[Pturner]

Hi Createquilts,
Welcome. Count'n the days-- welcome to you too-- has given you some good advice about the summer heat. I live the in the burbs of Atlanta and most of my neighbors are from "up north". I can't tell you how many of them thought there first summer here was unbearable and by the second or third, they were used to it and swore they would never move to the cold again!

Since many of your hobbies are indoor activities, the heat shouldn't be a problem. Plan your indoor activities in the heat of the day in the summer and you'll enjoy the cool airconditioning, while doing what you love in a beautiful recreation center near you. (No matter where you live in TV, there will be a beautiful recreation center near you!)

You already have a good start on your "must haves" in your home: three bedroom, at least two car garage, master not off the living room.

Let me suggest two more. Since heat will be an issue for you, look for one with an east (or north-east/ south-east) facing lanai. That way, you will not have the afternoon sun beaming into it. The other, is a 2 1/2 car garage. With no basements and lots of downsizing to do, you'll love the extra storage.

My next suggestion is that you work with both a Villages sales agent and an MLS Realtor (for resales), since the two do not share listings. Let them know your "must haves," "likes" and "dislikes" in a home and let them do a lot of the legwork for you.

Think about whether you would prefer to live near grocery and other shopping or near a town square; and perhaps if you would prefer an established neighborhood or one just being built (which will temporarily have a lot of construction noise and traffic, although this too shall pass). Other than that, I personally wouldn't get to hung up on which Village you live in. Most of us are pretty darn sure that our own Village is the best, regardless of which Village we live in.

When considering price, remember to add the sales price + bond (if any) when figuring total price. Also when comparing new vs. resale, figure the cost of any upgrades you plan to any new or resale homes that don't already your upgrades. Remember too that the price on resales is negotiable, the price on new homes is not.

Get your MLS Realtor to provide a written Buyers Agent agreement. This requires the Realtor to represent your interests exclusively.

Hope this is helpful. Best of luck and please keep us posted!