Congratulations on the new place! Glad you found some professionals to work with. I signed a lease in Chile, had an "informal" translator who didn't really read it and I was just lucky things didn't go south. So your mention of the professional translator is spot on, it's really worth it!
I had been wondering if there was a city in Albania with a cooler climate and your information regarding Pogradec really came in handy. Thank you for your work!
It's a great decision to buy in Albania. It's not important in which city, wherever you feel better. But the country is on the rise. Your Condo in 5 years is probably going to have a value of 100k. Congratulations and keep up your great work!
So glad to have found your channel. My husband and I are flying to Albania end of December to get a feel for the country. Looking to leave US to retire more affordably. Thanks so much for the great info!❤
@patrickoverseas I wanted to ask about your experiences living in apartments in Albania....noisy? I have such concerns about renting (buying) an apartment, and hearing people walking above you, people/ baby noises, etc. Do you find they are pretty well "sound proofed"? Thank you!
@@christinel1530 honestly they are not very sound proof. At least the place i rented in tirana. But that place is very old and on the street level. The place i bought is on the 8th floor and its the top floor and is much better. But if the wind blows hard i can hear it.
very cool- looking forward to a tour of the new digs and as you explore every alleyway most people never bother going down - lol - careful on that scooter until you get a good layout of the area my friend - bless
Thank you ! yea the scooter....need to be better. But wider side walks and less peeps in Pogradec. But your right. I need to be careful. I look forward to the alleyways! Thank you for being here !
New subscriber here. Been watching for a few weeks. Was thinking about retiring to Ecuador but your channel has me reconsidering Albania. Love the idea of being able to live comfortably in Europe and do a bit of traveling as well as the considerable savings of air travel!
Another awesome video Patrick- thank you. I appreciate you sharing how much you paid for your condo and doing a tour. It really helps us with what to expect. Thank you SO much!!!
Hi kelly ! I feel ya. Depends on the city. I love Tirana, and Berrat..but they were brutally hot in the summer. Pogradec where were moving to is much cooler. Korca is much cooler aswell. There are other cooler cities. So another reason we are moving here. BUT the trade off is colder in the winter.
Thanks so much for your videos, I went back and watched them all and now I feel like an Albania expert! I'm planning on moving there at the end of 2025 - beginning of 2026. I absolutely plan on using your real estate guys. I already use BoA but will be adding Shwab primarily for the ATM savings. I will probably commit to a year in Tirana, then look into other areas while there - Pogradec looks amazing. Congratulations for all of the success and happiness you guys have had with your time in Albania and I will continue to follow your journey!
@@patrickoverseas I'm already feeling very prepared! One other quick question. Are there places in Tirana that I can have things shipped to? Like here we have MailBoxes, FedEX storefronts, UPS, etc. Is there anything like that out there? NEVERMIND, I looked it up. Should have done that first, lol.
Super informational. I went to their website and if I am not mistaken your condo is still listed. I can see why you snatched it up. GOOD FOR YOU BOTH!! Getting excited about our first scouting trip.
I wish the subtitles were up, I kept hearing you say 'Toronto', then realised you were saying' Tirana. I still didn't understand the name of the town you bought your property in?? GREAT info!
How did you find Podgradek? Love your videos! You’re awesome! So glad my husband found your youtube channel😁. We’re visiting Albania in February-March. Can’t wait! Getting more excited about it! Congrats on your new home!!! 🎉
Thank you ! We just kept visiting other cities with a open mind, and fell in love with it. We didnt listen to top 10...our favs were pogradec, shkoder, durris. to live full time.I dont want to say advice. Because your favs will be different then mine. Explore !
@@patrickoverseas so cool !! Maybe when we get there we can take you guys out for a drink! I’m loving Albania more and more. Haven’t even been there yet. LolHave traveled around to over 20 countries but none seem as welcoming to Americans as Albania we’re finding out. ❤️❤️
@would you kindly tell me which city Schkoder is in? I’m on your realtors website and I do not see Schkoder as an option, but it does show me various cities. Thanks a lot for that recommendation. I was feeling a bit like a minnow swimming with big fish - uncertain - after speaking with a couple of realtors I found on the internet.
