What you should know about buying and selling property
1 Gazumping is legal. Even when a house is Sale Agreed, the vendor can still accept another offer
2 For auctions, guide prices are generally set at 15 per cent below actual valuation
3 The "For Sale" sign and advertising will sometimes be an added charge on top of the estate agent commission
4 The estate agent is obliged to inform you of any problems, but only if you ask specific questions
5 Don't feel under pressure to buy your mortgage through your estate agent. Shop around
6 Commission is usually between 1 and 2 per cent. Most estate agents will negotiate
7 Booking deposits have no legal standing
8 No qualifications are needed to become an estate agent
9 The estate agent is selling you the house, not the area. It's up to you to check out if a sewage treatment plant will be built next door
10 The Irish property system is based on the principle of "buyer beware"