[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by eweissenbach

These are all realistic possibilities - however the risk you imply in overstated IMO. I have owned 15 houses and have never bought a new home. The reason I have purchased pre-owned has nothing to do with bonds, and everything to do with the after-market add ons we get. We have owned 4 homes with inground swimming pools, several with very expensive landscaping, fencing, etc., all of which came at approximately the same price, or significantly lower, as compared to a new home with a half sod yard. To me, the bond is not a deal killer, but should be added on to the asking price of the home to determine the "real" price. The bond is somewhat problematic in that the interest is higher than the mortgage interest, and if it is paid off, and you subsequently sell, most people say they can't reasonably expect to recoup the bond cost in the selling price. In other words you buy a home for $200,000 with a $20,000 bond, pay off the bond with $20,000 of your own money, and your house is worth roughly -- $200,000, depending on the market. The improvements on a pre-owned home can often be worth $10 to $20 K or more, and you stand a good chance of getting the home for less than a comparable new home with none of the enhancements. New, upgraded appliances are often found in pre owned homes, while many of the new homes come with basic appliances. A washer and dryer is often included in the pre owned and in many cases some or all the necessary furniture, which, if it suits your taste may save you $10K or more. You often have motivated sellers in the pre owned market, some of whom bought at much lower prices than new (not if they bought in '07-'08) and they can take a low bid, whereas there is no negotiating on new homes.

As in most things, there is no right or wrong about buying new or used, but rather it may be simply a matter of preference. I tend to be a used buyer, because I percieve value opportunity in the pre owned market, and have been pleased with my purchases so far (full disclosure - I was a realtor for 10 years). At the same time there are those who just do not want something that someone else has lived in and decorated, and that is valid. I find the bond to be simply another impediment to buying new in TV - FOR ME! Whatever one buys they get with it the Villages active lifestyle which is a bargain at any cost.

but I then I tend to always agree with Ed's post.