Thomas Tripodi is a waterfront property expert. 

Originally from Oceanside, Tripodi grew up on the water. “My father was a dock builder for 50 years,” he said. “From Atlantic Beach to Baldwin, he had one of the biggest reputations around.”

A licensed associate real estate broker with the Tripodi/Shemtov Team at Douglas Elliman, Tripodi has over 25 years of selling experience. He and his team represent buyers and sellers across the barrier island, from Point Lookout to Atlantic Beach and beyond.

“We really gear ourselves towards these luxury waterfront properties,” he said. “We sell more than anybody.”

Waterfront property is rare in such proximity to New York City, but there are several factors to consider when making a purchase. “It’s not only the home you’re buying, but where you’re buying,” Tripodi said. “It’s your views, the area, the amount of property and bulkhead. You have to consider how much everything is going to cost. How deep is the water? How expensive are repairs?

“Waterfront living in this area is pretty exquisite because we have a big tide change so the water is very clean,” Tripodi continued. “Since there is very deep water, you have the ability to keep a 70-foot boat, a sailboat with a huge keel or a mega yacht docked in your backyard.”

But living on the water isn’t exclusive to boaters. “I love it because even if you don’t use a boat, just to have nobody behind your house, you have this level of privacy,” Tripodi said.

“I live on the water,” he said. “I get to see all the greens and blues and the seals, crazy stuff.”

“There’s pods of whales that have come to Long Beach recently,” Tripodi said. “And when I go fishing in the ocean, you’re in 30 feet of water and you see these huge whales. It’s stunning to see these whales right on our shores and it’s so beautiful.”

Whether you purchase a home on Reynolds Channel or a condo in one of the new beachfront complexes, you can enjoy the calming waters and wildlife views.

Where they differ is access and activity. Oceanfront properties include a mix of housing options from apartments on the boardwalk to homes behind dunes. A great fit for a surfer looking for their next wave, but the beaches are public and residents can’t access the beach directly in their backyard.

Bayfront properties are mostly houses, which offer direct private access to the water. “I personally like the bay, but I understand everyone loves the ocean,” Tripodi said. “I could live on the ocean and be happy, but for me, the bay gives me more opportunity to do things, whether I want to boat, kite surf, dive or whatever, and then I can walk right to the beach.”

Living on the water offers residents a unique experience, especially in Long Beach. “I swore I wasn’t gonna come back to Long Island, because I don’t love suburbia,” Tripodi said. “But when I found the Long Beach community, the mentality was so different and more open than many places on Long Island.

“Everybody’s in relaxed mode,” he continued. “And they really love this community.”

Tripodi offers advice for all homeowners in Long Beach. “Wether you’re on the ocean or the bay — you’ll want to wash everything on your deck to get rid of the salt,” he said 

Homeowners must also winterize their boat, store a floating dock and protect furniture from weather damage. “Living on the water takes a little adjustment,” Tripodi said. “Then it’s relatively easy.”

When purchasing on the water, buyers have to consider flood insurance. “Its not cheap, but if you’re living on the water, it’s part of the expenses,” Tripodi said. “Interest rates doubled in the last couple of years, but it’s insurance that in case something happens you’re covered. It’s important.”

Tripodi knows from experience that being by the water can enhance your lifestyle, making the extra costs worth it. “You could always fix up a house,” he said. “But if you could buy a location, get by or somewhere you can see the water and change the house later.”

“When I sell real estate, I tell people, ‘Look, you’re buying to buy a home, you’re not looking for an investment,’” Tripodi said. “But the nice thing about waterfront is that it can be a fantastic investment.”

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