Perfect people, productive relationships

 

Local people are the key to making a successful real estate purchase in Italy. These are some of the people who helped me.

You can buy a stunning apartment in a beautiful village from 100k.  Or you can pick a village in the Tuscan countryside for a mill.

 
There's real estate agents. And then there's Bruno.

There's real estate agents. And then there's Bruno.

Bravo bruno

When I was first looking for a house, I spent a lot of time talking with real estate agents. 

I wasted a lot of time talking with real estate agents.

English real estate agents were the worst. Complete time wasters and bullshit artists. (Just like real estate agents in Australia.)

Then I met with Bruno. And everything changed.

Bruno and I had lunch. Bruno introduced me to local landholders and property sellers.

He introduced me to the local bank.

Bruno has lived in the area all his life. He used to be a surveyor.

He knows old houses. And most importantly, he knows the local people.

Bruno doesn't speak a lot of English. (He can get by.)

But Bruno is trustworthy. And now a mate.

He has a reputation for assisting foreign buyers. Here's his website.

Feel free to have a look. Then feel free to drop me a line.

I'd be happy to introduce you.

 

Dino was a marque for mid-engined, rear-drive sports cars produced by Ferrari from 1968 to 1976. It's also the name of my local transport man.

Dino was a marque for mid-engined, rear-drive sports cars produced by Ferrari from 1968 to 1976. It's also the name of my local transport man.

dashing dino

I hate queues. And I hate waiting.

So when in Italy, I use Dino.

Dino will pick me up at the airport or train station.

He'll be there with a sign with my name on it.

He will drive me to his office and rent me a car at prices well below what any airport car rental company will charge.

It's quick, efficient and there's no hassle.

Dino also likes wine. He has introduced me to some spectacular local vintages.

What more need I say?

Bruno and Rachel. Famous for local knowledge and helping people find the right place.

Bruno and Rachel. Famous for local knowledge and helping people find the right place.

remarkable rachel

Rachel, on the right, is English, but attended school in Florence.

She is bright, intelligent and seems to have endless energy. She is passionate about Italian history, art, culture and food.

She loves looking at Italian houses. She speaks the local language like a local.

And she's also my god-daughter.

Rachel is part of a small but dedicated team of translators who can help you navigate the vagaries and challenges of buying real estate in a country where English is not widely spoken.