What advise would you give when looking for a new home?

[jrdonn]

We like the preowned homes to some extent. They have mature landscaping, upgrades etc. I have been searching the internet for homes for sale. I am finding that the homes are not quite what we are looking for in that they have things we want but not everything. The prices on a 10 to 15 year home are more than that of a newly built home. We originally thought we wanted a preowned home but now are leaning heavily towards new construction. I like the idea that we will be new as well as most of our new neighbors as opposed to an established neighborhood. We worked with a TV realtor last year at this time to get an idea of what is available.
After we see what he has to offer we might be interested in looking a preowned home if it is relatively new. We are not interested in a 10 year old home.
I am also considering having only one car as my lease expires soon after we move to TV.
We are not golfers (yet) but we like to exercise regularly.
Any thoughts, advise or ideas?
Thank you all very much in advance. You posts have educated me immensely so far.

We would like our new home to have;
Extended lanai with a birdcage.
Pool.
East facing lanai.
Golf cart garage. Or large garage.
Private lanai
Dark kitchen cabinets
Nice laundry room with cabinets
Open floor plan
Walk-in closets
Roman shower
Woman’s vanity
A closet in the 3rd bedroom
Wood floors or carpet.
$300K to 370K range.

[OBXNana]

To the best of my knowledge, the developer is only building spec homes. When we began our search we looked at both pre-owned and new construction. When we ruled out pre-owned (personal choice on our part, there are many nice pre-owned on the market) we made our list of needs and wants. We watched The Villages web site to see what was coming on the market. It took about 4 months and we found most of our must haves and many of our wants. We were working with a sales person from The Villages and she took pictures allowing us to have an idea of what the house looks like.

If you're working with a sales person from The Villages, provide them with your list. Once they review, they can tell you how likely it will be for you to have these items in the house, because they will not make any modifications. We closed on 2/12/14 and this was our experience.

Your list is fairly specific and you may find the perfect pre-owned that someone has made upgrades. In which case, you may want to work with a Village sales person and also an MLS Agent.

Looking is so much fun and the anticipation of one day making The Villages your home is a dream come true. Good luck and enjoy the adventure.

[justjim]

My advise is to give your list of what you want to your sales Representive and let him/she find it for you. You have done a great job writing down what you would like in a home in TV.

[buggyone]

I would opt for a lot with an unobstructed view from the lanai.

[ilovetv]

Don't forget about location, location, location. Being located near the things you like best for socializing, recreation and shopping are important. Our experience is that being located near a town square is important because that's where people gather and meet up and strike up stimulating conversations.

Also, look at the neighbors by going for a walk in the morning or evening. Find out from people who are out and conversing whether the neighborhood does social things together and if they are quick to include newbies. Many do that, but some, I'm hearing, do not.

[outahere]

We just went through almost three months of searching for a home with pretty much all the things you list. Every pre-owned home we looked at had at least one issue that we did not like, the most common being absolutely no privacy on the lanai. Finding a house, new or pre-owned, with your requirements in that price range will be extremely difficult, if not impossible. I agree with the other posters above that you should be working with both a Villages sales rep and an agent from a MLS brokerage company.

We ended up signing a contract on a new home with a great view and pretty private lanai. We did give up the idea of having a pool, because the least expensive new pool homes are in the $400K and up price range, and the lanais are not private at all, unless you go considerably up in price. There are (or at least were) a couple pool homes around $395K, but the neighboring lanais are within 10 feet.

Best of luck to you!

[Happinow]

I also agree that your priority should be the lot. I have known many people who have bought a home they liked only to find that the back to back lanai did not work for them. Noise travels in these homes and with a "kissing" lanai you may not have much, if any privacy. People talk loud on their lanais, they entertain on their lanais, they may have barking dogs on their lanais and they may have televisions out there too. This usually becomes an issue after you've lived in your home for a while. I have 5 friends that have recently moved because of the lanais being so close. I know of 2 more people considering moving as well. I would say that your lot choice should be the number one priority.

[rdhdleo]

Bigger lots with more privacy I have seen generally mean much bigger prices. You will find homes that are older and in well established areas have more room and privacy. Remember any upgrades a home doesn't have you can always have done. We are on a quiet cul de sac and over the past 10 years have seen a few new neighbors come in (mainly due to one or both parties passing) and we have always welcomed new owners with open arms. So don't pre judge like others have said go out and explore. Most of all keep an open mind.

[maryanna630]

Would you think a courtyard villa would be less of a problem with noise etc? They seem so close together but privacy and quiet are very important to us.
Thanks for any advice.

[fb32162]

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.

[alemorkam]

I agree with previous poster. You should have a Villages Sales Agent and a MLS Agent. That way you get to see ALL the resales available in The Villages. Your Villages sales agent cannot show you MLS resales on the market and vice versa for MLS agents. We used the web site Focus on The Villages (http://www.focusonthevillages.com) to find MLS resales available. Good luck and welcome to the Villages.

[Abster]

I think LOCATION is extremely important. I would opt for a lot that either backs up to a golf course, a corner lot or anything that would afford some privacy rather than sitting on top of everyone. I would also want to be in close proximity to a town square. We purchased a previously owned home but totally gutted, renovated and professionally decorated.

