May 13, 2009

Sustaining the Sustainable Sustainer in Sustainment...

Posted to Doug McCullough, The Broker's View, The Latest on Rentals, The Latest on Sales

No doubt you’re hearing one of these buzz words used several different ways: sustainable communities, sustaining industries, sustainment in agriculture, and you, the eventual sustainer. What does it mean to any of us, especially as it pertains to where we live or, for that matter, where we play?

Well, my humble and interpretive perspective tells me it relates to the quality of life in any community and, whether or not all the factors making up that community (economic, social and environmental) are allowing us to lead healthy, meaningful, and balanced lives.

If one of the myriad aspects of sustainability focuses on the ecological maintenance of the earth and its systems, then let’s consider the Hamptons as a “sustain-ably” viable option to live work and/or play.

Geographically, the Hamptons is comprised of wetlands, wild open fields, dense wooded areas, and of course, beautiful beaches. All biologically different, yet commonly possessing the essence of “sustainability,” namely, and in its broadest sense, the conservation and the natural promotion of plant and animal life.

Sustainability is a hot topic and certainly a politically correct movement; the merits of which far exceed my perspective and boundaries of this blog. One thing I can comfortably write about, is that there is no escaping the numerous conservation movements in the Hamptons, via efforts of both the Peconic Land Trust and the Group for the East End. They exist to embrace a conservation ethic which naturally promotes sustainability out here on the East end.

Whether you choose to live, work or play here, whether you’re a city person, a local, a native, a weekender, or part of the elite, the Hamptons has full or part-time homes, suitable for the sustainable minded renter or owner. Summer is quickly approaching, inventory is plentiful and opportunities abound. Call me to set up an appointment to privately view any one of the great properties featured in East Hampton, Springs or South of the Highway this season, or, for all four seasons.

Until then WDM…….

Posted By: Doug McCullough


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March 24, 2009

Private Jitney

Posted to Doug McCullough, The Latest on Rentals, The Latest on Sales

Yes, the vintage mercedes is a summer means of transportation, but it is not “The Hamptons Jitney.”

Today, most tri-state area residents have come to understand there’s really only one meaning and one usage for the tern “Jitney.” It’s become a brand, not just the name of a bus carrying passengers over a regular route on a flexible schedule.

Naturally, I’m referring to The Hampton Jitney: the wonderful “first class motor-coach charter service from the Metropolitan New York area to all points local and long distance, in the tri-state area and beyond.” Hey, look up the Hampton Jitney site and you’ll see for yourself, and while you’re there, book your East Hampton round trip reservations for this weekend!

Be that as it may, I’ll bet you didn’t know, that the term “jitney” has also been used to refer to legal arrangements where a broker, who has direct access to an exchange, performs trades for a broker who does not have the same access. Now…if we were to up the ante on this definition just enough to qualify for a bit of poetic license, we could say that I could potentially perform a little “jitney action” right on the jitney! I have access to summer or year-round rentals and property sales that other brokers do not have access to! See what I’m getting at? Stay with me here as I know this is a bit of a stretch, but, if your broker is city bound and you just happen to know another broker…ME…who is city savvy and East End eligible, we could all make beautiful rental or sales music together - on or off the Jitney!

Since the Hampton Jitney offers electrical outlet access, along with complimentary refreshments while you’re cruising along the 495, you could also be cruising the Devlin McNiff real estate offerings and hit me up with an email for an appointment to see all the best in rentals and sales that the East End has to offer. Why waste time? Practice a little multi-tasking on the way out and leave the rest to me. You could potentially finish off your weekend with a celebration on your return Jitney to NYC, for one of the best rental exchanges you’ve made in a long time!

In my opinion, there are two people who say it best:

  1. “Owning a home is a keystone of wealth… both financial affluence and emotional security.”
    ~ Suze Orman - Assets - Real Estate - Finance

  2. “New Yorkers are predatory about real estate. When they sense softening, they move in for the kill.”
    ~ Anderson Cooper - Real Estate - Competition - America

Can’t argue with either one of them.

Until then…WDM

Posted By: Doug McCullough


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March 02, 2009

FAITH, HOPE, and... CLARITY

Posted to Doug McCullough, The Broker's View, The Latest on Sales

I read last week that the National Association of REALTORS® said sales of existing homes fell approximately 5%; the weakest showing since July 1997.

We’ve seen the median sales price plunge to approximately $170,000, down just about 15% from almost $200,000 a year earlier. It’s been the lowest price since March 2003 and the second largest drop on record, according to everything we read and hear lately.

Foreclosures are dominating the market - especially in distressed states like Florida, Arizona, Nevada and California. The REALTORS® group is estimating that about 45% of sales nationwide are foreclosures or other distressed property sales.

If you’re a glass is half full kind of person, that’s great news for buyers, who are paying the most affordable prices in years.

If we’re filling the glass completely, the combination of low interest rates and the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, (tucked somewhere in the zillion page economic stimulus plan signed by President Barack Obama this month), makes for a killer combination.

OK, great…we’re on our way:

We have FAITH that the market will feel the boost with the tax credit - maybe by late spring or early summer.

We have HOPE that the government will resuscitate the housing market.

Now all we need is a lot more CLARITY on how the rest of the stimulus plan will get us out of this economic slump!

And, speaking of CLARITY, one thing I am crystal clear on is the property in East Hampton on Clamshell. There’s never been a better time to indulge your weakness for the finer things in life. Prepare to renew your FAITH in property investments and know that HOPE will definitely help float your kayak on Hands Creek, directly accessible from the backyard of this incredible home! See photos on my listing and shop for your swim trunks!

Until next time…WDM

Posted By: Doug McCullough


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