As a writer for Italy Magazine, I am always on the look out for people who have property here either holiday homes or ex-pats who would be willing to share their story with other readers.
which agents are you using Maggie if you don't want to post public send me via email also I can help if you're looking for a long term rental in the future. lillie.barry (at) gmail.com
Okay here's my two-penneth worth. You can still find good houses requiring only cosmetic work here in Regione Chieti, my advice is don't be afraid to bargain, I got my house for over 20K off the asking price, just be brave and offer what you want to offer. Okay mine may have been a unique situation, but I know similar people who have viewed houses here in the 50k bracket and purchased them for 30k.Obviously the closer to the coast you get the higher the price, but if you take time to visit the area you may get a bargain by just checking out the private sale signs like I did. My main advice with estate agents is make sure they will definitely show you the property you see advertised, not a random selection they think you'll like. One question to ask when you see one you like on the web is: Is this property still for sale, at this asking price and are you the sole agent? If they say yes, ask for it in writing. If it is genuinely on their books they wont see it as a problem confirming they have it to sell.Some estate agencies here bump up the prices for foreign buyers, so check their websites carefully and if you see any of their properties advertised with other agents ask why, some will share the sale but most want exclusive contracts. Some actually copy of each other's sites to make their portfolio look more impressive.As with buying property anywhere there are some good, some bad and some downright dreadful agents, sadly most of buying abroad is about putting your faith in the one that has the house you want.
Dear PPBIf you'd like any info on Abruzzo and property here and to tell your story about why you'd like to buy in Italy email at barry.lillie (at) gmail.com
Thanks to everyone who has shown interest in being interviewed with their story of why they bought or want to buy a house in Italy, please contact me via my email address lillie.barry@gmail.com and I will respond direct and we can take it from there. Best wishes, Barry
I too would like to hear from some Americans, I have spoken to several KIwi's many Brits and a couple of other nationalities but would be good to speak with an American and get their take on the move. Which area of Italy are you interested in Prairiepaintbrush?
Thanks everyone for getting back to me I will be in tough after Ferragosto, just vreturned from a fabulous festa in nthe mountain town of Palombaro with many more to come over the next week... Hope you all have a happy and healthy ferragosto...Barry
Not sure Steve, just thought I'd join and ask about anyone wanting to share their story to see if I could get some people with interesting stories and from all over the country. I guess it's a useful resource for readers and writers alike.
Ciao Martino,My advice would be to remain open about the area you want to buy in, I spent years looking all over Italy from the Veneto to Calabria, initially I wanted to buy in the north, but discovered so many houses for a fraction of the cost in the south, then stumbled across Abruzzo and fell in love with the region and moved here for a fifth of the price it would cost in Tuscany
Comments posted
which agents are you using Maggie if you don't want to post public send me via email also I can help if you're looking for a long term rental in the future. lillie.barry (at) gmail.com
Okay here's my two-penneth worth. You can still find good houses requiring only cosmetic work here in Regione Chieti, my advice is don't be afraid to bargain, I got my house for over 20K off the asking price, just be brave and offer what you want to offer. Okay mine may have been a unique situation, but I know similar people who have viewed houses here in the 50k bracket and purchased them for 30k.Obviously the closer to the coast you get the higher the price, but if you take time to visit the area you may get a bargain by just checking out the private sale signs like I did. My main advice with estate agents is make sure they will definitely show you the property you see advertised, not a random selection they think you'll like. One question to ask when you see one you like on the web is: Is this property still for sale, at this asking price and are you the sole agent? If they say yes, ask for it in writing. If it is genuinely on their books they wont see it as a problem confirming they have it to sell.Some estate agencies here bump up the prices for foreign buyers, so check their websites carefully and if you see any of their properties advertised with other agents ask why, some will share the sale but most want exclusive contracts. Some actually copy of each other's sites to make their portfolio look more impressive.As with buying property anywhere there are some good, some bad and some downright dreadful agents, sadly most of buying abroad is about putting your faith in the one that has the house you want.
Dear PPBIf you'd like any info on Abruzzo and property here and to tell your story about why you'd like to buy in Italy email at barry.lillie (at) gmail.com
Dear Florence ApcarIf you'd still like to share your story email me on barry.lillie (at) gmail.com
Hi AnnaB If you'd still like to tell your story contact me at barry.lillie at -gmail.com
Thanks to everyone who has shown interest in being interviewed with their story of why they bought or want to buy a house in Italy, please contact me via my email address lillie.barry@gmail.com and I will respond direct and we can take it from there. Best wishes, Barry
I too would like to hear from some Americans, I have spoken to several KIwi's many Brits and a couple of other nationalities but would be good to speak with an American and get their take on the move. Which area of Italy are you interested in Prairiepaintbrush?
Thanks everyone for getting back to me I will be in tough after Ferragosto, just vreturned from a fabulous festa in nthe mountain town of Palombaro with many more to come over the next week... Hope you all have a happy and healthy ferragosto...Barry
Not sure Steve, just thought I'd join and ask about anyone wanting to share their story to see if I could get some people with interesting stories and from all over the country. I guess it's a useful resource for readers and writers alike.
Ciao Martino,My advice would be to remain open about the area you want to buy in, I spent years looking all over Italy from the Veneto to Calabria, initially I wanted to buy in the north, but discovered so many houses for a fraction of the cost in the south, then stumbled across Abruzzo and fell in love with the region and moved here for a fifth of the price it would cost in Tuscany