ERA Downey McCarthy News Feed

Student Lets - Lettings Cork

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Living away from home is one of the most exciting experiences for a student, but it does bring with it responsibilities, which is why it can be rather daunting. So before you begin looking for your next home-away-from-home, make sure you consider your options – will you be living with friends, or try living with new people! How much per month can you afford! How far from college do you want be living!

Next contact experienced letting agents such as ERA Downey McCarthy, who can help you find suitable accommodation and properties Cork and at reasonable price and our advice would be to start looking early and take a good look at what’s available, compare your options and make a decision as soon as you can before the best accommodation and student rental property Cork is snapped up!

Once you have found what you are looking for, the finest and most experienced letting agents Cork has to offer: ERA Downey McCarthy will answer all your questions about the property rental Cork, what deposit is required, how the tenancy agreement works and any other questions relating to power supply, water supply, telephone/broadband connection, nearby services, etc.

For the best lettings Cork has to offer look no further than ERA Downey McCarthy.

We've Moved!

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

After 17 years on the Grand Parade, Michael Downey and Sean McCarthy of ERA Downey McCarthy have moved office to 8 South Mall in the heart of the financial district in Cork City. Located across the road form the Imperial Hotel we provide private consultancy rooms for our clients to discuss any aspect of property and finance. Why not call in and see what we can do for you ?

Estate Planning

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Many of us assume that Estate Planning is simply the process of writing a will. However this is not the case, as Estate Planning for most of us can involve financial, tax, medical and even business planning.

Many more of us assume that Estate Planning isn’t necessary unless you own acres and acres of land, but again this is not the case. It is important whatever the size of your estate to consider who should, in the event of your incapacity, be responsible for the management of your assets, your care and have the authority to make decision on your behalf.

So what is your Estate – well it’s all property, interest in property and anything that is in your name alone, such as bank accounts, real estate, stocks, bonds, furniture, ornaments and jewellery. It may also be any property that is co-owned or joint bank accounts and any assets that have beneficiary designation, like life insurance, retirement plans and pensions.

If you are still unsure what your Estate includes, then ask yourself the following questions before meeting with a trusted a reliable financial planner:

What are my assets?
What is the approximate value of my assets?
How will your assets be managed?
By whom will your assets be managed?
When will your assets be transferred to others?
To whom will your assets pass to?
Who will have responsibility for the care of my family?
Who shall make decision on my behalf concerning my care and welfare if I am unable?

With the answers to these questions in mind, seek our financial services Cork, for a qualified and trusted financial broker Cork, call us today at ERA Downey McCarthy. We will provide advice on issues such as title to assets, taxes and the management of your Estate. We are the number one financial advisors Cork.

Decline in House Prices

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Recent surveys have shown that house prices have continued to drop in the second quarter of this year. The average house price is now said to be €249,000, while only three months ago the figure stood at €260,000. In Cork prices have fallen between 5 per cent and 6 per cent over the three month period.

Perhaps you are thinking of investing in property thanks to the drop in house prices – if so, do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your many options. There are currently many houses for sale in Cork providing you with a wide range of choices. Here at ERA we are proud of the excellent service we can provide you when buying or selling your property.

Property for Sale! - Houses for Sale in Cork

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

At ERA Downey McCarthy, we have a large selection of houses for sale in Cork. This includes both new and second hand homes. These beautiful properties are mostly situated throughout the county and city of Cork. We have a reputation for being one of the leaders in Cork in this area and have won the ERA branch of the year award six times in a row. When it comes to houses for sale Cork coupled with financial advice, we are one of the best!

We have many years of expertise in this area and are proud of the unique advice and information we can provide our customers. If you are looking to buy a home but unsure where to start, call on us today where you can talk to someone you can trust. We are also experienced mortgage dealers and can provide trusted expertise in this area. We can help you find the right mortgage deal for you keeping in mind the importance of mortgage protection deals.

Are you a first time buyer? Are you uncertain as to which type of property is most suitable for you? Call us today on 021 490 5000 and we can advise you on what is best suited to you. At ERA Downey McCarthy, we see it as vital to take your best interests to heart and we will also advice you in relation to your budget.

Benefits of Income Protection Insurance and how it differs from Critical Illness Cover

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The future is unpredictable, what will happen next week or next year is an uncertainty, which is why it pays in most cases to be prepared.

