Want to Ace Your Co-op Board Application in NYC?

After going through lord-knows how many open houses, you’ve finally found a co-op apartment that makes you happy. After a bit of negotiating, you’ve got an accepted offer and are now ready to move on to the next step, the co-op board application process. Every co-op buyer must go through a rite of passage, which will take more than a bit of preparation. The ownership structure of co-ops makes this a necessary due diligence process for finding candidates that will contribute to the building’s financial well-being. Consider these ten easy steps to ensure your board application goes smoothly to ensure you’re ready.

Start Your Preparation Early

A board application involves a lot of paperwork, so the sooner you start prepping, the better. Your buyer’s agent can help you by informing you of all the documents you’ll need and ensuring they’re well organized. The more organized you are, the less time you’ll waste between offer and closing. There will be deadlines for submitting certain materials, so consult your attorney and double-check your contract to ensure you know them.

Follow Directions

You’d be surprised how many board packages fail because the buyer couldn’t follow the instructions. Every co-op handles its board application process differently, so carefully read whatever directions they provide. Your buyer’s agent should offer and guide the procedure. The buyer’s agent should explain any differences in how your co-op operates. Your agent can also help you by providing samples of application documents. The digital age means less needs to be printed than before, but not every board has gotten entirely on board. Follow the guidelines and listen to your broker, they’ve walked buyers through this process countless times, so they know what they’re talking about.

Give Special Care to Preparing Your Financial Statements

The exact requirements of every co-op board will vary from one building to another. But one element you’ll always see financial statements, specifically tax returns and bank statements. These are the bread-and-butter of every board package, so ensure you have yours in order. Most boards will want to see tax returns for at least two years, while your financial statement should be your most recent one. If you’re receiving financing, you’ll need a commitment letter, which you won’t get until you’ve passed the underwriting process of a mortgage application. The process can take 30-45 days in today’s lending environment. Remember, your commitment letter will come with an expiry date. Something that can become problematic if it lapses before you submit your application.

Include a Cover Letter and Table of Contents

Board members have to take time out of their day to review applications. Why do they appreciate an app that’s well organized with a table of contents? It allows them to quickly find what they need and get down to brass tacks. A cover letter summarizing who you are, your income, assets post-closing, and debt-to-income ratio will go a long way. The more comfortable you are doing their job, the better the impression you’ll make.

Flattery Can Go a Long Way (but only when it’s sincere)

Don’t underestimate the effect a bit of flattery can have. Board membership is a voluntary position, so they obviously must care about the building and feel some pride in it. Board members aren’t just assessing you on your financial qualifications; they also evaluate you as a potential neighbor. For your into-letter, add some lines about what you like most about the structure and what living there would mean. A few kind words will add a human touch to your package and help them see the person behind it. Just don’t go overboard in your flattery, and keep it sincere.

Don’t Leave Any Blanks.

Nothing frustrates board members like incomplete information, so make sure you leave no blanks in your application. If they have to spend time going back and forth asking for more information, it will stretch out your board application, make you look disorganized, and increase your chances of rejection. If something doesn’t apply to you on the application, then make sure you explain why. For example, all-cash buyers’ common mistake is not including the required amount in their financial statements. It can leave board members wondering where the money is coming from. Another mistake is not explaining why your tax returns show you’re liable for people who won’t occupy the apartment. In short, don’t leave anything unsaid.

Choose Your References Carefully

Reference letters are crucial to every application package, so they must be rock solid. First, there’ll be an employee letter, which should come on company letterhead and state your compensation. Next, professional reference letters from a superior or colleague should give detailed feedback on your attitude and performance in a work environment. Then there’s a personal reference letter from your current management company that will detail what you’re like as a tenant and whether you pay your bills on time. What makes a difference here is authentic references that give a real sense of who you are. If your letters read like boilerplate clichés and don’t say anything genuine or specific, they’re doing more harm than good. Instead, choose references that know you personally and can give honest assessments of you. Your broker can provide examples of reference letters to help.

Double and Triple Check Your Package Before Submitting

Anyone who said perfection is a fool’s errand never submitted a co-op board package. Check and recheck everything before submitting because you only get one chance to make a first impression. Your broker will help put it together but have other qualified eyes give it a read-over. It can include the seller’s broker, the managing agent, and even your attorney.

Learn Whatever You Can About the Board Members

Any experienced broker will take the initiative with this one. But in case they don’t, make sure they do some snooping. Co-op boards can be as varied as they come, so knowing a bit about them and how they run things can make a big difference when putting your package together. If you know anyone who already lives in the building, try to arrange a meetup. You can pick their brains about the board members and their own experience with the board application.

Bring you’re A-Game to the Interview.

After you’ve submitted your board package comes the dreaded co-op interview. The thought of this might be causing you nausea, but if you’ve done your preparation, it should be a breeze. The board has often approved your application and wants to meet you as a formality. All the same, you should be ready for anything. Arrive 15 minutes early; avoid being late. Dress appropriately, which usually means business casual. Make sure you know your entire board package back-to-front so you can answer any questions confidently and firmly. Keep your answers short and to the point. It might be good to rehearse potential questions and answers with your broker before the big day.