Hamptons – Page 4 – Hamptons Chatter

ONE SINGULAR DISASTER!

April 1, 2022April 1, 2022

While the Hamptons often aspire to be a competitor for the bright lights of Broadway, this isn’t always a goal within reach. I’ve been told by many local parents and students that the productions at Wainscott Senior High School are must sees and “Broadway caliber productions.” Well, I’m here to tell you their lastest prouction of “A Chorus Line” is more deserving of a comparison to cafeteria Beef-A-Roni than an overcooked burger from Joe Allen’s.

For starters, the staging is clumsy and the choreography basic. Lead dancers, Sophmore Tiffany Smith and Senior Jim Flatley would be better dancing the Hokey Pokey than attempting their neutered version of “The Music and the Mirror.” Neither has the chops to be a lead dancer of anything let alone a “broadway caliber” production. They have two left feet in spades and I only hope that Mr. Flatley’s movements are better suited for his position on the Varsity Volleyball team.

One of my favorite numbers from the Broadway show is the funny and sexy “Dance 10, Looks 3.” But once again, this prodction failed to impress. Freshman Pamela Ferdyn tries her hardest to belt it out and impress as she pleads, “still on unemployment, dancing for my own enjoyment.” Yet, while she warbles we see her inevitable future. I give her credit for trying but all in all it’s dance 5, singing 3 and looks also 3. But it goes beyond Ms. Ferdyn’s performance and not entirely her fault. Chita Rivera and Kevin Kline couldn’t save this poorly directed production. Helpful hint to the staff at WSSH, don’t have the shop teacher direct the next spring muscial.

Now I don’t want to say everything about this production is terrible. The final musical number, the ubiquitous “One” is shortened to a manageable 1 minute. Also, the seats were comfortable and Luigi’s italian bistro across the street is offering a 30% dinner discount with every proof of torture/ticket stub. I recommend the chicken parmesean with a small caesar salad.

The show is playing only one more performance, tonight April 1st. April fools day. So I hope you enjoy your evening.

THERE’S NO INVENTORY IN THE HAMPTONS!

February 10, 2022

Want Top Dollar for Your House? Now’s the Time To List It.

When you’re selling any item, you usually want to sell it for the greatest profit possible. That happens when there’s a strong demand and a limited supply for that item. In the real estate market, that time is right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, here are two reasons why now’s the time to list.

1. Demand Is Very Strong This Winter

A recent article in Inman News explains:

“Spring, the hottest time of year for homebuyers and sellers, has started early, according to economists. . . . ‘Home shopping season appears to already be in full swing!’”

And they aren’t the only ones saying buyers are already out in full force. That claim is backed up with data released last week by ShowingTime. The ShowingTime Showing Index tracks the average number of monthly buyer showings on active residential properties, which is a highly reliable leading indicator of current and future trends for buyer demand. The latest index reveals this December was the most active December in five years (see graph below):

As the data indicates, buyers are very active this winter. Last December saw even more showings than December of 2020, which was already a stronger-than-usual winter. And remember – you want to sell something when there’s a strong demand for that item. That time is now.

2. Housing Supply Is Extremely Low

Each month, realtor.com releases data on the number of active residential real estate listings (listings currently for sale). Their most recent report reveals the latest monthly number is the lowest we’ve seen in any January since 2017 (see graph below):

And don’t forget, the best time to sell an item is when there’s a limited supply of it available. This graph clearly shows how extremely low housing supply is today.

Even Though Supply Is at a Historic Low, Home Sales Are at a 15-Year High

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing-home sales totaled 6.12 million in 2021 – the highest annual level since 2006. This means the market is hot and homeowners are in a great place to sell now while sales are so strong.

NAR also reports available listings by calculating the current months’ supply of inventory. They explain:

“Months’ supply refers to the number of months it would take for the current inventory of homes on the market to sell given the current sales pace.”

The current 1.8-months’ supply is the lowest ever reported. Here are the December numbers over the last five years (see graph below):

The ratio of buyers to sellers favors homeowners right now to a greater degree than at any other time in history. Buyer demand is high, and supply is low. That gives sellers like you an incredible opportunity.

Bottom Line

If you agree the best time to sell anything is when demand is high and supply is low, let’s connect to begin discussing the process of listing your house today.

BEACH BLANKET BINGO BUST! PLUS, ONE MAN’S JOYRIDE IS ANOTHER MAN’S INSURANCE CLAIM.