Ask yourself would you be able to carry out your normal occupation if you were unfortunate enough to be injured or ill for a prolonged period of time. If not, could you continue to meet your financial commitments, such as mortgage repayments, personal loans, medical bills and family expenses? If the answer is no, then considering income protection insurance is a must.

Income protection insurance basically protects you in the event that you are unable to work or suffer a loss of earnings as a result of illness, disability, injury or accident, and we should all think very carefully about investing in this. As were you aware that as a self employed person, you are not entitled to state illness benefit? And as an employee, can you say that are you familiar with your company’s employment benefits and know what you are entitled too should you be absent from work due to illness or disability?

Income Protection Insurance will provide you with an alternative source of income should you be unable to work due to illness, disability, injury or sickness. So how does this differ to critical illness cover? Well Income Protection differs from critical illness in that critical illness cover only covers a number of specified illness and pays a once off lump sum, where as Income Protection covers any illness, accident or disability that prevents you from working and will pay you a regular income until you are either able to return to work or until the policy end term. The other big differences between to two are that Critical illness cover does not all you to claim tax relief whereas Income protection does and you can only claim once a critic illness policy but you can claim as many times as is necessary on your Income Protection insurance policy, right up until the end of the policy term.

As with any insurance policy, it is imperative that you keep your income protection insurance updated, so be sure to make changes to the policy when you experience an increase in salary or circumstances. For more advice discuss your requirements with an experienced financial advisor such as ERA McDowney McCarthy, who will talk you through the options available and make you aware of all the important items within your income protection insurance policy and to ensure you receive the best income protection insurance Cork.

Property Letting of the Week â Capwell Road, Cork City

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

On Capwell Road, Cork City, we have a 3 bed roomed property for rent. Not only is it close to Cork City Centre, it is also nearby St. Finbarrs Hospital and The South Infirmary Hospital.

This rental property Cork, consists of three bedrooms - two of which are double and one single. You will also find a good sized living room, a kitchen and two bathrooms.

This house is in fantastic condition with freshly painted interior as well as a new cooker, fridge and carpets.

At the back of the house you will find a small yard.

Address: Capwell Road, Cork City

Bedrooms: 3

Price: €980

Parking Space: Yes (with a parking permit)

Transport: Close to the main bus routes for the City Centre and Douglas.

Viewing: Appointment only

Contact your trusted letting agents Cork for more details on this property and others in and around the city and county.

Property Lettings Cork â Ballinlough, Cork

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

From September 21st, we have an apartment available for rent in Ballinlough, Cork. This three bed roomed property is ideally located just off the South Link Road within a gated complex and only a 20 minute walk from the city centre.

Available for viewings since September 2nd, the property is fully furnished with a range of modern appliances, neutral decor, laminate timber flooring, gas central heating and plenty built in wardrobe space.

Property Details:

Address:
Ashton Lodge,
Boreenmanna Road,
Ballinlough,
Cork

Bedrooms: 3

Price: €980

Parking Space: 2 cars

Availability: Viewings run from September 2nd. Available for occupation from September 21st.

If you are interested in this property please call us on 021 490 5000. Visit our lettings section for more property lettings Cork.

Is Autumn the New Best Season to Sell?

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Spring is traditionally thought of as the best time to sell your property, and why it is true that as the weather warms up the property market gets hotter, it does often mean that the market can become over flowing with listings.

Therefore attempting to sell your property when there is an oversupply of houses for sale might bring much disappointment, whereas waiting until the end of the summer, as autumn begins and the leaves transform into an assortment of golden colours and the kids return back to school, could actually be the better time to for you to advertise your property for sale.

Over the last 6 years ERA Downey McCarthy has sold more commercial property and residential property in Cork than any other ERA Broker, earning them the prize for the 6 consecutive year of best performing ERA broker nationwide. This means that they know a thing or two about selling houses and here are just some of their suggestions for selling in autumn.

Make sure the outside of your house for sale is clean and tidy; the trees in autumn are extremely colourful and can accentuate a property, but those on the ground will not, so be sure to rake up leaves, ensure that bushes are trimmed, dead flowers are cut, and pathways are cleared.

Clean the windows; over the summer, with the kids at home and through constantly opening and closing windows and patio doors more than you normally would have, there are bound to me more smudges and marks, so make sure they are cleaned and sparkling inside and out.

Have you had the fireplace cleaned; over the summer most of us would not have the need to use the fire but as autumn approaches we start to light them in the evenings, so make sure your chimney is not blocked and your surround is clear and clean. Remember that nothing can be more enticing than the draw of a homely fire.

