Italy Property Preview

Roman walls

2009-01-10T02:44:00.000-08:00

Opus reticulatum

All over Italy there are ruins from previous civilizations and some of the most prominent, and well known, are those of the Romans. The Romans developed or improved upon such things as concrete and the arch which they used extensively in building their empire. A particular wall style that you will find all across the former Roman Empire is called the opus reticulatum. The Latin term Rete means "net" and the wall style resembles a net pattern. This wall style was popular for several centuries, particularly during the reign of Hadrian

This type of wall was made with a concrete center and the small stone pyramids were set into the soft concrete, pointed end in, and the square face piece would then face out. The combination of these stones would create a diamond, or net pattern, which was many times it was then covered with plaster. The stones were usually cut from tuff and are about 4 inches square on the facing and 8 to 10 inches long.

Holiday events in Italy

2008-11-24T07:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas season...Italian style

With the approach of the Christmas season you will find many opportunities in Italy to shop for your family and friends at special holiday markets. Towns all across Le Marche and Abruzzo will have special two or three day Mercato di Natale where vendors will sell items specific to the season and to their particular area.

In addition to shopping many towns will have special entertainment through-out the holiday season with concerts and exhibits. In southern Le Marche there are always several American Gospel groups putting on concerts during the week leading up to Christmas, these are always very popular with the Italians.

Christmas lights will be hung over many of the piazze and streets. To keep the children occupied while you shop some communities will set up ice skating rinks in the central piazza or a musical carousel. Ascoli Piceno sets-up a large ice skating rink in Piazza Arringo and a musical carousel in Piazza del Popolo and has a special edition of the antique market on the third week-end of December.

As with all events in Italy there will be special foods available, many times specific for that particular area.

You can find more information on holiday events across Italy at:
Mercantini di Natale

Unwelcome surprises

2008-10-10T08:50:00.001-07:00

Holiday Home Security

The summer holiday season is over and now many holiday homes have been closed up and will sit vacant for several weeks if not months before the owners or other guests will return. It is a sickening feeling to return to your home in the Italian countryside hoping to enjoy all this area has to offer for a few days only to discover someone has broken into your home. In some cases when the house has been untended for an extended period this can mean everything in the house is gone…including appliances, cabinets and even plumbing and light fixtures.

There have been recent articles in the local papers about the high number of burglaries this past summer, of Italian and foreign owned homes, as many as one hundred twenty occurring locally. An increase in the occupation of “rustico” properties by vagrants has also been noted.

Unfortunately there are many things that make holiday homes target for thieves in that many times it is obvious that no one is coming back for a long time. The house is closed up, dark at night and all of the outdoor furniture is stored. It is no secret to Italians that certain groups of foreigners favor having a pool at their holiday home, thus making these properties obvious as to ownership.

If a burglar wants in a house, yours or a local’s, given enough time and opportunity they will get in. The key is to make your property less of a target, making the property secure while also not making it look vacant is the key. A few simple steps can be taken to increase your homes security.

*First of all get to know your neighbors, talk to them, give them a special gift and let them know who you are so they will take an interest in you. They are your first line of defense against burglars. You would be surprised how much they already know about you even if you have never met them but the personal touch is important in Italy.

*Assuming your holiday home is in the countryside then it is probably under the jurisdiction of the Carabinieri, stop by the office overseeing your location. Let them know who you are, where your house is and if you are not always there. They do make patrols and may be obliged to go by your location from time to time.

*Get plug-in timers from the brico for a few interior lights and leave on some exterior lights. Leave out some old shoes or clothes, make it look like someone one will be back. Have someone go by periodically and check on the house when it is vacant, have them change lighting sequences, move outside furniture…make it obvious that someone has been there and may be back soon.

*Exterior shutters can provide a sense of security unless the hinges are fastened from the outside, which means they can be removed from the outside. Can the hinges be changed to mount on the inside or can you change the types of fasteners that are used?

*Investigate the options for burglar alarms, antifurto; there are motion sensors, door and window sensors, sirens and other options. However, with these systems you will need someone who can respond, either a paid service or a caretaker.

