Brown Harris Stevens’ Andrea L. Ackerman On The Importance Of A Listing Price, The Rental Market, And More

“I have been selling, listing, and renting in the Hamptons since 1983,” shared Andrea L. Ackerman, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Brown Harris Stevens. ” I was managing a waterfront development project in East Hampton when I was asked to join a firm on Main Street. The rest is history!”

The longtime Sag Harbor resident is currently based in Bridgehmapton. “I have owned and run offices throughout the East End of Long Island,” she explained. “Right now I am in Bridgehampton with Brown Harris Stevens where I was a partner for several years, until I sold my share.”

As a luxury real estate specialist, who is affiliated with Luxury Portfolio and Leading RE of the World, her more than 30 years experience and the knowledge she has obtained monitoring the changing markets throughout the years sets her apart. “I am a true advocate for my clients with a wholehearted approach to the business,” Ackerman said.

During her free time, some of her favorite spots to dine include East Hampton Grille, 1770 House in East Hampton, and Bell and Anchor in Noyac. She’s also fond of Dockside in Sag Harbor “for more casual fare, but expect to wait for a table, Sen for sushi in Sag, Wolffer Kitchen in Amagansett and Dave’s Grill in Montauk.”

“For shopping, East Hampton has become a small Madison Avenue, but shops come and go. Lululemon for workout attire is fab, Brunello Cucinelli for elegant, but very cool clothing and accessories for men and women,” Ackerman noted. “Loaves and Fishes in Bridge for fine kitchenware. But don’t forget their food store in Sagaponack. St. Ambroeus in Southampton is great for elegant European cuisine and super gelato. Citerella for everything good with fresh fruits and veggies when the local farm stands aren’t open.”

She also devotes a lot of her free time supporting local fundraising, cultural and community organizations. “In the summertime, there is a plethora of wonderful fundraising events,” she added. “Take your pick. My favorite is Paddle for Pink, the breast cancer gala.”

If “location” is the first rule in real estate, what is the second? Does this also apply to summer rentals as well?

AA: Of course location is the first rule in real estate. Learn to listen to your customer, focus on their needs and budget.

Andrea L. Ackerman, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Brown Harris Stevens. (Courtesy Photo)

The Hamptons real estate market has such a wide range in regards to price point. Where are most of the sales right now?

AA: The buyers at the moment continue to respond to the low end up to $2,000,000. Some recent transactions are in the $5,000,000s. There are a few scattered sales on the high end. But it has been a challenging market.

What is your forecast for the summer rental season in the Hamptons?

AA: I wish I had a crystal ball. This is such an unusual year, I can’t predict the market for this summer. My wish is that it picks up as prices continue to come down.

What are the emerging trends in architecture that renters are interested in?

AA: The architectural trend seems to be moving to modern. Flat roof contemporaries are popping up. Buyers want new, fresh and clean…and even though a house can appear to be tradition on the outside, most buyers are asking for new and modern interiors.

How have renters changed over the past two years?

AA: The change in buyers is they are taking longer to make decisions, and sellers are getting more and more frustrated as their properties sit on the market. The critical piece to listing, is pricing a property correctly, initially so that it gets everyone’s attention as realistically priced.

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?

AA: The features and amenities that stand out, and of course this is price driven, are, extraordinary landscaping, waterfalls in pools, sunken tennis courts, high end finishes and fixtures, quality craftsmanship and good architecture.

Which towns/villages are the most sought after right now?

AA: Sag Harbor seems to be the hub of activity with prices increasing with volume of sales – what a beautiful whaling village. Unlike the more structured villages from East Hampton to Southampton, it has soul.

What is so special about the Hamptons real estate market?

AA: The Hamptons real estate market is a secondary market offering a high end luxury lifestyle, in a casual way. It is driven by Wall Street where a great deal of buyers, renters and owners come from. NYC and Palm Beach completes the hub of our market.

Tell us about some of your most memorable rentals and what made them so. Was it the selling price, location, celebrity client?

AA: I have made it my business to protect my buyers and sellers by not discussing names and experiences publicly. One cannot be too careful to ensure customer and client privacy.

Tell us about one of your favorite summer rental listing on the market right now.

AA: One of my favorite listings is 59 Glover Street in Sag Harbor Village, on the water offering year-round sunsets and great proximity to the marinas, shops and restaurants without having to get in your car. It has a beautiful house, boathouse, Gunite swimming pool and new dock. The asking price is $8,250,000.