Haute Residence talked with Avigdor to learn more about the team’s recipe for success and the current state of the market.

The team has a diverse makeup. Given that the Hamptons attract buyers from around the world, how have the team’s diverse backgrounds, expertise and perspectives led to success?

Between all the members of our team we speak eight languages. Certainly this helps us to cater to an international clientele in that people often feel more comfortable speaking in their native tongues. We are successful because we are good communicators despite what language we are speaking in. It is the research, facts, and truthful valuations that we can provide that added value to the process.

The whole team dedicates its time working with each client. What are the benefits of doing so compared to having different team members working with different clients?

It does take a village. We have members of the team who are experts in land use and zoning, while others have architecture backgrounds. Others are excellent negotiators. We allow each team member to interact with our clients and customers to bring their special knowledge to the table and get the job done.

What is the dynamic like in the office on a typical day?

Ha. Well, one thing is certain, we are all super busy. We hold brief team meetings at least twice or three times a week to communicate the essential things the team needs to be up to speed on. Different members are tasked with different responsibilities so in the end everyone does their job in the production line and we deliver “service” and next “sales” as an end product.

Raphael, you have been in the real estate industry for years now. How has the Hamptons evolved in the last decade or so as a luxury real estate market?

The Hamptons has always been a luxury real estate market. Changes I have seen over the years is that the buying power seems to be ever shifting to a younger and younger demographic. Or, is it simply that I’m getting older? Money flows to the Hamptons because the market realizes that not only can they see returns on their investment but that there is a tremendous quality of life improvement that comes with breathing the fresh air, walking on the beach, or watching the stars. It’s the perfect place for love, art, athletics, healthy living, and family.

485 David Whites Ln, Southampton, NY 11968 is offered at $5,295,000 by The AVIGDOR / PENKOVA Team

Pricing homes is often a daunting – yet crucial – task and could be such especially in a high-profile market like the Hamptons. What is your approach to home pricing?

We are quite cold-blooded and mathematical about our valuations. Simply enough we compare like or similar properties in terms of size or year built with similar amenities such as tennis or pool house and look for what the last 10 “comps” traded for in the past year. We look for the average dollar per square foot for those comps and apply that metric to the square footage of the house we are appraising. We adjust our end figure for special circumstances such as fantastic landscaping, curb appeal, water views or the general “hopefully pristine” condition of the property.

How did the market fare in the last year? What are your expectations for this year?

We has a very strong year last year. Despite that, the market seems to have flattened out just a bit this year. But it might be too soon to tell as we are very active presently and the next two months could very well define the year. Everyone on the team is an optimist. All brokers have to be. I believe this will be an even stronger year than last.

475 David Whites Ln, Southampton, NY 11968 is offered at $5,975,000 by The AVIGDOR / PENKOVA Team

What advice do you have for buyers looking to purchase or invest in a property in the Hamptons this year? What about sellers?

For buyers I always say, “Get your credit in order… and step up to the negotiating table as a “cash” buyer." This does not preclude your right to bring a bank to the closing table but sends the right signal to the seller that you are not looking for an “out.” Same goes for inspections. Go ahead do an inspection prior to signing the contract but don’t burden the deal with an inspection contingency.

For sellers, I have lots to share with them. For starters, never turn away a showing opportunity. Whether your kid is having a birthday party, or guests are over or not – just show the house! It only takes one buyer to get the job done and that one that you reject might be the one that was going to buy it.

My second piece of advice to a seller is simply, “Don’t get cocky.” It’s easy to reject an offer, but it might take you another six months to see another one. If you are prepared for that, ok no argument here, but if you are going to get anxious after two months on the market, don’t be so cavalier with the first offers that come in.

What are the team’s professional goals for 2018?

To conduct ourselves professionally at all times. To provide superior service at all times. To attend each and every customer and client with focus. And, of course, the most important goal – to sell a ton of houses!

The AVIGDOR / PENKOVA Team is the real estate team exclusively representing the Sagaponack, New York market as a part of the Haute Residence real estate network. View all of the team’s listings here. 

Images courtesy of The AVIGDOR / PENKOVA Team

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Louis Birdman and Shahab Karmely /
Photo Credit: Eugene Gologutsky

The first panel of the day, Titans of Development, or, the “East Coast Kings,” was moderated by Fox Business Network‘s Cheryl Casone and included six of the most successful real estate developers in the New York/Florida areas: Mitchell Moinian, Don Peebles, Dan Kodsi, Louis Birdman, Shahab Karmely and Michael Stern. The group covered a variety of topics, including political changes in the market, international buyers making New York and Florida real estate investments, the development of Miami as a globally-recognized destination and the differences between the real estate markets in Miami and New York.