Be sure to make it bright; we can often forget as the days get shorter and the nights get longer that we need to turn on the lights. Make sure that your house is bright and light and where possible let in as much natural daylight as you can.

Presentation; remember that any images that are taken of your house for sale will be the first time that a prospective buyer views your property, so make sure that they accurately reflect your house and if rooms look too small, too dark, to sparse, to cluttered that you ask for them to be taken again.

Finally remember those basics – clear away clutter, make sure the kitchen and bathroom is clean and ensure the property for sale is stress free, quiet and welcoming.

Why you should choose us as your Auctioneers

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

We have come up with just a few reasons as to why you should choose us as your auctioneer:
1. Communication
We know how important communication is and will be in constant contact with you so that you are fully aware of what is going on as your sale progresses. Even if there is no news, we will keep in contact with you.
2. Honesty
A large percentage of our clients (over 90%) claim that honesty was the most important factor for them when they chose an auctioneer. We guarantee honesty in our all dealings with you.
3. Hard Work
We believe that there is no substitute for hard work particularly in the current environment. We will work to sell your property including after hours and weekend viewings.
4. Our Record
ERA Downey McCarthy has been awarded the ERA ‘Broker of the Year’ for the past 6 years. What this means is that we have SOLD more property than any other ERA agent Nationwide. If you would like to sell with market leaders call us today!
5. ERA Network
ERA is the largest Real Estate network in the world. With over 40 offices nationwide across Europe and the US, we can really make the best of your property.
6. Highest Possible Price
We aim to get the very best price for your property. By following a tailored marketing strategy we believe that we can achieve this for you.

Rest assure that when you choose ERA Downey McCarthy, you are getting the best Auctioneers Cork.

â¬70,000 in mortgage arrears refunded

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The Central Bank announced recently that €70,000 in mortgage arrears would be refunded to more than 3,000 account holders. It is feared that this news has been causing a decrease in trust between mortgage customers and their lenders. They also looked into whether or not lenders were complying with the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA), who created the regulations regarding those struggling with mortgage repayments.

Out of six lenders, it was found that only two of those lenders were in full compliance of the regulations. Following this discovery, the Central Bank will be adding to a list of chargers which are prohibited under the CCMA to provide protection to mortgage holders in arrears.

When you choose a mortgage option with ERA Downey McCarthy, you can relax knowing you are in safe hands. You will receive sound mortgage advice from a well trusted mortgage broker Cork. We are proud of the service we provide and cater for all needs and wants including first time buyers. Call us today to speak with someone you can trust.

Looking to rent a property â Some things to remember!

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

At every point of our lives we will all rent a home, whether we are first time buyers waiting to start climbing the housing ladder, a contract worker who is regularly relocated, or we have recently migrated and are not sure whether to lay down roots!

Searching for the right property Rental, the right letting agents and indeed the experience of renting can be a pleasure. Ok so your money might be paying someone else’s mortgage for a while but the option to pass on responsibilities and the freedom associated with letting make it worthwhile!

When looking for the perfect property rental there is a few things to remember:

Location – look at house to rent Cork, investigate the cities area, make sure you know what areas you want to live in and if you have children – check out the schools, if you need to commute by bus, check local bus route timetables and most importantly take a walk around the area and get a feel for where you are going to be living.

Does the property tick all the boxes? Is it the right type of accommodation, would you prefer a house rather than a flat or apartment. Is there adequate car parking, enough for 2 cars and is your preference for off-street parking. Does the property have a garden, the right amount of bedrooms and bathrooms, and is the property furnished as you want it to be or were you hoping for unfurnished!

Take your time during viewings – check everything carefully, make a check list of what you are looking for before attending viewings and ask plenty of questions about the rental property – what heating system does it have? Are white goods included in rental (Cooker, washing machine, fridge freezer), what is the water pressure like for showers? What other furniture would be included?

Set payments up correctly – Get all finances sorted from the start, making payments on time and when they are required can only strengthen relationships with your landlord, and will ensure you receive rave reviews in any future tenancy checks for property lettings.

Do your own inventory – check the list of items that were included in the property rental and make sure everything is there and more important highlight any missing or broken items ASAP. Also check condition of carpets, flooring, and curtains and if you have any concerns contact your letting agents. If you don’t check everything, you are only harming yourself and risk losing money from your deposit for reasons unrelated to your letting.

