Thinking of Planning a Visit - Pipe Dream?

[ValerieJo]

Hello,

This is my first post and have lots of questions. I've read several threads and did not see what I was looking for.

Before I spend the money to come down for a Preview Visit, I'm trying to figure out if there is any way living there could be affordable to us. I read the Nuts and Bolts thread below, so I have a rough idea of the costs.

My question is about the housing. I don't understand the difference between The Patio Home, The Courtyard Home, etc. Can someone explain some basic differences?

Am I crazy to even think of finding anything decent for under $125,000?

I've read where some people retire early. How is this possible with the cost of health care insurance? We would have to purchase this if we retire early.

Can anyone provide information on the affordability of living there or do I have my head in the clouds? Should keep working until I'm really old (or dead) and forget the whole idea of retirement???

I would appreciate any and all honest responses.

Thank you so much.

[kaydee]

The basic difference between Patio Villa & Courtyard is that the CY has a privacy fence/wall surrounding the home other than the front entrance & garage. Not sure about the under $125,000 but I do know that occasionally I hear about a great patio villa resale around 130 to 135... one of those things that you have to be in the right place at the right time to grab it. I do think a CY is considerably higher since you'd be paying for the privacy.
Everyone's situation is different as far as retiring & needing health coverage etc which is why some people who come here end up working full time but still love the fact of living here.
Good luck in your decision.

[chuckinca]

There are many very nice manufactured homes in the historic area on 5K ft sites or so for generally $85K - $125K.

The area population may be around 5K and most folks love it. And no Bonds.

.

[redwitch]

You're not going to get your dream house for $125,000 but you will get your dream life. It doesn't matter where you live in TV, it doesn't matter what type of house you have; it just matters that you live here.

I'm with Chuck, check out the historic side. There are some very nice manufactured homes, the lots are bigger, all of the old growth is beautiful. Those of us who live over here love it.

[ilovetv]

Regarding retiring early and buying insurance in your 50's, it's usually public sector people like teachers, police and firemen, and federal workers who can retire and have insurance benefits and pension like that. There are many public retirees here.

Many private sector employees and small businessmen are still working and living here, or they have bought a place here and pay for it by renting it out until they retire in a few years.

You could also check into some of the other surrounding communities having nice homes at lower prices. The weather is beautiful here and cost of living is lower than some other states.

[folkh]

Checkout the Historic side it just may have what you are looking for. If you are looking on the the internet. Search The Villages Lake County.

[quirky3]

If you haven't already checked realtor dot com or the villages home sale site, try looking for homes in that price range in The Villages FL. You will see what is available.

[asianthree]

kind of hard to answer your question. I'm not sure if you're planning on taking Social Security early, or continue to work when you arrive.pay scale here is very low so if you need a certain income it might not be available to you. You can find some lovely homes on the historic side. a patio villa unfurnished at this time is running a hundred and sixty five thousand

[Bogie Shooter]

Hello,

This is my first post and have lots of questions. I've read several threads and did not see what I was looking for.

Before I spend the money to come down for a Preview Visit, I'm trying to figure out if there is any way living there could be affordable to us. I read the Nuts and Bolts thread below, so I have a rough idea of the costs.

My question is about the housing. I don't understand the difference between The Patio Home, The Courtyard Home, etc. Can someone explain some basic differences?

Am I crazy to even think of finding anything decent for under $125,000?

I've read where some people retire early. How is this possible with the cost of health care insurance? We would have to purchase this if we retire early.

Can anyone provide information on the affordability of living there or do I have my head in the clouds? Should keep working until I'm really old (or dead) and forget the whole idea of retirement???

I would appreciate any and all honest responses.

Thank you so much.

Your best bet is to come and see what it is really like. See first hand what type/style home $90,000 or $125,000 will buy.
Those folks who "retire early" have usually made plans in advance on how they will be able to do that. Without planning this can be risky.
Why not consider your visit as a vacation?

[ValerieJo]

Thank you all for your quick responses. I realize this is a process that can take some time. Starting the process is the first step (right?) and it is not something that can be done overnight.

I did do some realtor dot com and Zillow dot com searches and found several Foreclosures. Those seemed to be in my price range. Does anyone know about Foreclosures? I have had no experience with them.

If we decide to make a Preview Visit, would we get a good feel for the area and activities if we came down either over Thanksgiving Break or Christmas Break?

Thank you again for taking the time to answer all of my questions.

[justjim]

Your best bet is to come and see what it is really like. See first hand what type/style home $90,000 or $125,000 will buy.
Those folks who "retire early" have usually made plans in advance on how they will be able to do that. Without planning this can be risky.
Why not consider your visit as a vacation?

:coolsmiley: I agree take a vacation to TV and Florida and see for yourself. While here you might check out employment opportunities to supplement your income if you plan to retire early from "the rust zone" of the country. Some jobs have health insurance----I know that can be a big problem to early retirement.

There is affordable housing here in the $125,000 range. Good luck. :)

[leftyf]

You could also spend a winter or two at Recreation Plantation. It's an RV park close to both Lake Sumpter Landing and Spanish Springs. We spent 2 winters there in our search. It's a very nice RV park and even though you can't drive a golf cart to The Villages, you are close by to go to all of the open houses your heart desires. There are several people who stay there every winter then buy a house. It worked great for us.

