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

I'm taking over a lease. What, if anything, does my landlord have to do before I move in?
My movers damaged my things while they transported them to storage. What can I do?
How can I protect myself from surprise costs if I buy an apartment in a small building?
Do contractors come with warranties?
Do I need to pay for my neighbor to move and store her furniture while she repairs water damage from my apartment?
How does the number of elevators in a building affect property values?
Our condo's parking lot has become a battleground. How can we restore diplomacy?
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?

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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.