Yes, We Are Silently Judging You

Dressed sharp and on time!

Several first-time buyers with whom we are working have had questions about the do's and don'ts of co-op board interviews, so we thought we'd share them with you:

DO wear your Sunday best.  Unless it's a tuxedo or evening gown, you can't be overdressed.  It shows you care and want to impress.  When we interviewed for our current apartment, it was a hideously hot and humid July evening.  Our interview was on a board member's terrace.  We were in suit and tie and the board committee were all in shorts.  Did it matter?  We'll never know, but we got approved!

DO arrive at the general vicinity way, way early.  This is no time to rush in sweating and blaming Uber or the A train.  You can always have a coffee at the Starbucks around the corner - there is always a Starbucks around the corner.  Then arrive at the building early.  You may be kept waiting, but suck it up. 

DO take a glance at your application and be prepared to answer questions, particularly about financial issues - bonuses, trusts, gifts, etc.  And remember,  a downpayment gift from your mom is a GIFT.  A gift is not repayable.  Got it?

DON'T view the interview as a time to channel your inner Joan Rivers.  Be polite and charming, but save the trenchant comments for the martini after you're done.  And be prepared for some standard interview question such as "Tell us something about yourself that's not on the application."  A good answer is "I am a fan of 19th century Russian literature" or "I collect stamps from the South Pacific." A bad answer is "I have dreams of becoming a drummer in a rock band." 

Be honest, but as uncontroversial as possible.  Surprisingly, "I like to cook" can be dicey.  We love the aroma of a simmering curry,  but the feeling is apparently not universal.  And, of course, you have given up smoking - it's bad for you and expensive. 

If you have made it to the interview, generally the prize is yours to lose.  Boards are not required to give a reason for a turn down, so all of the above is based on anecdotal discussions over years.  At the end of the day remember, no matter how cool or downtown (these days Brooklyn) the building, this isn't a Soho House interview.  All everyone wants are nice, quiet, respectful neighbors. That's all.