- 2 weeks ago
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:01This view is priceless.
00:04Imagine a world of bargain dream real estate.
00:08Just $41,000.
00:11What?
00:11This is unheard of for the States.
00:13Global destinations.
00:16Bonjour.
00:17I'm going to embarrass myself.
00:18From Ajorie.
00:20I love it.
00:21Great way to meet Inezus.
00:22Yeah.
00:23This architecture is amazing.
00:26And local expert know-how.
00:28The cost of this in the States, I think it would be double for sure.
00:33The cost of living here is so much more affordable than the U.S.
00:36It is definitely a bargain.
00:39You can afford to live your dream.
00:42I can't believe this is going to be my new home.
00:44At a price you never thought possible.
00:47You did incredible.
00:49This is exactly what we came all this way for.
01:04Sicily.
01:05The dramatic Italian island filled with bargain dream homes.
01:11Just over an hour's flight from the capital, Rome, this Mediterranean paradise has homes for as little as $100,000.
01:22The first thing I'm thinking about about a property is how will it affect my family.
01:26I'm definitely looking for something up and coming.
01:28I don't want it to be too, too busy, but I also don't want it to be too quiet a
01:33town, especially with our two boys.
01:34It was my military job that brought us here originally.
01:38We moved here from New Mexico and we're in love with the lifestyle here.
01:45To make their Sicilian dream come true will require expert local knowledge.
01:50Ciao, Fabrizio.
01:52I've helped up to 200 families find their home in Sicily.
01:57I don't just sell properties.
01:59I sell the true Italian dream.
02:02Hello, guys.
02:03Hello.
02:04Good morning.
02:05Nice to meet you.
02:05I'm Fabrizio.
02:07Larry.
02:07Nice to meet you.
02:07Hi.
02:08Nice to meet you.
02:08I'm Shesley.
02:09Shesley.
02:10What do you do here?
02:11Why Sicily?
02:12I'm military.
02:12I work here.
02:13I've been living here for about two years.
02:15I love how relaxed the culture is out here.
02:17It's slow.
02:18Yeah.
02:19Very slow.
02:20Well, Sicily is very welcoming, too.
02:23And we really want to move our face and immerse ourselves in the culture out here.
02:27Sicily, the family is everything.
02:29Yes.
02:29And it's a strong element of our culture.
02:31And please, tell me, why now?
02:33We've been talking about a house for years, but we couldn't afford to buy back home.
02:38The housing market in the U.S. is very expensive.
02:41And with the lower cost of living here, buying a home in Sicily will just start our family
02:44off well.
02:45Okay.
02:45What about your property expectation?
02:48I want to live somewhere that's more modern and being in the city for sure.
02:53And I think a dream home for us would be something that has at least two beds.
02:57For me, I definitely don't want to live in the city center like my husband.
03:01It's a good beginning.
03:02Yeah.
03:02I like peace and quiet.
03:04I want a lot of space for the kids and for hosting our families when they come and visit
03:09us.
03:09Hard question now.
03:10Budget.
03:11Budget we're working with is about $100,000 to $120,000.
03:15Okay.
03:16We're in good hands.
03:17So you ready?
03:18Yes.
03:19Yes.
03:21Italy's largest island has one of Europe's most active volcanoes, around 900 miles of coast,
03:28and two major cities, Palermo in the north and Catania on the east side.
03:33And with house prices in Sicily up to three times cheaper than in Rome, it's no wonder so
03:39many are drawn to living La Dolce Vita.
03:42Uh-oh.
03:44Is your door open?
03:46I'll shut the doors.
03:48This is parking, right?
03:49Parking, right.
03:50Okay, it's off.
03:52Okay.
03:52Okay.
03:53Concentrating the search within commuting distance of Catania, our first stop is one of
04:00the oldest towns on the island, Vizzini.
04:04Life here is family-oriented, with a weekly farmer's market and big tax breaks attracting
04:11foreign buyers.
04:16Hopefully driving on PS1, this is going to be a big challenge for you.
04:20Uh, I hope we don't hit nothing today.
