real estate	« broker's outlook
Updated: November 2, 2009, 11:38 am	Share    Print    Email

Imagine waking up to this gorgeous view every morning. You can do just that from the master suite of this 5,500 square foot, six bedroom waterfront home in Sag Harbor Village. This one has it all - pool, dock, poolhouse and a stunningly beautiful home. Listed with Mala Sander of The Corcoran Group and offered at $5.95 million.

Sag Harbor - Opening our new "Broker's Outlook" series is Mala Sander, a senior vice president at The Corcoran Group. You can find her in the firm's Sag Harbor office when she is not out taking a listing or showing property to customers.

Mala Sanders of The Corcoran Group office in Sag Harbor.

What surprises you about the real estate market in the Hamptons?

Mala Sander: There are no surprises. The Hamptons is the best priced beach/resort market anywhere!

What do you see as the future of real estate in the Hamptons for the short term and for the long term?

MS: Short term it's a buyer's market, and a terrific time to get in the market or even to upgrade. Longer term, it will prove to be a great investment - the cardinal rule of real estate is location, location, location - and the Hamptons are super prime in that department.

What is your take on the current market?

MS: It's sort of bumping along the bottom - still a great time to buy!

What are the biggest selling points for a house? What do buyers want most?

MS: There's no question, today's buyers are looking for value, and today's best selling point is to have the house priced correctly for the market. Everything else you do comes second.

What are the most common mistakes made by buyers and by sellers?

MS: Sellers should be wary of "optimistic" pricing on their part, or on the part of an agent eager to get the listing. It's really important to launch the property into the marketplace with the right pricing.

Secondly, I advise making your home the best it can be before putting it on the market. Clear out clutter, repair screens, doors, locks, windows - anything that needs repair. Paint if need be, and power wash decks/siding. Keep the landscape in order - mow the lawn, weed and trim the beds, and have the leaves raked/blown and the driveway plowed! Also keep the home seasonally correct - don't leave the pumpkins out until Christmas!!

Value notwithstanding, after the closing happens, the buyer still has to live in the house they bought. Hopefully you haven't waited so long for the "value property" that you passed up the home you really loved - and watched it get bought by someone else. Remember it's not just an investment - it's a lifestyle.

Where are the best values right now on the East End?

MS: There are significant values across the East End. Think outside the box, be open to location and you will surely find them!

Editor's Note: "Broker's Outlook" is a new column here at Hamptons.com where we invite all real estate agents from across the Hamptons and East End to be part of the story discussing their take on the Hamptons real estate market. For details contact info@hamptons.com.