You want to be able to enjoy your holiday home but not have it feel like a fortress, there are trade-offs that you must consider. You do want to do what you can to avoid that feeling of violation, Piceno Home Services can help you investigate the available options.

Mountain parks

2008-09-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

Parco Nazionale

Everyone knows about the charming hill towns, fine wines and food and the endless beaches of Marche and Abruzzo but there is another side to this area you should not miss. Just a few kilometers inland from the Adriatic Sea the topography begins to rise in assent to the peaks of the central Apennines. This mountain range runs the length of the Italian peninsula creating a spine of peaks that reach to the sky and provide an abundance of mountain wonders.

Southern Marche and Abruzzo are home to at least a portion of four of Italy’s National Parks: Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini, Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti di Laga, Parco Nazionale della Maiella and Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise.

These are great areas to visit and enjoy the spring flowers, cool mountain air in the summer, changing leaf colors in the fall and ski areas in the winter. There are also unique animals in many of these parks and trails for hikers to enjoy. Unfortunately there is not a system of central park headquarters where someone can find a lot of information about the parks such as trail maps and the best sights. This type of information is found in local tourist information offices in the nearby towns and in bookstores. A good source of trail guides and maps is the Touring Club Italiana, but this will be in Italian only.

You will also find there are very few picnicking facilities and marked camping areas in these parks. If you are used to the organized camping and picnic areas predominant in American parks and forests you will find these lacking in Italy.

This does not mean that you will not enjoy adventuring into these parks, they do offer a great deal for nature lovers, just come prepared.

Helpful links:

Touring Club Italiano:

Parco Nazionlae d’Abruzzo:

Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini:

Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti di Laga:

Parco Nazionale della Maiella:

Roccacasale

2008-09-03T01:05:00.000-07:00

Roccacasale
Province L’Aquila (Inhabitants 760, Altitude 450m)

When you enter the Valle Peligna it is hard to not notice Roccacasale as it sits perched on the slopes of Monte Morrone and is dominated by the ruins of a medieval castle. This town hugs the bedrock as it provides splendid views of the valley and Sulmona below.

For more on Roccacasale...

There is easy access just off the Autostrada A25 and about 30 minutes from the Autostrada A14 at Pescara to the east and less than 2 hours from Rome to the west via the A25/A24 connection. Roccacasale is about 10 minutes from Sulmona. There is good train service from Sulmona to other parts of Italy.

Market day: Tuesday
Feast Days: 6th August: St. Antonio and St.Rocco’s day, June: Sagra dello "strigolo", a type of pasta.

Ferie in Italia

2008-08-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

Ferragosto

August is the traditional month for Italians to go on vacation, leaving the cities and towns in droves for beach and mountain destinations. The vacation season peaks in the middle of the month on the 15th with Ferragosto, the major summer holiday for Italy. This day is based on an ancient Roman festival and the Catholic holiday Assunzione S. Vergine, or the ascent of Mary. Many businesses of all types will close around this date, some for as long as three weeks.

You will spot businesses with signs on their doors “Chuiso per ferie” with various start and ending dates. You may also encounter reduced hours for businesses and government offices.

Many of the towns and cities in Italy seem like ghost towns as the locals head to the beach or the mountains for cooler weather. This can mean that you will find minimal services available in some areas and large crowds with the available services along the beach and in the mountains. The weekends around Ferragosto will also mean heavy traffic and congestion on the motorways.

There are, however plenty of events taking place in Italy during this period from sagre to concerts and most of these are free.

Arcevia, Le Marche

2008-07-17T03:45:00.000-07:00

Arcevia

Arcevia makes a good location for visiting the northern portions of central Le Marche and the impressive Grotte di Frasassi. There are several small but charming castelli in the area that were once subject to Arcevia and are worth a visit. Via SS76 you have access to Ancona and the coastal A14 autostrada to the east and Umbria to the west. The town itself is fully sustaining with all that you need for daily life.

For more information on Arcevia.

Beach season

2008-07-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

Coastal towns

Summer has arrived in Italy and Italians and foreigners alike have begun the annual migration to the seaside. The Adriatic coast in Marche and Abruzzo is varied from wide sandy beaches to narrow rocky beaches tucked below cliffs. This area also boasts some of the most popular beaches for Italians with the Bandiere Blu designation. Bandiere Blu is given to those beaches that meet certain requirements for not only the beach and water quality but also the services that are provided by local vendors.