Tell you letting agents if there are problems – They are not mind readers, unless you tell them about broken appliances or a leaking pipe they will not know, do not be shy about contacting them and reporting problems that need fixing. One of the privileges of being a tenant is getting things fixed at no cost to you and the sooner a problem is fixed the better for you. A good landlord will appreciate knowing about problems sooner rather than later, as its their investment and the sooner something is fixed the better for the property and for them, as leaving it could mean the problem escalating in size of job and costs!

Tips for Selling Your Home

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

They say selling your home is one of the hardest and most stressful things you will ever do in your life. Here at ERA Downey McCarthy we want to make sure the process is as easy as possible for you. For this reason, we have developed just a few basic tips to help you sell your home.

1. Online Advertising: Just like everything nowadays, the first place people look is online. It is vital you advertise your home online. We can also organise a ‘virtual tour’ around your property to allow prospective purchasers view your property in their own time. When you chose ERA Downey McCarthy, your property will gain the best exposure as we advertise with:
• myhome.ie
• daft.ie
• eraireland.ie
• eraeurope.com
• abetterchoice.ie
• globrix.com
• property.ie

2. A personal touch: When potential buyers come to view your home, a great tip is leave some of your belongings around. Especially items the average homebuyer may not have. For example, a plasma TV or expensive kitchenware. However, it is important not go overboard with this. Items that make your home look cluttered should be removed. Buyers like to visualise themselves living in your home.

3. Improve the condition of your home: To stand out from the competition, it is important that your home is in the best possible condition. Repair any broken items and any scratches or dents in flooring etc. A quick lick of paint goes a long way and really brightens up any home. All of these tiny adjustments will go a long way in the overall appearance of your property.

4. Outside and garden: The first impression is vital. Remember, the outside of the property is the first port of call for potential buyers. There is no need to break the bank on improvements here. Fresh paint and cut grass will work wonders. If you have nice garden furniture in good condition place it nicely to help the viewer imagine using the garden practically. Buyers like to fantasise and imagine living at your property.

5. Access to your property: If viewers can’t access your home, it won’t get sold. Try not to have restrictive time frames for viewings. This will most likely force people to forget about your property and move onto your competitors.

6. Setting the price: It is important to set a realistic price for your home. If your home is overpriced many people will not even consider viewing your property. However, rest assure that here at ERA Downey McCarthy we will get the highest possible price for you. Properties that look like a great deal get the most viewings. The more viewings you get the more likely your house will sell.

For the best choice in houses for sale Cork, or if you would like more information please do not hesitate to ring or call into us at ERA Downey McCarthy to discuss your options. We have years of experience and can get the best possible price for your property.

Take a look at our ‘Secrets to Selling Guide’ for more tips and advice.

Life Assurance and Serious Illness Cover

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

When investing in the future, there are many things that we all consider in our plans, like investing in a home or investing in our retirement years, but there are still a few important things that we sometimes fail to consider and should not take for granted and that is investing in our children’s futures and investing in our health!

The introduction of a life assurance policy could protect your family should you no longer be here to protect them – and as any parent will tell you, our children are the most important thing in our lives and we would do anything to protect them. So for the many of us who have young children completely dependent on our earnings have not yet arranged life assurance policies – the question has to be why? To discuss your options and find a life assurance policy suited to your own personal circumstances, speak with trusted financial Broker ERA Downey McCarthy

Another way we can protect our loved ones is by protecting ourselves with critical illness cover. It’s something that none of us like to discuss or think about but if you know anyone close who has been diagnosed with cancer, or suffered a stroke or a heart attack, then the question you should ask yourself is - if you were to fall victim to ill-health and could no longer work - would your family find it difficult?

Investing in Serious illness cover and Critical illness insurance will award you give you the peace of mind should you happen to fall prey to a life threatening illness, you will be financially look after and should you maintain good health throughout the whole policy, then all the money paid as premiums can be returned to you. To discuss your options and to arrange for critical illness cover that suits your personal needs, speak to trusted financial advisors ERA Downey McCarthy.

Choosing the Right Mortgage Deal is Vital

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

It is no secret that recently, mortgage borrowers have been struggling with repayments in Ireland. A recent study showed that mortgage arrears on residential loans rose from 6.65% in February to 7.62% in April of this year. Other startling facts include arrears of 90 days or more have doubled across a one year span.

