Welcoming new tenants can be exciting for landlords, but it also requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth transition.
A well-prepared property makes a great first impression and can set the tone for a successful tenancy.
Here are five key steps landlords should take before handing over the keys to new tenants.
Being a landlord can feel overwhelming. From rent collection to legal compliance and maintenance issues, the responsibilities can quickly pile up. However, with the help of a reliable estate agent, these tasks can be managed seamlessly. Choosing the right agent with great Google reviews will not only make your life easier but also help you maintain your property’s value and ensure a steady rental income. Did you know that, with over 1,000 reviews, Liberty Blue are Ireland’s No. 1 5-star reviewed Estate Agents? Read some of our reviews here.
What do Tinder and Bumble have in common with Daft and MyHome? If your answer is not a lot, then think again.
The digital dating and property worlds are not as different as you might think.
In fact, there are many similarities.
Let us explain why…
Selling a home can be stressful, no matter what your circumstances.
But the moving process can be even more complicated if you’re a parent with young children.
Juggling work commitments and the needs of your offspring while ticking off all your sales prep chores can be daunting.
So, here are some tips to make things easier…
It’s months away and probably the last thing on your mind right now, but we need to talk about Christmas.
We know it’s annoying when people jump on the festive bandwagon and drag out the tinsel and baubles early.
But there is a logical reason as to why we’re raising Christmas at this point in time.
And it’s this: if you have ambitions to move home in 2024, you need to get your ducks in a row and act now.
Here’s why…
Many tech experts predict that artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionise how we live in the future.
So, what impact will AI have on the home selling process?
Here’s a quick look at how AI might influence the property market in years to come and why estate agents will always have an important part to play.
With the excitement of the summer holiday season upon us, making sure your home is safe and secure while you’re away sunning yourself needs to be on your to-do list.
Here are six practical tips to give you peace of mind and keep your property safe during your well-earned break.
With Wimbledon now in its final week, many people around the globe are captivated by the extraordinary skill and determination of the tennis stars gracing centre court.
But have you ever thought about the similarities between these elite athletes and top estate agents? Probably not, and it might seem unlikely, but the parallels are surprisingly apt.
Just as Wimbledon champions demonstrate precision, strategy and endurance on the court, the best estate agents showcase these qualities in helping homeowners move successfully.
Let’s look at ways Wimbledon winners’ qualities align with those of successful estate agents…
When selling a property there are two prices…
The price you, as the seller, need to get
The price the market is willing to pay
Unfortunately, it’s what the market is willing to pay that wins the day, no matter how we feel about it.
Choosing the right estate agent is a big step on the road to successfully selling your home.
Meeting different agents at the start of the process can leave you feeling overwhelmed and confused.
But by asking these seven questions, you’ll find it easier to spot the best from the rest.
It’s an exciting moment when a buyer puts a good offer on the table.
After all your hard work to prepare your home for sale, it feels like everything is finally falling into place.
But before you agree a price in a rush of giddy delight, it’s important to ask a few questions – especially if more than one buyer is interested.
This is because you need to understand a buyer’s position to evaluate how good an offer really is.
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 bring to your attention the recent Council inspections taking place on privately rented accommodation.
Waterford City and County Council are actively enforcing the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, impacting all privately owned homes available for rent, including those under the HAP scheme.
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…
Are you planning to sell your home this year? or just curious about what your property may be worth in the current market?
Good news – this article will give you five easy-to-follow tips highlighting how effectively staging your home can boost its appeal to potential buyers.
Styling your home can also potentially speed up the sale and even increase the value of offers you receive.
Let’s dive into the staging tips…
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.
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.
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.
Who doesn’t love it when the sun’s out? Natural light, especially sunlight, has significant mood-enhancing effects on our minds and homes.
For homeowners and residents, understanding how to harness this natural marvel in home design isn’t just about aesthetics but also a step towards a healthier lifestyle.
Let’s discover more…
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.
There’s a lot to consider when you start thinking about moving home.
This includes things like:
What the new monthly mortgage payments will be?
