When we bought our house in Denver 2007 I had a guy who came recommended. But he kept trying to sell us the house. Then we switched to this young woman. She knew what she was doing. She said it wasn’t her job to sell us a house. It was her Jon to show us houses. We’d know within 30 seconds when we were in the right one, we bought a house from her in Longmont. The house you showed is indeed intriguing. But at least a two year project if you get the right people. I have your dream but we’re 75. I’d have to have something almost ready to move into. Our house in Houston is a bungalow built in 1917 I’ve remodeled twice in 45 years. At this point I’d hire almost everything done. Good luck on finding the one you feel right about when you walk in the door. 12:08
Thanks for your comment. I agree. I don't need someone to sell me a house. I'll make that decision on my own. And I'm with you on remodeling in Italy. I'd hire almost everything out. I don't know the building techniques or codes in Europe so I'd be at a severe disadvantage. But I think labor in Italy is actually pretty reasonable so if I get something that needs work, I'll definitely plan on using contractors. But just like here in the US, I'll be watching their every move.
Something I've learned in my 50+ years is to trust my instincts. Your instincts are telling you to keep looking for your Italian home. I can tell you had hopes of seeing a place, falling in love with it, and taking the next step. But trust your instincts and keep traveling around. You'll know the town when you see it; you'll know the home when you see it. And thanks for taking us on this adventure with you!
When we bought our house in Denver 2007 I had a guy who came recommended. But he kept trying to sell us the house. Then we switched to this young woman. She knew what she was doing. She said it wasn’t her job to sell us a house. It was her Jon to show us houses. We’d know within 30 seconds when we were in the right one, we bought a house from her in Longmont. The house you showed is indeed intriguing. But at least a two year project if you get the right people. I have your dream but we’re 75. I’d have to have something almost ready to move into. Our house in Houston is a bungalow built in 1917 I’ve remodeled twice in 45 years. At this point I’d hire almost everything done. Good luck on finding the one you feel right about when you walk in the door.
I couldn't agree more. I'll know. I'm sure your Bungalow in Houston is beautiful. I love those houses. So much character. Stay tuned. Something may be happening soon.
Planning to move to Italy is an ongoing journey. I started thinking seriously about moving to Italy during the pandemic, so years ago, - since then I've done research, saved money, learned the language, immersed myself in Italian culture and art, as well as traveled to Italy once or twice yearly. What kind of property I want and where in Italy it should be, keeps on changing as time passes, and at the same time I am also becoming much more aware of what I am looking for, if that makes sense. There are some amazing UA-cam videos about people who follow their dreams to move to Italy, yours included, and all of them have been great guides. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us :)
Hey Mike. One thing I really like about you and your personality is how open you’re about your feelings and about the situation. No pushing, mostly observing. This project would easily take two years and make a great home. Would it also make a good investment according to its location? I’m sure you would make it, but isn’t it too much of personal investment? Maybe you need it as a challenge or maybe you need a simple vacation home. What are you feeling for more?
Thanks @kubasc. Definitely too much work right now. Once I have a place in Italy I might consider taking on a project like this, but not for my first place.
Hey Mike, Abruzzo is a good location for touring the whole of Italy, has an airport in Pescara and only 2.- 3 hours from Rome. Lots of coastal areas and of course Skiing and hiking in the mountains. There are 1000s of properties like these throughout Abruzzo, rake your time an shop around. Even if you see one you like, check how long they have been on the market, don’t be tempted to put an offer in straight away. Speak to local people at bars an cafes, they all have family houses they want to sell, because they have to pay tax on empty houses now. Also you can offer up to a 3rd below asking, it’s acceptable an then move up from there, nobody expects the asking price. Abruzzo has 4 internal counties, Pescara, Chieti, Teramo and L’Aquila, all full of old properties. Enjoy the search. 😊😊
Thanks for the confirmation. I needed. I’m looking in Chieti for small towns like Celenza Sur Trigno and San Buono. Putting an offer until the end of the week. 😊
Hi Mike. I am now in Guglionesi Molise, arrived 2 days ago. It is true the house picked me. I love it, felt like home straight away. Soon to engage a contractor to replace gutter, install double glaze windows & doors & fix some damp in walls. I will paint & furnish in time. I am in no rush, I want to enjoy renovating the first house I bought only thinking of what I want…. Not about access to school or family or work. I will continue watching your search. Eileen
@@carolinecripps4417 Hi Caroline? I am from Australia, 60 years old & semi retired ( Sign Language Interpreter) It took me 12 months from seeing house online to buying house/ settlement date. I am in historical town centre in a house I think is 120 years old? My requirements to buying a house were: town population 5,000 , Italian charm, not too much reno, two bedroom, fireplace. Terrace & garden were not important. This house - ground floor is kitchen dining with wine cellar. 2nd floor is lounge room & bathroom, top floor is two bedrooms- one with balcony. It is in an alley way & I hear church bells ringing all the time. I bought house online & arrived here two weeks ago. I don’t have a car so having a local bus down the street to get me to Termoli is great…. 15 minutes of the most beautiful scenery along the way. Fruit farms wineries etc. My email address is guglionesi2024@gmail.com if you need any assistance or would like some photos. I have no regrets..E
Hi Mike 😊 You might consider reaching out to David Benton from "A Home in Italy" while in Abruzzo...he can give great insight on towns in and around Sulmona and in and around Palombaro...he also offers home/town tours that concentrate on both areas. He is very knowledgeable about the whole buying process. Thanks for bringing us along on your journey 😊😊😊 Jodi from WA state
Thanks @kyotecreek1934 I've decided against Abruzzo. I'm focusing on the Piedmont region. For many reason. You can watch some of my later videos for my reasons. Thanks for the tip though.