This research should not put off those who are thinking of applying for a mortgage. In the past, many mortgage borrowers have found themselves in a pool of debt and months behind on their repayments. However, if you do your research and plan well in advance; choosing the right mortgage deal to suit your budget is possible. Setting realistic expectations is a key factor. ‘Do I need this?’, ‘can I afford this?’ are questions that need to be at the front of your mind at all times when choosing your mortgage deal. First time buyer mortgages in particular need to be carefully considered.

Another factor that unfortunately has to be considered before choosing a mortgage deal is the future possibility of unemployment. In today’s economy it is believed that no job is truly secured. For this reason, mortgage borrowers are advised to forecast with this in mind. If you are put in the unfortunate position of losing your job unexpectedly, will you be able to keep up with the repayments?

If you would like to talk to someone you can trust and who can give sound mortgage advice call to us today at ERA Downey McCarthy. We can sit down with you and go through your finances and work out which mortgage deal is best for you and your budget. All of your options will be discussed in detail and you can rest assure that the mortgage advice you take from us will be the best out there.

Secrets to Letting and Landlord Services offered by ERA

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Would you like to rent your property? Are you worried about what’s involved? Would you like to know how to make your property work for you? Or want to know what the secrets are to letting a property? And what services you could receive as a landlord? We at ERA Downey McCarthy have the answers and have helped hundreds of customers with their property lettings Cork.

Firstly – make sure there is no clutter; a clutter free property signifies space and comfort. Next – cut the lawn and tidy the yard, first impressions of the outside leave a lasting memory. Next – Bathroom and Kitchen – both are equally important and should be inviting, clutter free and sparkling clean. Next – Furniture, any items to be including in the let should be in good repair, modern and clean. Next – if it’s broke, then fix it! Any leaking taps, creaking doors, blow bulbs and loose kitchen drawers all need to be fixed and working. Next – do an inventory, make sure you make a detailed list of all the items you will be leaving in the house and where necessary, take photos so you have pictures of the condition that you left everything in. Lastly – choose ERA Downey McCarthy as your Letting Agents Cork.

As your lettings agents, we will arrange a free assessment of your rental property cork and discuss how you can maximise its potential. We will work for you and devise a bespoke marketing strategy that suits your requirements including, accessing our large database of tenants, displaying your property rental cork in our offices on the Grand Parade, listing your property on daft.ie, eralettings.ie and other suitable websites that enable tenants to search for property lettings Cork. We will also advertise your property in the press and will place a ‘To Let’ board outside the property if both are required.

ERA also guarantee that all viewings will be accompanied by one of experienced staff members, including all evening and weekend viewings. We will also professionally handle all negotiating to ensure that you get the very best terms, produce a letting agreement and arrange for all paperwork to be completed before the tenancy begins, including obtaining references, which we will verify and discuss with you for your approval. We will even organise the registration of your property with eh Private Residential Tenancies Board if you would like us too.

Once the tenants have moved in our service doesn’t stop and we will continue to manage your interests, including collecting rent monthly in advance from the tenant and lodging this directly into your bank account and pursuing any late / overdue rent rigorously. We will oversee the transfer of all utility bills in to the tenant’s name, provide a monthly state of income upon request and we will visit your property 3 times an annum, providing you with a written report after each visit. This enables us to check the condition of your property. This allows us to inspect the condition of your property. Should any maintenance be required to your property during the tenancy, we will arrange to have the work completed by one of our approved contractors or should you prefer we will use a contractor nominated by yourself. Finally at the end of the tenancy we will inspect your property, deal with any queries that may arise at the time, organise any cleaning and arrange for the return of the deposit to your tenant.

To find out more about our Letting service and what ERA could do for your rental property Cork, visit our property lettings page: http://www.abetterchoice.ie/lettings/landlord-services

Benefits of Selling your Home and Renting after Retirement

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The decision to sell your home after retirement and renting as an alternative is an option considered by many due to the current state of the economy. Perhaps you feel it is time for you to downsize. There are three main benefits in particular. Firstly, you can free up some well needed capital. Why not have some cash to spend on yourself and enjoy your retirement? You could finally go on that trip of a lifetime or buy your dream car. This is the obvious benefit to selling your home and renting but of course there are others.

Now that you don’t own the property anymore, it will free up your time and space. No longer will you have to worry about all the things homeowners do. That is your new landlord’s job. Renting really does take the stress away from former homeowners. You will want to enjoy your retirement not spend it worrying.

