auctioneers

When it comes to home improvements, it’s wise to think carefully before you splash the cash.

Homes renovated to a high standard attract more buyer interest and sell more quickly.

However, not all refurbishment works will bring you the same rate of return.

Buyers tend to pay particular attention to the condition of specific areas of a property, so it’s best to invest your time and money in these places.

Here’s a guide to some of the best-value home improvements, including some tips for those on a budget.

Supply across the country remains the main issue in today’s housing market. We are seeing historic shortages of available housing stock. Supply of second-hand homes is down by 27% compared to last year and a whopping 46% compared to pre-COVID times according to Daft. 

Asking prices for homes in Waterford City and County have increased by €5,000 on average in Q1 – according to a recent My Home report. 

Average property listing price Q1 2024 on Daft for Waterford City: €247,064 – up 10.2% on same time last year.

I wanted to discuss the significance of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) with you today. The EICR is a crucial document resulting from an assessment of the electrical installation in a property. It serves as proof that any provided appliances are safe, bear at least the CE marking, and assures the safety of the equipment in use. It is imperative that this assessment is conducted by an experienced and qualified electrician or an approved contractor.

Today’s property article centres around an essential aspect of property management – the Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER). In simple terms, it’s a certification that evaluates the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings.

Why is it crucial? Well, for starters, a higher BER translates to lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and an increased potential value for your property. Even a small difference in BER grades can significantly impact heating costs and environmental impact. Whether you’re in the process of buying or selling a property or simply aiming to cut costs and enhance sustainability, the BER provides valuable insights into the improvements your property might need.

There’s plenty to consider when moving home, especially when a growing family is involved.

Over the past few months, we’ve looked at the buying and selling experience through the eyes of different members of a family who moved recently.

We’ve spoken with teenagers, younger children (5 – 8) and mums.

In this article, it’s dad’s turn to share his thoughts, fears and advice on moving home with a family.

Here’s John’s experience…

If you’ve just inherited a rental property, then you may be wondering what your options are.

While you won’t need to make any decisions on the spot (it usually takes many months to settle an estate), it’s good to start thinking about the issues you’ll have to address in time.

The first is what you intend to do with the property. Assuming you don’t want to move in yourself, your options are to:

Continue to rent the property out. That way, you’ll earn a monthly income and have a long-term investment that you could later pass on to your family.

Sell the property and use the funds to pay debts, invest or spend how you wish.

Let’s look at what each scenario involves.

Springtime in Waterford is not just when the natural world comes back to life but also when the local property market shakes off any winter blues.

And if you’re mulling over a move in 2024, the spring months between March and May could be the perfect time to sell your property.

Here are six spring selling tips…

Planning to renovate your rental? There’s one thing you should know before you start pulling up carpets or ripping out cabinets.

It will help you avoid a costly and avoidable mistake that many landlords make, and it’s this.

Don’t let your emotions cloud your decision-making…

Are you interested in hearing what’s happening in the Waterford residential property market right now?

In the video and report below Regina reviews 2023’s residential property sales market and gives an update on what’s happening in the market so far this year.

They say selling a home is a marathon, not a sprint, but what happens if your sale is progressing at a snail’s pace or going nowhere?

How can you get things back on track and find a buyer who will go the distance?

One option – and it’s a big move – is to switch agents.

Sellers usually take this step when they’ve grown frustrated with a lack of progress and feel that a fresh start is needed.

Here’s a guide to the next steps you should take…

If talk between you and your partner this Valentine’s Day turns moving in together, there are a few practical things you should know first.

Here at Liberty Blue Estate Agents, we pride ourselves on being as helpful as possible.

But dishing out relationship advice is a step too far – even for us.

So, if you’re considering moving in with your partner, we’ll leave the big decisions and lovey-dovey stuff down to you.

However, if you decide to co-habit, we have some useful, albeit unromantic, advice for you…

One of the biggest challenges first-time buyers (FTBs) face is getting a mortgage deposit together.

Saving a large sum of cash while covering all your living expenses during a cost-of-living crisis is no mean feat.

However, having a good plan and clear goals can make this daunting task more achievable.