“It’s been a very exciting time in Miami, especially in the last 10 years,” began Louis Birman, CEO of Birman Real Estate Development and co-developer of One Thousand Museum by Zaha Hadid Architects in Miami. “A lot of our sales have been driven out of Latin America and although that continues to be true, we’re also starting to see more interest out of other countries like in Europe and the Far East.”

Dan Kodsi, developer of Paramount Miami Worldcenter, CEO of Royal Palm Companies and the visionary behind Paramount Branded Developments, echoed that sentiment. “In the past 10 years, we’ve seen the world recognize Miami as a major gate way city. Now you meet people from Europe and China. You never used to see that…When you get named with cities like London, Paris and New York, that’s a big deal for Miami.” He also called out Miami’s downtown area as the one to watch out for: “From Brickell to Miami Design District, it’ll feel like a miniature Manhattan once it develops out.”

Mitchell Moinian, principal for The Moinian Group, also has an upcoming residential project in New York with the late and great Zaha Hadid, at 220 Eleventh Avenue; however, it is his 3 Hudson Boulevard development, that is garnering a lot of attention, given that the Hudson Yards area is set to be one of the next hotspots in Manhattan.

Haute Living CEO Kamal Hotchandani, Aaron Kirman, Jeff Miller /
Photo Credit: Eugene Gologutsky

The second group, The Power Brokers, included top brokers and agents from key US markets. The panelists were Adam Modlin, Jeff Miller, Aaron Kirman, Olivia Hsu Decker, Richard Sternberg and Lisa Lippman. The group, moderated by Wall Street Journal‘s Peter Grant, discussed the changing climate of the luxury real estate market, as well as the impact of social media on the buying and selling process.

The Power Brokers – Jeff Miller, Moderator Peter Grant, Richard Sternberg, Adam Modlin, Aaron Kirman and Olivia Hsu Decker / Photo Credit: Eugene Gologutsky

Olivia Hsu Decker, co-owner of Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty with 11 offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, felt strongly that though social media allows brokers more visibility, nothing could and would replace the human connection. “Buying a home is like finding a husband or a wife,” she began. “You have to go to see it and make sure you can actually live there for the rest of your life. Nothing can replace that.”

Robert Canberg, James Giugliano, Marcy Braun, Matthew Breitenbach, Douglas Sabo, Michael Putnam, John Brady
Photo Credit: Eugene Gologutsky

In the last panel, The Hamptons, moderator Maneet Ahuja of CNBC led the group, which consisted of Matthew Breitenbach, Raphael Avigdor, Michael Putnam, Robert Canberg, John Brady, Marcy Braun, Doug Sabo and James Giugliano. The Hamptons is a very significant area for luxury New York real estate. When asked about the hottest Hamptons neighborhoods, the panel gave out a spattering of different opinions, including Water Mill, East Hampton and Sag Harbor, all of which are booming.

Also sponsored by Ultralux Interiors, the day was incredibly informative for attendees who came from all around the globe, who also had the opportunity to ask questions and receive expert opinions from the highly-esteemed panelists.

The post Haute Residence Hosts 5th Annual Real Estate Summit At CORE: Club In NYC appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Kamal Hotchandani (left) and Dan Kodsi / Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Haute Living

Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Haute Living

On April 11, discerning guests from around the country gathered at the recently opened The Seville NYC for a cocktail reception. Under the NoMad's James Hotel, the intimate, upscale lounge welcomed some of the most renowned names in real estate, including Dan Kodsi, developer of the signature Paramount Miami Worldcenter; Louis Birdman, developer of Zaha Hadid's last masterpiece, One Thousand Museum; Richard Steinberg of The Richard Steinberg Team at Douglas Elliman; and Charlotte-based broker and owner of Reside Realty, Matthew Paul Brown.

Kamal Hotchandani, Paolo Zampolli, Dan Kodsi and Seth Semilof / Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Haute Living

Jaclyn Rosenberg, April Donelson, and Raunaq Singh / Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Haute Living

Businessman and diplomat, Paolo Zampolli, Jaclyn Rosenberg, John Meadows and Raunaq Singh, among others, were also in attendance alongside Haute Living CEO Kamal Hotchandani, COO Seth Semilof, Vice President of Global Accounts April Donelson, National Editorial Director Deyvanshi Masrani, and Haute Residence Director of Real Estate Sales Erik Haase.

