We need honest answers.

[B26 fan]

We are planning to retire next year and were very seriously wanting to live in TV. After hearing about the fees(there seem to be so many), and the construction concerns(siding, etc.) wer'e very worried. I don't want to invest our life savings into a home that has problems that no one will stand behind nor do we want to be dollared to death. Del Webb (Pulte) seems to build a very good home but will we regret buying in Stone Creek. I know the decision is ours but any help would be appreciated. Wev'e stayed in the Villages once, will be coming back in December. What we saw we really liked but again the problems people talk about are very worrisome to us. Thanks for any input.

[thehags]

We bought in the Villages last March and bought a pre-owned home that was built in 2003. The landscaping was done and several extras were added. To us the location was important and also buying within our price range. Even though prices have gone down since we purchased our home, we still love the area (around RT. 466) and it's such a great area, I'm sure in the long run we will recoup our loss.

There are some great buys and we know of neighbors up north that have a home in Del Webb and are looking to sell and move to TV. But look at both and see what's best for you.

Best of luck

[captain1202]

IMHO there is NO place you'll go that doesn;t have it's skeletons and little issues. On balance, it would seem the pluses outweigh the minuses at TV. Just ask the folks that live here!

[diskman]

We do not yet live in the villages but we have done extensive research and visited last february. We don't expect you to find a better place to live for your buck. The people are great, the area is great and there are so many different things to do. You won't find enough time to be involved in everything.
it's about 4 years away and we have already decided it is the place to live.
Larry :agree: :agree:

[garsha]

My husband and I purchased a home in TV last July, when prices were screeming. We haven't been able to sell our house in CA yet so not quite permanent residents. We can't wait. We have visited 7 times in the last year and everytime we go we just get more convinced we made the right decision. In CA we have dropped our price by 25% and still unable to sell. I don't feel we would have that problem in the Villages at all and once they are built out, the prices will be even better, but who will want to go.

We researched many areas, narrowed down to Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and Florida and without a doubt TV had the best environment, activities, services, infrastructure. When you walk in the Walmart you are not faced with the childrens clothes, you have the adult clothes--everything is geared towards us babyboomers growing older. It is about time the USA starts putting their elders up front.

You are not buying a house in TV you are buying a lifestyle. The houses are nice but the environment is priceless! Be sure to visit Pulte or any other area again before you lock yourself in.

Good luck from a want to be full time Villager

[cabo35]

We retired 5 years ago and decided to buy a home in Florida for the winter months. For three years we rented in Islamorada, Naples, Jupiter, and North Palm Beach. We visited developments around the state. We finally rented in the Villages for 4 months. By the end of the second month, we decided that TV had so much more to offer than anyplace we had been, we purchased a new home. We enjoy it here so much we changed our residency and consider this our primary residence seven months of the year. The fees are fair and not oppressive in any way. You get more bang for the buck here than anywhere we have visited.

I have modest experience in construction, and feel that the homes in the Villages are of the highest quality. The developer was wonderful as far as his warranty service goes. His policy is that when you report a problem, you will get a phone call in less than 24 hours and a remedy in less than 72. We reported 3 warranty items in the first year. We are very fussy about our home, my wife especially. The repairs were, an outside faucet that had loosened from the wall - repaired, ceiling paint on the front porch that peeled slightly - repaired and a kitchen cabinet door that was slightly out of alignment - repaired.
On one item, they even honored the warranty after the warranty period (1 year) had expired.

The builder has a facility in TV where he makes his own roof trusses. It is my understanding that they significantly exceed the required specs. I occasionally read about someone who has a bone to pick, but the number is so minuscule I believe that there are just some people who are naturally negative and cannot be pleased. It is unfortunate that they sometimes shout down the overwhelming majority of Village residents. Visit and randomly talk to Villagers. You will be pleasantly surprised at the enthusiastic pride they take in living here.

Hope this has been helpful.

p.s. I have no connection to the developer or management of the Villages.

