How to Solicit and Write a Winning Coop Recommendation Letter + 15 Beautiful Coop Listings

By Cait Etherington | From Get To Know Monday, December 12, 2022

Letters of recommendation are a key part of board packages for apartments like this. (60 Gramercy Park North, #2A - Douglas Elliman)

If you’re not from New York City or simply new to the world of coop living, it may come as a surprise that in order to buy a coop, you need letters of recommendation. In fact, in most cases, you will be asked to provide at least three letters of recommendation when you submit your coop board application. Whether you’re soliciting letters as a buyer or writing a letter for a colleague or friend, it is important to understand the process and what goes into the composition of a great coop board recommendation.

Soliciting Coop Board Recommendation Letters

Since these letters are designed to make a good impression on coop board members, it is important to solicit letters from people who are well-positioned to vouch for you and likely to present as highly respectable to coop board members.

As a rule of thumb, ask a mix of friends and colleagues who have known you for a reasonable amount of time and who can either attest to your stability (e.g., your work ethic and collegial nature) and speak to why you would make a great neighbor and community member.

Since anyone living in a New York City coop has also undergone this process, don’t be shy about asking. Most colleagues and friends who have had to solicit these letters will be more than happy to return the favor. Also, because coop living in New York City is a particular experience, when possible, solicit letters from other New Yorker coop shareholders. After all, while your best friend who lives on an 85-acre farm in Vermont may know you better than anyone else in the world, they may not be best positioned to vouch for your ability to live in a multi-family high-rise coop in New York City.

Finally, while soliciting a letter from a famous New Yorker might help, it could also backfire. A letter from a politician or celebrity may impress some board members, but if they have already formed an opinion about the individual in question—and it’s unfavorable—the letter could be a liability. Play it safe and look for letters from people who are likely to be viewed as reliable but are unlikely to be well-known (e.g., a colleague in a managerial position at work or a friend who happens to be a physician or educator). Also bear in mind that different coop boards will have slightly different criteria. While letters from bankers or hedge fund lawyers may be ideal if you're attempting to woo the board members of a Park Avenue coop, the same letters may not help sway the members of an HDFC on the Lower East Side.

The Basics

Coop recommendation letters should be addressed to “Members of the Board.” If possible, ensure the writer uses letterhead that clearly states their name, address, phone number, and email address. This will immediately help to legitimize the recommendation. If they’ve used work letterhead, it will also highlight their professional standing, which can make a difference for some board members.

As for the content of the letter, don’t overshare and avoid listing the applicant’s professional accomplishments in detail. A good letter should simply state how long the recommender has known the applicant and in what context and offer evidence that the applicant would make a good neighbor and community member. It is advisable to speak about the applicant's generosity and, if possible, their history of volunteerism. If you know the applicant’s spouse or children be certain to mention them, indicating why you would also welcome them as neighbors.

There are also a few things you might want to avoid mentioning in a coop recommendation letter. While statements such as “X has more friends than anyone I know” may sound positive, such statements can backfire in this context. Some coop board members may assume that “more friends than anyone I know” necessarily means that the applicant is constantly entertaining.

The most important rule is to keep the letter short and sweet—ideally, just one page that says what it needs to say without saying anything more.

Do Letters Matter?

Applications packages contain reams of information about the applicant, their work history, and financial status. Letters of recommendation are just one element and by no means the most important element. That said, if an application doesn’t include the required number of recommendation letters, it will likely be rejected. For this reason, recommendation letters may be a minor part of most coop application package, but they are also a critical part.

180 Thompson Street, #LD
$499,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

180 Thompson Street, #LD (Compass)

From the Listing: Be welcomed to your home by a proper foyer, rarely found in a studio/junior one-bedroom apartment. This property features sprawling hardwood floors, tall ceilings and a spacious layout. The main space is generous enough to create a sleeping area with a queen\-size bed, a true living area and more. The kitchen is separated from the living space and can accommodate a dining area. The bathroom is strategically located at the entrance of the apartment and has a generous closet for all your storage needs. a hall closet for coats, and much more See floor plan and full details here.

The Frost House, #4H
$599,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 700 ft²

The Frost House, #4H (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties)

From the Listing: Sunny one-bedroom with private balcony facing front! Beautiful wood floors, renovated bathroom, new lighting, just painted. Ready for move in. Terrific location, near Upper East Side shopping and restaurants, and four blocks to Central Park. See floor plan and full details here.

