- FAQ
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Selling, buying or investing in a property requires clear information, market knowledge and the support of reliable professionals.
In this section, we have collected the most frequently asked questions from our clients and from those who wish to collaborate with our agency, to help you quickly find the answers most useful to your journey.
Work with us
How much can a real estate agent earn?
Earnings are performance-based, but we offer 50% commissions, among the highest in the industry.
Is a diploma required?
Yes, a high school diploma is required.
Do you offer employment as an employee or a self-employed collaboration with a VAT number?
The collaboration is not structured as an employment contract. Opening a VAT number is not required from day one, but it will be necessary in order to manage commissions.
Our team provides all the useful guidance needed to approach this step in a simple and informed way.
Is there a training course for people with no experience?
Yes, we provide a structured onboarding training programme within the company.
From the very first day, you will be operational and supported by a tutor who will guide you step by step.
Training includes theoretical sessions, with dedicated materials and videos, as well as practical field training by taking part in appointments together with colleagues.
What are the activities and responsibilities of a real estate agent in your organisation?
Within our organisation, the real estate agent is a complete consultant who supports the client through every stage of the purchase and sale process, from the first meeting through to after-sales support. The main responsibilities include:
- acquiring and managing sales or rental mandates;
- carrying out professional property valuations and market analysis;
- defining and implementing the commercial and marketing strategy;
- managing relationships with property owners and buyers;
- organising and conducting property viewings;
- negotiating and managing the deal;
- providing assistance up to the preliminary agreement and the notarial deed;
- supporting the client even after completion, in collaboration with the internal team.
Is a licence required to start?
Yes, you need to obtain a real estate agent licence, which is achieved through a short course at the Chamber of Commerce followed by a final exam.
At Edilfin, most agents obtain it within their first 18 months of activity.
Are there mandatory working hours or office attendance requirements?
There are scheduled times for office presence, as well as training and update meetings. Outside these moments, the organisation of your time and work is flexible and autonomous.
Are fixed monthly payments provided?
The economic proposal varies according to experience:
- For experienced professionals: we offer tools, operational autonomy and a highly competitive commission plan, with percentages up to 50%.
- For beginners: we provide an onboarding path with an initial fixed payment, commissions and performance-based bonuses, together with comprehensive training to build solid and lasting foundations.
What do rewards and incentives consist of?
We organise competitions throughout the year linked to acquisitions and sales, with prizes and vouchers awarded when targets are met.
How long does it take to start earning?
For those entering the sector with no experience, the first mandate generally arrives within 2–3 months and the first sale within 4–5 months.
Building a good turnover normally requires at least one year of continuous activity.
Those who already have experience, however, may achieve results more quickly.
I already have experience in the sector: could EDILFIN be the right organisation for me?
Absolutely. If you are already an established professional, you will find an organised structure that values autonomy and offers concrete tools to grow further.
We provide: dedicated marketing support, centralised administrative management, advanced technological tools, an already active property portfolio, and collaboration opportunities also on international mandates.
Buyers
Is it better to buy a home through a real estate agency or from a private seller?
We check the property documentation, verify any restrictions or critical issues and guide you through to the notarial deed.
Buying from a private seller may seem more convenient, but it requires attention and specific expertise in order to avoid risks, unexpected issues or inaccurate valuations.
What expenses should I consider in addition to the purchase price of the property?
In addition to the property price, it is important to consider purchase taxes, notary fees, any mortgage-related costs, the agency commission and possible condominium fees or utility connection costs.
Before the transaction is completed, we help you define an overall cost estimate, so you can approach the purchase with full awareness of the required budget.
Is the advertised price negotiable?
Many properties are listed with some room for negotiation.
Our role is to help you formulate a balanced offer, consistent with the real value of the property and current market trends, encouraging a sustainable agreement between buyer and seller.
How can I reserve a property I am interested in?
If the seller accepts the offer, the property is withdrawn from the market and the next steps are carried out through to the notarial deed.
What does signing a purchase offer involve?
The purchase offer formalises the intention to buy the property under specific conditions: price, timing, payment methods and any clauses.
Once accepted by the seller, it becomes a binding agreement between the parties.
For this reason, it is essential that it is drafted with precision, clarity and the support of qualified professionals.
