Category: Board Operations

We’ve all heard that “first impressions are important” when meeting people; so too with buildings. A potential buyer’s or visitor’s first impression often determines their opinion of the building and its apartments and has a dramatic imp…

Although it is frequently assumed that cooperative boards of directors are totally responsible for all building decisions, typically they are assisted by a large group of professional consultants who not only guide them but also sometime…

This year, the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is celebrating its 75th anniversary. For three-quarters of a century now, IREM has provided education, resources, information and membership to real estate management professional…

These days, there’s no shortage of articles in magazines, newspapers, and online about how time-crunched most people feel. Between work, family obligations, long commutes, and a vast array of other factors vying for attention and precio…

Co-op boards are often faced with difficult judgment calls; on the one hand, it’s the duty of board members to safeguard their fellow shareholders’ investments and overall quality of life. On the other hand, they must carry out that duty…

Though many co-op buildings forbid subletting for an array of reasons, some co-op (and many more condo) buildings have populations of rental tenants residing in them. The arrangement is mostly peaceful and drama-free, but friction does o…

In today’s economic climate, many of the city’s co-ops and condos have begun to feel the pinch as they struggle to pay their bills. Often, buildings are forced to raise maintenance fees to make ends meet. And while maintenance fees or sp…

Real estate in the Big Apple like any large metropolis is expensive, and that often means making due with a small apartment. Small spaces present many functional and aesthetic problems—lack of storage, oppressive walls, etc. Fortunately,…

Like telling kids the awful truth about Santa Claus or deciding to spend the holiday bonus on treasury bonds instead of a trip to the Bahamas, sometimes we all have to say or do unpleasant or unpopular things. The same is true for co-op …

Nowadays people are using their computers to connect to the Internet for just about every facet of their lives. Whether it’s buying cheap airline tickets, making reservations at their favorite restaurant or connecting with old friends on…