2003 Jul
Focus on... Budget And Finance

2003 Jul Avoiding Pitfalls By Michael McDonough

While many New Yorkers have navigated the process of applying and interviewing for - and eventually buying - a co-op or condo, securing a mortgage can be a complex, sometimes, lengthy process in which professional advice is recommended and…

2003 Jul Thank Your Lucky STARs By Jessica Lynn O'Brien

In 1998, after receiving a "bill" for zero dollars and zero cents for the prior year's school taxes, some New York State property owners wrote checks to the government in that amount. They were convinced that a clerical error had been mad…

2003 Jul Timing It Right By Michael McDonough

Sometimes a board has no choice about when to repair or replace some building feature or piece of equipment. If the boiler goes on the fritz in January, for example, it has to be fixed - period. Other projects, like interior design and ren…

2003 Jul When Apples Equal Oranges By Seymour Taub

A taxpayer normally recognizes gain or loss realized on the sale or exchange of property. However, pursuant to Section 1031 of the tax code, there is no recognition of gain or loss on the exchange of property for like-kind property. …

2003 Jul Manhattan's Crown Jewel-Keepers By Lisa Iannucci

One hundred and fifty years ago, the New York State Legislature passed a bill designating land in the heart of Manhattan as a great central park. Today, the 843 acres that was saved from being swallowed up by developers is now treasured pu…

2003 Jul Rooftops and Root Cellars By Rebekah Darcy Mulhare

Many buildings have square footage hidden away that could be converted to residential use. Hallways, rooftops, unused garbage rooms, basement closets, abandoned water tank rooms - all are potential additions to an adjacent shareholder's ap…

2003 Jul No Ifs, Ands....Or Butts By Meryl Feiner

It's not easy to be a smoker in New York City these days. It has become commonplace to see office workers in front of skyscrapers lighting up, or to hear announcements prohibiting smoking in theaters and other public venues. And now, under…

2003 Jul Refinancing Your Cooperative By Edward Howe III

In today's low interest rate environment, refinancing is the top agenda item for many cooperatives. However, while the current interest rates would seem to guarantee a "win-win" situation, a savvy board must take into account more than ju…

2003 Jul Keeping Your Cool By Peter J. Grech

I'm often asked what a person can do to keep their air conditioning unit working properly. AC units are complicated pieces of machinery, but there are many things a homeowner can do to keep their unit running and avoid making expensive ser…

2003 Jul Air Conditioner Maintenance By Peter J. Grech

In order to keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently, here are some tips to keep its maintenance in tip-top shape. "¢ Do clean your AC unit often. "¢ Do keep the unit slightly pitched to the outside of your window or b…