Kelli Delaney Kot interviews Sotheby’s International #1 Agent, Harald Grant.
Harald, congratulations on being named Sotheby’s International Realty’s #1 Agent in 2020. What was the key to generating such an impressive amount of business during a pandemic?
Thank you, it truly is an honor. Without question, our success is due to the fact that we never stopped working. Although our offices closed, and we switched modes to working from home — like everyone else — we were able to respond at lightning speed for our clients and customers. First, with the incredible demand for instant turnkey rentals, that switched into the similarly incredible demand for purchasing homes.
Your son Bruce is an integral part of Harald Grant Real Estate. Please describe his role?
Yes, Bruce often acts as both my right and/or my left hand. He has stepped in to help manage our high net-worth customers and clients, as well as to develop his own “book.” Bruce manages our showing schedule better than I ever could!
Are you still seeing a permanent migration to the East End from NYC folks and elsewhere?
As for the migration from NYC and environs, it seems now that homeowners are dividing their time between urban homes and Hamptons homes. When the pandemic was in full force, people locked down and quarantined here. Now folks are embracing a blended lifestyle. However, since the rest of the world may not be “open for business” for some time yet, the Hamptons remain a strong option. Sales and rentals have started very strong in 2021.
Which was your favorite sale in 2020 and why?
I have three favorites actually – and they are all on the ocean …
What is your #1 client request right now?
Buyer clients have wanted turnkey, move-in ready homes for the last few years, and the outbreak did not affect that criteria. Inventory had built up prior to the pandemic, so the “ready now” properties moved fast, at asking prices, or higher, plus bidding wars.
Any advice to share with new sellers right now?
It’s interesting, even though the market still feels white-hot, sellers still need to understand the market and market pricing. Price gouging will not work. With older homes, they need to look new and pristine. Even though sellers have the advantage, it’s necessary to make the house and property look as appealing as possible. That investment will earn out very quickly.
How about advice for new buyers?
Now that inventory has drawn down, buyers need to be able to move quickly, be cash-ready, or have strong financing in place to make clean deals. Buyers also need to bid at, or close to asking prices. The seller has the advantage.
When you are not closing deals, where will we find you in the Hamptons?
On the water, I love spending time on my boat.
Be sure to follow @haraldgrantrealestate.
Visit two of Harald Grant’s properties:
160 Ox Pasture Road, Southampton
160 Ox Pasture Road, Southampton 12 bedrooms / 12 Full Baths / 3 Partial Baths / 18,000+ Sq Ft. / 10 Acres $75,000,000 Exquisite grace and grandeur hallmark this magnificent masterpiece – beautifully preserving its authentic original details – offering 18,000+ square feet on three floors, including 8 principal bedrooms, 8 full and three half…
310 First Neck Lane, Southampton
310 First Neck Lane, Southampton 7 bedrooms / 5 Full Baths / 3 Partial Baths / 5,000 Sq Ft. / 5.1 Acres / Water View $24,995,000 Available for the first time in decades, this five-acre estate, with 200 feet of bulkhead waterfront on Lake Agawam offers a private driveway, exquisite park-like grounds, a fine traditional…