L
ivvy Dunne, a 22-year-old influencer and former gymnast with eight million followers on TikTok, recently faced rejection when trying to buy a three-bedroom Upper West Side apartment that once belonged to Babe Ruth. Despite putting in an all-cash offer of $1.6 million and having already hired a decorator, the co-op board denied her application.

    Dunne revealed the disappointing news on TikTok, stating that "the people in the building voted to not have me live there... they denied me." Real-estate brokers attribute this rejection to the fact that NYC co-ops are often wary of influencers due to concerns about paparazzi, fans, and other unwanted attention.

    "It's not necessarily personal - it's about protecting the collective environment," said Travis Wilburn, a real-estate specialist. Co-op boards may view influencers as high-risk applicants because they don't understand how to manage their wealth or provide steady income, unlike traditional celebrities who have W-2s and tax forms.

    Influencers with new money and little credit history face an uphill battle when trying to buy a co-op apartment. Co-op board members review not only the applicant's financials but also their social media presence for signs of partying, excessive spending, or over-the-top notoriety.

    This is why many celebrities opt for condos instead of co-ops, which require no board approval and offer anonymity. Even billionaires like Adam Neumann have been rejected by co-op boards in the past due to concerns about their lifestyle and reputation.

    Dunne's experience serves as a cautionary tale for young influencers looking to buy a co-op apartment: "Long story short, don't try to live in a co-op," she advised on TikTok.