At Home with Breffnie

Ready and waiting for a new life in the country? The unlikely fairy godmother  called Covid, might just make your dreams come true.  This week we are joined by my city dwelling bee keeping, vegetable growing friend, Karin Stierle, about how this odd time has proved the catalyst for a move out of town.  We look at the delicate choreography of selling one home to finance another and getting the timing right

This time Breffnie's the one being interviewed!. In a conversation with James Rogers, Site Editor of www.myhome.ie Breffnie talks about how she got started in her business and the type of person who uses a Buyer's Agent. 

Inspired by a recent conversation with a client about which of two properties they should bid on, I've outlined 8 ways in which the site of a property can be compromised  to such an extent that I would be reluctant to buy it eg. steep slopes, presence of water, "over built" site etc.    I always welcome feedback. Get in touch! To book a one hour property coaching call with Breffnie, click here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17262788     To find out more about working with Breffnie as a Buyer’s Agent click here: www.breffnieokelly.ie

Living abroad and need finance to buy a property in Ireland? Then you won't want to miss this conversation with Niall Coughlan, Senior mortgage advisor with Irish Mortgage Corporation. Niall is expert in helping Irish abroad get home loans in Ireland. Key take aways from this podcast episode are: you'll need a minimum deposit of 35%,  the maximum loan term is 25 years,  your loan approval will be valid for 12 months, you'll get good "home owner" rates if you are buying for your own use rather than buying to rent, which can be a little more complicated. Also you'll need to meet Niall in person at some point before you draw down your  loan, so if you're home for Christmas make sure to take five minutes to physically meet with Niall who will do his best to make himself available.   Tune in for truly granular and usefu information.  Contact details for Niall are: niallc@irishmortgage.ie    Phone number is: + 353 86 8944607   If you'd like to book a call with me,  just go to my website and scroll down till you see the calendar link. www.breffnieokelly.ie    Thanks for listening.   

53. And now for something completely different! This week I am joined by a CLIENT!  for a change. Erika Bernath, Austrian Consul in Dublin, joins me today to talk about her experience of finding a home in Dublin using me as her property finder.  It transpires that this was the first time in 27 years of moving from country to country that she actually had found and signed a lease on a suitable property in advance of arrival and so was able to move directly into her apartment on touchdown at Dublin airport.  This was all thanks in no small part to the use of Zoom technology and good communication. Key advice Erika would offer to anyone moving to Dublin is to use an agent to help find accommodation and trust your gut instinct. Can't argue with that!

 All of us in the property business, whether as agents, buyers, or sellers, spend a lot of time chasing or waiting for information. Robert Hoban, estate agent, holder of a law degree and  co founder of Offr.io joins us in today's podcast to tell us why he created Offr.io and just how it works to stream line the whole property sale and purchase process. Having had a good look at this product, especially at the way in which it motivates the vendor to engage meaningfully in the legal process from day one, I would earnestly urge every estate to check this software out.  As Robert Hoban says in the interview, the Offr.io software is designed to free up the estate agent's time so that he or she can spend maximum quality time talking to their vendors and to buyers If you'd like to book a one hour property call with Breffnie at the end of which you'll have got clarity on your current property issues and know what your next step is, then click on the link below. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17262788

51. Are we ready for Keller Williams in Ireland?  Fresh from reading The Millionaire Estate Agent by Gary Keller, founder of  Keller Williams, the largest real estate agency in the world, I think we might be! In this episode I'm joined by Paul Allen, Regional Operating Principal with Keller Williams Ireland,  who discusses how software can help the agent keep every vendor viewer and buyer within the agent's eco system for ever.  It's one of the longer episodes and lots of topics are touched on especially the nitty gritty of what would be involved from a cost and logistical point of view for any agent thinking of going it alone under the Keller Williams umbrella.  Thanks for listening!  To book a one hour property coaching call with Breffnie, click here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17262788     To find out more about working with Breffnie as a Buyer’s Agent click here: www.breffnieokelly.ie

50. When you're looking for a new home, do you consider buing a new build? If like me, you're someone who may have automatically ruled out buying a new build on the basis that you're just not a new build kind of person, then you definitely don't want to miss this conversation with the charming and thoughtful Ronan Mc Kenna, sales director of Glenveagh PLC. who explains the goal that Glenveagh has of building developments that are deeply connected to and supportive of the existing community.  We go through the whole process from how Glenveagh acquires land, decides what to build and then the whole process from the buyer's point of view.  