Hi Mike, good morning from the Czech republic 🇨🇿 ! 🌞 I haven’t finished watching the video yet, but I had to pause and say I absolutely love your new intro! What a game-changer! 🎉 Well done! Now, back to the Italian adventure! 🇮🇹"
Thanks @kubasc The video turned out great, but it wasn't fun finding my drone when it crashed on the other side of the canyon at 1:00 am. That was an adventure.
Hello, I am thankful the You Tube algorithm brought your posts to me. Based on your posts we are on the same path, I appreciate your well thought out insights. Although my remodeling prowess does not measure up to yours, it bears saying at a certain time in life there are projects and endeavors I choose not to pursue. My month long trip is scheduled for later this year, I’ll stay tuned to learn from your experiences. This most recent post shows your wistful and poignant side, you seem like a wonderful and warm person. I love your sense of adventure and balanced approach to life. btw kudos to your barber, towards the end in profile, the fine work of your barber is evident. cin cin 👀
Thank you so much for your very kind comments. I'm not really excited to get a place that needs a lot of work, but maybe in the future I'll get a second property in Italy and I'll be more open to a remodeling project. I wish you the best of luck on your search too.
Hi Mike, I just joined your channel. I liked your ending of your video, I currently I live in Houston but plan to move to Italy Asap. My wife is from Milan and she really wants to return. In my time looking at properties, I only looking at properties over $750,000 and all upgrades completed. But in towns that's possible but in cities like Rome it is not. At the end of it you are right, really if you pay attention your gut will tell you the right path.
That's great! It will be amazing to have a native to show you the ropes in Italy. I'm sure you will find the perfect place. And I won't be far from Milan. Maybe we'll bump into each other one day. Good luck!
Hi Mike - you’ll know it when you see it. You’re doing this for the change, for the new routine. It’s going to be awesome!!! Terrace, cafe, place to park your bikes, two bedroom. If it was easy everyone would do it. Penna just might not be the place.
As a searcher for property myself, I'd say go with what your strongest instincts tell you plus what your logic says. You'll know, you don't appear to be someone to do things in a rush without fair consideration. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thank you. Yep, I factor in a lot a things when making a decision. And I usually know when I have the right place. I haven't felt that yet. But then again, I've learned no real estate decision is permanent. If you don't like it after you get it, then sell. But the key is to get it for a good price to start with. As they say, you make your money on the front end.
Hi Mike, yeah. Like a corner building. Like the first photo, then....This is a reno, not a remodel. No arches or details other than stone walls. That's IMHO, easily 750 eur sqm and 2 years of stress and then was it done right ? Looks like no electical or plumbing. So a budget is one thing but turnkey, turn away or in between are just as important. I'm with ya. Next year will be doing the same. I need a place for 2-3 months at a time to get away from the heat and humidity in Asia. Im more a turn key guy, so i know what im getting. Mike, I wouldnt say its a failure to not buy now. I'm the same. One guy said there's 20 provinces in Italy, why not visit all 20. Value and options will not disappear with travel and experience. Dont put unnecessary stress into a great adventure. Let it flow. You'll know ! Best wishes !
Great suggestion. I've visited 19 of them now and although I will definitely visit Sicily in the future, it's not a place I would consider living. Too remote and too much seismic and volcanic activity.
Great new intro! Keep looking. You can always return, but visiting more regions and additional properties will surely provide more context and confidence in decision-making. Also, what fun would it be for your viewers if you found a place immediately? 😂 Travel safe.
