T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKERS
BOARD PACKAGE SAMPLE
Table of Contents
HOWTOPREPAREABOARDPACKAGE 2
PREPARINGTOMEETTHEBOARD 4
IFYOUARESELF-EMPLOYED 4
IMPROVINGYOURFINANCIALPICTURE 4
SAMPLEOFABOARDPACKAGECOVERLETTER 5
SAMPLEPURCHASEAPPLICATION 6
PERSONALINFORMATIONREGARDINGAPPLICANT(S) 7
ADDITIONALINFORMATIONREGARDINGAPPLICANT(S) 8
FINANCIALSTATEMENT 9
DISCLOSUREOFINFORMATIONONLEAD-BASEDPAINT 11
SAMPLEPERSONALREFERENCELETTERS 12
SAMPLEBUSINESSREFERENCELETTERS 15
SAMPLELANDLORDLETTER 17
SAMPLEGUARANTORLETTERS 18
SAMPLEGIFTLETTER#1 19
GIFTAFFIDAVIT 21
SAMPLEBANKREFERENCELETTERS 22
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T HE SMART B R OKERS
HOWTOPREPAREABOARDPACKAGE
Animportantaspectofpurchasingaco-opapartmentiscompletingaPurchaseApplicationandassembling
nancialdocumentsandreferences–knownasTheBoardPackage.Firsttimebuyersareoftenshockedbythe
amountofcondentialinformationrequiredbyboards.Beassuredthatthisinformationiskeptstrictlycondential.
TheprimarypurposeoftheBoardPackageistoassurethecorporationofyournancialabilityto“carry”the
apartment(boardsaretougherthanbanks)andtogivethemcondencethatyouwillbea“cooperative”
shareholderandawelcomedmemberoftheircommunity.
Eachco-ophasitsownsetofrequirementsandapplicationform,whichwewillobtainforyoufromthe
managingagentofthebuilding.
PLEASE
Readtheinstructionsonthecoverpagecarefullyandplantoprovidealltheinformationrequested.Wewill
answeranyquestionsyoumayhave.
Besureyourapplication,referenceandsupportingdocumentsareneat,clearandtyped.
Mostcommonelementsarethefollowing:
PurchaseApplication: Thisshouldbetyped.Fillinallblanksandanswer
allthequestions(even,ifnecessary,“notapplicable”).
CreditReleaseForm: Thisallowsthemanagingagenttoobtainacredit
checkforeachapplicant.
ContractofSale: CopyofthefullyexecutedContractofSale.
FinancialStatement: Thisisastatementofallassetsandliabilitiesandsupporting
documents.Itisveryimportantthatthesumsonthestatementreconcile
withtheattachedsupportingdocuments.Everyitemonthestatement
(exceptpersonalproperty)mustbedocumented.Don’tforgettoadd
earnestmoney(depositoncontract)intheassetcolumn.
ReferenceLetters: Acombinationofpersonalandbusinessreferencelettersareneeded.
Theselettersgivetheboardanopportunitytoknowyou.Haveyour
friendsandassociateswritewonderfulthingsaboutyou…butdoask
themtoincludesomerealbasics:Howlonghavetheyknownyou?In
whatcapacitydidyoumeet(i.e.,Jimisanoldcollegechum,aformer
neighbor,weservedonacommitteetogether,etc.)?Whydotheythink
youwillmakeagreatneighbor?Iftheyliveinaco-oporhaveservedon
theboardattheirbuilding,itisagoodthingtosoindicate.
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T HE SMART B R OKERS
Wealwayssuggestthatyougetafewextralettersineachcategory.Thatway,youcanselectthebestandnot
offendanyonebyaskingthemtore-writealetter.
TheselettersshouldallbeaddressedtoTheBoardofDirectors,c/otheCorporation.Asfollows:
TheBoardofDirectors
NameoftheCorporation
Address
NewYork,NYZipCode
BUT,theyshouldbesentdirectlyto:
SusanBroker
Broker’shomeorofceaddress
Tax Returns: Mostco-opsrequiretwoyearsoftaxreturnsincludingallschedulesand
W-2forms.Pleaseremembertosignthem!
Landlord Reference:Thisveriesyourpromptpaymentofrentalormaintenancecharges.
Bank Reference Letters: Justaskabankeratyourlocalbranch.Theydothisallthetimeandwill
knowwhatyou’retalkingabout.
