[Villages Kahuna]

Lawyers for the sales contract. The contract is fairly clear. There may be a few terms that TV sales people might have to define for you. But because the sales contract is non-negotiable, the use of a lawyer for other than defining the terms of the contract is a not totally necessary expenditure.

Mortgage rates. I definitely would use a mortgage broker to shop the market for rates and terms. I found Citizens First Bank to be pretty expensive compared to the rates, terms and structures avaialble from mortgage brokers. (By the way, if you're going to have a mortgage loan you should have the documents reviewed by an attorney. In that case, you might as well pay a few bucks more and have the lawyer review the sales contract.)

Pre-closing house inspection. The warranty is pretty good. I think the use of a qualified, experienced inspector just before your warranty expires is a worthwhile expenditure. But to pay for it before closing? Only if it would really make you feel better.

There is one thing I would recommend you do before moving in. Have the entire interior of your house repainted with high quality paint in a color scheme more to your choosing than plain ol' Villages off-white. The quality of the interior paint used in Villages construction is...hmmm, pick a word for "less than what you might be used to".