‘BUM IN A MERCEDES’ SEEKING A $500K CONDO ON THE UPPER WEST SIDE

Generally, brokers seek buyers for apartments. But one man currently living in a Mercedes van is flipping the script, trying to attract Upper West Side homeowners to sell him a condo. He’s got one hell of a story.

Uri Toron taped cards with the words “Wanted Condo” on windows all over the West 70’s and West 80’s over the past few weeks, asking to buy a studio or one-bedroom with outdoor access for $500,000-plus. He also attached the signs to bikes he’s parked in the neighborhood. We reached out to him through the email address printed on the card and got the following response:

“I attached 2000 small stickers to all lamppost on the UWS on the 70 Ty’s. And the 80 Ty’s.

Than I placed 2500 double sided postcard on cars, and finally I am spreading 5000 half postcard, all ower.

Also I have 2 bikes out in the street with advertising.

I have, as always, lots of agent reacting.

Not one offer as result, But my demand are hard to find, with a door to open air.

I am probably buying a CoOp on 72 Str. /Vest side Ave. 550 sq/ft with 8 windows toward 400 sq/ft private yard. $ 550.000

I bought a villa in England this way, and also a villa in Forest Hills.

The good thing is that I only advertise the street I prefer, and I attract peaple that consider selling.

Than I avoid ther tasteless renovation, and they save the agent, For older lady’s, it is also a hassle to have strangers on open houses.

I bought, renovated and sold 7 houses in my life, traveling with my family, following my x wife’s carrier re from student in Tel Aviv, doctorate in Copenhagen, first job in Geneva with UN, then Cambridge, England, 4 years each place,,and finally 12 years as full Professor at Baruch College.

All the years I was house father, and renovater.

Obviesly all renovations and extensions are paid for at the sale.

I bought and sold all my houses alone.

When my youngest of 3, left for Bercley CA. 3 years ago, my X and I said,

Mission Accomplished, and made a friendly divorce.

I had the idear, to sit in front of Zabars with a sign,,,

HOMELESS

Condo Wanted.

That could be fun.

And I am homeless, Insteadt of renting a flat, for a year, as “normal” folks do,

I bought a new Mercedes Sprinter Crew Van, and put a bed in it.

So I am a Bum, in a Mercedes.

So twice a week, ( street cleaning). I mowe it, so nobody realize it is a home.

You might feel I am a adventurer, and you are right.

Yours. Uri Toron.”

We asked Uri for some more information, but he hasn’t emailed us back.

Bike photo by Liz Patek.