Tag: new this week

Small co-ops and condos face a special set of challenges relative to controlling expenses. The building has to be heated, the real estate taxes paid, and the halls cleaned. Unlike in larger buildings, the cost isn’t shared by dozens or pe…

There will be times when a board is not able to carry out a building-related project for several reasons, such as time constraints, more urgent matters, or just a lack of enthusiasm. But whatever the reason is, there's still hope that a pro…

In a city that has been referred to on more than one occasion as a 'concrete jungle,' it should come as no surprise that flashes of lush plant life are rare, at least when compared to suburban enclaves, and often relegated to parks and othe…

Turning off lights and adjusting thermostats are just the beginning - your building can do even more to save on energy and utility costs. 

In a city like New York, no one—including co-op and condo owners—is immune from the sounds of noisy construction work. With such things as loud jackhammers and buzzing saws going on, it's enough to drive anyone mad. Whether the construction…

According to a story in the New York Daily News on August 18, a construction worker died after apparently hanging himself from a fifth-floor window at a Queens condominium complex. By any estimation, this event was tragic, and surel…

Imagine if you can actually buy a co-op in New York City and not have to be in front of the building's dreaded board for approval. Well, there is an option for buyers to consider in the form of a sponsor unit. It's a term that you've probab…

Even the most established, well-run board can benefit from some new energy and fresh ideas. Here, management pros give their thoughts on how to encourage residents to get involved with their board. 

You can screen potential residents before letting them buy into your co-op or purchase a condo unit all you want, but that doesn’t mean you’ll catch everything. Sometimes things just go undiscovered during the initial screening process for …

Second of a two-part article. Trees have their own natural enemies, but perhaps the most devastating for co-op, condo and HOA communities are invasive species of insects like the emerald ash borer (EAB). Originating in Asia, this …