@@taraann-ms1oi Shkoder is a city itself in the country of Albania. It is in the northern part of Albania at the base of the Albanian Alps. Beautiful .If interested in the city. Email the guys there tell them the city you like. Your budget, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom. And they will look up for you. You have to make contact.
Hi Very interesting video. Congrats with your new apartment! I was in Pogradec 3 days in September 2024. Nice town fantastic location. Will return in June 2025 some days celebrate a birthday. Will also visit Trpejca in North M . And Lin. May I ask you: How much is the monthly costs over there? I mean the common expenses for the apartment where u live. We call it rent here, but its not expenses to the bank. Its more for water, maintenance, insurance, electricity etc. I hope to rent or buy in Albania in 2027 when I retire. I have very good Albanian friends there and love the country. Best regards from Norway
Hi ..many reasons. weather, better air. less crowded. Cooler summer, slower vibe. Even cheaper then Tirana. 1 min. walk to the beach. But just cause i love it, you may love a different city. My 2 favs. Pogradec and shkoder.
Congrats on your new place. Question: You mention the agent driving you to Pogradec and in another video I recall you saying you hired a car to visit Pogradec, I'm curious to hear about Albania's transportation system. How are the trains, buses, roads etc. I'm guessing since Albania aligned itself with Russia and China in the mid 1900's their transportation is not yet up to European standards, but with the new international interest in their country, that's beginning to be addressed.
ive been to poradec a few times. The first trip my realtors drove us and we stayed a few days. Also made other trips with taxis. The trains are slowly being built, Its all buses and cabs. Alot of electric bikes, and scooters
Your manners, appreciation and honesty shine through. So pleased this is working for you The main freeway will go l the way to the Black Sea coast... I think tgat you are entirely correct on why to buy now. Urine, shpreshoj per shtepi I lumtur
Both. i had my lawyer look at it as well. I know, over the top. But it was my first time buying overseas. My realtor understood that and was so great to me.
@@denisemurray1164 Hi denise, by firm im guessing you mean my lawyer. He is awesome. I asked him if i could but him out on youtube. Free advertising for him! He begged me no. Which surprised me untill he told me why. He did before with youtuber. He was bombed with people wanting free info when hes trying to feed a family. He doesnt mind questions . But 95% of people bombing with questions never make it to albania. He will answer all questions, face to face. Because he knows your here and wants your business. 2nd day i was here i sat face to face and got everything i need. I wont expose him. I need him. He will help you all...but face to face. He said no...so i wont cross him. I hope you understand. Its like if someone asked me for your phone number. I wont give out unless you said it was ok.
@@denisemurray1164 please dont misunderstand me..i get what your asking. GREAT questions. Once they see your here. You can ask a million questions for free. But face to face so he knows your serious. Glad you understand.
commission is normally 1% here...crazy i know. Exchange rate was done to euros on the time of wire exchange. I dont have the exact number in front of me. 64,000 euros was about $68,400 bucks U.S.D.
@patrickoverseas 1% commission is good. Your the 2nd person that mentioned Charles Schwab. I have an acct with OFX International exchange and they are about $1011 less so I wanted to compare. But I know Charles has other good benefits like their CC. Thx
thanks for the great info! what about bringing a small dog? does their society tolerate them well or would it be a better idea not to bring one? thanks again!
I’ve watched other videos and Albanians were in the comments saying that their society loves dogs and basically they were treated the same as the US. I had the same question because I had considered Bulgaria before I found Patrick, and found that dogs aren’t really treated that well there. There are LOTS and LOTS of strays.
WOW! as a former lender in US, that's a great price. They sound like a great company. Do they work in Durres? I want to start working on my residency. How is that process.
Good morning Patrick -- which website can we go to search for homes in Albania ? And, do we need proper immigration status to buy a property in Albania ? Like citizenship for an instant, before buying a property? .. thanks in advance- Moses from Canada
id honestly go to my realtors site and start there. Email them and tell them what your looking for. There are many places for rent and sale that you wont see online. You need a realtor. As a American i can buy with out residency. I think you can as a Canadian. Email the guys to double check. I do know now owning its much easier to get residency for me.
Honestly the plan was just to rent. But im watching all the construction. And plans for the future, and figured i better buy. IF the right deal comes by.