I thought I would love the area around Lecce, but I have cousins who build west of Milano. Until I actually visit I could not really commit to a purchase. Thanks for your soul searching honesty!
Definitely visit if you can. But if you aren't able to, and you have an open and positive outlook on life, any place is going to be an amazing adventure with lots of great things to experience.
That's pretty crunchy! I would live in fear of an earthquake and that house totally collapsing on me. Gorgeous view though! And that alley walkway? I would sprain an ankle on it daily. It's easy to see the characher it used to have...such a shame.
That is a huge project. Personally, I would pass on it. There are other properties with more potential. You will know the right home when you see it. Edit: Consider hiring a geometra (spelling?) to visit properties with you. They are kind of like an architect and building inspector in one and can give you an honest opinion of what can and needs to be done to a property. Expect €600-€700 per square meter for any renovations.
If they throw in the 2nd property for less than 15k , I say do it . Just because the 1st building is attached to it . If you buy 1st building but not the 2nd you could have 2nd building leaking into the 1st one .
Hi I’m new we are looking to purchase a property in southern Italy two thing find one for me and I would like to talk to the American company at 3 1/2 percent in a 7 % tax bracket THANKS
I think you won't be alone looking in southern Italy. From what I understand, Puglia in particular is really popular these days. I decided not to use the company I mentioned in earlier videos so can't endorse them. You might want to look for a real estate company that specializes in whichever region you decide on. I'm sure there are plenty. Good luck!
When we bought our house in Denver 2007 I had a guy who came recommended. But he kept trying to sell us the house. Then we switched to this young woman. She knew what she was doing. She said it wasn’t her job to sell us a house. It was her Jon to show us houses. We’d know within 30 seconds when we were in the right one, we bought a house from her in Longmont.
The house you showed is indeed intriguing. But at least a two year project if you get the right people. I have your dream but we’re 75. I’d have to have something almost ready to move into. Our house in Houston is a bungalow built in 1917 I’ve remodeled twice in 45 years. At this point I’d hire almost everything done. Good luck on finding the one you feel right about when you walk in the door. 12:08
Thanks for your comment. I agree. I don't need someone to sell me a house. I'll make that decision on my own. And I'm with you on remodeling in Italy. I'd hire almost everything out. I don't know the building techniques or codes in Europe so I'd be at a severe disadvantage. But I think labor in Italy is actually pretty reasonable so if I get something that needs work, I'll definitely plan on using contractors. But just like here in the US, I'll be watching their every move.
Something I've learned in my 50+ years is to trust my instincts. Your instincts are telling you to keep looking for your Italian home. I can tell you had hopes of seeing a place, falling in love with it, and taking the next step. But trust your instincts and keep traveling around. You'll know the town when you see it; you'll know the home when you see it. And thanks for taking us on this adventure with you!
Great advice. I agree. I'll know the place when I see it. I'm in no hurry.
When we bought our house in Denver 2007 I had a guy who came recommended. But he kept trying to sell us the house. Then we switched to this young woman. She knew what she was doing. She said it wasn’t her job to sell us a house. It was her Jon to show us houses. We’d know within 30 seconds when we were in the right one, we bought a house from her in Longmont.
The house you showed is indeed intriguing. But at least a two year project if you get the right people. I have your dream but we’re 75. I’d have to have something almost ready to move into. Our house in Houston is a bungalow built in 1917 I’ve remodeled twice in 45 years. At this point I’d hire almost everything done. Good luck on finding the one you feel right about when you walk in the door.
I couldn't agree more. I'll know. I'm sure your Bungalow in Houston is beautiful. I love those houses. So much character. Stay tuned. Something may be happening soon.
Planning to move to Italy is an ongoing journey. I started thinking seriously about moving to Italy during the pandemic, so years ago, - since then I've done research, saved money, learned the language, immersed myself in Italian culture and art, as well as traveled to Italy once or twice yearly. What kind of property I want and where in Italy it should be, keeps on changing as time passes, and at the same time I am also becoming much more aware of what I am looking for, if that makes sense. There are some amazing UA-cam videos about people who follow their dreams to move to Italy, yours included, and all of them have been great guides. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us :)
Best of luck on your search for the perfect Italian property. Thank you for sharing and thank you for the very kind words.
Hey Mike. One thing I really like about you and your personality is how open you’re about your feelings and about the situation. No pushing, mostly observing. This project would easily take two years and make a great home. Would it also make a good investment according to its location? I’m sure you would make it, but isn’t it too much of personal investment? Maybe you need it as a challenge or maybe you need a simple vacation home. What are you feeling for more?
