Earlier this year, a survey of co-ops and condos indicated a surge of litigation between boards and building residents. Such lawsuits can be very costly for both the resident and the building. One important deterrant to frivolous or unnec…

According to the most recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, 41 percent of all new homes are purchased by first-time buyers. Whether you're shopping for a co-op or condo for the first time, or you've already been through t…

The initials following a person's name often reveal a certain level of educational or professional achieve- ment. Designations like M.D., D.D.S., J.D., C.P.A. and C.L.U. indicate the successful fulfillment of certain standardized requi…

Co-op boards are more likely to repair a leaking roof or paint the lobby than tackle an elevator that needs to be upgraded. According to elevator expert Al Milo, president of Dunwell Elevator in Brooklyn, which does elevator maintenanc…

Sensible people routinely have life insurance, disability insurance, car insurance and homeowners insurance, but few think about getting marriage dissolution insurance or living together and breaking up insurance. Many individuals planni…

Co-op and condo owners whose boards are in favor of adding a rooftop deck, exercise room or play area should think twice before shooting down the idea for fear it will be too expensive. Imagine the time you'd gain in your busy schedule if y…

What comes to mind when you think of water pressure? For most people these words conjure up images of the morning shower. Lack of water pressure can turn that much anticipated ritual into a frustrating and unpleasant ordeal. Just ask a…

In New York City cooperative apartments outnumber condoM-miniums by about five to one, so apartment buyers sometimes feel they have limited choices. Frequently they opt for a co-op because they can't find a condo they really love. The …

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…