[Count'n the days]

This time last year we started planning our Florida vacation and thought we would check out The Villages in the process. We didn’t even know about the Life Style Plan until we called to get some general information. We’re very glad we did. We visited for 4 days and were hooked. When we got back home (Houston) all we could think about was starting our retirement plans. We listed our house in August and closed on 11/18. We’ve been leasing a house and are anxiously putting the final touches on our plan until our lease ends on 11/15. It seems far away but in the meantime I’m trying to get every detail planned. I’m hoping to get some advice and details from your experiences. Here are my questions:

After leasing an older home, we think (not positive) we want to purchase a newly constructed home. How do the prices compare between building and purchasing a house from their new home inventory on a comparably valued lot? Our sales rep implied that there were advantages to purchasing a home from inventory.

It doesn’t appear that many homes in inventory include upgrades. Can you pick a home that’s not quite finished and pick your cabinets, flooring, counters, etc.? Are upgrades reasonable through the builder?

Can anyone give me an idea of the cost to move your furniture? I know The Villages will help in this area, but we heard during our realtor selection that The Villages collects a referral fee so I think we may do better not going their relocation department.

We’re looking forward to a less stressful life style in retirement and improved health, but we are also realistic. Leaving Houston also means leaving our medical center. It’s just hard to compare resources between the areas. Are you satisfied with the medical facilities and physicians in the local area or do you have to travel for specialized care?

I really appreciate any input you can give us. As you can imagine we are getting excited about our future.