katiedover2's activity

I have not received anything in writing. I was in town this morning and  local woman who owns the restaurant and her friend told me what is happening. The lower part of town is under renovation because of an earthquake that happened a few years ago. But that is what I was told when I looked at this house. Just that renovations are happening with the damaged buildings. No word that my area was going to be force evacuated and you are on your own as far as a place to go.I am going to the city office in the morning and speak with one of the architects who seems to be in the know. I am devastated if this is the truth. I was told that the city had already put these plans into the works when I purchased my house. I don't know how Itallians handle fraud, but I was told when I bought my home, I was protected as a purchaser of my property. I hope this woman is wrong. But, I am afraid she is not. I am afraid to put another cent into this house. I just purchased new appliances, had all the wiring and plumbing refurbished. I had all the walls re plastered. I am sick at how much I have spent and will have lost. I have no where to go. Thank you for your kind words. I hope tomorrow brings me better news. The properties that are being worked on now are still not finished and the owners are not allowed to return to their homes and businesses. It's been over 2 years. This is not good news for people who live here. 

I did buy a house. But after looking around the Abruzzo region, I found a village closer to a large town and near the ocean. I bought in Tocco da Casauria.

Media world only has the kind that evaporate. I have never used this kind of dryer. I hear so many negative things about them, I wanted to have a tumble dryer. I would love to have a combination. I arrive in Tocco in 3 weeks and I can start my search. I appreciate your advice. I saw them on the other site online. They were not terribly expensive. Now I must find out if it is possible to vent the air dryer. Thank you Katie

Thank you for the information. I have been to Media World and there are no tumble dryers. But I looked online at Trony and they do offer them. I am goint to speak to my contractor to see how difficult it will be to vent the dryer! Thank you so much. Grazie Katherine

Fabrizio DeSanctis at Abruzzohouses@gmail.com He was my realtor and I had such a lovely experience. 

Of course it depends on what you want to purchase, but I paid 30,000 euros for my 3 bedroom 2 bath home. I am spending about 10,000 euros on renovation. The house was renovated, but I wanted a new kitchen and to have the heat installed. I purchased a pellet stove for the upstairs, it is economical and very environmentally friendly. I had to purchase a new hot water boiler as well. It depends on the village, the price. Penne, is beautiful but a tiny bit more expensive. Prepare to see houses or apartments for 45,000 to 60,000. You can bargain with the owner about the cost. My realtor did that for me. Renting is an option also until you find the right town to live in. I am in Abruzzo. Renting is very cheap. You can rent a town house for 250 to 300 euros a month. I hope you do move to Abruzzo. I love it, it is so beautiful and the people are helpful and friendly. Food is amazing. I made friends easily. I would not trade my decision to move from the USA. Everything is less expensive. That is my experience. 

Go to any Italian Consulate General office online  I go to italianconsulatelosangeles and type in the question area. retire to Italy from the USA   The following are the requitements you must meet and have in your hand before you make an appointment to apply for a resident visa.APPLICANTS MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO APPLY FOR A VISA.(Click here for booking your online appointment)PLEASE NOTE: IF YOUR DO NOT FIND AN APPOINTMENT, due to the high demand of requests, we suggest that you patiently CHECK DAILY our appointment system for cancellations. Appointments become available from 3:00 pm (local time)REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ITALIAN ELECTIVE RESIDENCE VISAThe Italian Elective Residence Visa is for foreigners – retired persons, persons with high self-sustaining incomes and financial assets - who have chosen Italy as the country of permanent residence and who are able to support themselves autonomously, without having to rely on employment while in Italy, whether as dependent employees, as self-employed employees or employees working remotely online. You cannot finance your residence in Italy through any type of work.This Consulate General will accept visa applications from legal residents of ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO, NEVADA and of the following counties in the state of CALIFORNIA: S. Luis Obispo, Kern, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial Valley, Orange. Visa applicants must appear in person and submit the following documents (1 original and 1 copy):1. United States passport, or passport and Alien Registration Card. Passport must be valid for at least 3 (three) months beyong the validity date of the requested visa, and must have a blank page available for the visa.2. One National (Italian) Visa Application Form, completely and clearly filled out, and to be signed in thepresence of a Consular Officer.3. Two recent passport size photographs (2x2 inches in size, full face, front view, in color).4. A letter from the applicant where he/she specifies the reason for his/her stay in Italy, length of stay, place of residence in Italy, name of persons accompanying the applicant such as spouse and children. The signature on the letter must be notarized.5. Documented and detailed guarantee of substantial and steady economic resources.- Letters from banking institutions stating current available funds . The type of account, the account balance and monthly earnings.These funds must be more than substantial and must generate revenues.- Documents from other sources that will provide you with additional financial revenues. Such as Social Security pension or other type of pension, property ownership and lease agreements, business ownership and related documentation.The visa applicant must show solid bank account/s and a set monthly income.For example a single applicant must have a monthly income of minimum Euro 2,596.60 (at an exchange rate of $1.30 equals $3,375.58).6. Documentation regarding dwelling in the city where you will reside: a signed rental agreement according to Italian rental regulations, , ownership of a livable apartment or home in Italy. Multiple bookings for houses/hotels and third party offer of hospitality cannot be accepted for this type of visa.7. Certified copy of marriage certificate and birth certificate/s (of children), if it applies.8. Handling visa fee (please refer to the list of references on the right hand side of this page) will be paid in exact amount in cash, money order or cashier’s check made out to the Consulate General of Italy.9. Provide a self-addressed (from – to yourself) pre-paid envelope (FedEx or Express Mail), if you wish to have your passport mailed back to you. The authorization form must be filled out.The processing time for this visa may be up to 90 (ninety days). Therefore it is advisable to submit a visa request ninety days prior the expected departure date. Rush processing is not possible.The foreigner holding an “Italian Elective Residence” visa is not allowed to work or seek employment under any conditions.This Consulate General will evaluate the documents submitted and may request additional ones at its discretion.Furthermore, you should also be aware that submitting all required documentation does not automatically guarantee the issuance of a visa.Please note that:

• Within 8 days upon arrival in Italy, you must register with the local Police Department (Questura) to obtain the “Declaration of Stay” (Permesso di Soggiorno), which is the only legal document that legitimizes your stay in the country.
• You must keep a copy of all documents that have been submitted with the visa application. 

I purchased a home in Tocco ca Casauria, Abruzzo last Spring. I had the best experience purchasing the house, and my real estate company is helping me find people to do renovations. I could not be more pleased. Yes it is a 90 day stay for now, but as soon as I get social security with my pension I can apply for a permanent resident permit. Read the requirements on the Consulate website. If there are two of you, I am sure you have enough money coming in each month that meets the requirement of the Italian Government. I am alone and I will qualify. It is the best thing I ever did for myself. It is in a relatively small village, 3,000 people, but 15 20 minutes away is a thriving fairly large city, Pescara. It has everything. Tocco has everything I need, mostly. I wish you well on your journey. My realtor speaks very good english and has helped me meet people, make friends,  live the life. Cheers

I own a home in Tocco da Casauria. I also lived in Los Angeles for 35 years. I am used to earthquakes. My house is very old and doesn't have any damage from earthquakes. I used an agent in Pescara. . Fabrizio di Santis is the agent's name. He helped me purchase the property and find contractors who are local to the city to do any renovations needed. I feel save, the people are amazing.

Thank you so much for htis information. My real estate agent did not think I could find one. Grazie! Grazie!