[Penguin]

Originally Posted by Jim 9922

I feel sorry for Penguin. Unfortunately that box will always be there as a reminder of some of the not-too-perfect things that can go wrong in TV, and it will be there at resale time too; not the problem of the sales person or the developer.
It also demonstrates a strong reason to consider an existing home rather than being one of the first new ones on the block. In my opinion TV does a good job of hiding from a new buyer the closeness of the houses, intrusion of the utility boxes, rec center noises, etc. It seems to me that over the years the model centers are usually built around larger lots and cul-de-sacs with open lots sprinkled within for "parking", lots near rec centers are sold first before the tennis and pickleball courts startup (noise), and traffic in the parking lots becomes heavy, or the new house backs up to what becomes a heavily traveled street, utility boxes don't look that big in the wide open spaces, and the sewage treatment plant has not started to operate, etc, etc. Many of the spec houses built in a neighborhood are placed on staggered lots so there appears to be room on the sides and back when you are walking on empty lots. It is amazing how close 10 foot lot line setbacks become once you have neighbors on all sides and becomes even smaller when the neighbors plant big, tall, bushy privacy hedges along the lot lines or the neighbor's little dog starts yapping all the time.
I fully recognize the pros and cons of new vs resale, but it hurts to see many newbees rush into a three or four day decision without a whole lot of serious investigation, experience and vision. I am sure a goodly number of our Villagers' second purchases are to correct mistakes after they see what they should have seen the first time!
I have no problem with the fact that the sales people owe their employment, heart and well-being to the developer. Buyers must always keep that in mind. Sales people are judged on the volume and dollar amount of closings, live by their commissions and march to the developer's directions. They are here to put the developer's interests first, and if they don't they aren't here. That's capitalisim, Americanism, or whatever. I love it, it works and has given us a great place to live out our days, but the buyer should always be aware of the "home field" rules.

Very well said Jim. Thanks.