Enough about NAR already. Let’s check in with a real estate agent and see how they are doing.
In the Hamptons, you or somebody you know knows Vince Horcasitas. You’ve definitely seen properties he has represented and sold. If you’re one of the lucky owners of a home Vince has sold, invite me over sometime to use your pool!
Vince’s Summer schedule is impressive, but you wouldn’t go that hard if you didn’t love it. Vince loves it, just look at his current listings and the sales his team has put up this year (over $200M).
I met Vince at 9 am at his office at Saunders & Associates in Bridgehampton, where he is a top-producing agent. Outside the front entry, when I arrived, it was clear he had already started working.
Ending his phone call, he greeted me with the smile of a genuine morning person (he is, he confirmed). He’s already taken his dogs for a walk (Frenchies named Bella & Max), played his first game of tennis, and helped renters move into a 15-bedroom home.
Within 5 minutes, he has already taken 3 phone calls that are, from what I can glean from this side of the call, all vaguely related to real estate. For real estate agents, I know that vague area can make up all the difference. Seeing Vince in action, taking calls, researching homes and working with his team answered most of my interview questions.
Vince has many different sides—focused, excitable, caring, confident, fun-loving—all of them authentic. He is refreshingly down-to-earth in the world of luxury real estate, which undoubtedly helps him build and maintain such a high level of success in the hyper-competitive Hamptons real estate market.
Nodding to his phone, buzzing again with an incoming call, Vince says, “Hardest Working Real Estate Agent in the Hamptons, trademark pending.” He takes the call. I would, too, if I was representing that much real estate.
Vince, what keeps you in the game all year? Where do you get your drive?
Tennis laid the groundwork for my competitive drive and passion in real estate. You can’t win if you’re not committed; if you’re hungover or out of shape. I’ve always pushed to be the best I can be. Any athlete will tell you that success can be addictive, once you win, you have to work even harder to stay on top.
What is the most important thing to remember as a luxury real estate agent?
To conduct an organized and successful transaction. Especially when you’re on both sides of the deal. You’re dealing with charged emotions. Real estate is stressful. Luxury real estate is even more so. I put my energy in up front—listening to what my clients want and working to understand how they feel.
Is Low inventory still a big factor in the Hamptons marketplace?
Low inventory is still driving the bus. Pre-COVID, we were at about 4-5k units on the market. Now, we’re at close to half of that. This is the Hamptons, buyers are, of course, still interested.
Other agents who have worked with you in the past, some when they were just starting out in real estate, speak very highly about you as a mentor. What was it like for you getting started and what lessons do you impart on others?
I was always the first in and last out, usually I still am. The more you put in, the more you get out. Real estate is all about the time you put in. It is so much like tennis. You won’t get good at tennis if you aren’t on the court. The best advice I give is to put in the time with clients, and put in the time with other agents.
What’s special about your dynamic with Alfredo, Elliot, and Alba that made you form The Vincent Horcasitas Team?
Alfredo and I have worked together for more than 10 years. I’ve seen him grow into a fantastic real estate agent who knows how to get deals handled. For the team, we have a great dynamic and we each handle different aspects. We handle 30-50 transactions per year, so we have to all be on the same page. Our newest member, Elliot, brings a fresh perspective and is great with clients. Alba is so hardworking and is especially important in off-market deals.
You’re practically ubiquitous with waterfront properties in the Hamptons. What’s the current state of waterfront homes available in the Hamptons?
Well, everybody wants a waterfront home, but square footage and size are still driving factors. It’s hard to get a large home directly on the water, especially if it’s south of the highway. I’m seeing lots of interest and action in Sag Harbor and North Haven, which have amazing waterfront options.
You’ve been with Saunders for more than 13 years. What makes that relationship important?
It’s a full team effort. There are more than 20 full-time staff, marketing and admin, that handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff. That means I can focus on what I do best: working with clients and selling homes. Saunders gives me unmatched marketing resources and thorough market analysis. I’m a relationship person, everybody is here in Bridgehampton, I’m moving quickly and want to make sure my team is agile and highly responsive. That’s a big deal; there’s no delay.
How much of your business is repeat/referral?
Alot, and that is something I take considerable pride in. The average homeowner stays in their home for about 5-7 years, so it’s critical to maintain those relationships; that’s really special for me to be part of their lives as the family grows, representing, advising, and guiding them as they build generational wealth with Hamptons real estate.
What is your relationship with developers and builders?
Fantastic. New construction and working with developers is really where I have carved a unique niche in the Hamptons. I represent 16 new construction homes right now and have an exclusive relationship representing Paramount Development Group.
How important is it for a real estate agent to connect with their clients on a personal level, beyond just the technical details of a property?
Knowledge and attention. Working with an agent that wants to understand how you feel is vital. It’s so much more than bedroom count and clearable area, you need to be on the same page as your agent so you can know what’s available and really hone in on what you want.”
I love this ad. Have you considered bringing this back? I think it would kill on TikTok.
[Laughs] I love those! I’ll talk to my team and see.
Let’s talk tennis trends. Firstly, how’s your elbow?
We’re so back! Elbow is great. Want me to show you on the court? I’ve had 4 operations in the last few years, but I’m feeling great and playing great!
Can you brag a little bit?
It’s not bragging if it’s true! I was #2 in the country in my age group recently and I won the tournament for the club I attend this year.
Who’s winning in a tennis match, you or Alfredo?
No Comment.
What’s new with home tennis courts? I won’t ask you to pick your favorite court you currently represent, but what is the dream tennis court you would design?
There is a new surface I love that is all-season but also clay. It’s great.
What are your thoughts on pickleball in East Hampton Village?
Not to get political here, but I love it! It’s the fastest growing sport in the country. It’s not tennis but it’s a great game!
How are your Frenchies Bella and Max? Did you start the French Bulldog craze?
Well, I don’t have any children, so they are my kids. I love ‘em. I don’t think I started the craze, but how could you not want one when you meet one?
You grew up in Las Vegas, have you been to the Sphere yet?
Oh you did your research, I see! Not yet, haven’t been to Vegas in a while but I’m looking forward to it!
