Quote:
Originally Posted by Coop63
Last year we stayed a month in a resort in Kissimmee, this year we are back for 3 months. Took a ride up to the Villages, did the trolley tour and my wife and we immediately agreed this is where we are spending next winter, full time. We have been wanting to downsize for years, after our children graduated college and established in their careers. We use to have a cabin, so not interested in being responsible for 2 properties.
I plan on retiring in 5 years and want to be ready to pick up my clubs and enjoy day 1. Also, want to have a good relationship with my neighbors and feel settled in. My wife is on the same page. Once we are established here, can figure how we go North in summer months.
Given that, we are putting our house up for sale June 1 and moving down here as early as August, more likely September. I want to hedge against a potential real estate mistake by either renting before we buy, or build a house that will appreciate in 2 years (why consider Maultrie creek).
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If golf is a big factor in your decision to come to TV, I'd suggest you consider a few things.
Right now, golf is much more accessible if you live north of 44, and frankly, between 466 and 466A. I am in Poinciana, equidistant by golf cart, between Lopez (most northerly championship course) and Southern Oaks (most southerly). They are both around 40 minutes. OK, but I don't want to travel farther. All of the others are far closer than that, with Cane, Palmer, Mallory all within 12 minutes.
I have golfing friends in Bradford and when we play Lopez, Hacienda, Glenview or Tierra, they come by car. Not a big deal for them, but I love the convenience of jumping in my cart. You should evaluate this yourself.
Also, there are a lot more executive courses north of 44 than south. Much more accessible.
An even bigger question to answer is will you like the golfing experience in TV. I do, but a few things to consider: The executive courses during the busy season are packed. There is a system for getting tee times, but you will have to be flexible to get them. Works for me, but some people are very dissatisfied with the way it works.
Executive courses during the busy season get beat up badly, and conditions, especially the greens can be pretty bad. Usually are. Again, I'm OK with it, but there are many who aren't.
During the busy season even the championship courses are not in great condition. They vary from course to course, but in general, if you are expecting private country club conditions, you will be disappointed. More like average to below average municipal course conditions. But, you won't be paying a $50K initiation fee, and 12K a year in membership dues, so you get what you pay for. Some folks complain because they don't get that. They want to pay $70 bucks a round for high-season Florida golf, and expect it to look like a toney private club.
If golf is a big deal, and your expectations are high, you should check these things out.
Your sales agent may be eager to have you believe that if you build new you will be protected against changing your mind by the appreciation of the property. Historically, there are times this has been true. It's not always the case however.
Good luck.