halloween

BOO!! HOW IS THIS FOR SCARY?! SCAM ALERT!

We know it’s a jungle out there…  I’m not even going to mention some of the the real estate agents I know… but here is new one for the horrors of housing that even took me by surprise.  Yes, even scarier than the Munster’s house on 114!   According to the Long Island Board of Realtors there is a rash of cyber-fraud being committed against unsuspecting parties in real estate transactions.

Apparently disguises are used when committing cyber crime!
The “fraudster” hacks into the email of real estate, agents, buyers, seller and even attorneys to obtain all the information about the sale of the house.   Then scam artist sends a very official looking e mail containing information pertinent to the sale of the house and then requests that a large sum of money be transferred into a designated accounting claiming it’s needed for the real estate action to proceed.
Apparently the e mail looks so legit.. that people are sending large sums of money only to find out they’ve been had.  Now, in addition to hacking e mails, I imagine this can also be done by simply looking up for homes “in contract” on various real estate websites.    With data flowing so free and easy on the web, it would only take just a few minutes to possibly find out a homeowners e mail address.    If you’re reading this and doing a deal guys, not a bad idea you tip your owners and buyers off about being on guard.
Party animal and unhappy contest hopeful Bella!

If your or anyone you know has been approached or affected by this scam you can report this to Efrem Zimbalist Jr. and the gang at the FBI by visiting the website:

Finally, if you’re looking for something to do this Saturday you might want to stop by Bay Street click here for the Bay Street Theater web site.
Theater this Saturday for the Annual Costume ball!  Tickets are 25$ with doors opening at 8:00 pm.   There will also be a costume contest with prizes ranging from $500 on down.   This is the best party of the fall season with party animals from all over the east end joining something called the Hoo Doo Loungers and WBAZ Radio’s Walker Vreeland (Dan’s best of the best winner) for the festivities.   If you want more information or to purchase tickets,
Happy Halloween everyone and it’s good to be back and chattering!

The Sun is Shining on the Hamptons Real Estate Market!!!

In what has to be a first… the Hamptons Designer showcase house has actually sold in a relatively short period of time! That’s right! 129 Stoney Hill rd. is reportedly in contract. The 7,000 square foot home with an additional 3000 of lower level living was listed on the market for $5,500,000. While we don’t know what the actual selling price is, $5+ million asking price in Sag Harbor and not on the water was an aggressive take. Once again the Hamptons market is defying conventional wisdom! Maybe the house was actually better done than I thought? I was there when Jill Zarin was whining her way through a tour and I had to cut it short because of my headache!

Meanwhile some home improvements in East Hampton as the historic windmill on North Main street gets a face lift. I’m not sure what it’s costing but I’m sure it isn’t cheap. Wouldn’t it be greener and more economically responsible to put up solar panels instead?! I mean how much power does that thing generate anyway!?

Finally, once again the Sag Harbor Rag-a-muffin parade has come and gone. So what was the verdict! Try $250 worth of candy “packed.” Anyway, a good time was had by all and I’m a little poorer!

A verrrrrry scary weekend in the Hamptons!!! And no we’re not talking real estate!!!

Get your ghoul on this weekend. The Hamptons have taken a turn toward the macabre. So I can’t make up my mind as to what costume I’m going to wear. I’m debating between going as a nun or a waiter… although who knows. In fact, I still have nightmares about when I waited tables in college and the nun I had in 5th grade. Both are very scary costumes and their isn’t enough prozac on the east end to help me after that. Anyway, so what to do what to do…

On Saturday two choices or you can grab a red bull and do both!!! From 4-7pm, Jay Plumeri and his wife Rowena along with Dan Shaw are hosting a Saturday afternoon Tea Dance at Race Lane in East Hampton. They’ll have a dj there along with drink specials and one of the best looking crowds anywhere in the Hamptons!! Seriously! They get a good looking crowd at Race Lane! That’s why I go there! DUH! (content deleted by request)

Later on Saturday, it’s the Second (maybe annual) Hollywood Halloween Party at B. Smiths in Sag Harbor. Doors open at 8 pm. $25 cover charge, cash bar. Prizes for best costumes, $500 first prize, $200 second prize $100 third prize. Dj is Karin Ward, lighting and sound by Barry Scott. The theme last year was Hollywood Halloween. It was so popular that they’re doing it again and calling it Hollywood Halloween, The Sequel. Please if I see you there… No Lady Ga-Ga or anyone from the JOISEY SHORE!

The most awesome looking tree in the Hamptons!


I’ve been living out east now full time for about 8 years. One of the sights I see during the month of October on my way to the office is this tree. It’s located on Brick Kiln Road, right off of Scuttle Hole. Now, I know it seems silly but this tree just has me in awe! It’s the color. It’s the shape. I mean if you were to draw a picture of the idea tree in the fall, THIS WOULD BE THE TREE! I know I’m going on and on over something rather mundane but look carefully. I’m right! Isn’t this tree amazing!

Just a little note to friends of mine who sware the Sag Harbor Halloween Parade and Pumpkin trail are this Saturday… You’re wrong. The “Rag A Muffin” parade starts at 11 o’clock followed by thousands of little sugar jacked beggers following the “Pumpkin Trail” at stores and businesses all over town requesting free candy. Just a little note, there is an epidemic of obesity in America, so this year I’m giving out carrot sticks. They’re delicious, healthy and the kids love them!!! Happy Halloween All!

By the way, the costumes that you don’t want to be wearing this year include… LADY GA GA, ANYBODY FROM “AVATAR”, STEPHEN SLATER OF JET BLUE FAME OR A CHILEAN MINER! All of these are hackneyed and overdone. Think of something original… be more like my dog Boo. Superdog! Im so shocked she’s never bitten me!