Everybody wants to do their part to chip in and help save the planet; particularly if it helps them save their own money! In the past, we’ve offered many useful tips on reducing electrical consumption. While it is generally understood that electricity and water don’t mix, we are going to ignore that and follow up with tips on saving water (and of course, money)!
Read MoreNew York City's rat problem is infamous, with the rodents running rampant in many areas of the city. In an effort to combat this issue, the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has announced changes to garbage setout times, effective April 1st, 2023. The current setout times of 4pm - midnight will be revised, with new times for different types of waste.
Read MoreCooperative and condominium communities are unique in their governance structures. Instead of a single homeowner being responsible for their property, a board of directors is elected to manage the affairs of the entire community. These boards are responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations of the community, managing finances, and making decisions that affect the entire community.
Read MoreAs a co-op and condo efficiency consultant, we analyze our clients’ operating expense and income line items as well as their contracts. When we hear that they are in a cable bulk agreement, we immediately review it to get the end date so that we can cancel it at the earliest possible date. Why? Because it’s a losing proposition that is very expensive for most buildings.
Read MoreAs a member of a New York City co-op or condo board, you understand the importance of conducting regular board meetings to manage the operations of your building. However, finding the balance between covering all the necessary topics while not stretching the meeting out for an unreasonable amount of time can be challenging. In this article, we will explore the benefits of keeping your NYC co-op or condo board meeting time less than one hour for optimal efficiency and productivity.
Read MoreTechnology is advancing rapidly, and now anyone can have access to all kinds of innovations in the comfort of their own homes via smart home technology. In fact, smart home devices, which include things like smart speakers, smart security cameras, smart appliances, and more, are expected to be found in many more homes in the next five years. After all, improving the home has become a big focus in recent years, with more people wanting to increase safety and convenience by digitalizing their living spaces.
Read MoreEvery New Year, people make resolutions. Sometimes they are extremely ambitious and thus hard to live up to. Sometimes they are more reasonable but are not accompanied by a strategy to make them achievable. This is similar to being on a coop or condo board. Being a member of a co-op or condo board can be a challenging responsibility. With the new year in full swing, it's an excellent time to reevaluate board members' resolutions to ensure that they're avoiding common pitfalls. By doing so, they can keep their communities running smoothly and efficiently. Here are some tips on how to succeed in keeping those resolutions.
Read MoreValentine's Day is a time to celebrate love, affection, and togetherness. But as we celebrate with our loved ones, it's important not to forget about the planet that sustains us all. This Valentine's Day, why not show some love to the environment by making a conscious effort to recycle in your New York City co-op or condo? By recycling, we can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and help protect the planet for future generations. Here’s some basics on how to recycle in NYC co-ops and condos and make this Valentine's Day a sustainable one.
Read MoreNew York City's push towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future is taking a big step forward with the implementation of Local Law 97 (LL97), which sets strict carbon emissions limits for large buildings in the city. The law has sent shockwaves through the real estate community, with many coop and condo boards scrambling to understand its requirements and avoid potential costs and penalties.
Read MoreThe tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South in 2021, which claimed the lives of 98 people, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of proactive management in co-op and condo buildings. Rather than relying on band aid solutions to address problems as they arise, boards must take a proactive approach to planning and decision-making in order to protect the safety and well-being of all residents.
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