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…
Should you move or improve?
It’s a question an increasing number of homeowners in Waterford are asking themselves.
And it’s a big decision with lots of things to weigh up.
In this article, we list some pros and cons to help you gain clarity about what’s best for you.
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…
Buying a home is a huge undertaking that many property hunters find exciting – but also a bit scary.
With so much at stake, what if you make an offer you later regret?
Or what if you don’t make an offer and miss out on a great deal?
If you often feel indecisive at viewings, here’s some advice on letting your five senses guide you.
Your sense of sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste will provide you with a wealth of information to help you make the right choice.
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.
We literally would not be in business without the support of the people of Waterford. Thank you to each one of our clients who has trusted us to help sell or manage the rental of their property over the last 27 years, we really appreciate you.
Being based in Waterford – Ireland’s Best Place to Live! – has been a huge advantage. We love to promote our city and county to the rest of Ireland and beyond!
As part of our celebrations, we got the team together to pick out 27 of our favourite Waterford places, events, activities or tastes. We got back way more than 27 but we’ve picked this lot out at random to inspire you.
Port Lairge, is tú ár ghrá! Waterford, we love you!
Gardens can boost a rental property’s appeal, often making it more attractive to potential tenants – especially during May, as spring is here and summer is around the corner. But, as beneficial as they may be, gardens can also be a source of friction between landlords and tenants, particularly when it comes to garden maintenance responsibilities.
To skillfully swerve such disputes, landlords should adopt a proactive approach.
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.
Today marks a sad day for An Rinn as we bid farewell to our beloved post office, with Postmistress Máire Breathnach embarking on a well-deserved retirement.
Regina talked to local Spar shop owner Paidi Breathnach to reflect on the impact this closure will have on the Gaeltacht community of An Rinn and Sean Phobal.
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.
If you’re looking for a new family home in Waterford, viewings will play a key role in your quest to find ‘The One’.
While marketing photos, videos and virtual tours serve an important purpose, nothing rivals seeing the décor, layout and location with your own eyes.
Viewings also give buyers the chance to discuss the property with the agent and learn more about its history and the seller’s situation.
With all this in mind, where does that leave parents? Should they take their children to viewings or make other childcare arrangements?
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…
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.
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.
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.
As any experienced letting agent or landlord can advise you, ‘expect the unexpected’ when it comes to rental properties.
And that’s why it pays to follow the Scouts’ motto and “be prepared”.
Being prepared for any eventuality can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a full-blown catastrophe if you’re a landlord.
With that in mind, we’ve created a Landlord Emergency Kit.
Let’s dive into five essentials that can save the day.
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…
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.
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.
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.
It’s often said that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but then (confusingly), it’s also said that first impressions count… Why are all these clichés so important? Well, when marketing a property, it’s a bit of both: how a property looks will catch a buyer’s eye before they pore over the finer details.
Photos of your property are what hooks the buyer, what drives them to pick up the phone to arrange a viewing, and what helps them imagine living in your home. So, property photography is an essential part of the selling process.
In this quick read, we look at how to prepare your home for photographs and what to expect.
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.
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…
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.