Journey Highlights
My journey with Italian Real Estate Lawyers (IREL) has been a remarkable experience filled with comfort and reassurance. Marco Permunian, IREL’s attorney and co-founder, has been an invaluable source of support, making himself readily available for Zoom calls and handling every task with proper attention. Our client-attorney relationship began back in April 2020 when I embarked on the journey to obtain Italian citizenship through descent with IREL’s sister firm, Italian Citizenship Assistance (ICA). Marco was my initial point of contact at ICA, and his patient approach allowed me the time to make a decision without any pressure. Over the course of our collaboration, two significant milestones have been achieved: the assembly of necessary documents for the citizenship application (currently awaiting approval from the Miami Consulate) and the recent purchase of my new home in Tocco da Casauria, Pescara.
Expectations Exceeded
IREL not only met but exceeded my expectations throughout this journey. They responded promptly to my emails and used WhatsApp for quick communications. Everyone was in harmony with my goals I wanted to achieve
Choosing the Right Region
The roots of my Italian heritage extend back to the regions of Campania and Abruzzo. My paternal grandfather, Louis D’Angelo, departed from Pignataro Maggiore, Caserta, in 1911, while my maternal grandfather, Antonio Caruso (also known as Carosi), hailed from Celano in L’Aquila, in 1912. Both families made their passage through Ellis Island before venturing to a smaller industrial city, Rochester, New York. My decision to purchase a home in Tocco da Casauria was influenced by various factors, including specific agricultural, personal, and business goals, as well as the overall cost of living, affordability, and practicality. My research led me to avoid areas prone to volcanic and seismic activity, considering the potential risks associated with different regions of Italy.
The Property
I selected a house in Tocco da Casauria for its excellent condition and newer construction, ensuring ease of maintenance and upkeep. The property holds great potential, particularly with an unfinished second floor that could be transformed into a spacious master bedroom or divided into two rooms.
Unexpected Aspects and Italian Law
My journey into Italian real estate was an educational experience, shedding light on the nuances of Italian law in property transactions. I appreciated the thorough process followed by the geometra in ensuring compliance with the comune, uncovering undocumented improvements or additions made by previous owners.
Future Plans
My new home in Tocco da Casauria will serve as my primary residence, a place for friends and family to gather, and a starting point for new adventures, possibly including a venture into the wine business and promoting the Abruzzo region through social media. I aspire to create a better lifestyle for myself, and this region offers the ideal backdrop for such endeavors.
Honoring Ancestry and History
Growing up, my parents instilled in me a deep respect for my Italian heritage, emphasizing the importance of dignity and pride. As Italian Americans, we carry this pride forward, not by overstating our ethnicity but by embracing it in a respectful manner. This is one of the reasons I chose ICA and IREL for their professionalism and their location in a region that aligns with these values. I’ve observed their professionalism on social media
platforms, where they conduct business with integrity. My late father, Anthony, would have been my mentor in this journey, and I believe he would have embraced the process as I have.
In conclusion, my desire to reclaim and honor the heritage that my ancestors left behind more than a century ago drove me to pursue Italian citizenship and homeownership in Italy. I want to immerse myself in Italian culture, become the patriarch of my family, and guide them on the path to Italy. It’s a calling I cannot ignore, and I look forward to a full relocation to Italy for improved well-being.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the dedicated staff at IREL, including Camilla Boldrin, Elisa Romanini, and Georgiana Burdea, who went above and beyond to support me at every step of this journey. Their commitment to excellence is truly commendable.
Louis has reviewed and approved this success story and has granted IREL the right to use his name and image.