In this area of Italy the beach vendors are called chalets and will vary in services from simple umbrellas and chairs to this plus full service restaurants. Being on the coast the food specialty will of course be seafood. You can rent lounge chairs, umbrellas and changing rooms which will cost you from 80€ to 160€ per week for the summer months. Be aware that beachside services can become non-existent during the off-season.

There are public beaches spaced between the chalets but these are usually an unkept location and on a first come, first serve basis. With the summer sun bearing down on you after a few hours the services provided by the chalets can be well worth the price.

Many people have a view of the seaside as a beautiful place with wide sandy beaches leading to rolling hills covered with vineyards. The geography and history of this portion of the Adriatic coast has dictated that this view is interrupted by railway lines and the autostrada. In many seaside towns you will cross under the rail lines to get to the beach. During weekends and the Italian August vacation the more popular beaches can be very crowded. Many of the beach towns are post war developments which lack much of the charm people envision of Italy.

There are however, many locations I easy driving distance to the sea where you can enjoy the best of all that this part of Italy has to offer.

Sagra season

2008-06-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

si manga bene, si paga poco

One of the great things about life in Italy is the food and wine and during the summer months you have the opportunity to enjoy these with the locals. La sagra is a unique Italian festival that combines music, games and of course food. Many times they are in conjunction with a religious feast but they may simply focus on a type of food. In some areas there are so many sagre that you can attend a different one every Saturday and Sunday during the summer.

There is no charge to attend one of these festa but to eat you will need some euro, though the prices are remarkably low. The food is always fresh even though it is made in mass quantities, and there is always an offering of local wine. You will find the cassa where you place your order and pay then you head over to the food stand to get your meal. Since the food is cooked to order you may have a short wait of five or ten minutes. Two can usually get a small feast for less than 20 euros.

There is always a sitting area where you eat communal style, sharing tables with others and the local kids come around and clean-up the tables. It is not uncommon to share a bottle of wine you purchase with those nearby. Food and wine always brings out the generosity in Italians.

There will be a band and an area cleared for dancing but this usually doesn’t start until later in the evening. Many sagre will also have a contest or raffle for prizes, which will always include food.

Keep an eye open as you are driving the lanes of Le Marche and Abruzzo for the bright posters advertising sagre, many of these are not listed with the tourist offices.

Pacentro, Abruzzo

2008-05-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Pacentro (690 meters, 1405 inhabitants)
Chieti Provincia

Pacentro is situated on the boundary of the Parco Nazionale Della Maiella at the base of a mountainside and is about 280 meters above the city of Sulmona and the Gizio River valley. The town runs east to west along a ridge with sweeping views of the mountains and valley below. The well preserved medieval section of town is located closer to the mountain and the streets are very narrow but walking through them you will be rewarded with quaint homes, shops and eventually you will arrive below the towering fortress ruins.

You will find a full array of stores to meet day to day needs including several bars, restaurants, groceries, a post office, bakery, tabaccheria, newspaper stand, and other assorted shops. Major/larger stores are located in nearby Sulmona. The people you encounter are friendly and welcoming.

There is easily access by paved road from Autostrada A25 and about 50 minutes from the Autostrada A14 at Pescara to the east and about 2 hours from Rome to the west via the A25/A24 connection. Pacentro is about 15 minutes from Sulmona. There is train service from Sulmona to other parts of Italy.

Jesi, Le Marche

2008-05-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

Jesi (40,000 Inhabitants, 97 meter altitude)

Jesi is a popular destination for those who want to experience some of the art and wine that this central portion of Le Marche has to offer. The centro storico stretches along a ridge above the Esino River and you can spot its brick colored walls and towers as you approach from all directions. The rolling hills surrounding the city have many interesting towns to visit.

The mighty Frederick II was born here, on public display in the main piazza that now bears his name. The architectural stamp of his reign is evident throughout the southern portion of Italy. The streets bustle at night with people enjoying the shopping districts filled with a full assortment of shops, eateries and bars. There are several museums of note to visit as well as a regional enoteca to sample the famous Jesi Verdicchio.

