Please help! I am trying to purchase a home in Ireland and cannot get an agent(buyer

Boncap

I have repeatedly contacted agents with my interest to buy. I have stated to them that I am motivated and have cash to purchase immidiately. I must be doing something wrong, as this is most certainly not the Irish hospitality and friendliness I am use to.
For the life of me I can't figure this out!

Signed
Sad and confused in Vancouver Canada

Staph

Are you contacting them about a specific house? Have you placed bids?

Del2005

How are you contacting them? If by email they might think you are some type of scam. Maybe phone a few estate agents that have had houses you like and see if they have anything similar.

Boncap

Staph wrote: »

Are you contacting them about a specific house? Have you placed bids?

I have emailed and called them. I have asked them to call me back and have no responses. I have told them which listing I interested in. I'm not sure how I place a bid without talking to someone???

Boncap

Del2005 wrote: »

How are you contacting them? If by email they might think you are some type of scam. Maybe phone a few estate agents that have had houses you like and see if they have anything similar.

I have called the listing agents about specific listings on daft.ie and property.ie - I cannot get a response from any of them

Stheno

Boncap wrote: »

I have called the listing agents about specific listings on daft.ie and property.ie - I cannot get a response from any of them

Where are you trying to buy?

Boncap

Stheno wrote: »

Boncap wrote: »

I have called the listing agents about specific listings on daft.ie and property.ie - I cannot get a response from any of them

Where are you trying to buy?

I am not really that specific on where, more interested in finding the property that meets my requirements

OU812

Boncap wrote: »

I am not really that specific on where, more interested in finding the property that meets my requirements

They don’t do that here. That’s the American/Canadian way of doing things.

Here you look up houses, spot one you like, book a viewing and if all goes ok, you put an offer in.

Boncap

OU812 wrote: »

Boncap wrote: »

I am not really that specific on where, more interested in finding the property that meets my requirements

They don’t do that here. That’s the American/Canadian way of doing things.

Here you look up houses, spot one you like, book a viewing and if all goes ok, you put an offer in.

I cannot view it - I was hoping to find an agent I trust to take pictures and such and purchase it from here. I have spotted about 10 now I would have liked more information on- and then put in an offer from here.

Boncap

Also, I can not book a viewing when no one will call me back

OU812

Boncap wrote: »

I cannot view it - I was hoping to find an agent I trust to take pictures and such and purchase it from here. I have spotted about 10 now I would have liked more information on- and then put in an offer from here.

Yeah, unfortunately they’re not going to do that here.

You could try one of the larger agencies. DNG or Sherry Fitzgerald. But they have franchisees so you’d be better off dealing direct with their head offices.

Can them, have a discussion with them and tell them your situation and that’s the way you’re used to doing things.

They probably won’t do anything without a non refundable retainer.

They also generally won’t be able to “find” you a house. They’ll suggest something they have on their books and won’t be able to or willing to engage with other agencies as there’s nothing in it for them.

Staph

OU812 wrote: »

Here you look up houses, spot one you like, book a viewing and if all goes ok, you put an offer in.

That’s reallly it. They don’t source houses for you. You have to assess the criteria you want and pick houses in their listings that suit. Are you based in Ireland or are you trying to buy from Canada?

Boncap

Thank you so much for your responses!
I am trying to buy from Canada.
I have called about specific listings and left message of my interest to offer - they have not responded back to me.
I am thinking I cannot be the only person interested in buying from over seas. I would tell them I am willing to pay a retainer if anyone would call me back!

Sure look send me the money and I'll buy the house for you!

cloneslad

There are companies who act as buyers for you, you tell them your requirements and they will find you a property, take photos of it, Skype you the place etc. They do the whole buying process for you.

From watching that show with Brendan Courtney a few months back one example is eldron.ie who had their owner on it in a few episodes.

There's probably others too.

