Hello,

It's not enough to ask a community of blog readers for a recommendation. Read up on how to choose a manager.

We have a page devoted to the topic on our website: http://ogimanagement.com

Check references. Some companies won't stand up to this basic test.

Review proposals and look for follow through during the sales process.

If you have questions, we will be glad to help you during this stressful and time consuming process.

Regards from
One Good Idea

Posted by: OGI Management at December 17, 2008 7:28 PM in response to Management Companies

There is only one guy to get. Stu Klein. Hands down the most knowledgeable real estate lawyer in NYC. That's now enough though. Anyone who's seen him in action will testify that he ties the heart and mind together to make arguments that resound.

He may be expensive so pray that you can afford him.

If he isn't an expert in your niche of real estate law, he'll know who is.

Good luck.

Posted by: OGI Management at December 17, 2008 7:20 PM in response to Lawyer for Property Dispute?

Responding to the most recent question by a guest: How much do people usually pay for a management company? Is it per unit or a function of the rent roll?

Property managers for rental buildings usually charge a percent of the rent roll. The percent is frequently quoted in the 5-8% range but can be lower depending on how many units the building has (larger buildings require more effort, but have substantially higher rent rolls). Managers could charge a higher rate if there is significantly more effort expected than normal. This could include construction/renovation projects or difficult tenant relations (read that as time in court).

For condos and co-ops, the prices for management services vary depending on what the responsibilities entail. It doesn't take much less time and effort to manage a 6 unit building than a 16 or 32 unit building so management companies will often have minimum service charges. These climb with doorman and other staff supervision.

If you have further questions, email us at our website.

-OGImanagement.com

Posted by: OGI Management at October 12, 2008 9:56 PM in response to Brownstone Property Management

My wife and I have been renting an apartment from Brownstone Management for the past 3 1/2 years. We have only had terrific experiences with the management company. They have been very responsive whenever we have had problems. When we had a baby they were open to us doing minor renovations and helped us with installations. They even sent a very sweet baby gift! Having lived in several buildings and brownstones around Brooklyn, we can easily say they have been great to work with.

Posted by: bmalamet at November 11, 2008 10:28 AM in response to Brownstone Property Management

We are a small Condo in Brooklyn and we used to have Brownstone for one year. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT ever use Brownstone Management. They may sound professional because the owner, Josh Blackman, has some kind of legal background. But Josh has neither the skills nor the personality to be a property manager, not even a mediocre one. He constantly tried to overcharge our Condo using all kind of schemes. We switched to DDMSC. The property manager is top notch - very responsive and professional.

Posted by: bp at May 28, 2009 2:51 PM in response to Brownstone Property Management