[pgilson]

We rented for three years before we bought. We had a wonderful time each visit and wanted to be sure. Sure we might have saved some by buying earlier, but we don't regret our decision to check it out and not be impulsive buyers. Have a great visit in December and good luck.
;D

[mmclover]

I was down in January and visited several communities, Rainbow Springs, Oak Run, Summer Glenn to name a few, as well as TV. Golf fees in other communities are very high and most of them are out in the middle of nowhere. I did not find another community that offers anywhere what TV offers. I can't wait to sell my house and become a resident of TV.

[SteveFromNY]

I did lot's of research on TV and then visited. I had pretty much determined I'd buy something if I liked what I saw based on the research. We did like it, and bought a new house in June of 2005. We haven't moved there yet as I needed to work a bit longer, and now I need to sell my home (market stinks). We've visited quite a few times since we bought and have been more impressed each time.
I was EXTREMELY impressed by the quality of the construction and the attention to detail provided by the builder. Each and every piece of molding has been caulked both on top and against the floor (where there's tile, anyway), the bathroom fixtures are all Kohler, there was not a single issue with the home that required attention at my pre-inspection (maybe I was lucky!). We visited the property a couple of weeks before closing and I found little red dots stuck in various places to call attention to blemishes in the paint, a door track that was bent and a front door that needed a shove to close it good. All were fixed prior to the closing inspection.
As far as fees, they are all pretty reasonable to me. The amenity fee seems fair seeing what you get for it (pools, clubhouses, rec-centers, golf). The other fees (garbage, water, etc) combined with the utilities (gas & elec) are still well below what I pay today for just gas and elec, so they seem an improvement.
One comment about problems....and this is a generalization for sure.....
Most times, it's the negative that gets emphasized. People may say "I love it but .... " and then spend a paragraph or two describing something that may only be some little pet peeve. If they took the time to list what they liked, I'd bet the good would greatly outweigh the bad. There seems to be far too many happy people there for it to be a terrible place!
Of course it is your decision, but keep in mind with TV you are buying into a unique lifestyle rather than just buying a house. My sister-in-law bought a home in a very nice adult community, and she loves it, but to me the scale (a few hundred homes) and the lack of amenities (one clubhouse) would make me unhappy there. To each his own.
Good luck in your decision.

[aford]

Great you had a great inspection. We did too. However, I did overlooked one item. A rarely used outlet in the hall.

When my daughter chose to use it, it was dead. Be sure you test or use each outlet in your home to be sure it is working. You should have a one yr builders warrentee and they will come out and fix it. Just make sure you mark your calendar

We did have to have them restreach our carpets, no problem.

[ripwho]

'B26' - I've used this reason alot on this forum as well as personally when talking up TV. - I know quite a few friends, ex working colleagues, acquaintances, etc , who have visited or live in TV. All have diverse backgrounds, different personalities, each a different style, etc... but they all have on thing in common - they all love TV !!!! Good enough for me!!

[FireOnWindCSR]

Hello friend. My wife and I purchased our house in TV July 2006. I am 50 and she is 49. we decided to buy then because we were planning for the future and the location was great. Our close friends are 67 and 68 years old and live 3 houses down from us. TV is an active, living place - full of life. My concern is what I previously wrote here in TOTV.COM and I hope you do your research as well :

I'm sure death and taxes are a sensitive subject anywhere. I purchased my Chula Vista home 7/2006. I got my tax bill about 30 days ago and it has gone up over 150%. I realize that there is an incredible amount of Florida tax laws that I need to become familiar with now. Public tax records on the street I live overwhelmingly reflect 3/4 of my neighbors with $1300 or less bills. I don't understand the estreme disparity which seems to be prevelant throughout "all of The Villages". Can someone shed some property tax light for me? I'm just trying to understand how neighbors on either side of me, with "like" homes are being assessed thousands of dollars less than me. Is this about appeals? Is this about scrutiny of appraissers, tax assessors? Help !!! Thanks, Chaz :joke:

[villages07]

CSR.... welcome to the world of Florida Property Taxes; Chula Vista is an older neighborhood; those folks who have lived there a while and probably paid a lot less for their home than you are benefitting from Florida's "Save our Homes" tax law....their property taxes are limited to 3% increase per year. When you bought, your house was reassessed to current market value and you pay taxes based on that value. Also, if you are out of state (i.e. not a Florida resident) you also do not get the $25K homestead exemption reduction from your assessed value. Not sure what Lake County has but Sumter has a website that shows assessed values for each property and you can see a wide disparity on a given street.

