THE AGENT
The services of an estate agent are essential for foreigners who do not know the language thoroughly and are unfamiliar with local conditions. However, not every agent is competent and helpful. Italian estate agents provide virtually no services. Amateur estate agents who have settled in Italy or live outside the country are often no more expert than their clients. In your own interest, our tip is to follow these guidelines. They are taken very seriously by us and all of our reputable competitors.
  • Does the agent obviously speak Italian perfectly or does he need to use an interpreter?
  • Has he been living in the area for a long time?
  • Does he offer a range of services and help that go beyond the purchase of the house, if possible until moving in?
  • Can he make offers for properties made ready for  immediate occupancy?
  • Can he offer a comprehensive and traceable list of buyers who are already house owners?
  • Does he work as a matter of principle with notaries and is every legal step performed in the presence of a notary or at least in    the office of a notary?
  • Is he registered with the local Chamber of Commerce as an estate agent? Tip: ask him for his 'partita IVA’ i.e. his VAT code number (do not mistake it for the 'codice fiscale' or tax code, which everyone has).
  • Does the agent really have a selection of particulars of properties that are actually available or has he just photocopied the particulars of his competitors?
  • Does he also have the right to sell the houses that he is offering for sale? Ask him for his 'procura di vendita' ('sales permit') for the property and do not be fobbed off by the explanation that this is not usual in Italy.
If you follow all these guidelines and compare the packages that agents offer, you will have no difficulty in telling the good guys from the bad guys.

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