04:23Oh, uh!
04:24I'm sorry.
04:25I'm sorry, guys.
04:25It looks a little tight.
04:27Fabrizio, where are you taking us?
04:29And here we are.
04:31Wow.
04:33Oh, okay.
04:33This is beautiful.
04:35Yeah.
04:36This traditional Italian townhouse has two bedrooms and a mind-blowing price tag.
04:42Let's take a look, guys.
04:43Hey, let's check it out.
04:44Oh, wow.
04:45Beautiful.
04:46This home is located close to the center of town, within walking distance of schools and
04:51restaurants.
04:52This is a very nice property.
04:53And you know what?
04:54Yeah.
04:54This is a real bargain.
04:56Really?
04:57Costs just $41,000.
04:59What?
04:59$41,000 USD?
05:01Yeah.
05:02Yeah.
05:02Oh, my goodness.
05:03$10,000, right?
05:04We could get three of these with that budget.
05:06I know, right?
05:06That's crazy.
05:08Yeah.
05:08This is unheard of for the state.
05:09Yes, very.
05:10All right.
05:11Here we go.
05:14Wow.
05:14This is good.
05:16Wow.
05:16You see this?
05:17It's beautiful marble, it looks like.
05:19Yeah.
05:20Italians love their steps, for sure.
05:23Babe, check this out.
05:25It's like very old school, but like modern at the same, I'm getting a mix.
05:29Across the second floor, this 1,300 square foot property features an open concept living
05:37dining area, two bedrooms, and a kitchen.
05:41I could see the boys living here.
05:44This feels like a family home.
05:46I do wish it was just a tad bit wider.
05:49For the price, it might be right.
05:51I could have a dad couch, I'd have a little...
05:54A recliner?
05:55Yeah!
05:56I can see it.
05:57I can see it right now.
05:58It just looks a bit girly.
05:59Uh, I'm a girl?
06:01It's not too girly?
06:02Yes, but you have two boys and me, we overrule you.
06:05Okay, but who's the mom?
06:07I guess you're right.
06:08All right.
06:08Happy wife?
06:10Happy life?
06:11Yeah.
06:12And the Italian dream wouldn't be complete without a balcony.
06:17Buongiorno!
06:18This place is up and coming, so there are schools and opportunities for the kids.
06:22And I think they are figuring out of what they can have for such a small amount of money.
06:30So this is a real bargain.
06:32Oh my goodness.
06:33This is like a nice little breakfast snug.
06:36I'm getting like Nona vibes, like granny vibes.
06:38I mean, compared to, you know, American kitchens, this is a bit smaller.
06:44And look how small the fridge is!
06:45You don't like the mini fridge?
06:46I'm like literally taller than the fridge.
06:48We can do maybe like small renovations if we really have to, but...
06:51I think I like it exactly how it is.
06:54Where is the dishwasher?
06:57Uh, I guess we... you're gonna just be hand washing then.
07:01I'm not gonna be hand washing every single dish.
07:04How much you think a dishwasher would cost?
07:06We could like build it in.
07:08Um, I think the dishwasher is free, right?
07:25You get a whole lot of real estate bang for your buck here in Sicily.
07:31We're talking stylish townhouses, ruins to renovate, modern family homes, and historic apartments.
07:45My goodness.
07:46Look at the... you can see that?
07:48This is beautiful!
07:50Wow!
07:52Oh, I love this.
07:54The price is amazing.
07:56In the States, I think if we found something for $41,000, it'd probably be a shack.
08:01You literally get the best of both worlds here, huh?
08:04You see the countryside over here.
08:06And in the front, you get like your little city lifestyle that you're asking for.
08:10Wow!
08:11Yeah, this is absolutely beautiful.
08:14This is Italy, you know?
08:15This, this is Italy.
08:17This is your home soundtrack, you know?
08:21Fabrizio, this is amazing!
08:24What do you think about us all?
08:25This is so dreamy.
08:27This is so beautiful.
08:28I love it.
08:29You did incredible!
08:31I'm very happy.