Recently we shared a teenager’s thoughts on moving home, today it’s mum’s turn to tell us how she felt when selling up and moving…

The perfect home

“The journey to a new home began excitedly, especially when we found the ‘one’ – the property we loved and wanted.”

Exciting News! We are absolutely thrilled to unveil a partnership that is not just about sponsorship but about embodying the heart and soul of our community. Liberty Blue Estate Agents is proudly joining hands with the esteemed Dungarvan Camogie Club as the official sponsor for their jerseys!

At Liberty Blue, our ethos revolves around more than just real estate; it’s about fostering a vibrant, supportive community where everyone thrives. And what better way to show this than by supporting local sports and celebrating the indomitable spirit of Waterford?

Recently we’ve been delving into the psychological aspects of home buying.

It’s fascinating stuff.

For sellers, it can offer invaluable insights, helping them better understand how they (and their estate agent) can achieve the best possible price for their home.

Buying a home is not just a financial transaction; it’s a deeply emotional journey influenced by many psychological factors.

Let’s investigate some of these.

We’ve got some awesome news to share! We recently threw our annual Christmas coffee morning bash at the Marina Hotel Waterford, and it was a hit! But what made it even more special was that it was all for a good cause – supporting Saint Vincent de Paul.

Picture this: the Marina Hotel buzzing with laughter and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, as folks gathered to spread some holiday cheer. It was more than just a morning of sipping on lattes and nibbling on pastries – it was about lending a hand to those in our community who need it most, especially during this time of year.

Here are five little things that can make a big difference when it comes to building goodwill and rapport with […]

Forecasters predict this winter will be cold and dry – making it likely we’ll get lots of snow. 

While this is excellent news if you’re a skier, if you’re a landlord, it means there’s no room for complacency when it comes to maintenance and repairs.

Freezing temperatures can cause all sorts of property damage, so it’s vital that your rental is ready for the tough months ahead.

Here’s a list of seven ways to winter-proof your property to avoid expensive repair bills and ensure that you and your tenants can rest easy on cold, dark nights.

Deciding to sell your home is a big decision that comes with a long list of jobs and responsibilities.

Along with decluttering and last-minute DIY, you need to find a good estate agent (we can help you with that). You may also need to speak to a broker if you require a mortgage to fund your next move.

But there’s another critical aspect of the process that often gets overlooked: the conveyancing (the “legal” transfer of a property from one owner to another).

So, to avoid unnecessary hold-ups that could make your buyer lose patience, it’s worth getting ahead of the curve and following these five conveyancing tips.

Are you pondering whether to sell your Waterford home? With the property market constantly changing, it’s natural to wonder if now is the right time.

To help you decide, we’ve crafted a fun, informative quiz.

So, you think you’ve mastered the art of letting properties?

With every tenant you place and every lease you renew, you grow more confident in your prowess as a confident, caring and capable landlord.

But are you one of the best landlords in Waterford?

We’ve put together a quick quiz to help you find out…

Just the thought of moving home can make you break out into a cold sweat. It’s a life experience that many people think of as one of the most stressful things you can do. So how can you minimise those feelings of panic?

In this quick read, we look at ways to make selling your home a little bit less stressful and more manageable.

It’s up there with late rents, messy tenants and broken boilers on a landlord’s Headache-ometer. What are we talking about? […]

If your dreams of buying a new home rely on the sale of your existing property, then there’s one fundamental question you need to answer.

Are you going to look for a new home first and then sell your property – or do things the other way around?

While both scenarios can work out in the end, we think one option is far more favourable – and that’s getting your current property on the market first. Here are four reasons why.

If you’re fortunate enough to be in a financial position where you can rent out your home instead of selling it, should you take the leap?

After all, if you don’t need to sell to fund your next move, renting your property is an option worth exploring.

Here, we explore the dilemma of renting out a property instead of selling.

When it comes to preparing for a property sale, most sellers focus on the early stage of the process: staging […]

Buying a property with a partner can be an exciting next step in a relationship.

Swapping paying rent or living with family for cosy nights with your beloved in your own home can be a blissful prospect.

