Candice Schaffer
What do recent college graduates hoping for one last hurrah and billionaires looking to get away from it all have in common? They all head to the Hamptons for the summer.
This hotspot has been a popular vacation destination for over a century now, with New York City’s elite venturing from Manhattan to Long Island to spend their summers in style since the late 19th century. These days, the Hamptons isn’t solely a destination for socialites — everyone from young professionals to Hollywood stars find themselves here when the temperatures heat up. So how do you go about finding the Hamptons home that will make your summer one you’ll never forget?
Over-budget a bit: It’s no secret that Hamptons real estate is pricey, so it’s worth your while to give yourself a bit of wiggle room in your budget. You may have a set price in mind that you’d like to spend for a weekly or monthly rental, but upping that amount just slightly can expand your horizons and get you much closer to the action than you would be on a shoestring budget. With summer still a few months away, now’s the time to start saving!
Plan your activities in advance: One of the first things you should consider when planning where you’ll spend your summer is the kind of activities you’re most looking forward to. If you’re an avid hiker, make sure that there are trails within easy driving distance from the house you’re staying in. If you’re hoping to spend your summer perfecting your tan on a lawn chair, opt for a house within walking distance of the beach or has a private pool.
Don’t skimp on amenities: You may imagine that you’ll be spending the bulk of your time outside the house this summer, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on amenities in the house you’re renting. If you’re leaving your luxury condo in New York City for the Hamptons, try to replicate the feel of home for the most comfortable vacation possible — even if you don’t think you’ll need things like a gourmet kitchen or fitness space in your Hamptons house, you’ll be better off having them in the long run. Think about all the fun dinner parties you’ll be missing out on (and opportunities to burn off all those calories afterward) if you opt for a place without.
Check out the sharing economy: One of the best ways to find the perfect summer rental is through sharing sites like AirBnB and HomeAway. Unlike traditional real estate companies, these sites have listings for lavish homes direct from the owner, often for far less than you’d pay for a hotel or traditionally-listed home.
Enlist the help of a professional: If real estate sharing sites aren’t yielding any gems, enlist the guidance of a licensed real estate professional. In hot markets like the Hamptons, real estate brokers often have listings that come up at the last minute and will be snapped up by eager vacationers before they hit the web. If you have particular amenities you need to make this summer a success, a realtor may be your best bet.
Whether you’re eager to spend your evenings strolling the streets of Amagansett or can’t wait to set sail off Southampton, renting the perfect house is the key to having the Hamptons summer you’ve always dreamed of.
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