Home Sellers’ Mini Guide

By Kelly Craig

Greenwich Village has some of the most desirable real estate in Manhattan. It is where many of its residents want to stay for good once they experience life here. Sometimes this means buying in this vicinity for the first time. Other times it means selling a longstanding home and buying a more fitting home in the same neighborhood or as a step towards transitioning elsewhere.

The best time to buy or sell is whenever it works for you! If the right home presents itself, it is the best time! If financing is required, today’s higher interest rate mortgages can always be replaced by a refinanced mortgage when the rates come down – and they will! The same goes for selling. Real estate in Greenwich Village has always held its value, even in downtimes for home sales elsewhere, and is an excellent investment at any time.
Understandably, deciding to sell a longstanding home is a momentous decision, particularly if you have spent a significant number of years there.

The main reasons for selling usually have to do with transitions in life such as needing more room for a growing family, requiring a home office, dividing assets in a divorce, re-sizing due to an empty nest or retirement, increases or decreases in personal finances, or health and disability needs.
When the decision to sell has been made, listing with a trusted licensed real estate broker will provide you with the marketing, professional photographs, floor plans, and personalized advice and strategies to maximize the sale of your home. Getting your home ready to sell is an important process that can significantly impact the selling price and the time it takes to find a buyer. Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for a successful sale:

1. Declutter and Depersonalize: Start by decluttering your home and removing personal items like family photos and personal memorabilia. This allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.
2. Deep Clean: Give your home a thorough cleaning, paying special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and windows. A clean and fresh-smelling home is more appealing to buyers.
3. Make Repairs: Fix any noticeable issues like leaky faucets, broken tiles, or chipped paint. Small repairs can make a big difference in the overall impression of your home.
4. Spruce Up the Entryway: First impressions matter, so if you live in a townhouse, spruce up the exterior of your home. Ensure the front garden is well-maintained (the rear one should look good too), the entrance is inviting, and consider adding some window boxes with flowers.
5. Neutralize Color and Decor: Consider repainting walls in neutral colors to appeal to a broader range of buyers. Neutral decor can help buyers focus on the potential of the space rather than your personal style. Remember, you are moving.
6. Maximize Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds and clean windows to let in natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. And get rid of dusty blinds, or have them cleaned.
7. Organize Storage Spaces: Buyers are often interested in storage space, so tidy up closets, cabinets, and storage areas. Showcasing organized spaces can make your home feel more spacious. Clean up that attic or cellar space you rarely enter.
8. Stage the Home: Consider staging your home to highlight its best features and create a sense of warmth and functionality. Professional staging can make a significant difference in how buyers perceive the property.
9. Be Flexible with Showings: Try to accommodate as many showings as possible, as this increases the chances of finding the right buyer quickly.
10. Price It Right: Set a competitive and realistic price for your home based on market conditions, recent sales in the area, and your home’s unique features.

Remember, the process of selling a home can vary depending on many factors, and can take time, and the skills of an experienced knowledgeable broker with excellent judgment and negotiation skills.

I worked with Debra Kameros for years as her client before going to work with her when I became a broker myself. Kameros, with 40 years of experience living in, selling and buying for clients in the Village, Soho and Tribeca, fits the bill beautifully. She is an expert on the Greenwich Village real estate market and happy to answer your questions. She can be reached at 917-975-1758 or at debra.kameros@compass.com

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Kelly Craig is a Licensed Associate Broker at Compass. She can be reached at kelly.craig@compass.com.