What to do before signing contract?

I would, as part of attorney review, have the condo inspected as part of a home inspection process. Never trust a real estate broker whose #1 goal is to get that commission as soon as possible. Ask your lawyer, not this stupid board.

gcondo is right. You are already paying your lawyer. Get the most out of him.

I agree with gcondo and vic64.

i would get an inspection. it may not be too typical for coops, but it is definitely more typical with condos. broker doesn't want anything to spoil the deal, that's why he is says that to you.

Check the plumbing and electric to make sure they are all working.

Lawyer said inspection not typical (fyi, this is condo combined unit from 1980's era building)... what is there to check besides plumbing and electric?

What about reviewing the minutes of the last board meeting.

check plumbing, electric in the unit. check roof, boiler

The last apartment I sold, the buyer's lawyer insisted on an inspection. It was in a pre war building.

Rain dance?

I remember someone on this board saying that s/he had hired an inspector & was embarrassed to report that they caught a number of items while s/he was daydreaming, glancing out the window, musing where the sofa would go, etc.

Cry

I would just go read the board meetings. Most people leave this to the lawyers, but is actually kind of interesting and you get to learn a lot about building and how it is run. If you really want the unit I would not bother with the inspection unless it is quite old. In your unit there is very little that can be wrong. Plus, what if there is something a little wrong? You willing to renegotiate for a few thousand bucks and risk losing the place?

i would never skip inspection myself. it doesn't cost much. u can learn about a lot about ur property in a couple of hours, why not?

Get an inspector and be certain to determine what is behind those built ins (?fire door?).

Do not listen to lawyer. They also just want to close the deal. BE CAREFUL IN NY BUYER BEWARE. Once you sign there is no going back.