[JohnN]

carlent and others have valid points regarding resales,
however it's not a no-brainer, or nobody would buy new or even ask the question.

we just bought a new patio villa, reasons included

1) location, location, location - village hemingway, 2 blocks to the neighborhood pool, 1 mile to grocery/restaurants on 466a, 3 miles to Lake Sumter Landing via Canal St which is our personal favorite (no centrums, nice wide cart paths).

2) new neighborhood - we enjoy watching folks move in, all in the same boat as us

3) new house - unsure which models don't have washers/dryers, but ours had all appliances, troweled (not popcorn) ceilings, top rate (not no-name) fixtures on the plumbing, nicely finished light fixtures, blinds, knobs, etc. Also, the brand new roof, HVAC, no holes in the wall, etc

4) 1 year builder's warranty - which is pretty good, I think

5) clean slate for decor - sure, resales may have plenty of stuff done, but taste varies and some things, I just prefer to do my way. I want my own landscaping design, my own flooring, lanai, etc etc

6) orientation - we like shade, our living areas and lanai face to the east and north, not the sunnier south and west sides.

7) price - our patio villa was nicely finished out and brand new, there was not a comparable existing resale within $10K, and many of those starting low had zero upgrades.
Many folks still build in their real-estate comission, and some hedge and profit, and list at what they'd like to get. In my opinion. There are obviously good resales around (previously , I'd always bought resales), but in this case, new fit better.

To me, respecting other opinions, it was a no-brainer to go new.
However, each person has different tastes and different needs, so do what's best for youu.

Best wishes in your choice. Regardless of what you choose, The Villages is GREAT , especially the people.