LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk Spring 2014

LOCALadk Magazine

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LOCALadk | Pulse 16 LOCALadk Magazine Spring 2014 Tales of an Adirondack Broker By Roby Politi I 've spent a lifetime in real estate. Along the way, I've seen and heard it all. I've met the rich and famous, and I've been in places that few have ever had the privilege of seeing. From the remote wilderness retreat of Sam Webb's magnificent Forest Lodge on the shore of Lake Lila, with its boundless hunting and fishing trophies, to Marjorie Merriweather Post's native American antiquities, and Kate Smith's private recording studio over her boathouse on Lake Placid, it has been an intriguing and stimulating 40 years. It seems so long ago, 1973, that I graduated from St. Lawrence University and returned to my hometown looking for a reason to stay in the Adirondacks. Little did I know that Lake Placid was about to awaken from a long sleep with the announcement that it was chosen to host the 13th Olympic Winter Games. The real estate market would soon ignite with great vigor and enthusiasm. The miracle of the "Eighty Games" was to transform this small mountain village into an international sports community comparable to few others. Once home, I joined a local real estate organization and was nurtured by, what seemed at the time, a seasoned school of sales piranha who had little tolerance for a fledgling wanna-be. On my first showing I made the mistake of asking my new support team how I might describe a particular parcel of land. In complete accord, they characterized it as a wonderful meadow with exceptional views, extending along the easterly side of the roadway. It took my new clients only moments to decide that this was the property for them, and they proceeded to make a full price offer. Unbeknownst to me, I had just sold them the Town's municipal driving range, much to the great amusement of my real estate friends. In actuality, the property for sale was on the opposite side of the road with no view and few attractions. It was a memorable way to get my feet wet and the first of many important business lessons: be prepared and don't ever rely on someone else. Needless to say, I never saw those folks again!!! The 1980 Olympic Games brought an onslaught of diverse clientele, from major corporations, to movie stars, to ordinary folks from everywhere seeking a place for the night. It was a good time for real estate in the Adirondacks, and it was a good time for local residents to "hit it big" by renting their homes. Prices for rentals ranged from $15,000 to $75,000, tax free. It was the most memorable time of my real estate career. We rented well over 150 homes and apartments. The prices were exorbitant, but everyone was thrilled to have a place to stay. I never saw so many people so willing, even happy, to consummate a deal! As it turns out, they have memories that will last a life time. I guess it was a small price to pay, after all. Roby Politi, 80's style V i s i t To d a y t u p p e r - l a k e . c o m t u p p e r l a k e n y. g o v ( 5 1 8 ) 3 5 9 - 3 3 4 1 Whether you're here for a weekend or a life me, you'll enjoy your stay. www.mylonglake.com 518-624-3077 for more information Visit us this Summer - towns built for family fun, great activities and events for all. • Guided Hikng • Guided Hikng Trips • Outdoor Rec. • Paddling • Fishing

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