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RealtyCast Global #6: Innovative Strategies for Buying Property in Italy with Piero Lorenzo

RealtyCast Global #6: Innovative Strategies for Buying Property in Italy with Piero Lorenzo

Welcome to episode #6 of RealtyCast Global – a global connection to all things real estate, hosted by Hugh Gilliam, president of Global Property Pros.

The allure of Italian real estate has been a longstanding fascination for international investors, with its rich culture, exquisite cuisine, stunning landscapes, and historically significant architecture. The latest episode of RealtyCast Global delves into this captivating market, with seasoned real estate professional Piero Lorenzo providing invaluable insights and innovative strategies for buying property in Italy.

Lorenzo, who boasts a blend of Californian and Italian expertise, introduces a unique perspective of merging Italian and American real estate tactics. His revolutionary approach has proven to be a game changer for international buyers seeking Italian properties. Lorenzo’s strategies enable investors to immerse themselves in Italy’s captivating lifestyle while earning passive income via short-term rentals.

One might find it hard to believe that you can purchase an Italian property without setting foot in it. Yet, Lorenzo confirms that this innovative strategy has been a hit during the pandemic, allowing buyers to secure their dream properties from the comfort of their homes. He assures listeners that every aspect of these unseen property transactions is handled with caution, resulting in happy and satisfied clients once they finally set foot in their Italian homes.

The podcast episode also explores the nuances of property pricing and investment potential across Italy’s diverse regions. Lorenzo showcases a range of listings, from a fully furnished property in Umbria for $120,000, a two-bedroom apartment in Sardinia for $180,000, to a stunning apartment in Lake Como for $315,000. He mentions the potential for Airbnb rentals, adding that one of his clients has already found success with this approach in Sardinia.

In an intriguing segment of the episode, Lorenzo introduces listeners to a remarkable project, “Living the Italian Way.” This venture offers a distinctive fusion of sustainable apartments and an authentic Italian lifestyle experience. The properties, set in beautiful areas like Montepulciano, Palermo, and Salento, are designed to be environmentally sustainable and help the buyer integrate into the local community. Moreover, they can be purchased using the rent-to-buy formula, making them an attractive investment option.

Looking ahead, Lorenzo predicts a stable market for Italian real estate in the coming years. He expects price increases in areas with high demand for second homes, but notes that the overall market remains an attractive investment opportunity. His in-depth knowledge and passion for Italian real estate shine through, making this episode a treasure trove of information for anyone considering an investment in this market.

Overall, the episode presents a compelling case for investing in Italian real estate. With Lorenzo’s expert guidance, insider knowledge, and innovative strategies, the dream of owning an Italian property seems more achievable than ever. His insights not only demystify the process of buying property in Italy but also illuminate the potential for passive income and an enriching lifestyle experience. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your property journey, this episode is sure to provide you with valuable insights into the Italian real estate market.


Make sure to listen to other episodes of RealtyCast Global.

For real estate agents looking to expand their business internationally, expose existing listings to a global pool of buyers, and connect with new clients, check out Global Property Pros.

For Property Buyers & Sellers seeking assistance in the international market, check out RealtyHive’s property marketing solutions.

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About the Guest – Piero Lorenzo:

Piero was born and raised in lovely Tropea, Calabria. He lived in Florence for 21 years, where he was a Real Estate Broker for 13 years. In 2015 he and his wife moved to Santa Cruz, California (USA). 

Piero has been a California Realtor since May 2015.  In 2017, he received his California Broker license and is now Broker-Owner of  Lorenzo International Real Estate. In April 2021, he became an American citizen, so he now proudly has dual citizenship: Italian and U.S.A.

He lives in California but travels to Italy for long periods with his family at least twice yearly (totaling 3-4 months per year). In this way, he lives in two worlds, which also helps his family’s quality of life because they receive the best aspects of both countries, cultures, customs, etc.

Living on two continents, North America and Europe is the best gift you can give yourself – for your mind, culture, and well-being.

Piero’s website: www.pierolorenzorealtor.com

Connect with Piero on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierolorenzo/

Follow Piero on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorenzorealestate.us/

About the host – Hugh Gilliam:

Hugh Gilliam co-owned a national transportation company, created a land development business, and worked as a general contractor in residential and commercial construction for over two decades. Hugh also co-founded an international distribution company and successfully negotiated and contracted with 135 sales representatives in the United States, Canada, France, Brazil, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Today, Mr. Gilliam is affiliated with RealtyHive, LLC where he serves as Director of International Real Estate and President of Global Property Pros. His duties include involvement in commercial and residential transactions, plus promoting marketing systems and lead generation platforms.

He is also co-founder of the luxury digital magazine, DOORWAYS INTERNATIONAL, powered by RealtyHive, which serves as a platform for Brokers and Buyers throughout 70 countries.

Hugh’s Designations Include:

  • Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
  • Certified Distressed Property Export
  • Certified International Property Specialist
  • Certified International Investment & Immigration Specialist
  • Transnational Referral Certification

Hugh’s Memberships Include:

  • Georgia Association of REALTORS
  • National Association of REALTORS
  • International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI-USA)
  • Asian Real Estate Association of America

 

International Property Marketing Options

Whether it’s a 5-bedroom condo in the Bahamas or luxury apartment in Panama, investing in international real estate certainly has its benefits. Access to beaches or mountains, indescribable cuisine and culture, what’s not to love? 

While owning an international property is great, things can get complicated when it’s time to sell. RealtyHive explores your international property marketing options to make selling easier.

Local Marketing

house for sale sold right price

What it Entails: Advertising in a local newspaper, putting up a “For Sale” sign, word of mouth.

Local marketing isn’t the go-to marketing strategy for US properties, and this is all the more true for international luxury real estate. The market you’re likely trying to target will be big spenders who can afford such a property. In many countries where the cost of living is substantially lower, local marketing will not attract a buying audience and your property won’t sell.

Online Marketing

Online marketing can be broken down into two sections: real estate databases and self-marketing.

Self-Marketing

What it Entails: Using social media (such as Facebook, and Facebook Marketplace), and building your own website.

Screenshot of Facebook Marketplace, showing homes for sale

While self-marketing isn’t the best and most efficient solution, it at least reaches a wider audience than local marketing. However, you’re usually only reaching people you already know or who are in your area. Building your own site will require tons of marketing, SEO, and paid ads to help it rank to the point of being successful. This can take months or longer to get the international real estate traction you’re looking for.

Real Estate Databases

What it Entails: Listing your property with a site like Zillow or Trulia.

Screenshot of Trulia, a real estate database's website

These databases are popular for many FSBO home sellers but do not sell internationally. The IMLS is a site that works with international real estate, but as of 2019, it’s not a secure site; it tries to piggyback off of safer, domestic MLS sites. In the era of constant data breaches and privacy threats, you don’t want to risk your online security when trying to sell.

RealtyHive: An International Real Estate Solution

Banner with white man standing in front of house with text "Buy. Sell. RealtyHive."

Where other online real estate databases fail to reach the international market, RealtyHive checks all the boxes. Here’s what you can expect when marketing with our international real estate site:

  • Exposure: We’ll cast a wide net to improve your selling opportunities.
  • Security: You won’t be transferred to some third-party site that could threaten your privacy.
  • Experience: We specialize in international properties more than any other online database.
  • Marketing: We provide the online marketing your property needs—you won’t have to lift a finger.
  • Pay-for-Success Model: Work with us and there’s no sale? You pay nothing!

Set your international property up for success with RealtyHive. Contact our global real estate company to get started!