This city is large enough to supply all that you might be searching for and is on main traffic connections to the autostrada A14 along the Adriatic Coast. Jesi has become increasingly popular as it is only minutes from the airport at Falconara with flights to destinations in Italy and other parts of Europe. To the west you have connections along the S76 to the Frasassi caves and further along to Umbria.

Useful link: Le Marche/Jesi

Improved link Comunanza/Roccafluvione

2008-05-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

SP237 access

This spring they opened a new road section between Ascoli Piceno and Comunanza along the SS78, designated the SP237, providing easier access between these two areas. This is especially helpful for those who want to get to the Amandola and Sarnano areas in the western portion of the Ascoli Piceno Provincia.

Previously the SS78 between Roccafluvione and Comunanza was a road with a lot of sharp turns going up, over and then down the other side of a high ridge. Many people avoided this drive since their passengers were frequently feeling a little motion sickness by the time they arrived at their destination. With this new road section, including a tunnel at each end, the majority of the treacherous road has been eliminated. The time to go from the Via Salaria to the Aso Valley has also been shortened to less than twenty minutes.

Now those in the Golden Triangle area have other travel options that can include Roma in addition to Ancona and Pescara.

L'Aquila

2008-04-29T03:17:00.000-07:00

L’Aquila, Abruzzo (714 m, 69,000 Inhabitants)

Capital of Abruzzo Region and L’Aquila Provence

It is fitting that the name L’Aquila means “Eagle” as this city is situated in a place where eagles would love to soar, in a high plain amongst the central mountains of Italy. The origins of this city are relatively recent, by Italian standards, having been founded in the 1200’s during the reign of Frederic II.

For more on L'Aquila, including pre-earthquake photos...

There is excellent access to L’Aquila via the Autostrada A24/A25 to Rome and Pescara and their airports. The area between the centro storico and the autostrada has been built up with many modern conveniences. Being a capital city there is an abundance of services available and the centro storico is busy each day with merchants, shoppers and business people. There are no shortage of local restaurants, bars and even pubs.

Property services in the Piceno area

2008-04-19T03:49:00.000-07:00

Italy Property Preview offers unique services for those who are searching for a property to purchase in Marche or Abruzzo. Since we are not an agent we will give you an unbiased and detailed report with photographs of the property that you are interested in.

For those who have purchased a property and are looking for someone to oversee their restoration work or to check on their home during periods when it is unoccupied then we also offer these services through Piceno Home Services. We will be your eyes and ears in your absence and will provide detailed reports and photographs to show you the status of your restoration. We can also offer periodic checks of your home and after major storms to insure it is secure.

If you will be in southern Marche to look for a house or just to enjoy all the region has to offer we also work closely with Vinci Properties and the management of their vacation rentals.

For pre-purchase services: Italy Property Preview

For post-purchase services: Piceno Home Services

For vacation home rentals: Vinci Properties

Ortezzano, Marche

2008-04-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Ortezzano (300 m, 840 inhabitants)

Ascoli Piceno Provincia, Marche

Ortezzano is a small hill town perched above the Fiume Aso valley. The rolling hillsides in this area are covered with olive trees, vines and fruit trees that yield an abundance of produce for the region. The town itself is small and is marked by a stand alone tower; which you might gain access to if you inquire at the Municipio. There are still remnants of the medieval walls and gateways that you can see while wandering the steep streets.

While there are signs of recent restoration work in several buildings, there are several that still need to be restored. You will find a few vendersi signs as you explore this town built of brick that is nestled in the southwestern portion of Marche.

In the centro storico there are two delightful restaurants and you will find a bar, alimentari and a few other shops along the main street leading into town from the valley. There are also several agriturismi in the area and are well signed along the roadways. The SS433 traverses the valley and provides good access to the Sibillini Mountains to the west and the autostrada A14 exit on the Adriatic Coast at Pedaso.

Construction cranes

2008-03-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

La Gru

Cranes are as much of the landscape in Italy as are TV antennas and satellite dishes. They loom high over parts of most cities and dot home sites around the countryside.

