How to decode a property listing and save a lot of time.

Owen talks to The Irish Times and gives some insight into how to decode a property listing.

The longer the property is on the market without a bid, the more it might suggest the asking price is a little bit high. A phone call to the agent will give you the answer. The property may have been sale agreed before and the sale may have fallen through, which means that the price might be negotiable.

Photography and videos give a sense of the property, but don’t always present the full picture and make sure to arrange a viewing.

New roof lights, on-trend kitchen taps and an island will draw interest, but don’t forget to look at what lies beneath. If a property has a very low building energy rating (BER), the makeover may be at surface level. BERS are very important when it comes to availing of Green mortgages.

Staging a property is more prevalent these days and can give the impression of turn-key condition, but make sure to ask questions such as when the property was last re-wired, for example.

Where a buyer is in the chain, it is important to understand where you are in the chain, and something that you need to find out before making a bid.

Lastly, and importantly, check out your neighbours before things get too serious.

Read full article here.