[villages07]

Beartrack... good, thoughtful analysis; of course, the first obstacle is to sell your house up North; once that is done, you can easily find a long term rental (furnished or unfurnished?) in The Villages. The only contingency that you might want to build in to your rental agreement is a bailout clause that doesn't commit you to a full year. What happens if you find the "perfect" house at the perfect price one month after you arrive? All the financial gurus advise investors/buyers not to try to time a market bottom. By the time you spot the bottom, prices have already started to increase.

So, a cautious approach will certainly work, but, be willing to take the plunge if your gut says "this is the one".

Good luck to you.