[Yorio]

We went with the idea of purchasing a pre-owned with the thought that it would be cheaper than new. Full bond was bothering me too. Pre-owned is not necessarily cheaper when the owner put extra bells and whistles. Yes, there is the bond issue but if you consider it as part of the yearly tax, then it is manageable. We initially made a bid on a pre-owned last December but there was a first bidder. If that party did not close on the deal, we would get it. Well, they did so we lost out. We returned in January and looked at new homes this time and decided in two days. When looking for new homes, I suggest you look at spec homes. When the developer wants to sell out on certain streets, the developer add bells and whistles. For example they would add extra feet around the rooms and lanai. They may add a golf cart garage without raising the price. That's what happened with us. Another advantage of getting a new home. All the neighbors are new waiting to make friends. Look what's happening to the posts on Sanibel and Tamarind Grove. With the established neighbors and pre-owned, the neighbors will welcome you with open arms but I have also heard that they have made the group already and might be difficult to get in sometimes. My 2 cents worth.