Construction cranes, called la gru, seem to be at every building construction site no matter if it is a one story or twenty story project. Considering the way the towns in Italy are put together sometimes the only way to get materials into a cramped space would be by a crane. The steel towers rise vertically from minimal bases and can swing a couple hundred feet over rooftops. Almost any major home renovation project will entail the use of a crane of one size or another.

Penne, Abruzzo

2008-02-20T17:34:00.000-08:00

Citta’ di Penne

Perched on a hill at 438 meters in northern Abruzzo in the Pescara province is the medieval town of Penne. This charming town made of brick covers two hills with the Cattedrale dominating the highest point. Early morning and late afternoon sun on the bricks gives the town a subtle orange glow.

The roads leading to Penne are uphill and have a few curves but the views along the way are spectacular on a clear day. Pescara is about 30 kilometers away with access to the airport and the autostrada A14 which runs north-south along the coast and the autostrada A25 that heads west towards Rome. There is a free comune parking structure just outside of Porta San Francesco. To the west of town are the Riserva Naturale Regional and Lago di Penne.

Penne has all of the services you need with plenty of bars, groceries, clothing stores and food stores. The weekly mercato fills the centro storico between Piazza Luca da Penne and Largo San Nicola. There are two museums in town; the Museo Civico Diocesano and Museo Archeologico near the Cattedrale and also the Museo Naturalistico near Lago di Penne.

Penne is in the early stages of being reborn, there are some projects underway but you will also find many structures in need of renovation. This provides good opportunities for home buyers to enter this market before it is fully renovated.

Some simple steps to prevent water leaks

2008-01-25T05:33:00.000-08:00

Plumbing leaks can happen in any home, both newly reconstructed and a home that is many years old. Water in your plumbing system is under pressure and there only needs to be one weak point for a leak to occur. There are, however, some simple steps you can take to protect your home from potential water leaks.

If you will be gone for an extended period the easiest way to alleviate this problem is if you have access to turn off the water before it enters your home. If you are on a public water service you may be required you to do this. Closing the valves to your washing machine supply line is also a simple thing to do as these supply lines are notorious for leaks.

Adding anti-freeze agents to your hot water radiant heat system is also an important step, you will need to contact a plumber to do this. You should also put some anti-freeze in your toilet bowl so that does not freeze and crack.

One area where leaks can occur is in plumbing that is exposed to extreme weather changes. This is most common in plumbing that is located in an outside wall that is fine as long as the interior of the home is heated but if you are gone for the winter months and there is a severe drop in temperatures these pipes can sometimes be problematic. Leaks in this type of situation of course do not develop until the weather warms again and the pipe thaws. Proper insulation around the plumbing or assuring a minimal temperature inside the dwelling is required to minimize this type of problem.

Loose toilets and bidets can also be an indication of a plumbing drain line issue. Left unchecked this type of leak takes longer to develop problems but can be a source for mold or rot depending on your floor composition. A fixture that rocks on its base or signs of moisture around the base can be indications of a potential problem.

Water storage units, whether they are just for water or part of your hot water system should also be checked at least once a year for rust and corrosion. A tank full of water is a lot of weight and a weak base can mean trouble. The connections of radiant heat units are also an important point to check as they can develop small leaks that may go unnoticed for weeks at a time.

One area that many people overlook is in cabinets under sinks as these are popular locations for storing things out of sight. When a cabinet is full it is difficult to see the supply and drain lines which should be checked periodically for signs of leaking. If you have rubberized hoses it is recommended that these be changed periodically as they are known to fail as they get older.

As the adage goes, a little prevention goes a long way.

Arquata del Tronto

2008-01-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

Gateway to Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini and Parco Nazionale dei Gran Sasso

West of Ascoli Piceno along the Via Salaria (SS4) it is worth the winding drive to visit Arquata del Tronto. This town sits on a hill overlooking the Fiume Tronto valley and above the town is the Rocca del Tronto, or castle. This valley divides the mountain ranges that make up the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini to the north and Parco Nazionale dei Gran Sasso to the south. A fresh coating of snow on these mountains in the winter makes them stand out sharply against the dark blue sky.

