Pretty New Listings with Open Houses this Weekend include a $659K Home with a Key to Gramercy Park

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Friday, October 13, 2023

This coming weekend's open houses include this gorgeous Williamsburg loft in the Austin Nichols Building (Compass)

How to Prepare for an Open House as a Buyer

To start, it is important for buyers to understand that an open house isn’t a home inspection. The inspection comes later, usually only after you’ve put in an offer, and will likely be carried out by a certified inspector and not yourself. But if an open house isn’t time to start looking for mold under the bathroom sink, what should you be doing at an open house?

First and foremost, the open house is a chance to see a property in person and think about whether or not it might work for you and your family. Given that other potential buyers will likely be present, this may not be an ideal time to pull out your measuring tape to determine if your favorite sofa will fit in the living room. That said, you can use the open house to get a general feel for the property, the building, and the neighborhood. It is also your first chance to take note of other important factors:

Size: Does the apartment feel big enough to accommodate you, your family, your belongings, and lifestyle?

Storage: Is there adequate closet space and/or in-building storage?

Condition: Is the apartment in good condition? Will you need to repair or replace the floors or do a gut renovation to the kitchen or bathroom?

Appliances: Are the appliances in good condition, or will they likely need to be replaced before or soon after moving in?

Views and light: Can you live with the views and amount of light?

Access: Is it a walkup or elevator building? If it's the latter, is the elevator in working condition and being inspected on a regular basis?

Building condition and amenities: Is the building in good repair? Are there amenities (e.g., a shared laundry room, gym, or bike or storage room)? If so, are these amenities being kept in clean and working condition?

Beyond offering an opportunity for you to check out the property, open houses are also a chance for sellers —or more likely, their agents — to check you out. You don’t need to show up in your best outfit, but particularly in New York City where co-op and condo boards are often scrupulous in their vetting of potential buyers, it is a good idea to show up looking like a serious potential buyer. In fact, especially in a seller’s market, the buyer’s agent may be vetting potential buyers over the course of the open house and thinking about which buyers are most likely to get through the board screening process. In the end, if a seller has three potential offers in a similar price range, the agent may advise that they go with an offer put in by the buyer most likely to meet the board’s immediate approval.

The new open house etiquette

How to Prepare for an Open House as a Seller

If you’re selling a home, open-house preparation is one of the most important parts of the process. While every listing agent has his or her own to-do list, a few items are on nearly everyone’s list:

Declutter: The cleaner the canvas, the better the open house will be. If necessary, put most of your belongings in storage. This can be difficult if you have small children, or if you’re an avid collector, but at an open house, no one wants to trip over a child’s Lego set or be distracted by a vast collection of esoteric objects.

Depersonalize: On a related note, buyers want to see themselves in the home; if the first thing they see when they walk in is a wall of family photographs, they may struggle to imagine themselves in the space. For this reason, as a rule of thumb, take yourself and your cute kids and grandkids out of the picture. Given that people may be photographing the space, this is also a good security measure.

Repair: If you’ve been neglecting the small crack in your porcelain sink, your loose doorknob, sticky closet door, or chipping paint, now is the time to hire a repair person to come in and attend to these obvious repairs.

Deep clean: No matter how good you are at cleaning, pre-open house cleaning is not a do-it-yourself project. Hire a professional cleaner with experience doing pre-open house or move-out cleans to do a top-to-bottom clean, making sure they cover everything from the dust on the top of your refrigerator to the crumbs under the couch.

Board the pets: You may love your dog, cat, rat, or parrot, but potential buyers may not share your love of animals (at least not your love of your animal). If possible, find a temporary home for your pet.

Get out of town: Most potential buyers prefer to attend open houses when the owners aren’t present; trust your agent to represent you and your home.

When to Skip the Open House as a Buyer or Seller

In most cases, it is highly unadvisable to skip the open house, especially as a buyer. In a seller’s market, however, agents may sometimes advise putting in an offer without viewing a property in person to ensure another buyer doesn’t put in an offer first.

On the seller side, an open house can be a blessing or a curse. If you have a property that is likely to show well and can be easily staged without a huge investment, the open house is nearly always a good idea as it is likely to generate more interest and potentially lead to multiple offers. If, by contrast, the property is in ill repair, cluttered, and can’t easily be staged for an open house, listing agents will often advise that the seller skip the open house and promote the listing using other means.

