Five foundational questions to assist in the home search process.
NATO SOFA: In contrast to American forces and family status which is based on a bilateral agreement Italians are residents who are registered at their local town hall, pay taxes and benefits such as such receive services such as trash removal, etc.
Codice Fiscale: Is used for all financial legal transactions., etc.
Italian Community: The heart and soul of Italy is based on the Italian community. Italians are not very mobile and normally are born and die in their
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 your montly rental cap, how are your personal finances, could you 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 you find the right place you can have your house hold goods delivered once to the right place. Is a temporary rental property an option for you?
4. How important is the relationship with your landlord/landlady, do they speak English, do they need to speak English, are they friendly, kind and attentive, when they show you the property? Or are they stressed out, inflexible and off putting? What type of impression do they make? Do you want to learn Italian, do you have the time and interest?
5. Will you need one car or two cars, how important is living in a community that is walking distance from a down town and stores?