Thanks @kubasc. Definitely too much work right now. Once I have a place in Italy I might consider taking on a project like this, but not for my first place.
Hey Mike, Abruzzo is a good location for touring the whole of Italy, has an airport in Pescara and only 2.- 3 hours from Rome. Lots of coastal areas and of course Skiing and hiking in the mountains. There are 1000s of properties like these throughout Abruzzo, rake your time an shop around. Even if you see one you like, check how long they have been on the market, don’t be tempted to put an offer in straight away. Speak to local people at bars an cafes, they all have family houses they want to sell, because they have to pay tax on empty houses now. Also you can offer up to a 3rd below asking, it’s acceptable an then move up from there, nobody expects the asking price. Abruzzo has 4 internal counties, Pescara, Chieti, Teramo and L’Aquila, all full of old properties. Enjoy the search. 😊😊
Thanks for the confirmation. I needed. I’m looking in Chieti for small towns like Celenza Sur Trigno and San Buono. Putting an offer until the end of the week. 😊
Thanks! Great advice.
Congratulations!
Hi Mike. I am now in Guglionesi Molise, arrived 2 days ago. It is true the house picked me. I love it, felt like home straight away. Soon to engage a contractor to replace gutter, install double glaze windows & doors & fix some damp in walls. I will paint & furnish in time. I am in no rush, I want to enjoy renovating the first house I bought only thinking of what I want…. Not about access to school or family or work. I will continue watching your search. Eileen
Hi Eileen. I am looking to buy in Guglionesi or Palata too. To hear your story would really help me decide. Hope very much to hear from you.
@@carolinecripps4417 Hi Caroline? I am from Australia, 60 years old & semi retired ( Sign Language Interpreter) It took me 12 months from seeing house online to buying house/ settlement date. I am in historical town centre in a house I think is 120 years old? My requirements to buying a house were: town population 5,000 , Italian charm, not too much reno, two bedroom, fireplace. Terrace & garden were not important. This house - ground floor is kitchen dining with wine cellar. 2nd floor is lounge room & bathroom, top floor is two bedrooms- one with balcony. It is in an alley way & I hear church bells ringing all the time. I bought house online & arrived here two weeks ago. I don’t have a car so having a local bus down the street to get me to Termoli is great…. 15 minutes of the most beautiful scenery along the way. Fruit farms wineries etc. My email address is guglionesi2024@gmail.com if you need any assistance or would like some photos. I have no regrets..E
@eileengreen108 That's fantastic! Good for you. I love hearing stories of yours where people did it! Congratulations!
Hi Mike 😊
You might consider reaching out to David Benton from "A Home in Italy" while in Abruzzo...he can give great insight on towns in and around Sulmona and in and around Palombaro...he also offers home/town tours that concentrate on both areas. He is very knowledgeable about the whole buying process.
Thanks for bringing us along on your journey 😊😊😊
Jodi from WA state
Yes Davids ytube site is awesome. He finds great stuff 😊
Thanks @kyotecreek1934 I've decided against Abruzzo. I'm focusing on the Piedmont region. For many reason. You can watch some of my later videos for my reasons. Thanks for the tip though.
Hi Mike, good morning from the Czech republic 🇨🇿 ! 🌞 I haven’t finished watching the video yet, but I had to pause and say I absolutely love your new intro! What a game-changer! 🎉 Well done! Now, back to the Italian adventure! 🇮🇹"
Precisely, the new intro is brilliant. I love that night flying part 👍
Thank you so much. I really like it too.
Thanks @kubasc The video turned out great, but it wasn't fun finding my drone when it crashed on the other side of the canyon at 1:00 am. That was an adventure.
Hello, I am thankful the You Tube algorithm brought your posts to me. Based on your posts we are on the same path, I appreciate your well thought out insights. Although my remodeling prowess does not measure up to yours, it bears saying at a certain time in life there are projects and endeavors I choose not to pursue. My month long trip is scheduled for later this year, I’ll stay tuned to learn from your experiences.
This most recent post shows your wistful and poignant side, you seem like a wonderful and warm person. I love your sense of adventure and balanced approach to life. btw kudos to your barber, towards the end in profile, the fine work of your barber is evident. cin cin 👀
Thank you so much for your very kind comments. I'm not really excited to get a place that needs a lot of work, but maybe in the future I'll get a second property in Italy and I'll be more open to a remodeling project. I wish you the best of luck on your search too.
Hi Mike, I just joined your channel. I liked your ending of your video, I currently I live in Houston but plan to move to Italy Asap. My wife is from Milan and she really wants to return. In my time looking at properties, I only looking at properties over $750,000 and all upgrades completed. But in towns that's possible but in cities like Rome it is not. At the end of it you are right, really if you pay attention your gut will tell you the right path.
