Smart Investing in a Seller’s Market

Sarah Doud comes from a real estate and equestrian family with over a century of local history in the Hamptons. We recently spoke with her about her background and her thoughts on the current Hamptons real estate market.

How long have you been involved in Hamptons real estate? And how did previous experience prepare you for this work?

I have a lifetime of experience in Hamptons Real Estate, I grew up here and my family is in the business. I’ve built and flipped homes in New York, Florida and North Carolina – and I currently also have two Hamptons rental properties. It has always been a part of my life and what I’ve enjoyed– but I’ve held an active license for 5 years…Previously, I was an Emmy award winning reporter and anchor on television before real estate. Deadlines, research and talking to people are my thing!

What changes have you seen in the market here?

Westhampton, Quogue, East Quogue and Hampton Bays have caught the eye of many people who spent years summering or living year-round east of the canal – it’s an area I’ve seen grow exponentially in the last decade. Of course other traditional Hamptons hamlets continue to be smart places to buy – through trials and tribulations across the country (pandemic and/or otherwise) the Hamptons always holds its value rather well.

What’s your business like right now – sales? Rentals?

Busy – summer 2022 rentals are already renting. Bidding wars are still happening if a home is priced well. Investors are still finding properties to improve. And homes that are overpriced are sitting with no offers. Buyers and renters are smarter than ever with many resources – but using an agent continues to be the most effective way to get a great home – especially in a competitive market like this.

What’s the best piece of advice you could give a buyer now? How about a seller?

Advice to Buyers & Renters: Be loyal. It works in your favor. If you connect with a smart, focused, well-versed agent (like me!) then use her to help you reach your real estate goals. Don’t message random agents online. If you see something interesting online – send it to your agent  and let them do the legwork. It’ll be most efficient, and you’ll find your forever home faster (before someone else does) and you will be more knowledgeable about what you’re buying. Use the internet as a tool,  and then let your agent work for you.

Advice to Sellers & Landlords: Don’t bother overpricing and putting out the For Sale/Rent By Owner Sign. Unless you really don’t want to sell or rent. Prep the home, follow your agent’s advice, allow your agent to do professional photography and video, market the home professionally with resources like Saunders & Associates’ award winning marketing team and let your agent price the home right for the current market and your needs.

What do you like to do in the Hamptons outside the office?

 I’ve ridden horses since I was three. We have a pony on the property for my little girls to learn, if they want to. In my time away from work – I’m with my husband and kids, at the beach or somewhere outside playing and enjoying all the nature the east end of Long Island offers!

Do you have a favorite restaurant? A favorite place to go?

Anything on the water. Hampton Bays has a wonderful waterfront restaurant scene – live music, great sunsets. Montauk is always a treasure – great staycation. I got married there.

View all of Sarah’s listings and sales history here or email [email protected]