Hi
Agents fees???? think you might have to accept that if you don't want to get ripped off by someone then you are going to have to go through an agent.......
I bought my house through REMAX PEOPLE in Lanciano, a company i researched in depth....they have been in Italy for 10 years....
The owner in lanciano is a really nice guy...Renzo Di Nella....he has english staff in the office and some of the agents speak english....they were great....
Can help you out with web site and tel numbers if you like???
Hope this helps...
Jane