Arquata del Tronto and its rocca are both worth a visit in their own right offering a charming medieval town and castle. The castle was reportedly built by a duke who used it as a safe location for keeping his assorted mistresses, though proof of this use is not to be found. Once you drive through the narrow town and reach the castle you are rewarded with some great views of the adjoining parks.

A drive up into the Parco Sibillini and you will quickly be above the tree line and have unlimited views to the south and east, the Sibillini blocking your view north. This is a nature lover’s haven in both summer and winter months and home to some unique fauna and flora.

When you drive back, go past Arquata del Tronto in search of the town of Spelonga which sits on the south side of the Fiume Tronto valley, it will provide clear views to the north. This winding road into the Parco Gran Sasso offers some great views of Arquata del Tronto and the rocca with the mountains behind, although Spelonga itself may be a bit of a disappointment.

There are limited services available in Arquata del Tronto though in the vicinity there are several restaurants, hotels, bars, a gas station and a few shops. Acquasanta Terme and Ascoli Piceno are a short drive away though that portion of the SS4 is very windy. From Ascoli Piceno you have easy access to the autostrada A14 along the coast and east of Arquata del Tronto via the SS4 you can access the GRA at Rome in about two hours.

Dealing with mold

2007-12-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

With cooler temperatures a common issue with homes in Italy is muffa, or mold, the growth of which sometimes seems to defy all logic.

There are hundreds of types of mold but they all require moisture to survive. If you have a problem with mold the first thing to do is to eliminate any ongoing moisture source whether it be a plumbing leak, roof leak, leak around a window, leaky gutter or even ground water. If those are eliminated but you still have a problem then you are probably dealing with an interior humidity issue.

The masonry buildings (stone, brick, concrete) that are the norm here do cause condensation on walls if excessive moisture is allowed to build-up inside. It is common for locals to open their windows every morning for about an hour, even when it is only 3 or 4 degrees Celsius. This allows the air humidity inside the house to equalize with the air outside.

Another factor that will increase the humidity inside is how warm you keep the house, locals are used to wearing sweaters using the many wool garments and blankets readily available here. The warmer the air inside your house the more moisture it can hold. Air movement is what is required to dry an area, so opening windows and doors to bathrooms and other inside rooms is necessary. Outside walls will be the coldest and it is important that any furniture you place along these walls has sufficient space behind it to allow proper air movement. Dehumidifiers are available in brico or electronic stores for reasonable prices with minimal power use and can be helpful in humidity control.

If you are cleaning the mold there are some products that claim to clean the mold, however the best product, which is what professionals still use, is diluted candeggina, or bleach. You should wear rubber gloves and a mask as this process may cause the mold to become airborne. Different people react differently to mold and those with allergies and respiratory issues are most acceptable to agitation from the mold.

Once you have cleaned the area you should cover the residue with a stain sealer, you can use an anti umidita or anti muffa that are available at paint or brico stores. The aniti umidita will block out moisture while the anti muffa has inhibitors to resist mold. If you just paint over the area with a regular paint it will bleed through leaving a “shadow” in the paint. There are several brands available and some claim to have minimal odor and can easily be painted with a color topcoat. There are also mold inhibiting additives that you can add to a topcoat of paint.

Montefalcone Appennino, Marche

2007-11-19T05:32:00.000-08:00

Living on the edge

Montefalcone Appennino sits on the edge of a ridge overlooking the Fiume Aso valley in the western portion of the Ascoli Piceno Province. Situated at over 750 meters provides the town enjoys views of the Monti Sibillini to the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east with hilltop towns dotting the nearby farmland.

Overlooking the town are the ruins of the13^th century Rocca and from the courtyard at the church San Pietro in the middle of town you will find beautiful panoramas to the south. The centro storico, although on a gentle incline, can easily be walked in a short time and lining the narrow streets you will find that the buildings are well maintained with several showing signs of recent restoration.

For a relatively small town there are a couple restaurants in and near the centro storico but appear to be seasonal establishments. There are a few basic services located here but for full services you will need to visit one of the larger neighboring towns, all within a short drive. You will have easy access to the coast and the Autostrada A14 by way of the SS 433 that follows the Fiume Aso.

