When buying or selling a home one of the most common questions I get asked (other than “Where is the property line? Duh, look where the neighbor stops mowing the lawn.”) is what stays and what goes in the transaction. Yes, I get asked if, “are they leaving the coffee maker, what about the runner on the stairs, the original Hockney over the fireplace and the water-pick in the downstairs master?” You’d be surprised what some folks think they get to take and what others think should stay. So, if that Clash song is going through your head, “Should I stay or Should I Go” (and hopefully not because of that awful commercial for Choice Hotels) look no further, I have a legal expert here to sharpen the fuzzy details.
Douglas Moliterno is the founder of Hamptons Law, a boutique law firm located in Amagansett specializing in real estate and estate planning law. I recently had a chance to discuss with him some of the finer points of selling a home on the East End. Here’s what he had to say:
The swing-set should be included if it is bolted or cemented into the ground. If it’s not “attached,” then it should likely be considered personalty and can be taken by the seller – again, always best to clear this up from since it’s not always clear to both buyers and sellers
Work with a good broker that knows what to look out for and knows which gray areas (wall-mounted TVs, swing sets) can cause problems/awkward situations down the road. If not negotiated properly and clearly up front this can become an unneeded problem.
Well some good news for those who love a good steak or a great juicy burger. Sag Harbor’s venerable favorite Cromer’s Meat Market is setting up shop in the Hamptons Market on Race Lane. In case you’re not aware, they also provide meats to more than a dozen restaurants on the East End. So you know they’re pretty good. Signs in the market indicate it will be opening today (March 21st). If you remember, there hasn’t been a butcher there since before the market suffered from a fire and forced renovation about a year ago. A nice ode to spring unless of course you’re a cow!
Meanwhile, sometimes a name change is just a name change The former Agave in Bridgehampton… which is not to be confused with the old Agave in Sag Harbor or the current Agave in Westhampton… has changed its name to Mercado. According to their 
If you’re a person who loves new places and things, you’ve more than likely visited Trip Advisor. You know the place where every day folks let you know what they think of this hotel or that restaurant. For example, if you want a good chuckle read the reviews on Blue Parrot. Well I recently logged onto the site and I noticed something a little odd. The “East End Eating Disorder Center” is apparently seeking reviews on the site. While, I’m not so sure if this is a good idea, I can assure you there will be no middle ground. My guess is most of the reviews are either the portions are too large or in fact too small. Now, I’m not making fun of eating disorders but you have to admit, this is weird. Besides if people are eating too much it’s just as easy to take them to Blue Parrot.