Why Working With a Local Italian Agent Can Be Risky
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Picture this: you’re in Italy, ready to take the big step of buying your dream home. You connect with a local agent — very likely the same one who listed the property. At first, it seems simple: he has the keys, he knows the seller, he speaks the language. But here’s the problem.
In Italy, it’s very common for the same agent to represent both the seller and the buyer. That means instead of being your ally, he has divided loyalties. He might have known the seller for years, chatting in local dialect, and — whether by habit or by a touch of “Italian furbizia” — he may not fully protect your interests. For an American buyer, this can turn into real risk: |
Model used for Lorenzo International Real Estate
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- No one is fully on your side. The agent must keep the seller happy while also handling you, but your interests never come first.
- Lack of transparency. Important details about documents, taxes, or property issues may come up late — or not at all.
- Cultural pressure. If you’re the “foreigner with dollars,” the seller (and the agent) might assume you can pay more, or negotiate less.
The Italian Reality Most Americans Don’t Know
Another detail surprises many of my clients: in Italy, if you contact an agent — and especially if you view a property through that agent — he is legally allowed to charge you a commission if you eventually buy that property. Some agents even consider you their client simply because you emailed them asking for more information.
This is one of the reasons why I constantly meet American clients who, after experiencing this situation, decide to work with me. They often end up paying two commissions (the local agent and me) — and they gladly do it, because they prefer peace of mind and real protection over taking risks.
How I Work Differently
With me, the picture changes completely. I’m a California-licensed real estate broker, subject to strict civil and criminal liability in the United States. That means my professional standards are higher, and my responsibility to protect you is legally binding.
Even in the cases when I hold a listing in Italy, I make things crystal clear:
- You, as the buyer, don’t pay my commission.
- My fiduciary duty remains with you.
- You have the assurance of U.S. accountability.
Why Choose Me
Beyond compliance, here’s what truly sets me apart:
- 24 years of real estate experience between Italy and California.
- A strong academic background in Economics and Business, so I understand both the numbers and the strategy.
- Fluent in multiple languages, able to translate not only words but also culture and nuance.
- Two worlds, two citizenships — Italian by birth, American by choice. I know both systems inside out.
I work only for you, the buyer. I guide you through every step: from negotiating with the Italian listing agent to working with the notary, banks, and tax professionals.
The result?
- You always have someone translating (not just the language, but the mindset).
- You won’t be “taken advantage of” just because you’re bringing dollars to Italy.
- Most importantly, you can buy with peace of mind, knowing your interests are defended at every stage.
Find your perfect home in Italy — choose by region or by city, I’ll help you every step of the way
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