Welcome to our new feature in which we interview local personalities: agents, architects, interior designers, builders, anyone who plays a part in the world of Hamptons real estate. Want to get in on the fun? Drop us a line!
Patrick Mclaughlin is an agent with Sotheby’s in East Hampton. Prior to that, he was with Douglas Elliman in Sag Harbor. He lives in East Hampton.
Where are you from originally?
Philadelphia and suburban New Jersey.
What brought you to the Hamptons?
It went from renting, to owning, and then eventually to moving to the Hamptons full time.
How did you get into real estate?
Through a friend who encouraged me to try it as I was looking for a career change from television.
Why do you like working in real estate?
I enjoy the independence and the unlimited potential.
Why should anyone use you as a broker?
I helped manage 20-25 agents for another company for more than 12 years. The amount of expertise I have in navigating the often difficult terrain of a real estate transaction is invaluable!
If I wanted to buy a summer house, what area would you recommend?
I would say, you need to go where you feel comfortable. You can always change a house but you can never change its location.
What’s a mistake many people make when buying a home?
Personalizing the negotiation process. Everyone is looking for what’s best for them. Too often I see buyers and sellers forgetting that in the end it’s a business transaction.
What’s a mistake many people make selling a home?
Not preparing it for sale. Not taking the time to clean, paint and making sure the curb appeal is good (landscaping, paint, and so on).
Any mistakes you’ve made that you’d like to share?
Not investing enough of my own money in the Hamptons.
What’s the one thing that laypeople don’t understand about real estate?
It’s not as easy as they think. This is probably due to the proliferation of real estate shows which are completely staged. People think that’s how it really works.
What are you most proud of regarding your real estate career?
How so many of my customers, clients and fellow real estate professionals became friends long after the deal has been done.
