Co-op and condo boards join forces with brokers.

In a new trend, local co-op and condo boards are calling on the city's top brokers to help them achieve the highest available market prices for apartment units in their buildings.

Brown Harris Stevens Vice President and Director Elaine Clayman and managing director Dan Ruiz have been invited to attend several of these informational meetings so far this year, along with brokers from other major real estate firms.

Clayman said she was asked to provide advice on ways to maximize property values by such buildings as Cannon Point South at 45 Sutton Place South, and The Future at 200 East 32nd

In October, Cannon Point South board president Scott Grayson and other board members met with a number of Manhattan real estate brokers. "I wanted to see if we were missing something," he said.

One positive result of the meeting was a renewed commitment by the Cannon Point South board to facilitate their application process, which makes the building more attractive for both brokers and buyers, Grayson said.

The Future board members have also met with a number of brokers this year to ask their professional advice, according to board president Julio Marquez.

"People want to buy into a building that they know will continue to increase in value," noted Marquez, "and the brokers are the ones who are really attuned to this market."

Among the broker recommendations The Future board approved was a renovation of the lobby, which will be completed in December. In addition, they have improved the building's landscaping, and are planning to add a roof deck next spring.

"There is no better way to understand what buyers are thinking and why, than to speak with a top broker who goes through the decision making process with dozens of buyers a year," Clayman said. "Coops and condo buyers are doing a tremendous service to themselves and the shareholders they represent by reaching out to brokers."

As the real estate market in Manhattan continues to become more competitive, it is essential for co-ops and condo boards to have all the tools possible to compete with other buildings in their neighborhood, Clayman added.

"The boards want to make sure they're doing everything they can to maximize prices," explained Brown Harris Stevens broker, Dan Ruiz, who has also attended several informational board meetings this year.

Among the recommendations Ruiz has given to various buildings included cleaning up public areas and improving the professionalism of staff.

Ruiz said building boards are requesting informational meetings with brokers in response to the rise in residential market prices over the past year. According to the Brown Harris Stevens 3rd Quarter Market Report, the median price for a Manhattan apartment jumped 34 percent over the same quarter last year, and the average price for an apartment climbed 18 percent over the same period.