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Long Island City Condo Features Washer-Dryer, Dishwasher and Custom Closets

By DNAinfo Staff on January 7, 2013 3:40pm

5-49 Borden Ave., 8D
2-bedroom, 2-bathroom
$849,000
Common Charge: $625

LONG ISLAND CITY — This two-bedroom, two-bath Long Island City condo had all the right amenities.

The approximately 967-square-foot unit was within walking distance of the 7 and G trains, and had views of the Manhattan skyline — largely because of its 137-square-foot 8th floor outdoor balcony.

Another amenity that piqued shoppers' interest was the combination of classic touches — such as hardwood floors and granite kitchen countertops — alongside modern flourishes.

"There's a dishwasher? Two?" gasped one woman, who was looking at an eco-friendly dual appliance that allows for half-loads. "Wow!"

The space was listed by Space Marketing Shop broker Edward Cho, who explained that the apartment featured $25,000 worth of add-ons, such as built-in surround sound speakers and California Closets.

"They built these before they put the walls up," Cho said of the speakers. "There's a lot of space for storage."

Many customers "oohed" and "aahed" about the condo's vista of the city.

"You have a protected view and you have a water view," Cho said, explaining that future construction projects would not permitted to build higher than existing residences.

Shoppers were also audibly delighted by the condo's financials, as the unit has a tax abatement until 2024.

Ultimately, though, the questions kept coming back to where the condo was located.

Some worried that the building's close proximity to a Long Island Railroad yard across the street might make for a loud living space.

One couple, who were seeking to buy a condo for their adult sons, thoroughly investigated the noise issue 

Cho explained that because the condo was not facing the yard — it was on the other side of the building — that the unit was very quiet.

The current owners, he said, had an infant and had never once complained.

The house hunters asked the doorman questions about the area.

"Is it close to any groceries?" they asked. "Are there any restaurants around here? How old is the building?"

The doorman explained that the subway lines were close and that more and more eateries and shops were opening as the neighborhood became more residential.

The husband, a 50-year-old office manager, was pleased with these answers and what he saw upstairs.

"It's great," he said of the condo. "It's a hop, skip, and a jump away from the city. It's what — one stop on the 7 train, and you're there!"