[Alex]

Originally Posted by GeorgeN

I am glad I am hearing about all this "shenanigans" by the developer. I have been lured by the promise of "Utopia" too....BUT this IRS business has prompted me to delve a little deeper into the inner workings of TV.
I have worked for many developers and I know most of them to be very cost conscious. By developing so many homes, they have the costs pared down to the bare minimum. They have the materials, time and other factors involved down to a tee. This maximizes the profit they can attain. In business there are three things you can give your customers. Quality, quantity, and low cost ......BUT you cannot give all three at the same time. I have been hesitant to buy in TV due to several factors.

First off, the prices of homes being bought by everyone have been premium prices for Florida. The Villages is in the middle of a cow pasture.....not even near the coast where the prices are similar.

Second, The developer sold you your home based on "free Golf" and other amenities......The fees for these amenities were NOT included in the price of your home.....see amenities fees

Third, The developer then charged you a "bond" fee not charged anywhere else in Florida. Most places in Florida you buy a home and the "fees" are included.....even with all these extra fees included, the price of a home in Florida is still inexpensive.

Fourth, Let's look at comparable homes throughout Florida, You just do NOT get the same bang for your buck in TV as you would elsewhere. The value of The Villages is their amenities for which you pay a premium. My home is double the size of most in TV and is half the price.....with the savings, I can get a golf membership at an uncrowded course and play anywhere I would like.

Fifth, I had been concerned about build out. When a developer is still building in the development, he is concerned about keeping everything in excellent condition and "fees" very low to attract buyers. When build out occurs, the developer leaves and "fees" skyrocket. THIS IS THE NORM....not some dream I had, I have seen this repeatedly. Oh you own the amenities you say ! ....not quite
Someone (developer or cronies) owns not only the amenities, but the right to charge you more...... and they will exercise that right when able to.
The developer has found a way to sell homes on an old cow pasture for premium prices, get others to finance his amenities, which you all paid for but do not own, and build a "company store" in which you all live

It is the "company store" that none of you bought......just owe your sole to.

Thank you for your post. Very well worded and info that can be backed up with facts.