2017 January
Focus on... Management

2017 January Professional Enrichment for Managers By W.B. King

Whether dealing with technology, administration or communication, on any given day property managers and managing agents are required to be jacks of all trades. And while some managers might actually have a practical background in plumbing …

2017 January Outsourcing Services By Lisa Iannucci

In the perennial struggle to control costs while still adequately maintaining a building or HOA’s physical plant, grounds, and other day-to-day business, some boards and managers are opting to hire superintendents, custodians, and other sta…

2017 January Service-Based Amenities By Jonathan Barnes

In major US cities these days, the decision to live in one co-op or condo building versus another often hinges upon the style of living afforded in a particular property. Whether it is defined partly by a full-scale gym and spa, a children’…

2017 January Back from the Brink By Greg Olear

It happens infrequently, but when it does, it can be an enormous challenge: a co-op corporation or condo development has a long-running squabble with the building sponsor/developer, falls victim to long-term mishandling of funds – or outrig…

2017 January The Year Ahead By Raanan Geberer

Once again, the New York City market is on an upswing as far as condos and co-ops are  concerned. The days of the 2007-08 recession seem to be behind us at last, and professionals don’t foresee that trend changing much in the year ahead. “I…

2017 January Handling Maintenance and Repairs By Mike Odenthal

In the wake of the recession and facing an uncertain economic climate on the heels of a tumultuous presidential election, condo, co-op, and HOA boards may instinctively want to pinch pennies where they can, especially when it comes to maint…

2017 January Tax Time By A.J. Sidransky

If you live in the United States and watch television, you are undoubtedly aware that every January, right before the New Year, the Holiday Season advertising tapers off and the Tax Season advertising begins. From around December 30th to Ap…

2017 January Courtroom Roundup By Tom Lisi

The Obamas are leaving the White House, at least some of the Trumps will be moving in, and federal agencies have until mid-January to implement the outgoing administration’s policies and directives before the tide moves in what may be a ver…

2017 January Design Trends By Kristina Valada-Viars

New York is and has always been a city that celebrates reinvention and change, and that storied reputation has attracted generations of tastemakers. Interior design is one of the city’s largest talent pools and taking advantage of this valu…

2017 January Q&A: Law Insurance and Co-ops By Pierre E. Debbas

Q. Is ordinance or law insurance required in New York State for co-ops? I am being turned down for refinancing my mortgage because our building does not have this insurance. Is it mandated for co-ops? They have all other required insuranc…

2017 January Q&A: Getting Rid of a Board President By Leni Morrison Cummins

Q. My co-op has not had an election of new board members in over 20 years. The president sends a notice of the annual meeting--’come for coffee and donuts’-- but never mentions there is an election due. Now she is holding the annual meeti…

2017 January Q&A: Who’s Considered a Shareholder? By Marc H. Schneider

Q. If a couple is married, but only one of their names appears on the lease, are they both still considered shareholders? Do they both have voting rights?  On a related note, according to the bylaws of my building: “nominations for direc…