Property News and Advice

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.

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.

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.

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… Read More

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.

This two-minute read looks at how to trim down your energy bills.

Householders were hit with budget-busting energy price hikes in 2022 – a trend that looks set to continue well into the new year.

Here are some ways to claw back some cash on your heating bills and help the environment at the same time.

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… Read More

Buying a home comes with a lot of dreams, needs and wants, but there’s another consideration, too – budget. Whether you’re taking your first step on the property ladder or moving on to bigger and better things, how can you make every euro count?

Maximising your budget might seem impossible; after all, a downstairs toilet is a must, and you’ve always hoped for a driveway and south-facing garden. But are these wants and desires preventing you from finding something you can actually afford?

Like everything else in life, buying a property needs a bit of compromise. You don’t have to bin your dreams of a garage or home office; you just need to think outside the box.

In this quick read, we look at ways to maximise your budget and get the home you’ve always wanted.

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.

Will your next home improvement project end in success or a desperate call to professional tradespeople? Here are five tips to help your DIY project run smoothly.

Repairing and refurbishing your own home can be immensely satisfying – and save you lots of money. But not every DIY task finishes well.

From crooked countertops to terrible tiles and dodgy driveways, it’s amazing how – even with the best intentions – things can go wrong.

Don’t let con-men trick you out of your hard-earned money. Read on to discover what the ‘fake landlord’ scam is and how to protect yourself.

The fake landlord trick has been around for years, but current market conditions mean that some renters are particularly vulnerable to this con right now.

Here’s how the fake landlord scam works..

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.

This two-minute read looks at some simple steps landlords and tenants can take to reduce the risk of condensation causing mould, damp and disputes.

What causes condensation?
When moist air is cooled by contact with cold surfaces such as walls, windows or mirrors, the moisture condenses into water droplets, AKA: condensation.

This can often cause unsightly mould and, in extreme cases, be unhealthy. Not just in terms of physical health but because it’s a common breeding ground for disputes between landlords and tenants.

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).

This two-minute read looks at how to ensure your home appeals to buyers looking for a family home.

When it comes to devising a marketing strategy to sell your home, the first step is establishing your target buyer.

For example, if you’re selling a slick, minimalist penthouse studio, there’s no prizes for guessing that your target will be young professional buyers.

But if it’s a house or garden flat that you’re bringing to market, then buyers with families should be at the forefront of your mind.

Discover how to make your kitchen look fresh and modern without spending a fortune in this two-minute read.

Smartening up your kitchen is an excellent way to wow buyers and add value. If you can’t afford a full-scale high-end refurbishment, try these cost-saving DIY tips.

Moving house is stressful, moving house with kids… well, that can be a recipe for meltdowns, tantrums, and sleepless nights.… Read More

When searching for a new home, do you scroll past properties that look a little worse for wear? You know the ones, where the carpet hasn’t been changed since the 70s and the floral wallpaper is curling off the walls?

Lots of buyers look for newly renovated or new-build homes due to fear of the doer-upper. If that sounds like you, we’re here to tell you that you’re potentially missing out.

Older, seemingly ‘unloved’ properties may look scary, but they’re often hiding bags of potential.

Here’s what to consider when buying a doer-upper.

There is so much going on in the world today between the invasion of Ukraine and rising fuel and inflation. It’s certainly turbulent times.

One thing that has remained constant over the last two years is the shrinkage of the supply of rental property and properties for sale.

Waterford Property Market Update January 2022 Liberty blue Estate Agents

In this report, I will give you a brief snapshot of what’s happening in the housing market in Waterford right now.

This two-minute read will help you learn about conveyancing solicitors and how to find the right one for you in Waterford.

What exactly is a conveyancing solicitor? This is the person who does all the legal paperwork for you when you are buying or selling a property. The following are our top tips on how to find the right one for you…

This two-minute read looks at the changing rental market and what it means for landlords.

With the rental market changing enormously over the past decade, savvy landlords need to stay on their toes to make the most of their investment.

What Waterford tenants want…

This two-minute read looks at the, sometimes inevitable, part compromise plays in many property transactions. When it comes to buying… Read More

This morning, Monday the 31st of January 2022, Regina had the chance to address Darragh O’Brien TD, the Minister for Housing. Here is what she had to say…

In this three-minute read, we examine the dangers posed by carbon monoxide.

We recently read a statistic about carbon monoxide detectors that left us scratching our heads. According to the NSAI, a whopping 55% of Irish homes do not have a carbon monoxide alarm.