[sailor47]

Be careful before considering a golf view. They are not private or quiet particularly if the cart path is close by. Golfers start at day break. Carts are noisy as are golfers. Again location is everything. It may be possible to be on the side opposite the cart path for more privacy.
Look for East or North East facing Lani. Otherwise the afternoon sun will be very hot. Good in the winter but not so much in the summer.
Pool and golf course pool will be way over your budget. Who need a pool they are everywhere. Or you could add later if you pick the right lot.

[rjm1cc]

Pay attention to the placement of your and your neighbors windows.
Be sure you have enough storage space. Especially the garage.

[Carla B]

Our house is located on a championship course with a golf path and tee box directly behind the house. We've been here over five years. Yes, the golfers start at 7:30(?) a.m. No, we don't hear them. Our sleep has, however, been disturbed at times by the mowing crew at 6:15 a.m., but never the golfers.

It's worth it at the end of the day to have an unobstructed, beautiful view.

I think it would be more important to locate on a quiet interior street than worry about golf-path traffic.

[buggyone]

I, also, am on a championship course. The cartpath is in back of my house. No bother at all. In fact, the crew comes through at 6:10 and I know all is right with the world and I am home in The Villages, smile, and go back to sleep.

[jebartle]

Bond on new homes can run anywhere from $20K to $50K....Lake County has NO bond.

[Madelaine Amee]

I, also, am on a championship course. The cartpath is in back of my house. No bother at all. In fact, the crew comes through at 6:10 and I know all is right with the world and I am home in The Villages, smile, and go back to sleep.

We are also on a championship course and with golf cart path and tee box right behind us. Never a problem, in fact we love to sit and watch people tee off. The black tees are our direct view and we've seen some great golfers come through.

So, in answer to your question - location, location, location. Size of lot.

[Jim 9922]

Consider garage size as important too. If the two of you are active; 2 golf carts and at least one car, maybe 2 cars, and storage of all your extra stuff (remember, no basements and very hot attics in Florida).

[Rickg]

:agree::agree:I would opt for a lot with an unobstructed view from the lanai.

:agree:

[2BNTV]

We like the preowned homes to some extent. They have mature landscaping, upgrades etc. I have been searching the internet for homes for sale. I am finding that the homes are not quite what we are looking for in that they have things we want but not everything. The prices on a 10 to 15 year home are more than that of a newly built home. We originally thought we wanted a preowned home but now are leaning heavily towards new construction. I like the idea that we will be new as well as most of our new neighbors as opposed to an established neighborhood. We worked with a TV realtor last year at this time to get an idea of what is available.
After we see what he has to offer we might be interested in looking a preowned home if it is relatively new. We are not interested in a 10 year old home.
I am also considering having only one car as my lease expires soon after we move to TV.
We are not golfers (yet) but we like to exercise regularly.
Any thoughts, advise or ideas?
Thank you all very much in advance. You posts have educated me immensely so far.

We would like our new home to have;
Extended lanai with a birdcage.
Pool.
East facing lanai.
Golf cart garage. Or large garage.
Private lanai
Dark kitchen cabinets
Nice laundry room with cabinets
Open floor plan
Walk-in closets
Roman shower
Woman’s vanity
A closet in the 3rd bedroom
Wood floors or carpet.
$300K to 370K range.

I would refine your list to "must haves", and "like to have". The list is too long to get everything. One must decide what is absolutely essential, and plan on making your home into your taste.

I would work with a VLS agent as well as a MLS agent. Present the list to them and let them do the heavy lifting. If you notice they are showing you homes that don't match your criteria, I would then mention it to them, and if ignored, get another agent.

You must add the bond amount, if you are set on buying a new home.

It's a personal decision you must make so keep thinking about what is most important to you. Some people like new, as there are newer neighborhoods with people of similar ages. Some people may want to be near an exercise facility.

Most people would like to be near shopping, doctors and be able to get there by golf cart. Most people don't go to the squares after being here for several months but again, that may be important criteria for you.

Almost everyone likes, the village they live in. Best wishes with your decisions. :smiley:

[buggyone]

I take exception about not going to the squares after being here for several months. I have been here over 4 years and we still go to Spanish Springs or Lake Sumter Landing a couple times a week. Lots of fun!

Bond on new homes is from around $23,000 to $50,000. Bond on resales will be lower depending when they were built.

Prices on resales are NEGOTIABLE but not on new homes.

Good luck and you will enjoy The Villages whatever you decide to buy.

[PennBF]

Go to the area and park for awhile to see what the community is like. Go at night and see the area. Make sure no railroad tracks and no noise from a
railroad track. Drive to the nearest stores by golf cart and see if you are located close enough to make it comfortably. Have a good independent home inspector and follow his recommendations. Call the Home Warranty of The Villages and ask them to tell you what shingles you have on the roof. If they are Owen's Corning "Oakridge" call Scott Roofers and have then checked out to be sure they are not the "bad" ones. I am sure there are many other suggestions. These are just few that come to mind. Good luck. :confused: