We Had Mail

By Lona Rubenstein

A lazy column for a rare quiet time out east.

A nice story from Deanna Banks, Montauk, realtor with The Corcoran Group and embroidery entrepreneur with a workshop at the Montauk Marine Basin, about last week's Realty Takes on the LIRR/MTA issues in which we mentioned Montauk homeowner and former MTA Chair Peter Kalikow.

Property listed with The Corcoran Group

Ms. Banks writes: "Thursday Feb 7: I drove down to the train station swerving around pot holes, realizing there is no shelter on the windy rainy day...the eye sore it [the railroad terminal] is...the pile of railroad ties and the industrial look compounded by an auto shop with cars lined out front. ...My first call was to the Concern Citizens of Montauk where I left a message stating my concern about the Montauk train station. I still have not received a return call. My second call was to Virgil Conway, known for his generosity to the community. My next call was to Peter Kalikow, I spoke with his secretary who said she would relay my concerns. Later that afternoon I received a call from his secretary, Lisa, with good news. Mr. Kalikow said he would make efforts to fix the parking lot and that I should contact Mr. Conway about shelter since he was the one who donated the depot to the Art Assoc. Friday, Feb. 16: I had friends calling me to take a drive pass the train station. Sure enough workmen were patching up the potholes. I called to thank Mr. Kalikow."

Kudos to Kalilow! Now if the rest of the LIRR problems in that hamlet could get similar treatment that would be a success story. By the way, the Montauk Anti Pollution Coalition sent off the column to the LIRR public relations department according to a note from Tom Bogdan, one of the founders of the organization.

And in news from The Corcoran Group we learn that Susan Breitenbach, a Senior Vice President, was not only named "Bridgehampton Salesperson of the Year" at their annual awards dinner, but also earned recognition as their top producing agent for the company's East End offices. "Susan is joined in her business by her son Matt who helps to provide service and support to her wide array of clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," and The Corcoran Group CEO Pamela Liebman went on to say, "Not only is she a profoundly devoted and professional real estate agent but she also understands the Hamptons - its culture, the people and properties - with the instinctual depth that can only come from a lifetime of immersion and cultivation."

Another letter from an East Hampton reader asked for advice: "...we are interested in renting our home in Northwest Woods this summer 2007 [listed with several brokers]. We are considering trying other viable parts of the country, which leaves me with decisions on how to best manage my East Hampton property. Should I consider selling? Is it realistic to rent for the summer, and then turn around and find people to rent for the other 10 months? I haven't been following the cycles, but is this a good year to sell? Will next year be better? Have people in similar situations been able to get the big buck summer rental, then turn around and find people willing to rent the off season?"

Okay guys and gals, what should the "client do" with their 4 bedroom, 3 bath, pool, and central air. What more would you need to know to best advise?

And here's an email that makes it appear the scales may be tipping in the other direction from the giant firms. Another Independent brokerage has recreated itself.

Beau Hulse, CEO, Principal Broker Owner at Coldwell Banker Prestigious Properties of the Hamptons, and, formally Regional Managing Director with Prudential Douglas Elliman, and Colleen Nill, Principal Broker/Owner of Coldwell Banker Prestigious Properties of the Hamptons have "joined forces".

Mr Hulse, we learn, is an equity partner in the new independently owned and operated (self described) "boutique company" and is the President, CEO, and Principal Broker/Owner. Colleen Nill, who retains her partnership in the company as Senior Executive Vice President, will be an active participating broker working with her new partner. Their main office is in Southampton Village with others in East Hampton and Westhampton Beach.

Slow time out east this past week for year 'rounders. Schools are on holiday, many families are taking that last vacation before they begin to prepare for hectic time in the summer.

Has it been as easy for you to get around as we have found it (once the ice melted, that is)? Reminds you of years ago and a time when east end real estate was not such a very strange business, after all.

Lona Rubenstein is an accomplished author residing in East Hampton. Her new book, "Getting Back in the Game: Finding the Fountain of Youth in Cyberspace" can be found at local booksellers and online at www.gettingbackinthegame.com. For more real estate news and views contact Lona at lonafirst@aol.com.