Boncap

Vance Faithful Beggar- I just may have to take you up on that offer!!!😂😂😂

Cloneslad- I have contacted a buyers agency- very highly rated in approval ratings- they won't call me back either !!!!!!😩

cloneslad

Boncap wrote: »

Vance Faithful Beggar- I just may have to take you up on that offer!!!������

Cloneslad- I have contacted a buyers agency- very highly rated in approval ratings- they won't call me back either !!!!!!��

I'm all out of ideas except contact a few of them. I'm sure someone will get back to you.

Alkers

Try buyersagent.ie I've not used them

cruizer101

Would you not consider renting for a while before committing to purchasing a house. Would also mean you can actually view the house and also check the area out where you want to buy in terms of local services, shops, schools, transport links, recreation facilities etc. Now that said rents are a bit mad at teh moment also.
There is a housing shortage at the moment so estate agents are having much trouble shifting properties meaning anything that is more hassle they probably don't want to bother with.

The traditional estate agents you are contacting work for the seller.

It is a classic problem but there is no benefit to them to go to a lot of time and hassle to help you when they will get the same commission from selling to someone who walks into their office with cash in their pocket.

Buying a house sight unseen is risky.
Are you Irish originally?
Are you looking in specific areas that you already know or are you being speculative?
Timezones - if you are in say Vancouver there is very little overlap in the timezones.
Edit: I see that you are in Vancouver.
Irish estate agents are open now at 2am your time till about 10am your time.
Are you being specific about properties or are you ringing up talking in generalities?
Are you looking in popular areas?

happyfriday74

Most estate agents act for the seller not the buyer.

However their are a few buyers agents in the market that specialise in this.

PM sent

Marcusm

Boncap wrote: »

I am not really that specific on where, more interested in finding the property that meets my requirements

You are living 9 timezones away; unless it is a property that they have no one interested in, you are not going to get a great response. You'll need to come over, make arrangements for lots of viewings and try and see a solicitor so you understand how things work legally and find some way to verify your financial position.

Fundamentally, in desirable areas there is a shortage of properties. A remote buyer with few if any plans to view is of no interest to an agent or seller except for the purposes of stoking a bidding war with other purchasers. Until you show some buyer's intent, you are a very risky proposition to take seriously.

1641

Boncap,

As others have said, in popular regions houses are scarce and buyers plenty. Estate agents (acting for the seller) are unlikely to be motivated by an enquiry from thousands of miles away, as this may make the sale process unwieldy and uncertain.A lot of people buying from overseas will have a family member acting on their behalf here in Ireland.

If you are determined to proceed this way I would suggest you at least locate a solicitor to act for you in the legal process. It might go some way towards showing that you are committed.

Buying agents for house are very unusual here in Ireland - I don't know of anyone who has ever used one. However, a quick google search threw up these (I don't know anything about them) :

http://www.buyersagent.ie/

CorkonianBoy

Another "buyer broker" is buyersagent.ie who will act as your representative and will do inspections, etc. They will charge 1-2% of the sale price for the service which is well worth it.
Ask for:
Olivia Hanafin
The Buyer's Agent

Web: www.buyersagent.ie
Tel: [url=tel:+%20353%20(0)%2085%20152%20380]+ 353 (0) 85 1520 380[/url]
Licence No: 003060-005632

CorkonianBoy

I bought a holiday home in County Cork.  Lots of pitfalls in buying property in Ireland but if you have a good solicitor and a motivated vendor, you are on the right track.  In my experiences, many vendors are not motivated and list their property at unrealistic prices.  Also, many auctioneers want to create bidding wars so don't be surprised if they do not quickly respond to an offer.  Also for older homes, planning permission approvals are often missing so you must have someone check with planning departments to take a look at the file.  Gazumping is common so even if you have an accepted offer, you might loose out to another bidder.

blacklilly

I think Owen Reilly would offer the service you're looking for http://www.owenreilly.ie/buyers-agent/

Boncap

Thank you so much everyone.
I am at work and will respond to you all later today!

