The first house we bought in TV was brand new. The second one was 3 yrs old. When we decided to sell our first home and buy something bigger, we only considered a preowned home because of all the additional costs associated with a new home. The second home came with lovely blinds, drapes and drapery rods already installed in all the rooms. Landscaping had been upgraded and rain gutters had been added. It also had all the little extras like undercounter lighting, attic stairs, retractable screen door, decorative lighting, cabinet knobs, hooks and closet and garage shelving. Also, the bond was lower. Yes, we repainted a few rooms and put in laminate flooring in the living room but overall it was "move in ready". We were nervous about moving into an established neighborhoods because we had heard it was harder to make friends. We, however found it the exact opposite. Our first neighborhood was quite unsocialable. We all moved in together but most of the neighbors kept to themselves. No parties, potlucks or neighborhood get togethers. We made a couple of attempts to organize get togethers but many folks either had social groups elsewhere in the villages or they were "homebodies". By contrast our new neighbors welcomed us with open arms and included us in their potlucks, golf groups, wine tastings and neighborhood parties right away. We've made great friends in this neighborhood and love just "hanging out" with our neighbors.
|