugh, and walk away.

I’m sorry, I’m a real New Yorker, born and raised. My coffee comes in a paper cup that says “We Are Happy To Serve You”. "Coffee black", or “Regular” which is universally known to be with a little sugar and cream. Since I was a child I remember seeing this cup, it is the only New York coffee cup I have ever known, but where did it come from… Ancient Greece?

New York has always been a diverse melting pot or in this case, a melting pot of coffee. Leslie Buck a New Yorker born in Czechoslovakia designed this “Anthora” cup in the early 60’s. Back then The Greeks ruled the greasy spoon diners throughout the 5 boroughs (which we all loved dearly). He wanted to appeal to this market with his cups. As we all know, Leslie did way better than that. Not only did the diners go crazy over these cups, so did a lot of street vendors. Now his “Athora” cup is synonymous with New York coffee.

Early morning I’m in lower Manhattan getting a coffee from the breakfast cart in front of the court buildings; “Coffee regular”, I yell as everyone behind me impatiently waits for their coffees, muffins, bagels etc. I look at the cup and I smile “There is no place I’d rather be”.

Luke Constantino 
Realtor
Coldwell Banker
(212) 300-3919
lukeconstantino@gmail.com 
7428 5th Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11209

How to rent an apartment in Brooklyn, NY

To get the best places and be ahead of the crowd, you need to be prepared. You can gain an edge over others by following these few simple steps:

1. Know your credit score. If you don’t have a recent credit report, get one before you start looking for an apartment (go to ftc.gov). Nobody expects perfect credit from a renter, but a score above 580 or 600 is a plus,

2. Know yourself: Do a background check through an online service like intelius.com.

3. Line up your fan base. Prepare a list of references in advance, and get a letter from your last landlord that brags about what a wonderful tenant you were.

4. Xerox stuff. Photocopy your driver’s license, Social Security card and work ID.

5. First impressions count. When you meet with a building owner, dress nicely, be on time and bring all the information you’ve assembled. Owners want to know who you are and that they’re going to get paid. Provide them with these assurances, and you move to the front of the line.

Luke Constantino 
Realtor
Coldwell Banker
(212) 300-3919
lukeconstantino@gmail.com 
7428 5th Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11209

* Luke Constantino has been a Realtor in the NYC area for over 15 years. He has also spoken at numerous seminars and given professional advice in magazines, newspapers and television. 

2 bedroom apt for rent Bay ridge, Brooklyn NY $2200

Luke Constantino | Remax @ The Slope | (347) 587-2828 97th St, Brooklyn, NY 3BR/2BA Apartment $2,200/month Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Sq Footage Unspecified Parking None Pet Policy No pets Deposit $2,200 DESCRIPTION THE APARTMENT • Parquet floors throughout • Stainless steel appliances • 2 bathrooms • dishwasher • Second floor • 4 a/c units • balcony • Monthly rent $2200 • Available for October 15, 2011 THE GARAGE • Heated • $250 extra per month • Downstairs from the apartment OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES: • 1 year lease required • One month security deposit required • No pets please TRANSPORTATION Click “Walkscore” link for transportation, restaurants, shopping, schools, etc.: http://www.walkscore.com/score/215-97-street-brooklyn-ny Upper Bay Ridge Upper Bay Ridge is known for its eclectic restaurants and night life along with being one of the better places to live in Brooklyn. Amazing views of the Verrazano Bridge along with New York Harbor make Shore promenade a great place for jogging, walking or a leisurely bike ride. There are tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields within walking distance. Dyker Heights Golf Course is just a distance away. see additional photos below ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Kitchen Living room Contact info: Luke Constantino Remax @ The Slope (347) 587-2828 Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Oct 29, 2011, 8:17am PDT

Studio Coop for sale 179,000 - 8100 Bay Parkway Brooklyn NY

Luke Constantino | Remax @ The Slope | (212) 300-3919 8100 Bay Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY Studio/1BA Co-Op offered at $179,000 Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage 650 Bedrooms Studio Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking Unspecified Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $303 per month DESCRIPTION Cozy, clean third floor studio coop comes with central air, large wall closet, parquet floors throughout and laundry on site. Pay per square foot storage area in basement too! Great location, great price! Click here for restaurants, local shopping, banking, etc.: http://www.walkscore.com/score/8100-bay-parkway-brooklyn-ny see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central heat - High/Vaulted ceiling - Hardwood floor - Living room COMMUNITY FEATURES - Laundry on-site OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES - Cozy Coop at a great price! ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 5 Contact info: Luke Constantino Remax @ The Slope (212) 300-3919 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Nov 16, 2011, 9:23am PST

8100 Bay Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY | Powered by Postlets

8100 Bay Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY | Powered by Postlets

Cozy, clean third floor studio coop comes with central air, large wall closet, parquet floors throughout and laundry on site. Pay per square foot storage area in basement too! Great location, great price! Click here for restaurants, local shopping, banking, etc.: http://www.walkscore.com/score/8100-bay-parkway-brooklyn-ny