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What is an Estate Sale? See 16 NYC examples priced to sell
By CityRealty Staff
Monday, November 9, 2020
When perusing New York real estate listings, especially low-priced listings are sometimes accompanied by two words of warning: “estate sale.” That might be confusing to buyers from other parts of the country who are accustomed to hearing the phrase used to describe what is essentially a high-end garage sale of the entire contents of a home. But in New York, it means that the home itself has come on the market because the previous owner has died, and the apartment is offered for sale by their estate, usually their heirs.
Some would-be buyers are hesitant to enter a home where there has been a recent death out of fear or respect. Others, however, are more likely to be scared of the condition of the apartments that have not been changed in decades. There is a reason many listings encourage searchers to “bring your architect”: Low asking prices are often offset by the costly, extensive renovations needed to bring these apartments up to modern standards.
Estate sale in The Hendrik Hudson via Douglas Elliman
Additionally, the purchase of an estate sale apartment takes more time and legal help than that in the purchase of a traditional unit. It is not unheard of for a deceased person's estate to put the apartment on the market before all legal issues have been fully resolved, which can delay the closing. Inspections are still allowed, but estate sales cannot be contingent on the seller making the changes or repairs one might be able to bargain for somewhere else. The process is complicated enough with a straightforward will, but title claims can further complicate the process. It is little wonder Brick Underground quips that, "what you save on asking price, you may well pay for in the time, effort, and cost it takes in navigating a sale with attorney involvement."
However, certain buyers are not put off by estate sales but rather embrace them. Some people appreciate an apartment’s rich history, and a class of design enthusiasts welcomes the challenge of either restoring a prewar home to its former glory or bringing it into the 21st century. Either way, the following listings offer the chance to create one’s own estate in highly coveted parts of Manhattan for significantly lower prices than one would typically pay.
If you are interested in seeing one of these listings or learning more about estate sales, call CityRealty at212-755-5544 or inquire in the contact box. A sales expert will get back to you to start you on the process.
If you are interested in seeing one of these listings or learning more about estate sales, call CityRealty at
Sutton Place Showplace
All images of Plaza 400 via Douglas Elliman
Estate sale unit in a leading Sutton Place cooperative is being sold as is, and can easily be converted to a three-bedroom. Upon entering, a gracious hallway with spacious closets leads to a grand living room with a north- and east-facing private balcony. The primary bedroom has northern and eastern exposures, two walk-in closets, and an en suite bath. See floor plan and full details here.
Upper West Side Elegance
All images of 170 West 81st Street via Douglas Elliman
Light, spacious pre-war apartment boasts high ceilings, tall windows and hardwood floors. The large and peaceful living room could provide an ideal work-from-home environment; the spacious bedroom is light and sunny. Two walk-in closets provide space for washing machine even though there is a clean modern laundry facility in the building. This is an estate sale and opportunity to design a stunning home within a boutique building. See floor plan and full details here.
Morningside Heights Manse
All images of The Hendrik Hudson via Douglas Elliman
Don't miss this charming estate sale one-bedroom in the historic Hendrick Hudson, one of the most iconic buildings on Riverside Drive. Full of architectural detail, you can create your own modern prewar dream apartment. The windowed kitchen can be opened into the adjoining living room for a dramatic Great Room perfect for entertaining.
Refinish the beautiful hardwood floors and beamed ceiling back to their original grandeur. See floor plan and full details here.
Gracious East Side Living
All images of 10 East End Avenue via Maxwell Jacobs
Two-bedroom estate sale in the heart of Yorkville enjoys a gracious layout, generous square footage, excellent natural light, and charming views over East 80th Street. There is a generous entry foyer which leads to a large living room, separate dining area, and windowed kitchen. Additional features include excellent closets, through-the-wall HVAC, and a well-located second bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.
Harlem HDFC Offering
All images of 678 St. Nicholas Avenue via Douglas Elliman
Spacious, bright estate sale unit faces west and is located on the third floor of a prewar building. It is well situated near Riverbank State Park, Jackie Robinson Park, multiple supermarket, top restaurants and cafes, and the A/B/C/D and 1 subway lines. This is an HDFC cooperative with income limits of $95,202 for one person, $109,220 for two people, and $122,880 for families. See floor plan and full details here.
