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

My landlord wants to keep me from opening my window all summer. Is this legal?
A radiator leak ruined the floor in my co-op. Who's responsible for repairs?
I want to refinance my mortgage, but my appraisal seems low. What do I do?
What should I do if my NYC house doesn't have a certificate of occupancy?
I'm on the board of a self-managed apartment building. What do we need to know about fire safety?
What's the best approach to buying a new apartment before my current one is sold?
What are my rights under the new NYC apartment building smoking law?
Is the cost of staging an NYC apartment for sale tax-deductible?
How are co-op tax abatements calculated?
Which is a better investment for my building: Adding a children's playroom or more storage space?
Plumbers caused damage to my co-op. Who is responsible for repairing it?
My co-op is changing its rules about pets. I'm a dog owner. What can I do?
My big apartment building doesn't have its own super. Is this legal? What can I do?
I'm in a bidding war for an apartment. What should I write to the seller?
I live in NYC. Where's the best place to store my valuables, and how do I insure them?
Worried that construction next door is damaging your condo building? Here's what to do

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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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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.