Ask an Expert

A co-op building only wants all-cash offers. Is that a red flag?

By Alanna Schubach  | January 25, 2021 - 1:30PM
image

Some high-end NYC co-ops have an all-cash offer requirement to provide assurances of the financial fitness of a new shareholder.

Austin Havens-Bowen for Brick Underground/Flickr

I am looking to buy an apartment in a co-op building that wants "cash-only" offers. Is it legal to restrict buyers to all cash? I love the apartment (and can negotiate the price) but should I see this as a red flag?

Such restrictions could indicate that the co-op is looking for financially secure buyers, our experts say, but it could also mean the building has money issues. 

"Financing restrictions in cooperatives are legal," says Jeffrey Reich, a partner in the law firm of Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas. "Some super high-end cooperatives maintain a 'no financing' policy in order to maintain the exclusivity of their building and to provide assurances as to the financial wherewithal of the shareholders." 

Co-op boards in these buildings are also likely to be very particular in looking at a prospective buyer's financial and employment history. Purchasing in such an exclusive co-op may deliver a greater sense of security to shareholders, but it also presents challenges when it comes time to sell. 

Don't be afraid of co-ops in NYC

"Co-ops are generally 10% less expensive than condos. Their rules are designed to protect the value of your apartment and ensure your neighbors are financially sound," says Matthew Steer of SteerKelly Team at Keller Williams. "As your broker, it's our job to make sure you qualify for the building you're interested in. We have a 99.9% success rate of getting buyers board-approved." Get in touch with us >>

"The only downside is that there’s a limited number of people who can truly afford to pay all cash and have the financial requirements that are required," says Deanna Kory, a broker with Corcoran. "Just remember when you go to sell, your buyer pool will be far more restricted, so it may take longer to sell and find the right type of buyer who can pass the board."

It is up to you as the buyer to weigh the pros and cons of buying in a building that requires all-cash offers—if you can afford to make such an offer. Work with a broker who is familiar with the building and can help you make an informed decision. 

"The question for the prospective purchaser is whether the advantage of such a board policy outweighs the disadvantage. The advantage is that the other tenant-shareholders are not burdened by the obligation to pay monthly maintenance and mortgage; only the former," says Kevin McConnell, a partner with Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph (a Brick sponsor). "The disadvantage is that it narrows the potential buyer market and drives down the price." 

However, in some co-ops, an all-cash requirement could be a warning sign of money trouble. If the building you're considering is not particularly high-end, the board may be resorting to a "no-financing" policy because there are major cash flow issues. 

If this strikes you as a possibility, you'll want to take a closer look at the building's documents—another reason working with a good broker and attorney is so important. 

"It could mean that the apartments are not financeable, due to the level of underlying debt, high levels of shareholder defaults, or existing litigation, among other possibilities," Reich says. "A review of the board meeting minutes or questions directed to the management term could provide an explanation of the reason for the policy." 


Trouble at home? Get your NYC apartment-dweller questions answered by an expert. Send your questions to [email protected].

For more Ask an Expert questions and answers, click here.

 

Alanna Schubach

Contributing writer

Contributing editor Alanna Schubach has over a decade of experience as a New York City-based freelance journalist.

Brick Underground articles occasionally include the expertise of, or information about, advertising partners when relevant to the story. We will never promote an advertiser's product without making the relationship clear to our readers.

topics: