In the middle of 2020, we noticed a lot of Hamptons real estate agents closing homes at record pace — and in the luxury $2M+ market, no less.
It was quite a boon to the region. The learning curve for agents was huge: become digitally savvy if you were not already, get creative with marketing, take your social media presence seriously, double-check your online reputation, and so on. A handful of brokers on the East End really stood out of the crowd, and were trailblazing through a global pandemic with aplomb.
Saunders & Associates broker, Nancy Mizrahi, was one of those superstars we could not stop watching. Mizrahi was recently ranked in the Wall Street Journal as one of the top 200 agents in the US. She comes from the thicket of the fashion industry and is married to developer, Michael Burns — we needed to learn more about her and her methodology that is crushing Hamptons real estate.
Nancy, you are just closing house after house! How would you describe your signature approach to selling luxury properties in the Hamptons?
The big secret to selling luxury properties in the Hamptons, and don’t tell anyone this, is to be as knowledgable about the area and the property that you’re representing. That’s what I do when I represent a home, I make sure to know everything that exists currently on the home and everything that can possibly exist in the future. Every situation in this market is unique, so it is imperative that you are creative with your problem-solving skills and fully knowledgeable.
How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your business?
It’s not news that the market out here has increased in activity since the pandemic. The adjustment process was difficult, but now, of course, it is second nature to implement all of the social distancing, mask wearing, tracing, and hand sanitizing. We are all in this together with the pandemic.
Are what people looking for in a home that is different now?
One word, amenities. People need properties that have it all. It must have a large yard, a pool, a gym an office . . . everything. Clients want to create their own little worlds with their homes, so it’s important that all of that exists.
So how has business been this year?
It’s been unbelievable. The market, in terms of transaction activity has been nearly doubling every week.
Your work would be a boon to any brokerage. Why did you choose Saunders as yours?
Without question the support and the expertise that Saunders offers. It’s a great company, from top to bottom the team really knows what they are doing there and the tools that they offer always overwhelm my clients. I can’t imagine being anywhere else and feel lucky to be there.
Your background was in the fashion industry. How do you think that elevates your approach to luxury real estate?
Oh that’s great! You know the fashion business depends a lot on how the products are presented to the public. Things have to look beautiful and when people see a good fashion advertisement, they imagine themselves in that outfit and how good they feel. I definitely bring that mindset when thinking about marketing the houses that I represent.
Your husband is a well-known builder and developer on the East End as he owns Burns Development Corp. Are you his exclusive broker for the homes he develops?
Not always! If it makes sense for the client and that’s what they want then of course, but if it’s something that doesn’t make sense for me or the client then no.
What do you do for fun when you’re not killing it in Hamptons real estate?
I love going to the beaches and enjoying the outdoors in the summertime. The restaurants here are amazing as well and even after the pandemic the outdoor dining has been really great. This winter has been so nice as well, everything feels really active. My husband and I really enjoy it out here and even when we are not working we are always talking about our next project or real estate ideas for the future.
