The Experts

Our experts are standing by to answer your NYC apartment and real estate questions in BrickUnderground's weekly 'Ask an Expert' Q&A

What should my building know if we're considering adding a green roof?
Is now a smart time to buy in NYC's market, or should I wait until prices possibly go down?
Can my building make me pay for expensive air conditioner installation?
My neighbor's construction has left a dangerous pile of debris near our building and is attracting cat-sized rats. What's our recourse?
Our co-op is facing expensive repairs because of damage from tree roots. Are the shareholders responsible for the cost?
I have power of attorney for my friend, but her landlord keeps refusing my checks. Can they do that?
When something goes wrong in a co-op, what repairs are covered by the building?
If I'm already renovating, should I soundproof my apartment in the process?
Will my apartment lose value if I replace my tub with a walk-in shower?
A restaurant is blowing smoke from its kitchen into my window—is this legal?
If I had to move out of my co-op due to leaks, will management cover my hotel bills?
Can my landlord really raise my rent 50 percent because the building's J-51 tax abatement expired?
Why do some buildings have such high monthly maintenance fees—and should it affect my decision to buy?
Is it normal for a co-op to request a hefty "management fee" for a sublet rental?
If I'm renting in a condo, does the owner have to re-paint the apartment?
I'm the executor of my late aunt's will. Does that mean I have access to her rental?

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Apartment Insurance

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Jeffrey Schneider, Gotham Brokerage

Jeffrey Schneider

President Gotham Brokerage

Jeffrey Schneider is the president of Gotham Brokerage Co., Inc., specializing in apartment and homeowners insurance coverage for co-ops, condos, rentals and all types of homes.

Appraisers

Jonathan Miller

President Miller Samuel

Managing agents

Thomas Usztoke

Vice President Douglas Elliman Property Management

Mortgages

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Robbie Gendels

Robbie Gendels

Senior Vice President National Cooperative Bank

Robbie Gendels is a senior vice president and mortgage loan officer at National Cooperative Bank in Manhattan.

Pest Control

Gil Bloom

President Standard Pest Management

Real estate agents

Shirley Hackel

Associate Real Estate Broker Compass

Real estate agents

Deanna Kory

Real Estate Agent The Corcoran Group

Real estate agents

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Blair Sheehan

Real Estate Agent Prevu

Blair Sheehan is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Prevu, a new smart online brokerage in New York City.

Real estate lawyers

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Sam Himmelstein

Sam Himmelstein

Partner Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue & Joseph LP

Sam Himmelstein, Esq., represents NYC tenants and tenant associations in disputes over evictions, rent increases, rental conversions, rent stabilization law, lease buyouts and many other issues.

Real estate lawyers

Jeffrey Reich

Partner Schwartz, Sladkus Reich, Greenberg, Atlas LLP

Real estate lawyers

Dean Roberts

Partner Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A.

Real estate lawyers

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Steven R. Wagner

Steven Wagner

Partner Wagner Berkow

Steven R. Wagner is a real estate attorney specializing in litigation, transactions and all aspects of coop and condo law at Wagner Berkow in Manhattan.

Renovation

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Jean Brownhill

Jean Brownhill

Founder & CEO Sweeten

Jean Brownhill is the Founder & CEO of Sweeten, an award-winning, free service that matches consumers with the best local general contractors for major renovations, offering personal support through to project completion.

Renovation

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Fraser Patterson, Bolster

Fraser Patterson

Founder & CEO Bolster

Fraser Patterson is a former general contractor and the founder of Bolster, a 4-year-old company that has designed a transparent and enjoyable process for homeowners in NYC doing major renovations.