http://www.hamptons.com//column.php A Hamptons.com Column en-us Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:03:16 -0500 editor@hamptons.com (Nicole Brewer) webmaster@hamptons.com (Mike Goodsell) http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/8435/Real-Estate-Offices-Growing-Sales-Up-And.html Prudential Douglas Elliman is moving to a larger Montauk office space. Brokers report they are seeing sales up, and inventory down, inviting prices by sellers. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:27:20 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/8435/Real-Estate-Offices-Growing-Sales-Up-And.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/8341/Real-Estate-Attorneys-Report-Recent-Uptick-In.html We asked attorneys to give us their view of the current state of the East End real estate market, as so many readers questioned what they referred to as the "spin" of the industry, saying there had been a turnaround, so we figured real estate attorneys, after all, do the closings and draw the contracts - so they would know, right? Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:01:29 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/8341/Real-Estate-Attorneys-Report-Recent-Uptick-In.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/8191/The-East-End-By-Way-Of-England.html Next week, by the way, we hope to have a market look from East End real estate attorneys' point of view. Many question what brokers may or may not be saying, but attorneys? Well they have the closings, the deals in contract, so to my mind, what they say has some weight. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:00:56 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/8191/The-East-End-By-Way-Of-England.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/8081/Realtors-Hopes-Rise-As-Home-Sales-Inch-Upward.html Home sales are up for May nationally. There was an almost three percent bump. Realtors everywhere are celebrating, praying it is not a blink but the beginning of the turn around. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:25:07 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/8081/Realtors-Hopes-Rise-As-Home-Sales-Inch-Upward.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7984/Showing-Your-Best-Houses-Between-The-Raindrops.html Rain, rain go away, brokers need a sunny day. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:23:50 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7984/Showing-Your-Best-Houses-Between-The-Raindrops.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7882/Market-Remains-A-Buyers-One.html The bottom line is houses are still out there on the market so that the market remains a buyer's one, unless buyers are distressed. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:52:50 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7882/Market-Remains-A-Buyers-One.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7800/While-Rentals-Are-Up-Construction-Shows-A-Steady.html In positive market news, rentals are on the rise, construction may be on its way back and old trends are somewhat new again. As they say, the more things change the more they stay the same here on the East End where real estate is a very strange business. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:04:27 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7800/While-Rentals-Are-Up-Construction-Shows-A-Steady.html http://www.hamptons.com/Home-Page/Real-Estate/7710/Area-Realtors-Report-The-Long-Wait-Is-Over.html We hear local businesses thrived last weekend. Our excellent restaurants were busy. Shops on the main drags were selling, marred only by tragic accidents on the road at the start of the season. So how did business look at the end of May? Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:01:20 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Home-Page/Real-Estate/7710/Area-Realtors-Report-The-Long-Wait-Is-Over.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7600/The-New-Trickle-Down-House-Sales-To-Ailing.html Well those brokers that predicted heavy traffic this summer may be right. This past weekend, right before Memorial Day, was indeed heavy. Last minute renters coming out realizing that summer is about here? And are they out there? Who knows? But busy, yes. We hope businesses did well. And realtors, too. Wed, 27 May 2009 13:33:08 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7600/The-New-Trickle-Down-House-Sales-To-Ailing.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7405/Rentals-Are-On-The-Move.html Rentals are where the market activity is now and what's more - where it usually is, weather not withstanding, in a traditional season. The difference here is that there are really fine opportunities out there on the sales market as well. Wed, 13 May 2009 10:48:44 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7405/Rentals-Are-On-The-Move.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7320/Glimmer-Of-Action-On-The-Horizon.html Housing inspections on the climb in high, medium and moderate price ranges and National Associatation of Realtors reports first-time home buyers accounted for 53 percent of transactions in last 12 months. Thu, 07 May 2009 10:52:42 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7320/Glimmer-Of-Action-On-The-Horizon.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7140/Theyre-Out-There.html As always folks the operative principle is supply and demand. And as the inventory diminishes, the curve goes up once more. So buyers out there, you have been noticed that the time is right for you to make your move on both deals and values. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:39:30 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7140/Theyre-Out-There.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7119/The-Exclusive-Listing-Debate-From-The-Renters.html In the interest of fairness, brokers who argued against exclusive rentals cited exceptions, including owners' wishes and high-end properties. As to knowing who and who was not there - what happened to leaving business cards and notices of showing which are sent to landlord (client) with name of customer regularly? Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:58:45 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7119/The-Exclusive-Listing-Debate-From-The-Renters.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7028/Urge-To-Splurge-No-Longer-Fueling-Art-Of-The-Deal.html The rental season has had a slow start. The weather, the economy, the governor's tax-the-rich strategy, and Bernie Madoff's scheme haven't helped things. Summer rentals and second home sales are a discretionary expenditure of the affluent. Does an exclusive listing, which lowers the rental agent's money earned, go to the bottom of that 30,000 listing stack? You can bet your mortgage on that one. Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:39:31 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/7028/Urge-To-Splurge-No-Longer-Fueling-Art-Of-The-Deal.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6958/And-Now-The-Age-Old-Question-Of-Exclusive.html Playing devil's advocate in these hard, competitive times where, in some areas and price ranges, people aren't exactly tripping over each other for a summer rental, homeowners with a sincere broker might get an extra push for their property by granting this privilege. Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:02:25 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6958/And-Now-The-Age-Old-Question-Of-Exclusive.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6802/Market-Moves-Slowly-In-The-Right-Direction-Just.html There's a bit of activity popping now that Spring is around the corner and the news on the street is the savvy are making their way back to the negotiating table. In the meanwhile, a word to the wise - it's all in how you plug it as long as you avoid the new list of "dirty words" in real estate advertising. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:37:20 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6802/Market-Moves-Slowly-In-The-Right-Direction-Just.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6708/Finding-Opportunity-Around-The-Corner-And-A-Nod.html In these times of exponential ups and downs and financial crises, it is comforting to know that, all said and done, many things last. And some families manage to "stay put" carrying on a heritage that speaks to the land on which we live as more than just real estate. Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:17:02 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6708/Finding-Opportunity-Around-The-Corner-And-A-Nod.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6648/Dont-Play-The-Would-A-Could-A-Should-A-Game.html Those who are fortunate enough to negotiate in today's market can get themselves properties they might otherwise have been priced out of and the "would-a, could-a, should-a - why didn't I?" refrain might be commonplace come next year if a rebound sees prices edging back upwards. Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:39:35 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6648/Dont-Play-The-Would-A-Could-A-Should-A-Game.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6502/Looking-For-The-Good-In-The-Neighborhood.html The good stuff came from Tom MacNiven, senior managing director of sales at East Hampton Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate: "While so many of our colleagues are worrying out loud about all the bad things that might happen, we are focusing on the good things the are happening. Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:47:25 -0500 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6502/Looking-For-The-Good-In-The-Neighborhood.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6433/Brokers-Predict-Its-The-Year-Of-The-Deal.html If they have the money to buy out here, doesn't it follow that they have that money to spend out here? Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:47:10 -0500 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6433/Brokers-Predict-Its-The-Year-Of-The-Deal.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6363/Patience-Will-Win-Out-In-Todays-Real-Estate.html Are they waiting for the supposed bottom? Bernard Baruch, talking about the stock market, once said it was imprudent to wait for the bottom to buy and the top to sell. Waiting is the subtle message, guys. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:41:33 -0500 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6363/Patience-Will-Win-Out-In-Todays-Real-Estate.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6276/As-Real-Estate-Inventory-Climbs-Opportunity.html As the speculative market wanes, opportunity awaits the intelligent buyer who can take advantage of the softened market to wrap up available real estate at a comfortable savings. Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:02:16 -0500 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6276/As-Real-Estate-Inventory-Climbs-Opportunity.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6235/Real-Estate-Forum-Raises-Questions.html The Long Island Housing Partnership offered free mortgage counseling to first time homebuyers while a real estate forum educated agents. Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:01:52 -0500 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6235/Real-Estate-Forum-Raises-Questions.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6128/Information-For-Buyers-And-Sellers-In-An.html Knowing that a little knowledge goes a long way, a local firm hosted the first of three public seminars on Short Sales and Foreclosures. Here is a recap of the valuable information needed in this uncertain market. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:37:05 -0500 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/6128/Information-For-Buyers-And-Sellers-In-An.html http://www.hamptons.com/Around-Town-Bridgehampton/Life-Style/6082/Musical-Desks-Agents-Swap-Offices-In-Early.html Okay, shellfish molt, animals shed, countries purge, businesses downsize, and realtors play musical desks. It's all in the interest of progress, Bub, or perhaps just change hoping that change is progress. Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:59:31 -0500 http://www.hamptons.com/Around-Town-Bridgehampton/Life-Style/6082/Musical-Desks-Agents-Swap-Offices-In-Early.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5789/Good-News-And-Bad-News.html The Independent Insurance Agents of Suffolk County, Inc. sends us good news, bad news, and 'what to do about it' news for homeowners. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:36:09 -0500 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5789/Good-News-And-Bad-News.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5890/East-End-Realty-Notes.html Agencies are really getting warm, fuzzy, and charitable for the holidays. We heard from a few with holiday tidings, tales of parties, and donations for soldiers overseas. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:30:52 -0500 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5890/East-End-Realty-Notes.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5542/Cheers-To-Sound-Advice-On-The-Real-Estate-Front.html There are many to congratulate this week namely Susan, Gary, and Timothy from The Corcoran Group as well as Jim and Harry from Bridge Gardens. When the ink dries it will be three cheers for Simon and Janet too. In the meantime we received some sound advice on commission rates and got the scoop on oceanfront property. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:56:56 -0500 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5542/Cheers-To-Sound-Advice-On-The-Real-Estate-Front.html http://www.hamptons.com/Around-Town-Hampton-Bays/Life-Style/5457/Innovations-Opinions-Suggestions.html Readers and realtors took notice of the exclusive vs. open listing question in a down market posed here and we have a few more responses as well as some interesting news. Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:58:40 -0500 http://www.hamptons.com/Around-Town-Hampton-Bays/Life-Style/5457/Innovations-Opinions-Suggestions.html http://www.hamptons.com/Around-Town-Riverhead/Life-Style/5392/Industry-Insiders-Respond-To-Exclusives.html As promised, more industry opinions on exclusives versus open listings in a down market. Replies are coming in daily, so have patience, all will be shared. Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:52:31 -0500 http://www.hamptons.com/Around-Town-Riverhead/Life-Style/5392/Industry-Insiders-Respond-To-Exclusives.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5287/Open-Listings-Versus-Exclusives.html <I>Realty Takes</I> asked: Would open listings work better than all exclusives in this market? We heard back from agents and those looking to purchase. You'll be surprised at the answers. Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:21:11 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5287/Open-Listings-Versus-Exclusives.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5231/The-Reports-Are-In.html The Real Estate downturn continues on the East End according to George R. Simpson, President of Suffolk Research Service, Inc. Comparative Market Figures for the Years 2004 through 2008, Third Quarter, for the Real Estate Industry of Eastern Long Island reveals the real estate market on the East End of Long Island is down compared with the Third Quarter of 2007. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:50:23 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5231/The-Reports-Are-In.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5125/Moving-Real-Estate.html We spent some time this week with veteran agent Gioia DiPaolo who is back with Prudential Douglas Elliman. We learned that Fountainhead Construction, a local firm, recently received high honors in architecture. And we have some advice for the bottom feeders out there - now is the time to buy! Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:09:15 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5125/Moving-Real-Estate.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5070/A-Look-At-The-Landscape.html Land Specialist Chris Chapin sent us his opinion on the state of the market and how the world, seeming to fall apart or at least crack, has and will impact our real estate industry, buyers and sellers. We also heard from the Long Island Housing Partnership with some good news from the Governor's office. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:50:02 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/5070/A-Look-At-The-Landscape.html http://www.hamptons.com/Around-Town-Bridgehampton/Life-Style/4998/Market-Impact.html <i>Realty Takes</i> asked the industry questions as to local market impacts from the current financial morass. We heard from Town & Country Real Estate, The Corcoran Group, and Prudential Douglas Elliman. What's your take? Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:13:04 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Around-Town-Bridgehampton/Life-Style/4998/Market-Impact.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4925/Hamptons-Rentals.html So, what on earth is going on! It is hard to be serious about the Hamptons real estate market when everything else in the world, at best, is so volatile. We live in metastable times my friends. (Look it up. It's a good word). Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:01:54 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4925/Hamptons-Rentals.html http://www.hamptons.com/Around-Town-Montauk/Life-Style/4860/A-Market-Overview.html We received a belated pre-Labor Day market overview from Prudential Douglas Elliman's Bridgehampton Office. Several real estate offices are telling us that land inventory has built up and that speculators are being more cautious as to buying in that market area. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:20:12 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Around-Town-Montauk/Life-Style/4860/A-Market-Overview.