[villages07]

Originally Posted by jinker

1. Someone wrote about the expense of changing carpet in a new house to tile, are
upgrades or modifications not allowed at the time of construction on new homes?
2. If a whole house surge protector is such a good idea, why is it not automatically
built in at the time of construction?
3. Which pools are classified as "priority" and how much does it cost to join?
4. When we visited, someone also mentioned that there was an additional fee to use
the exercise rooms, if so how much does that cost?
5. Are there restrictions on outdoor grills? For instance, charcoal vs. gas?
6. How does the bond with respect to Sumter County compare to that in Marion County?
7. Where are the "power lines" that were mentioned in someone's comments located?

A few more details....

1. As Gracie said, if it is a developer spec house all the interior/exterior choices are fixed. They do have a program with designer houses now where you can select a lot, a model, and from a predetermined number of interior design packages....a few choices but not down to every little detail.

2. Surge protector not included....just economics; builders don't do everything and it's not required by code;

3. Priority pools are the pools at the country clubs...you have to have a golf, tennis, or pool only priority membership to use them. If you buy anywhere South of 466 there are an ample number of "free" adult, family, and sports pools so you may not see the need for the CC pools; North of 466 there are not as many pools and the CC pools are heavily used. The CC pools are all ages, not just over 30. The sports pools do not require a fee but are limited to Residents only. Here's a link on priority fees: http://golfthevillages.com/tee-times/membership.asp

6. Bond - The initial bonds were lower than they are now, so, the older a home is the lower the bond and now bond balance would be. I imagine a bond balance can range from maybe about $5K to about $22K for latest Designers, lower for ranches and villas, higher for Premiers. It could also be zero on a resale if the owner paid it off. The annual Bond Maintenance assessment, which is paid by all, should be around $500/year for areas South of 466. I don't know how much it is in areas of Marion County as their fees may cover different things than Sumter.