Thanks for the info. I’ve been selling all my things and planning to slow travel ISO a good retirement location the past year. Flying into Tirana on New Year’s Eve and will reach out to your realtors to help me find an apartment. I’ll make sure to tell them you sent me! Cheers
@@mikerubin7318 To you aswell mike. I not sure if you have been to Shkodra before. But you will love it ! Beautiful mountain views. And the pedestrian walk way is incredible ! If you haven't got a place to stay yet. May i suggest the city center hotel. Its location is on the pedestrian street. You will see a sign for it. Nice, affordable, and comes with breakfest.
I was wondering if you're having to deal with the language barrier living in Pogradec. Are you able to find English speakers to facilitate what you need ? Albanian looks like a difficult language for English speakers to learn. Are you learning Albanian ? Again, thank you for your information
Hi ! Were trying to learn. Its important for us to be respectful. Hello, please, thank you, If im in a bind i look for someone 30 years old or younger. they will speak english. some older do too. Also if they dont ,they will try to help you. I also use google translate. They are a kind people and will try to help you. Yes we are trying to learn thier language. we believe its respectful to them.
@@patrickoverseas thank you for the info! I've lived in Mexico for the past 4 years and I fully agree that learning the language opens so many doors and elicits a lot of smiles. It's good to know you're able to negotiate daily life there. I'm very interested in visiting and planning to do so in April. Thanks again!
I always enjoy your videos about Albania. Congrats on buying a new property. Do you have WhatsApp to contact you? I am from NY and I am thinking of visiting Albania for 2-5 months to find the right city for retirement. Enjoy your early retirement in Beautiful Albania.
Gud jobe you done Albanian tourism is groin ap in Montenegro negro end Croatia for rent in the summer season for a house take from 8000 till 15000 for a mons house like Hostel take till 20,000 eu
That area is going to boom soon! The Trump family is in the middle of building 2 luxury resorts along with that airport on a 1400-acre plot of land in Vlora ( Vlore). It's a Smart move to purchase now! Great job and super great input as always( Not advice) Congratulations again to you both!!
Congratulations on the new place! Glad you found some professionals to work with. I signed a lease in Chile, had an "informal" translator who didn't really read it and I was just lucky things didn't go south. So your mention of the professional translator is spot on, it's really worth it!
Hi kevin ! A licensed translator . was well worth the $70 bucks.
Congratulations Patrick and April!!🎉🎉🎉
Inspiring. I cannot wait. Just a few more years
Thanks ! and happy for you.
I had been wondering if there was a city in Albania with a cooler climate and your information regarding Pogradec really came in handy. Thank you for your work!
Pogradec and Korca. There are others but those 2 really stand out.
@patrickoverseas thank you for the info! I'm planning a trip for April
@@jbw53191 Perfect time to come
It's a great decision to buy in Albania. It's not important in which city, wherever you feel better. But the country is on the rise. Your Condo in 5 years is probably going to have a value of 100k. Congratulations and keep up your great work!
Thank you. I agree with you when im looking at all the infrastructure growth happening across the country. Even the trump family is building here .
So glad to have found your channel. My husband and I are flying to Albania end of December to get a feel for the country. Looking to leave US to retire more affordably. Thanks so much for the great info!❤
We are too!! Lol. Going Feb-March!
Hope you love it. I think you will !
@patrickoverseas I wanted to ask about your experiences living in apartments in Albania....noisy? I have such concerns about renting (buying) an apartment, and hearing people walking above you, people/ baby noises, etc. Do you find they are pretty well "sound proofed"? Thank you!
@@christinel1530 honestly they are not very sound proof. At least the place i rented in tirana. But that place is very old and on the street level. The place i bought is on the 8th floor and its the top floor and is much better. But if the wind blows hard i can hear it.
@@patrickoverseas thanks so much! Good to know👍
very cool- looking forward to a tour of the new digs and as you explore every alleyway most people never bother going down - lol - careful on that scooter until you get a good layout of the area my friend - bless
Thank you ! yea the scooter....need to be better. But wider side walks and less peeps in Pogradec. But your right. I need to be careful. I look forward to the alleyways! Thank you for being here !
Happy Thanksgiving 🦃- Mark and Annette
Totally second Charles Schwab. You can’t go wrong with the service!
They have been great for me
New subscriber here. Been watching for a few weeks. Was thinking about retiring to Ecuador but your channel has me reconsidering Albania. Love the idea of being able to live comfortably in Europe and do a bit of traveling as well as the considerable savings of air travel!
