[villages07]

JoC....

My experience is now almost 2 years old, so, more recent buyers might have more updated info to share.

Buying new is a different animal than buying a resale.

Buying new also now comes in 2 flavors.

1. A house that is finished or almost finished and ready to move in. TV's method is to get an immediate $2,500 to hold a house (can put this on a credit card) and 20% down payment within 5 days. These houses generally close within 30 days. They do not accept contingent contracts. So, if you need to sell your house up North before buying in TV, better take care of that first. With cash in hand, you can come down here, select a house, and close on it within 30 days.

2. They are also doing a 'customize' package now where you select your lot, your model, and an interior design package and the house is built for you. This process could take 3-4 months (maybe less, maybe more...others with direct experience will have to fill you in). I'm not sure what kind of down payment is required on this type of deal....someone else who is building one will have to tell you.

Resales are similar to what you would expect anywhere else....you negotiate prices, contingencies, settlement costs, etc and secure your financing. This should be true whether you buy from Properties of the Villages or an MLS listed property.

We did buy before we sold our house up North, but, were secure in our ability to carry both as long as necessary. In fact, our North house just recently sold after almost 18 months. So, make sure you know what you can handle emotionally and financially if you buy before you sell.

Hope this helps...cmon down, the living is GREAT!!!