Born and raised on the North Shore of Long Island, Bridget Elkin and her husband returned to the North Fork in 2013 after working in both San Francisco and China. She launched a creative firm with a focus on drone photography and video. A natural marketer with a love for the East End lifestyle, it was no surprise that her next career would be in real estate — currently, at Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty.
What do you like to do on the North Fork…after selling real estate of course?
I have always had a passion for photography, which brings me to all corners of the North Fork whether on land or water. Being in a small community, it is important to me to support the small businesses that help shape the North Fork’s identity. With that in mind, you might find me enjoying a sandwich on Village Lane in Orient, perusing the farm stands or enjoying some oysters or a cocktail and pizza in Greenport Village. We live in a foodie paradise!
What is the most challenging aspect of being a real estate agent for you?
Selling or purchasing a home is often an emotional process. This is part of what makes it so rewarding, but also very challenging. I recently purchased my first home last year in Greenport Village and I draw on that experience frequently. Empathy goes a long way in this business.
What is the best advice you can give a second home buyer when searching for a vacation home on the North Fork?
These buyers often use the experience of living in their first home or apartment to identify the characteristics that are most important to them in a second. Sometimes that is more living space, a backyard with a pool or simply a quiet street. My advice is to not compromise on those features that are most important to you. In a low inventory situation buyers can feel pressured to abandoned their vision.
What is a typical day like in real estate for you?
There is no typical day! This business is far more time intensive than most outside the industry realize. I find myself in the office less and less, however, always on the phone with clients, colleagues, attorneys, etc. My clients span the entire North Fork which has me on the road quite a bit — time management and organization are a necessity!
What is the most personally satisfying part of your work?
Conducting this business with integrity brings a lot of value to my clients and my colleagues. There is a lot of satisfaction derived from that. Ultimately this career encapsulates everything that is entrepreneurship; the sky is the limit and your success is a reflection of the time you put it — of course a little luck never hurts along the way!