In the long run, selling your home and renting will also lower housing costs. Should you pick the right property to rent, you could make savings every month. In many cases you can rent a property which will work out much cheaper than mortgage/remortgage repayments or vice versa depending on the property type you have in mind. Of course, this may not be a suitable choice for everyone and for this reason, precise forecasting is vital.

If you are thinking of selling your home and feel it may be an option for you, why not call us today at ERA Downey McCarthy to discuss the many possibilities available to you? We can take some of the stress away and sell your home for you. Once your house has been sold, we can also help you find the best properties on the market for rent.

Pensions: Women are Far Less Prepared for Retirement than Men

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Recent reports state that women are far less prepared for retirement than men and that they find they have considerably less money to live on when they give up work.

In a survey conducted by AXA it was reported that 42% of Irish women have no pension arranged, meaning that very few women are able to maintain the same quality of life in their retirement years.

The neglect to plan ahead can be due to many different reasons – women for example are more likely to take career breaks due to family planning or to care for an elderly or ill family member. They are also more likely than men to work part-time and take early retirement, meaning that pension contributions are considerably reduced.

We at ERA Downey McCarthy, the independent pension advisors Cork are fully aware of the benefits associated with planning for the future and know that starting a pension late in life is better than not starting one at all.

So whether a women or a man looking to plan for your retirement years, our advice is begin planning early and improve your quality of life during your later years and talk to one of our trusted pension advisors Cork for simple, jargon free retirement planning advice .

Shop Around for Mortgage Protection Deals and Save Money with the help of New iPhone App

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

A new iPhone app has been released by Zillow to provide mortgage advice and information. Through this app, buyers will be able to decide which mortgage they can afford. The app includes calculators that are similar to those used by Zillow and other real estate sites. The app also includes a calculator designed to help existing homeowners decide whether or not they should remortgage. Requests for loan quotes and the ability to compare current mortgage rates are also catered for.

Here at ERA Downey McCarthy, we feel the app would be an excellent tool to help you shop around. Recently, The National Consumer Agency announced that couples can save up to €126 a year on their mortgage protection premiums if they shop around. The reason is due to the mortgage protection and life insurance premium rates which have fallen dramatically in recent times. The factors include competition among insurers and the fact that people are living longer. As a result insurers have to pay out less often.

Non-smokers can save €126 a year if they shop around. They also found that premiums can range from €53 to €76 a month for a couple who smoke and want to take out mortgage protection insurance on a €380,000 home loan. Over the course of only one year a saving of €274 can be made. Across a 35 year term the difference accumulates to €9,500. A couple who smoke could be over-paying by €335 a year by failing to get the lowest premium in the market, the National Consumer Agency found.

It was found that many households fail to shop around for the best mortgage protection deal. In many cases, once a price is established the consumer believes the provider gives them the best price every year and this is incorrect. That is why it is vital to shop around every year.

Whether you are a first time buyer, looking to move home or remortgage we at ERA Downey McCarthy the trusted mortgage broker Cork, can offer you sound mortgage advice.

Win a â¬ 1,000 Caseys Voucher with ERA Downey McCarthy

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Here at ERA Downey McCarthy we have plenty to shout about and we want you to join us! To celebrate the launch of our new website, we have teamed up with Casey’s Furniture to give you the chance to win a € 1,000 gift voucher. All you have to do is answer a list of questions in our quiz before Friday the 26th of August, to be in with a chance to win this fantastic prize. Good luck!

We are delighted with our new website as we feel it is customer friendly. We have removed the often confusing language that comes with most other sites in this industry and replaced it with content that is simple and to the point but most importantly easy to understand.

The launch of our website also coincided with winning the best ERA broker for the 6th year in a row. With 65 offices nationwide, it was a big achievement to win this honour yet again.

ERA Downey McCarthy launch new website

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0100

ERA Downey McCarthy, the Cork based Property and Finance experts have launched a new and interactive website that removes the usual industry jargon and allows customers to understand and interact with award winning services in an easy manner.

The website has been launched in tandem with ERA Downey McCarthy winning the top prize for the best performing ERA broker for the 6th year in a row. With 65 offices nationwide, this is no mean feat and hailed as a fantastic achievement by Frank Doonan, CEO of ERA Ireland. “To win the prestigious award six years in a row is reward for the hard work, dedication and quality of service provided to clients and customers by the team at ERA Downey McCarthy” said Frank. This passion for client service and unrivalled customer satisfaction was important in the creation of the new look website www.abetterchoice.ie.

