Blog

How to Write a Winning Recommendation Letter

In the New York City real estate market, it is not uncommon for a building to require letters of recommendation for prospective renters or buyers. In a city so large, your building and your neighbors often comprise most of your community. Being a productive, thoughtful and responsible member of your community is particularly important when you live on top of each other!

When you ask your friends and colleagues for letters, it is not always easy to guide them on how to write a stellar rec. Here are some quick tips you can pass on to your references;

1. Address the letter correctly. Whether it is Dear Mrs. Landlord or Dear Members of the Board, it is important to acknowledge your audience (and skip the urge to begin “To whom it may concern” as that will make them no longer concerned with you!).

2. Use letterhead. Whether it is a personal or professional recommendation, use your name, address and phone number to comprise the letterhead (no completely white headers, please).

3. Mention characteristics that would make your applicant a good neighbor. For example, “having shared an office with Ben as junior associates, I always appreciated his efforts to keep the space tidy and his coversational tone low.” Just remember to describe behaviors that may carry over to condominium or cooperative living.

4. Proof read the letter. Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.

5. Be straightforward. This is not an essay writing contest. Using flowery descriptions or being verbose in text wastes time and dilutes the message.

Happy Applying!