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I just returned from a trip to Ireland. Because I am interested in change, culture and all things Real Estate in other countries, I asked a lot of questions. One of the major changes in Ireland now is that real estate sales will be reported so the competitive market analysis that we see as a matter of course will become available to potential buyers; sellers will have a concrete basis for comparable sales when pricing their property. It is difficult to imagine pricing a property without comparable properties, but somehow property has been bought and sold for a very long time without it.
I am reminded that real estate values have suffered everywhere. The same drop in home prices we are experiencing in the States is true in Ireland. The interest rate for purchase is under 5% but qualifying for a loan is difficult. I was told "why is it that in order to get a loan, you must first prove you don't need one." I hear similar comments from buyers in the States.
The family homestead of my sister-in-law's mother is owned today by the widow of her brother. That long connection with a piece of property is something we seldom see in the States. Noreen's home in Ireland has been lived in by members of the same family for generations. Nora's Aunt Kitty who is in her late seventies, shared the history of how the home had changed, been restyled and served the needs of not only a large family when she was growing up but frequent long term visitors and guests though the years.
The Irish are implementing a real estate tax on dwellings. The initial amount is low and the actual plan for assessment is still a work in progress but it will put money into the treasury that is badly needed. A tax will also be assessed on water usage. The water usage tax seems to meet little resistance except from those who have private wells. Those homeowners paid to drill, connect and maintain a water supply into their homes. They are angry; one homeowner I met said he would go to jail before he would pay such a tax. The Irish are passionate rebels. Change and added taxation is difficult for all citizenry.
The Irish have a great affection for Americans, it is said in Dingle (which is a favorite town of Rick Steves, one of America's Public television European travel guide) the next parish over from Ireland is Boston. It is said St. Brendan discovered America long before Christopher Columbus. True or not? Who knows but the Irish have their legends. Does it rain all the time in Ireland? This summer has been particularly rainy, but my thought is that is why everything is so fresh and green. We enjoyed rain with bouts of sunshine and felt perfectly content!
The recession has impacted Ireland as significantly as it has the rest of the world. The Irish have a way, however, or making taking things in stride, getting on with business and letting the visitor to their country feel welcome and appreciated. Nora's relatives could not do enough to extend their welcome and pride in showing off their country. The pastoral countryside sectioned off with stone fences and hedgerows, the commitment to preserving the Irish culture with summer sessions for student to learn the Irish language and sports, their passion for soccer, hurling and Irish football...all of it makes a trip to Ireland a delight.
My mother's maiden name was Shea. I found many O'Sheas, but only a smattering of Sheas listed at the National Library's Genealogy service in Dublin. I went to Ireland to learn more about my sister-in-law Nora's roots than my own, but in the end one cannot help but embrace the people, music, culture, food and 40 Shades of Green of the Irish countryside. From clothes flapping on clothes lines, cows, sheep in pasture, single lane road, views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mt. Brendan Ireland has a beauty touches the soul. Visit when and if you can, you will be welcome!
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