The minute you have identified the property you are interested to buy, it’s time for you to approach an estate agent or agenti immobiliari (also called mediatori).
A real estate agent may be an Italian or a foreign real estate agent. The choice of which one to hire is up to you depending on your ability to understand the Italian language and/or speak it as clear communication between you and the agent is of prime importance.
There are corresponding pros and cons to your choice of a real estate agent. An Italian real estate agent, especially one who lives and works near the property you are interested to buy has a deeper understanding of the zoning regulations and possible problems in that area. A lot of agents are either relatives or friends of the neighbors surrounding the subject property which guarantees an insider’s approach as well as discourages the seller from overpricing.
A foreign real estate agent, on the other hand, most of whom are English, speaks your language and thus better understands your needs. Moreover, a foreign agent may have the edge of experience in dealing with buyers who have had to transfer money from abroad or who do not live in Italy the whole year round. The only downside with getting a foreign real estate agent is that they tend to charge more than a local Italian agent.
The final decision rests on you. The importance of language and knowing exactly what your real estate agent is talking about is important and must be a basis for your choice and your ultimate decision. As Peter Kennealy, who bought an apartment in Florence’s San Frediano area with views of the city’s Renaissance skyline, advises, dealing with estate agents is only about language – especially where superlatives are concerned.
“An apartment described as illuminoso is really a dark pit. You’ve got to look for illuminosissimo. An apartment that is tranquillo is not as quiet as one that is tranquillissimo.”
Make sure also that you enlist the help of as many professional sources as possible when you buy property. This is a means to protect your interests.