It seems Olivia “Livvy” Dan’s recent narrative might not be entirely accurate. The former LSU gymnast and social media influencer’s attempt to purchase an apartment linked to Babe Ruth on the Upper West Side has drawn mixed reactions from locals and insiders.
Some neighbors suggested that even if Dan didn’t actually fall short in her $1.59 million offer, her comment about the apartment being “too sparkly” for a subdued neighborhood raised eyebrows.
A longtime employee at the building remarked, “I think she’s exaggerating a lot to garner sympathy.” Dan’s prominence as an online figure may not align with the community’s expectations.
Reports indicate that while Dan frequently shares aspects of her life on social media, including an Instagram post about “Buying NYC APT,” this oversharing could be a factor in the cooperative board’s hesitance to approve her purchase.
Residents were not taken aback by the board’s decision. Many felt that Dan’s vibrant online persona clashed with the quiet nature of their block. “She’s a bit too much,” joked one long-time resident. “Sure, she might want to be part of the community, but will she truly fit in?”
Despite her aspirations, Dan found herself denied by the cooperative committee, a common hurdle in New York City real estate. The board is not required to disclose its reasons for rejecting applicants, a practice criticized for potential bias.
There was an attempt last year to mandate that boards disclose why they refuse applicants, but it fell through. Dan’s struggles gained some online sympathy, with commenters noting, “Welcome to NYC Coop Boards, where money can’t buy everything.”
Yet, some skepticism regarding Dan’s account emerged from the real estate community. One broker pointed out, “It’s odd to be rejected right before closing.” According to building staff, Dan might have misrepresented her progress in the application process, which could complicate future efforts to secure another place.
Historically, the cooperative committee has turned down individuals who don’t align with their typical applicant profile, which is mainly families and established professionals. The staff stressed that Dan’s social media activity might have negatively influenced her standing with the board.
The concerns about influencers like Dan revolve around the potential for increased paparazzi attention and disruption to the neighborhood. One local, who faced his own challenges with the co-op system, remarked on the stigma surrounding such applications.
As of now, there’s been no word from Dan’s representatives regarding the matter.
