East End Realty Notes

By Lona Rubenstein

Agencies are really getting warm, fuzzy, and charitable for the holidays. Leslie Reingold from Sothebys International East Hampton tells Realty Takes of a Support Our Soldiers Soiree held at The Tavern in Amaganasett this past Wednesday, Dec. 17 to honor all men and women stationed overseas. Donations and gift giving that will make a difference read the flier, or drop a gift off at Sotheby's?

Property listed with Town & Country Real Estate.

Janet Hummel, Partner/Managing Partner at Town & Country Real Estate in Bridgehampton writes: "With all the craziness going on in the world I hope you can find space in your column to show the happiness and innocence of children at Christmas time. On Friday, Dec. 12 we held our first annual 'Santa Visits Town and Country' for all the children and grandchildren of our agents and staff. We had a 'cookie room' filled with homemade cookies and juices for all the kids. It was a great time and relief from all the stress that happens this time of year." The note came with some great images of kids and agents and Santa. I've got to tell you, more heart-warming than a real estate picture.

By the way, Holly Rubenstein is now an agent with T&C in that same Bridgehampton office. Good luck for 2009.

And from Elaine Markoff, Encore Atlantic Shires Sales in Eastport: "Hi Lona - I wrote to you about a year ago to let you know about our community here in Eastport and we are coming around the home stretch and have done very well - out of 240 homes only 42 more to go."

That is great news for the doom and gloom dwellers. You have got to keep on truckin! Good Luck, Elaine.

So here's the description that tells about the property: Encore Atlantic Shores, on 73 acres, is an exclusive, low-maintenance, gated community, with Semi-Attached Villas created especially for those 55 and better in Eastport, just seven miles from Long Island's fabled South Shore beaches. Located at Exit 70 right off the Expressway on CR 51. Says Markoff, "It is the best alternative to renting or buying in the Hamptons" and, at the same time, you can enjoy everything the North and South Forks have to offer year-round, and will have 240 homes at completion. Prices start at $484,900.

Wishes from Town & Country focuses on the upside with CEO Judi Desiderio looking over 2008 and looking forward to 2009: "2008 has been a bittersweet year - our wish for 2009 is for peace and stability. We here on the East End have been privileged in so far as we enjoyed exponential appreciation and have been somewhat insulated from the crises which occurs elsewhere, therefore a correction and price adjustments should be expected. Functioning within these dynamics is our future for 2009, and a challenge true professionals will no doubt rise to.

I've got to tell you, it is not only East End real estate that is a strange business. We're all quirky, but the thing is to stay cool, stay warm, be hot, appreciate what we do have, and do have a good and special holiday time, with prayers and hopes for 2009.

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