Watching the waves from Unit #3 of the Panoramic Villas of Montauk was quite an experience, and a reminder as to how unique Montauk oceanfront can be. Invited there by Sales Manager, Ed Bruehl - formerly of Allan Schneider and Associates, and then of The Corcoran Group by osmosis - both the Villas and the views were spectacular.

Panoramic Villas of Montauk

On that same day, by the way, there was the very first closing at the Panoramic Villas of Montauk, Unit #10, a state of the art, brand new cooperative country hideaway by the sea. Two bedroom and four bedroom units are offered – Unit #3 was one of the two bedroom units where one can view both the ocean from an 80+ foot height and, at day's end, can enjoy the sunsets too – at prices that now range (with the first 10 units getting their C of O's) from the mid $2 millions to the mid $4 millions. Several units are in contract we were told.

The developer/sponsor who had the vision to purchase this property from long time Panoramic owner Ellis French is Adam Manson. The builder with whose construction values we were impressed is a Westhampton firm, Oak Gentry. Manson, we think, could do a lot worse that buy that strip of oceanfront motels and do what he did to the French property. It is a winner!

Moreover, with the concierge service envisioned and other perks, these properties are well worth the asking price, to our mind, for a non-fungible location on Long Island's East End. By the way, you won't find a more professional sales manager than Bruehl, who took the time to write us glowingly about his partner in sales whom we did not meet, one Lynda Passaretti, who came to the Villas from Montauk's Corcoran's office.

Property listed with Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate

From Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate Executive Vice President and broker Enzo Morabito, came this report, "to set the record straight" referring, we guess, to the Prudential Douglas Elliman 2007 recognition awards.

"My team" writes Morabito, "and I were Prudential Douglas Elliman's #1 Producer for all of Long Island in 2007. Our GCI was higher then Vincent Horcasitas and Lori Barbaria…" (For our readers, Horacaitis and Barbaria had been named #1 and #2 producers, respectively, in Prudential Douglas Elliman's press release on the awards event). Morabita continues, "We were the only ones to be ranked in the top 100 for the entire Prudential network in North America! We contribute our success this year to truly becoming a well-rounded team, often all working seven days a week, utilizing cutting edge technology, innovative advertising campaigns, and offering the highest level of professionalism combined with all of our varied backgrounds and working experience."

Yes, well, congratulations. I mean is this business competitive or is it competitive?

I wanted to write a lengthy story/interview about Joe Schiffer and his Main Street Realty in Westhampton, but will have to find a time with more space. But like the appeal of the Montauk Villas above, Schiffer's agency - which he has headed for 20 years - is "recognized as the acknowledged leader in condominium and cooperative sales and rentals" west of the canal.

And here's an enterprising idea from John Virga of the Hamptons Realty Group's Amagansett Office. Virga is "an avid motorcycle enthusiast…[who goes]…for weekly rides around the South Fork." He sees the real estate signs and writes that, "It occurred to me that the East End is a common destination for day-tripper motorcycle buffs from all over New York State. I believe this to be an untapped (if that is possible in real estate today) marketing potential."

"My hope is to reach out to the many motorcycle riders to hear about their real estate requirements and address them 'al fresco', meaning on motorcycle. I don't think there are many agents who would be, and are capable, of showing perspective buyers properties on a motorcycle," continued Virga.

(I guess not - I could barely make it in a car.)

"My plan is to have them combine their day ride with a purpose. I would meet them. They would simply follow me to the listings. All other conventional real estate procedures would be followed and…[the plan]…is being met with enthusiasm."

Hey, John, at least you are thinking. Good luck with your concept. And let us know about your first deal, rental or sale.

Look, I've told you before that East End real estate is a very strange business.