All of this should have been disclosed to you when you purchased your home. Your 'updated' property tax bill should not have been a surprise.

[Lil Dancer]

As others have said, overall the quality of construction is excellent. We had a few minor things we picked up on during the first year, that the Home Warranty dept. immediately came out and fixed. You can probably find cheaper homes elsewhere if you look, but again, you're buying here for the lifestyle. Friends of ours bought a nice villa directly on the golf course at Spruce Creek South for around $125,000. Here at the Villages the same villa would have been $200,000 plus. But they have none of the amenities that we have - they can't drive in their golf cart to go get groceries, or go to the movies by golf cart, or golf on a zillion different golf courses, free executive golf, all the clubs and opportunities for socializng, etc. I guess it depends on what you're looking for in retirement. If its just a place to live in a warm climate, you will find cheaper places outside the Villages. If its the "lifestyle", we are pretty happy in The villages, much more so than other places we've tried. There's something here for everyone.

[RCT]

fireonwind said, "My wife and I purchased our house in TV July 2006. I am 50 and she is 49."


So....anyone can purchase a home there, no matter what age they are?? Just curious. I thought you had to be 55 or older.

could they have bought in one of the family sections?

[villages07]

osh....the provision (not sure if it is law or statute) that establishes 55+ communities allows for up to 20% of the homeowners to be under 55. Not sure exactly how they manage the numbers but I am familiar with a number of exceptions.

[MSNPA]

In the fall of '05 we came to Central Florida to meet with Pringle Builders (Legacy and Mount Dora). The homes were fantastic, but we felt the communities were out in the middle of no where. The Villages have everything anyone could want so we made the decision to buy here.

[bamafan]

When we signed the contract to purchase our home in July of this year we had to provide proof that at least one of us was 55 or older to complete the purchase agreement.

[rdkent]

I had the same question when I read the post. We don't live in TV but are considering it for retirement. My understanding from all the literature and info we have read was that at least one of us had to be 55 (not a problem, unfortunately, in our case).

[FireOnWindCSR]

"Villages07 said, "All of this should have been disclosed to you when you purchased your home. Your 'updated' property tax bill should not have been a surprise.
( Having to do with TV / PROPERTY TAX INCREASE after purchasing home a year ago )

I say, YES, it was a surprise!! Nothing disclosed to me. however, its water under the bridge and I will deal with it. The house sold for $245,000. If I sell it for $100,000 then the taxes should be based on that dollar amount if I correctly understand the statements made previously by persons in this FORUM. Is that correct?

ALSO, my wife and I didnt buy our home through the Villages. While driving down a street in Chula Vista we noticed a sign in the yard from a local realtor. We called them and bought the house the next day.

:welcome: :joke:

[cabo35]

FireOnWindC said, "I don't understand the estreme disparity which seems to be prevelant throughout "all of The Villages". Can someone shed some property tax light for me? I'm just trying to understand how neighbors on either side of me, with "like" homes are being assessed thousands of dollars less than me. Is this about appeals? Is this about scrutiny of appraissers, tax assessors? Help "

It is not an "all of The Villages" thing, it is an all of Florida thing. I agree that it is not fair, but it is the way Florida property tax laws are structured. Taxes are predicated on the sale price. Your neighbors paid less therefore they pay less. We encountered the same problem when we looked at properties in Naples, Jupiter, North Palm Beach and Islamorada.

