East Hampton - In the real estate field since 1995, Gary DePersia, Senior Vice President at The Corcoran Group, has become synonymous with luxury real estate. A Sag Harbor resident, Gary works out of the East Hampton office of The Corcoran Group yet lists, sells, and rents properties from Southampton to Montauk, Shelter Island, and soon in Westhampton. Gary is a strong believer in marketing stating that he goes to great lengths "ensuring that [my clients] are getting the best and most varied exposure their properties deserve."

Let's talk business…

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

Gary DePersia: There is no second rule.

Gary DePersia, Senior Vice President at The Corcoran Group, has become synonymous with luxury real estate. (Courtesy Photo: Gary DePersia)

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

GDP: Absolutely not based on the sales of the last six months and several things I know about that are in the works. With land sales re-emerging all over the landscape and builders starting new projects I see a Renaissance, rather than an end.

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

GDP: They have come together in a tougher market to make transactions work. [They are] more realistic, more compromising. Deals are happening because of it.

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?

GDP: Not surprised, but finished basements, whether in $2 million homes or $50 million homes such as "The Sandcastle," have continued to be an the top of the list of most buyers today.

What are the emerging trends in architecture?

GDP: A move away from intricate molding details to a cleaner look even within traditional architecture.

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

GDP: Sagaponack remains very hot as evidenced by a flurry of recent house and land sales including "Sagaponack Greens." Sag Harbor has become the "in" village, where in the summer the sidewalks at night are packed with people going from one venue to another.

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

GDP: Picked up the mansion tax in a transaction where a builder was buying a tear down and the seller wouldn't allow the buyer to tear down the structure prior to closing. Knowing I would get the listing on the new build helped ease the pain.

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

GDP: Extremely important. For a rental it goes without saying that the nicer the furnishings the more appeal to a potential renter. But with house sales and new construction in particular, a house that gets furnished benefits in two very important ways. First, the rooms photograph far better for advertising. Second, the buyer gets to see how the house lives and spatial relationships. In many cases, the furnishings more than pay for themselves by generating a faster sale thus mitigating carrying costs and often the buyer will seek to actually purchase the furnishings in order to be able to use the house more quickly.

Finally, tell us about one of your favorite listings on the market right now.

GDP: That's difficult with over 50 to chose from but I am particularly enamored with my new listing on Cameron Way in Southampton Village which features a six-bedroom English Country inspired house with tennis court and finished lower level on 1.5 acres. But I am trying not to get too attached to it as I have a feeling it will sell quickly.

 • For more information go to www.myhamptonhomes.com, or email at gary@myhamptonhomes.com, or call 516-380-0538.