Property listed with Sotheby's international Realty, Inc.

I do love to print your emails, especially when they say nice things about our column. (Having said that, I do show the other kind as well.)

So: "Dear Lona, You wrote an excellent, clear, and informative column about co-exclusives. Thank you for putting it into plain language. Chris Chapin" (Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, East Hampton)

Then we have: "Lona, In reading your column [today], I would like to add some insight on figures we at Corcoran have been tracking. You quote an "unnamed broker" as stating that the co-exclusive may be "on its way out". We are finding that to be the case. As the "unnamed broker" says, while referring to us as, the less than flattering, "800 pound gorilla", the "consumers are becoming more and more educated" in making their listing decisions. There is a value in selecting the "gorilla" for an exclusive listing. The listing will get broader exposure, professional marketing in many markets, a stronger Internet presence, and a larger sales force talking about the property (between each other and in their office meetings). Our mix of monthly new Exclusive versus Co-Exclusive listings has increased from a ratio of approximately seven to one, up to a current 10 to one ratio over the past six month period. Is this a trend? Property owners on the East End are an intelligent and sophisticated group! I always enjoy your column, thanks for your observations. Rick Hoffman" (The Corcoran Group, Regional Senior Vice President, East End)

And more: "Hi Lona, Thanks for the articles on co-exclusives. I'm using them when I pitch new listings and the owners ask about how to list. Love your articles! Best, Jackie Dunphy" (The Corcoran Group, East Hampton)

From Shane Backer Branch Manager-Senior Loan Officer, Robbins & Lloyd Mortgage:

"Lona Rubenstein, I saw your article "The Real Word On Mortgages" and I found it very in tune to what's going on with the market. As a mortgage specialist in the NYC area, I've been recently quoted in The Money Blog [http://themoneycoach.blogspot.com], and on USAToday.com ('Chasm grows between home lenders and self-employed'). I've noticed your own writing in this area, and am touching base now to offer my assistance, any time you need an expert source. I am particularly knowledgeable about how the current credit crisis has affected the mortgage industry, and am adept at finding loans for those who have been impacted by the crisis. I also specialize in acquiring loans for individuals who are self-employed, and in helping people improve their credit scores so that previously unobtainable loans become available to them. It's my pleasure to speak with journalists(actually with anyone!)about these, and many other related topics, particularly in this challenging time, and I'm always available to answer questions. Feel free to contact me by email or phone at any time. I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, Shane Backer Branch Manager-Senior Loan Officer Robbins & Lloyd Mortgage"

BFDesigns sends happy Halloween message and would "like to cast its magic spell" in helping you market your home. That's BFDesigns and you can find them on the Internet.

Well, U.S. Treasury Secretary Paulson says housing is likely to adversely affect economy, and our own Paul Brennan, Prudential Douglas Elliman Bridgehampton says:

"I don't believe it's the housing market per se. I believe it's the mortgage market that has negatively impacted this economy. How many times does the Fed have to loosen money and we all go on a refinancing binge, practically giving money away to anyone who can breathe, and then cut off the supply and expect everyone to pay the money back as if they are responsible borrowers. It's like giving drugs to a junkie and then wondering why you can't find him when it's time to get paid."

He continues, "The fed has done this at least twice that I can remember in the past 29 years I've been in the business. It creates a false sense of economic well being and a huge hangover when the game stops. Then the big institutions, who have all benefited, but ultimately mismanage the billions of dollars they lent, get bailed out by the Fed. The U.S. taxpayers ultimately take the hit and we all cry about the state of the economy until the next cycle. Sounds like it may be time to get off the merry-go-round of money addiction to me."

Data from Long Island Profiles: 259 houses were sold in Suffolk County this week compared to 443 last year, foreclosures 45 this week compared to 33 last year. Median price for Suffolk County homes was down $5,000, but as we all know, out here on the impervious east end, the median home price has risen. There should be (and we know how hard our Assemblyman Fred Thiele has pushed for this in the State Legislature) to my mind, a Peconic County for so many reasons.

So, East End real estate, clearly different and still a very strange business. But for how long?