Afterallthedocumentsareaccumulated,havethemcopiedandsubmitthemtothemanagingagent.
Remember,asarule,ifyouareapplyingforamortgage,managingagentsdonotacceptanypapersuntilyouhave
awrittencommitmentletterfromthebank.
Before You Submit Your Board Package Remember:
•Neatnesscounts
•Typedapplicationandnancialstatements
•Easytofollowpackage
•Nicelookingreferenceletter
•Don’tleaveunansweredquestions
•Ifthe“package”doesnotprovideforyoutoconveyspecialinformation,acover/supplementaryletter
fromyou,yourrealestatebroker,attorneyoraccountantisne.
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T HE SMART B R OKERS
PREPARING TO MEET THE BOARD
1.Trytoanticipateany“nancial”questionsthatmayariseandbepreparedwithananswer.
 2.Minimizediscussionofrenovations.Mostboardswillcooperatewithashareholderbutmaybe
reluctanttoapproveaprospectivepurchaseriftheythinkhis/herrenovationswillbetoodisruptive
 (especiallyifoneoftheBoardmembershasanadjacentapartment)ortoocostlyandmightdeplete
 theapplicant’sliquidassets.
3.Answerquestionsinaforthrightmannerbutdon’tvolunteerinformation.
4.Askforanyinformationyouwantaboutthebuildingbutavoidgivingtheimpressionthatyouare
“interviewing”theBoard.
5.Complimentthebuilding–nevercriticize.
6.Dressconservatively.Businessattire.
IF YOU ARE SELF-EMPLOYED
1.Haveyourbusinessaccountantverifyallthenancialinformationyouareincludinginthe
BoardPackage.
2.Submitdescriptionofyourbusiness:
•TypeofBusiness
•Income/ProtInformation(verify!)
•BriefHistory
•ListClients/Accounts,etc.
IMPROVING YOUR FINANCIAL PICTURE
•MaintainGuarantees
•GiftsfromParents
•SellingRealEstate
•PersonalLoans
•ForgottenAssets(insurance,pension,stockoptions,lifeestates,etc.)
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T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKERS
Date
BoardofDirectors
OwnersorTenantsCorp.
Address
NewYork,NewYork10000
RE:SaleofApartment#________________________atPropertyAddress
DearMembersoftheBoard:
Withreferencetotheproposedsaleoftheabovecaptionedapartment,enclosedpleasendtheoriginaland
copiesofeachofthefollowingdocumentscollatedintothree(3)packages.
1.PurchaseApplication
2.ExecutedContractofSale
3.FederalIncomeTaxReturns
4.PersonalReferenceLetters
5.ProfessionalReferenceLetters
6.LandlordReferenceLetter
7.EmployerVericationLetter(s)
8.FinancialStatement
9.VericationofAssets
10.CommitmentLetter
11.AztechRecognitionAgreement
IhopetheaboveinformationmeetswiththesatisfactionoftheBoard.Pleasedonothesitatetocontactmeif
thereisanyadditionalinformationthatyouneed.
Thankyouforyourcooperationinthismatter.