That's great! It will be amazing to have a native to show you the ropes in Italy. I'm sure you will find the perfect place. And I won't be far from Milan. Maybe we'll bump into each other one day. Good luck!
I love the style, all that old brick! Lot of work. I’m going to keep watching to see what else you find!
Thanks!
Hi Mike - you’ll know it when you see it. You’re doing this for the change, for the new routine. It’s going to be awesome!!! Terrace, cafe, place to park your bikes, two bedroom. If it was easy everyone would do it. Penna just might not be the place.
Thank Nathan! That's what I decided. Penne wasn't the place for me. But at least I ruled that town out.
As a searcher for property myself, I'd say go with what your strongest instincts tell you plus what your logic says. You'll know, you don't appear to be someone to do things in a rush without fair consideration. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thank you. Yep, I factor in a lot a things when making a decision. And I usually know when I have the right place. I haven't felt that yet. But then again, I've learned no real estate decision is permanent. If you don't like it after you get it, then sell. But the key is to get it for a good price to start with. As they say, you make your money on the front end.
Hi Mike, yeah. Like a corner building. Like the first photo, then....This is a reno, not a remodel. No arches or details other than stone walls. That's IMHO, easily 750 eur sqm and 2 years of stress and then was it done right ? Looks like no electical or plumbing. So a budget is one thing but turnkey, turn away or in between are just as important. I'm with ya. Next year will be doing the same. I need a place for 2-3 months at a time to get away from the heat and humidity in Asia. Im more a turn key guy, so i know what im getting. Mike, I wouldnt say its a failure to not buy now. I'm the same. One guy said there's 20 provinces in Italy, why not visit all 20. Value and options will not disappear with travel and experience. Dont put unnecessary stress into a great adventure. Let it flow. You'll know ! Best wishes !
Great suggestion. I've visited 19 of them now and although I will definitely visit Sicily in the future, it's not a place I would consider living. Too remote and too much seismic and volcanic activity.
Great new intro! Keep looking. You can always return, but visiting more regions and additional properties will surely provide more context and confidence in decision-making. Also, what fun would it be for your viewers if you found a place immediately? 😂 Travel safe.
Thanks! And I agree completely. 😊
I thought I would love the area around Lecce, but I have cousins who build west of Milano. Until I actually visit I could not really commit to a purchase. Thanks for your soul searching honesty!
Definitely visit if you can. But if you aren't able to, and you have an open and positive outlook on life, any place is going to be an amazing adventure with lots of great things to experience.
That's pretty crunchy! I would live in fear of an earthquake and that house totally collapsing on me. Gorgeous view though! And that alley walkway? I would sprain an ankle on it daily.
It's easy to see the characher it used to have...such a shame.
That place would have been a huge project. Definitely too much for me.
That is a huge project. Personally, I would pass on it. There are other properties with more potential. You will know the right home when you see it.
Edit: Consider hiring a geometra (spelling?) to visit properties with you. They are kind of like an architect and building inspector in one and can give you an honest opinion of what can and needs to be done to a property. Expect €600-€700 per square meter for any renovations.
For a place like that or anything that needs a lot of work, a Geometra would be essential. Thanks for your comment.
Don’t blame you for passing on that one. Way too much work.
I cringe just thinking about the work that would be needed for that place.
If they throw in the 2nd property for less than 15k , I say do it . Just because the 1st building is attached to it . If you buy 1st building but not the 2nd you could have 2nd building leaking into the 1st one .
I believe that was all one building. They were both included in the price. But that was too much work for me. I passed.
Run, run, far away. I've been doing homes for over 40 years. Can't vision this. Something is out there that you will connect to. It awaits.
That's what I did. I ran. 😊
Thats a no!!! Way too much work. Next! Love the new introduction....so beautiful.....
Thank you so much!
Looks like a bottomless money pit. How do you get an estimate to rebuild?
No need. It was too much for me.
Hi I’m new we are looking to purchase a property in southern Italy two thing find one for me and I would like to talk to the American company at 3 1/2 percent in a 7 % tax bracket THANKS
I think you won't be alone looking in southern Italy. From what I understand, Puglia in particular is really popular these days. I decided not to use the company I mentioned in earlier videos so can't endorse them. You might want to look for a real estate company that specializes in whichever region you decide on. I'm sure there are plenty. Good luck!
That better be cheap as I keep watching! Edit: roof was awesome rebuild but nothing beyond that. Hard pass.
Agreed!