150 Joralemon Street, #2C
$670,000

Brooklyn Heights | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

150 Joralemon Street, #2C (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: A converted 1920s Art Deco office building makes a coveted co-op home at 150 Joralemon Street in prime Brooklyn Heights! Situated on the second floor, the architectural features of this one-bedroom apartment include an arched wall-to-wall window creating a wall of sunlight facing east. The loft-like living room is huge at 15' x 19', giving plenty of room for a dining area and office as desired. Rolling barn doors give access to the bedroom and walk-in-closet. The apartment also features a whitewashed wood floor, 10-foot+ ceilings with exposed beams, custom spotlights, a window a/c and some recessed lighting. The pass-through kitchen has white cabinets with a dark stone counter, a Whirlpool range and dishwasher, and a Bloomberg fridge-freezer. Deeded storage in the basement transfers with this unit at no extra cost. See floor plan and full details here.

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Plaza 400, #21E
$850,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths

Plaza 400, #21E (Compass)

From the Listing: Create your dream two bed, two bath apartment with an open kitchen from this "clean white box" currently configured as a huge one-bedroom, one and a half-bath home! This home is flooded with light through oversized windows in every room. The current open floor plan concept allows for easy entertaining with plenty of space flowing from a large entry foyer, oversized living room, and open formal dining room. Maintenance includes electric and gas. See floor plan and full details here.

10 Bethune Street, #3BC
$1,485,000

West Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths | 855 ft²

10 Bethune Street, #3BC (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This inviting home in one of Manhattan's most sought-after neighborhoods includes hardwood floors, 10-foot ceilings, two decorative fireplaces, and is flooded with natural light throughout the day and captivating sunsets to the west. The bright and spacious living room offers protected West Village views of townhouses to the west and generous open sky views due to the low surrounding structures. Large enough to accommodate a separate dining area, the living room is punctuated by a handsome decorative fireplace surrounded by 3 large windows. The custom kitchen is tucked away off the entry and includes a Gaggenau stove, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher and ample storage. The corner bedroom suite with 3 windows includes a decorative fireplace, a windowed bath and an enviable custom walk-in Poliform closet/dressing room with custom millwork. The dressing area includes plumbing hookups which could accommodate a washer/dryer. Two storage units transfer with the sale of the apartment. See floor plan and full details here.

The Peter James, #19D
$1,575,000

Gramercy Park | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The Peter James, #19D (HomeDax Real Estate LLC)

From the Listing: Perched on the Penthouse with unobstructed views of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline, this 3-bedroom apartment benefits from excellent lighting throughout as a result of its northern, western, and eastern exposure. The apartment was gut renovated in 2017, and it offers a spacious corner living room overlooking northwest skylines, a Bosch washer and dryer in unit, and hardwood floors throughout. The north-facing windowed, top-of-the-line chef's kitchen offers Brookhaven cabinetry, white marble countertops, a Wolf oven, Sub-Zero refrigerator, GE microwave, Bosch dishwasher, and direct views of the Chrysler Building. The expansive primary bedroom enjoys a sunny corner exposure, incredible views, and a spa-like en-suite bathroom with a spacious shower. Listed monthly maintenance of $1,995 is based on a seller credit of $2,906/month for the first 12 months. See floor plan and full details here.

24 Eighth Avenue, #1B
$1,895,000

Park Slope | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,436 ft²

24 Eighth Avenue, #1B (Garfield Realty Corp)

From the Listing: Minutes to bucolic Prospect Park, this sprawling 4-bedroom/2.5-bath duplex features high ceilings, a private wooden deck and a beautifully landscaped backyard ideal for alfresco dining, cultivating an herb garden or admiring the changing seasons. Enter at the parlor level where you will find an open living area with 13-foot vaulted tin ceilings, refinished ribboned hardwood floors, mahogany wainscotting, a decorative mantel and handsome wood-framed pier mirror that enchant at first sight. Delight in calming garden views from the two oversized great room windows or adjacent kitchen with backyard deck. Commercial-grade appliances, abundant cabinets, a generous workspace and large breakfast bar with new stone countertop provide you with an excellent foundation to create the kitchen of your dreams. See floor plan and full details here.

