SUPER EXPENSIVE SAGAPONACK SPREAD… AND THE BEST BIG $PENDERS!

sagaponackWhat would you pay for 2 acres south of the highway in Sagaponack?   Yes, it has lush vegetation and is located in one of the most expensive zip codes in the country.    Before you answer,  just know it also has a large building envelope and includes an historic barn that was built in the 1890’s.     Oh, it’s also super close to the Sag General store too.   Well rather than make you guess I’ll let you read the ad from Zillow.     Call me crazy but I think this might be a little aggressive.  Look for price reductions soon.    No it’s not my listing… it’s a for sale by owner.    By the way, if you need to click the financing options button you probably can’t afford it.

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Zillow.com – hopefully they’re negotiable

 

Yep, it’s the height of the summer season right now here in the Hamptons.    It’s a time for hot hazy days, warm ocean surf and a slew of stars.    But not the kind in the sky, the kind that have twitter accounts and get better service at restaurants than you or I.      Speaking of which; I’ve been asking some of my friends from the biz (yes, most are bartenders– stop it!)  who are some of their favorite famous clientele?     Here are a few names that were thrown out.   All are noted for being friendly, courteous and above all good tippers.

Paul McCartney – He’s “awesome” said one person and very generous.

23rd Annual Simply Shakespeare
They love him, yeah yeah.

Hugh Jackman –  He and his wife are super appreciative and friendly according to my sources.

Jimmy Fallon –  He and his wife always introduce themselves (seriously) to staff and are friendly and outgoing.    Occasionally likes to prank with the staff.

Alec Baldwin – He’s a local and frequent visitor about town, restaurant staff members all remark he’s a “good guy.”  They also point out his wife Hilaria is a super sweet.

Howard Stern – Sits in the back of restaurants as to not attract attention, quiet and really nice to everyone from the front to the back of the house.  He’s also a very very generous tipper.

Gwyneth Paltrow – Yep, she’s goop and spends tons of money on things that most of us can’t even contemplate (check goop.com) but she’s friendly and shares the wealth with the help.  To quote one source,  “she doesn’t make a fuss when she comes in.”

Jessica Biel – One story involves some rowdy fans approaching her and her husband (who is apparently also famous) in the middle of dinner.    She smiled, posed for selfies and left a nice tip at the end of the meal.     Here’s hoping the Timberlake’s buy out here soon.   I’m happy to help.

Luann
Sag Harbor’s Countess

Countess Luann de Lesseps – I don’t watch the housewives… never have… probably never will.. but the buzz around town especially in Sag Harbor is that this lady is just that.

There are a few names I could have put on this list that most waiters and waitresses avoid like the plague.    But I’m trying to stay positive, but if you see me in person feel free to ask.

 

 

 

 

SOMETHING BREWING IN SOUTHAMPTON… AND PLEASE DON’T TELL ME WHAT ZILLOW SAYS ABOUT YOUR HOUSE!

Something Brewing.. time to change the label!

I can barley stand it!   It has some folks hops-ing mad!   Apparently the spuds will no longer be flowing on Bowden Square.   In spite of an announcement back in October that the Southampton Publick House would be staying put at the current location, word has gotten out that folks will soon have to fasten their beer goggles in a new location.    Since 1996 the brewery and restaurant have been a staple around town but it seems the new building owners have other plans.    According to some local insiders, the location will soon be home to a “high end Mexican Restaurant.”     Now if you’ve ever read this blog before… that’s a huge deal for me yet I hate to see an old favorite move to somewhere new.     While the Publick house will go on… like Celine Dion’s heart…. it will according to insiders have to be in a new location.   Sometimes a little change will do you good.

Oh is that the blood rushing to your head?

Now for a little advice.   If you want to send any real estate agent’s boiling blood further to their head just say the following sentence, “BUT Zillow said my house is worth X!”   It’s the bane of many a real estate agent and brokers existence.   In fact, The Los Angles Times  recently tackled the issue of “Zestimantes” (Zillow’s estimate) and how many claim they’re wildly inaccurate.    In fact, I have to say part of the big problem with Zillow’s “formula” is that it can’t really take into account factors like condition and location (waterfront, south of the highway, village).    So how inaccurate are these “Zestimates?”  Well the CEO of Zillow was recently quoted as saying they’re “a good starting point” and have a “median error rate of about 8%.”   Obviously this error rate varies in different markets and Zillow even says so at the bottom of the Zestimates page.     While I couldn’t locate the margin in our area, I can tell you that my own personal home fluctuated by about $5,000,000 in a period of 6 months.    Now, I know you think Hamptons Chatter just rakes in the money but the initial high estimate they gave my home was crazy.   I’d move out in hours if I could get that number tomorrow!    Yep, I would guess their error rate in the Hamptons is a heck of a lot more than a 8%.   It’s a big miss in the Hamptons… like an Ishtar big miss!  A “Missestimate” if you will.     So the take away from all of this… talk to an agent or do your homework (Zillow.com is a great source for closed prices) and don’t try let some silicon valley geek tell you what your home is worth.   Besides,  how could you put a price on that “Sistine Chapel” painting on your master bedroom ceiling?