Moving to Italy in 2005
 

I've decided to move my kids and hubby back to Florence in 2005. We will rent out our San Diego home and live with my MIL in the family home in Florence. Kids will go to the local public school, dogs will roam the orchards, hubby is a bit reluctant - but he needs the break. He can help out my BIL in his bakery. Has anyone ever rented their beloved home out for a year? Anyone else thinking of living abroad for a set period of time?

What a wonderful adventure for your children. You must be very excited.

I've had a few friends who have rented out their homes while they've spent a year or two away. The only time it worked out (rent paid, house not wrecked) was when they rented to:

1. friends or friends of friends

&

2. college professors

You have a lot of lead time. I'm sure you'll find a renter that will be responsible and respect your home, especially because you have time.

Oh honey, how lovely for you all!
What a great experience for your children as well and you and your husband!
What a GOOD idea!!
We know a couple that rents out their home every summer while they go to the country..their home is perched on a cliff hanging over the Hudson River .. next door to Geraldo Riveras house :(
I will ask her how they go about it but I am pretty sure they use an agency that handles everything for them.
((F))

There are a couple dozen expats who regularly visit Fodors - I'm an odd one (on this forum) since I've been living in China for 5 years.

There are loads of websites for expatriates, even some specifically for expats in Italy. I'd recommend you start there for advice.

For renting out your house, try the larger, reputable home exchange websites. Most also include paid rentals, not just exchanges. Consider listing your home as a "long-term vacation rental". It doesn't hurt to try (you can always choose NOT to rent to any responders), and it might help you uncover responsible, professional people looking for a year's accommodation. Your location in San Diego will likely help a lot, since it's a desirable US location.

Best of luck!! And congratulations!

This is a great news Calamari!!It is nice to be able to change our environment for awhile.
Tell me can you or your children speak Italian?
It is very important for the kids at least to be able to know it, especially if they are going to the local schools.
Anyway, you have a year to improve your language skills..
Your kids are going to enjoy the beautiful Toscana.
Ciao,
kismet

How fun! You can rent your home to a military family. Contact the nearest base and list the home with the housing office. We are a military family and so have had to rent many times. Basically you would be sure to get paid and that there would be no damage...and if there are problems the chain of command makes sure that the military member makes good on their promises. For us retirement is a month away and we are anxious to buy a home again! Anyway...just an idea for you so you can go to Italy:)

You wild and crazy woman! Best of luck to you! Let me know where the bakery is located - you know how I like a modest little snack every so often!

Now if only I was a gymnast!

There will always be plenty of fresh, hot, bombologne for you! The bakery is in Bagno A Ripoli about 7 km outside of downtown Firenze.

Calamari, come clean....has this all transpired because of recent threads on Fodors about living abroad? I can hear the conversation...."Honey, I've been thinking....and a whole bunch of people on Fodors were saying that life in Europe is so.....you know, la dolce vita......and the kids will adapt....what say we pack up and go back?"
However it transpired, more power to you. I plan to move across the pond for semi-good in about 6 years' time and cannot wait!
Just one small question - you'll be living with the Italian MIL? Are you sure you're OK with that? She's thrilled, I'm sure, to get the son back, but you know what they say about Italian mammas and their sons. Is this perhaps one of his reasons for being reluctant?

Yes, he is the anti mamone. I adore her, but they are very high drama together. It used to bother me, but now I just laugh and prefer watching them to T.V. I have lived there twice before and could not wait to get back to the US both times. This time I think (hope) I have mellowed and will be able to enjoy each day as it comes. I am less driven than I used to be and just know how amazing it would be for my kids...plus he REALLY needs to rest and he just can't do it here.

<<plus he REALLY needs to rest and he just can't do it here.>>

Isn't that the truth? Well, one DOES go to europe for R&R, even if one is planning on working! I wish you all the best!

Get a property manager - a good one.

You need someone there to handle things when the AC unit breaks, and when the washer needs replacing. Its really hard to contact a contractor etc. when you have a 6+ hour time difference.

Our property manager also makes periodic visits. we have been lucky and have had great tenants.


BTW - be sure to check out the Italian tax implications. In Switzerland, we are taxed annually on the value of our home in the US (even though it was purchased before we even moved to CH).

Cala, does the MIL have a huge house so we can all come over and visit? ;;)

Betsy
Yes the MIL has a huge house on the Arno. I is a 600yr old stone ancesteral home which used to be a monestary and a paper mill. Sadly, it is jam packed with relatives. Grandmama lives upstairs in her own flat, Aunt & Uncle also live upstairs in their own flat and the MIL has the entire lower level but there is a lot of wasted space. Next to the home/attached with private entrances is another house which my SIL just renovated and lives there with my beloved nephew and her DH. Maybe I just talked myself out of the entire plan...

A terrific idea Calamari! I'm so jealous! What a wonderful learning experience for you and your kiddies. Kudos to you for doing something so many dream about :) Go for it!

It would be great for my dear nephew too. He is 11 and I am his absolute favorite aunt. A distinction I am so proud of! We get along like a house on fire. He is such a great little guy! His mother does get jealous though because he tells me all his little secrets.

Good for you, Calamari! Yes, it will be a wonderful experience for your children, and well as a nice change of pace for your hubby.

I also agree that the best situation for renting would be to family or friends. I live overseas, as well, and all the expats I know who have rented their homes while here have had the best luck in sticking with people they really know and trust.

Good luck to you and your upcoming move!

Hi Calamari,

Good for you!!!

Send us a note now and then about how its going.

Calamari,

Please come and visit us over on Slowtalk in the Living i Italy, Moving to Italy forum as there are others who have done what you are doing including renting out their house for a year so you will get some good help and ideas.

Calamari precious !! I just found out that we are long lost cousins!!
I think I will be packing Pup and the Yankee up and coming to visit my lol ole lost family member just as soon as you get settled. Won't that be fun~((F))