Original subtitles

This view is priceless.

[narrator] Imagine a world of bargain dream real estate.

-Just $41,000. -[Larry] What?

This is unheard of for the States.

Global destinations.

-Bonjour. -I'm gonna embarrass myself.

-Fromagerie. -I love it.

Great way to meet your neighbors.

-Yeah. -[woman #1] Yeah [laughs].

-This architecture is amazing. -[bell tolls]

And local expert know-how.

[woman #2] The cost of this in the States...

[woman #3] I think, would be double for sure.

The cost of living here is so much more affordable

than the U.S. -It is definitely a bargain.

Thank you.

You can afford to live your dream...

[woman #3] Whoo!

I can't believe this is going to be my new home.

...at a price you never thought possible.

You did incredible.

This is exactly what we came all this way for.

[bell tolls]

[gentle music playing]

Sicily --

the dramatic Italian island

filled with bargain dream homes.

Just over an hour's flight from the capital, Rome,

this Mediterranean paradise has homes for as little

as 100,000 U.S. dollars.

The first thing I'm thinking about

about a property is how will it affect my family.

I'm definitely looking for something up-and-coming.

I don't want it to be too, too busy,

but I also don't want it to be too quiet a town,

especially with our two boys.

[Larry] It was my military job that brought us here originally.

[Sheslie] We moved here from New Mexico

and we're in love with the lifestyle here.

To make their Sicilian dream come true will require

expert local knowledge. Ciao, Fabrizio.

[Fabrizio] I've helped up to 200 families find their home in Sicily.

I don't just sell properties. I sell the true Italian dream.

-Hello, guys. -[both] Hello.

-Good morning. -Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you. I'm Fabrizio.

-Larry. -Nice to meet you.

-Nice to meet you, I'm Sheslie. -[Fabrizio] Sheslie.

I'm military. I work here.

I've been living here for about two years.

I love how relaxed the culture is out here.

-It's slow. -Yes, very slow.

Everything calm. The water, the Sicilian way.

Well, Sicilians are very welcoming too.

[Sheslie] Yeah, and we really wanna move out base

and immerse ourselves in the culture out here.

[Fabrizio speaking]

[Larry] Yes.

We've been talking about a house for years,

but we couldn't afford to buy back home.

The housing market in the U.S.

is very expensive, and with the lower cost

of living here, buying a home in Sicily will just start

our family off well, so. -OK.

I wanna live somewhere that's more modern,

and, uh, being in the city for sure.

I think a dream home for us would be something that has

at least two beds.

For me, I definitely don't wanna live in the city center,

like my husband. -It's a good beginning.

-Yeah. -I like peace and quiet.

I want a lot of space for the kids and for hosting

our families when they come and visit us.

Uh, budget we're working with is about $100,000 to $120,000.

-Yes. -[both] Yes.

Italy's largest island

has one of Europe's most active volcanoes,

around 900 miles of coast, and two major cities,

Palermo in the north and Catania on the east side.

And with house prices in Sicily up to three times cheaper

than in Rome, it's no wonder so many are drawn

to living la dolce vita.

-Uh-oh. -[car bleeps]

-Is you seat belt on -- si. -Mm-hmm.

-Is your door open? -I'll shut the doors.

-This is parking brake, right? -Parking, right.

OK, it's off.

-OK. -OK, OK.

Concentrating the search within

commuting distance of Catania,

our first stop is one of the oldest towns

on the island, Vizzini.

Life here is family oriented, with a weekly farmer's market

and big tax breaks attracting foreign buyers.

[bell tolls]

Hopefully driving won't be as fun.

[Fabrizio] This is gonna be a big challenge for you.

Uh, I hope we don't hit nothing today.

Oh! Ah!

[Fabrizio] I'm sorry, I'm sorry, guys.

[Larry] It looks a little tight.

Fabrizio, where are you taking us?

And here we are.

-Wow, this is beautiful! -[Larry] Yeah.

This traditional Italian townhouse has two bedrooms

and a mind-blowing price tag.

[Fabrizio] Let's take a look, guys.

[Sheslie] Hey, let's check it out.

[Larry] Oh, wow. Beautiful.

This home is located close to the center of town,

within walking distance of schools and restaurants.

[Fabrizio] This is very nice property, and you know what?

-[Sheslie] Yeah. -This is a real bargain.

-Really? -'Cause just $41,000.

What? $41,000 USD?

[Fabrizio] Yeah, yeah, yeah.

-Oh, my goodness. -Yes, dollars, right?

We could get three of these with that budget.

[Sheslie] I know, right? That's crazy.

This is unheard of for the States.

[Larry] Yes, very. All right, here we go.

-Wow, this is good. -Wow.

[Larry] You see this?

[Sheslie] It's beautiful marble, it looks like.

