I previously wrote an article on how to write to an agent. I feared it might be a bit patronising, leading buyers to get upset and walk away. I wanted to add some other tips about your search process.

Location

If you’re not sure - come on a visit, come for a vacation. The house you want will really light your fire. It might be here or there. You might love an area but there might not be the right house for you. Yes, you need to choose the right area but that can be a big area.

On this, consider what’s happening in the Langhe - and I mean the Barolo Langhe. Forget it unless you’re a very patient billionaire. It’s gone crazy. This is towns such as:

Barolo

Monforte

Serralunga

La Morra

Castiglione Falletto

Houses and businesses are being bought up by local wineries and foreign billionaires. If you’re spending less than €1.5m don’t even think about it. Just visit it - it’s too busy in the summer anyway. 

Make sure you can afford it

Restoration is difficult these days. The disaster of the 110% bonus scheme sent builders into overdrive and they all now drive Ferraris and Porsches. It’s expensive and slow. No use looking at big farmhouses and having a dream but not knowing the cost. Think around €1,400/sqm. And you need a good team behind you. I have the team - of course!

Broaden your mind!
I live 30 minutes from the Barolo area. I have no desire to live there and even if one of these Nigerian princes or businessmen finally keeps his promise and gives me $11.2m I still wouldn’t live there. You can live a whole lot better even up to 40 minutes away. Just visit the area! Don’t pay double just to be there. I’m working with the tourist office in a section of the Asti province to really open up a part that is as yet undiscovered. The new Tuscany and houses are really cheap. It’s not so easy to find the big farmhouses but if you’re spending up to €300k it’s really worth a look. More coming on that soon.

A winter full of surprises

The weather is strange… so warm and we need more rain but that’s not the only strange thing - I’m busy, really busy! This time of year I can usually relax, fix the house and car, walk the dog every day, etc. But no, full of clients and houses and work at the desk and driving hundreds of miles a week. I’m not complaining but you see what’s happening here, right?

Something special

Who doesn’t love castles? This came in (click here) and it’s mind-blowing. The owner is so nice and we quickly have built a good relationship with him. He needs to sell. He’s in very poor health and it’s just him and his wife. I can’t publish what’s inside - I do intend to take photos of parts of the interior in the coming day - but it can be bought with all the contents for €2.5m and the contents are probably worth around €1.5m. And get this -  this price is very negotiable. They just need to sell and live the last few years of their life in peace. Don’t leave money in the bank, it’s worthless, buy a piece of Italian history. It’s 25 minutes from the Barolo area.. My fee is fixed, I can work well for you and land you a great deal. Don’t wait.