NO MATTER THE SEASON, THE HAMPTONS ARE HOT
Once upon a time, the Hamptons were primarily a resort town for New Yorkers looking for a quick escape from sultry summers in the city… Not any longer. Today, this collection of tony beachfront towns is more than simply the vacation home to a growing percentage of its population. The Hamptons are quickly converting to become a full year-round residence to formerly staunchly-committed Gothamites.
“It’s a testament to our community,” says luxury agent Matt Breitenbach. “The Hamptons offer the best of everything, and not just Memorial through Labor Day. Years ago, my friends moved to the city believing it was the ultimate place to be. Now these same friends are reaching out and asking me to help them find a Hamptons home, because they have come to realize what I’ve always known: From the charming portside shops of Sag Harbor to the rugged seaside landscape of Montauk to the chef-driven eateries of Southampton, the Hamptons are beautiful, historic, sophisticated, well-located... The Hamptons are the ultimate place to be.”
The desirability of Hamptons residency on a full-time basis has gone full throttle, and its luxury market is on an upward trajectory that’s seemingly unstoppable.“ A few years back, there had been a trend of building smaller in-town homes on smaller lots. That trend has stopped,” says Breitenbach. With people working from home, now it’s all about big estates and family compounds, which include everything from home offices, smart home technology, fully-equipped fitness centers, wine tasting rooms, home theaters, separate guest quarters, outdoor chef’s kitchens, saltwater swimming pools, pool houses, six (or more!) parking bays, even horse farms. Luxury Hamptons buyers are a population who have it all, so it is imperative these homes have it all. The luxury home market of the Hamptons delivers.
“The demand in 2020 for luxury housing was unprecedented. My team doubled our sales volume year over year, hitting $160 Million in closed deals.” His team recently sold a home in Montauk which was one of the highest priced trades ever in the region. They just went into contract on Morgan Hill Farm in Bridgehampton, meaning the team is on track to sell this press-worthy property… twice. 2021 is shaping up to be just as big, if not bigger for Breitenbach’s team: they reached $80 Million in signed contracts in January alone. Apparently, the sky has no limit on the South Fork of Long Island. This comes as no surprise to Breitenbach.
“I was born and raised here in the Hamptons. I grew up on these beautiful beaches, they are a part of my soul.” Breitenbach’s mother was a real estate agent, so he grew up around the industry and began his career working alongside her. It was a perfect choice. “I have an entrepreneurial, creative view of the world. I’m not a nine-to-fiver.” After seven years, Breitenbach branched out and developed his own real estate business with a partner. By 2015, he and his partner did $120 Million in a single year. It was more work than two realtors could manage on their own. It was clear to Breitenbach that he needed to rethink his methodology for growing his luxury business. “There is only so much time in a 24-hour day. Working more hours was not the answer.” Breitenbach decided starting a team was the answer to serving his luxury clients. It was one of the best decisions of his career.
“It had to be the perfect mix, with each agent working the perfect lane of business. I converted from being a personality-based agent to creating a process-driven team and brand. It was hard work bringing the right people together. Harder than selling homes.” Breitenbach’s hard work paid off. By meticulously crafting his team and team structure, Breitenbach created a culture and systems which give sellers an unparalleled level of service when preparing their luxury homes for the market. From strategic planning to outreach to marketing to networking and to engagement, it’s all done in tandem at the absolute highest level. “It’s not just a launch. We are a top of the line machine, moving at an elevated pace to an elevated standard.”
The 2020 Hamptons luxury real estate market was one for the record books, and with 2021 already tracking to break new records, Breitenbach and his team are prepared to conquer all for their clients. “We are excited about our success and keeping it going, but ultimately it’s about people. I care deeply about these people and these towns. Serving the Hamptons is my passion.”