But before you arrange a series of viewings in a giddy rush of excitement, it’s worth sitting down and talking a few things through with your partner.

Buying together is a huge commitment, yet most couples seem to spend more time planning a holiday than planning their home search.

Getting some of the practical stuff nailed down early on will help you focus your search efforts and avoid arguments along the way.

Some of these questions may seem awkward, but once you’ve got through them, you can get on with the fun of searching for your new home together.

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been a nosy neighbour at some point, haven’t we?

A ‘for sale’ sign goes up on a property in your street, and within minutes you’re online to find out what it’s on the market for.

Soon enough, you’re marvelling or shuddering at your neighbour’s taste in décor and deciding that your home is bigger, smaller, smarter or fancier than theirs.

There’s nothing wrong with this; in fact, if you plan to sell up yourself, it’s useful market research. But it’s also important to keep things in perspective, or you could develop what is known in the property industry as Next-Door Syndrome.

The number of downsizers active in the housing market has skyrocketed in recent years, and is it any wonder?

With steep hikes in energy bills, interest rates and inflation, many people feeling the squeeze are rethinking how – and where – they want to live.

Downsizers are often stereotyped as empty nesters flying the coop to enjoy retirement. But due to economic issues, a wider variety of homeowners are now looking to make a change.

Every year, the Bank of Mum and Dad comes to the rescue by helping thousands of first-time buyers get on the housing ladder. It is estimated that almost half of first-time buyers currently receive financial help from their parents to purchase a property.

But for parents planning to assist their loved ones, or children hoping to get a helping hand, there are a few issues to consider first…

At last summer is here, so what are your plans?

Have you booked an exciting getaway in an exotic location? Or is the aim to kick back and relax on home turf?

Whatever you’ve lined up, it’s worth taking note of the common concerns that can crop up in rented accommodation during the summer.

Before selling your home, you might be thinking about ways to increase the value or unlock potential so buyers can get a feel for what it would be like to live there themselves. But renovations are costly and may not pay off. So, what can you do to make a change without spending too much?

Whilst it’s always a good idea to spruce up a property before it goes on the market, the key is to know exactly what changes really add value before making any big decisions.

In this quick read, we look at ways to increase the value without spending an absolute fortune.

If you’re selling a property, you might think that selling to one of your nearest and dearest is the answer. After all, when selling to family, they know what they’re buying, you’ll save on professional fees, and the home you love will be left in good hands.

But is it really that simple? Unfortunately, no.

In this quick read, we look at some of the things that could go (very) wrong if you’re thinking about selling to a family member or friend.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage your property, getting a good mortgage deal is probably top on your list of priorities.

You could lose hours scrolling through comparison sites, frantically searching for the best lenders’ deals, and trying to find your latest payslips. Or you could do the sensible thing and get a professional’s help.

In this quick read, we look at why a mortgage broker could help you buy your dream home while saving you time and hassle.

Being a first-time landlord can feel daunting. There’s a lot to do before you can get your property rented out – such as repairs, legal obligations, admin, tenant-finding, contract signing, and so on.

But don’t fret.

A good letting agent will help explain all the ins and outs of the process. And can do most of the work on your behalf.

In this three-minute read, we discuss some of the essential steps you need to take before renting out your property.

If a kitchen is the heart of a home, then the bathroom is the brains. It’s where you get a few minutes of privacy every day (unless you’ve got toddlers who like to come in with you). It’s where you do some of your deepest thinking, and it’s an area that could make or break a potential sale.

Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your property, and if your bathroom isn’t up to scratch, it could put them off.

In this quick read, we look at some ways to spruce up your bathroom without spending loads of money.

Remember lockdown when we had nothing to do? Gardening became a fun pastime, and having outside space was a luxury. Well, now that the spring sunshine is back and you don’t need to wear four layers to keep warm, it’s time to make gardening cool again.

Bask in those rays (however weak they may be) and get your hands dirty. Dust off that spade and get the broom ready.

In this quick read, we explore some easy ways to get your garden looking its best.

As the old saying goes, first impressions count. And when it comes to showing off your property, the way it looks will go a long way to impress potential buyers.