A Kip's Bay Keeper
All images of The Gotham House via Halstead
This estate sale one-bedroom is located on a quiet block in the heart of Kips Bay and has high ceilings with architectural beams that add visual interest.
There's a roomy entry foyer leading to the loft-like living/dining space, which can be configured in many ways. The updated kitchen can be easily extended and re-imagined. The king sized bedroom is spacious enough to include a cozy seating area or home office.
A large alcove outside the bedroom can be customized for a second home office or converted to a very large closet. Original hardwood floors, thru-wall A/Cs, custom window treatments and more make this an opportunity not to be missed. See floor plan and full details here.
Serenity in Sutton Place
All images of 20 Sutton Place South via Compass
Gracious corner co-op in a white-glove building is filled with light from eastern, western, and southern exposures. Both bedrooms are in the west wing of the apartment and feature en suite baths and garden views. The master suite has a dressing room and incredible closet space, and the windowed kitchen also has ample storage space. See floor plan and full details here.
Upper West Side Classic
All images of 3 Lincoln Center via Halstead
Estate sale apartment is in impeccable condition and looks out on spectacular views of the Hudson River and Central Park. Interiors boast 9'6" ceilings, hardwood floors, and clever built-ins throughout. It is in a building offering an elegant lounge, gym, heated pool, and direct access to Lincoln Center. See floor plan and full details here.
Uptown Excellence
All images of 159 East 104th Street via Brown Harris Stevens
At only $279 per square foot, this incredible offering encompasses the first two floors of a handsome prewar building in the heart of East Harlem. Each floor is mostly open space, offering a blank canvas for a buyer to redesign as they wish. Both floors have a working kitchen and bathroom, north and south exposures with glorious light, high ceilings, exposed brick and hardwood floors.
Both units have been freshly painted and floors refinished. This is an estate sale that is only entertaining all-cash offers. See floor plan and full details here.
Panoramic Parkfront Co-op
All images of Harperley Hall via Stephen P. Wald
Estate sale apartment looks out directly on Central Park from oversized windows and two Juliet balconies. Historic details include original fireplace, high ceilings, original moldings, pocket and French doors, and wood paneling. Amenities include a garage, garden, health club, laundry room, party room, roof deck, storage, and bike room. See floor plan and full details here.
Park Avenue Prettiness
All images of 860 Park Avenue via Engel & Volkers
Full-floor estate sale is surrounded by a wrap terrace with iconic Central Park and city views. Interiors boast three wood-burning fireplaces, an enormous sunroom, and its own two-zone HVAC system. Only one apartment per floor allows for unbeatable privacy, and the building is well situated near the Upper East Side's best dining, shopping, culture, and transportation. See floor plan and full details here.
Exclusive Estate
All images of Kips Bay Tower via Compass
Estate sale in an I.M. Pei-designed building enjoys unobstructed, south-facing views and incredible natural light. Interior features include original wood floors, gas-powered kitchen, through-wall heating and air conditioning, and flexible layout. The modern doorman building offers a garage and three-acre private park with basketball courts, children's playground, and open lawn. See floor plan and full details here.
Hamilton Heights Hideaway
All images of 409 Edgecombe Avenue via Douglas Elliman
High-floor estate sale in a historic section of Harlem enjoys gorgeous views of the East River, Yankee Stadium, Jackie Robinson Park, and the building's courtyard. Interiors feature original parquet floors, original moldings, and mirrored walls. The windowed kitchen faces the courtyard and has been renovated. This is an HDFC unit; please contact CityRealty for income limits. See floor plan and full details here.
East-Facing Excellence
All images of 750 Park Avenue via Compass
This estate sale unit on the Upper East Side is the perfect canvas for its new owners' tastes! As you step inside the generous living room you will be greeted by a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that provide access to a wrap around private terrace with a glimpse of Central Park.
The spacious master bedroom easily fits a king sized bed and boasts two large closets. The windowed kitchen creates an inviting space and the efficient layout allows for a conveniently positioned dining area next to the kitchen. See floor plan and full details here.
Honorable Mentions
80 Park Avenue via Halstead
160 East 27th Street via Compass
Murray Hill Mews via Brown Harris Stevens
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