Answers about covering high-end real estate

Last week, Steven Gaines, best-selling author of “The Sky’s the Limit: Passion and Property in Manhattan,” answered readers’ questions about covering high-end real estate in Manhattan, the Hamptons and South Beach, on Twitter.

Gaines has interviewed some of the most high-profile brokers selling real estate in New York City, the Hamptons and South Beach. He is also author of New York Times bestseller “Philistines at the Hedgerow: Passion and Property in the Hamptons,” and “Fool’s Paradise: Players, Poseurs, and the Culture of Excess in South Beach.” He lives in Long Island.

Today, The Real Deal is sharing some of Gaines’ best responses. To see the rest, go to @trdny on Twitter and look for posts marked #SG.

What’s the best Hamptons home you have seen?  

Christie Brinkley’s19th century house Tower Hill is a stunner. Billy Macklowe’s ultra-modern on a potato field is a showstopper, too.

What is the most ineffective company in the Hamptons?  

I only have 140 characters in which to answer this question so I’m not even going to start. Go with the broker, not the brand.

You covered Linda Stein in “The Sky’s the Limit.” Are you still in touch with her family, and how are they doing?

Sadly I’m not in touch with her family; they’re angry about comments I made in the newspapers and I regret it.  I sure do miss Linda.

What’s the difference in the process of buying a home in the Hamptons than in Manhattan?  

There’s a lot more due diligence needed to buy a home anywhere than an apt, where there are boards & building rules to protect owners.

Do you know where Michael Shvo is?  

A: Try the phone directory. I’m sure he’s listed.
TRD