EPISODE 39

The secrets to a well-run co-op or condo building

When you buy a condo or co-op in NYC, it's important to do everything you can to find out how the building is run. After all, it’s is a big investment—so what are the secrets to a well-run building? What are the typical flashpoints between residents and how are they best resolved? These are some of the questions addressed in this week's podcast with real estate attorney Steve Wagner, partner at the Manhattan law firm Wagner, Berkow & Brandt (and a Brick Underground sponsor).

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By Emily Myers | February 14, 2020 - 9:00AM

When you buy a New York City apartment, it's important to do everything you can to find out how the building is run. After all, buying a condo or co-op is a big investment and you want to see that money is being invested in the building—or there could be assessments down the road. Buildings naturally deteriorate and depreciate, so if funds aren't being put in, it’s the equivalent of liquidating the business.

So what are the secrets to a well-run building and what are the typical flashpoints between residents and how are they best resolved?

These are some of the questions addressed in this week's podcast. Real estate attorney Steve Wagner, partner at the Manhattan law firm Wagner, Berkow & Brandt (and a Brick Underground sponsor), speaks to host Emily Myers about some of his experiences both representing co-op and condo owners and as board president of his own 420-unit, co-op building.

In handling shareholder requests, Wagner believes the best policy is to "try and get to yes." He prioritizes board transparency, encourages buyers to get as much financial information as possible about the building, and also has advice for anyone preparing for the all-important co-op board interview.

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Emily Myers

Senior Writer/Podcast Producer

Emily Myers is a real estate writer and podcast host. As the former host of the Brick Underground podcast, she earned four silver awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors. Emily studied journalism at the University of the Arts, London, earned an MA Honors degree in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh and lived for a decade in California.

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