Patty Oakley and Brian Leicht know that Experience Matters. That’s The Oakley-Leicht Team tagline, and for good reason. Patty and Brian are two of the most seasoned agents in the area, with a combined background that spans decades of real estate, sales, and client service. Their approach is full-service, but also deeply personal—they take pride in staying hands-on from start to finish.
Patty and Brian work in sync, each bringing their own strengths to the table. Patty’s energy and passion for people are matched by Brian’s calm, thoughtful expertise. Together, they’re approachable, professional, and laser-focused on getting results for their clients. You can feel their ease and experience the minute you meet them.
Beyond the business, they’re both deeply connected to the Hamptons community and embedded in the yearly rhythms of life on the East End. I caught up with them to hear more about their dynamic, their take on the market, and why they still love doing what they do.
You both bring decades of experience to the table. How do your individual strengths complement each other as a team?
We complement each other seamlessly, creating a dynamic and highly effective team in the Hamptons real estate market. Patty brings unmatched energy, warmth, and a genuine passion for connecting with people—making clients feel heard, understood, and confident throughout the process. Brian, on the other hand, offers calm, thoughtful expertise, with a strategic approach grounded in deep market knowledge and sharp negotiation skills. Together, their combined strengths create a perfect balance: Patty builds strong relationships and momentum, while Brian ensures every detail is executed with precision. The result is a focused, professional partnership that delivers real results—and a better experience—for their clients.
Patty, your background includes senior-level sales in the corporate world. How has that shaped your approach to negotiations and client relationships in real estate?
With a senior sales background in the corporate world, I bring a strategic, results-driven mindset to real estate negotiations. Years of cultivating long-term relationships taught me the importance of listening closely, anticipating needs, and building trust through consistency and transparency. It instilled a deep respect for preparation and clear communication.
I approach every transaction with the same level of professionalism and commitment, advocating for my clients’ best interests—whether they’re buying, selling, or renting. That experience has refined my ability to stay focused during stressful situations, find win-win solutions, and guide people confidently through the decision-making process..
Brian, you’ve seen the Hamptons evolve over the last 30 years. What changes have been the most surprising—or the most exciting—for buyers and sellers?
It is so hard to comprehend that I have been selling real estate here in the Hamptons for some 30-plus years. During those years, the Hamptons real estate market has transformed dramatically—from a seasonal getaway to a year-round destination with global appeal. I’ve seen property values soar, architectural tastes evolve, and demand shift toward modern amenities and privacy, especially North of the Highway. What’s been most surprising is how resilient and dynamic the market remains—even through economic downturns, demand stays strong. For buyers, discovering hidden gems in the perfect location, to special village properties that check all the boxes. For sellers, the excitement often lies in how quickly high-end properties can move, especially when design and location align with current lifestyle trends.
The West of the Canal market has become more competitive. How are buyers approaching that area now, and what should they understand before diving in?
Buyers approaching the Hamptons market west of the Shinnecock Canal are now viewing it as a strategic entry point—offering better value compared to the East End while still providing proximity to beaches, amenities, and the Hamptons lifestyle. The area has become increasingly competitive, with more sophisticated buyers recognizing its potential for appreciation and year-round use.
You’re both known for going above and beyond for your clients. What does “full-service” really mean in your day-to-day work?
We believe a full-service real estate team is one that offers comprehensive and complete support at every stage of the buying, selling, or renting process, handling far more than just answering calls/emails/texts, doing showings and completing paperwork. We are 2 very experienced professionals who collaborate to cover everything from pricing strategy, staging, marketing, and negotiations, to inspections, timelines, and closing coordination. But above all, it’s about anticipating needs before they arise, offering trusted referrals, providing market insights, and delivering a seamless, thoughtful experience from start to finish. We are a full-service team acting as both advisor and advocate, always going above and beyond to protect the client’s interests to make the process as smooth—and successful—as possible.
Patty, what was it like to raise your family in the Hamptons?
Balancing a full-time career that demands my energy and attention around the clock can be challenging, yet so rewarding. But no matter how busy things get, my family is always at the center of it all. I’ve learned to prioritize what truly matters, carving out time for my kids, even though they are now young adults, showing up for the moments big and small, and making sure they know they are my greatest purpose. Work may be constant, but it’s my role as a mother that grounds me, motivates me, and gives everything else meaning.
Bringing up kids in the Hamptons was truly a blessing. Allowing me and my husband to give them space to explore, create, and connect year-round, grounded in small-town charm. Whether it is biking to the beach, joining a local sports team (we are a super competitive family), golfing, gardening, surfing, clamming, and fishing, childhood and adulthood here is active and outdoorsy. There’s a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a pace that allows families to slow down and enjoy time together. It’s an environment that encourages both independence and imagination.
Brian, when you’re not showing properties, where do you recharge in the Hamptons? Any favorite beach, dive spot, or local hidden gem?
During the summer months, I really enjoy my downtime relaxing at home or one of the small Southampton Village beaches. I also enjoy a convertible top-down ride over to the north fork and stopping in one of the small local eateries for lunch or dinner. A great little, unknown local dive spot is under the old Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays. It’s a great shore dive that offers so much local underwater life, and later in the season, with the tropical fish that show up.
To learn more about The Oakley-Leicht Team, click here.
