Both Franca and Bob are extremely genuine and honest people.  They really care and they know their stuff!  For those who are thinking about buying, they will make the process painless.  We bought a home almost two years ago and she held our hand through the whole process.   Everyone she has referred to us since (electricians, plumbers, handyman etc) have been as wonderful as they are.   We STILL call her for advice, or a referral, or help with a translation; she always finds time to help.  I can’t recommend them enough.   Grazie Ragazzhi!

Maria B.

Franca has been an incredible help during my three years in Italy. Her realty services are comprehensive - beginning with the contract for an apartment rental and extending for the full duration of that rental. I've been continually amazed at the comprehensive and prompt assistance, which has helped me overcome a lot of culture and language barriers to ensure my apartment stays livable and relations with my landlord are good. I can't thank Franca enough for all that she's done over the years!

-Elliott N. CPT

To Whom It May Concern;

I would like to strongly recommend Ms. Franca Zanchetta-Ross to anyone looking for housing. She went out of her way to help us find a place when we moved here in 2003. She has always been very helpful and responded with immediate service when I've needed to call her regarding housing issues.

She's been an excellent liaison between us and the landlord.

Sincerely,

Karen H.

I have learned some things from my fire that I thought I would pass on. Have renters insurance if you live in Italy.  I almost didn't get it because I have bought it for years and never had a claim, and I was thinking houses here are made of cement what's to burn. Franca my real estate agent convinced me to buy it. It was not that expensive, less than two hundred Euro for the year. If I did not have it, I would be paying for the extensive repairs that are necessary in my house out of my own pocket! The law in Italy is that if the fire was caused by something inside the walls, it is the landlord's responsibility. If it was caused from outside the walls, it is the tenant's responsibility. Most fires happen outside the walls. Also, I would not have any reimbursement for all our ruined clothing, furniture, TV, toys and books. So if you don't have renters insurance get some!  Every penny that I paid for my real estate person was worth it times ten. Franca Ross has helped me through burglary, flood and fire.  She has dealt with all the paperwork required for the insurance company and lined up all the cleaners, debris movers, carpenters, painters and electrician need for repairs, gotten estimates and has them scheduled to go.

K. W.

To whom it may concern,

I have been more than pleased with Franca's service.  Her assistance and
professionalism over 3 years is just remarkable.  I truly appreciate her
continued help on even small matters.  I have had no problems involving my
landlord or my apartment and that is a direct result of the hard work and
commitment of Franca.  I would recommend her hands down to anyone.

Sincerely,
-Randy R.

CPT 1-508^th INF (ABN)

To whom it may concern,

Franca has been excellent to work with, and has always gone out of her way
to help in any matter that I have had in my apartment.  I would definitely
recommend her to anyone that comes into Vicenza looking for an apartment.

Justin D.

1LT A CO 2-508RD INF (ABN)

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to provide a reference for Ms. Franca Ross. She has served as
our real estate agent here in Vicenza.

Ms. Ross has provided us with professional service that has been very
helpful. She helped with showing us the house, getting the inspection,
getting utilities, telephone and Internet service. Her relationship with the
landlord is professional and created a good rapport with us from the
beginning. She has been available to help us at all hours and on weekends.

My wife and I have been very happy with the service provided us by Ms. Ross.

Sincerely,

Steve N.

22nd ASG ASAP
PC/EAPC

To whom it may concern,

I would like to take this opportunity to write a letter of recommendation for my property manager, Franca. She has gone above and beyond what is expected with a property manager. She has come to my house several times, within minutes of my calling her, to help me with my electricity and heater. Whenever I call her with a concern or problem it is minutes until she calls me back with an answer or solution. She has been an excellent “go-between” between my landlord and me. I am very lucky and fortunate to have her services.

Sincerely,

Karla S.

Greetings: 2 March 2005

This is a personal recommendation for MS Franca Ross, who is our realty agent and has been since our arrival in June 2003.

As far as my experience with MS Ross goes, I can only say it has been superb. When we arrived there were no listings in the Housing Office database, which met our needs. We saw MS Ross’ card on the bulletin board and contacted her. We found a wonderful place in Camisano almost immediately and have been with MS Ross ever since, her customer service philosophy being “cradle to grave.”

I had a discussion with my SAJ Ethics counselor when a new employee arrived in my agency: could I recommend MS Ross to that employee? The answer was decidedly yes, as my relationship with MS Ross was purely personal business and I was in no way speaking for the Government.

MS Ross renders her service in an ethical and thorough manner, not to mention that she sticks until the customer moves.

Ann W. C.

Now here is a referral from us to you.

Some car insurance information. Awhile ago one of our American clients wasn’t happy with the choices that he had for car insurance on or near the Base and he asked us if we could recommend someone. We didn’t really know any company in particular except the company that we had been using for years. It’s about the second largest company in Italia and it turns out that they give VERY good rates, on both cars, renters insurance etc. Shortly after that we had a young man ask about insurance and he got a quote for “thousands” less. One word of caution if you tell them you have a good driving record where you were before, make sure you did because they check. I have heard only good things from people who have used this company so if you would like a FREE quote send us an email and ask for “Car Insurance Quote Form” and we will email you a form along with their email address so that you can contact them directly, and in a couple of days they will send you a price quote. The company is INA VITA Spa, with Assitalia and the agents name is DANIELE CIARAVOLO.

For help with housing, or any questions that you might have, email Franca at

franca.zanchetta@tin.it