This week I'm joined by interior designer Anne Tuohy of www.roomjunkie.com . I've asked Anne to talk us about how to look at a prospective property using the eyes of an interior designer. Anne shares great tips on orientation (south and west facing to the rear are best), how to add light into a home, light  laminates or large light coloured tiles on floors, glazed internal doors, light reflective paints, big windows etc are some of the ideas you'll take away from our conversation. If you're not sure what your personal style is....Anne suggests starting with the kitchen and then letting the finishing of the rest of the house flow from the kitchen, I had never thought of this as a place to start but think it's a wonderful idea. To book a one hour property coaching call with Breffnie, click here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17262788

Podcasts, books, boxsets.....there are so many ways we can flesh out our understanding of the property buying and interior design process. This week Breffnie outlines a collection of books, podcasts and programmes that she loves and consults regularly. The podcasts and programmes are free and the books are well worth the money you'll spend. The collection includes:  1. At home with Breffnie and www.breffnieokelly.ie ( free videos, blogs, podcasts here) 2. The great indoors podcast ( lively Interior design podcast by two english interior designers) 3. Business of Design ( Canadian interior designer, Kimberly Seldon, shares the systematic approach she takes to getting projects completed) 4. The Architetct's Pocket Book- a paperback  (Charlotte Baden Powell) 5. Love the house you're in - a paperback  (Paige Rien) 6. Room to Improve (House rennovation programme available to watch for free on RTE player) Book a 55 minute property coaching session with Breffnie

This is an episode for people who know what it is to have property related problems. So if you've borrowed too much to buy property, or have unresolved property issues, then my conversation with Joe Doyle property entreprenur and business coach for tradesmen of  www.joedoyle.ie, should give you hope, courage and resolve. Joe has lived through the full journey of  property boom to nearly bust and now boom again. Enjoy and don't give up!! Book Breffnie for a one hour property coaching session  

To franchise or not to franchise? In this week's episode, Martin O'Connor of DNG in Moycullen talks about his story of how he got into auctioneering and how he made the decision to become a franchise member of DNG, rather than choosing to go solo. If you have an interest in real estate and have ever considered pursuing a career in this path, this week's podcast is for you; and a great opportunity to gain some valuable insight from a highly experienced agent. Click link below to book a one hour coaching session with Breffnie and get your property questions answered.  Book Breffnie for a one hour coaching session

Location, location, location....what exactly do property people  mean by this phrase? This week I take a big picture look at the subject and show how "one location does not fit all"... just because it's a good location does not necessarily mean it's the right location for you!  Book Breffnie for a one hour property coaching session

This week's episode talks about all the tips and tricks to make your first time buying a house as smooth and easy as possible, how to make the process less daunting, and how to pick a house that's right for you. Book Breffnie for a one hour property coaching session

Straight talking, clear thinking and no messing this week with property developer and accountant Catherine Brennan. Catherine talks us through her roller coaster property journey from big boom time portfolio through the down turn and back to property in a wiser, more prudent way. Essential listening for anyone who's been through dark property times and wants to get back into property. Catherine's story will help you make your property journey make sense and make money.  Book Breffnie for a one hour property coaching session

Book Breffnie for a one hour property coaching session This month, my two worlds collide, that of estate agency and that of mindfulness.  I talk to a friend Johnny Marcelin about a recent 10 day silent retreat he felt the urge to do, and how it has helped him feel more at home in his body and in his house. 

During the boom I bought property, rennovated it  and sold it on for a  profit.  I also bought property with no clear strategy and that proved to be a disaster. Right now I'm looking afresh at the whole business of making money out of property and am starting off with this "ladybird" guide.  Thanks for listening!   Book Breffnie for a one hour property coaching session

Book Breffnie for a one hour property coaching session Ever look in an estate agent's window while on holidays?  I do!  This time however,  I screwed up my courage and actually stepped inside. I was very grateful that Eduardo Teixeira da Cunha  of Chestertons Estate agents in Porto, Portugal, took time to talk to me about the business of property purchasing in Portugal.... he also shared a fair bit of his philosophy too! If you'd like to contact Eduardo, click on the link below to be brought to his site.  Thanks for listening. https://www.chestertons-portugal.com/locations/porto and 

Building a new house? Follow the sun! and while you're at it, follow the wise suggestions from architect Eva Byrne as she joins us in this episode to talk through the best approach to a new build. Piles of information here...right down to Eva's "recipe" for an ensuite and the ideal distance between kitchen units and the kitchen island. If you want more, get onto Eva directly at www.houseology.ie  Book Breffnie for a one hour property coaching call

