Go on – give a hook.

It’s the first thing I look for when I come into a house or a hotel room – the simple hook.

I like to hang my jacket on a hook. Nobody wants to have piles of coats loaded on the banister or on the bed in the guest room or taking up valuable space on the sofa. And perhaps I’m lazy but I don’t want to have to take out a hangar to hang it up properly every time I come in.

Hooks are also bathroom essentials.

I don’t know how many hotels have the towels beautifully folded or rolled beside the sink. But what do you do with a towel after you’ve dried your hands on it? You can’t roll it back up and put it back where it was. You need a hook! I’ve resorted to hanging towels over the edge of the sink, over the shower rail, on the cupboard door. None of these are satisfactory solutions, however. And who has the time to hang a dressing gown properly inside the wardrobe and take space away from dresses and shirts that need this treatment? A hook is the only answer.

And hooks are not just for coats and towels. They are for keys and aprons, jewelry and mops, utensils and handbags, dog leads and oven gloves. So if you want to make your life a little more organized and your guests a little more comfortable, invest in a few hooks. I stay in a lot of Airbnb’s and I am sure the presence of hooks has been a major contributing factor to a good review for these properties! Anyway, whether you are a house maker or a host it’s a simple upgrade, which will be much appreciated. Go on – give a hook!

How to “grow” the value of my property

Does money really grows on trees? Of course trees are important but could they bring up the value of my property?

It is true that trees come with natural and financial benefits. A tree in front of my home with some well kept landscaping can definitely increase the value of my property. If placed in the right spot to provide shade on my house I can even save on my annual air-conditioning costs.

Did you know that looking at trees reduces stress?

That is also true for possible buyers. They might even imagine themselves hanging up a hammock or a swing for the kids on that tree…

Of course I have to choose the right tree for my property. The soil has to be right for my tree. Also, the proper distance to the house has to be decided, especially if I’m looking at a tree that grows very tall.

Why not plant a tree that is known for its valuable wood?

Like that, whenever I may decide to cut it, it gives me a little extra. If you are from Europe, the first tree that comes to your mind may be the good old fashion oak tree. But they might be a few other gems that could be considered.

I recently stumbled upon the wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis). Apparently it is one of the most valuable hardwoods in Europe. I was surprised as I never heard about it. After making some research I found out that it was named the most beautiful wood in the world at the Paris World Fair in 1900. The wood is as strong as from an oak but lighter in color and more expensive.

If I would have more space in front of my house I would definitely plant one of these.

 

New Website Release: Ready to take off!

Our new and improved website is going online tonight (15.05.2018)!

We are excited to announce the release of our new and improved property website.

Therefore, if you’re a regular visitor to our website, you will notice not only that it looks better, but new features will be there as well. Continue reading New Website Release: Ready to take off!

The lack of a single European Property Website

Most countries have a main property website or two that covers the whole country.

The US also has a couple of major sites which appear to cover the all states (www.realtor.com being the one I have used).

One thing that seems to be missing in Europe is a joined up property website.

One that  summaries all properties for sale throughout the whole European area.

Continue reading The lack of a single European Property Website

The best time of the year to sell your house

Does it matter when do you put your house for sale? Actually yes.

Property sales vary along the year usually peaking during June, July and August.

The same way birds nest during spring time it seems we are more likely to think about finding a home as days get longer and daffodils start to bloom.

Quoting Leo Tolstoy – “Spring is the time of plans and projects”.

Continue reading The best time of the year to sell your house

How do I know how much my house is worth?

Selling a house is not the sort of thing most of us is accustomed to do every day.

How can you know how much to ask for your house?

Is there a way to calculate the asking price?
Whether you’re selling, mortgaging or renewing your home insurance, knowing the value of your home will be the first thing on your to-do list. Continue reading How do I know how much my house is worth?

Why Estate Agents are here to stay

Every so often there appears to be a push toward the ‘sell your house yourself’ movement with companies appearing who will send you a ‘for sale’ sign and a ‘sell it yourself’ explanation pack.

When all this first starting gaining traction a few years I was inclined to think it was a good idea. Now though I have changed my mind.

Whilst we all may feel that Estate Agents do very little I have come to appreciate what they do, let me explain why.

Continue reading Why Estate Agents are here to stay

The effect of transport links on your house value

Recently a new section of the LUAS tram was opened in Ireland’s capital city Dublin. It was noted that the effect on house prices within the areas now linked by the tramway to the city centre was significant. This shows that transport is linked to house prices.

What was also significant was that the effect on house prices was in fact felt about 2-3 years rather than at the time of the opening of the line. The reason for this was that the line was planned and as such people became aware that the areas would soon have the new city centre link. Continue reading The effect of transport links on your house value

Virtual viewing of homes is amazing

I’ve just spent some time looking at virtual viewing of homes for sale. (I was looking on daft.ie, but it is also available on UK sites such as Rightmove and Zoopla).

It is pretty amazing; such a useful tool for getting a good idea of a home before actually having to physically go and look at the property.

Continue reading Virtual viewing of homes is amazing

Sell your House Privately

It is possible to sell your house privately without hiring the services of a real estate agent.

To sell your house privately could potentially save thousands of pounds for you that otherwise go as estate agent fee.

It is easier to sell your house privately if you already know someone interested in buying it or it happens to be a seller’s market with an abundance of homebuyers. Continue reading Sell your House Privately