If your property is on the market, you’ll be familiar with the feeling of panic when your agent calls to tell you there’s a viewing scheduled. Not because you don’t want to sell it, but because you know you left your underwear on the bathroom floor and your sink is full of last night’s dishes.

This three-minute read is the ultimate lazy guide to sprucing up your home before house viewings take place.

If you’re thinking of freshening up the interior of your home this year, here’s a list of what’s trending on the design front.

Are you planning a mega makeover in 2023? Or perhaps you just want to make some modest changes to breathe new life into your home? Whether your project is big or small, here are some design ideas to inspire you.

Are you planning to sell your home this year? Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for your next move.

Have you got an exciting plan for 2023? A move to a bigger home to accommodate your growing family? Or perhaps you want to downsize and start afresh in a different part of the country?

Whatever your goal, the best way to turn your dream into reality is to secure a good price for your current home. And to help you achieve this, we’ve put together a checklist for preparing a property for sale.

If you’re a seasoned landlord, chances are you’ve experienced at least one out-of-hours call from a panicked tenant about a leaky toilet or boiler breakdown. Why is it these things never seem to happen at a reasonable hour?

Repairs and maintenance of your rental portfolio can be costly and stressful, so having trustworthy tradespeople is invaluable. You need someone who you know will get the job done and (hopefully) won’t charge you exorbitant fees to do so.

For newer landlords, finding a good contractor should be at the top of your to-do list.

Inspections are a key part of managing a tenancy so it’s imperative that landlords get them right. Here are some top tips to ensure landlords don’t miss a thing. A two-minute read.

We’ve all heard horror stories about nightmare tenants who cause huge amounts of damage to a rental property, leaving the landlord up to their neck in repair bills and legal costs. Or maintenance issues that were left and became problematic.

Thankfully, there are ways landlords can minimise these risks and one key strategy is to conduct regular inspections.

How much of what you know about estate agents is really true? This three-minute read exposes a few common urban […]

Homebuyers are heavily influenced by what they see, smell and hear, so here’s a guide to ensuring your property appeals to their senses.

Did you know that when it comes to impressing a buyer, you have just half a minute to make your property stand out?

Yes, you read that right. Most buyers decide if a property is the one for them in the first 30 seconds of a viewing.

So, with so much at stake in that short time, how do you make a good impression? Read on to find out.

The last two years have been hectic for the Waterford property market.

But now, the market is normalising, and homes are not selling as fast as they once were.

It’s also becoming harder to sell a home for a premium price.

Add to that the cost of living crisis and other global events hitting us in our collective pockets.

The good news is it’s still possible to achieve an excellent price for your home if the estate agent working with you knows how.

There’s no doubt about it, moving home is one of the most stressful life events you can go through. As you wade through boxes, try to settle the kids, hunt for the toaster, and pay off all the moving bills, you’ll probably be trying not to scream and lose your cool.

So, what’s the solution? Can you make a house move less hectic for all those involved?

We think so. Here’s our ultimate moving checklist…

Whether you’re a DIY kind of person or prefer to hire a professional, home improvements are on the up.

Since the pandemic, savvy homeowners have been looking for ways to make their properties more comfortable and more desirable to future buyers.

So, what are the most popular home improvement trends?

How can you wow potential buyers with your use of space?

In this quick read, we look at some of the most popular ways to make your home more desirable to future buyers.

Taking that first step on the property ladder is simultaneously exciting and terrifying. No matter how old you are, buying your first property will make you feel like a proper grown-up.

Before you even find the right property, there’s lots to learn, so in this quick read, we’ve pulled together our top five tips for first-time buyers.

Find out how you can impress buyers by making each room in your home look as spacious as possible. A two-minute read.

Whether you’re marketing a one-bedroom apartment or a seven-bedroom mansion, the same rule usually applies – big is beautiful.

We’re talking about big rooms, of course! It’s well known that a home that feels spacious will always get a higher price than a similar property that comes across as cramped and crowded.

So, you’re keen to sell your home in Waterford, but you’re just not getting any offers. What’s going on? How can you make your home more attractive to potential buyers?

In this two-minute read, we look at some of the things that may be putting buyers off (that you can easily fix).