Sincerely,
SusanBroker
RutenbergRealty
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T HE SMART B R OKERS
SAMPLE PURCHASE APPLICATION FOR THE SALE OF COOPERATIVE APARTMENT
BUILDING:_____________________________________________________APT:________________SHARES:_____________________
PURCHASEPRICEOFSTOCK:$_______________ MONTHLYMAINTENANCE:$___________________________
AMOUNTOFFINANCING: $_______________
DEPOSITONCONTRACT: $_______________ PROPOSEDCLOSINGDATE:___________________________
SPECIALCONDITIONSIFANY:______________________________________________________________________________________
MANAGINGAGENT:_______________________________________________TELEPHONE:(_______)___________________________
ADDRESS:______________________________________________________CONTACT:_______________________________________
SELLER(S):_______________________________________________________SS#:____________-________-_________________
_______________________________________________________SS#:____________-________-_________________
PRESENTADDRESS:__________________________________________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY:_________________________________________TEL:(_______)____________________FAX:(_______)__________________
FIRM:______________________________________________________ADDRESS:_____________________________________________
PURCHASER(S):___________________________________________________SS#:____________-________-_________________
OFFICE#:(_______)_______________________HOME#:(_______)____________________________
___________________________________________________SS#:____________-________-_________________
OFFICE#:(_______)_______________________HOME#:(_______)____________________________
PRESENTADDRESS:________________________________________________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY:_________________________________________TEL:(_______)____________________FAX:(_______)_________________
FIRM:______________________________________________________ADDRESS:_____________________________________________
NAME(S)COOPERATIVESTOCKWOULDBEHELDIN:
BROKER(S):______________________________________________________
TELEPHONE:______________________________________________________
NEWMORTGAGELENDER:
NAMEANDFIRM:___________________________________TEL:(_______)____________________FAX:(_______)__________________
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T HE SMART B R OKERS
SAMPLE PERSONAL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICANT(s)
DATE__________________________
APPLICANT CO-APPLICANT
NAME:__________________________________________ __________________________________________
ADDRESS:_______________________________________ __________________________________________
_______________________________________  __________________________________________
DATESOFRESIDENCE:_____________TO________________________TO__________________________
OCCUPATION:____________________________________ ___________________________________________
NATUREOFBUSINESS:___________________________ ___________________________________________
EMPLOYER:_______________________________________ ____________________________________________
ADDRESS:________________________________________ ____________________________________________
________________________________________ ____________________________________________
PERIODOFEMPLOYEMENT:________TO___________________________TO___________________________
POSITIONHELD:__________________________________ _____________________________________________
PRIOREMPLOYERAND
POSITIONHELD:__________________________________ _____________________________________________
IFLESSTHAN3YEARS____________________________ _____________________________________________
INCOMEESTIMATEFOR
THISYEAR:_______________________________________ _______________________________________________
ACTUALINCOMELASTYEAR:_____________________ _______________________________________________
EDUCATIONALBACKGROUND:_____________________ _______________________________________________
___________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
___________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
7
SAMPLE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING APPLICANTS
Namesofallpersonswhowillresideintheapartment:________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Schoolsandcollegesattendedbyapplicantsandoccupants:___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Namesofanyoneinthebuildingknowntoapplicant:_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Areanypetstobemaintainedintheapartment.Ifyesindicatenumberandkind:__________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Nameoforganizationstowhichapplicantbelongs:___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
REFERENCES
LANDLORD:____________________________________________________ ADDRESS:______________________________
OCCUPANCYFROM:____________________TO______________________
PREVIOUSLANDLORD:___________________________________________ADDRESS:__________________________________
OCCUPANCYFROM:____________________TO______________________
PERSONALREFERENCES:
APPLICANTCO-APPLICANT
1.NAME__________________________________________________ 1.NAME____________________________________________
ADDRESS_______________________________________________ ADDRESS_________________________________________
2.NAME__________________________________________________ 2.NAME____________________________________________
ADDRESS_______________________________________________ ADDRESS________________________________________
3.NAME__________________________________________________ 3.NAME____________________________________________
ADDRESS_______________________________________________ ADDRESS________________________________________
4.NAME__________________________________________________ 4.NAME____________________________________________
ADDRESS_______________________________________________ ADDRESS________________________________________
BUSINESSANDPROFESSIONALREFERENCES:
APPLICANT CO-APPLICANT
1.NAME__________________________________________________ 1.NAME___________________________________________
ADDRESS_______________________________________________ ADDRESS________________________________________
2.NAME__________________________________________________ 2.NAME____________________________________________
ADDRESS_______________________________________________ ADDRESS________________________________________
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T HE SMART B R OKERS
8
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Name(s)______________________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________________________
Thefollowingissubmittedasbeingatrueandaccuratestatementofthenancialconditionoftheundersigned
onthe___________________dayof_____________________________20____________.
ASSETS
Applicant Co-Applicant
COMBINED ASSETS
Cash in bank
Money markets Funds
Contract Deposit
Investment: Bonds & Stocks
see schedule
Investment in Own Business
Accounts and Notes Receivable
Real Estate Owned - see schedule
Year Make
Automobiles:
Personal Property & Furniture
Life Insurance
Cash Surrender Value
Retirement Funds/IRA
401K
KEOGH
Prot Sharing/Pension Plan
Other Assets
TOTAL ASSETS
SOURCE OF INCOME
Applicant Co-Applicant
Base Salary
Overtime Wages
Bonus Commissions
Dividends and Interest Income
Real Estate Income (Net)
Other Income - itemize
GENERAL INFORMATION
Applicant Co-Applicant
Personal Bank Accounts at
Savings & Loans at
Purpose of Loan
LIABILITIES
Applicant Co-Applicant
COMBINED
Notes Payable
To Banks
To Relatives
To Others
Installment Accounts Payable
Automobile
Other
Other Accounts Payable
Mortgages Payable on Real
Estate - see schedule
Unpaid Real Estate Taxes
Unpaid Income Taxes
Chattel Mortgages
Loans on Life Insurance Policies
(Include Premium Advances)
Outstanding Credit Card Loans
Other Debts - itemize
TOTAL ASSETS
NET WORTH
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
An Endorser or Co-maker on
Notes: $
Alimony Payments (Annual) $
Child Support $
Are you defendant in any legal action?
