[AnonChick]

After my visit this past week, I've really come to like the layout of the "old" Villages - Spanish Springs area and points east and northeast. I've been a New Englander all my life and I just can't wrap around the idea of -not- having lots of mature shade trees around. So the oaks all over that area is particularly appealing to me. The newer section is gorgeous, but it's just too sparse and cookie-cutter for my taste.

My concern is about the manufactured homes, and this bond stuff. I understand there are bonds, amenities fees, and CDD fees, and they're all different from each other, serve different functions, and that the bonds get paid up after 30 years.

So if I were to buy a home that was built 10 years ago, does that mean I'll only have 20 years left to pay on the bond? And what are the average monthly bond fees, for people who still have to pay them? Also, I understand some people have paid their bonds off prior to the 30 year period. So I'm wondering, do you get the impression that if we were to buy 5 years from now (which is when we're likely to be fully retired and ready to make that move), there will be a significant increase in homes that have had the bonds already paid off in full?

As for the manufactured homes themselves, well - where I come from, that means "trailer park" and for the most part they're not all that stable and tend to be lower quality, and can blow over in a stiff wind. I am pretty sure that isn't the case for the ones in the Villages, but I'd love it if someone can address that concern.

Thanks! I know wherever we end up in the Villages, we'll have some awesome neighbors. Last week was filled with some pretty terrific people and you all made us feel very welcome, so thanks again!