State real estate news source The Real Deal recently ranked the area’s top agents by combined sell- and buy-side volume over a year-long period for all homes priced $3 million and up. When the numbers were crunched, Houlihan Lawrence’s own Leslie Dorf took home the top slot. Responsible for over $20.8 million in property transfers, more than half-million dollar margin separated Dorf from her nearest rival, Platinum Drive Realty’s Angela Retelny.
“I think one of the lesser-publicized benefits to living in Westchester County are the recreational activities from children’s sports to adult activities,” Dorf says. “Other benefits are of course the schools and the proximity to Manhattan.”
Location, location, and location aren’t the only tools in a seller’s arsenal, though. Dorf has three simple — we won’t say “easy” — tips for Westchesterites looking to get the best price for their home:
- Do work if necessary. Get the home in good shape. If you see paint peeling, wood rotting, windowpanes cracked, get them fixed. Most new buyers in this market do not want to do any work and you want them to walk into a home feeling as if they do not have to!
- Stage. The new buyers have contemporary taste. Take down older curtains, remove older rugs and hire a stager if necessary.
- Lastly, curb appeal is important. Try to make the yard, regardless of how small it is, look larger. Remove dead bushes, reseed if necessary and plant flowers.
Following Dorf’s suggestions might just make the difference in getting your home sold for a price your happy with. Happy house-hunting!
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