Sean McCarthy is delighted with the new website and accolade; This award endorses the first class service and proven track record that ERA Downey McCarthy delivers for each and every customer. I believe that www.abetterchoice.ie will help get us closer to our customers and provide them with answers and the jargon free advice they are looking for. Our customers have the opportunity to work with a professional winning team that simply will deliver.”

ERA Downey McCarthy’s reputation to attract customers and clients for life by providing an unparalleled service with the highest level of integrity, expertise and professionalism is reflected in their website, offering both new and established clients an easier way to access detailed information about their products and services.

Their awarding winning approach to property sales has cemented their position as one of the top residential auctioneers in Cork City and suburbs. While trading conditions have been very difficult for everyone in the property industry for the past 3 years Michael Downey believes that it is now makes sense to buy particularly for first time buyers. “It is now possible to buy a good 3 bed semi in Cork for € 200,000. Mortgage repayments are around € 770 after tax relief over 25 years for such a purchase compared to an average rent of € 850 per month” said Michael.

Lettings and Property Management has become one of the 4 core services offered by ERA. “As the property market began to slow in 2007 we looked at new areas of business” said Sean McCarthy. The company appointed Shirley Byrne as their Letting Manager and this area has grown significantly during that period. ERA Downey McCarthy now covers every aspect of lettings and property management in both residential and commercial.

Providing independent mortgage advice, ERA Downey McCarthy are committed to searching the mortgage market to ensure clients and customers get the very best mortgage advice. Their website outlines the detailed services offered for first time buyers, movers, investors or people looking to remortgage. For any clients and customers looking for fast answers, a quick quote option is available.

As Qualified Financial Advisers ERA offers independent, specifically tailored financial advice on investments, pensions, life assurance, serious illness cover, income protection and mortgage protection. ERA Downey McCarthy is the name to trust and details of the financial services offered are outlined on their website, and again the quick quote option is available for any clients and customer looking for fast answers.

Fiona Sheane from Blarney summed it all up when she said “100% service from start to finish”. This is testimony to ERA Downey McCarthy’s core values and beliefs of work hard, integrity and honesty.

With offices located in the heart of Cork’s financial district on the city centre’s Grand Parade and with convenient overhead parking, ERA Downey McCarthy offers easy access both offline as online.

Programme for Government

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The following are relevant extracts in relation to Property & Housing from
“Towards Recovery” the Programme for Government 2011 - 2016:

Supporting SMEs (p.11)
We will legislate to end upward only rent reviews for existing leases.
We will introduce new legislation to protect all small building subcontractors that have been denied payments from bigger companies.

Fiscal Policy (p.16)
We will reduce, cap or abolish property tax reliefs and other tax shelters which benefit very high income earners. We will also ensure the implementation of a minimum effective tax rate of 30% for very high earners.
Consider, arising from the previous Government’s deal with the IMF, various options for a site valuation tax. Any site valuation tax must take into account the significant number of households in mortgage distress and provide local government with a reliable stream of revenue.

Housing & Distressed Mortgages (p.44)
A policy of putting the interests of big developers and the banks ahead of people looking to purchase a home was a direct cause of Ireland’s disastrous property boom and bust.
This Government is committed to helping homeowners in distress to weather the
recession, and to ensuring that Ireland has a sustainable housing policy.
Both parties believe that more protection is needed for homeowners with distressed
mortgages. The recommendations of the Cooney report are inadequate to address the
scale of the current crisis. A more radical approach is needed to protect families in fear
of losing their home. This Government will examine a number of such proposals,
including:
• Increasing mortgage interest relief to 30% for First Time Buyers in 2004-08 (from
the current sliding scale of 20% to 25% depending on the year the mortgage was
taken out), financed in part by bringing forward the abolition of relief for new
buyers from June 2011.
• Directing any mortgage provider in receipt of State support to present
Government with a plan of how intends to cut its costs, over and above existing
plans, in a fair manner by a sufficient amount to forego a 25 basis point increase
on their variable rate mortgage.
• Introducing a two year moratorium on repossessions of modest family homes
where a family makes an honest effort to pay their mortgage.
• Fast-tracking personal bankruptcy reform needed to bring us into line with best
international standards, such as introducing a flexible discharge period for “honest
bankrupts”, defined as one that has materially complied with the Tax, NAMA and
Companies Acts among others.
• Converting the Money Advice and Budgeting Service into a strengthened
Personal Debt Management Agency with strong legal powers. The agency will
support families who make an honest effort to deal with their debts, including
non-mortgage debt, providing protection from their creditors where appropriate,
so that they have time to sort out their affairs. In order to do so, the Personal Debt
Management Agency will have quasi-judicial status.
• Making greater use of Mortgage Interest Supplement to support families who
cannot meet their mortgage payments, which is a better and cheaper option than
paying rent supplement after a family loses their home.

