Summer Rentals are found in the WINTER!

Step 1 - Start Early

Summer Rentals are found in the Winter! Despite not knowing what day of the week it is in January, the one thing you should know is where you’ll be renting this summer. It’s never too early to secure a summer rental in the Hamptons. In fact most home owners prefer to solidify their tenant within the first few weeks of the new year. By doing so you not only have access to better properties but also better rates. Homeowners feel more at ease knowing their property is booked prior to season. I would imagine they view individuals who do so this early in a more reliable/responsible light. In essence homeowners are willing to negotiate their price for their sense of security!

Step 2 - Location Location Location

Assuming you’ve been to the Hamptons at least once it still might be hard to determine which area suites you best. I live here and even my personal preference for a specific village/town changes with the wind. But in the case of finding the perfect summer rental, I highly suggest choosing a place based on proximity to all the people and things you like. For instance if you’re a surfer and plan to surf a lot then Montauk would absolutely be the best option. If you love to dine out and wish to be walking distance to a village then Sag Harbor sounds about right for you. City proximity is key assuming you’re coming from Manhattan and not down with Team Blade. If your rental style is weekends only you might want something not too far east to save yourself the longer commute. For those of you who plan to leave the city and have no intention of looking back until the season’s over then further east it is! It pretty much all comes down to choosing a place that marries your summer self. Each area although very similar all create a very different experience.

SOUTHAMPTON + WATER MILL + BRIDGEHAMPTON + SAG HARBOR

Southampton consists of many galleries and is my personal favorite village for daytime dining. Bridgehampton is horse country so you’ll find more farms and reserves. These are the locations I recommend if you plan to drive in every weekend. The difference from Southampton to East Hampton could add an hour or more to your weekly travel time. Sag Harbor is the liveliest of the bunch. Great dining with an amazing social scene. Sag Harbor Yacht Club and Marina attracts most if not all the boaters. In my opinion it’s the ideal village to always have a good time.

EAST HAMPTON + SAGAPONACK + AMAGANSETT + MONTAUK

East Hampton you’ll find the high end shops as well great galleries and fine dining. During the day it’s lively but at night you're better off migrating to Amagansett if you want some action. The night life/bar scene in Amagansett never disappoints. In recent years Montauk has become a go to of mine. The place to be for a day time party, good surf or just an amazing beach day. Montauk has so many cool hotels that I will eventually write about. TBD!

Step 3 - Wants and Needs

Once you determine your price point share it with your rental agent. Knowing exactly what you wish to spend really allows the agent to better tailor the list of properties they show you. The agent will provide a list of properties in that price point for you to consider but sometimes too many options gets very confusing. How should you narrow down the possibilities? Start with picking an ideal location hence step # 2. Then determine what style home and amenities you desire. Space is a big factor, how many bedrooms/bathrooms does the property have, is there a pool or gym? Keep in mind you won’t always get everything you want but it helps to know which you absolutely can’t go without . Making a list or even finding an ideal home that you send to the agent is the one thing I always ask of my clients. Sharing a visual that helps your agent get a better understanding of your style really goes a long way.

Step 4 - Social Calendar

Summer Season is roughly about 14 weeks long. Fourteen eventful weeks that you’ll be booked and busy even in the midst of vacationing. Map out exactly when and where you’ll be. Through organizing your social calendar you might realize most of your engagements/plans take place in or near a specific area. That will help tremendously with knowing which town will work best. The most desired months in the Hamptons are July and August. Pricing for both months are typically higher than Memorial Day - June. Another good thing to know is closer to the ocean aka “south of the highway” will always be a little pricier. The deeper in the woods the better the deal!

Step 5 - Hire Me..

Choosing a broker who not only knows each area but knows how to choose a property that will enhance your Hamptons experience. Having access to some of the most amazing rental properties both on and off the market comes with time and experience. Allow me to accommodate! Everything from choosing the best camps for your children, finding the perfect chef, to booking impossible reservations is where I can help. Hire me to help find your Summer sanctuary!