Boncap

CorkonianBoy wrote: »

I bought a holiday home in County Cork.  Lots of pitfalls in buying property in Ireland but if you have a good solicitor and a motivated vendor, you are on the right track.  In my experiences, many vendors are not motivated and list their property at unrealistic prices.  Also, many auctioneers want to create bidding wars so don't be surprised if they do not quickly respond to an offer.  Also for older homes, planning permission approvals are often missing so you must have someone check with planning departments to take a look at the file.  Gazumping is common so even if you have an accepted offer, you might loose out to another bidder.

Thank you for your response. I am wondering if you might name some of these pitfalls for me?

Boncap

CorkonianBoy wrote: »

Another "buyer broker" is buyersagent.ie who will act as your representative and will do inspections, etc. They will charge 1-2% of the sale price for the service which is well worth it.
Ask for:
Olivia Hanafin
The Buyer's Agent

Web: www.buyersagent.ie
Tel: [url=tel:+%20353%20(0)%2085%20152%20380]+ 353 (0) 85 1520 380[/url]
Licence No: 003060-005632

We have left two messages for Olivia and have not heard back from her

Boncap

Thank you so much for all of your responses and good advice. We have now contacted eldron. I will let you know if I get a response.

Palmy

I am sure you will find tax implications trying to do this. You can’t just magically transfer that amount of money without alarm bells going off. This is obviously to stop criminal activity and money laundering. Unless you find a broker who deals with this often the agent might be reluctant to work with you out of fear of legal implications. I am a Realtor in the US but lived in Ireland for 13 years. Hope that helps

Ps. I can sell you property in Florida, we have plenty of Canadians here. Lol

Averagevegan

I guess what you need is a home relocator service instead than estate agent.
A lot of big company relocate staff here so they do exist.

Estate agents generally treat everybody badly.

cloneslad

Boncap wrote: »

Thank you so much for all of your responses and good advice. We have now contacted eldron. I will let you know if I get a response.

Hopefully they get back to you.

Palmy

I would first find out how best to get your money into the country. How much tax you need to pay to bring that money in. Your going to have to prove how you got that money and show tax returns showing that you were able to acumilate that amount of money. Trust me the Irish Govt is going to want a nice little fee for letting you bring that money in. It would be different if you were Immigrating but your just looking to invest money in property that is where you need to be careful.

1641

Palmy wrote: »

I would first find out how best to get your money into the country. How much tax you need to pay to bring that money in. Your going to have to prove how you got that money and show tax returns showing that you were able to acumilate that amount of money. Trust me the Irish Govt is going to want a nice little fee for letting you bring that money in. It would be different if you were Immigrating but your just looking to invest money in property that is where you need to be careful.

As regards tax, what particular type of taxation have you in mind? If it is not a principal private residence it will be liable to Capital gains Tax on re-sale. What else do you have in mind? Am I missing something? I am aware that money laundering checks are likely - as they would be for any large cash transaction.

Palmy

To be honest regarding taxes I wouldn’t have a clue. That’s why I’m telling the original poster to look into what he has to pay as a non resident. He might find it’s not worth the trouble. It’s legally getting the money into the country and how much it’s going to cost him to do so would be what I’d be concentrating on. Foreign investors in the States can’t send any more than $9999, doing so gets reported to the IRS.

Marcusm

Palmy wrote: »

I would first find out how best to get your money into the country. How much tax you need to pay to bring that money in. Your going to have to prove how you got that money and show tax returns showing that you were able to acumilate that amount of money. Trust me the Irish Govt is going to want a nice little fee for letting you bring that money in. It would be different if you were Immigrating but your just looking to invest money in property that is where you need to be careful.

This post contains the most unbelievable rubbish. There is a world Of dfference between having to substantiate the source of funds for anti-money laundering purposes and the misguided suggestion that the government charges “a nice little fee” for investments into the country.

As Humphrey Appleby might say, si tacuisses, philosophus mansisses.

Palmy

Marcusm wrote: »

Palmy wrote: »

I would first find out how best to get your money into the country. How much tax you need to pay to bring that money in. Your going to have to prove how you got that money and show tax returns showing that you were able to acumilate that amount of money. Trust me the Irish Govt is going to want a nice little fee for letting you bring that money in. It would be different if you were Immigrating but your just looking to invest money in property that is where you need to be careful.

