When Johna contacted me, her decision had already been made.
She had found the home she loved — located in Tuscany, between Pisa and Lucca — and she was ready to move forward.
But being emotionally ready and being technically protected are two very different things.
Buying property in Tuscany as a foreigner is not just about signing a contract.
It’s about understanding what you are signing.
It’s about knowing what happens next.
It’s about feeling supported at every stage.
Johna didn’t need help finding a property.
She needed structure, clarity, and someone clearly on her side.
Buying Property Between Pisa and Lucca — Why the Area Matters
The area between Pisa and Lucca is one of the most attractive locations in Tuscany for international buyers:
- Authentic Tuscan villages
- Rolling hills and olive groves
- Close to Pisa International Airport
- Easy access to the coast
- Strong long-term value stability
It offers lifestyle, accessibility, and charm — without the pressure of over-tourism.
Johna had already fallen in love with the property.
Now the focus was protecting the process.
A Collaborative Approach — Each Professional with a Clear Role
For the initial property search, viewings, and offer negotiation, Johna worked with Immobiliare Lotti, led by Simona Lotti, who handled the agency side of the transaction together with their trusted technician.
They managed:
- Property visits
- Offer negotiation
- Technical verification through their appointed surveyor
This is how a structured Italian transaction should work — with clear roles and professional coordination.
In this specific case, my role was complementary and independent. While the agency managed the transaction process, I focused on:
- Independent review and clarification of contractual documentation
- Strategic coordination leading to the deed
- Presence at the notary appointment
- Utility transfers and activation
- Guidance on IMU & TARI (local waste tax) registration
- Post-completion administrative follow-up
This dual layer of support ensured Johna had both:
- A local agency managing the sale
- An independent consultant safeguarding her overall journey
And that combination makes a significant difference for international buyers.
The Real Challenge — When a Big Decision Feels Bigger Than Expected
When you buy property in Italy from abroad, even when everything is technically correct, the emotional weight of the decision can increase.
You start asking yourself:
- Is everything truly compliant?
- Am I overlooking something?
- What exactly happens at the notary?
- What if something unexpected arises?
There are moments of excitement.
Moments of hesitation.
Moments where responsibility feels very real.
And that is completely natural when you are making such an important life decision in another country.
Johna didn’t just need technical answers.
She needed clarity.
She needed structure.
She needed steady guidance.
Completion Day — A Structured and Bilingual Deed
Johna was not able to be physically present at the deed. She signed a power of attorney and entrusted me with representing her interests on completion day.
And that is not a small thing. Being present at a notarial deed in Italy is a powerful moment — especially when you are buying a home abroad.
On the day of signing, I was there on her behalf.
As her independent consultant.
As her reference point.
As her eyes.
We organized a video call during the signing, so she could be present — even from a distance — and feel part of that decisive moment.
The deed was handled by Notary Beatrice Tortorella at Notai Associati Pisa, with exceptional bilingual clarity and professionalism.
Every clause was explained carefully.
Every document reviewed with precision.
Every step structured.
But beyond the legal formality, there was something more important:
Johna could see what was happening.
She could feel included in her own milestone.
Later, she wrote to me several times saying that it had been one of the most beautiful days of her life.
Not because of the paperwork.
But because she felt secure, supported, and truly accompanied through it.
From Signing to Settling In
Completion day is not the end… It is the beginning.
After the deed, we handled:
- Utility activations
- Administrative registrations
- TARI guidance
- Practical coordination with local offices
- Ongoing support for post-sale questions
Buying the house was one step.
Entering Italian life was the next.
And that transition deserves professional continuity.
More Than Technical Support — Structured Stability
In every international property purchase, there are moments of pressure.
Instead of reacting, we structured.
Instead of worrying, we verified.
Instead of guessing, we clarified.
Johna knew she was not navigating the process alone. And sometimes, that makes all the difference.
“I recently purchased an apartment in a small town in Tuscany. I knew the town I was interested in and had also found an apartment that had captured me. Family members referred me to a realtor, and I did make an offer on the apartment, and it was accepted. I had also contacted a notary. While it may seem as though I was far along in this process, I was also becoming aware that I was becoming increasingly overwhelmed. Though I had family and friends in Italy and spoke some Italian, as an American, I was a foreigner when it came to navigating the purchase of a property in Italy. This led me to look online for help, and I quickly discovered Barbara Bersini with “Your House in Italy.” I scheduled an appointment with her online, and we met. I was aware that she usually offers a full package and assists with finding a place and exploring towns, but that part was done when we met. We reviewed how she could be helpful to me, beginning with consult and support and much more.
From my first meeting with Barbara, I felt so relieved. I found her confident, knowledgeable, warm and welcoming and comforting as we navigated the process of the purchase of a property in Italy. She is also fluent in English. Suddenly, I had someone in my life who was really guiding me through the process, step-by- step. That was enormously helpful, and lessened my anxiety greatly.
There were numerous things that Barbara helped with as well. I needed help with setting up utilities, reviewing the contracts and settting up gas, water, and electricity. She assisted with my homeowner’s insurance. She drove to the Comune four hours from her home, to assist with
setting up payment for the IMU and TARI (garbage collection). Looking back, I do not know how I would have gotten through all of this without her help. I do speak some Italian, but the
contracts and getting on the phone with people re clarifications about the contracts would have been beyond my linguistic abilities. Wifi was very important to me, and after reviewing my options together, Barbara assisted me with choosing a plan and got all of that in place and it worked well. Throughout this process, on my behalf, Barbara also assisted in communicating with others involved in the process including the realtor, surveyor and seller. She also sat in on the deed signing.I feel very fortunate to have discovered her and benefitted from her kindness and her expertise. During this process, she was available and supportive, often assuring me that it would all get done, and “calmly.” I am very grateful for Barbara’s expertise and support throughout this process. If I were to do this again, I would involve her much sooner. I am deeply grateful.”
Thinking About Buying Property in Tuscany?
Whether you have already found your dream home between Pisa and Lucca
or you are just beginning to explore buying property in Italy,
you deserve:
- Technical protection
- Clear communication
- Coordinated local support
- Emotional steadiness
Because buying a home in Italy is not just a legal act.
It is a life decision.
✨ If you are considering purchasing property in Tuscany or anywhere in Italy, let’s talk.
👉 Book your free discovery call → Your House in Italy – Contact Barbara
