Journalist, Property Section, The Irish Times.

So, what precisely, are we waiting for? Are we waiting to be told that prices are going up again? At which point we will all rush out to buy.

Like mindless sheep following each other around a field, waiting for one to make the first move, then the rest will follow. We all got such a fright last year, that we huddled up in the far corner of the field waiting for the sheepdog to herd us towards the gate.

Well the property gate is open again. Not quite as wide open as it had been before, but open nevertheless. So let's get moving. You can never buy at the wrong time. However, you can be forced to sell at the wrong time, for you.
Thursday, April 24, 2008

IF YOUR house is one of the vast number of properties still on the market this September, chances are that the price is still too high and it's just not going to sell. Let me just repeat that one more time: IT IS NOT GOING TO SELL.

Now, just for the record, I'm on your side here. Nobody likes the idea that their property is worth a lot less than it was a few years ago. It goes against the grain. Whatever about it not going up in value, it just doesn't sit right with us that the value has actually dropped. And in some cases, it has dropped by almost 30 per cent.

And yes, I agree with you, there are a number of cute hoors out there who are snapping up bargains right left and centre. And if only we had a few squillion in the bank, wouldn't we be doing the same thing ourselves?

And who wants to be the one who sells their lovely home now, for half nothing, only to find that the values may shoot up again in the next few years?

Nor do we want to be laughed at for choosing the worst year in recent property history to sell our house.

You are right to be sorry that you didn't sell in early 2006 when you could have. And you are right to be resentful of your neighbour who did. And no doubt, you would give anything to swipe the smug smile off his beaming face.
Thursday, September 25, 2008