This post contains the most unbelievable rubbish. There is a world Of dfference between having to substantiate the source of funds for anti-money laundering purposes and the misguided suggestion that the government charges “a nice little fee” for investments into the country.

As Humphrey Appleby might say, si tacuisses, philosophus mansisses.

All I am saying is he might want to check first. The original poster doesn’t seem to know anything. He just wants to buy property over the phone from an agent and send money. Would you not jump on a plane and come over to the supposed country your going to drop a couple of hundred grand on property and look. He doesn’t even know what area he’s even looking in.

uck51js9zml2yt

OP - what part of the country are you looking at buying in and whats your budget?

Boncap

Hi all.
I am looking for an apartment or townhouse that would allow me to come to your beautiful country on a more regular basis, and as an inheritance I can leave for my grandchildren so that they are more easily motivated to make Ireland part of their lives too.
I have a deep soul connection to your beautiful country.
I am only looking to invest about $100,000 into buying this second home for myself. Nothing illegal or strange about it. I believe a lot of people do buy homes in Ireland who do not live there Year round. As a matter of fact, I'm sure this occurs in all countries around the world!

Boncap

Thank you all for your contributions to this thread.

skD13

Boncap wrote: »

Hi all.
I am looking for an apartment or townhouse that would allow me to come to your beautiful country on a more regular basis, and as an inheritance I can leave for my grandchildren so that they are more easily motivated to make Ireland part of their lives too.
I have a deep soul connection to your beautiful country.
I am only looking to invest about $100,000 into buying this second home for myself. Nothing illegal or strange about it. I believe a lot of people do buy homes in Ireland who do not live there Year round. As a matter of fact, I'm sure this occurs in all countries around the world!

I think you've revealed your problem here. 100k Canadian dollars is about 65k Euro. In Ireland right now this will buy you a site or a small apartment in an isolated or run-down location. Look at my home.ie and do a search by price. This is why nobody is answering your calls I'm afraid.

My advice if you want to spend more time here is to rent a holiday home somewhere nice on the coast for a few weeks a year.

Boncap

I'm talking about 100,000 euro

Boncap

I'm talking about 100,000 euro

skD13

Boncap wrote: »

I'm talking about 100,000 euro

Your post had a $ sign. I think my point is still valid. Unfortunately €100k buys you very little in Ireland at the moment.

Boncap

I'm talking about 100,000 euro

December2012

Where are you looking?

Have you taken tax, financial and legal advice?

Mongfinder General

€100k home isn't worth the hassle unless the agent is working off a higher fee than normal. A lot of them work off 1%. I would think that most agents wouldn't want to deal with the hassle of an overseas transaction for €1000.

For a €100k you are taliking about a 1 bed apartment or fixer upper cottage in the rural west. You're better off coming here for a week to check things out

1641

Boncap wrote: »

I'm talking about 100,000 euro

There are properties available at that budget. However, they will generally be in quiet rural areas and villages which are well "off the beaten track" and with relatively few local amenities , etc. It will not be near a city or large town or popular tourist destination.

You need to be sure this is what you have in mind. Would it appeal to your grandchildren? As others have said, be very careful about proceeding unless you know and like the location. Prices are low in these areas because demand is low. Properties are hard to sell.You will find this should you need to sell again subsequently.

Yamanoto

Mongfinder General wrote: »

For a €100k you are taliking about a 1 bed apartment or fixer upper cottage in the rural west.

Quaint little 2-bed pad, 45mins from the M50.

€95,000

http://www.daft.ie/meath/houses-for-sale/kells/drumlayne-cottage-kingscourt-road-moynalty-kells-meath-1629285/

corks finest

Boncap wrote: »

Also, I can not book a viewing when no one will call me back

on some properties there are videos posted, youd need to get your ass over here to physically view etc, otherwise the scamners will fleece you