[gfmucci]

I am trying to decide between a ranch or a courtyard villa on a $200,000 - $210,000 budget.

It boils down to how much money do we want left over to do some upgrades and make the best use of space under roof.* Main criteria:* air conditioned space, sun room, privacy in the back, guy hobby space in the garage.

Here is one interesting example I would like your feedback on...

An Austin vs. a Cumberland...

I realize these are a bit "apples and oranges" but bear with me as we look at what you can do with some upgrades.* I invite comment as to whether my cost estimates are in the ballpark...

* Austin Ranch (2/2, 1,100 sq ft, with 12 x 20' lanai and a 2 1/2 car garage) $167,000* (Assuming recently adverstised $20,000 rebate) http://www.thevillages.com/homes/new...00606407&from=
* Cumberland Courtyard (3/2, 1,690 sq. ft, with smaller lanai and 1 1/2 car garage) $208,000 - I have not seen rebates on these

To the Austin, add the following upgrades:

* Enclose lanai:* * * * * * * * * *$5,000
* Flooring in lanai:* * * * * * * *$3,000 (brick or tile)
* AC lanai:* * * * * * * * * * * * *$3,000
* Insulate and AC garage* * * $4,000
* Privacy landscaping in rear* $3,000 (mature material - instant privacy, to code)
* Landscape balance of yard* $2,000
* Solid surface kitchen counters $3,500
* Coating on driveway* * * * * * $3,000

Total:* about $25,500 added to home price equals $192,500
This provides about 1,850 sq. ft. of usable air conditioned space in the Austin compared to 1,690 in the Cumberland, for about $13,000 less, including the listed upgrades.

Thoughts, corrections, suggestions?