Are there any unsatised judgements?
Have you ever taken bankruptcy? Explain:
PROJECTED MONTHLY EXPENSES/MONTHLY
Maintenance
Apartment Financing
Other Mortgages
Bank Loans
Auto Loans
TOTAL
T HE SMART B R OKE RS
9
SCHEDULE OF BONDS AND STOCKS
SCHEDULE OF BONDS AND STOCKS
AmountofShares Description(ExtendedValuationinColumn) MarketableValue Non-MarketableValue
Theforegoingapplication(pages1through5)hasbeencarefullyprepared,andtheundersignedhereby
solemnlydeclare(s)andcertify(s)thatalltheinformationcontainedhereinistrueandcorrect.
Date_________________________20__________Signature______________________________
Date_________________________20__________Signature______________________________
SCHEDULE OF REAL ESTATE
Description&Location Cost ActualValue MortgageAmount MaturityDate
SCHEDULE OF NOTES PAYABLE
Specify any assets pledged as collateral, including the liabilities they secure:
ToWhomPayable Date Amount Due Interest PledgedasSecurity
T HE SMART B R OKE R
10
RIDER
DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION ON LEAD-BASED PAINT AND/OR LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS
LEAD WARNING STATEMENT
Housingbuiltbefore1978maycontainlead-basedpaint.Leadfrompaint,paintchips,anddustcanpose
healthhazardsifnotmanagedproperly.Leadexposureisespeciallyharmfultoyoungchildrenandpregnant
women.Beforerentingpre-1978housing,lessorsmustdisclosethepresenceofknownlead-basedpaintand/
orlead-basedpainthazardsinthedwelling.Lesseesmustalsoreceiveafederallyapprovedpamphletonlead
poisoningprevention.
LESSOR’S DISCLOSURE
(a)Presenceoflead-basedpaintand/orlead-basedpainthazards(Check(i)or(ii)below);
(i)______Knownlead-basedpaintand/orlead-basedpainthazardsarepresentinthehousing(Explain):
____________________________________________________________________________________________
(ii)_____Lessorhasnoknowledgeoflead-basedpaintand/orlead-basedpainthazardsinthehousing.
(b)Recordsandreportsavailabletothelessor(Check(i)or(ii)below);
(i)______Lessorhasprovidedthelesseewithallavailablerecordsandreportspertainingtolead-basedpaint
and/orlead-basedpainthazardsinthehousing(listdocumentsbelow).
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Lessee’sAcknowledgment(initial)
(c)___________Lesseehasreceivedcopiesofallinformationlistedabove.
(d)___________Lesseehasreceivedthepamphlet,ProtectYourFamilyfromLeadinYourHome.
Agent’sAcknowledgment(initial)
(e)___________Agenthasinformedthelessorofthelessor’sobligationsunder42U.S.C.4852dandisaware
ofhis/herresponsibilitytoensurecompliance.
Certication of Accuracy
Thefollowingpartieshavereviewedtheinformationaboveandcertifytothebestoftheirknowledgethatthe
informationtheyhaveprovidedistrueandaccurate.
____________________ _______________ ____________________  _______________
Lessor Date Lessor Date
____________________ _______________ ____________________ _______________
Lessee Date Lessee Date
____________________ _______________ ____________________ _______________
Agent Date Lessee Date
T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKE RS
11
T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKE RS
SAMPLE PERSONAL REFERENCE LETTERS
Theselettersofreferenceshouldbetypedonpersonalorbusinessletterhead
Sample 1
BoardofDirectors
The(BuildingAddress)TenantsCorporation
Address
NewYork,NY10000
To: TheBoardofDirectors
Iwriteinsupportoftheco-opapplicationof(Name).
