We saw five homes in Sambuca. Two were relatively similar with roof decks and views but the larger is 30,000 euros and the smaller is 100,000. Would you buy either of these?
I think you have time on your side and you should choose to use it. Reject any need to make a deal, patience will reveal the right and affordable property. Good luck, let me know when I can visit! 🤭 this is a
great adventure, seek good advise, it will work out, promise! Phil
If you have the time you can save a lot by DIY. Years ago I had 5 kids (ages 6 and under) in my house as we ripped out the carpet and laid down wooden floors, sanded and ceiling (it is wood) and painted the beams. I was able to put the kids to work a little. I also tried to explain what we were doing and how it was done. I didn't expect them to learn anything EXCEPT that if their stupid old uncle could do it then when their time came they could do it also. If you can avoid hitting your thumb with the hammer you can probably do a lot. Even if you have to buy tools, you can probably sell them later for half or more of what you paid.
Watch everything you can on YouTube, especially the ones where they point out mistakes.
Make an offer well below the asking price. Ask the contractor if there are things you can do to lower the cost. You can rip stuff out for them and clean up after them. I'll bet as soon as your neighbors see you doing the work you will get some help. Pay contractors as little as possible up front and then only for work as it is completed. Be at the house as much as possible.
I have staunchly refused to own a drill my entire life. Now, I think, it's time I give in. :)
Yes, there are some small things I believe I can do - setting tile in a bathroom, sanding floors, maybe even laying new floor. And of course, painting and cleaning up after contractors. But bigger stuff is beyond me. I don't have the confidence. So yes, I need to factor this into costs as well. And yes, being around when the work is being done makes a huge difference. I think this is true in any country!
It’s my understanding that finding a home is ultimately the easy part. The bureaucracy and the difficulties getting people to show up and do the work I’ve heard are the real challenges. If you haven’t already looked into those things you may want to before you buy a place. You may also want to start learning how to do some things yourself and whatever your budget you will probably need to add on at least a 25% or more contingency just to cover hidden costs you weren’t expecting above and beyond the home price and planned renovations. Also you may need to stay somewhere else while some of the work is being done, which can be expensive, especially if workers don’t show up and/or other delays happen. Lorraine Bracco ultimately spent upwards of 300k for her 1 euro home. Good luck my friend!
You are correct on all counts, friend. Well, re: Bracco, I read $250k but hey, it's the same thing. Currently, Italy has a fantastic program where you essentially pay 1/2 price for any equipment related to energy savings. So, installing solar or new windows? 1/2 price. This means contractors are pushed to the limits. Supply and demand. You save on the improvements but pay more the work.
I haven’t watched her show yet, just heard about it, but I can only imagine that it must’ve been a big adventure indeed! Like you said, she probably had it much easier since she was making a show about it. YouTube has a bunch of videos showing 1 euro home renovations. It’s a cool idea if you have the resources.
I am amazed at the charm of these places. So different than the purchase of a condo or home in the States. I see the draw. I hope you find one that works!!
So different than the States! Which is equally good and bad! We have many more amenities here in the States that we take for granted. But oh, the charm! ;)
Dear, you are still very far from understanding how Italy really works. In the real estate market there are so many speculations and overestimations! Any owner thinks that his house Is the best One even if It Is near the crash. And the intermediaris are even worse. It Will be really, really difficult to get a house. Not to mention how sufferimg and expensive and ineffective Will be the renovation/renewal works.
You are my Roman voice of reason! Speculation and overestimations are true here in the States as well, but at least we have third-party home inspections on the condition of the property before a purchase! In Italy, you only have contractors that tell you what they think needs to be done. Mama Mia!!
I think you have time on your side and you should choose to use it. Reject any need to make a deal, patience will reveal the right and affordable property. Good luck, let me know when I can visit! 🤭 this is a
great adventure, seek good advise, it will work out, promise! Phil
Thank you, Phil. Things always move slowly in Sicily regardless, so that’s a good thing!
If I were younger I might be up for such a project.
I did actually totally renovate a hundred year old three flat in Logan square thirty years ago or so.
