I've been lurking for several months and while I'd like to buy in The Villages, my better half only has agreed to do a 3-month rental which we've signed up for Jan-Mar' 09 (to be snowbirds.) Who knows, "maybe" that will expand to a longer stay??
Anyway, here are some other resources to use (if you've already seen them, I apologize for the duplication.) Also, was glad to see the updated maps on Mapquest. I really like Google Earth because of the measurement tools, but their aerial pics are not as up to date. For example, from Google Earth tools you can measure the distance to the center of the retention pond as 192 yards. Is also 3.5 miles from Spanish Springs Town Square. If you get really anal about it, you can measure by the "path" and work your way around the streets and turns, etc to get the "exact" distance. Grin!
1. Sumter County Recorder office (
http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/sumter_alsearch.cgi) shows this property's current owners, the tax information, the most recent sales info (last was Mar '06 for $310,900).
2. Zillow.com (the search on this address shows estimated sales value of $264,000). You can also see what other properties in the area are "worth" according to Zillow.com. Under the details on the property you can also get some of the property info, just not as much as from the Sumter County Recorder's office.
Anyway, good luck with your search. Mine for a rental property was nearly as exhaustive.
Dean