Meet Brianna Nesta of BHS’ Hamptons Office

With a thoughtful, relationship-first approach and a deep appreciation for the Hamptons community, Brianna Nesta brings a fresh yet grounded perspective to Brown Harris Stevens. Formerly with Serhant, she was drawn to BHS for its legacy of trust, collaborative culture, and the balance it offers between independence and institutional strength. As a Gen Z agent, Brianna offers a unique lens on the evolving Hamptons market, where younger buyers and renters are shaping new demand across both vibrant and more tranquil enclaves. In this spotlight, she shares her insights on the season ahead, what sets her apart, and the personal experiences that continue to shape her approach to real estate.

You were previously at Serhant, what is it about Brown Harris Stevens that is so different from the other brokerages?

What stood out to me immediately about Brown Harris Stevens was the depth of experience and the collaborative culture. In the Hamptons especially, relationships and reputation matter. BHS has built that trust over decades. I also appreciated that the firm gives agents the resources and support of a major brokerage while still allowing us to build our own business authentically. That balance of independence and institutional strength is something I felt was very important as I grow my career.

As a Gen Z agent, is there a market for that demographic in the Hamptons now?

Absolutely. I believe a market exists for the Gen Z demographic in the Hamptons because Gen Z doesn’t fit into one box. Some are coming out for the energy of Montauk, surf culture, and the social side of summer, but there are a lot of younger people who are also drawn to quieter parts of the Hamptons for wellness, nature, and a slower, more intentional pace.  In a lot of ways, it’s not just that there’s a market for Gen Z, but Gen Z is the market. Within my generation there’s a community that aligns with almost every subculture in the Hamptons.

If you had to come up with something that separates you from the hundreds of other real estate professionals in the Hamptons, what would you say that is?

I move through both my work and my personal life in a very authentic way. Rather than trying to replicate how others operate in this industry, I focus on building real, lasting relationships with my clients and the community around me. Real estate in the Hamptons is a huge market, but at the same time it’s a very small community where people remember how you show up and how you treat them. In a place like this, trust isn’t something that’s bought and it’s not simply given, but it’s earned over time. My approach is to focus on community first and trust that the transactions will follow.

Favorite Dining Spot in the Hamptons? What are you ordering? 

Suki Zuki in Water Mill. It’s one of those great local spots that never lacks a good conversation at the bar. The energy is casual and authentic, and it’s the kind of place where both locals and visitors naturally end up. I always order the teriyaki chicken salad and the tuna sandwich, and if I’m staying a while, a glass of one of their recommended Japanese whiskies.

What are you most looking forward to this summer in the Hamptons?

I’m looking forward to both the expected and the unexpected. Summer is when the Hamptons truly comes alive. The village sidewalks are lined with people strolling through town, the restaurants and beaches are packed, and there’s an energy in the air that you can feel. At the same time, the Hamptons is always evolving. Each season brings new restaurants, galleries, pop-ups, and trends. New faces mix with the familiar ones who return every year, and no two seasons ever feel quite the same. I’m most excited to see how the Hamptons continues to evolve this summer.

How was this season’s rental market in the Hamptons?

Demand continues to be high for well-located homes, particularly properties near the water or close to the villages. One trend I’ve seen this season is that many renters are beginning their searches much earlier than they have in the past. In some cases that means months in advance. I closed a Memorial Day through Labor Day rental in January, which really shows how competitive the Hamptons rental market continues to be.

Share something that few know about you.

Before real estate, I spent several years working in the security field. When I stepped away from that industry, I still felt a strong pull to stay involved in service work which led me to begin volunteering with my local ambulance. Real estate brings me a lot of gratification in helping clients navigate what can sometimes be a complex and tedious process, but being able to help someone in immediate need is a different kind of calling that I will always have.

Share a photo from your camera roll that is meaningful to you and share why.

This is a photo of me with my grandmother, Carol Nesta. She took on the responsibility of raising me, and I truly wouldn’t be who I am today without her. She passed away in 2019, and losing her was the most difficult thing I’ve ever experienced. She was my foundation, and so much of who I am today comes from how amazing she was. Her passing reminds me how short our time here really is and to never take a single day for granted.

Connect with Brianna at [email protected]