Did you know that by law, any room in a rental property with a solid fuel-burning device or a gas appliance (such as a boiler) should have a working CO alarm? You can find the minimum standards required in an Irish rental property here.

We are thrilled to learn that Dungarvan has been allocated an investment of €1.4 million for a digital transformation hub, which is to include; 90 co-working spaces, an incubation, innovation and commercialisation hub, training workspaces and a digital knowledge facility.

There is a lot happening in the Waterford property market at the moment…

The Waterford Rental Market

In relation to the residential rental market, in December, legislation capping rent increases at 2% per year in Rent Pressure Zones passed both Houses of the Oireachtas. This new law also provides for tenancies of unlimited duration.

I don’t see this being hugely problematic for landlords. Why not? I hear you say…

Ahhh yes, this week from start to finish, was… let just say, a maelstrom of internal feelings compounded by weeks of sleepless nights in a student complex that had my skin crawling with agitation by Monday morning.

To sum it up…

Do you remember when you were a child, and you had a tantrum? Did you ever scream into your pillow with rage?…. We’re all adults here, hush, hush, I won’t tell if you don’t… internalize that and say no more.

Difficult week indeed, tough conversations were had, not enough minutes in the day to do what was required.

Shop Local: In this two-minute read, we look at why it’s so important and enjoyable to buy from local, independent stores.

December is upon us. If you haven’t already started your Christmas shopping then the festive alarm bells will soon be ringing.

During the first lockdown, there was a huge push to support our local businesses. Many of whom were struggling due to the lack of footfall. At Liberty Blue, we are recommending that you rally behind these businesses once again.

There has never been a better time to look locally for your festive items, presents, and anything else that makes it ‘the most wonderful time of the year’.

We reckon it’s time we all got to know Scott, our newest team member, so we sat him down and hit him with some quick-fire buzzer round style questions. 😁

How long have you worked for Liberty Blue?

I am here for almost 3 months now, It’s been great, a huge learning curve from my previous career but I love it.

Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?

Chris Hemsworth, I reckon he could pull off my look 😜

This week I’m going to chalk down as a ‘learnings week’ as Real Estate Industry Leader Stephen Brown likes to put it. I don’t know who coined the expression or where I heard it before but as they say to get ahead in a new industry; you must fail fast, fail often, and fail forward in order to learn and grow.

I made mistakes with the VR camera – not enough scans + pictures – lesson learned.

I made a mistake with the diary – lesson learned.

I started in Liberty blue on September 15th on a Wednesday morning at 9 am. In the first few days that week, I was eased into things by shadowing Akville and Angela. I learned the basics around the technology used in Liberty Blue like Acquaint and Fixflo. I was also lucky enough to sit in on a marketing meeting during my first week too. It gave me great insights into the work and planning that goes on behind the scenes here in Liberty Blue. Everything is meticulously planned weeks/months in advance.

Welcome to our November Property blog

This month I am focusing on the residential rental property market. In terms of activity very little has changed with respect to supply and demand.

As of today, the 10th of November, while writing this blog there are 11 properties in total for rent on Daft in Waterford City. This includes 3 student properties. There are a further 8 in the County of which one is a holiday home and only available until April to rent.

In this two-minute read, we look at how landlords in Waterford can make sure their rental investments stand up to the challenges of winter weather.

With winter officially only a few weeks away, the time is now ideal for landlords to take steps to ensure their properties are prepared for whatever December to February serves up.

By putting a winter property maintenance plan in place, you’re setting yourself and your tenants up for a trouble-free winter period.

Dear Liberty Blue,

One of my tenants is complaining of noise late at night made by one of the other tenants in the building, upstairs. This is a teenage girl who has taken up the drums. In fairness, the noise is only going on until 8 or 9 pm but still, this downstairs tenant is fed up with it because it is going on every evening for about an hour.

Any suggestions? All has been peaceful between these two apartments until now!

In this two-minute read, we look at the BIG reasons why your home needs to be up for sale at the very least before you start seeking a new one.

Picture the scene.

You’re house hunting and have been trawling the internet for what seems like forever. Then one day your eyes are drawn to a beautiful looking home that ticks all your boxes.

You visit the property and boom, fall head over heels with it. It’s the one….

In this two-minute read, we look at one of the simplest ways to turbo charge the sale of your home – decluttering.

When it comes to selling a home, there’s a simple way to add thousands of euros to the price you achieve – and that’s to get rid of your clutter.

By being a little bit ruthless with yourself, and those you live with, you really can achieve a quicker and more lucrative sale.

Here are five ways to say goodbye to your clutter…