Frequently Asked Questions

Most typical questions about understanding my services and how I can assist you with your property search in Italy and your potential relocation.

How much will I end up paying for the services, what is a retainer fee?

Usually the Property Finder applies an “Engagement/Retainer Fee” (assignment fee) before starting the search for the property. This is also how I work.

A retainer/engagement fee is an upfront payment to secure the services of a lawyer, consultant, freelancer, or other professional. The Property Finder applies a retainer/engagement fee before starting the research as these fees only ensure the receiver’s commitment. In addition, retainer fees usually do not represent the total final cost of the services provided.

Thus,

• A retainer fee is a payment made to a professional by a client for future services.

• Retainer fees do not guarantee an outcome or final product.

• Portions of retainer fees can be refunded if the services cost less than initially planned.

A retainer fee is an advance payment that a client makes to a professional, and it is considered a down payment on the future services rendered by that professional. Regardless of occupation, the retainer fee funds the initial expenses of the working relationship. For this reason, these fees usually remain separate from the hourly wages of the professional. This ensures that money is not used for personal purposes before fully performing services.

Once the client settles on the property they wish to buy, I will be charging a pre-agreed percentage amount based on the sale price, just like a real estate agent does. If there is a real estate agent involved in the process, they will charge their commission independent from mine. That said, my commission percentages will be much lower than that of real estate agencies, typically just 1-2% of the sales price. So €1000-2000 for a €100,000 property.

What is a property finder? How is it different from a real estate agency?

The concept of dedicated property finders, house hunters, or buyers' agents has evolved over time, with its roots in the need for specialized expertise in navigating complex real estate markets. While individual buyers have always researched and looked for properties, the formal role of a professional buyer's agent emerged in response to increasing market volatility and buyer demand for a more strategic approach.

A dedicated Property Finder/Buyer’s agent is different from the realtor/real estate agent. The buyer's agent focuses solely on representing the interests of the buyer. Unlike traditional agencies who represent both the seller and the buyer, the buyer’s agent looks after the interests of his client.

The real estate agent is limited with his/ her own portfolio but a buyer’s agent has a variety of options at her disposal from private owners to auctions as well as the listed properties.

The main difference however is her ability to go extra length for her clients. Not only listed but unlisted properties too!