[Rosie53]

Originally Posted by chiefrose

Back in March my wife and I were on vacation in Florida when we decided to take a ride to TV. We met with a sales rep and by the end of the day had signed for a lot in Fernandina. I know; not the smartest decision to make but I had researched TV online for awhile and liked what I saw. We went back a few days later to experience the nightly activites in the town squares and again were impressed. We rented a house for a week this coming November to get more of a feel for the area.

We priced out a Begonia on an interior off-set lot and stretched the Lanai 4' and the garage and front bedroom by 2'. We took the upgrades to either the top or second highest on the list. As far as a new build is concerned I think we did fairly well on the house.

Since our visit I have done even more research and visited places like this forum for insight. While I don't have "buyers remorse" on buying in TV I do have some questions. I would appreciate an info and opinions on the following:

1) Lot selection - the houses are pretty close together and I was wondering if I would be better served with a corner, back to a road or wall location for more privacy. I can't see going 100K more for a golf course lot.

2) New build vs resale - since it seems that so many residents move 1-2 times while in TV would it be better to buy a resale, which has upgrades already done, than to build and have to then get the extras like landscaping, molding, shutters, etc. From what I hear the builder doesn't make any modifications beyond what is in their upgrade list.

3) Actual costs - While TV gives you the estimated $1,000 per month cost of living in TV (exclusive of mortgage which I won't have) I know this is unrealistic. I would guess that it is more like $1,500 to $2,000 once you add in more than basic cable, internet, pest control, lawn maintenance, additional insurances, etc. Can anyone give me a ballpark figure?

4) Home improvements - How about things like water filters, drip irrigation, skylights, lightning rods, etc. Needed or not?

5) Design team - when you meet with a designer do you get to actually see what you are buying in a showroom setting. Things like kitchen cabinets (really surprised I didn't see any 42" cabinets in models), light fixtures, granite, faucets, etc.

I really appreciate anyone who has read this posting to this point. Actually, I could probably think of even more to ask. I will REALLY appreciate anyone that can help with some of the questions.

Rich

We just had our Design Meeting last Thursday. When you pick out some samples of flooring, cabinets. countertops etc., the designer then takes you to models that have those choices in them. As far as privacy, yes the interior lots are close but seeing the home of a friend already living there most people put some bushes behind the home for privacy. We asked our rep about lightning rods and he said he doesn't think they are neccessary. He said there has never been a home struck by lightning in the Villages but many salspeople will try to sell you on them. We are building a Lilac with the 4 ft stretched Lanai, I think that will give plenty of light as well as the bedroom having 4 windows. Being from the Northeast this is a big improvement for me so I don't think I will need skylights. I'm not living there yet so I am not sure about expenses but as I've already said the Northeast (NY) is quite expensive so we will probably find the Villages less so.