Now I am in a condo in Oak Park and happy as a kitten eating cupcakes.
😽🧁💛
Wow, cosmic emojis.
One of my favorite answers to how are you is:
I'm as happy as a kitten eatin' cupcakes.
Which is just what these seem to indicate.
If you have the time you can save a lot by DIY. Years ago I had 5 kids (ages 6 and under) in my house as we ripped out the carpet and laid down wooden floors, sanded and ceiling (it is wood) and painted the beams. I was able to put the kids to work a little. I also tried to explain what we were doing and how it was done. I didn't expect them to learn anything EXCEPT that if their stupid old uncle could do it then when their time came they could do it also. If you can avoid hitting your thumb with the hammer you can probably do a lot. Even if you have to buy tools, you can probably sell them later for half or more of what you paid.
Watch everything you can on YouTube, especially the ones where they point out mistakes.
Make an offer well below the asking price. Ask the contractor if there are things you can do to lower the cost. You can rip stuff out for them and clean up after them. I'll bet as soon as your neighbors see you doing the work you will get some help. Pay contractors as little as possible up front and then only for work as it is completed. Be at the house as much as possible.
I have staunchly refused to own a drill my entire life. Now, I think, it's time I give in. :)
Yes, there are some small things I believe I can do - setting tile in a bathroom, sanding floors, maybe even laying new floor. And of course, painting and cleaning up after contractors. But bigger stuff is beyond me. I don't have the confidence. So yes, I need to factor this into costs as well. And yes, being around when the work is being done makes a huge difference. I think this is true in any country!
Thanks for your input!
It’s my understanding that finding a home is ultimately the easy part. The bureaucracy and the difficulties getting people to show up and do the work I’ve heard are the real challenges. If you haven’t already looked into those things you may want to before you buy a place. You may also want to start learning how to do some things yourself and whatever your budget you will probably need to add on at least a 25% or more contingency just to cover hidden costs you weren’t expecting above and beyond the home price and planned renovations. Also you may need to stay somewhere else while some of the work is being done, which can be expensive, especially if workers don’t show up and/or other delays happen. Lorraine Bracco ultimately spent upwards of 300k for her 1 euro home. Good luck my friend!
You are correct on all counts, friend. Well, re: Bracco, I read $250k but hey, it's the same thing. Currently, Italy has a fantastic program where you essentially pay 1/2 price for any equipment related to energy savings. So, installing solar or new windows? 1/2 price. This means contractors are pushed to the limits. Supply and demand. You save on the improvements but pay more the work.
Did you watch Bracco's My Big Italian Adventure? https://www.youtube.com/show/SCUOHwTVWn0CMEYOsS0nHv3g?season=1&sbp=CgEx Pretty spot on and even then, I'm sure she got things thru b/c she's an actress and this was being filmed!
I haven’t watched her show yet, just heard about it, but I can only imagine that it must’ve been a big adventure indeed! Like you said, she probably had it much easier since she was making a show about it. YouTube has a bunch of videos showing 1 euro home renovations. It’s a cool idea if you have the resources.
Yes, I’ve watched a bunch of those. Definitely helped me think more rationally about the idea!
Pay attention: mamma (with 2 m) mia, not mama mia! If u want to be part of the BelPaese
Certo! 🤦🏻♀️ Errore mio!!
I am amazed at the charm of these places. So different than the purchase of a condo or home in the States. I see the draw. I hope you find one that works!!
So different than the States! Which is equally good and bad! We have many more amenities here in the States that we take for granted. But oh, the charm! ;)
Dear, you are still very far from understanding how Italy really works. In the real estate market there are so many speculations and overestimations! Any owner thinks that his house Is the best One even if It Is near the crash. And the intermediaris are even worse. It Will be really, really difficult to get a house. Not to mention how sufferimg and expensive and ineffective Will be the renovation/renewal works.
You are my Roman voice of reason! Speculation and overestimations are true here in the States as well, but at least we have third-party home inspections on the condition of the property before a purchase! In Italy, you only have contractors that tell you what they think needs to be done. Mama Mia!!