“I 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! ”