TV is still the best deal in Florida. We will not be looking anywhere else.

[pili]

My husband and I are in the same position as those of you considering TV. We plan to retire at end of next year and move as soon as sell our home. Our dilemma is TV or no TV. We plan to visit in May of 08 and compare TV to other communities in the area: Mount Dora, Top of the World, Stone ACreek, Summer Glenn. From what I have seen in brochures I can get a bigger home and with the amenities I want at any of those communities. However, from everything I've read there is no comparison to lifestyle of TV. Are those of you who visited other communities saying that the homes are nice but amenities don't come close? I think those of you who have gone through this dilemma or are considering TV can understand mine. I guess I do have some concerns regarding TV....not being able to choose what I want in my home, the 20% non refundable payment in 10 days, homes being smaller and more expensive, and a few others. I'll have to visit and see. Any suggestions and/or comments are welcome. Thank you for all the information.

pili :)

[Paplin]

We bought a house in TV last March after looking at numerous communities. We looked at over 125 houses, trying to come up with a reason why TV would not be the best deal. BUT we kept coming back to TV.....it was our pick and we love it. You get so much for your money when it comes to perks and amenities. :welcome:

[beady]

Pili,
I think you are beginning to understand that a TV purchase is a complete package, not just a home purchase. You are buying a lifestyle with amenities and convieniences that no other community offers. As far as size of the homes goes, I for one am looking forward to a smaller place. More time to play, less upkeep.
TV is not perfect and some of the requirements for buying a new home are quite restrictive. Each individual needs to way the options and do what suits them best. We were very tempted to buy a new house, what with all the incentives. We found instead a 3 year old home, gently lived in with upgrades , a fair price, and part of the bond payed.
The key is to come and visit, enjoy the experience and look at new and resale homes . It takes time and consideration.
Good luck.
Beady

[samhass]

Hey Beady, You took the words right out of my mouth. 8)

[handieman]

:agree:

This topic has gone on with a lot of good points being brought up. The one point I would like to reflect on is, that the person who chooses to pay the price to reside in TV is a unique person. They didn't come here to just sun their bones, spend the rest of their life indoors watching the "tube" and frequent the Dr till they die. The person I see and meet and socialize with in TV is here to enjoy the rest or their life doing things they didn't have time to do while working to be able to reach this point in their life. One evening spent at the Square watching people dance and smile and laugh relaxing while listening to the music will convince you that the folks in TV are special. Not better than any other retirement resident but they come with an attitude that , by gosh, I'm going to enjoy the rest of my life to the fullest. TV is the great eradicator of all previous attitudes and inhibitions, it reminds me of basic training where after we all got the skinhead haircut and the same uniform, once again we all become equal. The guy you strike up a conversation with at the square might have been a CEO with a megabuck retirement, but at the square were all just "good ole folks" having a good time. I have begun NOT asking what folks did prior to coming to TV. I like to think of the meeting as a beginning of new friendship and their prior stature in life really shouldn't matter
Handie :joke:

[RCT]

:agree:

This topic has gone on with a lot of good points being brought up. The one point I would like to reflect on is, that the person who chooses to pay the price to reside in TV is a unique person. They didn't come here to just sun their bones, spend the rest of their life indoors watching the "tube" and frequent the Dr till they die. The person I see and meet and socialize with in TV is here to enjoy the rest or their life doing things they didn't have time to do while working to be able to reach this point in their life. One evening spent at the Square watching people dance and smile and laugh relaxing while listening to the music will convince you that the folks in TV are special. Not better than any other retirement resident but they come with an attitude that , by gosh, I'm going to enjoy the rest of my life to the fullest. TV is the great eradicator of all previous attitudes and inhibitions, it reminds me of basic training where after we all got the skinhead haircut and the same uniform, once again we all become equal. The guy you strike up a conversation with at the square might have been a CEO with a megabuck retirement, but at the square were all just "good ole folks" having a good time. I have begun NOT asking what folks did prior to coming to TV. I like to think of the meeting as a beginning of new friendship and their prior stature in life really shouldn't matter
Handie :joke:
hear hear!!