Ihaveknown(Name)forover12years.Imet(Name)throughamutualacquaintancein1993.Atthe
time,IwasemployedasaManageratDeloitte&Toucheand(Name)’sfriendwasworkingasanintern
inthesameofce.Consequently,Isaw(Name)fromtimetotimeatvariousofceeventsandfunctions.
Wequicklybecameclosefriends.Overthenextfewyears,whileIattendedgraduateschool,Ilived
outsidetheNewYorkCityarea.However,mywife(thengirlfriend)remainedaresidentofManhattan,
andsheand(Name)becameclosefriends.Consequently,bothmywifeandIcametoconsider(Name)
tobeourclosestfriend.
As a result of knowing (Name)over a decade, I can assure youthatshe is a person of remarkable
maturityandreliability.Sheisoneofthemostpersonallydependableandnanciallyresponsiblepeo-
plethatIknow. My wifeand I have cometodepend upon (Name)incountlessways.For example,
(Name)isoneofthefewpeopletowhommywifeandIwouldentrusttotakecareof3-yearoldson.
Obviously,Ihaveagreatdealoffaithin(Name)andtrustherwithoutreservation.
I should also point out that (Name) would be an ideal neighbor. She is generous, thoughtful,
immaculatelycleanandquiet.Sheisalsoanextremelyinterestingandintelligentperson.
Basedontheforegoing,itshouldbeobviousthatIbelievethat(Name)wouldbeanidealcandidatefor
membershipinyourco-opandresidencyinyourbuilding.MyonlyregretinwritingthisletteristhatI
havecometosuspectthatIhavebeenunsuccessfulinpersuading(Name)tomovetoParkSlope.
VeryTrulyYours,
12
T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKE RS
Sample 2
DearSirorMadam:
Thepurposeofthisletteristorecommendtoyou,withoutqualication,(Name1)and(Name2)for
ownershipandresidenceinyourcooperative.
Iamapartnerintheabove-namedlawrmandhaveownedmycooperativeapartmentontheUpper
WestSide fortenyears.I haveknown the applicantsbothsociallyandprofessionallysince1995(in
thecaseof[Name1]andin1997(inthecaseof[Name2]).Ihavevisitedthemintheirhome,hosted
theminmine,andforthepastveyearssharedarentalvacationhomeonFireIslandwiththem.They
bothcomefromnefamilies,haveexcellentcareersand,ineveryway,exemplifythehighestqualityof
neighborandcolleague.
Sharingaweekendhomewith(Name1)and(Name2),Ibelieve,putsmeinanunparalleledpositionto-
speakoftheirconsiderationofothers,theirwillingnesstopitchin,theirquietlifestyleandtheirnancial
prudence.
Therefore,Iunequivocallyamabletosaythatyouwillbefortunatetohave(Name1)and(Name2)as
yourneighborsandshareholders.
PleasedonothesitatetocontactmeifIcanprovideanymoreinformation.
Sincerely,
13
SAMPLE PERSONAL REFERENCE LETTERS
Theselettersofreferenceshouldbetypedonpersonalorbusinessletterhead.
Sample 3
DearMembersoftheBoard:
Ihavebeenaskedtowritealetterrecommending(Name)toyourcooperativeboard.Idosowithpleasure.
Ihaveknown(Name)foralmostthirtyyearsandcancondentlynotehisstraightforwardhonestyandintegrity.
Asyouknow,(Name)isintheentertainmentbusiness,buthehasbeenabletobalanceabusytraveling
scheduleandawarmfamilylife.
Onapersonallevel,(Name)hasadelightful,engagingpersonality.IamacooperativeshareholderonCentral
ParkWest(theDakota)andunderstandthequalicationsthatcooperativeboardssuchasyoursareseeking.I
think(Name)fulllsthesequalicationsandwouldbeasuperbadditiontoyourcommunity.Irecommendhim
withouthesitationtoyou.
Verytrulyyours,
Sample 4
DearMembersoftheBoard:
IhavebeenaskedtowriteareferencewhichwillbecomepartofthematerialusedbyyourBoardofDirectors
todeterminewhetheryouwishtohave(Name)asyourneighbor.
