You only get one chance to make a first impression, and in Murray Hill, nothing impresses like a skyline or river view. If you are selling a tower residence, your windows can be your strongest selling feature when they are staged, photographed, and marketed with care. In this guide, you will learn simple steps that make your outlook the star, plus NYC specific rules to keep you compliant and on schedule. Let’s dive in.
Why views matter in Murray Hill
Murray Hill sits between Midtown and the East River, with towers that look west to the skyline or east to the river and Queens beyond. Many buildings on the 30s offer clear exposures, especially above nearby rooflines. Iconic examples like The Corinthian were designed with sweeping window walls to capture broad vistas. Views are a recognized amenity in Manhattan, and appraisers often note a modest height premium that grows when a view clears nearby buildings.
Buyers show they value protected outlooks. In a well publicized case, owners once paid to protect an Empire State Building view. While every building and market cycle is different, a clear skyline or river scene helps your listing stand out.
Prep windows for crystal clear first impressions
Clean glass is nonnegotiable. Use a streak free method with distilled water or a white vinegar or alcohol mix, and spray onto the cloth, not the pane, to reduce spots, as outlined in this streak free window cleaning guide. Do the interior and, if your building allows, coordinate exterior cleaning.
Inspect for fogging, cracked seals, or sticky hardware. If windows are common elements in your co op or condo, ask management about approvals before repairs. Most buildings require an alteration agreement and may need permits for significant work.
Stage rooms to make the view the hero
- Keep sightlines open. Use a streamlined sofa with two chairs and avoid tall shelving that blocks windows. Place a reading chair or small desk facing the view.
- Simplify window treatments. Designers often advise removing heavy drapes and dated valances in favor of minimal roller shades or sheers that lift fully, which you can see in this staging guidance. This keeps light flowing while preserving privacy when needed.
- Control glare without closing the scene. Use translucent shades during midday showings. Add floor and table lamps on dimmers so interiors read well at twilight.
- Use mirrors thoughtfully. Place mirrors perpendicular to windows to bounce light deeper into the room, not directly facing the window, which can create odd reflections.
Balconies and terraces, staged with restraint
Treat outdoor space like an extra room. Keep it clean and uncluttered, add one or two compact chairs, and a healthy planter. Confirm house rules before bringing items outside. Some buildings limit planters, grills, or staging furniture on balconies, and many require advance notice for exterior activity.
Photographing skyline and river views correctly
High contrast scenes need a pro approach. Ask your photographer to use HDR bracketing or controlled flash so both the interior and the exterior look crisp. For tight window shots, many pros “expose for highlights” and recover interior shadow in post, a best practice covered in these real estate photography tips.
Timing matters. Blue hour, shortly after sunset, produces dramatic images when city lights come on, and golden hour flatters many west or east exposures. Request one “hero” wide shot that shows the view, one tighter window detail, and a context image that relates your outlook to recognizable landmarks.
What you can and cannot do outside
Manhattan airspace is highly restricted. Routine drone photography is generally impractical and risky. Review NYC drone restrictions if you are considering aerials, and coordinate with management and legal counsel before proceeding.
For rooftop or amenity photos, secure written permission and confirm insurance requirements. In co ops and many condos, windows and façades are common elements. Always review your building’s alteration agreement and ask management about access procedures and timing.
Listing copy that builds trust
Be specific and accurate. Note compass direction, which rooms see the view, and when the light is best. If you use virtual staging, keep at least one unedited photo of the real view to set honest buyer expectations. Clear copy paired with authentic photography builds confidence and reduces surprises at showings.
Quick Murray Hill view marketing checklist
- Pre market: confirm permissions with management, clean interior and exterior glass, remove heavy drapes, declutter sills, and stage low profile seating that faces the view.
- Photo day: schedule blue hour, request HDR brackets in RAW, and capture a hero wide, a window detail, and an exterior context shot.
- Compliance: secure terrace or rooftop access in writing, reserve elevators if needed, and plan around any building work that affects windows.
A compelling Murray Hill view deserves thoughtful staging and disciplined photography. When you pair a clear plan with board savvy logistics, your outlook can drive showings and stronger offers. For a tailored strategy that fits your building and your goals, connect with Marcia Koutellos, REALTOR.
FAQs
What types of views do Murray Hill towers typically offer?
- West facing units often see Midtown landmarks and skyline, while east and southeast exposures look toward the East River and Queens, depending on floor height and surrounding rooflines.
Do higher floors always sell for more because of views?
- Not always, but many appraisers observe a modest height premium that can increase when views clear neighboring buildings, and actual impact depends on comps and market conditions.
Are drones allowed for listing photos in Manhattan?
- Manhattan airspace is highly restricted for drones, and most ad hoc flights are not permitted, so plan on interior and permitted amenity photography instead.
What window treatments work best during showings for view units?
- Minimal roller shades or sheers that lift fully keep light and views visible, while heavy drapes and valances tend to block light and date the room.
What approvals do I need to photograph from a building roof or terrace?
- Obtain written permission from management, confirm insurance requirements, and follow your building’s alteration or access policies for common or limited common areas.
