European Chapter

European Chapter

The decisions behind building a life in Europe

Can an American Get a Mortgage in Italy?

Oct 1, 2026

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3 min read

Can an American Get a Mortgage in Italy?

I actually pursued financing as a U.S.-based buyer. Here are the terms I received — and what I’d ask before deciding between a mortgage and cash.

Joe Steele
Joe Steele
There May Not Be One Moment When Your Brain Stops Translating

Sep 24, 2026

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3 min read

There May Not Be One Moment When Your Brain Stops Translating

Some people normalize in a year. Some still convert after thirty. The difference might be more interesting than the timeline.

Joe Steele
Joe Steele
Moving Abroad Can Mean Starting Your Career Over

Sep 17, 2026

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2 min read

Moving Abroad Can Mean Starting Your Career Over

The work may travel with you. The network, reputation, referrals, and professional identity often don’t.

Joe Steele
Joe Steele
I Asked People What They Gave Up To Move To Europe. One Answer Kept Coming Up.

Sep 10, 2026

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3 min read

I Asked People What They Gave Up To Move To Europe. One Answer Kept Coming Up.

It wasn't food, convenience, or familiar places. It was something harder to name.

Joe Steele
Joe Steele
You Can Both Want Europe And Still Want Different Things From It

Sep 3, 2026

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2 min read

You Can Both Want Europe And Still Want Different Things From It

Thirty-seven years together, and they still discovered deal-breakers they didn’t know were different.

Joe Steele
Joe Steele
What Eight Months Living In Nice Helped Me Figure Out

Aug 27, 2026

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2 min read

What Eight Months Living In Nice Helped Me Figure Out

The questions I couldn't answer from visiting are finally getting more specific.

Joe Steele
Joe Steele
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