[villages07]

NJ,

First, congrats on selecting TV and deciding on the Villages version of (limited) build-to-suit. When all is said and done, you will be very happy with what you have decided. The journey isn't always that much fun but the destination is well worth it.

Disclaimer: I bought new in July 06 (probably the final peak of the market) when you had to select from pre-built homes - no other options. And, we also had the infamous 3 hour hold window or the house goes back on the market (good thing we locked in...people were still looking at the house the next day). So, times have changed.

The Villages is all about selling houses. Buyers have to be ready to make a decision or risk losing out on their initial choice (but, there are usually many other choices available to you). They won't risk taking a property/lot off the market while someone is thinking about it for days.

I'm sure it all felt very rushed and somewhat pressured... a big decision like building your retirement home seems like it should be more carefully studied and considered. But, that's the Villages way. On the upside, and there are many, they have the home building process down to a science and you will be amazed at how fast it is built. I was taking pictures for a remotely-located fellow TOTV-er and it was 45 days from first pic to DONE.

Thank you for sharing your build to buy experience...I found it very informative.