45 East 72nd Street, #11B
$1,995,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

45 East 72nd Street, #11B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Enjoy open skyline views and private outdoor space from this spacious 2 bedroom/2 bath coop in the heart of the Upper East Side. Upon entering the expansive great room, which features mahogany paneled walls and beamed ceilings, one is struck by the delightful, full-length terrace with open views to the north and west. The generously proportioned living area accommodates multiple configurations for flexible seating and dining. The adjacent, windowed galley kitchen features custom cabinets, marble counters and slate floors. The primary bedroom with en suite windowed bath and direct access to the terrace boasts dual walk-in closets. See floor plan and full details here.

1 East End Avenue, #MAISONETTE
$2,250,000

Yorkville | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths

1 East End Avenue, #MAISONETTE (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties)

From the Listing: Step into this beautiful 3-bedroom, 9-room maisonette! This grand 1929 pre-war coop offers 3,200 square feet of illuminated opulence, with light pouring in to reveal river views in every room. A gorgeous gallery sets the stage with two circular staircases and two separate entrances neatly dividing your private and public space, as well as a powder room. One staircase leads to the living space on the second floor, while the other staircase leads to your very own private entrance, with a walking path along the river. The whole apartment has fantastic lighting, as there is a window with a water view in every room, and picture windows in the main rooms. The sizeable living room would be ideal for entertaining guests, and the dining room is perfect for either traditional dining or a library/family room. On the second floor, the circular staircase leads to an elegant primary bedroom, a Jack and Jill bath, and two additional spacious bedrooms, all complete with beautiful East River views. See floor plan and full details here.

Hudson Mews, #5A
$2,750,000

West Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Hudson Mews, #5A (Compass)

From the Listing: Residence 5A is a two-bed, two-bath apartment with large east and south-facing dramatic windows. The living room offers a wall of east-facing windows with 12-foot ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace. There's an adjoining south-facing windowed dining alcove, a well-appointed walk-through kitchen, two east-facing bedrooms with tons of light, two full baths, and four double closets throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

45 East 9th Street, #8
$2,900,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

45 East 9th Street, #8 (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: This charming and oversized 2-bedroom, 2-bath duplex (currently configured as a 1-bedroom with dining room) is a one-of-a-kind find. Greeted by a gracious foyer you are led into a beautiful living/sitting room with vaulted ceilings, gorgeous custom millwork and bookshelves, and a wood-burning fireplace. The galley and windowed kitchen is located beside the dining room. Up the beautiful staircase to the second level, you will find an enormous walk-in closet and the bedroom with an en-suite bath. See floor plan and full details here.

60 Gramercy Park North, #2A
$3,250,000

Gramercy Park | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

60 Gramercy Park North, #2A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Prewar three-bedroom with two full baths, private washer and dryer, twenty-four hour doorman, and front-row views of Gramercy Park from south-facing windows in every room! A generous foyer leads to a large loft-like living and dining area, with beamed ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors creating a warm and welcoming feel. The dining area just off the kitchen easily accommodates a large table and flows well into the living area for easy entertaining. The spacious kitchen features plenty of counter space and cabinetry, as well as appliances by Bosch, Miele, and Sub-Zero. The primary bedroom has incredible built-in closets for maximum storage, as well as a picture-perfect park view to wake up to in the mornings and an ensuite bathroom. Also included is a dedicated storage space in the basement and a key to Gramercy Park. See floor plan and full details here.

75 Livingston Street, #23AB
$4,195,000

Brooklyn Heights | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 3,000 ft²

75 Livingston Street, #23AB (Compass Greater NY LLC)

From the Listing: With a Tribeca loft aesthetic designed by the outstanding contemporary architectural firm of Smith-Miller+Hawkinson, and with a Heights pedigree, this trophy property is a showstopper unlike anything you will find in Brooklyn. Day or night, its 360-degree incredible views are punctuated by the NYC skyline, Statue of Liberty, three bridges, two rivers and the harbor from every angle. Its private wraparound terrace integrates these views with options for outdoor living. The architects' signature use of concrete flooring, hand-picked nautical plywood, special lighting, and Venetian white plaster walls and ceilings make this a contemporary gem that has been highlighted in several design articles, including in the New York Times. See floor plan and full details here.

