The Co-Op Bible: Everything You Need to Know about Co-Ops and Condos; Getting In, Staying In, Surviving, Thriving

When my fiance and I started looking to buy in NYC, this was the only book we could find that was specific enough to be really useful. NYC real estate is extremely unique and I found most books to be frustrating at times because the advice would be focused on buying a home everywhere else in the country. The author intertwines her advice with lots of personal anecdotes which I found made it easier and more entertaining to read. What we found most helpful was the part on what to expect during the buying process. As co-op newbies, we'll keep this one on the shelf as we become members as well. Great information!

I recently bought a co-op in Manhattan (July 2001) and before doing so; I went to the bookstores and scanned the shelves for books that I thought would help me out. With so many titles to choose from, how could one know what is worth buying and the rest browsing? I ended up settling down with two books and I can happily recommend "The Co-Op Bible: Everything You Needed to Know About Co-Ops and Condos: Getting In, Staying In, Surviving, Thriving". With the first time home buying experience behind me, I found that there was so much more I needed to learn before buying into a co-op. There was so much I didn't know but quickly learned by reading the Co-Op Bible. Buying in NYC is an extremely detail oriented process; a process I believe no other city in the United States can match. The endless board package preparation is enough to deter anyone from being a homeowner (and even then, just technically, a shareholder) and the actual board meeting is something to have nightmares about (who likes being judged?). Sylvia's book put my mind to ease and easily defines the MUST HAVES and MUST KNOWS for Manhattan co-op buying. After reading and soaking in all the knowledge that I felt necessary, finding 12 letters of recommendation, three years worth of bank statements and tax returns didn't seem so daunting (hey, it's just all part of the process). Although the book covers information about "staying in, surviving and thriving" I found that all I really wanted to know was the "getting in" part. I didn't read much of the book after I absorbed everything I needed to know about co-op acceptance. My rating is based on the thorough knowledge Sylvia bestowed on me in the several chapters I did read!I can honestly say that reading The Co-Op Bible allowed me to focus my nervous energy elsewhere and five months after placing an accepted offer, I was able to move into my new home!

Sylvia Shapiro does a great job outlining the basics of Co-Ops, how they are structured, and how they differ from Condos. As someone looking to buy a Co-Op in Manhattan, I found this book a necessary resource before going to a broker. Shapiro does a great job of detailing the inside goings on of a Co-Op board and how they relate to every facet of a building, including the board approval process. The Co-Op Bible is very thorough, and I recommend it for anyone considering buying into a NYC Co-Op.

This was an incredible read & is very helpful in my search for a new home. Much of the book is based on her experience in New York, so I am not sure how applicable this will be for people who don't live in New York. Even the list of important numbers at the end of the book were all NYC numbers. It does contain a lot of practical advice & finally explained to me how Co-op boards work in a clear, understandable ( & honest!) way.

The Co-op Bible couldn't have come at a better time. Thanks to Sylvia Shapiro's wise and witty advice I faced the board with confidence and what's more...I got my apartment. Thank you Sylvia!