112-20 72nd Drive, #A14
$420,000

Forest Hills | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

112-20 72nd Drive, #A14 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: New on market spacious Jr4 convertible 2 bedroom, den or office, high first floor not street level. See floor plan and full details here.

The Pembroke, #3B
$495,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

The Pembroke, #3B (Compass)

From the Listing: When you open the front door to this heartwarming home, you exhale, smile, and decompress. Behind you is the bustle of conveniences in your vibrant, easy-living neighborhood -- and in front of you is a beautiful and peaceful residence -- a perfect place for everything with everything in its place. Some places just work -- the layout and light and flow come together and elevate a space -- expanding what it can be and how it lives.This is that home. See floor plan and full details here.

137 East 28th Street, #5D
$575,000

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

137 East 28th Street, #5D (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Enter Residence 5D through an expansive foyer and be welcomed by an inviting living space blending modern convenience and stunning pre-war details such as the 9' beamed ceilings, hardwood oak floors, and original doors which are meticulously restored. A large living space on the 5th floor facing east and north provides great lighting consistently throughout the day. See floor plan and full details here.

The Victorian, #9B
$625,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 1,000 ft²

The Victorian, #9B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Apartment 9B is a beautifully renovated turnkey convertible 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom at The Victorian, a full-service 24-hour doorman cooperative in the heart of Lenox Hill! Measuring over 1,000 sf, this spacious East-facing Junior-4 receives great natural light and comes complete with your own powder room, in-unit washer/dryer combo, excellent closet space, and a storage locker that transfers with the home. See floor plan and full details here.

Gramercy Towers, #3H
$659,000

Gramercy Park | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 650 ft²

Gramercy Towers, #3H (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Residence 3H at 32 Gramercy Park South is an oversized, one bedroom apartment with a private key to Gramercy Park. The home is flooded with natural light and features Pergo floors, great ceiling height, and abundant storage throughout. Enter through a large gallery and into the spacious living and dining room that boasts sunny western exposures with tranquil garden views and is perfect for entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

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765 Park Place, #3A
$725,000

Crown Heights | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 600 ft²

765 Park Place, #3A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: BUYER INCENTIVE! SELLER OFFERING A CREDIT UP TO $10,333.44 FOR ASSESSMENT PERIOD (JAN 2024-JUNE 2024) IF CONTRACT SIGNED BY OCTOBER 31, 2023. See floor plan and full details here.

NV, #2H
$1,095,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 778 ft²

NV, #2H (Compass)

From the Listing: Here's a surprisingly stupendous space that gives you a residential trifecta: beautiful light, a dynamic view, and an enviable location with luxurious touches all around you. Bright, alive, and convenient, life here is peaceful, vibrant, and fun. All around you are the stimulating destinations of your wonderful North Williamsburg neighborhood yet here, you are nicely nested and thriving in the comforts of your well-cared-for, happy home. See floor plan and full details here.

419 East 57th Street, #10F
$1,275,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

419 East 57th Street, #10F (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: With Art Deco-inspired moldings, arched doorways, and beautifully proportioned rooms, this gracious two bedroom, two bathroom home has an extremely flexible layout. The spacious entrance foyer can easily be used as a dining area. The oversized living room (16'x24') is ideal for entertaining.The renovated windowed kitchen features a Subzero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, granite countertop, subway tile backsplash and abundant storage. Enjoy the convenience of the new washer and dryer. See floor plan and full details here.

Oosten, #635
$1,450,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,080 ft²

Oosten, #635 (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome home to Residence 635, a thoughtfully designed split 2-bedroom 2-bathroom home in the iconic Oosten condominium, just steps from the South Williamsburg waterfront. Spanning just under 1,100 square feet, this home features wide plank white oak flooring, 10-foot ceilings, custom finishes throughout, and a bright eastern exposure. Designed by Dutch architect, Piet Boon, The Oosten is one of Williamsburg's premier full-service condominiums, offering an extensive selection of amenities. See floor plan and full details here.

136 East 76th Street, #11B
$1,595,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,350 ft²

136 East 76th Street, #11B (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Sun-flooded, well-proportioned with 3 exposures, move-in ready apartment featuring a living room, dining alcove, windowed kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, ample closet space and a washer/dryer.Enter through a generous foyer, with two large closets, to a large sun-filled living room with a separate dining alcove with corner exposures, facing north and west. See floor plan and full details here.