River House, #15A
$6,200,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,170 ft²

River House, #15A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Perched high above the East River with open sweeping views to the south, east, and north, this magnificent terraced apartment with 10' ceilings and original crown moldings is a very special place to call home. A gracious foyer opens into the living room with a wood-burning fireplace and an intimate corner library facing south which provides an easy flow for entertaining and direct views of the East River. The windowed chef's kitchen is equipped with an abundance of cabinetry and storage, a 6-burner stove, double wall oven and is adjacent to a double maid's room which can be reconfigured as a breakfast nook, fourth bedroom or home office. The enormous, corner primary suite has gorgeous views of the East River and beyond and is replete with two huge walk-in closets and a windowed marble bath. See floor plan and full details here.

33 Greene Street, #5W
$10,000,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

33 Greene Street, #5W (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to a one-of-a kind renovated Soho penthouse loft with a rare new spectacular 1,800-square-foot private elevated roof terrace in a boutique historic Cast Iron loft building offering the best in indoor/outdoor living. When you enter this loft, you are greeted by the dramatic first of two living rooms framed by an enormous skylight, soaring 13 ½ foot ceilings, gorgeous wide-plank white oak floors and one-of-a-kind historic columns and tin ceilings which continue throughout the loft. The enormous 800-square-foot sun-flooded Great Room is framed by five large windows with southern exposure and soaring 13 ½ foot ceilings offering a generous and flexible open concept living, dining area and open chef's kitchen perfect for entertaining. The roof deck features a brand new outdoor kitchen boasting a Traeger grill, refrigerator and sink, a 200-square-foot pergola for shaded outdoor al fresco dining under a Restoration Hardware glass chandelier and solar power, Wifi, an irrigation system, a convenient shed for storage, and extensive plantings around its perimeter. See floor plan and full details here.

The Adelaide, #8FL
$10,800,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 4 Baths

The Adelaide, #8FL (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties)

From the Listing: This sprawling full-floor 12-room residence with four exposures was designed by renowned architect J.E.R. Carpenter. The generously scaled rooms feature exquisite classic prewar details including herringbone hardwood floors, high ceilings, four wood-burning fireplaces, and oversized windows allowing for abundant natural light throughout the day from all four exposures. The private elevator landing leads to an elegant circular gallery which opens to the entertaining rooms and a conveniently located guest powder room. The grand corner living room facing south and west onto Park Avenue opens through double doors to a gracious corner formal dining room facing south and east .Both the living room and dining room feature wood-burning fireplaces as does the library and adjacent bedroom/sitting room. The private quarters include five bedrooms and four windowed bathrooms, three of which are en-suite. Adjacent to the expansive windowed kitchen, which can be accessed from the dining room or from the gallery, is a large windowed east-facing breakfast room. See floor plan and full details here.

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Contributing Writer Cait Etherington Cait Etherington has over twenty years of experience working as a journalist and communications consultant. Her articles and reviews have been published in newspapers and magazines across the United States and internationally. An experienced financial writer, Cait is committed to exposing the human side of stories about contemporary business, banking and workplace relations. She also enjoys writing about trends, lifestyles and real estate in New York City where she lives with her family in a cozy apartment on the twentieth floor of a Manhattan high rise.

Read Full Bio | Contact Cait Etherington

This is your member's center

In this article:

Soliciting Coop Board Recommendation Letters

The Basics

Do Letters Matter?

180 Thompson Street, #LD
$499,000

The Frost House, #4H
$599,000

150 Joralemon Street, #2C
$670,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Plaza 400, #21E
$850,000

10 Bethune Street, #3BC
$1,485,000

The Peter James, #19D
$1,575,000

24 Eighth Avenue, #1B
$1,895,000

45 East 72nd Street, #11B
$1,995,000

1 East End Avenue, #MAISONETTE
$2,250,000

Hudson Mews, #5A
$2,750,000

45 East 9th Street, #8
$2,900,000

60 Gramercy Park North, #2A
$3,250,000

75 Livingston Street, #23AB
$4,195,000

River House, #15A
$6,200,000

33 Greene Street, #5W
$10,000,000

The Adelaide, #8FL
$10,800,000

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In this article:

Soliciting Coop Board Recommendation Letters

The Basics

Do Letters Matter?

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

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