For every property myself and my clients say "Yes" to, there are multiple ones that we have said no to. This week I said no to ten different properties, here's why.  Book Breffnie for a one hour property coaching call  

Have you ever thought about renting out a room in your home? This week, in a "making money from property" episode, I talk to Aisling about "sweating" the family home asset . Aisling tells us how she used income generated by renting out a bedroom on Air BnB to help pay for the repainting of her family home.   An interesting tale told by a wise and pragmatic woman.  Book Breffnie for a one hour property coaching call

Isn't it a bit scary to buy a property with a friend?  Not if you're brave, decisive and energetic like this week's podcast guest, Aimee Ryan who has just done it. As though this transaction in itself wasn't daunting enough, Aimee has found herself doing a lot of the building work, along with holding down her full time job. Exhausted yet? I am! Book a one hour property coaching call with Breffnie

The  records that estate agents are required to keep are actually an important part of the legal fight against money laundering.  Barrister Anne Marie Whelan of www.regsol.ie joins us today to tell us about money laundering and the way www.regsol.ie  helps estate agents stay compliant in maintaining those records.  Here's a link to the course on Antimoney laundering and GDPR that they're running on 4th April https://www.regsol.ie/public-training-schedule.php......after this episode, I'll be attending it! Book a one hour property coaching call with Breffnie

Regina Mangan, of Liberty Blue Estate Agents, shares (very generously) all of the systems that she uses in the property rental side of her business. During our conversation it becomes completely clear that any agent would be well advised to automate the "low value" work and allow their staff become focussed on client facing work. Listening to Regina, you will be inspired! I certainly was. 

Today we talk to Janet Carroll of www.janetcarroll.ie and  trace the roots of her estate agent's business back to Janet's  granny's house on South Frederick St, a love of working that started at the age of 11 and a glamorous ex pat life in the south of France! An inspring tale. 

I usually talk about some aspect of buying property, but the crazy crows flapping and nesting outside have inspired me to think about nesting and how we live in our homes. This week I'm taking a look at the purpose of each space in my house and have been surprised at what's being going on under my nose! 

In this episode, I talk to a fascinating interior designer about the many shades of grey, how white is not always the best colour for your ceiling, and how to choose colours for a north-facing room. Ger Cooney has lots to say about colour, and this is a really informative chat.

I love seeing innovation and change in the property industry and was really curious to hear how  Auctioneera, a new estate agency, differs from traditional agencies .. Helen O Keefe of Auctioneera tells us how and why she and her partners started this new style of estate agency. 

Unless you've got your money sitting in euros in an Irish bank account or an up to date letter of loan offer from the bank please don't spend any energy at all on your property search. Instead, put all of your focus and energy into making one of these two things happen. This week I look at five ways in which money can be slippery and tricky so you've got to keep a firm grasp on it before you ever glance at myhome.ie or daft.ie

Are you working from home and feeling a little bit sheepish about it?  This week we explore if you need to have a "bricks and mortar" office in order to run a legitimate business. Bernadette Doyle, my guest this week is busy running a highly successful seven figure marketing business (when she's not hanging out with Richard Branson on Necker Island).  If you'd like to find out more about Bernadette and her business go to www.bernadettedoyle.com. Thanks for listening!

It's schools  Rugby season and this week I talk to Francis Fullen of CI Structures about the  innovative sports hall he  constructed for Blackrock College.  The interview takes us behind the scenes of the deal to places as far afield as Bahrain as we hear tales of Dinosaurs and triple Birthday cakes.  It gets a little technical for a few minutes half way through but stay tuned... it's worth it. Thanks for listening. 

Thinking of buying an apartment to live in? Apart from the annual service charge, here are 14 other things you should keep an eye out for. 

We might all agree that it's hard to find "the one".  When it comes to property, it's not much different.  It's pretty rare that the desires, needs, budget and readiness of a buyer intersect directly with the wishes, needs and readiness of a seller.  This week we're talking about understanding yourself and your strengths as a bidder and discussing how to make yourself a strong buyer by being informed, organised, energetic and consistent.  

An emerging holiday trend is to have more experiential holiday experiences. We want to live like locals and feel more integrated. Well how better to do this than to swap your home and your local neighbourhood knowledge with a like minded traveller. If you've ever considered taking part in a house swap, you won't want to miss this weeks episode where Aisling Grimley generously shares her family's  recent experience of swapping their  home ( and car!) with like minded Australians. 