Ihaveknown(Name)since1984.Wehaveworkedtogetherondevelopmentprojects,sharedofcespaceand
beenfriendsforalmost30years.Ihavealwaysfoundhimtobeseriousandresponsibleabouthisworkand
hisprivatelife.Hishomelifeisextremelyquiet,andIwouldthinkidealforhisneighbors.Virtuallyallhissocial
gatheringsareconductedinrestaurants.Hetravelsmorethanhalftheyearandwouldprobablybeathomefor
onlyshortperiodsoftimebetweenthosetrips.Andquitefrankly,histimeathomeisusuallyspentrestingas
partofhisrecoveryfromhistravelingandpreparationforhisnexttrip.Heisjustthekindofquiet,unobtrusive
neighborthatIwouldliketohave.
Ifyouhaveanyfurtherquestions,pleasedonothesitatetocallme.
Sincerely,
T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKE RS
14
T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKE RS
SAMPLE BUSINESS REFERENCE LETTERS
Theselettersofreferenceshouldbetypedonbusinessletterhead
Sample 1
BoardofDirectors
The(BuildingAddress)TenantsCorporation
Address
NewYork,NY10000
ToWhomItMayConcern:
IamtheDirectorofHumanResourcesattheManhattanbranchforUnitedParcelService(UPS),where
(Name)isaSeniorAssociateinourLitigationDepartment.Ihaveknown(Name)sinceshecametothe
companyin1999.SheisahighlyregardedattorneyandaninvaluablepresenceatUPS.(Name)isthe
consummateprofessional–extremelycompetent,highlyethical,andveryknowledgeable,especiallyin
employmentlaw,whichisherareaofexpertise.Shedealseffectivelywithpeopleatalllevelsofourcompany
andisrespectedasanauthorityinmatterssheischargedwithoverseeing.(Name)isapersonofhighmoral
character.
(Name)willbeacontributorwhereversheis–atwork,athome,inherneighborhood,inthelargercommunity,I
amproudtocallhermyfriendandcolleague;Irecommendhertoyouwithoutreservation.
Sincerely,
Sample 2
LadiesandGentlemen:
Iamwritingthislettertosupporttheadmissionof(Name1)andhiswife,(Name2),asshareholdersandresi-
dentsofyourcooperativebuilding.IamaPartnerinSmith&WilsonLLPandChairmanoftheFirm’sSpecial
ProjectFinanceGroup;thepracticegroupinwhich(Name1)works.
(Name1)hasbeenworkingcloselywithmeonavarietyoflegalmattersformorethanveyears.(Name1)has
responsibilityformulti-milliondollartransactionsonaregularbasis.(Name1)hasahigh
reputationamonghiscolleaguesaswellaswithclientsasaresponsible,reliableandethicalprofessional.
Inadditiontoourworkingrelationship,Ihaveenjoyedthecompanyof(Name1)and(Name2)onsocial
occasions.
Basedupontheforegoing,Irecommend,withouthesitation,(Name1)and(Name2)asshareholdersin
yourcooperativeandbelievetheywillbewelcomeadditionstoyourcommunity.
Ifyouhaveanyfurtherquestionsconcerningmyrecommendations,pleasedonothesitatetocontactme.
Verytrulyyours,
15
SAMPLE BUSINESS REFERENCE LETTERS
Theselettersofreferenceshouldbetypedonbusinessletterhead
Sample 3
DearMembersoftheBoard:
IthasbeenmypleasuretoserveasInvestmentAdvisorforthesecuritiesaccountsof(Name1)and(Name2)
since(Name1)joinedLehmanBrothersinJunelastyear.Theyhavebothbeenprofessional,courteous,and
timelyintheirnancialtransactionswithLehmanBrothers.
Onapersonalnote,Ihaveworkeddirectlywith(Name1)asacolleagueinhiseffortstomakeanumberofkey
improvementstoLehmanBrothersasarm.Indthatheconsistentlydisplayshighintegrityandcharacter,is
veryprofessionalinhisdealingswithothers,andisanoutstandingpersontoworkwithineveryregard.
Irecommendhimhighlytoyourcooperative.
Sincerely,
Sample 4
DearMembersoftheBoard:
Iamwritinginresponsetoacharacterreferenceinconnectionwith(Name).
Ihaveknown(Name)foralmosttenyears,havingrstmethimwhenIwasaseniorexecutiveat(Business),
andweagreedtosponsorhisrstseriesforNationalPublicRadio.Wehavebeenacquaintedsincethen,and
Ihavefoundhimtobedirect,honest,intelligent,andresponsible.Heisanextremelyseriousjournalistand
devotedtothedetailsofhiscraft.
