Jennifer Laing

A New York City apartment building is like a big, often dysfunctional family, with some members you interact with regularly and others you suffer because you have to. No matter how large or small the clan, communication is important (these are the people with whom you share a roof and walls!), which is why the free private social network MyCoop makes a lot of sense.

A home with easy-to-access outdoor space is a huge plus for a family who would otherwise have to schlep to a park or playground every time the kids need air, which is why this Fort Greene two-bedroom with a private landscaped garden for $4,700 a month caught our eye.

Not only are most cat beds fairly unattractive, they take up a lot of space, too. So what’s a New York City kitty to do? Well, she could lounge (and shed) on her owner’s couch or bed—or she can settle into a WOOZY.

Sometimes you think your closet is working as hard as it can, and then you realize there might be more real estate to exploit than you previously thought. This decently sized, Lower East Side walk-in, belonging to Fiona Byrne of the lifestyle blog The Byrne Notice, seemed to be set up efficiently (even if it was packed), with a hanging section for shirts and pants, shelves for tops and shoes, plus other storage solutions for accessories.

In Case You Missed It: Every so often, BrickUnderground digs through the archives to find the best advice our experts have shared through the years.

When it comes to New York City co-op boards, a good first impression—that is, a comprehensive board package—is critical to landing the apartment you plan to buy. Here, what most boards are looking for: