Yes, the summer season is approaching quicker than a new Kim Kardashian nude selfie. But while I’m getting ready by practicing defensive driving techniques others are busy lining up their rentals for the Memorial Day to Labor Day pilgrimage to the east end. Oh, yeah and I’m helping them rent those houses…. I’m the number one rental agent in the Hamptons*…. didn’t I tell you that?! (*based upon stats that I won’t disclose and that are collected by me). But before you can say grab the rose wine and beach blanket, there are a few things you might need to know. Here once again with my perennial video about the obligations of renting a house in the Hamptons is my friend Rob Disario.
One thing Rob didn’t mention in the video is renters are also required to get their own insurance when residing in their temporary home. Recently, I had the chance to ask John Wallace of Amaden Gay Insurance about some of the more important points of why this is necessary…..
Protect yourself when the burglar comes to town!
1) Is it really necessary to get renter’s insurance?
I would always tell summer renters to get their own policy. The average cost is about $300-$500.00 /year. It would cover them for the personal contents and liability for at least $500,000 or more depending on the coverage they select. It would also cover them for loss of use and personal contents they brought to the home. This would cover them if for some reason due to a loss they could not stay in the home they rented they could rent another place and the insurance company would pay for it. This cover them for most everything for a fraction of the rental cost. What is the big deal if they spend $30,000 for a rental or $30,400 to be totally protected? They can always cancel the policy afterward and get probably half their money back.
2) What else can be covered with renter’s insurance?
All renters should check with their current homeowner or renters to see what they are covered for. They can also extend liability to the address they are renting for about $50-$100.00 and would be covered by their primary homeowner’s liability. Some companies give you coverage up to 10% of your contents away from home but you have to check with your carrier. This is the minimum they should do and is subject to their primary homeowners deductible.
3) Any advice for landlords?
Landlords who are renting their home should check with their carrier about renting as well. Most companies are ok with a one or 2 month rental but not much more than that. They will not cover multiple tenants with weekly rentals. Also theft will not be covered if you rent your home in the summer. Most allow up to two different tenants maybe three but that is about it. Otherwise you are looking at a situation where you may void the contract.
If you have additional questions, you can try reaching John at Amaden Gay Agencies in East Hampton 631-324-0041 or go online www.amadengay.com
As we come to the end of the summer of ’15, there seems to be a reoccurring topic of conversation among home owners, agents and pretty much everyone. “Was it a good rental season?” Well the answer in a nutshell is “no.” In fact, I have had a number of homeowners ask me, why their home didn’t
rent. If you’re one of the many who’ve uttered those words you’re not alone. I’m not sure if it was because of all of those short term rental sites or more folks are buying and building. I’ve heard both theories. What I do know… in the opinion of this humble agent was it was not as active as years past. But it wasn’t just me. In fact, I meet monthly with a group of about 25 top agents from a cross section of all the real estate companies and regions. At our last get together someone raised the question, “who thought this was a good rental season?” Unfortunately not one person raised their hand. What I think this means is next year, look for an adjustment in some prices and landlords being a bit more accommodating in cutting a deal. If you found otherwise, feel free to let me know.
One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to hit the beach in the early evening with some friends and enjoy the sand, the fresh air and the surf… and I don’t mean on your smartphone. You only have a few weeks left of Summer ’15 so here’s one way to make it special. But before you lug your blankets, food and friends Wiborg or Fowler, make sure your know the rules. Hello?! Like you didn’t think there were rules…. it’s the Hamptons, there are rules for everything.
There better be a container under there!?
In case you haven’t been paying attention, new laws went into effect that require beach fires in East Hampton town be lit in a metal container, similar laws were already in effect for Southampton and East Hampton village. In Southampton Village, you need a permit to light a bonfire. For the most part no permits are necessary on the other beaches but as I said, you need to clean up… keep it contained… and have some buckets of water handy. You’re of course responsible for putting out the fire and cleaning up afterwards. Also, don’t try to light that fire before 6pm, it’s a no-no.
As for a little Rose for that perfect summer beach dinner party, you’ll need a permit if you’re inviting over 50 people. Also, open containers of alcohol are prohibited across the board but you can get a special permit for catered events and parties. Pets are also allowed after 6pm at most beaches. If you want more information for each local town… check out the links below and have fun. But remember, not too much fun it’s the Hamptons.
So my Monday Morning Market Report is on Wednesday Friday this week. Get over it.
You have to be kidding Bill?
I’m’ not running the train or the Jitney here. Well, not that being on time matters for the Hampton Jitney. The reason is we finally had a decent weekend where we didn’t have 3 feet of snow or freezing rain. I was busy. Once again I’ve spoken to my cadre of experienced brokers (about 10 in all from various companies and office) and they’ve given this weekend a “B-” rating. While it still hasn’t reached “the kind of traffic we should have this time of year”, things are definitely picking up. Rental inventory continues to remain good but there is a pent up demand according to many – potential tenants have been making inquiries but haven’t taken the trek out here to seal the deal. Look for that to change in the next few weeks. A few attorneys have also remarked to me, that they are now feeling the effects of the arctic blast from a few weeks ago and things are quiet. Meanwhile, Bill Evans on channel 7 WABC says we are in for another blast of winter this weekend, so pull that parka back out of the closet… you’re going to need it this weekend. Agents and brokers, get ready for all of the cancellations!
Please keep the chicken pot pie on the menu and bring back the guacamole!
Meanwhile, the clock is ticking for Beach Passes thanks to people buying them online. Make sure you do so soon. Sources told me they’re selling like hot cakes and they’re already 2/3 of the way to being sold out! It might not seem like it’s beach time yet but believe me it will be here before that next wrinkle on my your forehead! Click here if you want to get yours now!
Finally, some quick restaurant updates! There is a new tenant getting set to move into the former Georgica Restaurant in Wainscott. Rumor around town is it’s going to be Italian and it’s a restaurant already here in the Hamptons….. Hmmmmmm. Anyone know? There’s been a ton of cars in the parking lot lately and seems there may be some renovations taking place.
Also, Highway Diner is doing some major renovations and will be reopening sometime in the next 3 weeks. I’m not sure if the menu will be changing but the interior is undergoing a few changes to make it a little more “homey.”
How cold is it out there? Well if you’re like me you’ve been glued to local news for “Snowpocalypse 15, The Blizzard of 15 and the This Winter Sucks 15” special coverage. Yes, if all of those negative numbers on the screen are giving you flashbacks to your Calculus 101 class, you’re not alone. While the media contuinues scaring the bejeezus out of everyone there is the reality of icy roads and un-shoveled walkways. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that action on the East End was very quiet this past President’s Day Weekend. In fact, even a Valentine’s Day over the weekend wasn’t enough to keep restaurant and business owners happy. The real estate market was much the same this past weekend. A fair amount of action but it would have been better if it didn’t snow! In spite of article after article about how “all the good Hamptons summer rentals are gone,” renters and buyers still weren’t willing to put on their boots and trek through waist high drifts to see properties. I also noticed a slight dip in web traffic this past week maybe due to nobody thinking “beach” when frost bite is imminent. Maybe everyone was busy with Valentine’s Day or going to see “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Either way, my cadre of brokers and agents gave this past weekend a solid “C.” Here’s hoping for a big thaw and warmer temperatures soon.
Doppio…. Last spring
Meanwhile, rumors of the death of Doppio in Sag Harbor have been greatly exaggerated. I for one thought it was pretty much D.O.A. by the end of last summer. But, according to very reliable sources, the Italian eatery which got off to a promising start last summer is coming back for a second season! The windows which are currently covered with paper will be peeled back and service will continue for the handful of dedicated customers. So where did Doppio go wrong last year and how can they make it this season? The biggest complaint I heard was not about the food but rather the service was terrible. I guess in my encounters, I always thought there is better food in town with better service… so why bother. Here’s hoping they pull it together for next year.
Yep… the snow may be deep but you better start thinking about getting your beach permits before you’re stuck going to Asbury Park. Below are the links you’ll need for enjoying fun in the sun this coming summer!
Beach Permit Links!