From left to right: John Weber, Nikko Mobasher, and Erik Haase / Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Haute Living

Richard Steinberg, Deyvanshi Masrani and Kamal
Hotchandani / Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Haute Living

Kamal Hotchandani and Louis Bergman / Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Haute Living

The luxurious ambiance inadvertently reminded of the star of the event – Paramount Miami Worldcenter, which is set to open in 2019, bringing an unprecedented level of luxury to the Magic City. The completed residential tower, clothed in shimmering glass, will rise some 60 floors high and offer a raft of amenities – from a spa to an indoor sports center to an observatory – that rarely come together under a single roof.

Seth Semilof, Olivia Hsu Decker, Richard Steinberg, and Jeff Miller / Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Haute Living

Jamalat Farach (left) and Sismani Roman / Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Haute Living

The cover launch preceded a private dinner for 25, hosted by Ultralux Interiors at Scarpetta NYC. Celebrity broker, Aaron Kirman, Jeff Miller of Brown Harris Stevens, Raphael Avigdor of The Raphael Avigdor Team, Sismai Roman of Ultralux Interiors, Olivia Hsu Decker, John Weber and Zak Smith were some of the few guests who enjoyed a delectable menu of Italian dishes.

Jeff Miller, Richard Steinberg and Raphael Avigdor / Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Haute Living

Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Haute Living

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This custom crafted home offers 7 bedrooms and 7.5 baths on 3 fully finished levels. The spacious 4,400+/- square feet throughout the first and second floors offer a master bedroom with oversize bath overlooking farm reserves with a bonus room/office, as well as 3 additional en-suite guest bedrooms, a first floor Jr. master bedroom, formal dining room and a generous open layout opening out to the covered bluestone patio along the back of the house with a double-sided fireplace separating the family room from the great room and gourmet kitchen.

The home features smart-home technology, a gourmet kitchen with designer stone countertops and high-end appliances, custom cabinets, woodworking and touches throughout.

Other highlights and amenities include 2 guest bedrooms and 2 full baths in the 2,030+/- square feet finished lower level, boasting a state-of-the-art media room with projection screen with seating for 10, gym/yoga room and wine storage.

Outdoors, amidst the beauty of the surroundings, there is a heated 20x40 gunite pool with spa and an additional full bath and kitchenette in the 450+/- square feet pool house completing the nearly 7,000+/-  square feet of finished living space. Two balconies enhance the enjoyment of the stunning views of the 50+/- acre reserve.

Address: 485 David Whites Ln, Southampton, NY 11968

Price: $5,295,000

Bedrooms: 7

Bathrooms: 8.5

View the listing here.

For more information contact The Raphael Avigdor Team at 631-204-2740 or 917-991-1077 or raphael.avigdor@elliman.com

The Raphael Avigdor Team is the real estate team exclusively representing the Sagaponack, New York market as a part of the Haute Residence real estate network. View all of the team’s listings here. 

Images courtesy of The Raphael Avigdor Team

The post Custom Crafted Southampton Residence appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Here, they will discuss the current state of the real estate market, joined by moderators from Fox Business Network, CNBC and the Wall Street Journal. 

East Coast Titans including Mitch Moinian, Michael Stern and Don Peebles of New York will speak with Dan Kodsi, Shahab Karmely and Louis Birdman of Miami, moderated by Cheryl Casone of Fox Business Network.

The Power Brokers panel will include Jeff Miller from Miami with Richard Steinberg, Lisa Lippman and Adam Modlin of New York City, as well as Aaran Kirman of Beverly Hills, and Olivia Hsu Decker of San Francisco, moderated by Maneet Ahuja of CNBC. 

Finally, the Hamptons brokers will have a turn to speak on their unique market on the East End, with panelists including Douglas Sabo, Matthew Breitenbach, Michael Putnam, Raphael Avigdor, Robert Canberg, and Marcy Braun, moderated by Peter Grant of the Wall Street Journal.

Additional highlights will include the presentation of the Lifetime achievement award to a special guest and more. Additional names of panelists and guest speakers will be announced.

Fore registration and tickets click here.

Top Image: Haute Residence 2017 Luxury Real Estate Summit at The Core Club (Photo by Matthew Eisman/Getty Images for Haute Living)

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