THE HAMPTONS NOT JUST ABOUT THE BEACH

By Gary DePersia 

As I look out at my office window, at slowly falling autumn leaves, I can't help but think it's so beautiful in the Hamptons at this time of year.

Since I started in real estate here nearly 20 years ago, I wish I had a dollar for every time I'm asked:

"You live out there full time?"
"What's it like during the off-season?"
"Don't you get bored?"

The answers, I'm happy to say, all these years, remain the same:
"Yes."
"Busy."
"Never."

What was once a summer getaway from Memorial Day to Labor Day is now a year-round country retreat. It's not just about the beach anymore.

There are many off-season riches. Incredible autumns, when the weather is superb and the water remains warm into October. Farm stands where the local bounty is dazzling. Restaurants open year-round with surprisingly busy weekends that are still relaxing. Even winter is hospitable with big skies, peaceful landscapes and easy left turns.

With friends and associates buying homes out East, all-season weekenders have like-minded people to meet for lunch or to invite over for dinner. Play dates for the kids, golf and tennis have become easy to arrange.

The real estate market has been a mirror and catalyst for this dramatic transformation.
In 2014, I have participated in well over $150M of transactions from waterfronts and farm fields to historic Main Streets. Before year's end, savvy buyers will race to keep ahead of bonus babies sure to appear early next year. In 2015, I foresee the same, at every price point with new benchmarks to come.

So in January, when you return from St Barth, Palm Beach or Aspen, and you're watching the snowfall from your own office window, keep in mind the Hamptons is not in hibernation.

Gary DePersia is a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with The Corcoran Group in the Hamptons. On the East End since 1995, he has participated in more than $1.5 billion of real estate transactions from Southampton to Montauk and Sagaponack to Shelter Island.

For more information:
myhamptonhomes.com