February 3, 2022February 3, 2022

Sad news Frankie and Annette won’t be able to take their shenanigans “BACK TO THE BEACH” on the groovy sands of Main Beach East Hampton. The mad rush to the Summer surf of ’22 has begun and if you don’t have an East Hampton Village Beach Pass, you’re S.O.L! Just one day after sales of the coveted permits (all 4100) went on sale at midnight February 1st, they’ve sold out! YEP! You heard me right. According to the website, there’s already a waiting list of about 400. But don’t totally despair, there are still town beach passes available and you can always buy daily passes at certain locations like Main Beach and Two Mile Hollow. SInce they went so quickly, one would hope the village would open up and make more available? But don’t hold your breath. If you want to see for yourself, village the village website now.

Elsewhere some notable restaurant shuffles are happening around town. A few weeks ago the rumor was an established sushi joint was going into the other half of the old Mary’s Marveloous now Hampton Chutney Co. in East Hampton. Well I was half right, it’s going to be sushi but instead of who I thought was going in, the folks behind the old Zokkon and Suki Zuki will be the ones truncating tuna and whisking wasabi on Newtown Lane.

Also, while rumors have swirled about who was going into the old World Pie in Bridgehampton it’s become official Doppo La Spiaggia from Sag Harbor and East Hampton will be bringing their Bolognese and Fritto Misto to the Main Street location. From what I’ve heard, the new restaurant will be serving a more casual menu along with gourmet pizzas.

Finally, if you visit any of the local chat boards you’ve probably noticed the topic of conversation has moved from squatters to car thefts. But nobody is talking about that crappy Angelina Jolie/Nicholas Cage camp fest “Gone in 60 Seconds” even though the timing seems to be pretty accurate. Yep, you heard me right. Cars are being stolen around town from driveways in both East and Southampton towns. In most of the cases, the owners had left the keys in the cars in their driveways (some even on long secluded drives) and the thieves were in and out before the owners knew it. One poster said by the time they noticed the car missing, the GPS had already been disabled. So in closing make sure you are the key master and keep them out of the car!

THE NEXT WAVE THAT’S GOT A BAD BEAT AND NOT EASY TO DANCE TO!

August 6, 2021August 4, 2021

The Next Wave

JUST A GENERIC DINING PICTURE… USED BECAUSE I LIKE THE SUNSET.

Some say service in the shops and restaurants this summer has been challenging to say the least. We agree (ROYAL we). But as Carly Simon once sang, “these are the good old days.” ANTICIPATION. Things are about to get worse. But it has nothing to do with Covid. I’m hearing from lots of local businesses that they’re sweating bullets about the end of August when a good chunk of staff will head back to schools, city and fall gigs. With staffing already a major issue in the Hamptons it’s going to take an extra dose of patience everywhere from the grocery store to the local watering hole. REMEMBER, FOLKS BE KIND – COVID HAS EVERYONE STRESSED. SO, TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND WAIT THE EXTRA MINUTE TO BE A CONSIDERATE HUMAN BEING.

Hamptons Dogs Show for Local Lions

In keeping with our reputation for being pompous and pampered, we Hamptonites need to make our dogs special, too. With this in mind, I implore all local doggo stage moms and dads to enter your pampered pooches in the 3^rd Annual Hamptons Dog Show at the Amagansett Legion Hall (15 Montauk Highway) this Saturday, August 7 from noon to 3 p.m.

PREPPING FOR THE EVENING WEAR COMPETITION…BELLA AND RUSSELL

Competition will be fierce as dogs vie for awards in Most Unique Breed, Most Unique Feature, Best Trick, Dog/Owner Look-Alike and, of course, Best in Show categories. If they had a fastest eating contest, I know my Bella would crush her opponents. Come down and enjoy ice cream trucks, live music and face painting—no word on whether our pups can get a new look, but a painted face would certainly help win Most Unique Feature! Heck, if you and your dog get matching face paint, you’d be shoo-ins for Dog/Owner Look-Alike.

The show will also offer dog treats and apparel, and a cash bar (stay for one minute and it will be past noon, which we all know is a perfectly acceptable time for cocktails). Proceeds benefit The Guide Dog Foundation of Long Island and East Hampton Lions Club. Adult tickets are $10 and free for kids. However, if you want to pit your dogs against other canines in the actual contest, pre-register them for $40 at the East Hampton Lions Club Facebook page (facebook.com/easthampton.lionsclub).

It will be a fun day for a good cause.