Cannon Point North, #20J
$1,699,000

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,600 ft²

Cannon Point North, #20J (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: How about waking up to breathtaking river views from the 20th floor of this much sought after, white glove Sutton Place building. This two bedroom apartment has a 32ft living room with river views, and a formal dining room with city views. The primary bedroom has an ensuite bathroom and generous closet space designed by California closets. See floor plan and full details here.

200 East 84th Street, #17E
$1,795,000

Yorkville | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,485 ft²

200 East 84th Street, #17E (The Agency Brokerage)

From the Listing: Introducing a one-of-a-kind oversized combination two-bedroom, two-bathroom convertible three-bedroom home located in one of Upper East Side's foremost established Cooperative buildings!With almost 1,500 square feet, this sprawling home offers an open-concept living and dining room with wood plank floors for ultimate functionality and flexibility. This grand space is buffered by a wall of built-ins, oversized north-facing windows, tray ceilings with recessed lighting, and a semi-open kitchen. See floor plan and full details here.

Austin Nichols House, #C208
$1,800,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 800 ft²

Austin Nichols House, #C208 (Compass)

From the Listing: This extremely rare offering, is the only waterfront one-bedroom with a private balcony at Austin Nichols House! Residence C208 is the pinnacle of quintessential loft-living with the convenience of modern amenities and features unmatched unobstructed river and skyline views. No detail has been overlooked in this sun-soaked oversized one-bedroom, which boasts soaring 12-foot ceilings, original beams, three large western-facing casement windows, and striking tobacco-smoked oak herringbone floors. See floor plan and full details here.

Gracie Gardens, #2GLM
$1,995,000

Yorkville | Cooperative | 5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,400 ft²

Gracie Gardens, #2GLM (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: A true “Ranch House” in the city offering space to spread out. The apartment is surrounded by trees and wonderful light from ALL rooms, and has 4 exposures. Apt 2GLM is approximately 2400 S.F. with a large living/dining room, separate windowed eat in kitchen with granite counters, custom cabinetry and stainless appliances. The apt has 5 bedrooms ( 2 of which are currently being used as home offices), 3 windowed bathrooms, a large family room, and a separate windowed laundry room. See floor plan and full details here.

35 West 90th Street, #11HK
$2,300,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

35 West 90th Street, #11HK (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Immaculate 3- Bedroom Prewar home with 24 Hour Doorman steps from Central Park features generously apportioned light-filled living space with Panoramic views, high ceilings, and a huge wrap-around setback terrace which runs the full length of this corner property. See floor plan and full details here.

323 West 11th Street, #2WE
$2,650,000

West Village | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

323 West 11th Street, #2WE (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Welcome to your sun-drenched oasis in the heart of the West Village!Step inside this remarkable three-bedroom, plus home office, residence, and experience quintessential city living at its finest. Nestled on a picturesque tree-lined block in the historic West Village, this spacious apartment is the epitome of New York charm. See floor plan and full details here.

151 West 86th Street, #6C
$2,750,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

151 West 86th Street, #6C (Digs Realty Group LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to this rambling renovated pre-war beauty, with 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, nearly 10ft ceilings, cove moldings, herringbone hardwood floors, 8 large closets, and 15 windows!Enter from a semi-private landing into a gracious gallery. Your large living room, with a beautiful built-in bookcase, and 2 large south-facing windows, is overlooking 86th Street. See floor plan and full details here.

520 LaGuardia Place, #PH7N
$2,850,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

520 LaGuardia Place, #PH7N (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Situated in the heart of Greenwich Village, this 7th-floor loft penthouse at 520 LaGuardia Place is the pinnacle of modern-meets-industrial luxury. With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and elevator access, every detail exudes refinement.Greeted by sunlight through three expansive windows, the main living area showcases original beams, brickwork, and high 10.5' ceilings. Modern Lutron lighting complements these historic touches.The spacious living room, ideal for gatherings, boasts ample storage with a wall of closets. The Italian-imported Veneta Cuccina kitchen is a chef's dream. See floor plan and full details here.

