Hey Larry! Congratulations on your decision to retire!! My husband and I are in the process of moving here too. So exciting!

Everyone does their research differently, according to what works for them. We started our research last June when we were vacationing here why my sister. We spent one day with a VLS (villages) agent who showed us new amd resales. When we returned home, we kept an eye on Realtor.com and the Villages listings.

When the market exploded this spring, we pulled the trigger and our house at home was under contract in a day. Once we made it through inspections and appraisal, I high-tailed it down here. I had been talking with a VLS agent and I also contacted an MLS agent, prepared to work with both. The MLS agent was less than responsive.

The day before I came, I found a new construction (But completed) house that was the model we were looking for and I put a hold on it. When I got here, my VLS agent took me to several homes (including a couple resales), and it confirmed my choice of the one I had on hold. Because of the advance research we did I was able to shop for and buy a house in one day.

The discussion of new/pre-owned is interesting. New houses cost significantly less because they have not had the money put in for landscaping and other improvements. We decided that we wanted to go that way—you will make the decision that is right for you!

Regarding areas: I am learning that the South (Fenney—near the turnpike) has a slightly younger population, the North (Spanish Springs) has beautiful, mature trees and landscaping, plus a plethora of golf courses. In the South, some have complained about Turnpike noise. In the North I hear that insurance is hard to get if a roof hasn’t been replaced. In EVERY section, you will find many pleasant neighbors, and the occasional lemon.

Hopefully you will get here and become enchanted! It’s a pretty cool place. :-)