A-LIST BROKERSThe bold names in luxury real estate share their experience and expertise

What is the big market trend right now? We may end up calling 2014 the “Year of the Mega Deals.” Let’s defi ne that as anything close to the $100 million mark, as Morgan Brennan of Forbes magazine has proposed. Over the last several months, fi ve transactions have ranged between $55 million and $150 million. The Hamptons market appears to be hitting its pre-2007 stride. Prices are strong across the board in all segments, but the stagger-ingly high-priced mega sales are getting the attention.

What other trends are unfolding at the high end of Hamptons real estate? Modern is in. Sleek glass-and-beam residences are emerging everywhere in the Hamptons. Take a drive, for example, down the “Golden Mile” in Southampton, Meadow Lane. It’s a virtual construction site of ultra-high-end modern homes.

Another trend is the wave of buyers from overseas. We are seeing more and more very wealthy Chinese interested in buying homes in the Hamptons. I have introduced two different parties from China to the fi nest, highest-priced estates out here—and in both cases, I needed an interpreter to do it. They are making credible all-cash offers for homes in the most expensive segments of the market.

What is it that you like about being a broker in the Hamptons? First, I meet fascinating people from all over the world: CEOs and fi nancial executives, artists and authors, cultural icons and thought leaders in business, economics and science. Second, I’m tasked and trusted to help them buy or sell a property that balanc-es their desires across privacy, presence and price, bringing in the best experts in the business when needed. Third—and this is both challenging and exciting—I have to be continuously innovative, resourceful and patient to get all parties to take the right steps at the right time to yield a successful transaction. Seeing my client happy at a closing is deeply rewarding for me. And I get to do it all from one of the most beautiful places in the world. I have to pinch myself because I feel so lucky.

East Hampton. Asking $18.5 millionUndoubtedly one of the most exquisite and prestigious locations in all the Hamptons, this 3.62-acre waterfront parcel on a private peninsula with 478 feet of pond frontage awaits a substantial home that will maximize the panoramic views of Georgica Pond, the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and Georgica Beach.

Chr i s t ina Ga les iLicensed Real Estate Salesperson

Sotheby’s International Realty

50 Nugent S t reet ■ Southampton, NY 11968

631.227.4919 ■ 917.969.0532 (C) ■ Christina.Galesi@sothebyshomes.com ■ www.sothebyshomes.com/hamptons

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