Ghost Estates (p.45)
We will mandate the Minster for the Environment, in conjunction with Local Authorities,
to bring forward a coherent plan to resolve the problems associated with ghost estates.
This plan will be developed in cooperation with NAMA.

Housing (p.46)
We will ensure that the Central Bank and Financial Regulator supervise credit
institutions’ mortgage lending practices comprehensively and intensively. Where credit
institutions fail to adequately control mortgage lending risks, the Central Bank will
impose loan-to-value ceilings on mortgages, caps on loan-to-income multiples, limits on
the term of new mortgages, and more rigorous procedures for verifying borrowers’
incomes. We will improve the quality of information available on the Irish housing market by requiring that the selling price of all dwellings is recorded in a publicly available,
national housing price database.
We will legislate for tougher and clearer rules relating to fire safety in apartment
buildings and will introduce a new fire safety inspection and certification regime.
We will establish a tenancy deposit protection scheme to put an end to disputes regarding the return of deposits.

Getting better value for money (p.53)
We will progressively reduce reliance on Rent Supplement, with eligible recipients
moving to the Rental Accommodation Scheme.
We will review the operation of the Rent Supplement Scheme and introduce a code of
conduct for rent supplement eligibility similar to that which operates for local authority
tenants.
Rent supplement will only be paid to tax-compliant landlords registered with the PRTB
and offering decent quality accommodation, to root out fraud.

Planning (p.64)
We will seek to better coordinate national, regional and local planning laws in order to achieve better and more coordinated development that supports local communities instead of the current system that favours developer led planning.
We will improve local transport access by making local transport plans an integral part of local Development Plans. We will force all local authorities to develop a transport plan in conjunction with their County/City Development Plans, and Local Areas Plans.
We will pass legislation to allow local authorities take housing estates ‘in charge’ after three years if there are no significant financial implications for local authorities, and substantially increase existing penalties for those who break planning laws.
We will require local authorities to carry out an ‘Educational Impact Assessment’ for all new zonings for residential development to ensure an adequate supply of school places.
We will make the planning process more democratic by amending the 2010 Planning and
Development Act to allow for detailed public submissions on zoning, and to rebalance power towards elected representatives. Local authorities will be required to carry out a flood risk report in the preparation of their City and County Development Plans, and will also be legally required.

Fine Gaels proposal for Mortgage Interest Relief 2011

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Fine Gael has said it will increase mortgage-interest relief for what it described as the "negative equity generation", if elected to Government.
Local Fine Gael Councillor and General Election Candidate, Michael Murphy, said the additonal relief could be worth up to EUR166 per month to mortgage-holders on a EUR300,000 mortgage.

"There are 300,000 Irish people in negative equity and 40,000 in mortgage arrears, many of them having bought at the peak of the market. We're looking in particular at mortgages who bought their houses between 2004 and 2008. That was the peak of the madness in this country, and people were induced and pushed to buy homes

"Our Mortgage Interest Relief scheme would cost EUR120m and would be accounted for in its fiscal strategy, which will be published next week. We will abolish relief for those buying houses from mid 2011 on, because given the reduction in house prices, people did not need a tax incentive to buy their first home.

"Fine Gael will force state-backed institutions to cut costs to reduce variable rates. We will shut down Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide by the end of the year and will support the sale of AIB and EBS. In Government, Fine Gael will ensure fraudulent bankers are pursued for their crimes to ensure they face the law.

"Our priority is assisting people who were induced and pushed into buying homes at exorbitant prices," concluded Cllr Murphy.

Broker Of The Year

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000

ERA Downey McCarthy have won the prize for the best performing ERA broker out of 65 offices nationwide. Frank Doonan CEO ERA Ireland is pictured above presenting the award to Michael Downey and Sean McCarthy. 'This is a fantastic achievement for Michael and Sean and all the team at ERA Downey McCarthy in Grand Parade' said Frank Doonan. To win this prestigious award three years in a row is a tribute to the hard work, dedication and quality service that all at ERA Downey McCarthy provide to their clients. Michael and Sean would like to thank all their clients and all the staff.

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