Property News and Advice

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.

Most home sellers want three things: to get the best possible price for their property, to complete the sale in good time and to avoid bucket-loads of stress.

These three goals may sound simple and achievable, but you’d be surprised how many sellers lose their way during the marketing process. 

As a result, they waste time and money and cause themselves more anxiety than necessary.

To help you avoid a few common pitfalls, here’s a guide to how not to sell your home.

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.

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.

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’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…

We are so proud to have been involved in such an important charity art auction in aid of the Helvick Head & Dungarvan RNLI.

Liberty Blue Estate Agents partnered with Offr to allow people to bid online for the fantastic artworks, that were donated by local and international artists for this worthy cause. 200 people registered to bid on the 52 lots and in total €17,834 was raised from the event for Dungarvan and Helvick RNLI.

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…

Maintaining a rental property in Waterford isn’t just about collecting rent; it’s about safeguarding your investment and keeping your tenants happy and safe. That’s why regular property inspections are so crucial.

They help you spot potential issues before they become costly repairs and ensure your property remains a place people are proud to call their home.

At Liberty Blue, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting local talent. That’s why we were thrilled to sponsor the annual Green Room Awards hosted by the Waterford News & Star. The event was a celebration of all things theatre in Waterford, and what a tremendous night it was!

From the moment the curtains rose at the Theatre Royal, it was clear that this evening was going to be something special. The stage was alive with energy, showcasing the incredible talent that our community has to offer. From riveting performances to breathtaking productions, it was a night to remember.

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.”

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…

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.

Is your Waterford home ripe for a refresh? 

Are you itching to ditch dated décor and breathe new life into your property? 

If so, take inspiration from these top interior design trends.

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.

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.

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.