Is it better to sell my home before buying a new property?
In most cases, it is preferable to sell first, especially if the purchase of the new property depends on the sale of your current home.
Selling first allows you to know your budget precisely, submit stronger offers and move through the market with greater confidence.
What happens if the offer is not accepted?
If the seller does not accept the offer within the established deadline, the offer loses its validity.
Any cheque left as a guarantee is returned to the buyer, with no further obligations between the parties.
What is a confirmatory deposit and what effects does it have?
A confirmatory deposit is a sum paid as a guarantee of the commitment made through the offer or preliminary agreement. If the buyer fails to comply with the agreement, the seller may keep it.
If, instead, the seller fails to comply, the buyer may be entitled to receive twice the amount paid.
How does buying with a mortgage work, and what happens if the mortgage is not approved?
When the purchase involves a mortgage, the bank assesses both the buyer’s financial situation and the value of the property through an appraisal.
EDILFIN collaborates with specialised credit consultants to help you verify the feasibility of the financing.
Where appropriate, a suspensive clause linked to obtaining the mortgage can be included in the offer: if the financing is not approved within the agreed timeframe, the offer becomes void and the deposit is returned.
What tax benefits are available for a “first home” purchase, and what obligations do they involve?
The “first home” tax benefits allow buyers to benefit from reduced taxes compared with the purchase of a second home.
To access them, certain requirements must be met, including purchasing a non-luxury property, not owning other homes purchased with the same benefit and transferring residence to the Municipality where the property is located within 18 months, unless already resident there.
EDILFIN helps you check the requirements in advance, so you can approach the purchase with greater clarity and peace of mind.
Sellers
Is the valuation of my property free of charge?
Yes. With EDILFIN, the valuation of your property for sale is free of charge and without obligation.
We analyse the property, taking into account its location, floor area, condition, features and local market trends, in order to set a realistic price that reflects its potential.
Following the valuation, you are free to decide whether to instruct us to sell your property.
Is it better to grant an exclusive or a non-exclusive mandate?
An exclusive mandate is often the most effective way to sell a property in an organised and professional manner.
It allows us to oversee the sale on an ongoing basis, investing in the promotion of the property, the search for suitable buyers and the management of marketing activities.
An exclusive mandate does not reduce the property’s visibility: we can also collaborate with other estate agents and professionals to increase the chances of a sale.
How long does it take, on average, to sell a property?
The time it takes to sell a property depends on various factors, such as price, location, the property’s features and market trends.
A property that is correctly valued and marketed effectively is more likely to attract interested buyers within the first few months.
That is why we take great care over the initial valuation, the presentation of the property and the sales strategy.
What documents do I need to have ready to put my house up for sale?
To start the sale, you will need some essential documents, including:
- title deed,
- cadastral certificate and floor plan,
- Energy Performance Certificate (APE),
- urban planning documentation and any building permits or files,
- any system certifications,
- for apartments, condominium information.
EDILFIN supports you in checking and collecting the documentation, in order to prevent critical issues during the negotiation and reach the notarial deed with greater security.
How will my property be promoted and advertised?
For each property, we create a personalised marketing plan designed to enhance the home and reach the right potential buyers.
Depending on the characteristics of the property, we can produce professional photography, videos, virtual tours, home staging, renderings and promotional materials.
We promote the property on the main Italian and international real estate portals, through our digital channels and with targeted online campaigns.
Why use an estate agent rather than selling privately?
Selling privately may seem convenient, but it often requires more time, complex negotiations and greater risks.
With EDILFIN, you are supported at every stage: from property valuation to promotion, from buyer selection to viewings, through to negotiation and the notarial deed.
In this way, the sale is safer, better organised and focused on achieving the best possible result.
If I find a buyer whilst working on an exclusive mandate, what happens?
During an exclusive mandate, the sale of the property remains entrusted to the agency for the entire duration of the mandate.
Even if the owner personally finds a buyer, the sale still falls within the mandate granted and may involve payment of the agency commission.
In these cases, it is always advisable to involve EDILFIN, so that the negotiation, documentation and steps through to the notarial deed can be managed correctly.
If the property isn’t sold by the end of the mandate, do I still have to pay the commission?
No.