[Larry] Yeah.

[Sheslie] Italians love their steps for sure.

Babe, check this out.

It's like very old-school, but like modern at the same,

I'm getting a mix.

Across the second floor, this 1300-square-foot property

features an open-concept living-dining area,

two bedrooms, and a kitchen.

[Larry] I could see the boys living here.

This feels like a -- a family home.

I do wish it was just a tad bit wider.

[Larry] For the price, it might be right.

I ha -- I could have a dad couch.

I'd have a little... Little.

-A recliner? -Yeah!

I can see it. I can see it right now.

-It just looks a bit girly. -Uh, I'm a girl.

-But -- -It's not too girly.

Yes, but you have two boys and me.

-We overrule you. -OK, but who's the mom?

I guess you're right. All right, happy wife...

-Happy life? -[Sheslie] Yeah.

And the Italian dream wouldn't be complete without a balcony.

Buongiorno.

[Fabrizio] This place is up-and-coming, so there are schools

and opportunity for the kids.

And, uh, I think they are figuring out

of what they can have for such a small amount of money.

So, this is a real bargain.

[Sheslie] Oh, my goodness.

This is like a nice little breakfast nook.

I'm getting like Nona vibes, like granny vibes.

I mean, compared to, you know, American kitchens,

this is a bit smaller.

And look how small the fridge is.

You don't like the mini-fridge?

I'm, like, literally taller than the fridge.

We can do maybe, like, small renovations

if we really have to, but I think I like it

exactly how it is.

[Larry] Where's the dishwasher?

Uh, I guess we...

You're gonna just be hand-washing, then.

I'm not gonna be hand-washing every single dish.

How much you think a -- a dishwasher would cost?

We could, like, build it in.

Um, I think the dishwasher is free, right?

♪♪

[gentle vocalizing in Italian]

You get a whole lot of real estate bang

for your buck here in Sicily.

We're talking stylish townhouses, ruins to renovate,

modern family homes, and historic apartments.

[gentle vocalizing in Italian continues]

-My goodness. -Look at the --

you can see that --

-[Sheslie] This is beautiful. -[Larry] Wow.

[Sheslie] Oh, I love this.

The price is amazing.

In the States, I think if we found something for $41,000,

it'd probably be a shack.

[Larry] You literally get the best of both worlds here, huh?

-You see the countryside over here. -[Sheslie] Yeah.

And in the front, you get like your little city lifestyle

that you're asking for. -Wow.

-Wow. -[bell tolls]

[Sheslie] Yeah, this is absolutely beautiful.

This is Italy, you know?

-This, this is Italy. -[bell continues tolling]

This is your home soundtrack, you know?

[Fabrizio laughs]

-Fabrizio, this is amazing. -Hi, guys.

What do you think about this all?

[Sheslie] This is so dreamy. This is so beautiful.

-I love it. -You did incredible.

Thank you. I'm very happy.

Wherever you live in Sicily, you're never far away

from local flavor and seasonal produce.

[gentle, foreign music playing]

I want you to try something really typical

and authentic, you know?

This is a very famous spot in this -- in Sicily.

-Wow. -[Fabrizio] Let's go to this side.

Ciao. [speaks Italian]

[Fabrizio] It's everything handmade, you know.

-[Sheslie] I see. -[Fabrizio] It does.

Ooh, that looks refreshing.

[Sheslie] OK.

-Grazie. -Cheers.

-Cheers -- ooh! -[Sheslie] Cheers.

-Almost out. -You all right?

Whoa.

Refreshing.

-It's sour. -It is sour.

It's sour.

[upbeat music playing]

-[Sheslie] Wow. -[Larry] It's really beautiful.

Next, we're heading to the west side of Vizzini.

You can see cows just free roaming, walking around.

-[Sheslie] Wow. -[cow mooing].

Oh, hi, cows.

[Sheslie] Uh-huh.

Oh, wow!

Let's call them cash cows.

Hi, cows! We need some money!

This next house features a private terrace,

mountain views, and it's in walking distance of schools,

cafes, and a weekly farmer's market.

OK, guys, I have a beautiful family home.

This, uh, property is

on the market, and the request is $200,000.

[Sheslie] That's OK.

That's way above our budget, though.

Since the owner really want to sell,

I think I can get an amazing price.

The request for this property is $200,000,

but if the guys like it, I think I can get a significant,

uh, lower price, around $100,000, $120,000.

When it comes to buying in Sicily, having a godfather

to unlock deals can be priceless.

[Sheslie] Wow!

-This is really nice, babe. -Oh, this is beautiful.

-Oh, my goodness. -Oh, wow.

Look at this decor.

-This is the modern I was talking about. -[Sheslie] Yes.

At 1,700 square feet, this house offers more space.

