Chris Cameron

The lobby is a window into the upper floors. It is a symbolic space that indicates where we are in the world, what sorts of manners are required of us and, most importantly, how the board regards itself. In high-end co-ops, which tend to hold onto old-school notions of decorum, the importance of the lobby is even greater. 

This means sucking up, of course, but also, explaining anything that might be unusual about your financial package.

Still, the median price of a house was just $277,642 at the end of last year.

Unfortunately, your best option may be to find another co-op.

When it comes to this crucial piece of your board package, ask early and guide heavily.

For some high-profile Manhattan addresses, supers get multiples of that.