Kristina Knighten and her husband, Paul Cordier, were living in the United Arab Emirates and working as TEFL-certified teachers when they decided to buy their first home in America. Knighten, originally from the Chicago suburbs, and Cordier, who had spent time in London, decided to invest in a property just outside of Chicago for potential retirement. With just under $40,000 saved, the couple worked with a real estate agent to search for a multi-family home in the North Lawndale neighborhood with a budget between $260,000 and $270,000.
In 2019, while their real estate agent worked in Chicago, Knighten and Cordier traveled to Lago d’Iseo, Italy, where they had previously fallen in love while on a European road trip. While there, they discovered a house they loved that was on the market for 25,000 euros. Realizing they could afford the Italian property outright with the money saved for a down payment on a Chicago home, the couple decided to pursue the Italian property instead of continuing their search in the U.S.
After a year of waiting, Knighten and Cordier officially closed on their Italian home with the help of a local friend acting as their power of attorney. Upon arriving in Italy almost a year after closing, the couple found the house exactly as the previous owner had left it, complete with personal belongings and photographs. The couple salvaged what they could, returned items to the seller, and began the renovation process, starting with a new roof.
As renovations began on the Italian property, Knighten and Cordier worked to stay within budget, adjusting their plans as needed. The couple is currently living in a nearby apartment while the work is being done, estimating a total renovation cost of about $108,578. The couple initially hoped to move into the house by the time their apartment lease ended, but delays have pushed that timeline back. They are now aiming for a move-in date closer to Christmas, but remain optimistic about the outcome of their renovation project.
Overall, Knighten and Cordier feel that taking the risk to pursue their dream of owning a home in Italy was worth it, despite the challenges they have faced along the way. The couple remains hopeful for the future and is looking forward to eventually enjoying their new home once renovations are complete. While the process has been complex and challenging at times, Knighten believes that pursuing what makes you truly happy is a worthwhile endeavor, even if the outcome is uncertain.