Know your metric conversions

2007-11-06T05:22:00.000-08:00

A hectare is how big?

One of the things that can be confusing for people when searching for properties in Italy is the conversion of sizes and distances to the metric system. This will provide you with some basic conversions that will assist you when searching for properties via the internet.

1 acre = .405 hectares 1 : hectare (ha) = 2.47 acres
1 square mile = 2.56 square kilometers : 1 square kilometer (k2) = .386 square miles
1 mile = 1.61 kilometers : 1 kilometer = .621 miles
1 foot = .305 meters : 1 meter = 3.28 feet
1 square foot = .093 square meters : 1 square meter (m2) = 10.8 square feet

Knowing some conversions can help the real estate listing make sense when you are searching via the internet. When they show a house with “100 m2” you know that it has 1080 square feet. Also a property listing olive trees with “2 ha” will mean it has almost 5 acres of land, a good sized plot for cultivating.

Real Estate Agency in Southern Marche

2007-10-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Vinci Properties

Many people have asked me about real estate agencies in this area that could help them with locating a property. There is a new agency in the southern Marche area and I am familiar with the principle parties, all of whom speak English. Vinci Properties has recently opened for business but both David Parish and Andrea Tombini have several years experience in the real estate market.

I have met a couple people who have purchased properties with David and Andrea in the past and they have all had nothing but positive comments about the experience. If you are looking for an English speaking agent in southern Marche be sure to check out the website for Vinci Properties.

Piceno Home Services

2007-09-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

Peace of mind for your piece of paradise

I have launched a new business that provides services for those who have already purchased a holiday home and require an on-site presence in their absence. Piceno Home Services is designed to be a service provider to the foreign home owner in the southern portion of Le Marche. This new enterprise focuses its energies on providing renovation supervision and home security to part-time residents.For a restoration project Piceno Home Services will help to ease the new owner’s anxiety by being their eyes and ears in their absence. A schedule of regular inspections and progress reports with photos can be arranged so that the homeowner is always current with the status of the restoration project. The owner will be represented to ensure that the project stays on track according to their desires. Some of the services that can be provided include supervision of the restoration, interacting with architect and contractor on owner’s behalf, assistance in project costs review to insure all aspects have been considered as well as on site meetings.

Services are also available for absent homeowners where a schedule of inspections of the home can be provided to check the safety and operation of the vacant property. Based on my experience in the insurance industry I can also offer insights into ways to secure the property, eliminate fire hazards, reduce the possibilities of problems, and increase the safety of their family and guests.

Scheduled visits to the property will be based on an individual’s needs and desires and can include visually checking for plumbing leaks, verifying appliance and home systems operation, confirm property is secured, flushing toilets, collecting and forwarding mail and performing an additional walk-thru after major storms.

Additional information on Piceno Home Services is available at the website: www.picenohomeservices.com.

Wildfire precautions

2007-08-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

Italy has been experiencing a severe drought this year and the result has been a series of summer wildfires all along the peninsula. While driving around the hills and mountains of Marche and Abruzzo you will encounter visible areas of blackened hillsides. Though most of these fires have been relatively small, the local newspapers have stories weekly of new fires in different areas causing property damage. More tragically, some firefighters died while battling a forest fire in Abruzzo.

There are simple steps you can take to protect your property from the dangers of forest and grass fires. Since structures in Italy are mostly masonry and concrete with tile roofs they have a degree of fire resistance but heat can still cause damage. The most important way to protect a structure is by creating what is called a “defensive zone” around the structures.

A "defensive zone" is an area with minimal fuel for the fire in close proximity to the home and buildings. It is created by the use of patio areas adjacent to structures and eliminating trees and shrubs that overhang or brush against the structure. Another common but overlooked source of fuel next to homes would be a wood pile for a stove or fireplace. (They are also havens for rodents and insects, all the more reason to place them further from your home.) Keeping weeds under control is also an important retardant, as they quickly sprout and then become tinder dry as the summer progresses. Dry grasses burn hot and quickly spread out of control.

Taking steps to protect your home from wildfire dangers may also provide discounts with your property insurance company. Be sure to discuss this possibility with your agent.