Typical Hamptons "cottage"

Since I have been selling real estate I have noticed that more and more, all the homes look alike. Everyone wants the typical beach cottage. More and more the look is the same.

Cedar shingles, 6500 sq. ft. minimum but usually 9000 sq. ft. or more and with the following “simple home amenities”. Must have huge kitchen with center island with two dishwashers, Sub Zero refrigerator (maybe two) and an 8 burner viking stove with griddle and water faucet over the stove to fill the pot.

Extending from the kitchen a family room with fireplace. French doors leading to a stone patio and the mandatory huge outdoor grill/outdoor kitchen and seating area. Must have a full formal dining room and living room also with fireplace and french doors.

As part of the common space there is needed a den or library and downstairs staff room with bath and master bedroom with bath. There will of course also be an upstairs master bedroom with even larger bath and both master bedrooms will have fireplaces. High ceilings, sweeping central staircase and back staircase that leads to kitchen.

On the upper level in addition to the master bedroom with huge bath which will include a steam shower, separate soaking tub and enough space for additional lounging furniture, the master will also have the additional sitting room. There are usually another 4 upper bedroom,bath suites.
Is this an estate? No, it is just a simple country cottage. It is just a country home that will most likely be decorated with depression glass and old green Pyrex bowls. It is typical of the new construction of today and updated larger house of yesterday.

What else do they have in common with each other – well, there is always molding floor and crown the thickness depending on price. There is always some wainscoting and the hint of old world charm with maybe distressed floors.
Every now and again some builder or architect will attempt to break the mold and the house will sell – but not as quickly or easily as the typical hamptons cottage as described here. The same style holds true in every price range and at every size from 2000 sq. ft. with less bedrooms and common space and amenities. That is what most buyers are looking for “a little beach cottage”.

New Construction - Watching Progression

As a broker it is very interesting to watch a home progress. Many times the builder will list the property when they have not even broken ground. If the location is good then it is something to keep in mind and show at every stage.

However, most times the buyers can’t visualize what the finished product will look like and so the listing at the very early stage is almost a non listing – it becomes a future listing. There are some people that will be able to understand what will be there in the finished stages, especially if it is a house built by someone with a track record.

Still, most prefer to actaully see it compelted before buying. Right now I am keeping my eye on a couple of homes under construction. One is Janette’s and my listing on the ocean in Montauk and so it’s progress is very important to me. Janette and I were there today and it is coming along nicely now. The kitchen cabinets are in, the walls are being painted, the lighting is in, the finished basement is being completed.

Still it is a construction site and until the floors are done and the countertops and appliances are installed and then it pulls together as a home. There is also another house that I keep watching and waiting for it to near completion and take enough shape to show a
customer that I am working with. Patience and Progress.

RICH CRIBS

March 9, 2007
by LAURA MANN

Musician Paul Simon is a neighbor, and for just under $25 million you can enjoy your own sounds of silence on this very private 6-acre spread next to a preserve and overlooking the ocean in Montauk. “The person that’s going to want this property is looking for seclusion,” says listing agent Bonny Aarons.

The newly constructed 4,700-square-foot traditional home has five bedrooms, 7– baths and “Old World charm,” Aarons says. Amenities include stone fireplaces, a library, a home theater, a wine cellar, staff rooms and a heated Gunite pool.

Developer Tom Gessler says, “I put a lot of love into this house.“The main house will be completed in early May and is wired with “smart technology” throughout; a guest house will take another year to complete. The property sits atop a 90-foot bluff, which Gessler says protects the home from tidal surges during hurricanes.

Gessler, who has been building on the East End for 15 years, says, “Montauk is low-key … You don’t have the stuffiness that East Hampton sometimes has.”

Besides Paul Simon, other neighbors include Bruce Ratner, owner of the New Jersey Nets, photographer Peter Beard, and J.Crew chief executive Mickey Drexler, who recently bought the estate Andy Warhol once co-owned.

below you see an image of this fabulous property

Broker Teams

For many years now I have worked with partners. Working with partners has many advantages for both the broker and the customer and the seller. It is obvious why it is an advantage for the seller because there are two brokers to market their property, open their house for showings, split the cost of ads and therefore have more money to spend on ads, etc. The advantage to the buyer having a “team” is that there are two points of view to discuss the properties, do the research and give instant attention. It is also easier to switch at a moments notice from one property to the next as needed.
To me, the broker, the main advantage of working with a partner as opposed to working alone is that it makes the job fun. It is a difficult job keeping on top of all the listings and doing a complete jog and going that extra mile. There are also many hours in the car driving from town to town, previewing and searching. It does mean less money because commissions get cut up – but it is a lifestyle and enjoyment issue that works for all involved. I have had past partners that worked for a time and then went sour. My thought is that I just had the wrong partner. However, I am very lucky to have the partners i have now and have had much success. Janette is a partner that is so much fun and so light that she makes the job a joy. There is always so much to do but Janette keeps it simple and I am grateful for her balance to my obsessive nature. She is honest and loyal and a living reminder of not taking anything or myself too seriously.
I also work at times with an independent broker named Gary and he I could write a book about (and may do that some day). Gary leaves no stone unturned and is more obsessive than I. He is quite a character and can be intense. He is a good broker although not in the general broker mold. We have negotiated some large properties successfully. We have uncovered some great properties.
I am grateful to have the combination of cutting edge information and calming stability in my relationships with these fellow brokers.