Meet The Agent

Dawn Watson of Serhant

Dawn Watson is the number one Serhant agent in the Hamptons, as ranked by transaction volume in 2024. One of the original pre-Instagram East End influencers, she has been a respected community leader and valuable resource provider for decades. A true Hamptons expert, her insider knowledge of the real estate market and the East End is unparalleled. Highly regarded for her keen insights, extensive network, and generosity as an opportunity creator, Dawn loves (and lives!) to help her Hamptons community. 

HRES: Can you tell us a bit about your journey into the industry?
It took me a long while to embrace real estate, even though I wrote about it and helped promote and train agents for more than a dozen years. In fact, the first couple of years I had my license, I felt uncomfortable telling people what I did. I would lead with my journalistic past, as I felt that I didn’t really fit the idea of what the typical agent was. It turns out that my success is because I’m NOT typical. Yes, it’s my job, and yes, it’s how I make money, but the bottom line for me has always been about helping people. I’m grateful that I’m able to do that on a larger scale than I could have ever imagined. 

HRES: What are the most important qualities for being a successful real estate broker?
Caring. Listening. Leading with integrity. Respecting the honor of being a fiduciary. Building and tending lasting relationships. And having a huge network of resources doesn’t hurt. 

HRES: In your opinion, what are some of the current trends shaping the real estate market in the Hamptons?
For anyone who is looking to buy, sell and rent, it’s an absolute necessity to have a trusted expert who knows what’s driving the market and can guide you along the way. Doing it alone or with someone who doesn’t put your needs first is a recipe for unhappiness in the least
and a disaster at the most. 

HRES: Can you share some strategies that you employ to build your brand?My brand is me. What you see is what you get. I love to be of service. Helping people makes me happy and every single thing that I do is about what’s best for my clients. Period. 

HRES: If you could give your younger self just one piece of advice, what would it be?

Know that the experiences and interactions you have will lead you to your future success. Every kindness, every win, and certainly every hardship, will shape who you are and how you choose to be in the world. 

HRES: What’s next for you? 
This past year has been one of real organic growth, and I’m building on that daily. Last January I hired an absolute rockstar of an assistant, Vanessa, who helped me to achieve more than I thought possible for my clients, customers and community. This summer, I’ve added my stepdaughter, Lillian, to the team, which is a dream come true. And I’m in the process of onboarding a junior agent, whom I expect will someday become my partner. It’s very exciting times!

HRES: What do you do when you’re not doing real estate? 
Because of real estate, and the aforementioned team members, I’ve had the freedom to be able to revive Hamptons Party Girl, which makes me so happy. I’m also working on an idea for my second book, to follow up East End Fun & Games, and am able to write a little bit more now too, which is awesome. Lastly, I try to get out onto the golf course and into the yoga studio as often as possible. I’m super grateful.