Remember the early 1980s? Reagan was president, the national economy was strong, property values were skyrocketing and co-op sponsors were converting multi-unit residential buildings in the New York area faster than you could say offering…
Co-op shareholders and condo owners in New York City may not always agree on how the common areas in their buildings should be managed, maintained or decorated, but they've always seen eye to eye when it comes to saving money. Everyone…
We've all heard that old adage little things mean a lot. This is especially true when you're trying to sell your co-op or condo apartment. The way you present your property to prospective buyers can make all the difference between succ…
The agenda for your monthly board meeting is to find ways to save money, and in the long run, increase the building's reserve fund. Each board member has been asked to compile a list of ideas on areas of possible savings. One board member…
Changing the windows in your co-op or condo building can be a traumatic experience. Not only is the overall building affected, but the interiors of the individual apartments are affected as well. Even if the job goes smoothly, there ar…
You live alone. You work long hours. When you aren't home, you turn off all the lights and the air conditioning. You do everything you can to conserve energy. Your neighbors, on the other hand, have five kids and are home all the …
An elderly retired couple, married for 40 years, recently sold their ten-room suburban home for a simpler three-room Manhattan condominium. They lead an active social life, often entertain their three children and five grandchildren for…
It's a typical scenario. The board and managing agent assemble for the regular monthly meeting. Things get lively and everyone participates. The group discusses staff issues, makes decisions about the tile color in the laundry room and dire…
When it comes to key security, most co-op shareholders and other tenants have no choice but to trust in their building manager. That's because New York state law requires tenants to provide landlords with duplicate keys, if requested. Wheth…
Lucky are the board members of co-ops and condos who are able to play a purely supervisory role, simplyoverseeing the work of the managing agent who has the serious job of taking care of the building. In the vast majority of cases, however,…