The commission is due only if the sale is completed.
If the property is not sold within the duration of the mandate, you will not have to pay any brokerage costs.
What costs and taxes do I need to take into account when selling a property?
When selling a property, there may be some expenses to consider: the agency commission, the energy performance certificate, any cadastral updates or urban planning procedures.
In some cases, capital gains tax may also apply.
EDILFIN helps you assess these aspects in advance, so you can approach the sale with greater clarity.
Foreign clients
Quali documenti servono a un cittadino straniero per acquistare un immobile in Italia?
To buy a property in Italy, you will need a valid identity document, such as a passport, an Italian tax code and your full personal details.
In some cases, you may also be asked to provide documents proving the source of the funds used for the purchase.
EDILFIN helps foreign clients to prepare and check their documentation, making the purchase process clearer and more secure.
Do you need a residence permit to buy a house in Italy?
Not always. Many foreign nationals can purchase a property in Italy even without a residence permit, under reciprocal agreements between Italy and their country of origin.
However, each situation must be carefully assessed.
EDILFIN supports international clients right from the start, helping them to understand the requirements, documents and necessary steps.
What is the Italian tax code and why is it necessary?
The tax code is an identification number issued by the Italian Revenue Agency and is required for many administrative procedures in Italy, including the purchase of a property.
Foreign nationals can also apply for it, either through the Italian Consulate in their own country or directly in Italy.
EDILFIN also assists clients with this step, to make the purchase process simpler and more straightforward.
What taxes and costs do I need to take into account in addition to the purchase price?
As well as the price of the property, you also need to take into account the costs of purchase tax, the notary’s fees, any mortgage, and the estate agent’s commission.
These costs may vary depending on the type of purchase – for example, a first or second home – and the buyer’s circumstances.
EDILFIN helps you work out an overall estimate of the costs before the transaction is finalised, so that you can avoid any surprises and plan your budget properly.
Are there any annual property taxes? What are IMU and TARI?
Yes. Anyone who owns a property in Italy needs to take into account certain annual taxes and costs.
The main ones are the IMU, the municipal property tax, and the TARI, the waste collection tax.
The amounts may vary depending on the local authority, the type of property and its use.
EDILFIN can help you understand these aspects before you buy, so that you have a clearer picture of the running costs.
Can I get a mortgage in Italy as a foreign buyer?
Yes, a foreign buyer can apply for a mortgage in Italy, but the terms may vary depending on their place of residence, income and the documentation available.
Banks generally require an Italian tax code, a current account, proof of a stable income (payslips, tax returns) and a higher deposit than that required of resident buyers.
EDILFIN works with specialist mortgage advisers who can help you assess the feasibility of a mortgage and identify the most suitable solution.
Can I sign the documents remotely or appoint someone to sign on my behalf at the property transfer?
Yes. You can appoint a trusted person via a notarised power of attorney – which must be legalised or bear an apostille – so that they can sign the documents on your behalf.
In some cases, digital or remote solutions may also be available, subject to current legislation and the notary’s instructions.
EDILFIN helps you coordinate the necessary steps, even if you live abroad.
Is the offer to purchase binding? What is a deposit?
Yes. It is possible to let the property during periods when it is not in use, in accordance with current legislation and any local regulations.
The management of the property can be entrusted to our subsidiary, Booking Garda Lake, which offers a dedicated service for owners who live abroad or do not wish to deal with the day-to-day management themselves.
The service may include property promotion, a photo shoot, booking management, check-in and check-out, cleaning, linen, maintenance, tax compliance and monthly rental reports.
In this way, the property is looked after by local professionals and the owner can receive rental income without having to manage day-to-day operations.
Can I rent out the property when I’m not using it? Who can look after the house whilst I’m abroad?
Yes. It is possible to let the property during periods when it is not in use, in accordance with current legislation and any local regulations.
The management of the property can be entrusted to our subsidiary, Booking Garda Lake, which offers a dedicated service for owners who live abroad or do not wish to deal with the day-to-day management themselves.
The service may include property promotion, a photo shoot, booking management, check-in and check-out, cleaning, linen, maintenance, tax compliance and monthly rental reports.
In this way, the property is looked after by local professionals and the owner can receive rental income without having to manage day-to-day operations.