[Ellwoodrick]

My wife an I rented for one winter season prior to purchasing. If you look at pre owned homes some things to consider:

1) how old is the roof? if over 15 years you may have a hard time with Insurance.
2) How old is the Furnace & AC system. Same problem. If to old it could become insurance issue.
3) If in an older neighborhood (we bought a 23 year old home and the Bond was paid off) is there a Bond payment?
4) Will you be bringing furniture or looking to furnish after you purchase. It makes a difference if the home you purchase is preowned sold with furnishings.
5) Taxes - If you purchase a preowned home your taxes will change on the home. If you are permanent residents you will be intitled to the homestead exemption, however the Real Estate taxes will change based upon the new sale price. Factor that into your budget.
6) I would highly recommend getting a Home Inspection. Many agents will recommend their favorite company for Home inspections. Interview your own inspectors. Not all are as thorough as others. Get the wind mitigation report. Most newer home would be built to the new building codes. Some older homes may not have been updated to the newer Roofing standards with strapping in the attic for wind mitigation. Once again your insurance company will want that inspection report.

The list by no means is all inclusive but offered as some major points to look at.

My wife and I liked the older neighborhoods with mature trees in it. Not everyone's cup of tea. Also we chose one that was a size we liked but has not been updated (Kitchen & Baths) so we can customize the way we want. Yes, there are many shopping experiences within the Villages. Up north we can jump outside the bubble to shop in 10 minutes. Having been in the Real Estate business for over 30 years in Pennsylvania my best advice - Walk before you run.

I wish you the best of luck in your search. Everybody has a "Guy" for this and that. I would recommend you talk to:

Dan McNulty, not the agent we used but a friend and neighbor who we have gotten to know since our purchase.

(941) 888-4583