08:32Wherever you live in Sicily, you're never far away from local flavor and seasonal produce.
08:40I want you to try something really typical and authentic, you know?
08:44This is a very famous spot in Sicily.
08:47Wow!
08:47Let's go to this side.
08:48Ciao!
08:50It's everything handmade, you know?
08:53I see!
08:54Ooh, that looks refreshing!
08:56No, it's something that give you energy in the morning.
08:59It's very salty.
09:02Cheers!
09:03Cheers!
09:04Cheers!
09:05Almost done.
09:06You all right?
09:08Whoa!
09:11Refreshing!
09:12It's sour.
09:13It's sour.
09:14It's sour.
09:17It's sour.
09:20Wow.
09:20It's really beautiful.
09:22Next, we're heading to the west side of Vizzini.
09:26You can see cows just free-roaming, walking around.
09:31Greet the cows.
09:32Oh, hi cows!
09:33They bring good things, you know?
09:35We have a tradition here.
09:36When you see cows and sheep in the street, you have to say hello, because money will come,
09:40you know?
09:41Oh, wow!
09:41Say hello!
09:43Let's call them cash cows.
09:45Bye cows!
09:46We need some money!
09:50This next house features a private terrace, mountain views, and it's in walking distance
09:56of schools, cafes, and a weekly farmer's market.
10:00Hey guys, I have another beautiful family home.
10:05This property is on the market and the request is $200,000.
10:09That's, okay, that's way above our budget though.
10:11Since the owner really want to sell, I think I can get an amazing price.
10:15The request for this property is $200,000.
10:18But, if the guys like it, I think I can get a significant lower price.
10:24Around $100,000, $120,000.
10:28When it comes to buying in Sicily, having a godfather to unlock deals can be priceless.
10:34Wow!
10:35Wow!
10:36This is really nice, babe.
10:38Oh, this is beautiful.
10:41Oh, my goodness.
10:43Oh, wow.
10:44Look at this decor.
10:45This is the modern I was talking about.
10:47Yes.
10:47At 1,700 square feet, this house offers more space.
10:53Split over three floors, it features three bedrooms, an open concept kitchen diner, and a business opportunity.
11:01Oh, wow.
11:02What do you see?
11:03What do you see?
11:03Very modern, like you asked for.
11:06Wow.
11:06This is exactly what I wanted.
11:07The views are priceless.
11:09I mean, look.
11:09They are, definitely.
11:10I love the location.
11:13This is really, really beautiful.
11:14You just don't care for the style that much?
11:16Um, no.
11:17It just kind of feels a little bit sterile, I would say.
11:20Okay.
11:21I do love the size of the TV, though.
11:23We could, like, just relax after a long day of work.
11:26With the kids, yes.
11:27With the kids, without the kids.
11:29Yeah.
11:33It's like a dead end.
11:35Oh, my goodness.
11:37Oh!
11:38Oh, my gosh.
11:40What is going on?
11:41What is going on?
11:43This is beautiful.
11:45You could have a little business down here.
11:47Yeah.
11:47I wonder why the budget was a little bit high.
11:49I completely forgot about the budget after looking at this.
11:51Oh, my God.
11:52Well, I already got a name for this place.
11:53This is going to be Larry's Lair.
11:56Larry's Lair.
11:56It'll be a new hobby.
11:57I'll do the little shake thing.
11:59Okay.
11:59You're going to do the cleaning, too?
12:00Yeah.
12:01And, oh, not, we'll hire someone for that.
12:03Oh, so we're going to...
12:04But I need an outfit.
12:05Come on, guys.
12:06Let's do a drink.
12:07Fabrizio!
12:08Cheers!
12:10What type of offer do you think you could negotiate?
12:13Well, I think we can get $120,000, $125,000.
12:19That's touching.
12:20That's...
12:20Okay, that's the highest of our budget.
12:22A place like this on the ground is an investment for the future,
12:25especially if you're going to run a business like this.
12:28I never envisioned to open a bar.
12:31It's a very versatile space.
12:33We're at the top of our budget.
12:34Is there anything that you can find a little bit more affordable for us?
