As Is
As Is
April/aprile-October/ottobre 2018
When you buy abandoned property in Italy it is, well, abandoned. Like, the owners just packed a suitcase and left. I wasn’t expecting this when I began looking at property, it was a surprise to see that they left their furnishings behind, right down to the linens. I am grateful that they did because it’s a glimpse into a bygone era of the property you are about to restore. Remnants of the previous owners preserves the energy of the space and I have always relied on a vibe when choosing a home. From a studio apartment when I was broke, to my dream house when I wasn’t, to abandoned property in Forcella, Italy when I was broken, the process is the same. And reliable.
“Houses” in Italy are not defined the way Americans define a house, as separate structures. My property consists of 3, maybe 4, potential living spaces, an exterior bathroom, 2 storage rooms and a room that once was a stable (or a wine cellar) and a porch. They are more like apartments, each room shares a wall with another owner. There is no inspection, no warranty, you just buy, As Is, complete with the contents. There were 5 sellers in all,3 for the land, 2 for the rooms.
The photo below is the first room I was shown and will be the first room finished, converted to a studio apartment. You can see how this is gonna work, right? A wine press, a cross and a view.
Sign me up.
In Italy, when you buy property, the ENTIRE family needs to come to the closing. Each family member is required to sign off on their rights to the property. In my case, that meant there were a lot of people!
You can also sign papers on the hood of a truck and take to the notaio (lawyer.) You have options.
Rosa, one of the 3 Italian sisters and the one who negotiated the sale on their behalf, is to my right. Penny for the thoughts of some of these people in the photo!
Andiamo! (Let’s go!)