“Since [Hurricane Sandy], I think we’ve been steady and just a touch on the incline value-wise, based on the sales in the area,” Scully said. “Circumstances in some people’s lives are settling down. I think that would be one of the reasons why we’re seeing more activity.”

He added, however, that not all prospective home buyers are ready to bounce back — many people who are hoping to move back to Island Park are still displaced or rebuilding, and the prospect of raising houses above flood level is a daunting one. Nonetheless, Scully said, the interest is there. “I’m pleased to see the desire to live in the area by so many people,” he said. “That’s a very good sign for all of us.”

Meanwhile, in the business of real estate, there also seems to be room for growth: Since 2011, Karlen’s office has grown from five to nearly 50. “And in this market,” he said. “And through the storm and everything else.”