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4807/Fall-Deals.html We heard from folks all over this week - including a broker from Georgia. Judi from Town & Country gave us her insight on a few pressing topics. Then a few words about insurance from Maran Corporate Risk Associates. Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:19:28 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4807/Fall-Deals.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4742/This-And-That-For-Back-To-School.html A few words about mortgages from John Clarke this week. We got more news from The Corcoran Group's fundraising efforts. Then back to that important piece of East Hampton real estate, the East Hampton Airport. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:44:58 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4742/This-And-That-For-Back-To-School.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4678/A-Class-Act-Norma-Reynolds.html Upon hearing of the passing of Norma Reynolds, we wrote to her daughter: "So sorry, Vicki. A special woman. I counted Norma as a friend." In Norma Reynold's case less was more and more was anything but less. Less of Norma was more than most people. More couldn't be because Norma was what she was and didn't hide it. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:54:38 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4678/A-Class-Act-Norma-Reynolds.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4643/Serious-Buyers-On-The-Way.html Well, it's not just our visitors who take their holidays in August. So many brokers have "we're away" messages on their emails. This occurrence, however, is not necessarily market related. In the past, August was the getaway month before the rush of "serious" September buyers as opposed to the July "really want a ride to the beach" lookers. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:20:11 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4643/Serious-Buyers-On-The-Way.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4559/The-Tide-Turns.html Has the tide turned? Is the move back to locally owned real estate firms rather than the big corporates from far away? Well, veteran broker, Joe Kazickas and his new firm Rosehip Partners, operating out of East Hampton but covering it all, got back to us as promised and seems things have turned in the corporate tide. Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:08:22 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4559/The-Tide-Turns.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4464/Mean-Versus-Median.html This week we received many responses on the issues of mean vs. median price of homes selling in the Hamptons. We heard from readers who chimed in on both sides of the topic. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:30:28 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4464/Mean-Versus-Median.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4414/Time-For-The-Quarterly-Numbers.html George Simpson's Suffolk Research Service, Inc. will be preparing the market report for Hamptons and North Fork Realtors Association (HANFRA) - plenty to read in that report we're sure. We also heard from realtors regarding trends in the market. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:57:38 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4414/Time-For-The-Quarterly-Numbers.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4231/The-Team-Theme.html Some may recall that one of the first out here to work as a team was Tom MacNiven with Michelle Tiberio at Cook Pony Farm in 1998 through 2000. In 1999 they set a record of 37 closed sales in one year - one deal every 10 days. I guess that says something for teamwork. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:53:17 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4231/The-Team-Theme.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4153/Security-Tips-For-Realtors.html Just when you thought it was safe to go in the water, we get home security tricks from, Tom Kraeutler, AOL's Home Improvement Editor. We also heard from The Corcoran Group, a new team, and the folks at ReMax. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:19:30 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4153/Security-Tips-For-Realtors.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4086/Real-Takes-From-Realtors.html This week we got your feedback on a wide variety of topics along with plenty of good wishes for my trip to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:36:07 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4086/Real-Takes-From-Realtors.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4034/National-Sales-Are-Up.html Okay as promised but 'nuff said! This is the last of your comments, we hope, on that beach of a story in that 'daily' because we know you are all concentrating on the news that nationally the sale of homes went up three percent in April according to the National Realtors Association. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:02:23 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/4034/National-Sales-Are-Up.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/3957/Genuine-Solutions.html We heard from many professionals this week about homes that sit on the market. Perhaps it's time to call in a home staging service they suggest. We also had feedback responding to the the doom and gloomers in the national press with regard to the housing market. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:28:51 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/3957/Genuine-Solutions.html http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/3904/Beach-Stories.html That beach of a "news" story from The New York Post two weeks ago was so weighted for sensationalism to this columnist's mind, that any germ of truth in it was bogged down by the ballast. We hope you, your clients, and your customers were able to celebrate Memorial Day weekend remembering those who sacrificed for us without concern for market spin. Thu, 29 May 2008 07:47:50 -0400 http://www.hamptons.com/Real-Estate/Realty-Takes/3904/Beach-Stories.html