Livvy Dunne, a popular TikTok influencer and former college gymnast, recently faced an unexpected setback. She made a nearly $1.6 million cash offer on what was once Babe Ruth’s apartment in New York City, only to have the co-op board reject her bid. This surprise news left her visibly upset, which she shared with her 8 million TikTok followers.
Dunne had big plans for the three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom unit, excited to transform it into her first home. She even hired an interior designer to help, thinking it would be “criminal” to decorate it with her college furniture.
But just when she thought everything was set, the board decided against her. “It wasn’t financial,” she assured her followers. “People in the building just voted not to have me live there.” Dunne joked that perhaps Alabama fans, since she attended LSU, influenced the board’s decision.
Miryam Tesfaegzi, the real estate agent for the apartment owner, didn’t go into details about why Dunne was rejected. In co-op sales, the boards are not required to disclose their reasoning. This kind of situation is not rare; co-op boards have the authority to approve or deny buyers based on a variety of factors, often personal.
Historically, New York City co-op boards have been known for their stringent approval processes. Back in the 1980s, the emphasis on buyer profiles often excluded many celebrities and public figures. Nowadays, while it’s still common for boards to ask tough questions, they sometimes face backlash for being too exclusive.
Interestingly, Dunne’s experience shines a light on current trends in celebrity real estate. With influencers and athletes gaining and spending wealth like never before, it raises questions about how traditional real estate practices adapt. Some experts suggest that as social media popularity grows, it could alter how boards evaluate potential buyers.
This isn’t the first time a high-profile buyer faced rejection. Recent statistics show that around 25% of co-op applications in Manhattan are denied. Factors can include anything from personal lifestyle choices to how the buyer is perceived in the media.
Babe Ruth’s apartment itself has quite a history. The MLB legend lived there from 1920 to 1940 and remains an iconic figure in baseball. He’s celebrated not only for his record-breaking home runs but also for his versatility on the mound.
As for Dunne, she remains optimistic. Despite the rejection, she laughed it off and mentioned she’ll continue her home search. “On to the next one,” she said, showcasing her resilience.
In a world where social media and fame intersect with traditional practices, it’ll be interesting to see how future buyers, particularly in the celebrity realm, navigate these sometimes rocky waters. For more insights into co-op living in NYC and real estate trends, you can check this report on co-op buying.
