Sotheby’s Jennifer Wilson On The Hamptons Real Estate Market, Emerging Trends, And The Most Sought-After Areas

“I love the quiet, out of the way places [in the Hamptons],” shared Jennifer Wilson, Licensed Salesperson with Sotheby’s International Realty. “The places that made people come out here to begin with. Sammy’s Beach is an example of this.”

Wilson, who has been in real estate for 8 years, represents buyers and sellers from Southampton to Montauk. “There are a lot of great agents in the Hamptons,” said Wilson. “I work hard for my buyers and sellers and I am fully dedicated to getting them the best result. Buying and selling real estate is very personal and an important part of someone’s financial future. I take that responsibility very seriously.”

The East Hampton resident loves the East End’s seaside location. “The ocean is a very big part of my life and my family history in East Hampton,” noted Wilson. “I grew up on Georgica Beach with my Dad as an ocean lifeguard there. My brothers followed in his footsteps. The jetty at Georgica is one of my special places, especially in the evening.”

Jennifer Wilson. (Courtesy Photo)

If “location” is the first rule in real estate, what is the second? Why?
JW: Know your market. The Hamptons market has the high-end luxury section with homes well over $7 million and on the flip side, homes under $500,000, plus all of the great homes in between. Where are the buyers right now? The majority of buyers are in the middle, upward of $2 million, and under $10 million. On the lower end of the market, under $700,000, inventory has decreased resulting in more of a seller’s market at that price point. In all price points, most buyers want something completely done.

What is your forecast for the summer/fall real estate season in the Hamptons?
JW: The market is busy right now. I had most of my sales this year occur between January and May. It quieted down for a few weeks, and is now very busy again. As the summer comes to an end, both buyers and sellers become serious. I believe that we will have a very busy fall selling season as interest rates are still low, and there are a lot of buyers in the market.

What are the emerging trends in architecture?
JW: Brand new modern. No question. And there is a lack of inventory in all price points. If a spec builder wanted to become the modern version of Farrell, they would kill it.

How have buyers/sellers changed over the past two years?
JW: The market is shifting back to a seller’s market. In terms of how buyers have changed, they are armed with information before they even meet a broker. Websites such as Street Easy, Zillow and Trulia have made this possible. When it comes to unique features and amenities, homes in the Hamptons have it all.

What are some of your favorites/amenities that really stand out?
JW: Great outdoor spaces. Outdoor kitchens and patios that look like you are at a resort. You can create that look at any home in any price point.

Which towns/villages are the most sought-after right now?
JW: Montauk, Sag Harbor and Amagansett south.

What is so special about the Hamptons real estate market?
JW: When people think about the Hamptons, they think about the ocean and the quaint villages. There are so many different areas with different landscapes, from the woods in Northwest Woods, to the bay in places such as Gerard Drive in Springs. The Amagansett Dunes is completely different than south of the highway in East Hampton. There is a place for everyone. When I am out with a new buyer who is not very familiar [with the area], there is an education period where I show them properties in all different areas, until they realize for themselves what they love and where they want to live.

Tell us about one of your favorite listings on the market right now.
JW: My favorite listing right now is 4 Apaquogue Road in East Hampton, a year round rental. I love this listing. It is a Bates Masi house in the best part of Georgica. The house is beautiful with a lot of light and open spaces. The woodwork and the oversized windows are gorgeous. The house has a lot of room with 3 levels of living space, a screened porch and a pool house.