Thank you for subscribing ! Means a lot to me. Yes were happy here
Same his videos has me considering moving to Albania.
We are so excited for you guys! That’s awesome!!
Love it !
Another awesome video Patrick- thank you. I appreciate you sharing how much you paid for your condo and doing a tour. It really helps us with what to expect. Thank you SO much!!!
Thank you for being here ! I hope to make a video of the place in Tirana i rented for 390 euros a month.
@@patrickoverseas That would be fantastic! Thank you!
Another good video with a lot of very useful information. Thanks and take care.
Thank you for watching Craig.
We will be looking at property in Durres in March, so this was VERY helpful! Thank you Patrick.
Your welcome. I forgot to say, as a American you dent need to have residency to buy.
but the fact is that Pogradec is one of the most beautiful cities in Albania, but not only enjoy the city, you have done a brilliant job
You are so kind. I got lucky and blessed. Lucky to have the people i met.
Patrick Korca and Pogradeci have the most wonderful people, it's an experience and pleasure to live there, absolute peace i like that place alot.
Us too !!!!!
Hi Patrick, love your videos! I was wondering if you would talk about the the weather, I am worried about the summer heat - Kelly
Hi kelly ! I feel ya. Depends on the city. I love Tirana, and Berrat..but they were brutally hot in the summer. Pogradec where were moving to is much cooler. Korca is much cooler aswell. There are other cooler cities. So another reason we are moving here. BUT the trade off is colder in the winter.
Thanks so much for your videos, I went back and watched them all and now I feel like an Albania expert! I'm planning on moving there at the end of 2025 - beginning of 2026. I absolutely plan on using your real estate guys. I already use BoA but will be adding Shwab primarily for the ATM savings. I will probably commit to a year in Tirana, then look into other areas while there - Pogradec looks amazing.
Congratulations for all of the success and happiness you guys have had with your time in Albania and I will continue to follow your journey!
YES ! Best thing i did was to split money between shwab. B.O.A. is great, but Shwab is off the chart with customer service.
@@patrickoverseas I'm already feeling very prepared! One other quick question. Are there places in Tirana that I can have things shipped to? Like here we have MailBoxes, FedEX storefronts, UPS, etc. Is there anything like that out there?
NEVERMIND, I looked it up. Should have done that first, lol.
Shipping from here is easy. To here is a chore. look for my video on not having a address
Super informational. I went to their website and if I am not mistaken your condo is still listed. I can see why you snatched it up. GOOD FOR YOU BOTH!! Getting excited about our first scouting trip.
Thank you sir ! Were settling in now.
Hi, Marianne here from San Joaquin Valley, CA. What a real estate deal! Wow! Your home is swell and congratulations. (:
Hi Marianne ! I lived in victorville ca for years. Hope you are well.
Look at that man. He understood that albania is underrated atm. Its the best time to buy property there.
Wish you all the best in Albania!
Hi Adrian . Got a great deal on it.
Glad you found your place
Thank you ! We had great help. We will make one more trip to Tirana to pick up the last of our stuff.
Great video. Where is the link to your realestate agent? Thanks!
www.illyrianhome.al....you can email them there.
I wish the subtitles were up, I kept hearing you say 'Toronto', then realised you were saying' Tirana. I still didn't understand the name of the town you bought your property in?? GREAT info!
The town i bought in is spelled Pogradec.. Thank you for watching !
Appreciate your freeform honest info - thx
thank you sir !
How did you find Podgradek? Love your videos! You’re awesome! So glad my husband found your youtube channel😁. We’re visiting Albania in February-March. Can’t wait! Getting more excited about it!
Congrats on your new home!!! 🎉
Thank you ! We just kept visiting other cities with a open mind, and fell in love with it. We didnt listen to top 10...our favs were pogradec, shkoder, durris. to live full time.I dont want to say advice. Because your favs will be different then mine. Explore !
@@patrickoverseas so cool !! Maybe when we get there we can take you guys out for a drink! I’m loving Albania more and more. Haven’t even been there yet. LolHave traveled around to over 20 countries but none seem as welcoming to Americans as Albania we’re finding out. ❤️❤️
Congratulations!
Thank you....thank you !