50 East 72nd Street, #10B
$3,125,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

50 East 72nd Street, #10B (Compass)

From the Listing: Gut renovated, completely turnkey and never before lived in condominium residence located in the primest location on the Upper East Side. #10B is located on a high floor facing south and east, and has been renovated down to the studs. See floor plan and full details here.

473 West 140th Street, #NA
$3,500,000

Hamilton Heights | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,618 ft²

473 West 140th Street, #NA (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Located in the historic Hamilton Heights landmark, this 18 foot wide, 70 foot deep, modern two-family row house sits on one of Harlem's prime blocks conveniently located near two universities.The ground floor presents a one-bedroom, floor-through apartment, encompassing a home office, living room, open kitchen, dining area, and in-unit washer & dryer. Accentuated with three patios, it's currently leased at an impressive $3,750/month. See floor plan and full details here.

500 West End Avenue, #2B
$3,995,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,488 ft²

500 West End Avenue, #2B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This highly coveted corner classic 7 corner apartment offers three spacious bedrooms, two full baths, a convenient powder room, and a versatile soundproof office or nanny room. Enjoy a private elevator landing shared with just one other unit on this floor.Enter into the apartment through a gracious entry foyer adorned with herringbone floors and original molding. Filled with pre-war elegance, the foyer opens into a sun-filled west facing living room graced by a decorative fireplace, and a formal dining room. See floor plan and full details here.

172 Madison, #27A
$4,325,599

Murray Hill | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,146 ft²

172 Madison, #27A (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Brand New Shamir Shah Condo Available for the First Time. Enjoy stunning views of the East River, Downtown Brooklyn, and the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings in this Shamir Shah-designed corner condo, an immaculate 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home nestled between Madison Square Park and Bryant Park. See floor plan and full details here.

36 Claver Place, #TH
$4,725,000

Clinton Hill | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 4,600 ft²

36 Claver Place, #NA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Welcome to 36 Claver Place, the brownstone has been fully renovated and is now available for sale. Located at the nexus of Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant, this townhouse is drenched in elegance and charm, combining pre-war details with a modern design. The owner's triplex features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 2 study/office rooms, along with a private garden!

Private parking is available on the same block, and the ultra-exclusive Brooklyn Waldorf School is right around the corner. Just a few steps from the home, you'll find countless chic restaurants, cafes, and other retailers. See floor plan and full details here.

Trump World Tower, #75B
$7,800,000

Turtle Bay/United Nations | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,857 ft²

Trump World Tower, #75B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Just bring your luggage and move in! All furniture are included with the purchase in this never lived in home!Step into a world of opulence and sophistication with this exquisite residence, perched high above the iconic New York City skyline. This is not just a residence; it is a sanctuary where you can savor breathtaking, unobstructed views of the city that never sleeps.Every detail has been meticulously designed and crafted to create a truly unique and lavish living experience. See floor plan and full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

This is your member's center

How to Prepare for an Open House as a Buyer

In this article:

The new open house etiquette

How to Prepare for an Open House as a Seller

When to Skip the Open House as a Buyer or Seller

112-20 72nd Drive, #A14
$420,000

The Pembroke, #3B
$495,000

137 East 28th Street, #5D
$575,000

The Victorian, #9B
$625,000

Gramercy Towers, #3H
$659,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

765 Park Place, #3A
$725,000

NV, #2H
$1,095,000

419 East 57th Street, #10F
$1,275,000

Oosten, #635
$1,450,000

136 East 76th Street, #11B
$1,595,000

Cannon Point North, #20J
$1,699,000

200 East 84th Street, #17E
$1,795,000

Austin Nichols House, #C208
$1,800,000

Gracie Gardens, #2GLM
$1,995,000

35 West 90th Street, #11HK
$2,300,000

323 West 11th Street, #2WE
$2,650,000

151 West 86th Street, #6C
$2,750,000

520 LaGuardia Place, #PH7N
$2,850,000

50 East 72nd Street, #10B
$3,125,000

473 West 140th Street, #NA
$3,500,000

500 West End Avenue, #2B
$3,995,000

172 Madison, #27A
$4,325,599

36 Claver Place, #TH
$4,725,000

Trump World Tower, #75B
$7,800,000

This is your member's center

How to Prepare for an Open House as a Buyer

In this article:

How to Prepare for an Open House as a Seller

When to Skip the Open House as a Buyer or Seller

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Select which properties are of interest to you:

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