[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Retiring

Friday night I checked into the Waterfront Inn, went to Sonny’s for dinner. The next morning started with Toojays for breakfast, from there I went on the trolley tour given by the sales office. Lasted about an hour. Arlene, our guide, was very nice.

Later I looked at some models with a salesperson. We looked at a few Premier houses and neighborhoods in the Brownwood section. Still quite a few lots available. Lot premiums seem to be all over the place and EVERY lot has a premium. On a bright note, TVs definition of a retention pond is different than what I lived near in Daytona. TVs retention ponds are large. Not the tiny snake infested, mosquito-ridden rp you see in Daytona or Orlando. However, when TV sales calls them “waterfront” – that’s a stretch in anyone’s book. Most of the homes we looked at were on postage stamp lots. Houses are VERY close together. Sadly, that is a trend nationwide.

I looked at a few homes in different stages of construction. They’re built a bit different in FL than other parts of the country. Not saying that in a bad way, just different. And there is definitely a take it or leave attitude with these homes. You would think they would accommodate any customization your checkbook allows, I guess not.

Today (Saturday) there was a big gathering with the FL Lottery at L. Sumter, not sure what that was all about. Got a haircut at Cal’s. Went to mass at St. Timothy’s, it’s a beautiful church. Dinner at Bravo’s. Drove over to Spanish Springs, it’s a nice square.

Tomorrow (Sunday) will go see friends in Ocala and Daytona.

Haven’t decided if I’m leaving Monday or Tuesday. I think I would like to see more of Brownwood on Monday. If you have any suggestions, please share.

Everyone I’ve encountered on this trip has been very friendly. I realize the sales people are “required” to be friendly but I think it was genuine.

Lastly. I now understand why so many here (TOTV) have said rent first. TV is just too big to get a feel for the area in a short visit. At a minimum, I think a one-month rental is necessary. I’m still 10 mons away from 55 and I’m told that may be a problem. Still not sure how they enforce that rule. Anyway, sometimes it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission.

I plan to return in couple months to look at more areas. Possibly will look at a few resales. Next time I’ll do the lifestyle package with the golf cart. I’m still in the window-shopping stage, but if I end up here, it will probably be Brownwood.

BTW, are golf cart’s exempt from stopping at stop signs? Saw that a whole bunch today.

Yes, it is much bigger than most people imagined. A month gives you more of the big picture and time, to decide if one wants to live here. I'm sure you can buy something, even if your not 55, as the 20%, (under 55 rule), is in effect.

I personally think you are buying the lifestyle and not so much of a home in terms of available land, etc. There are some homes in the surrounding areas that some people prefer, (more home for the money), but I see a lot of people from those areas come to TV for the entertainment.

I always say, TV can be "imitated but never duplicated". The lifestyle has been compared to "Disneyland", for seniors.Of course, it's your decision.

Some people view stop signs as suggestions and not the law, unless they are caught going through one. I may be wrong as I never got one, but the cost of the ticket, is close to $200.00.