12:53So, guys, do you speak Italian?
12:55Yes.
12:57I'm Shelola.
12:58OK, very good.
13:00Quanti anni hai, Chesley?
13:0328.
13:05Wow.
13:06E tu?
13:07Oh, me?
13:08Si.
13:08Your tango.
13:11Your tango!
13:12This is not Madrid.
13:14Parle Italiano!
13:16No, way better than Lery.
13:17Oh my goodness, I'll take her everywhere I need to go.
13:21Italian skills will come in handy as we head to the island's second largest city
13:26and dive into everyday life.
13:29Located under Mount Etna's shadow is Catania.
13:36Sicily's cultural hotspot on the East Coast, famous for its bustling markets and irresistible food.
13:55Very lively here.
13:57Oh, wow.
13:58You know you are in a Sicilian market.
14:00Fresh fish.
14:00That could poke someone's eye out.
14:02You're going to try the real Sicilian barbecue.
14:04Oh, wow.
14:06Octopus.
14:06Bopo.
14:07Bopo.
14:08Look how beautiful it is.
14:09Look, look.
14:10Bela.
14:11Let's try it.
14:12Okay.
14:13Oh my goodness.
14:16Told you it's not that bad.
14:18No, it's not that bad.
14:19It's not bad.
14:20This is the pure taste of Sicily.
14:23Wow.
14:28Oh my God.
14:30I love you so much.
14:31I can't even look into his eyes.
14:34It's intense.
14:35I love you, man.
14:38I'm sorry.
14:43Oh my goodness.
14:49On the road again, and we're heading south through the Hiblean Mountains.
14:55We love Sicily.
14:56This is just perfect for our family.
14:59One time we went on a date and we had to take the baby with us, but baby was crying.
15:04Like crazy.
15:06And luckily for us, the owner of the restaurant.
15:08She took the baby away.
15:09Right.
15:10She took the baby so we could enjoy our dinner.
15:14Our final stop is Ragusa.
15:18This dreamy city in the south of Sicily showcases stunning Baroque architecture.
15:24That church is huge.
15:27It is.
15:28Oh my goodness.
15:29Magnificent.
15:30Here you can still pick up a prime city location apartment for just over $100,000.
15:39It's attracting a lot of people from all over the world because you can have a very high quality
15:45of life for a very affordable price.
15:48If you want to go to the beach side, you have it.
15:49If you like hiking to the mountains, you can do it.
15:52You have basically everything accessible in Sicily.
15:57Yes.
15:57The beauty is...
15:58I don't have to say anything.
16:00The beauty is for free.
16:01Okay, guys, I'm very excited about this property I'm going to show you.
16:04It's a pure gem and a piece of history.
16:07Built in the 1800s, this historic two-bedroom apartment is right in the center of Ragusa.
16:14And everything a family needs is a short walk away.
16:18Wow.
16:19Beautiful.
16:20Honestly, this is everything I asked for as far as being in a city where everything's accessible.
16:26This property is kind of prestigious.
16:29This beautiful jeweled balcony with this carved stone.
16:33Yeah.
16:33Just a very authentic feature of this territory.
16:35This is a great space that you can have for $115,000.
16:39It's something that never happened twice in life.
16:42Please, come.
16:43Take a look.
16:46Oh.
16:47Oh, my goodness.
16:48It's a little skinny, huh?
16:50You want it to be in the city center?
16:51Uh-oh.
16:53Wow.
16:54A little on the older looking side.
16:57On the second floor, this fully furnished apartment has two bedrooms, a living room, and a dining room.
17:06This is gorgeous.
17:08Wow.
17:10But the real showstopper is the hand-painted fresco.
17:14I love the ceiling design.
17:17Yeah.
17:17I do love how Italian traditional it is.
17:23Oh, wow.
17:25This is beautiful.
17:29Oh, I love it.
17:31You know, we can almost renew our vows over here, you know?
17:34Like, this is such a beautiful spot.
17:36We can wake up in the morning, go get a coffee, go get a croissage, just walk down the street.