What’s parking like at the new place?
Are the new neighbours friendly?
It’s a massive decision to sell up and buy elsewhere.
When families are involved, our advice is to make your children feel part of the process, and listening to their thoughts, concerns and ideas helps them (and you) get your head around things.
We asked a 16-year-old whose family recently sold and moved to another home what was on their mind during the process.
It makes interesting reading…
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? […]
Buying a home is a huge decision – possibly one of the biggest you’ll make in your lifetime (no pressure then).
And to ensure you make a wise choice that suits your needs now and into the future, it pays to give the process a bit of thought before you start arranging viewings.
Here are five property-hunting tips that could save you time and money.
If you’re considering listing your property for sale, we have some good news and selling in autumn.
Traditionally, there’s a surge in serious buyers coming to the market after the summer lull – so you’ve timed your move wisely.
But what’s the psychology driving property hunters at this time of year? And how can you, as a seller, capitalise on buyers’ motivations to ensure you secure the best deal for your property? Let’s find out.
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.
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…
If you’re thinking about buying your first home, congratulations! You’re about to experience a huge life moment and finally have somewhere to call your own. The first-time buyer journey is exciting, scary, overwhelming… it’s basically all the emotions. So, what can you expect?
In this quick read, we take you through some of the initial steps of buying your first home.
Come on, we’ve all done it. Switched onto a property programme and fallen into the daydream of building our very own house. A walk-in wardrobe, a home cinema, a room just for shoes… sounds great, doesn’t it? But what’s the reality of self-building?
On the one hand, building your own home seems like a great way to get everything you’ve ever wanted out of a property. On the other, are you really prepared for all that comes with building a house?
Picture this: After a long and exhausting property search you finally find the home that’s just right for you. But then the estate agent mentions that it’s a ‘probate property’ and you’re left scratching your head.
While it’s a term that you’ve heard before, you’re not entirely sure what it means and if it could scupper your homebuying plans.
Well, let us explain…
Post-pandemic, having outside space has taken on a whole new level of importance and can add significant value to a property. But what happens when your garden oasis threatens the chance of selling your home?
Some lush green plants might look nice but could signal trouble for a house sale.
In this quick read, we look at the plants that may impact your selling price.
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.
Don’t let your beloved family pet stop you from achieving the best selling price for your property. Follow these tips to ensure buyers aren’t put off making an offer on your home.
Given that 52% of Irish households have a pet*, you might assume buyers wouldn’t bat an eyelid at the prospect of viewing a property where a furry or feathered friend resides.
But many property hunters are put off when they visit a home where there are obvious signs and smells of pets.
The reasons for this aversion to animals can vary; a buyer may have an allergy, have had a bad experience in the past, or love their own animals, just not other people’s.
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.
It’s widely recognised that moving house is one of the most stressful (and annoying) life events you can experience.
If you’re nearing the end of a tenancy agreement, there are a few things you can do to ensure your check-out inspection goes well and (upon moving out) you get your tenancy deposit back in full.
In this quick read, we go through ways to make moving out easier for you and your landlord.
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.
Spring has officially sprung and with it comes a host of joys: longer days, trees in bud and flowers in bloom.
And if you’re selling a property, there’s something else to celebrate – a spike in buyers looking to make their next move.
Traditionally, spring is the busiest season for property sales.
While successive lockdowns and the post-lockdown property rush disrupted this seasonal order, normal activity is now resuming.
So, what’s the appeal of selling in spring? Here are four reasons why it makes good sense.
Whether your rental property is a blank space you just sleep in, or it’s a new family property, it’s important to make it feel like home. So, how can you fall in love with your rental without breaching tenancy rules?
You could be a long-term renter or maybe an house-sharer, but one thing is for sure, making the space your own will immediately change the way it looks and feels.
In this quick read, we look at ways to love your rental without falling foul of any tenancy agreement rules and stipulations.
Commenting on the latest Daft.ie Rent Report for Q 4 2022, IPAV, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers, has […]
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.