AsaNewYorkco-opowner,Iunderstandtheimportanceofgoodneighbors,Ibelievethathewouldbeanideal
neighborat(InsertBuildingAddressand/orName).
Cordially,
Sample 5
DearSirorMadame:
Iamwritingconcerning(Name)andherrequesttopurchaseacooperativeapartmentin(InsertBuilding
Addressand/orName).
Ihaveknown(Name)andhavebeenheraccountantforfteenyears.Sheisaresponsible,caringand
personablewoman,whowouldmakeanidealneighbor.
Sheconsistentlybetteredhersalaryfromyeartoyearandhasneverapproachedapositionofoverextending
herselfnancially.
IfIcanbeofanyhelp,pleasedon’thesitatetocall.
Sincerely,
T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKE RS
16
T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKE RS
SAMPLE LANDLORD LETTER
Theselettersshouldbetypedonlandlord’sletterhead.
Date
Re:100East100thStreet
Apartment#100
ToWhomItMayConcern:
Pleasebeadvisedthattheownersoftheabove-referencedapartment,100East100thStreet,#100,have
paidallcommonchargesandassessmentsdueupthrough(current/appropriatedate).
Theseunitownershaveanexcellentpaymenthistory,andhaveproventobegoodneighbors.Theywillbean
assettoanybuildinginwhichtheylive.
Shouldyourequirefurtherinformation,pleasefeelfreetocontactmedirectlyat(212)555-1234.
Sincerely,
NAMEOFMANAGEMENTCOMPANY,INC.
JohnnyRealestate
AccountExecutive
17
T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKE RS
SAMPLE GUARANTOR LETTERS
Theselettersofreferenceshouldbetypedonguarantor’spersonalorbusinessletterhead
Sample 1
DearBoardMembers:
Iamwritingtoyouinreferencetothepurchaseapplicationofmydaughter,(Name1),andmyfutureson-in-
law,(Name2).Asaco-operativeBoardmembermyself,Icertainlyunderstandtheprioritiesandconcernsyouface.
Thereisnodoubtinmymindthat(Name1)and(Name2)wouldbesuperlativetenant-shareholders.
Ofcoursewithgreatprideandjoy,Ihavewatched(Name1)’sdevelopmentthroughoutherlife.Shegraduated
fromPrincetonattheverytopofherclassandisamemberofPhiBettaKappa.Aftergraduatingwithdistinction
fromtheUniversityofColumbiaLaw,shebecameanassociateatthelawrmof__________________
WhileshewasprogressingwonderfullythereintherealestateareaImanagedtorecruitherintoourfamily
realestatebusinessascounselandchiefexecutive.Needlesstosay,shehasperformedbeautifully.Iam
proudtosaythatshehasalwayshandledallherobligations,particularlynancialones,withgreatreliability.
MywifeandIhavevisitedApartment#_____inyourbuildingandareveryexcitedabouttheideaof
(Name1)and(Name2)startingtheirmarriedlifeinthisbeautifulplace.Intheeventthatyouhaveconcerns
abouttheirnancialcapacities,pleasebeassuredthatmywifeandIwouldbehappytoguaranteetheirmainte-
nancepaymentsandplacetwelvemonthsofpaymentinescrowifnecessary.
Ithankyouforyourconsiderationofthisletter.
Sincerely,
Sample 2
DearBoardofDirectors:
Intheunlikelyeventthatmyson(daughter),doesnotmeetthemaintenancepayments(and/ormortgage
payments)astotheabove-referencedapartment,Iguaranteetomakesuchpayments.
Ihaveprovidedthe$__________downpaymentonthecontractofsaleasanoutrightgift(ifapplicable).
Shouldyourequireacreditreferenceorotherinformation,pleasecall.