[beady]

Handi,
You are so right. We are all starting a new era in our lives. Who cares what we did "before". All
that really matters is we have chosen a great place to live, relax and be ourselves with no pretenses.
Beady

[The Great Fumar]

Pili
When we purchased a home in tv, friends of ours in Michigan came down to see came down to see what we were raving about. He is a past president of the Home builders assoc.... After he looked over the house with a fine tooth comb, He stated that it was some of the finest finish work he had ever seen, which needless to say made us feel very good.....
But what really sold us on the Villages was the new neighbor across the street making the comment that "PEOPLE IN THE VILLAGES DON'T DIE OF OLD AGE, THEY DIE OF EXAUSTION".

[phillisk]

After visiting other areas, we chose TV because of all the amenities that are here.
Everything is not perfect, but it is better here than most other places and the people
here are great. We have friends and more friends and enjoy our life to the fullest. is that not what we all want in our retirement years. Some of the things that I looked for
was shopping, housing, things to do, medical care, weather. this place had it all.
The infra-structure was built first and then came the houses. I think that is different
than any other place that we visited. Each must come here and visit and do all the things
that you can while here and then make an informed choice.

[Barefoot]

Hand - great post :agree:

Pili - We bought last April. A resale with bond paid. $5000 deposit until completion date. So if a new home with 20% down is scary for you, why not buy an "almost new"? New is nice, but the bond amounts are scary, and closing costs are higher.

We looked at a bunch of other communities, it is not an exaggeration to say I fell in love with TV. :clap2: No other community offered golf-cart driving to groceries, entertainment, shopping, medical appointments, etc. No other communnity offered free entertainment 365 days a year. The thing we noticed most about TV ... everyone is always smiling. I believe that there is just no comparison with other retirement communities.

We will be down next week and seeing our Villa for the first time. :hot: :2excited:

[The Great Fumar]

YOU WANT AN HONEST ANSWER???
Come to The Villages .....It will change your whole life...Lots of new friends, Lots of new things to do, Lots of places to go, Lots of activities , Lots of entertainment (movies, broadway shows , polo, softball, bowling,and have you ever heard of Pickle Ball..) Its a Wonderful place ....A DISNEYLAND for adults........
Will you live longer, I doubt it but it will seems longer....

[mike1946]

I'm a Brit ..so really the world is my oyster !! I looked at France, Spain , Italy , Portugal, Cyprus , north africa, south africa, australia ...you name it ...I went there looking for the perfect retirement place !! I found it !!!

It's called The Villages - unfortunately due to crap laws I can't spend more than 6 months in any year there - Uncle Sam don't want me !! I don't wanna work (done that) don't want social (got loadsa money) don't want medical (got insurance) got half a million bucks on ivestment USA side, pay my taxes (property, income etc.) but don't get any benefits like Homestead or property tax protection !! (I pay top dollar for everything - including having to pay to renew my drivers licence every six months AND having to pay a fine for late renewal ...boy does that p...s me off ) I'd be better off calling myself Hosee or something and swimming the Rio Grande - I'd get treated better !!!

USA retirees ! Count yourselves absolutely blessed compared to other folks !!!

[SteveFromNY]

MIKE1946 - c'mon, you can recover all those extra expenses by shopping in the USA! With the pound and the dollar where they are, prices here must look sooooo low.
We went to London last year and were shocked at how much things cost! Fish & chips, 2 beers, $80 US for 2 of us!!!! $100 shoes here, 100 pounds there!! Everthing is about double!!!

:o

[20taffy01luv]

Hi B26 Fan
My husband and I moved to TV in June of 1990 - it took very little thinking about and we did so while taking early retirement. We have never regretted it. Yes, traffic is heavy "in season" - yes, the former country-like amosphere has disappeared - yes, the lines can be long ------ but, I cannot imagine living anyplace else! Never did we dream we would be living this lifestyle in retirement.

