Southampton - The Stoecker & Wilson Team is a leading real estate team and the number one listing broker of all nine Town & Country offices throughout the Hamptons. Business partners Bill Stoecker and Jen Wilson answer our Broker's Outlook queries.

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

Stoecker & Wilson: We believe that "location" is the only rule.

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

S&W: Absolutely not. The Hampton's market is unique and is not always subject to the vagaries of other markets. There is a very limited supply and many sources of demand - Wall Street, Europe, renters converting to buyers, investors, etc.

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

S&W: With the explosion of technology, buyers are very savvy. They do their homework before they even begin their search. They know the comps, and they are unwilling to overpay. In addition, many buyers have come into the market looking to steal something. There are more low ball offers than ever before and they are rarely successful, indicating the strength of the local market. This applies to both sales and rentals. In regards to sellers, they have become more realistic in terms of pricing. If a house is overpriced, it might as well not be on the market.

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?

S&W: With the availability of solar, and other energy saving technology, we are surprised by how little is being used in new construction.

What are the emerging trends in architecture?

S&W: High end and high quality contemporary homes are hot and there is a lack of good inventory.


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

S&W: Based upon the market reports that Town & Country does on a quarterly basis, Sag Harbor is the most sought after. Montauk is up and coming hot spot as well.

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

S&W: What haven't we done!

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

S&W: Staging is very important. Buyers have a hard time imagining how to use spaces. When a house is staged nicely, it helps buyers to understand how they will use the house.

Staging can be tremendously useful for selling a new or spec house. For a 'used' or older property, clean and shiny are the tricks that are the equal of staging a new house. All the usual advice - declutter, clean up landscaping, new white paint where possible, emptying closets to make them look bigger, clean windows and no foul odors, and keep the toilet seats down.

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

S&W: We have a listing on the water in Amagansett near Devon Yacht Club. The house is a perfect beach house with fabulous views overlooking Gardiners Bay. When you step out of the back door, you are stepping onto your own sandy beach. It would be so wonderful to spend summers there with your family.

Bill Stoecker and Jen Wilson are located at 52 Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937, 631-324-8080. For more information go to click here.