The steps, the pets, the schleps, and the forgets
Solving the Duplex Dilemma
If you’re just joining us: Jamie and Morgan are devoted pet parents with five furballs who adore them—and, well, tolerate each other at best.
While one might think it’s the Shih Tzus’ fault — Sun Tzu, in particular, as Bronx Tzu spends most of the day sleeping. But, it’s really the Scottish Folds’ fault: Fuddy, Duddy, and MacGillicutty.
The solution to this furry frenemy fiasco? A duplex — a home that lets everyone live (happily) together, but separately, when needed.
Jamie and Morgan have solid financials , plan to put 20% down , and want to keep monthly overhead under $15,000, all-in. (Right, it’s a healthy budget.)
In exchange for excellent credit, they’ll secure a 6.19% rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage .
And, naturally, they’re all in on the LES —and yes, the k’nnection has to do Yonah Schimmel’s legendary knishes .
Today, we’re checking out the first five duplexes that will help keep the peace (and the pets happy) . Onward to Duplex City to solve the Duplex Dilemma!
1 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom duplex with a private patio and private street entrance. Features include wide-plank oak flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows, a custom kitchen with quartz countertops, high-gloss Bazzeo cabinetry, Gaggenau appliances, marble bath finishes, a deep soaking tub, a floating walnut vanity, Bosch in-unit W/D, and individually controlled heating/cooling zones.
List Price: 999,900
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 1 BR/1.5 BA
Monthly Carrying Charges: $1,794
Monthly Taxes: $1,292
Monthly Mortgage Payment: $4,894
Total Monthly Overhead: $7,980
Does this unit qualify? Yes, it meets budget parameters.
1 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom duplex garden residence within a boutique condominium with a ventilated rain screen façade and German Terra Cotta panels (and just west of the Subway, featured in the building for sale on the corner) .
List Price: 1,760,000
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 1 BR/1.5 BA
Monthly Carrying Charges: $575
Monthly Taxes: $1,741
Monthly Mortgage Payment: $8,614
Total Monthly Overhead: $10,930
Does this unit qualify? Yes, it meets budget parameters.
2 bedroom, 3 bathroom duplex penthouse with a 17x32 ft living room, 10+ ft ceilings, full-height glass on three sides, and a direct living terrace. Features include a key-locked elevator entrance, a windowed staircase, a full bathroom with a windowed shower, a kitchen with commercial-grade appliances and a dining counter, a primary suite with a walk-in closet and a five-fixture bathroom, and an in-unit W/D.
List Price: 2,995,000
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 2 BR/3 BA
Monthly Carrying Charges: $5,355
Monthly Taxes: $3,901
Monthly Mortgage Payment: $14,659
Total Monthly Overhead: $23,915
Does this unit qualify? No, it exceeds budget parameters.
List Price: $2,395,000
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 3 BR / 2.5 BA
Monthly Carrying Charges (CC): $1,445
Monthly Taxes: $2,772
Monthly Mortgage Payment (6.19%, 30yr, 20% down): $11,727
Total Monthly Overhead: $15,944
Does this unit qualify? No, it exceeds budget parameters. (Also, if you actually checked it out, you’ll see that this unit has sold…and not recently. I added it for perspective, as the one I’d previously ear-marked was not actually a duplex. It’s included for perspective, only.)
2 bedroom, 2 bathroom duplex residence with nearly 1,300 sq ft of private outdoor space across two landscaped gardens. Features include casement windows, solid white oak herringbone flooring, crown moldings, high ceilings, an oversized primary suite with a walk-in dressing room and garden access. The primary bath features white Dolomiti marble and Waterworks brushed brass fixtures. The kitchen includes honed white marble, textured charcoal granite, espresso-stained oak cabinetry, brushed bronze accents, and Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Bosch appliances.
List Price: 2,750,000
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 2 BR/2 BA
Monthly Carrying Charges: $4,576
Monthly Taxes: $2,441
Monthly Mortgage Payment: $13,454
Total Monthly Overhead: $20,471
Does this unit qualify? No, it exceeds budget parameters.
That’s it for Day 1 of our Duplex Dilemma, and you’ll note that we’re only 2-for-5 so far. Next, we’ll look at five more properties (below), and then we’ll see which is best for our clients (and their dog and cat friends).
