BROOKLYN COHOUSING

We do not "choose" new members of our cohousing community. We ask rather that you choose us thoughtfully by taking the time to get to know us and by reviewing our community agreements and decisions to date to be certain you wish to commit to them. This self-selection process has proven to work very well for cohousing, and the group was founded on that principle. We are a cohesive group that works well together, cares about each other, and is effective in making decisions together; we all self-selected.  For self-selection to work, people must go through a series of steps that help them figure out whether this is a good fit, and whether they are financially able and prepared to participate.

Here are the steps most people take from initial interest to deciding to join us. (fyi: committed households are called "Members" which comes from the fact that we are all members of a member-managed LLC -- the legal business entity developing the project).

1. - Come to a public event, social event, orientation, or business meeting. Upcoming dates listed here.

2. - Join as an Associate of the group. An intensive learning phase.
Requirements:     1) pay joining fee, currently $100 (per household), this joining fee is subject to change (increase)
                               2) sign our Associate Agreement (confirming your intent to pursue full membership
                                    and to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information).

As an Associate you have full access to all the detailed information you would need to evaluate the merits of the project (including detailed architectural plans, project budget schedule and financing info) as well as access to the group's internal listserv and Yahoo Group.
You will receive 2 two key books to read Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves, and The Cohousing Handbook: Building A Place for Community. You will be invited to participate in all group activities, meetings, and education sessions (on finance, development process, etc). You are given a Member "buddy" to help answer all your questions and orient you to the group.

Associates are able to participate in the discussion process leading to decisions, but they do not have the right to block decisions, a right which is reserved for full Members.

3 - Join as a full, financially committed Member.
Prerequisites: 

1) already be an Associate
2) identify your preferred apartment size and cost
3) get pre-qualified for a mortgage to purchase your desired unit (from Universal Mortgage, a local mortgage broker who will do an in-depth financial review with you) and financial clearance from our Finance Committee
4) document sufficient liquid assets available to use for substantial non-refundable deposit upon full Membership
5) mutual feeling that prospective member and current members have gotten to know each other well enough
6)  sit down with a couple of our current members to review all decisions & plans to date, to ensure you are fully informed of expectations and responsibilities.

Upon joining you will select an apartment. Should additional apartments become available later in the process, Members may change their selections and at all times have priority over people who have not yet become members. 

Sound like a lot of steps? Don't be daunted, they feel quite natural once you are in the process.

For more information, email info@brooklyncohousing.org, or come to a meeting or event.
Babysitting is provided at meetings. When possible please let Diana know you plan to bring children, ardesign7@yahoo.com.