Five foundational questions to assist in the home search process.
1. Dream House, Dream Location, or Dream Commute, which dream is most important? It’s sort of like riding a tricycle. There can only be one “big wheel” that leads. A dream house that is isolated may take away from enjoying the Italian experience (walking to a cafe, pizzeria, town square, children walking to Italian school…). A long commute for a family with school age children who are interested in extracurricular activities is unrealistic.
2. What is my monthly rental cap, how are my personal finances, could I afford to spend more on rent for the right house?
3. How is the housing market right now? What can I do if you can’t find the right place before TLA expires? There are numerous efficiency apartment who will enter into a rental agreement which would allow you to have more time to search without any pressure. Once I find the right place I can have my house hold goods delivered once to the right place. Is a temporary rental property an option for me?
4. How important is my relationship with my landlord/landlady, do they speak English, do they need to speak English, are they friendly, kind and attentive, when they show me the property? Or are they stressed out, inflexible and off putting? What type of impression do they make? Do I want to learn Italian, do I have the time and interest?
5. Will I need one car or two cars, how important is living in a community that is walking distance from a down town and stores?