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Old 01-03-2009, 07:14 AM
rekop
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveFromNY View Post
I was in TV Property Management for 3 years, and I believe the extra money I paid was worth every penny, and the term "quite expensive" reflects an opinion, and one I disagree with. Like you suggested, some are not inclined to do-it-yourself.
Not unlike using a contractor to build an addition on your house rather than doing it yourself, TV Property Management took care of all of the rental related work; they screened, scheduled, handled payments including security, and rented an average of 120 days a year. They booked January, February and March, and got another month thru weekly or multi-day Lifestyle Visits.
They assigned a caretaker who we spoke to regularly, and who did an outstanding job.
They provided monthly and annual statements, and included most of the rental expenses on these statements for tax purposes.
I thought they did a great job and it was worth it.
Like everything else in TV, it costs a little more but there is some perceived value that makes it worth it.
All the people who buy homes in TV could have bought elsewhere for less. Just pick up a Homes&Land Magazine and see the local outside TV prices to understand the difference.
Despite all the negativity about the builder and their programs, I think it's a class act. They do a good job with most everything they touch.

I'd advise anyone thinking of renting to speak with TV property management to understand their take on the current rental market. They will discuss how many days you can expect to get income, and what the terms of their contracts are. They did require you to make the house available during the high season (Jan, Feb & Mar). I'd seriously doubt there is a large rental opportunity in the off season, and if I recall correctly, if you spend 3 months in the house you will be unable to take advantage of the tax breaks that come with having a rental property (I think there is a limit to your staying in the property of 2 weeks per year)
I don't disagree with you - I'm sure The Villages does a great job. However, the point of my post was, if someone wants to make a little more money and do it themselves, its not that difficult. Anyone can rent their place in the high season for three months. Its a no brainer, and that three months is pretty much all The Villages would guarantee. We managed our property ourselves, and with careful pricing and good advertising we were able to rent it 10 months a year, plus get the tax breaks. I realize many people would not want to be bothered with that type of commitment, but it is do-able if one is so inclined.