| Hampton Style - October 19, 2007 |
power broker: Laura Nigro
Laura Nigro of Prudential Douglas Elliman finds that you can go back home to achieve success.
Why do you sell real estate in the Hamptons?
The Hamptons are my home. After working in New York City for about 10 years, I decided to come back to Southampton to sell real estate. I also needed a yard for my dogs!
What deal have you made that you're most proud of in the last few years?
I do not kiss and tell. But when push comes to shove, the Gittes deal on Hill Street was a real challenge, however we still managed to close.
Where do you see the market going in the coming year?
We are lucky to be selling real estate in the Hamptons because our market has remained steady. I'm not talking about the bidding-war scenario we had a few years ago but something more realistic. I think the blip in the lower end due to the subprime mortgage debacle will improve, and the inventory that has built up in the mid to lower end will start to trade at a brisker pace.
What do you think people are looking for in a home these days?
The main focus of buyers is location, but that's nothing new. Also, many buyers don't want to deal with renovations of any kind. They want a home "toothbrush-ready."
Could you tell us a little bit about your own home out here?
I purchased my home in 2000. It was purely a "gut buy." I walked in and asked, "How much?" Then I made a full-price offer. It needed a new roof, among other things, but I fell in love with the grounds. The original owners loved to plant flowers and trees so my property has lovely, mature landscaping, which I really adore.
Do you have a favorite property or house out here?
The house I was raised in which has since been sold. It's two acres on Middle Pond with access to Shinnecock Bay, bulk-headed, sandy beachfront with a dock, rolling lawns, and specimen plantings. The new owners are wonderful and they are good friends with my parents, who live just next door.
To what do you owe your success in real estate?
Knowing the market and the product. A good agent has to research and really know what she is selling so there are no surprises, and you know exactly what you are marketing. I work with my brother, Carl, who has a background in construction management. He is an invaluable asset in helping to discern possible issues with homes and rectifying them before they become an issue at closing.
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