Southampton House Goes on the Market for Bitcoin Virtual Currency
A Southampton homeowner is making headlines this week after putting the word out that he is willing to offload the house for Bitcoin, a virtual currency.
According to Brown Harris Stevens real estate broker Amadeus Ehrhardt, this is just one of three properties in the nation asking for Bitcoin. Bitcoin was introduced in 2009 as an alternative to currency backed by government fiat or commodities.
Ehrhardt says the home seller, Philipp Preuss, who he has known since childhood, is a trader and consistently looking at financial markets. Preuss is interested in technology and what is out there that can simplify life, Ehrhardt says.
The ranch is listed for $799,000, in U.S. dollars, but the equivalent in Bitcoin will also be accepted. Wednesday afternoon, the USD to Bitcoin exchange rate was $600 to 1 Bitcoin, though the price fluctuates frequently.
Ehrhardt said the listing was updated Friday to accept Bitcoin, and has created buzz since then.
The four-bedroom, two-bath home is on .46 acres across from Big Fresh Pond, with a private dock. The property has its own small pond and big deck, and amenities include a wood burning stove, vaulted ceiling with skylights and a full basement.