Sincerely,
18
T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKE RS
SAMPLE GIFT LETTER #1
ToWhomItMayConcern:
I/we,______________________________________ (_______)_________________________________
(Donor(s)Name) (AreaCode/TelephoneNumber)
___________________________________________ __________________________________________
(Address) (City,State,Zip)
theDonor(s)certifythatI/we(checkone)______willgiveor________havegiven
asthe______________________________________of_______________________________________
(RelationshiptoRecipient(s)) (RecipientofGift)
agiftintheamountof$____________________.Thisisabonadegiftandthereisnoobligation,expressor
implied,torepaythissumatanytime.Thesefundsareavailableand(checkone)
_______willbegivennolaterthantheclosingdateor________havebeengiventothe
Recipient(s)tobeusedforthepurchaseofpropertylocatedat_________________________________________
Subscribedandsworntobeforemethis_________dayof________________________20__________
_____________________________________________ _______________________________________
(SignatureofDonor(s)) (SignatureofNotaryPublic)
To Be Completed by Depository Institution
Iherebyverifythattheabove-nameddonor(s)has/havethefundsavailabletogiveasagiftifheorshesodesires.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(DepositoryName)(Address)
_________________________________________________________
(City,State,Zip)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
(SignatureofOfcialandTitle)(Date)
19
T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKE RS
SAMPLE GIFT LETTER #2
RE:_______________________________________
_______________________________________
 _______________________________________
ToWhomItMayConcern:
Thisistocertifythattheundersigned:
{ }hasgivenon________________
(Date)
{ }willgive
Agiftintheamountof$________________to:
Name:_________________________________
Relationship:____________________________
withreferencetothepurchaseoftheabove-captionedproperty.Thisisanoutrightgiftofwhichrepaymentis
notexpectedorimpliedeitherintheformofcashorservicesbyhim/her.
FORTRANSACTIONSINVOLVINGFHAFINANCING:
I/Weareawareofthefollowing:Section1010ofTitle18,USC,FederalHousingAdministrationTransactions
provide“whoever,forthepurposeofinuencinginanywaytheactionofsuchAdministration,makes,passes,
uttersorpublishesanystatement,knowingsametobefalse,shallbenednotmorethan$5,000orimprisoned
notmorethantwoyearsorboth.”
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Donor’sSignature Date Applicant’sSignature Date
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Donor’sSignature Date Co-Applicant’sSignature Date
Donor’sAddress:______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Telephone: ______________________________________
20
T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKE RS
GIFT AFFIDAVIT
I,_________________________________________,beingdulysworn,dodeposeandsay:
THATIresideat________________________________________________________________________________,
Mytelephonenumberis(_______)_____________________________andamthe_____________________of
______________________________________whois
(Relationship)
purchasingpremisesknownas____________________________________________________________________.
THATtheamountof$__________________________________isabonadegiftandnorepayment,inanyform,
isexpected.
THATthedateoftransferofthesefundswilltakeplaceon
_____________________________________________,
(Date)
ORweregiveon_______________________________.
(Date)
THATthesourceofmygiftfundsarefrom:
NameofBank:________________________________________________________________________________
AddressofBank:______________________________________________________________________________
AccountNumber:_______________________{ }Checking {  }Savings
THATyourdeponentmakesthisafdavitknowingthatthelendinginstitutionand/orFHAorVA(ifapplicable),is
processingsubjectmortgageapplicationandwillrelyonthisafdavit.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
21
SAMPLE BANK REFERENCE LETTERS
Theselettersofreferenceshouldbetypedonbankletterhead
1)
ToWhomItMayConcern:
DearSirorMadame:
Re:__________________________________
Asrequestedby(Name),thefollowinginformationisprovidedfromourrecords:
TypeofAccount: Checking
DateOpened:
CurrentBal:
Avg.YTDBal:
TypeofAccount: Savings
DateOpened:
CurrentBal:
Avg.YTDBal:
VeryTrulyYours,
2)
DearSirorMadame:
Pursuanttoyourrequestthisletterwillconrmthatourcustomers,referencedabove,havemaintainedasatisfac-
torybankingrelationshipwithussinceJune,1993.Thetotalrelationshipbalancescurrentlyaverageina
lowvegureproportion.
Basedonourexperiencewewouldrecommend(Name)fornormalnancialtransactions.
Shouldyourequireanyadditionalinformation,pleasefeelfreetocontactmedirectly.
Verytrulyyours,
3)
ToWhomItMayConcern:
Thisletteristocertifythat(Name)hashadanaccountwithChaseingoodstandingasof4/14/89.Her
currentbalanceasofcloseofbusinesson12/2/96was$______________.
Sincerely,
T 212 688 1000 F 212 688 1919 WWW.RUTENBERGNYC.COM 127 EAST 56TH STREET NEW YORK NEW YORK 10022
T HE SMART B R OKE RS
22