In the spirit of Thanksgiving, our roundtable of real estate experts and insiders share what they are most thankful for about being part of the local market in the Hamptons—living here, working here, the joys of the past and what lies ahead.
“With the holidays fast approaching, it is time for all of us to reflect. Professionally speaking, I am always thankful to live and work on the East End. And not just because of the beauty of our community, but because of the incredible people that live here. In the real estate profession, you don’t just work with other real estate people. I work with builders, lawyers, landscapers, town and village employees, surveyors, caterers, plumbers—the list goes on and on. Over my 30-plus years working out here, I am fortunate enough to have developed professional and personal relationships with a lot of our local residents. Great relationships with people who help me get my job done. We all rely on each other to be successful. I guess, professionally, I am most thankful for the quality of people that live here. We have a tight-knit community, and I like it that way!”—Enzo Morabito, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Enzo Morabito Real Estate Team, Douglas Elliman Real Estate
“I feel blessed every day for my family and my surroundings. We live in a Norman Rockwell painting. There’s no place I’d rather be!”—Judi Desiderio, CEO, Town & Country Real Estate
“My office right now is overflowing with non-perishable foods that Saunders & Associates will donate to the Hampton Bays, Bridgehampton and East Hampton food pantries. Last year, Saunders’ real estate agents and employees, along with their caring family and friends, donated 5,500 bags, boxes and containers of food to the needy. I’m grateful everyday to for my loving family and friends and the fact that I have a roof over my head and food on the table. I’m also grateful that I have a dream job selling real estate in such a beautiful place. I’m one lucky woman!”—Aimee Fitzpatrick Martin, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Saunders & Associates
“In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am extremely grateful to live on the East End. The obvious reasons are the beaches, its proximity to New York City without all the hustle and bustle, and for the beautiful change of seasons—especially this time of year, with all the dazzling autumn foliage and fall decor adorning the beautiful homes. It’s a spectacular place to call home and the future feels bright!”—Natalie A. Lewis, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Douglas Elliman Real Estate
“Being able to continually build, and sell, quality homes that resonate with not only our buyers but within the communities we select for our projects—judging by the thumbs-up, smiles and comments we receive from so many neighbors—and being able to do all this in a location that is one of the most beautiful in the entire world. What better definition of professional thanks-giving and a reason to be excited about the coming year!”—Jim Rooney, Principal, FLEXdevelopment/Broker, KP Property Group Inc.
“Thankful that I am in the real estate business and able to see firsthand how real estate affects the economy—housing is what keeps the economy stimulated. Next in line is the healthcare ‘business.’ I have seen the best of times and the worst of times, but always for the better. In the summer we share, and in the winter and for the holidays we have the best of the best all to ourselves! Just glorious.—Georgiana Ketcham, Licensed Real Estate Broker, Owner, Georgiana B. Ketcham Real Estate
“We are all very thankful for the privilege provided to us by government and our fighting troops, to live in a stable, safe environment where there is no lack of food, shelter or clean water. It is never lost on us nor taken for granted that we are super lucky to be living in this wonderful spot in the world, out of harm’s way, distanced from the grid, and in an aesthetically magnificent area full of nature and beautiful light with state of the art amenities and infrastructure all just a two hour drive to a diverse opportunity for cultural immersion and a delicious array of diverse tastes, sounds, and aesthetic stimulation. We choose to live here and are so thankful to be here.”—Raphael Avigdor, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Team Raphael Avigdor, Douglas Elliman Real Estate
“Having traveled extensively, every time I return I give thanks to being able to work and reside here on the East End. The sonic seascapes, the vast vistas of farmland, the transcendental light, all give me a sense of wonder and joy. What I’m truly appreciative of is the like-minded individuals who work so hard to maintain and preserve this verdant community. Without the tenacity and fortitude of people like John v.H. Halsey of the Peconic Land Trust and Nancy Kelley of the Nature Conservancy, this bountiful land and the clean, clear waterways might have been lost. There is no doubt that when I partake of the turkey like our forefathers before, I will bow my head in thanks and gratitude.”— John Christopher, Associate Real Estate Broker, Brown Harris Stevens of the Hamptons
“I am thankful for being in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Surrounded by the ocean and bays combined with our open pastoral spaces makes the Hamptons magical. All that is great, but the highlight for me it is a place where my family spends quality time together. We all know that’s what it’s all about.”—Alan J. Schnurman, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Saunders & Associates