@would you kindly tell me which city Schkoder is in? I’m on your realtors website and I do not see Schkoder as an option, but it does show me various cities. Thanks a lot for that recommendation. I was feeling a bit like a minnow swimming with big fish - uncertain - after speaking with a couple of realtors I found on the internet.
@@taraann-ms1oi Shkoder is a city itself in the country of Albania. It is in the northern part of Albania at the base of the Albanian Alps. Beautiful .If interested in the city. Email the guys there tell them the city you like. Your budget, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom. And they will look up for you. You have to make contact.
Hi Very interesting video. Congrats with your new apartment! I was in Pogradec 3 days in September 2024. Nice town fantastic location. Will return in June 2025 some days celebrate a birthday. Will also visit Trpejca in North M . And Lin. May I ask you: How much is the monthly costs over there? I mean the common expenses for the apartment where u live. We call it rent here, but its not expenses to the bank. Its more for water, maintenance, insurance, electricity etc. I hope to rent or buy in Albania in 2027 when I retire. I have very good Albanian friends there and love the country. Best regards from Norway
All in were paying about $2000 a month. But that's with travel, and every night is date night.
Hi Pat enjoy your videos, curious why y’all chose pogradec ?
Hi ..many reasons. weather, better air. less crowded. Cooler summer, slower vibe. Even cheaper then Tirana. 1 min. walk to the beach. But just cause i love it, you may love a different city. My 2 favs. Pogradec and shkoder.
Great info!
Thanks Dean !
Congrats on your new place. Question: You mention the agent driving you to Pogradec and in another video I recall you saying you hired a car to visit Pogradec, I'm curious to hear about Albania's transportation system. How are the trains, buses, roads etc. I'm guessing since Albania aligned itself with Russia and China in the mid 1900's their transportation is not yet up to European standards, but with the new international interest in their country, that's beginning to be addressed.
ive been to poradec a few times. The first trip my realtors drove us and we stayed a few days. Also made other trips with taxis. The trains are slowly being built, Its all buses and cabs. Alot of electric bikes, and scooters
Your manners, appreciation and honesty shine through. So pleased this is working for you
The main freeway will go l the way to the Black Sea coast... I think tgat you are entirely correct on why to buy now.
Urine, shpreshoj per shtepi I lumtur
Thank you !
Good morning, did you hire a separate real estate lawyer or just review the translated documents with the real estate agency? Thanks!
Both. i had my lawyer look at it as well. I know, over the top. But it was my first time buying overseas. My realtor understood that and was so great to me.
Thank you! Would you mind advising what firm you used and if you had a good experience with them?
@@denisemurray1164 Hi denise, by firm im guessing you mean my lawyer. He is awesome. I asked him if i could but him out on youtube. Free advertising for him! He begged me no. Which surprised me untill he told me why. He did before with youtuber. He was bombed with people wanting free info when hes trying to feed a family. He doesnt mind questions . But 95% of people bombing with questions never make it to albania. He will answer all questions, face to face. Because he knows your here and wants your business. 2nd day i was here i sat face to face and got everything i need. I wont expose him. I need him. He will help you all...but face to face. He said no...so i wont cross him. I hope you understand. Its like if someone asked me for your phone number. I wont give out unless you said it was ok.
No worries! I completely understand! Appreciate you getting back to us.
@@denisemurray1164 please dont misunderstand me..i get what your asking. GREAT questions. Once they see your here. You can ask a million questions for free. But face to face so he knows your serious. Glad you understand.
Hi Patrick
Are there any home owner association fees like in the US?
Hi Mary ! none that i know of . Only thing close is a building fee 8 euros a month. For like taking care of elevator and stuff
Hi Patrick
Congratulations. We watch every video. Thanks for the info.
@@MaryBreeden-t1p Thank you so much for subscibing ! means a lot to me.
@@User12345fan thank you for info !
Good question. I read most of the comments hoping someone would have ask this. Thanks.
Can you tell me what the exchange rate was with Charles? How much was the realtor commission?
commission is normally 1% here...crazy i know. Exchange rate was done to euros on the time of wire exchange. I dont have the exact number in front of me. 64,000 euros was about $68,400 bucks U.S.D.
