Teri Karush Rogers

The latest in a series of town-hall style educational forums for co-op and condo owners is scheduled for tonight  in Queens, and we hear that some local co-op board presidents are none too pleased.

Nothing says caveat emptor like new construction, which is why a good real estate lawyer can make the difference between happily-ever-after and a short sale two years later. Real estate attorney Felix Nihamin not only wants you to know what you’re getting into—he wants to make sure you don’t leave any money on the table along the way, like the client who didn't realize he could ask the developer to fork over $30,000 in closing costs.

Manhattan architect and NYC Renovation Chronicles columnist David Katz recently shared with us some pre-renovation advice.

“It is always the case that those with connections to the board are able to have their alteration applications reviewed more quickly than others," he said. "For this reason, I always advise my clients to become friendly with the board well before they intend to renovate.”

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."  Wouldn't life in NYC's vertical villages be sooo much better if everyone adhered to this advice from the great man himself? (Yes, chain smokers in 11D,  we're talking to you.)   We'll be taking the rest of the day off to ponder the implications.... See you back here tomorrow.

This is the time of year when Wall Streeters traditionally use their bonuses to buy shiny new condos or grand prewar co-ops. But this year, with banks paying out a huge percentage of bonuses in restricted stock instead of cash, that's not so easy.