Thursday, December 17, 2009

Co-op Boards Making (Small) Compromises


Co-op boards are starting to become slightly more flexible in light of the market. It looks like 2010 is going to be another challenging year for the real estate industry, and a growing number of brokers urging co-op boards to consider broadening their pool of acceptable buyers—and it appears to be working. Some of the boards are actually starting to bend, and this could help boost co-op sales in 2010.

With sales volume so far down from the peak of the market, sellers often have to waiting for months to find a buyer, only to see that buyer rejected. Boards are starting to believe that to enable shareholders to get the maximum price for their apartments they have to be a little more flexible with regard to the buyers. The current economic climate has made boards more wary of the financial situation of buyers, so in return some brokers have convinced boards to ease up on allowing compromises on pet policies and pied-à-terres.

Boards are, of course, still insisting that potential shareholders have steady jobs and plenty of cash. In addition, they are less likely to accept residents who are self-employed or whose incomes fluctuate from year to year. Even with more willingness to compromise, boards will only make exceptions for extremely well-qualified candidates.

Contact Alfred Real Estate today.

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