Split over three floors, it features three bedrooms,

an open concept kitchen diner, and a business opportunity.

-Oh, wow. -[Larry] What do you see? What do you see?

[Sheslie] Very modern, like you asked for.

[Larry] This is exactly what I wanted.

The views are priceless.

-I mean, look. -[Sheslie] They are, definitely.

I love the location.

This is really, really beautiful.

You just don't care for the style that much?

[Sheslie] Um, no.

It just kind of feels a little bit sterile, I would say.

[Larry] OK.

I do love the size of the TV, though.

[Larry] We could, like, just relax after a long day of work.

With the kids, yes.

With the kids, without the kids.

[Sheslie] Yeah.

[Larry] It's like a dead end.

-Oh, my goodness. -Oh!

Oh, my gosh.

-What is all this? -What is going on?

This is beautiful.

[Larry] You can have a little business down here.

[Sheslie] No wonder why the budget was a little bit high.

[Larry] I completely forgot about the budget

after looking at this.

Well, I already got a name for this place.

This is gonna be Larry's Lair.

-Larry's Lair? -It'll be a new hobby.

-I'll do the little shake thing. -OK.

You're gonna do the cleaning too?

Yeah, and oh, not. We'll hire someone for that.

-Oh, so we're just -- -But I need an outfit.

[Fabrizio] Come on, guys, let's have a drink.

-OK -Fabrizio!

Cheers!

[Larry] What type of offer do you think you could negotiate?

Well, I think we can get $120,000, $125,000.

That's touching. OK, that is the --

that's the highest of our budget. -That's the budget.

A place like this on the ground is an investment

for the future, especially if you're going to run

a business like this.

[Sheslie] I never envisioned to open a bar.

It's a very versatile space.

[Sheslie] We're at the top of our budget.

Is there anything that you can find a little bit

more affordable for us?

[gentle, traditional Italian music playing]

[indistinct background chattering]

-So guys, do you speak Italian? -[Sheslie] Si.

[Sheslie speaking Italian]

-Oh. -OK, very good.

[Fabrizio and Sheslie speaking Italian]

-Wow. -Oh, me?

-[both] Si. -Uh.

-No "tengo." -Ah.

-Parle Italiano. -Way better than Larry.

Oh, my goodness, I'll take her everywhere I need to go.

[narrator] Italian skills will come in handy,

as we head to the island's second largest city

and dive into everyday life.

Located under Mount Etna's shadow is Catania.

Sicily's cultural hotspot on the East Coast,

famous for its bustling markets and irresistible food.

[gentle music playing]

[indistinct background yelling]

[indistinct background yelling]

[Fabrizio chuckles]

-Very lively here. -Wow.

[Fabrizio] You know you are in a Sicilian market.

-Fresh fish. -[Larry] That could poke someone's eye out.

[Sheslie] Ooh, wow.

[both speak Italian]

-[Fabrizio] Look how beautiful it is. -[Larry] Look, look.

-[Fabrizio & Sheslie] Ooh! -[Fabrizio] Bella.

Let's try it.

OK. Oh, my goodness.

Told you it's not that bad.

-Yeah, it's not that bad. -[Fabrizio] Not bad.

[Sheslie] Wow.

[traditional Italian music playing]

I can't ev -- I can't even look into his eyes.

It's intense.

No.

I'm sorry.

Oh.

[Sheslie & Larry laugh]

On the road again, and we're heading south

through the Hyblaean Mountains.

[Sheslie] We love Sicily.

This is just perfect for our family.

We -- one time we went on a date, and we had to take

the baby with us, but baby was crying like crazy.

And luckily for us, the owner of the restaurant...

-She took the baby away. -Right.

She took -- she took the baby so we could enjoy our dinner.

-Our final stop is Ragusa. -[bell tolls]

This dreamy city in the south of Sicily

showcases stunning Baroque architecture.

-[Sheslie] That church is huge. -[Larry] It is.

-Oh, my goodness. -[Fabrizio] Magnificent.

Here, you can still pick up a prime city location apartment

for just over $100,000.

It's attracting a lot of people from all over the world

because you can have a very high quality of life

for a very affordable price.

If you wanna go to the beach side, you have it.

If you like hiking to the mountains, you can do it.

You have basically everything

accessible in Sicily. Yes.

The beauties, I don't have to say anything.

-The beauty is for free. -No.

OK, guys, I'm very excited about this property

I'm gonna show you.

It's a pure gem and a piece of history.

Built in the 1800s, this historic

two-bedroom apartment is right in the center of Ragusa,

and everything a family needs is a short walk away.

[Sheslie] Wow! Beautiful.

Honestly, this is everything I asked for as far as being, uh,

in a city where everything's accessible.

[Fabrizio] This property is kind of prestigious.

This beautiful Juliet balcony

with this carved stone. -Yeah.

