[mgcsooner]

When we moved here (moved in last week) we followed a similar outline as you are doing. Fortunately we moved from an area where homes moved quickly--too quick. We had also signed a 3 month lease here beginning in June to give us time to look around and decide. Our home in Texas sold in about 48 hours, with a 30day close, meaning we were in somewhat of a whirlwind for a couple of weeks, going back and forth to Texas.

We had already downsized somewhat (3800>2500 SF) in our last home, and decided after talking to quite a few people to sell virtually all our furniture rather than move it, which also enabled us to look more objectively at homes, rather than discounting them because of how our furnishings would go.

Our buying plan involved using two agents, one from the Villages, and one from MLS so we would be able to see everything, and to find the differences. We had been studying village maps, shopping locations, etc before we finally came down to get our general bearings from our leased home. What was helpful was to discount home models we didn't like ASAP so we didn't waste time. MLS homes often don't mention the model which is not helpful. It took us about two weeks of looking to find the one we liked best and felt had the most upside.

As it turned out, we moved down south and bought new, via the villages. We initially wanted to locate between the 466s, and to find a CYV because of our dog. That was nixed fairly early on since most had the utility room in single car garages. We did see some nice 2 car/inside utility rooms down south in Antrim Dells right next to Brownwood though, but decided a designer fit our bill much better and decided we'd work out the doggie details via landscaping and wireless fencing.

While we used outside financing, it would have been easier to simply use Citizens, all things considered. They are very competitive. Good luck on your quest!