Your Property's Value
We hope you had a great Holiday Season and New Year! As we move into 2026, we wanted to address home maintenance and improvement – not just sales tips to improve marketing and value but for the betterment of enjoying “home.” As real estate advisors, we spend a significant amount of time and thought with clients as they prepare for a sale, particularly on the to-dos to consider prior to listing their property to attract the greatest attention from buyers, the least amount of scrutiny and the most amount of money. In the process, we often see clients disappointed that they hadn’t taken the time or thought while living in their home to raise the bar and offer themselves a greater level of enjoyment of their space.
After helping someone navigate the many challenges of a New York City property purchase, we get to witness their delightment with the property they finally find to call home. For some – as time elapses – clutter builds up, maintenance projects go unattended and opportunities for improvements are overlooked. Below are some of our recent easiest, lowest cost opportunities we’ve seen clients take advantage of or could have benefited from, whether to increase the value and attractiveness of their property to others for a sale or for their own enjoyment of it.
Property Improvements
Most everyone appreciates, admires or envies an organized space. A tornado of cluttered surfaces and jammed cabinets, drawers and closets generally doesn’t inspire a sense of calm in a home. Even a “minimalist” interior can benefit from some organization of storage spaces. Reducing and removing after-thoughts from rooms and organizing closets, cabinets and drawers can go a long way. If it’s not your skillset, there are plenty of organizational stores that can assist at low or no cost on products and customized systems.
Custom window treatments can go a long way to make a space look tailored. If the budget doesn’t permit the entire home, focus on the public rooms or the ones you spend the most time in.
The kitchen might not need a complete renovation to feel new. Refacing or finishing cabinetry, new hardware, installing a new backsplash or swapping out old appliances can make a great impact.
Changing old dated light fixtures or adding statement fixtures in a dining room or entertainment area can add a lot to a space. If a dining area isn’t wired for a fixture, have an electrician install one. Find a new light fixture or antique that can be rewired and refurbished.
Big clunky, over-painted pre-war radiators can often be traded for new sleek European designs that are flush, save space and don’t command so much attention. Some pre-war ones are charming; others are unattractive space hogs in a small room.
Swap out that old water-damaged bathroom vanity. They detract a lot. Do that, change the vanity light fixture and paint the room, and you will improve if not transform the space. Install moldings if the design fits.
Crown or picture moldings can add interest to a space and make it feel more tailored, and the enhancement can happen quickly and not burst a budget.
Property Maintenance
Simple tasks often get pushed aside, and they collectively can be some of the most impactful – Cleaning or replacing bathroom and kitchen tile grout and caulk, touching up wall paint dinks and scratches, replacing cracked kitchen or bath tile or giving a room a fresh coat of paint, including the often over-looked ceiling. Making a list and asking the super or someone handy with a toolbelt can refresh a space.
Hire a deep cleaning service. They will notice things and do what you or your normal cleaner haven’t.
Home Enhancements
Picking up fresh flowers regularly or a bowl of fruit can add color and life to a room. If you don’t have a vase you like or want to showcase, find one you will be happy with.
If you have a foyer, make it a grander entrance. Install a statement light fixture, introduce an interesting lamp, a large mirror or artwork. Coming home or arriving as a guest will be a more elevated experience.
Often rooms have hodge podge pieces of furniture that have been picked up over the years. If you aren’t committed to some, consider replacing in one large piece you like. A substantial furniture piece or artwork can anchor a room.
Building Improvements and Enhancements
Like a foyer, your building is your and your guests’ entrance to your home. If you are on building’s board or want to raise your hand to be involved, a flower service for the lobby or outdoor flower urns or landscaping can make a positive impact.
Having carpets cleaned once a year and spot cleaned as needed as well as replacing dingy elevator carpets make a building feel clean and well-kept.
Having a super or managing agent on a regular rotation of touching up paint will also make a the common areas feel fresh and cleaner.
Whether 2026 is a year you improve your space for yourself or find a new one, we hope it is a year you enjoy your home even more. Wishing you a great start to your new year!
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The Numbers
Manhattan Market Activity
Highlighting our market's past 30 days.
Brooklyn Market Activity
Highlighting our market's past 30 days.
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The Properties
Our month's featured listings on the market.
Prospect Lefferts Gardens / Brooklyn
Condo
2 Beds (Convertible 3) / 2 Baths
$795,000
Lenox Hill / Manhattan
Co-op
1 Bed / 1 Bath
$665,000
Kips Bay / Manhattan
Co-op
Alcove Studio
$549,500
Chelsea / Manhattan
Condo
3 Beds / 3 Baths
$3,700,000
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The Pick
From the cool and eccentric to reserved and irreverent - Our month’s pick of what's happening in New York City.
Under the Radar
January 7 - 25, 2026 - Various venues
Since 2003, The Under the Radar Theater Festival showcases innovative performances from both global and local artists. In partnership with venues citywide, the festival celebrates groundbreaking theater in New York City with over 25 productions this year.
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