In a September 1994 decision applicable to many cooperatives and condominiums in New York City, the Appellate Division, Second Department, has determined that a cooperative housing corporation's refusal to expend funds to install a wheelc…
Renovation. It is a process that is approached with both excitement and trepidation. The excitement has everything to do with the results that are anticipated, while the trepidation, for many, is based on the stories told by others. I be…
Despite today's relatively low interest rates, it's not always easy to get financing. Lenders are more cautious because of the problems they incurred in the '80s, and banks and other institutions are more stringent than ever about the qua…
Co-op, condo and HOA (Home Owners Associa-tion) managing agents share common goals with the boards they serve: To improve both the quality of life and the bottom line of the properties they manage. To help achieve these goals, many manag…
While everyone at 24 Fifth Avenue will miss the doorman, Caspar Orenga, nicknamed Mr. Wonderful, those who will be affected most by his retirement will be the older residents he cared for and attended to with patience and a smile for over 2…
Board meetings provide the time and space for co-op and condo leaders to establish and direct building operations. These vitalmeetings can be productive decision-making sessions conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect, or ego-driven ma…
Like most business corporations, co-ops rely on a board of directors to oversee operations and make decisions for the benefit of all shareholders. What makes a co-op's board unique is that itsmembers are responsible not only for the corpora…
There is some good news for cooperatives and condo-miniums that feel they have suffered because of the alleged bribery, extortion, kickbacks and other corrupt acts of some real estate managers and management companies. Insurance may cover…
If you've been apartment shopping, you may think you know everything there is to know about the unit you've got your eye on. The price is right, the space is in excellent shape and there's room to spare. Generally, you get a good feeling …
If winter's here, can spring be far behind? This old adage is particularly meaningful in relation to the annual ritual which takes place among cooperative housing corporations each spring: The Annual Shareholders Meeting. Even though the gr…