A real estate professional has shared a surprising tip for potential homebuyers—explaining why anyone in the market for a new home should bring a seemingly mundane item: a clothes hanger. Tammany Hall, a real estate agent, and social media influencer, recently shared a video on her Instagram account revealing how this simple, inexpensive tool can prevent unpleasant surprises after purchasing or renting a property.

In the video, Hall brings a hanger to what seems like an impressively large walk-in closet. However, she quickly discovers that the clothing rail has been installed too close to the wall, preventing a standard-sized hanger from fitting. This clever hack, intended to urge estate agents to keep a clothes hanger handy during viewings, has since gone viral, amassing over 4 million views and sparking widespread astonishment among viewers.

One viewer commented, “I would be absolutely fuming if I bought a house only to find out the closets were like this without knowing beforehand…” Another shared, “I lived in a flat where hangers didn’t fit in the closet, and it was the worst year.”

Home Hacking at Its Best
Speaking to Realtor.com, Hall explained that the idea came while she was house hunting and nearly made an offer on an attractively renovated older home. “We were inside the house, and I was unsure about the storage space. I asked the estate agent if a hanger would fit in the closet, and he happened to have one in his car. It didn’t fit, and that was the deciding factor,” she recalls. The video was a spur-of-the-moment decision that ended up going viral.

Hall stresses the importance of being well-prepared before touring a home, a sentiment echoed by many estate agents who have also shared their tips on essential items to have on hand during viewings.

Old Homes vs. New Builds
Hall believes buyers are less likely to face such issues for newly constructed homes. “Hopefully, they wouldn’t have as many problems as an older home,” says Hall, who is based in Dallas and hopes to buy her first home next year. With older homes, you need to be more proactive. If it was constructed by a smaller builder, be vigilant, as they might cut corners to reduce costs.”

Slow and Steady Wins the Real Estate Race
Hall greatly appreciates her estate agent’s expertise and inside knowledge. “He was brilliant,” she notes. “I’m a first-time buyer, not a licensed estate agent. He advised me on what to look for. It’s crucial for buyers to know their absolute deal-breakers and must-haves, especially in a competitive market.”

Keep Calm and Carry On
Hall advises that the buying process can be emotionally taxing for potential homeowners. “It’s overwhelming,” she admits. “Houses start to blend together after a while. The location is crucial, but leaning on your estate agent, particularly if you’re a first-time buyer, is paramount. Find an agent with the expertise to guide you, and consider whether you and your lifestyle could thrive in the space.”

Despite any potential issues discovered post-sale, Hall remains optimistic. “It may not be the perfect home you step into, but it will be a stepping stone to achieving your dream home,” she assures.