Reference Letter?

I would think you might want a little more than 2 lines; that's apt to sound curt. I think they need to get florid & lay it on thick but not TOO thick. >It's been my pleasure to know Joe for 8 years & I know him to be a fine moral fellow. He has an even temperament & gets along well with all. He's kind & thoughtful & civic-minded. I recall the time.......yada yada yada. < You get the idea.

They need to write between half a page and a page.

How they know you, how long they have known you, testimony to your good character, statement that you will be a good neighbor, and contact information for follow-up.

All good suggestions. I would only add that the "ideal" candidate to write a strong personal reference letter is someone who's on the board of their own building.

Make sure that each one is distinct. Say something about how they know you, a little anecdote about you (i.e. "Bob & Joan have been great, caring friends. When my wife was ill they came by every day and made sure my kids had home cooked meals. I'm sure they would make terrific neighbors and be a wonderful part of your community.")

For my board application I wrote separate 'sample' letters to my references. And boards will want the original signed copies (not faxes or PDF's.)

Yes, #2 and #5 are correct. Many applicants just write their own letters and have the appropriate people put it on their letterhead and sign.

Also, this can be the one item holding up your application, so make sure you get on it as soon as possible! I had an issue with a friend in Texas who wrote a terrific letter, sent me a signed PDF version. I needed the original but she lost it, so I ended up forging her signature. She finally found it and Fedexed to me but it was too late by that point.

OP here...

Thanks for the suggestions. I better get on it right away!!

If you can get folks who live in NYC and are senior at recognizable firms its a big bonus.

Opening up the flood gates for comments but here is a personal recommendation letter written on my behalf:

Dear Board Members:

I am writing this letter to offer a personal recommendation for my close personal friend John Doe.

John and I have been friends for over six years and I know him as a highly dependable, honest and caring individual. He is also a trusted family friend beloved by both my wife and children.

Serving as a member of the cooperative board for #### Broadway, I have the opportunity to sit in the same role as you in considering applicants. Often times you look at letters like these and wonder about the person behind the paperwork. This person is one who I would eagerly welcome into my cooperative board. His knowledge of real estate is a highly valuable commodity. I have turned to him several times in the capacity of my business real estate interests and in all instances I have found his counsel to be extremely valuable. It also was at the great price of $0.00.

I imagine that after meeting with him, you will feel he will make an excellent neighbor. Should you have any questions please feel free to call me during business hours at ###-####

Sincerely,

Awww thats soo cute!!!

#10 has it down to a tee. Great letter!

Any chance the brokers would give me a few sample letters that they thought were good?

#10 was a great letter why would you need more sample letters??

because you have to submit 3 to 5 letters.

If you ask the broker they should help you by giving you some samples.

But since by definition all the letters have to have different anecdotes and specifics, #10's letter is a great one to work off of.

#13 - you have a a great sample to work off of. Anything which can be provided will not involve the specific relationship or background of your referees. So you get the idea - now make one that is like that in spirit but highlights your particular interactions and relations with the referee. You can choose people with different backgrounds to that at least you have presented a few sides of yourself.

#13, my broker gave me several sample letters. I'm guessing that a lot of brokers do this.

#13 here , I thought that might be the case since they have so much invested in making the sale go through.

If you dont have a broker #13 - why dont you ask the seller's broker then? they now have a vested interest in getting you approved.

Regarding that sample letter in #10, I would just caution that you don't want your chosen reference to suggest, even in the slightest terms, that you are interested in being on the board of the building you are applying to. That would be a one-way ticket to rejection.

Excellent, #22, I thought that, too. 'Works well with others' is the theme here, not controlling & pushy.

There is an excellent post about this on Urban Digs, click on http://www.urbandigs.com/2006/03/co-op_board_ref.html

does the board actually contact the references? or are they content with the letters?

say, for a high rise, but not a luxury bldg or anything.