17:41There's also a bathroom and two family-sized bedrooms.
17:45Oh.
17:46Oh, my goodness.
17:48Oh, this room is huge.
17:48This is beautiful.
17:52Love vintage.
17:53So this, I do not mind.
17:54You wouldn't want to refurnish, like change things up?
17:57I feel like I have to do a little bit of repainting, like something needs to look a little-
18:01Repainting?
18:02No.
18:02We can't buy history like this.
18:04Like, this is beautiful.
18:05Where are you going to find this in the States?
18:07I guess you're more Sicilian than American.
18:09Yeah.
18:11I haven't seen the kitchen yet.
18:12No.
18:13What do you think of the kitchen?
18:16Oh.
18:17It's old like you want it, right?
18:19Oh.
18:20Yeah.
18:21My gosh.
18:22We don't even have enough-
18:23Oh, this is the whole thing?
18:24This is the whole kitchen.
18:25Oh.
18:26Do you see this?
18:27Where are the boys going to help you cook?
18:29There's no storage.
18:30You know, I love to bake and I love to cook.
18:32Yeah, we live in the city though.
18:33You won't need to cook.
18:34We'll just walk outside and go down the street and just-
18:37Every meal?
18:38I hope, I really hope, I really pray I won't be the reason of their divorce.
18:43For the price, this isn't really bad.
18:45We're smack dab in the middle of the town and that's really what I wanted.
18:49But I don't care for the city and the kitchen.
18:52If you want Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, that's not going to work for me.
18:56No.
19:07So, it's a beautiful traditional house.
19:09What do you think about it?
19:10I really love the location of where it's at.
19:13It's very convenient.
19:14For me, I didn't really care for the old traditional look.
19:18Honestly, if I could, I'd just paint over it and make it look a bit more modern and brand new.
19:22Lily?
19:23Paint this?
19:25No!
19:26You can't, you can't paint it.
19:28That is just too historical.
19:29You can't paint that.
19:30Oh, and the kitchen.
19:32Oh my gosh, the kitchen.
19:34No, that's not going to work for us.
19:35No.
19:36I still have a bit more boxes that need to be checked off before I'm all in on this house.
19:52It's been such a great experience looking at all these new homes.
19:57It's really making me, like, envision my life here in Sicily.
20:01And I think our boys are really going to enjoy it.
20:03And let's also talk about how affordable the real estate is around here.
20:07Oh, we wouldn't be seeing prices like this over here in the States.
20:10No.
20:10No.
20:11Remember that townhouse in Vizzini?
20:13Oh my goodness.
20:14It's very affordable.
20:16But I definitely want it bigger.
20:18Just a little bit too small for me.
20:20Okay.
20:20Especially with two running kids.
20:22Can we talk about the modern house?
20:24It had a very beautiful, fresh look to it.
20:27I do like it.
20:28But, Larry, we're already at the top of our budget.
20:31You want a man cave.
20:32You want to renovate.
20:33You want to do all this.
20:34Yes, yes.
20:34And then you also want to hire cleaners.
20:37How much money you got?
20:39Right.
20:40You know the saying, happy spouse, happy house.
20:44Um, I think it's no spouse till I get my house.
20:47Too expensive for us.
20:48I definitely want to keep looking.
20:50Okay.
20:51Yeah.
20:51So if you're away on the highway then.
20:53Clock it.
20:54Oh my goodness.
21:01Buongiorno.
21:02Hi.
21:03Hello.
21:04Chesley's been teaching me a lot of Italian lately.
21:06Yes.
21:07Lots of Italian.
21:08And you know, he's actually kind of improving a little bit.
21:11Mmm.
21:13We're still living here in Cicely, living on a military base,
21:15because we haven't found a house to buy yet.
21:17We decided that we weren't going to put an offer down on any of the homes that we viewed with
21:21Fabricio.
21:22So now we're really trying to focus and concentrate on the property search in Vizzini,
21:28because we love how family friendly it is and how beautiful it is.
21:32Ooh, grazie.
21:33Fingers crossed we'll be living there soon.
21:35Mmhm.
Comments