MARKETWATCH

As the summer heats up, the real estate market is getting even hotter, especially in the Hamptons. From the magnificent beaches to the chic boutiques, and cool nightspots, the Hamptons are the place to be!

Martha Gundersen of Brown Harris Stevens observes, “The first half of 2014 has been very active and busy with sales.” She exclaims, “Amagansett Lanes, Sagaponack, Bridgehampton South, and Sag Harbor are doing really well and of course, any oceanfront.” She believes, “It is a seller’s market, if properties are not too aggressively priced, as buyers still expect deals.” She remarks, “Prices are rising and there is a short supply of land in good locations.” Martha expects, “The market to stay strong for a couple more years.”

Nancy Hardy of Halstead Property remarks, “The sales market has been very active with the most active segment from $1M to $10M and a healthy amount of contracts and trades at all prices in between.” She exclaims, “South of the Highway remains strong with prices commanding a premium.” She reflects, “Prices have crept up as the market has improved. Homes are coming on the market and selling more quickly than they were just two years ago.” Nancy sees, “The market continuing a consistent climb with very savvy and educated buyers ready to purchase their dream house.”

Susan Breitenbach of Corcoran reflects, “The first half of 2014 has been very active and summer is off to a good start and is extremely busy!” She observes, “The most active segment seems to be the high end, but all ranges of the market are trading.” She notes, “Price is important and properties have to be priced competitively.” She comments, “As inventory starts to deplete, prices will creep up.” Susan exclaims, “From my perspective, all looks good for summer 2014 in Hamptons real estate.”

Judi Desiderio of Town & Country Real Estate observes, “The first half of 2014 was the strongest for sales since the great recession.” She exclaims, “While it seems all price points are enjoying the wave, Montauk is still on fire!” She states, “It’s a balanced market, though if inventory levels continue to drop at greater levels then the needle will shift toward the seller.” She remarks, “Prices have stabilized and even risen in certain segments of the market with the highest demand.” Judi reflects, “Barring economic or world peace issues, we should experience a healthy steady uptick in our markets.”

Gioia DiPaolo of Douglas Elliman Real Estate comments, “Activity here in Sag Harbor was high with some record breaking transfer prices taking place the first half of 2014.” She thinks, “Sales will be strong through the summer and into 2015. Sag Harbor is a destination Village more than ever, with the opening of some really exciting new restaurants.” She exclaims, “New construction and waterfront is great.” She believes, “It is both a buyer’s and a seller’s market. Prices are fair, interest rates are low, and inventory is good.” Gioia predicts, “The market will continue to thrive. We will see an increase in tear down properties, thus a continuation of new construction.”

Harald Grant of Sotheby’s International Realty remarks, “The first half of 2014 has been consistent. The sweet spot seems to be between $3M and $8M, particularly for renovated or brand new homes.” He believes, “The summer should pick up, especially if everything economically stays the same.” He exclaims, “From Southampton to East Hampton, all locations South of the Highway, and new builds from $5M to $49M are doing really well.” He states, “It’s a seller’s market. The demand for new construction is strong and the market trends suggest price increases. There is not enough new construction to satisfy demand.” Harald predicts, “The market remains and will continue to be strong.”

Laura White of Saunders & Associates observes, “The first half of 2014 has been on fire!” She exclaims, “There is an increased demand for investment properties for speculation and rental.” She remarks, “All segments of the market have shown appreciation in the last year.” Laura believes, “We have every indication that this trend will continue on through our traditionally fast paced, fall market.”

Angela Boyer-Stump of Sotheby’s International Realty reflects, “The market continues to be extremely active. When properties are priced correctly, they are selling quickly.” She observes, “We are seeing new inventory come on the market and low interest rates are still enticing to buyers.” She states, “We are seeing more European buyers and more speculative building by local builders. New construction is a trend and waterfront and village properties are hot.” She remarks, “There has been a slight uptick in pricing.” Angela exclaims, “The demand for Hamptons real estate is on the rise and is increasingly more attractive as people are looking for a solid place to invest their money.”

Summer is here and what better place to enjoy it than in the Hamptons, the ultimate beach getaway. With the real estate market back in high gear, make it your dream destination.

Ruth Thomas, a freelance writer on the East End enjoys history, music, literature, art, nature, the beach, and her cute dachshund, Clancy. She can be contacted at [email protected]