I might mention that if you wanted to avoid assessments and bonds, you might like to consider a resale in the Lake County portion of the town of Lady Lake. DelMar, ElCortez, Mira Mesa, have beautiful homes and is a great, convenient area. Think about it.....and then come join us and have the time of your life!

[jjdees]

Mike, The Brits and the Canadians all seem to have the same complaint. They can only stay in the US 6 months. I've wondered why some don't fly into Mexico, change their name and walk across the border. The US will take wonderful care of you and you can stay forever, and the benefits are better than a US citizen receives.

[pili]

Thank you all! The more I read your comments the more excited I get about TV. We are thinking about a resale because it will have upgrades and the bond may be partially paid or completely paid. I've been looking at resales and I don't think they are over priced as some postings have mentioned. We have to take into consideration all the upgrades. We'll be visiting TV next May so we'll be able to make comparisons. Someone mentioned about other communities (Pringle for example) being in the middle of nowhere. We definetely don't want that.

There was a mention of looking in Lake Co. (Lady Lake, El Cortes, and others) aren't those areas outside TV? Just curious.

Again, thanks a mil. You're all such a wonderful bunch I can't wait to meet some residents of TV.

Pili
:)

[20taffy01luv]

Hi Pili
No, DelMar, CC Hills, El Cortez, etc, are all very definitely in TV. DelMar was the first village built west of Hwy 27/441 - look how TVs have grown! There are also many lovely homes east of the Hwy, both site-built and manufactured homes. Good luck in your choice. Be happy.

[Barefoot]

Mike, The Brits and the Canadians all seem to have the same complaint. They can only stay in the US 6 months. I've wondered why some don't fly into Mexico, change their name and walk across the border. The US will take wonderful care of you and you can stay forever, and the benefits are better than a US citizen receives.


Mike1946 :agree:

OK, here is my plan. We'll be driving to TV from Canada next week. Once we get settled, I'll take bus to Mexico, and re-enter the U.S. as Maria Taco Hernandez. That way I can live in TV forever and forever. Mr. Wallethead can return to Canada and send me money.
Sounds good to me.

[efrahin]

It sounds sad, but it is true. This is the only country in the world that does not take taker of its borders. :dontknow:

[jjdees]

Maria Taco,

It will work. Take Mr. Wallethead with you and you both can enjoy. Ah, such a deal!!

[lm01]

Hi if you are interested in living cheap but in a big home go elsewhere. IF YOU WANT TO PLAY AND HAVE A GOOD TIME THE VILLAGES ARE FOR YOU. You might want to consider scaling back on the cost of your home if you want to play in the villages.

Sales in the Villages may be down but sales outside the Villages are at a standstill. There are homes in Harbor hills that have been on the market for 2 years.

Hope that helps you.

[bestmickey]

I'm a Brit ..so really the world is my oyster !! I looked at France, Spain , Italy , Portugal, Cyprus , north africa, south africa, australia ...you name it ...I went there looking for the perfect retirement place !! I found it !!!

It's called The Villages - unfortunately due to crap laws I can't spend more than 6 months in any year there - Uncle Sam don't want me !! I don't wanna work (done that) don't want social (got loadsa money) don't want medical (got insurance) got half a million bucks on ivestment USA side, pay my taxes (property, income etc.) but don't get any benefits like Homestead or property tax protection !! (I pay top dollar for everything - including having to pay to renew my drivers licence every six months AND having to pay a fine for late renewal ...boy does that p...s me off ) I'd be better off calling myself Hosee or something and swimming the Rio Grande - I'd get treated better !!!

USA retirees ! Count yourselves absolutely blessed compared to other folks !!!



Are you single? What if you married an American? I think that will let you stay here as long as you'd like. I've read there are loads of single female vultures that frequent Katie Belle's.

Or if single, marry me and fund an interest-free mortgage for me, and we'll call it even! ;D (If any Feds are reading this post, I'm just kidding. :redface:)