Is a very authentic feature of this territory.

This is a great space that you can have for $115,000.

This is something that never happened twice in life.

Please, come, take a look.

Ooh.

-[Sheslie] Oh, my goodness! -It's a little skinny, huh?

-[Sheslie] You want it to be in the city center. -Well!

Wow!

A little on the older-looking side.

On the second floor, this fully furnished apartment

has two bedrooms, a living room and a dining room.

This is gorgeous! Wow!

But the real showstopper is the hand painted fresco.

-I love the ceiling design. -[Larry] Yeah.

I do love how Italian traditional it is.

[Larry] Over here. And this is --

Oh, wow! This is beautiful!

Oh, I love it!

[Larry] You know, we can almost renew our vows over here, you know?

-Like, this is such a beautiful spot. -Yeah.

We can wake up in the morning, go get a coffee, go get

a croissant, just walk down the street. -Yeah.

There's also a bathroom and two family-sized bedrooms.

-Oh, oh my goodness! -Oh, this room is huge!

[Sheslie] This is beautiful.

Love vintage, so this, I do not mind.

[Larry] You wouldn't wanna refurnish,

like change things up? -[Sheslie] No.

I feel like I have to do a little bit of repainting,

like something needs to look a little bit...

-[Sheslie] Repainting -- no. -[Larry] Yeah.

We can't buy history like this. Like, this is beautiful.

Where are you gonna find this in the States?

I guess you're more Sicilian than American.

Yeah.

-I haven't seen the kitchen yet. -[Larry] No.

What do you think of the kitchen?

Um...

It's old like you want it, right?

-Oh, my gosh! -[Larry] Yeah.

We don't even have enough...

-Oh, this is the whole thing? -This is the whole kitchen.

-Oh. -Do you see this?

[Larry] Where are the boys gonna help you cook?

[Sheslie] There's no storage.

You know I love to bake and I love to cook.

Yeah, we live in the city, though.

You won't need a cook. We'll just walk outside and go

down the street and just...

[Sheslie] Every meal?

I hope, I really hope, I really pray I won't be

the reason of their divorce [laughs].

[Larry] For the price, this isn't really bad.

We're smack-dab in the middle of the town,

and that's really what I wanted.

But I don't care for the city and the kitchen.

If you want Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner,

that's not gonna work for me. No.

[gentle, foreign music playing]

[Fabrizio] So it's a beautiful traditional house.

What do you think about it?

I really love the location of where it's at.

Uh, it's very convenient.

For me, I didn't really care for the old traditional look.

Honestly, if I could, I'd just paint over it

and make it look a bit more modern and brand new.

-Really? -Paint this?

No!

-You can't -- you can't paint it. -[Fabrizio] No way.

That is just too historical. You can't paint that.

-Oh, and the kitchen. -Oh my gosh, the kitchen.

-No, that's not gonna work for us. -No.

I still have a bit more boxes that need to be checked off

before I'm all in on this house. -Yes.

[traditional, Italian music playing]

[bell tolls]

It's been such a great experience

looking at all these new homes.

It's really making me, like, envision my life here in Sicily.

And I think our boys are really gonna enjoy it.

And let's also talk about how

affordable the real estate is around here.

Oh, we wouldn't be seeing prices like this over here

in the States. -[Sheslie] No, no.

Remember that townhouse in Vizzini?

[Larry] Oh, my goodness, it's --

[Sheslie] Very affordable,

but I definitely want it bigger.

Just a little bit too small for me.

[Larry] OK.

[Sheslie] Especially with two running kids.

[Larry] Can we talk about the modern house?

It had a very beautiful, fresh look to it.

I do like it, but, Larry, we're already

at the top of our budget.

You want a man cave, you wanna renovate,

you wanna do all this. -[Larry] Yes, yes.

And then you also wanna hire cleaners? -Yes.

How much money you got? Right.

You know the saying, "Happy spouse, happy house."

Um, I think it's no spouse till I get my house.

Too expensive for us.

I definitely wanna keep looking.

OK, so if you're aware of the highway, then.

-Clock it. -Oh, my goodness.

[Sheslie giggles]

♪♪

-[both] Buongiorno! -Hi!

Hello -- Sheslie's been teaching me a lot of Italian lately.

Yes, lots of Italian.

And you know, he's actually kind of improving a little bit.

Mmm.

We're still living here in Sicily,

living on a military base,

because we haven't found a house to buy yet.

[Sheslie] We decided that we weren't gonna put an offer down

on any of the homes that we viewed with Fabrizio.

So now we're really trying to focus and concentrate

on the property search in Vizzini, because we love

how family-friendly it is and how beautiful it is.

Ooh, grazie.

-Fingers crossed we'll be living there soon. -Mm-hmm.