Power broker and lifelong Hamptons resident Tim Davis has had an impressive 38-year real estate career on the East End. Consistently ranking among the top 25 agents in the United States, Tim is known for his expertise in all things Hamptons real estate. In his exemplary career, Tim has sold over $4 billion of Hamptons real estate, ranging from luxury estate homes and oceanfront properties to village cottages and bay-front retreats. Tim’s global network has grown to include affiliations in other markets, including John Taylor International, Verzun, and Leading Estates of the World; just to name a few. These relationships enable his clients to reap the benefit of exposing their properties to a vast international audience. At the same time, his 38 years of experience and his connections enable him to share a wealth of knowledge with both buyer and seller.
Social Life sat down with Tim to learn more about how he came to be one of the top real estate agents in the Hamptons:
You notably grew your own brokerage firm, Allan Schneider Associates, before selling the firm to NRT/Corcoran in 2006. Tell us about that journey and some of the highlights!
They were some of the best times in the market and an experience of a lifetime. We built the firm from five offices to 12 offices over a 15-year time period and hired and retained the best talent in the brokerage industry. Many of the top-producing agents in the region worked with us and some still work for Corcoran today.
You’ve been with Corcoran for over a decade now. Why are they the perfect fit for you?
The sale to Corcoran was strategic. Corcoran has a strong infrastructure that includes support and staff both in technology and senior management. A strong referral network was also very important to me along with a powerhouse anchor in New York. Two key components for developing a network with markets that feed in and out of the Hamptons.
I know Corcoran chooses an outstanding character trait to describe each broker. Can you tell us why yours is “commitment”?
My 38-year career speaks for itself in that way, as I have proven this to my clients and customers over the years. I am committed to honoring their interests and shepherding them through a transaction, which is often one of the most important in their life.
The Wall Street Journal has twice named you the No. 1 broker in the Hamptons. What does it take to earn such a huge honor?
Living and breathing this business 24/7 and believing in yourself. It also takes being an expert on the market and retaining the year-after-year data. I’m often asked how I remember this or that—who owned this home and that property, the historical nature of the real estate evolution on the East End. I’m an expert at one thing: the Hamptons real estate market. Timing and some luck helps too.
What are some hallmark properties you’ve sold that stand out to you?
From the early days, the Stone house on the ocean in Montauk and the West Banks subdivision when it was sold in foreclosure through North Fork Bank; the Westerly estate and Wooldon Manor, both in Southampton, and each of which I sold twice. Also, several oceanfront homes on Further Lane, each of which has a story behind it. I could write a book.
What can sellers and buyers expect as a signature Timothy Davis touch?
My personal attention to every detail in the overall marketing and the presentation is evident and recognizable.
Have your methods changed since your early days in the business? If so, how?
One needs to stay relevant in a changing environment and adjusting with the times is critical. Staying true to your client and using the same basic sales skills for retaining and recruiting new business doesn’t really change.
What do you think is next when predicting how the luxury real estate market will shift out East?
The highest demand for the best location and setting will continue to be the driving force. Record prices for the unique building sites and waterfront settings, whether ocean or bay.
You have really taken to updating your audience on social media. What is your favorite channel for this form of marketing for you and why?
I like using Instagram as it is easy to use and has immediate response. It helps me to convey some of my personality and allows me to share some of my private life with the audience. It all requires balance though.
You recently had your first grandchild. Congratulations! Is it hard transitioning within a day from one of the most powerful real estate players in the nation to grandpa on demand?
My granddaughter will call me Poppy, and being a grandfather is an awesome experience. My wife of 36 years and I are fortunate to have three wonderful boys (now young men) aged from 22 to 28. Our middle son got married at our home last June, and we were blessed to have this beautiful little girl in our life nine months later. When asked if there was anything missing in my life, my answer had always been not having had a daughter. Now I have the best of both.
What’s your elevator pitch to a prospect who is thinking about calling you to represent his compound on the East End?
My commitment to providing the best marketing plan and helping that seller achieve the highest possible price in the market.
Any advice to rookies just starting out?
Find a mentor and work with that person. Listen and learn. Follow the advice. There are no short-cuts and you cannot start at the top.
What are some of your favorite places to relax in the Hamptons?
Where we built our family home: Davis Creek, which is in an exceptionally beautiful setting with spectacular west-facing water frontage and views of tidal creeks, marsh, and the Peconic Bay.
88 Main Street, Southampton
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
tgdavis@corcoran.com
o/ 631.702.9211
c/ 516.356.5736
