Patrick McLaughlin is a familiar face around many of the tony villages of the East End, especially Sag Harbor and East Hampton. He’s often running around to open houses, playing with his dogs at the beach, or relaxing at local haunts with friends — he takes full advantage of this beautiful place. He seems so embedded as a local, as he’s very active in philanthropy and local happenings, that it’s surprising to learn that for twenty years he was a television producer at “Good Day New York,” “The Sally Jessy Raphael Show,” MTV, CNBC, PBS-WNET, and Fox News in Manhattan. But like many of us, a summer out East cemented his yearning for the quieter Hamptons life and he moved here permanently in 2003.
McLaughlin managed the Douglas Elliman Sag Harbor office for more than a decade but then decided to give his all to sales — and he was a natural. He was closing homes during the height of the pandemic like no other and is sought after by both local and newcomer buyers and sellers. We wanted to know more about being the go-to for all things real estate and we were thrilled when he sat down with us for a talk.
It’s been a crazy time for real estate on the East End! Are you seeing a continuation into 2022?
Not surprisingly, rentals have started earlier than ever. The best inventory is being locked up now for both year round and summer rentals. Great houses that are priced correctly are moving faster than ever. There is definitely still tons of demand.
I think it’s going to a very active market in 2022 but maybe not quite at the same pace we saw in 2020 and 2021. Look for what some are saying will be a deceleration in price increases. Those fast and giant leaps we saw in value may be a thing of the past.
How has the Covid-19 crisis affected your business personally?
Mobile working has changed the Hamptons market with people upgrading and new first time home buyers.
It certainly made it more challenging, especially when showing properties where homeowners are in residence. All the other agents out here and I are doing our best to keep everybody safe and healthy while continuing to get access to properties.
Are we still seeing a permanent migration to the East End or are they going back?
People are back in the city but they want to have the escape of the Hamptons home. While many have returned to New York City, a large number of owners have taken to telecommuting and making this their home base. I mean look no further than the restaurants out here which are now crowded on Monday and Tuesday nights. That’s something you didn’t see even a few years ago. It’s adding a new energy and excitement to the year-round community.
How many years of experience do you now have in selling homes on the East End?
I started selling homes with Douglas Elliman in New York City back in 2001. I’ve been full time selling out here since 2004.
How did you get started in the industry?
I was addicted to real estate while I was still working in the television industry. I was always going to open houses and looking to buy, sell, or invest. I had friends already in the industry who encouraged me to pursue getting my license. It appealed to me as a career that was both enjoyable and lucrative, so I made the jump.
Are there any homes that you’ve sold that you’re particularly proud of in 2020-2021?
I was so thrilled when I sold an East Hampton home earlier this year only to learn my buyers got married in it a few days after closing. It was really a fairy tale transaction all the way.
What advice would you give sellers right now? Are you seeing inventory coming to market or is it still a stalemate?
If you’re looking to sell there is no time like the present. Especially if you’re thinking of downsizing or perhaps leaving the area. Prices are at an all time high.
What about buyers?
Same advice to buyers. There is no time like the present. Interest rates are low and likely to creep up slowly. It’s not about the sale price in my opinion. Even if prices come down a bit (which I doubt), it’s all about the affordability and monthly expenses.
What are some trends you are seeing in homes that are now important but weren’t prior to the pandemic?
I think the idea of having enough room for a home office and an exercise space is here to stay.
Are there any up-and-coming neighborhoods we should look at?
People are looking for more space and moving to areas outside of the core village locations.
What marketing channels are you using to market your exclusives and to attract sellers these days?
Social Media and targeted online marketing has been my favorite channels.
What philanthropies are you passionate about?
I love helping locally. There is no greater feeling than being able to help others. There are two that are particularly close to me. One is Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue since my pups Bella and Russell are both rescues. Also, my husband of 30 years is a type-1 diabetic. We are both very active with Diabetes Research Institute in addition to currently trying to fund a movie on the rising costs of insulin. You can read about it at www.payordiefilm.com.
What do you do for fun when you’re not working?
First of all, the Hamptons are just a great place to spend time outdoors. My first go to is the beach every morning with my dogs.
I’m also make it a point to try something new. I’m now trying my hand at golf, pickleball and to perfect my skills from two semesters of college Spanish.
To learn more about McLaughlin or to see his inventory of homes, click here or email patrick.mclaughlin@elliman.com.