@patrickoverseas 1% commission is good. Your the 2nd person that mentioned Charles Schwab. I have an acct with OFX International exchange and they are about $1011 less so I wanted to compare. But I know Charles has other good benefits like their CC. Thx
@@tamimorales1116 your welcome. love shwab.
thanks for the great info! what about bringing a small dog? does their society tolerate them well or would it be a better idea not to bring one? thanks again!
I’ve watched other videos and Albanians were in the comments saying that their society loves dogs and basically they were treated the same as the US.
I had the same question because I had considered Bulgaria before I found Patrick, and found that dogs aren’t really treated that well there. There are LOTS and LOTS of strays.
They are pet friendly. But might cut down options on rentals. Like my place is on the 8th floor. Difficult if i had a dog .
there are many street dogs..but many as pets as well
WOW! as a former lender in US, that's a great price. They sound like a great company. Do they work in Durres? I want to start working on my residency. How is that process.
They are in Tirana. But they rent and sell in the entire country.
@@patrickoverseas Thanks.
@@User12345fan ahhh who is deleting your comments? i will not allow spam...who is? speak up..
Good morning Patrick -- which website can we go to search for homes in Albania ? And, do we need proper immigration status to buy a property in Albania ? Like citizenship for an instant, before buying a property? .. thanks in advance- Moses from Canada
id honestly go to my realtors site and start there. Email them and tell them what your looking for. There are many places for rent and sale that you wont see online. You need a realtor. As a American i can buy with out residency. I think you can as a Canadian. Email the guys to double check. I do know now owning its much easier to get residency for me.
@patrickoverseas thank you Patrick, I am very happy for your accomplishments, God bless you
When you initially moved to Albania did you plan to buy rather than rent?
Honestly the plan was just to rent. But im watching all the construction. And plans for the future, and figured i better buy. IF the right deal comes by.
@patrickoverseas I see. btw- I'm off to Skodra for a couple of weeks later today (spent this week in Tirana.) Happy Thanksgiving in advance
Thanks for the info. I’ve been selling all my things and planning to slow travel ISO a good retirement location the past year. Flying into Tirana on New Year’s Eve and will reach out to your realtors to help me find an apartment. I’ll make sure to tell them you sent me! Cheers
@@mikerubin7318 To you aswell mike. I not sure if you have been to Shkodra before. But you will love it ! Beautiful mountain views. And the pedestrian walk way is incredible ! If you haven't got a place to stay yet. May i suggest the city center hotel. Its location is on the pedestrian street. You will see a sign for it. Nice, affordable, and comes with breakfest.
@@particleinthewave8378 the guys will help you
I was wondering if you're having to deal with the language barrier living in Pogradec. Are you able to find English speakers to facilitate what you need ? Albanian looks like a difficult language for English speakers to learn. Are you learning Albanian ? Again, thank you for your information
Hi ! Were trying to learn. Its important for us to be respectful. Hello, please, thank you, If im in a bind i look for someone 30 years old or younger. they will speak english. some older do too. Also if they dont ,they will try to help you. I also use google translate. They are a kind people and will try to help you. Yes we are trying to learn thier language. we believe its respectful to them.
@@patrickoverseas thank you for the info! I've lived in Mexico for the past 4 years and I fully agree that learning the language opens so many doors and elicits a lot of smiles. It's good to know you're able to negotiate daily life there. I'm very interested in visiting and planning to do so in April. Thanks again!
@@jbw53191 Thanks !
I always enjoy your videos about Albania. Congrats on buying a new property.
Do you have WhatsApp to contact you?
I am from NY and I am thinking of visiting Albania for 2-5 months to find the right city for retirement.
Enjoy your early retirement in Beautiful Albania.
alex please email me at roadway12345@yahoo.com to talk
Gud jobe you done Albanian tourism is groin ap in Montenegro negro end Croatia for rent in the summer season for a house take from 8000 till 15000 for a mons house like Hostel take till 20,000 eu
hi ! Thank you for comment,
That area is going to boom soon! The Trump family is in the middle of building 2 luxury resorts along with that airport on a 1400-acre plot of land in Vlora ( Vlore). It's a Smart move to purchase now! Great job and super great input as always( Not advice) Congratulations again to you both!!
Thank you Anthony ! I read that about the Trumps building here and forgot to mention it. Thank you sir !
Do not marry one!
Ive been married to my April for 36 years.