Eddie before you give up, DON'T. For a Million dollars you can absolutely find a house with a yard in Brooklyn, it all depends on the neighborhood, and I am certain that they are out there. If you are already working with a broker and they haven't found anything for you, call someone else, from another firm and ask them if they know of anything. It takes some people anywhere from 3 to 6 months before they find their house, so stay in there :)

Tue May 13 2008, 20:18

I may have an answer. I have been preparing to rent our large single family house: 4 BR, LR, DR, sun porch/den, 2 full baths, eat-in kitchen, and basement with additional shower and toilet, laundry area and plenty of storage (and bad weather playspace), front lawn and garden, detached garage behind house, back yard, great neighbors (a very stable family neighborhood, quiet, friendly and safe). 86 Street near Shore Road. Large park just around the block. I went to PS 185, two blocks away over 50 years ago, but I can't advise you about the school.
Maybe we could discuss a rental with an option to buy. I haven't listed it for sale, but its NYC assessed market value is M1.2+ and it has been proposed for listing at M1.1. Built on a 28 X 138 lot. Feel free to email me if you'd like to consider the house for your family. mattin@ix.netcom.com.

Fri May 9 2008, 17:32

we have a great house near ocean parkway, 40 x 100, two family with a front and back yard, parking for
three cars, near PS 209, PS 216 - both great schools - my children went there - looking to downsize (retired),
but are in no hurry to sell. However, couldn't resist your query - and we are in your price range. If interested, please email efmrn4@aol.com

Sun Apr 20 2008, 19:30

Hello Eddie,

Though you may be very interested in brooklyn, as a realtor in Staten Island I do advice you to consider our borough. Besides the advantages of getting a great house for your price range, I think Staten Island can offer great amenities. Agreeing with Mrs. Aileen, I would advice you to search the NYC.gov website so you can consider relevant information about schools. In addition, there is ample activities with parks and festivals for the whole family. There are great areas close to the bridge if you need to be close to transportation. If you have any other questions please dont hesitate to contact me. Again good luck in your search if you do stay in Brooklyn.
Caesar Galindo
Cgalindo@prosperityREG.com

Sat Apr 19 2008, 08:24

Eddie,

I'm assuming you've spoken to a mortgage professional or lender recently, regarding your budget. If you have, then it sounds like you need to focus your geographic search a little.

There are many Brooklyn neighborhoods. Each offers different amenities and real estate markets are local. For example, you may find something in DUMBO, Kensington, Brooklyn Heights, or Bay Ridge, but without looking at different local neighborhoods, you may miss a great home.

Start your search online. Trulia is a good resource for Brooklyn listings. There are also other online sources. Just go to a search engine and conduct a search. Once you've picked out a couple of neighborhoods, speak to a couple of RE pros that help buyers and sellers in that area. Ask them to conduct a search for you, based upon your budget and housing needs. Also, ask them to show you other brokerages' listings. You may also drive around neighborhoods and look in local newspapers for real estate listings.

Regarding finding “strong and safe” schools for your children. NY real estate brokers and sales agents can not endorse or suggest a particular school. “Strong” and “safe” are terms that are subjective and dependant on your interpretation. I’ve referred parents to insideschools.org and schools.nyc.gov. I’m sure you can find other helpful web sites. You also have the option of touring a particular school and speaking to the principal.

Hope this helps

Sat Apr 19 2008, 01:58