Cutting the Cord

Why Condo and Co-op Boards Should Reconsider Cable Bulk Agreements

As 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 More
Mark FoleyComment
Short, Sweet, and Productive

The Ideal Length for Your Next NYC Co-op or Condo Board Meeting

As 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 More
Tina LarssonComment
Five Smart Technology Options to Make your Home More Energy Efficient

Technology 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 More
Tina LarssonComment
Avoiding Common Pitfalls on Your Coop or Condo Board

Do you have the tools to help your building succeed?

Every 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 More
Tina LarssonComment
Celebrate Valentine's Day and the Planet

A Guide to Recycling in NYC Co-Ops and Condos 

Valentine'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 More
Tina LarssonComment
The Fine Print of Local Law 97

What NYC Coops and Condos Need to Know

New 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 More
Tina LarssonComment
Put the “Pro” in “Proactive”!

5 Steps to Proactive Management in Your Co-op or Condo Building

The 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.

Read More
Tina LarssonComment
Don't Get Stuck in the Urgent but Not Important Quadrant

Use the Eisenhower Box

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks on your plate as a co-op or condo board member? Do you wish there was a simple way to prioritize and manage your time more effectively? Look no further than the Eisenhower Box - a tried and true productivity tool that can help you get more done and make the most of your time.

Read More
Tina LarssonComment
Top 4 tips for the Inflation Reduction Act

How smart co-op and condo owners and boards electrify

As co-op and condo owners and boards focus on sustainability, along with environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), and avoiding fines under Local Law 97, electrification can be a smart solution. It involves replacing carbon emissions-producing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and appliances with those that run on electricity. The Inflation Reduction Act and Rewiring America initiatives can help low and middle-income New Yorkers electrify their apartments and buildings at reduced or even no cost. Here are four tips for co-op and condo owners to make the most of these opportunities:

Read More
Tina LarssonComment
Behind the scenes of "Living the High Life"

What went into writing the book

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of writing and publishing a book? In this blog post, we'll take a look at the process of creating "Living the High Life: How smart co-op and condo owners protect themselves and their investment." Read on to see how it was done and if you are thinking of writing a book, you might get some valuable takeaways from this experience.

Read More
Tina LarssonComment