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The Hamptons real estate market is not for amateurs.
Fortunately, Bianca D’Alessio and Peggy Zabakolas of Nest Seekers International, the luxury goods company led by CEO Eddie Shapiro, are both experienced. Associate agents, they don’t mess around when they have business to do.
D’Alessio and Zabacolas make reality TV debut Hampton for sale Season 1 will return in 2022, with Season 2 premiering on Max on Friday, March 1.
The second season was filmed in the summer of 2022 and introduced two new cast members, Dylan Eckardt and Ashley Allen. Exactly whether they will or may not shake up the dynamics of the group remains to be seen, but judging from the trailer for the new season, it’s clear that the new entrants will create more friendly competition as agents compete for listings and look to please a few . The most discerning customers in the country.
Inman recently sat down with D’Alessio and Zabacolas separately to discuss the new season and the Hamptons real estate market. Here’s what they had to say, edited for brevity and clarity.
“The Hamptons” stars Michael Fulvray, Bianca Dalesio, J.B. Andresi, Ashley Allen, Dylan Eckardt, Peggy Zabacolas and Mia Calla Brace | Maximum
Bianca D’Alessio
Inman: What do you most want viewers to see in season two? Hampton for sale?
Dalesio: I’m most excited for Dylan and Ashley to come into the scene and stir things up. The two of them love to ruffle feathers for sport and really piss off the other cast members – it’s sure to be fun!
What’s the hardest thing about the new season?
This season is more difficult than the first because my team in New York has quadrupled in size between the two seasons and the portfolio I manage has grown almost 10x. The city really needed more of my attention, so I was in and out of this season, certainly not as present as I was in the first season.
Do you have any regrets, perhaps about a specific transaction or relationship that you wish you had handled differently this season?
I have never regretted it. Okay, maybe throwing yourself such an over-the-top 30th birthday party might be a bit extravagant.
Ha ha. What was it like learning to work with two new actors?
It’s always fun to see how the dynamics change when we introduce new characters to the show. Dylan and Ashley definitely have a lot to deal with – more drama and chaos than I can personally handle – but I’m not going to let them distract me from doing business. I just had to laugh at some of their crazy antics – it was the only thing I could do.
What is the biggest challenge for you in the market right now?
I think the 2024 market is off to an incredible start and we are gearing up for another great season in Hampton!
Ashley Allen, JB Andreassi, Mia Calabrese, Dylan Eckardt, Peggy Zabakolas, Bianca D’Alessio, Michael Fulfree at the Selling the Hamptons Season 2 Episode 1 Screening Party at 505 Park Avenue, New York City | Madison McGaugh /BFA.com
Peggy Zabacolas
Inman: What are your goals going into season two? Hampton for sale?
Sabacolas: Every year I try to set similar goals but either double them or upgrade them. So this year, when I first started, my goal was to really expand in the Hamptons, and the most important thing I could do for season two at that time was get the list and expand my team.
Beyond that, it also adds another platform to my real estate career in the sense of working with developers – maybe not a lot of the big developers, but developers that I can actually learn from for future work. Flip yourself.
In fact, I just did a walkthrough for my own personal house flipping in Brooklyn. My goal this year is to engage the people around my circle and network and learn from them as much as I can and expand beyond just being in the Hamptons. I was also in Florida last summer, so my business is really growing.
I’m kidding when I say that, but I opened the door to making a living. I want to use these doors to open new doors, I mean, do more than just sell houses. I want to flip houses, develop houses and expand into new areas.
How exciting.
Yeah, you’re going to see this season me working with a female developer and her story, who’s really just a boss babe.
I’m looking forward to seeing this! What’s the most challenging thing you’ve faced this season?
I can’t say much. But I think the most challenging (things) are probably more personal than anything. I think throughout my career, if an issue came up with other agents, whether it was referrals or listings, or someone went above and beyond me to get another listing, I would usually let them have it because I had so much more other business to do Do processing.
This year is more about personal growth and less about being quiet and playing Mrs. Good Girl. I want to really stand my ground and get what I deserve. And then also looking at where the Peggy Z team really belongs and the future and legacy it can develop.
It’s good for you. Have you had any big curveballs or surprises this season?
I think in the first episode, maybe you notice something and then you follow the storyline. I don’t want to tell too much! But there are definitely a lot of curveballs.
For some reason, everyone always wants to follow my list. I don’t know why – everyone always wants to follow me. I think it’s because I’ve always been the quiet one. But I guess I also take it as flattery because everyone wants something from me.
completely. What are the biggest challenges you face in the market you currently operate in?
It might just be a matter of managing everyone’s expectations and finding everyone’s product for their dream home. Overall, almost every market we’re in is really just about finding products for them that make their customers happy, because at the end of the day, that’s what matters most. My business is mostly referrals and repeat business. So, as long as they are happy, I am happy.
What should people expect in this new season?
This is a bunch of self-aggrandizing agents, (having) bigger houses, better houses. You’ll see more drama, and the addition of two new actors will ruffle some feathers. You’ll see some growth with each agent.
You know, that was two summers ago. So it will be interesting to see where we were then and where we are now. But you know, Dylan comes in, I’ve known him for years, and not everyone knows his personality. I guess you could say, he was definitely a curve ball. Ashley is very funny and I think you’ll see some interesting tidbits from her and me.
Some friendships develop and some don’t. You’ll see who people are really like and how money can change people’s personalities and reputations. But I think it will be a good show.
I hope people can see that “Business Page” and “Personal Page” are the two main different versions of the show. When I put on my professional hat, I’m very serious and very upright, but hopefully you can see more of my light-hearted fun, and if not, there are two different sides.
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