When we were looking for properties in Italy we came across a fair number of real estate agents; some of them good, some of them terrible. Some of them had listened really well to our wishes and others just showed us houses simply because they wanted to. We also discovered that some agents were registered agents and others weren’t. It turns out that in Italy a real estate agent is required by law to be registered at the Chamber of Commerce. Prior to this registration the agent needs to follow a course and pass both an oral and a written exam.

When we decided to move to Le Marche to start a new life as a real estate agent we did what we were supposed to do. First we enrolled at a training centre to follow a course for real estate agent. The course comprised the following subjects: tax law, civil law, legislation regarding the real estate business, economics and mortgages, planning permission and surveys. After that we had to take two written exams and one oral exam in Italian covering the subjects mentioned before. After we had passed the exam we could officially register as real estate agents (nr 874 and 875 of the Ruolo at the Chamber of Commerce of Macerata).

Doing the course we realised how important it is to have done so, because now we can answer all the questions our clients may have. As qualified agents we feel that we can provide the best service possible to our clients.

Carlien and André van Lieshout

Picture this: rolling hills with vineyards, olive trees, poppies, sunflowers and a medieval hilltown beyond. This probably conjures up images of Tuscany. However, we have just described the view from our garden in Appignano, province of Macerata in Le Marche.

In order to enjoy these views and Italian life permanently, we moved from The Netherlands to Italy last year. After having lived in Italy for a year with a complete change of lifestyle we can safely say that it has been one of our best decisions ever. Last week we passed our exams for real estate agent (in Italian). We can now serve foreigners who have the same dream or who would like to buy a second home to enjoy their holidays in Le Marche.

From now on we will give constant updates about (our) life in Italy, the Italian real estate business and other interesting issues, such as culture and food & drinks. We are always willing to answer any questions you may have. Let’s keep in touch.

Carlien and André van Lieshout