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For Buyers

  • No Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in the Hamptons
  • All brokers can show any listing including "exclusives"
  • Buyers should select and work with one good broker
  • wolfRE buyers guide is best source of complete information

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There is a great deal of confusion about listings in the Hamptons.  Unlike most places, there is no MLS (multiple listing service) in the Hamptons.  However, all listings whether denoted “exclusive” or not are shared by the major brokerages through a computer database that is the functional equivalent of MLS called “RealNet”.  The word “exclusive” means that a seller has signed a contract with that broker to handle showings and negotiations.  It has no effect on a buyer.  Any broker can bring a buyer to another broker’s “exclusive” and if that buyer purchases it, the broker bringing the buyer, and the listing broker who has the “exclusive” will split the commission.  The cost to the buyer is the same.

The external, public, side of the RealNet database is hreo.com which contains all listings in the Hamptons, but unlike MLS systems hreo.com does not provide property addresses.   Because of the RealNet system, all the major brokerages in the Hamptons such as Brown Harris Stevens, Sotheby's, Corcoran, Prudential and others can show each other's listings.

It is in the best interest of all buyers to select a broker that they trust and is experienced and knowledgeable,  and work with him or her only, looking at all properties with that broker, rather than contacting listing brokers directly through signs or internet listings.  Working with one good broker, who has a reasonable expectation of making a commission, gives that broker an incentive to find their buyer a good house that meets their needs.  Calling listing brokers directly, who may or may not be reputable and will make a double commission if they sell their own listing whether or not it is a good house and priced appropriately, is inviting disaster.

Although I am an associate broker at Brown Harris Stevens, I can show any buyer any listing from any major brokerage in the Hamptons, including Sotheby's, Prudential, Corcoran, Town & Country, Hamptons Realty Group, and many others; even the "exclusive" listings of other brokerages.

To discuss buying any listing in the Hamptons, or to to get my views on neighorhoods or homes that I think are good values, please contact me.

Anyone considering buying in the Hamptons should read my Buyer’s Guide (PDF approximately 15 pages).  There is no better source of information for buyers in the Hamptons.  Email me for a copy.