Real estate agent recommendations

https://www.fiaip.it/trova-lagente-fiap-di-zona/#menu1 - You can go here and find a FIAIP registered agent in your area of interest.  If you the properties you have found are with other agents, then you have to use that agent.  If they are private sales, they may not want an agent on board for various reasons.

*** is a company that could advise.You can also book a free consultation. Buona Fortuna!

@Modicasa

Thank you

@dtognarelli2

Which company?

@dtognarelli2

My apologies

@mondocanemsr

That is the company's email. Sorry, I should have posted in private.

I’d say try looking around Cefalù or Termini Imerese area, lots of agents there speak decent English and are used to working with foreigners. When I was looking near Messina, I had better luck reaching out to smaller local agencies rather than the big national ones, they were way more responsive and willing to negotiate. Might be worth starting there.

Hi @mondocanemsr

I would 100% recommend Sgr Antonio La Porta. Contact him at his personalo email address (i***) and tell him I recommended you...

He guided us through every aspect of the purchase and he lives in Ciminna, which is exactly in the area you're talking about.

Regards

Ron

@ronhealyx

Ron, thank you but because of my not-so-good experience with the consultant that presents houses on You.Tube, I decided on a different region in Italy and found an apartment for rent on Idealista owned by a private person. At first I was reluctant not knowing whether a private individual was the way to go but she turned out to be really nice. She is also an architect I know the language and checked her credentials on the licensed Italian architect site so that helped. I expect to go the end of March. If and when I find a place to buy, my new friend the architect will be advising me and also through her I can find reputable real estate agents and other local professionals. Thanks again.

@mondocanemsr

I'm really happy for you. I've been looking at places and it seems like the listings are years old or inaccurate. Seems like it takes a lot of luck and timing to actually find a place to rent.

Sigh.

Idealista has a lot of listings.

It does, but when you dig in, even though I input 'long term' most of them are short term.

Long term rental usually do not stay on the market long enough to make it onto idealista or suchlike.  AS everyone thinks they can make a fortune doing holiday lets, the amount of 4x4's or long term contratti liberi is diminishing so the market is vicious.    You really need to be on the ground to find a long term rental - and even an 18 month contract.   And it must be registered at the tax office.

@jimds

The long term rentals are mostly not close to the beach so it depends what location you are considering. Properties near the beach or with a sea view are mostly short term for the summer months and are very expensive, these same properties are cheaper between October and May. Your location determines the price and the length of the rental.