Weekend Wrap-up; Renting Sight Unseen… Winter of Our Discontent Continues!

So, it was another snowy weekend here on the East End.    The snow, the ice, the frigid cold and the general lousy weather continues here in the Hamptons.     While internet activity for rentals and sales still remains strong and steady,  the number of people willing to trek through snow and frigid temps is dwindling.    This in turn has led to a number of rentals actually being rented sight unseen.

Rapid Rescue… lifesavers!  Yep, that’s my car!

One broker I spoke with “E” said it, “makes me very nervous.”    Renting from a picture which could have very well been photo-shopped is a bad idea.    Another agent “G” indicated that they’re seeing tenants from previous seasons going back to the house they rented last year so they don’t have to come back out and look again.    Speaking to my cadre (aren’t you impressed with my vocabulary?) of experienced brokers and agents, the weather continues to put somewhat of a damper on the Hamptons market.   That being said, once the snow melts they’re expecting an explosion of activity….  because phones are ringing and e-emails are being traded back and forth.  So the grade for this weekend was a C+. I really have to go to Florida soon! 

An offer at Guild Hall you can’t refuse!

If you want an example of how difficult it is to get around the Hamptons, look no further than yours truly.     I made the mistake of taking my “4 Wheel” car out last night to pick up some food.    But alas, after one gunning of the accelerator and a slippy driveway I ended up in a snow bank on my own driveway.   I mean with all of the ice, if you don’t see sharp you’ll be flat (read that again).   Anyway, thanks to RAPID RECOVERY and $135,  I finally got my car out this morning.    By the way, I also want to thank my lovely neighbor for trying to pretend he didn’t see.    I wasn’t going to ask for your help anyway!    So for the next few days, keep Rapid Recovery on speed dial, they were great and there in about an hour…(631) 728-7752.

Meanwhile, this week there’s an offer at Guild Hall you can’t refuse.  The East Hampton film society will be presenting a special screening this Thursday night at 7 p.m. of the 1972 classic, “The Godfather.”  Personally I liked the “Godfather II” better but still this flick glues me to the screen every time I catch it on TV.   Tickets are $8.00 for non members.  If you want more information  click here for the website and you can also buy tickets.  So, take it to the mattresses and go get a ticket…. otherwise you may find a horse in your bed!

VALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS IF YOU WANT TO BREAK UP…. PLUS, SNOW….AGAIN… SO RELAX.

Doesn’t this scream romance? Murph’s

Happy Valentines Day Weekend everyone!    It’s that time of year when every newspaper and blogger in the Hamptons has ideas about romantic getaways and where to go.   But where do you go when you want to break up? Forget the romance ambiance of 1770 House or East Hampton Grill, take your date to one of these notable locations and you’ll be sure to be single by Monday!

Murphs, Sag Harbor – It’s not that the place isn’t good.   But there is absolutely nothing romantic about this place.  It’s loud, it’s packed and the idea of having a quiet conversation with any sort of privacy is out of the question.    The only way anyone gets romantic there is if the beer goggles are so tight you become oxygen deprived!
Village Hardware, East Hampton – Here’s the way this one goes down.    You buy two tickets to see “Fifty Shades of Grey” at the matinee or 4:00 pm show.   You then promise a nice early romantic dinner after the movie.   After suffering through aforementioned movie, you remark how “hot” you got during the Hardware Store Scene.   You stroll over to Village Hardware so you can buy “a few things.”   When you get to the store, head right to the staple guns!  If your date hasn’t already disappeared then maybe you should.   RUN!
The front door is only a few more feet!

Harlow, Sag Harbor –  Who doesn’t love a nice romantic location!?    Yes, they’re closed for the season…. but if you order this weekend maybe you’ll get your entree by Memorial Day Weekend.   If you want to actually try to have food, stop by the IGA first for two sandwiches and a small bag of Sun Chips.   It’s all about the view right… frost bite or not!

Now for the other part of the weekend that has everyone in a tizzy.   The projected 6” of snow we’re supposed to get this Saturday night into Sunday.  This comes hot on the tail of a  reported “frenzy” for seasonal rentals.   As I said on Monday, so many drives and walkways are covered with hard packed ice, many sellers and homeowners are blocking showings to protect against a potential lawsuit.   Yes some good homes were rented already last fall or by the renters with good snow boots but inventory is still good.     So, don’t believe the hype… sip your hot chocolate, relax and have a wonderful Valentine’s Day Weekend!    Hopefully you won’t be going to Village Hardware or Murph’s!

Snowpocalypse… Snowmageddon….. Blizzard ’15. Here are the pictures!

OK, so this is a good transition blog for me.   I took some time off to recharge my creative juices.     So look for a new blog tomorrow.  I promise.  In the meantime, I took a drive around town so you don’t have to go outside.

Yes……. I have to include Bella and Russell!

Chilly Scenes of Winter… in The Hamptons!!!

 

Town Line Beach, Wainscottt

 

My favorite Hamptons Snow Bunnies!
Wainscott

 

Georgica Pond

 

The White House, East Hampton Village

 

East Hampton Village

 

Off the Pond, EH Village

 

East Hampton Library

 

Dune Alpin….. snowy horse fields!
Yeah, my dogs.  It’s my blog… so my dogs!