Reference Letters

See http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/1617-reference-letter and http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/12198-reference-letter-ideas?comment_id=179005

i wrote someone one and when he interviewed with the board they mentioned what an impressive letter it was... i just googled reference letters and got some good idea. as far as from who, a nix is best, but they should be strong letters. also many people may ask you to write it and they will sign it

If the person has any kind of impressive title, ask them to include it and not be shy.

When we prepared our co-op board package, the broker removed our letters from people we knew from church. We had enough letters without them. I don't know if this is standard practice or not.

{Manhattan real estate agent.}

"When we prepared our co-op board package, the broker removed our letters from people we knew from church."

I get it. I wouldn't want neighbors who are stupid enough to believe in god and go to church. Smart borker—for once.

We provided our broker with more letters than requested so he could select the ones he felt were most effective. They were all on business letterhead and included a wide cross-section of our friends including senior folks from recognizable corporations or, as Fluter suggests, a couple of friends with impressive-sounding professional titles.

We`ll see if the letters are brought up at the interview or if we are even granted an interview!

If a board asks for 4 personal references is it ok to give one from a family member (uncle or cousin) and 1 from a work colleague? thanks.

never give a letter from a relative it implies that the only ones who will vouch for you are realted and have to. If using someone from business for a personal referance have them say that they met you on the job but have since become freindly with you socially and you are wounderful,honest sincere etc

Also, buildings like letters from people in similar buildings. If you are looking at pre-war co-ops on the upper east for example, having personal references from people who live in (and may be on boards of) buildings of a similar ilk and status are good. Avoid letters from anyone controversial (someone in politics, etc) and seek out letters from people with whom you have had a long term friendship, if possible.

letters from board members of comps are very good:
"As a member of the board of 10000 Park Avenue I understand the importance of this process. I would be pleased to welcome a family such as the Fuckcfaces into my building, and assure you they would be an asset to the community in yours."

"As a resident of the nearby cooperative building at 5555 West End Avenue, I appreciate....

dont give discetion re your letters or anything else to your broker. advocate for yourself. and youll get way better info on the web or from this board than any broker will provide.

is it ok to give a business ref (minus the letterhead) in lieu of a personal? instead of, say, a relative giving one.

>>is it ok to give a business ref (minus the letterhead) in lieu of a personal? instead of, say, a relative giving one.<<

Most boards will ask for both personal AND business/professional letters. Often two of each. Unless the person you are considering is also a good friend, I'd probably try to find someone a bit closer to you to right the personal letter(s). Someone you have known a long time, who can attest to your character. The colleague could write one of your professional letters.

^^OMG, to WRITE not right. Sheesh. Sorry.^^^

i think to back up what people say i just put a package together that asked for 6 letters....3 personal and 3 business. I was told by a lot of people to get letters that overall put a picture of who you are...i also hear its better that you dont write all of them as sometimes it comes off each letter sounding the same...In the end i think its just important to get the most influential people you know and also getting people who live in a building similar or above the quality of where ur moving to as board like that...I also asked for more than the requested letters and picked the best ones so that i gave what i felt made me look the best. I hope it helps but lastly family should be avoided bc it seems as others have said that you cant get better.....GOOD LUCK BTW

One of the weirdest "business" reference letters I got was from a SUBORDINATE of the applicant.

I asked the applicant for another letter to replace it.

Really? You think that I won't think your reference is biased when it's coming from someone who works UNDER you?

Dunn was over Unger and I was over Dunn. Unger: So, you see, both Dunn and I were under Oveur, even though I was under Dunn.