This week, we take a birds eye look at the property market in Ireland. How many homes will be sold in 2018, what are the most and least expensive areas to buy, what's happening in the Dublin market, what are interest rates like for property borrowers and  how will the new Air BnB legislation and Brexit affect the property market?  In a gusty property market....these are some facts to anchor you. Happy New Year!

In this final episode of 2018, we look back on gifts, or insights,  received by Breffnie from clients throughout the year.  At any given moment, each of us is likely to be somebody's client and although as clients, we are technically the "receivers" in the transaction, as humans, we can often be offering something very valuable to the supplier. In this week's episode, Breffnie talks through some of the ways in which her clients, by virtue of their personalites,  have given her the gift of useful life and business lessons  in 2018.

In this week's episode, Breffnie chats with Geraldine Keary of Keary Properties who recently took over the selling of a property after the first estate agent left the project. They discuss the impact different  estate agents can have on the sale of a property. 

Not quite sure how the process of buying a property in Ireland works? In this podcast, Breffnie goes step-by-step through the process of purchasing a property as well as highlighting what to look out for as a buyer.    Fore more information visit breffnieokelly.ie

In this week's episode, Breffnie shares her top tips for selecting the right estate agent for you. She highlights the importance of picking the right person to sell your property as well as revealing her helpful hints for selecting the right time of year to sell.

In this week's episode, Breffnie explains what a buyer's agent can do for you. Using examples of recent clients, Breffnie describes how a buyer's agent can make purchasing a home or commercial property easier, from defining what you want from a home, shortlisting potential properties and acting on your behalf when buying from oversees. 

In this week's podcast Breffnie reveals her ten top tips for finding and securing that propert faster. In this episode, you'll hear all Breffnie's expert advice and a few industry secrets that will make your house hunt a lot easier. 

In this week's episode, Breffnie sits down with Gail Coman. Gail bought a holiday home in the early 2000s in Connemara and discusses how it has grown with her family. From endless summer's spent on the Galway coast to introducing it to the rental market, her Connemara cottage has proven to be a great addition to their family life.

Moving home is an exciting time for any family, but for a pet it can be confusing and disorientating. In this week's episode Breffnie meets a professional pet-minder, Dee O'Donnell. Dee shares her top tips for easing the transition for your pet and making them feel at home in a new house.  To contact Dee or for more information contact Breffnie breffnie@breffnieokelly.ie 

In this week's episode, Breffnie meets interior designer Ruth Noble to discuss where to begin when it comes to decorating your home. Ruth reveals her top tips for lighting, balancing asthetic and practicality and how not to fall into the trap of following frivolous trends. We also learn the importance of using an interior designer in the early stages of designing your home.   For more information contact Breffnie at breffnieokelly.ie 

This week Breffnie caught up with property buyer Henry Pryor, described by the BBC as a "leading property expert" and recently featured in The Financial Times.  England-based Henry compares the housing markets of the UK and Ireland and discusses how you make money when you buy a house, not when you sell it. 

If you're thining of trading up, trading down or purchasing your first property, this week's podcast is for you. In this episode, Breffnie sits down with Kieren McAlester of GMC Mortgages to discuss everything from finding the right bank to suit your mortgage needs to how to secure a mortgage for an Irish property while living abroad.

Selling your property? Yes, you know you should declutter, freshen up the paint and get some kerb appeal....but should you do even more? Well my good friend and colleague, Paul Tobin of www.paultobin.ie thinks you should. Listen in to hear how he gets a survey done on behalf of the vendor, spends money on repairs, new floors, new bathrooms, door fittings etc......and it pays off every time. 

Thinking of buying an investment property? You won't want to miss this conversation with my good friend and colleague,  estate agent Clare Connolly of www.Clareconnolly.ie. Clare manages a large portfolio of investment property and has great tips on what to buy, the one key question to ask before you buy  (in case you don't have time to listen it's was it rented out within the last two years and if so at what rent?), how to vet your tenant, the tax efficient time to refurbish and lots more. 

In this week's episode, Breffnie sits down with property estate agent and partner with DNG, Brian Dempsey to discuss why and how sales fall through.  For more, visit: breffnieokelly.ie

In this episode, Breffnie meets Michael Crowley,a partner at Patrick F O'Reilly & Co. Solicitors, who describes the legal process of buying a residential property in Ireland