DIY Guide to Publishing Your NYC Apartment on StreetEasy
StreetEasy is the primary platform where NYC buyers search for apartments. This comprehensive guide walks you through creating a professional listing that attracts serious buyers.
[!info] StreetEasy is essential for NYC sales. Over 80% of NYC buyers use StreetEasy to search for apartments. A professional listing here is crucial for finding qualified buyers.
Getting Started with StreetEasy
Account Setup
- Create an account at streeteasy.com
- Verify your identity with valid ID
- Choose listing type - 'Owner-managed sale'
- Select payment plan - StreetEasy charges listing fees
Understanding StreetEasy Fees
- Standard listing: $10/day (minimum 30 days)
- Featured listing: $15/day (appears higher in search)
- Listing expires: After paid period unless renewed
- No broker commission: Major savings vs traditional listing
Preparing Your Property Information
Essential Property Details
- Property Type: Co-op, Condo, Townhouse, etc.
- Address: Full street address with unit number
- Bedrooms: Accurate count (include convertible spaces)
- Bathrooms: Include half-baths (1.5, 2.5, etc.)
- Square Footage: From building records or recent appraisal
- Asking Price: Based on comparable sales analysis
Building Information
- Building Name: If applicable
- Year Built: Available from city records
- Building Amenities: Doorman, gym, roof deck, etc.
- Pet Policy: Allowed/not allowed, restrictions
- Parking: Available spots, garage, street
Financial Information
- Monthly Maintenance: (Co-ops) or Common Charges (Condos)
- Real Estate Taxes: Annual amount or monthly if paid separately
- Special Assessments: Current or planned assessments
- Down Payment Requirements: Co-op financial requirements
Creating Compelling Listing Photos
Photo Requirements
- Minimum 5 photos for basic listing
- 10-15 photos recommended for maximum engagement
- High resolution (at least 1024x768 pixels)
- Horizontal orientation preferred for most shots
Essential Photo Shots
Interior Photos (in order of importance)
- Living room - Main entertaining space
- Kitchen - Key decision factor for buyers
- Master bedroom - Largest bedroom
- Bathroom(s) - Clean, well-lit shots
- Additional bedrooms - All remaining bedrooms
- Dining area - If separate space
- Home office/study - If applicable
- Storage areas - Closets, pantries
Building and Exterior
- Building exterior - Street view showing entrance
- Building amenities - Gym, roof deck, lobby
- Neighborhood shots - Nearby parks, transportation
Photo Best Practices
Lighting and Composition
- Natural light preferred - Shoot during daylight hours
- Turn on all lights - Interior and accent lighting
- Declutter completely - Remove personal items
- Stage appropriately - Fresh flowers, fluffed pillows
- Wide-angle shots - Show full room scope
Common Photo Mistakes
- Dark, poorly lit images
- Cluttered or messy spaces
- Bathroom photos with personal items
- Photos showing reflections of photographer
- Vertical orientation for room shots
Writing Your Property Description
Description Structure
Opening Hook: What makes this property special?
Key Features: Highlight 3-4 most important aspects
Room Details: Brief description of main spaces
Building/Location: Neighborhood and building amenities
Practical Information: Maintenance, taxes, logistics
Call to Action: How to schedule showing
Sample Description Template
Stunning 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom co-op with southern exposure
and Central Park views in a pre-war building on the Upper West Side.
This bright and spacious apartment features:
• Large living room with decorative fireplace and park views
• Renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances
• Master bedroom accommodates king-size bed
• Updated bathroom with original pre-war details
• Abundant storage throughout
Located in a well-maintained elevator building with live-in
superintendent, this home offers the perfect combination of
pre-war charm and modern convenience. Just blocks from Central
Park and express subway lines.
Monthly maintenance: $1,250 | Taxes included
Down payment: 20% minimum | Pets allowed
Move-in ready | Available for immediate showing
Contact [Your Name] at [Phone] or [Email] to schedule a viewing.
Writing Tips
- Lead with strongest feature - Views, space, location
- Use bullet points for easy scanning
- Include neighborhood highlights - Parks, restaurants, transport
- Mention recent updates - Renovations, new appliances
- Be specific about requirements - Down payment, pet policy
- End with clear contact information
Pricing Strategy
Research Comparable Sales
- Use StreetEasy's sold data - Similar units in your building/area
- Check recent closed sales - Within 6 months preferred
- Adjust for differences - Condition, floor, view, size
- Consider market conditions - Seasonal trends, interest rates
Pricing Psychology
- Avoid round numbers - $749,000 vs $750,000
- Price competitively - Slightly below comps to generate interest
- Leave negotiation room - Expect 2-5% reduction in negotiations
- Monitor market response - Adjust if no interest in 2 weeks
Managing Inquiries and Showings
Responding to Inquiries
- Respond quickly - Within 2-4 hours during business hours
- Be professional - Clear, helpful communication
- Qualify prospects - Confirm financing pre-approval
- Schedule efficiently - Group showings when possible
Showing Best Practices
- Prepare space - Clean, bright, staged
- Be present - Don't leave prospects alone
- Highlight features - Point out special details
- Answer questions honestly - Build trust and credibility
- Follow up promptly - Thank them and gauge interest
Safety Considerations
- Verify identity - Ask for ID and pre-approval letter
- Schedule during daylight - Safer and better lighting
- Have backup present - Friend, neighbor, or assistant
- Trust instincts - If something feels wrong, end showing
StreetEasy Listing Optimization
Maximizing Visibility
- Use all available keywords - Neighborhood names, features
- Update regularly - Fresh activity boosts search ranking
- Respond to inquiries - StreetEasy tracks response rates
- Add virtual tour - If available, significantly increases engagement
Performance Monitoring
- Track listing views - StreetEasy provides analytics
- Monitor inquiry volume - Gauge market interest
- Watch similar listings - See how competition is priced
- Adjust strategy - Price, photos, or description if needed
Common Listing Issues
- Low view count - Check photos, price, or description
- High views, no inquiries - May be pricing issue
- Inquiries but no showings - Improve response time/professionalism
- Showings but no offers - Property condition or pricing
Integration with SellWise
Our platform provides tools to optimize your StreetEasy listing:
- Photo checklist - Ensure you have all essential shots
- Description generator - AI-assisted listing copy
- Comparable sales data - Integrated pricing analysis
- Inquiry tracking - Manage all prospects in one place
- Performance analytics - Track listing effectiveness
Beyond StreetEasy: Additional Platforms
Other Listing Sites
- Zillow - National exposure
- Trulia - Additional buyer reach
- Realtor.com - MLS integration
- Local Facebook groups - Neighborhood-specific audiences
Social Media Marketing
- Instagram - Visual platform perfect for properties
- Facebook Marketplace - Local buyer base
- LinkedIn - Professional network reach
- Nextdoor - Neighborhood social network
Ready to create your StreetEasy listing? Our listing generator creates optimized descriptions and photo checklists based on your property details. Get started with your project or view our plans to access professional listing tools.