Bridgehampton - With over a dozen years in the real estate industry, and before that a career as a Project Manager for a home developer, Sag Harbor Village resident Chris Burnside of the Bridgehampton office of Brown Harris Stevens knows the Hamptons real estate market. Burnside specializes in Bridgehampton and Sagaponack properties for customers "focused on investment opportunities for projects" including total renovations and teardowns and is always on the hunt for a product best suited to their needs.

Let's talk business…

If "location" is the first rule in real estate, what is the second?

CB: "Patience"! I think you have to be patient to find the right location and be ready to make a deal quickly when the opportunity presents itself.

What is your forecast for the fall/winter real estate season in the Hamptons and North Fork?

CB: My forecast is that spring will be the winner. If you didn't already buy your home, you are probably on the sidelines waiting for additional confirmation(s) that the economy is not falling apart. Otherwise, buyers on Wall Street are awaiting their bonus. Currently as I see it there is no rush so I don't see any rush to do so within the next six months unless the right property becomes available.

Chris Burnside of Brown Harris Stevens

What is a sure sign of a "Hamptons" or "North Fork" home?

CB: The shingled traditional style farmhouse with gates and high hedges.

What are the emerging trends in architecture?

CB: Modern homes are definitely the emerging trend. Traditional forms with modern details is slowly transitioning into almost every new home.

Do you feel that the 'Golden Age' of East End real estate is over?

CB: No, there are now opportunities that have not been seen for almost a decade. Buyers now will be laughing their way to the bank if they can make a deal and hold out for five or six years. Prices are not falling anymore.

How have buyers/sellers changed over the past two years?

CB: Currently there seems to be more cooperation and a willingness to get a deal done. In the past the sellers have been able to walk away because terms were not ideal. Now, give me a motivated seller and a buyer that likes the property and the deal is done.

When it comes to unique features and amenities, homes in the Hamptons and on the North Fork have it all. What feature has surprised you the most?

CB: Indoor basketball courts and bowling alleys always seem to impress me - not to mention something unusual like the Half Pipe skateboard ramp or climbing wall found as additional features listed with Camp Farrell for sale at $49 million.

Which towns/villages are the most sought-after right now?

CB: I still believe Bridgehampton and Sagaponack are hot.

What is an easy way to increase the value of a property?

CB: Staging the house with updated furniture and artwork, plantings, and paint.

What's the most extreme thing you've done to make a sale?

CB: I would probably do just about anything to get a sale done.

How important is 'staging' for a sale/rental?

CB: There again, it depends on the seller. I would recommend that a seller listen to the advice of his agent to do what is necessary to make the property look its best.

What are the pros and cons to MLS on the East End?

CB: I do not see any cons for MLS. Perhaps because the Hamptons is such a specialty market sellers and agents want to keep it that way. Right now the Hamptons is like the Wild Wild West when it comes to listing properties. I can't begin to tell you how many properties get sold before they are listed.

Tell us about one of your favorite listings on the market right now.

CB: Camp Farrell, Halsey Lane, $49 million or Saint Gabriel's on Shelter Island at $19 million.