Susan Breitenbach of the Corcoran Group

It’s always a pleasure to talk with Susan Breitenbach as her knowledge of Hamptons Real Estate is extensive. Susan has been ranked as one of the top producers in Hamptons real estate for many years. With over 30 years in the business Susan has found dream homes for hundreds of customers, from Westhampton to Montauk.

HRES: Susan you have remained one of the top brokers in the Hamptons for so many years, what’s the secret to your success?
Susan: You have to work 24/7, live and breathe real estate, never give up on a deal, and know your market better than anyone! Always be totally honest and straight with people; a relationship is always more important than any individual deal.

HRES: What amenities are most popular right now for the Hamptons summer home buyers?
SMB: Along with fully finished lower levels with media rooms, gyms, saunas, wine cellars, rec rooms and bars, buyers are now looking for equally luxurious outdoor areas with theaters, kitchens, fireplaces and firepits. Tennis is always popular, and of course, a pool with poolhouse. Buyers are looking for cutting-edge, luxurious pool houses especially with folding glass doors that open up; integrated indoor/outdoor areas are what people are gravitating toward.

HRES: Other sources are reporting that the ultra high-end of the luxury market is down and that buyers aren’t investing in multi-million dollar oceanfronts. What is your take on this?
SMB: You will see shortly quite a few high-end transactions being recorded. Our high-end market has just started to pick up now that they are all out here and enjoying the summer. The stock market is very good and people are starting to spend some of the money they are making. They are buying right and not overpaying, but the special properties are getting a premium and all the high-end that is priced to sell is starting to move.

HRES: You have been known as the go-to broker for many celebrities and high-profile people. Why? Can you tell us about some of them?
SMB: I can only talk about the ones that have already been in the press. This past year I did sell Richard Gere’s property in Sag Harbor to Matt Lauer which received a lot of press, and I am currently offering Matt Lauer’s amazing 25-acre estate in Water Mill horse country. I was Jeff Blau’s exclusive agent on his oceanfront home with both sides of the deal, and was Lloyd Blankfein’s exclusive broker for his home in Sagaponack. Over the years, a few high-profile sales were Billy Joel’s Sagaponack oceanfront, Jennifer Lopez’s sale in Water Mill and Russell Simmons’ East Hampton Estate to name a few. I think people in these positions like to deal with a very knowledgeable broker they feel is the best in that market; I am very happy and honored if they choose me!

HRES: Bragging rights: tell us about one of your current listings.
SMB: I am currently marketing quite a few sensational properties, but these are probably the top three: An incredible 10,000 square-foot modern oceanfront home in Sagaponack by Bates + Masi Architects with sliding glass walls that open to both ocean and pond, with roof deck with Jacuzzi, kitchen and fireplace, master bedroom with two outdoor showers and outdoor Jacuzzi plus tennis, basketball, infinity pool and pool house. Another is one of the most famous estates in the Hamptons that was Jacqueline Kennedy’s summer place when she was a child; it’s on seven acres on Further Lane with three outbuildings, all amazingly restored and designed. And I also have a 40-acre stunning traditional waterfront estate on Sagg Pond with pool, dock, tennis—there’s nothing else like it currently on the market. But I have many more very special properties! To view these and other properties please visit smbhamptons.com.