[Fernandinaquilter]

In answer to your question of early retirement, it takes years of research and planning. Did you ever read the millionaire next door? It is about people who lead seemingly modest lives while living below their means. They are not the ones who drive shiny new cars every three years, and have the latest. We have also met many people whom never had children. Also, many of us abhor debt and paid off our houses as soon as we could, then invested the mortgage payment we no longer had, and bought only what we could afford with cash when we got here. Some are wizards at investing money as well. Even ordinary people have made a lot of money in the stock market, assuming they put money in year after year like IRA and 401k investments allow you to. Do a google search and you will find tons of websites, books and blogs on how to retire early.

There are many people here who live modest lives. They buy smaller houses and don't spend tens of thousands of dollars on landscaping, expansions etc. they Don't drink alcohol, eat at home, have one car, don't shop and take advantage of the numerous free activities and groups here. You can lead a very rich life here. You also can spend lots of money here, have a 30 year mortgage etc. takes all kinds.
In other words, you will meet all kinds of people here, from the ultra wealthy on down. The only way to understand what is going on here is to visit and see for yourself.

[misky]

Hello,

This is my first post and have lots of questions. I've read several threads and did not see what I was looking for.

Before I spend the money to come down for a Preview Visit, I'm trying to figure out if there is any way living there could be affordable to us. I read the Nuts and Bolts thread below, so I have a rough idea of the costs.

My question is about the housing. I don't understand the difference between The Patio Home, The Courtyard Home, etc. Can someone explain some basic differences?

Am I crazy to even think of finding anything decent for under $125,000?

I've read where some people retire early. How is this possible with the cost of health care insurance? We would have to purchase this if we retire early.

Can anyone provide information on the affordability of living there or do I have my head in the clouds? Should keep working until I'm really old (or dead) and forget the whole idea of retirement???

I would appreciate any and all honest responses.

Thank you so much.

The financial decision is always a tough one. I suggest you discuss your retirement plans with a financial planner. I've been working with my planner for the last five years planning my retirement. We worked up a plan addressing ss, 401k's, healthcare costs, everday living cost, etc. I believe you really need to do this to ensure you have enough money for a long term retirement.

[EnglishJW]

We have made a visit and now have decided to buy a place in TV. That is only part of the "cost" issue. The monthly costs are another issue entirely. For example, the bond that has been mentioned will probably be very important to you. Hopefully some of the residents can share their thoughts on this with you privately.

[quirky3]

If you buy in the historic section, the bond should already have been paid.

Check out the homes at this link:
http://lylegant.mfr.mlxchange.com/?Page=-1

[rjm1cc]

In answer to your question of early retirement, it takes years of research and planning. Did you ever read the millionaire next door? It is about people who lead seemingly modest lives while living below their means. They are not the ones who drive shiny new cars every three years, and have the latest. We have also met many people whom never had children. Also, many of us abhor debt and paid off our houses as soon as we could, then invested the mortgage payment we no longer had, and bought only what we could afford with cash when we got here. Some are wizards at investing money as well. Even ordinary people have made a lot of money in the stock market, assuming they put money in year after year like IRA and 401k investments allow you to. Do a google search and you will find tons of websites, books and blogs on how to retire early.

There are many people here who live modest lives. They buy smaller houses and don't spend tens of thousands of dollars on landscaping, expansions etc. they Don't drink alcohol, eat at home, have one car, don't shop and take advantage of the numerous free activities and groups here. You can lead a very rich life here. You also can spend lots of money here, have a 30 year mortgage etc. takes all kinds.
In other words, you will meet all kinds of people here, from the ultra wealthy on down. The only way to understand what is going on here is to visit and see for yourself.

Very good post.
I would try and rent for a couple of weeks and look at several communities over a year or two. I could live on 50,000 or just get buy on 100,000 depending on my life style. Be sure to make two budgets. A stay at home and cut your own grass and one where you eat out and hire help.

[PattyCakes]

Keep in mind, Valerie, that MOST employment in this area of Florida, and Florida in general, is part-time, which means no benefits are available. Unless you are in a profession that would guarantee you a sizable income, medical insurance will be problematic until age 65. My husband and I worked with our financial team for several years just planning for retirement IN GENERAL, in an undetermined locale. I would suggest that you start there before you give much time to "where."

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I live in the historic section and I love it over here. You can get something decent for under $100,000 and something quite nice for $125,000.

The bonds have been paid and the taxes are very low. You will have to consider about $140 a month for amenities. With a small house your monthly utilities will also be very low.

You can definitely live over here on just Social Security. You can be comfortable but not extravagant. You won't be going out to dinner very often and your entertainment will consist of the squares and the many, many free clubs and activities. But, it can be done.

You might also consider finding a little part time job. Many people here do.

[dewilson58]

I saw this posting last year. Maybe helpful:

My figures are based on a 1150 sq ft Patio Villa with vaulted ceilings.

Bond,taxes,insurance $250
Electric 100
Gas 40
TV 60
Internet 45
Ammenity,water
sewage,trash 225
Termite bond,pest and
lawn treatments 40
Mowing 35
Homewatch 45

Total $750
The above estimates are based upon actual costs for the past 6 months with the house occupied in Sept and Oct and empty May,June July and Aug.

We are snowbirds ,when up north the TV and internet goes down to $8 but we pay $45 for home watch.The TV is on a promotional offer so it will go up in time.If we were full time in TV I estimate the total to be $800 to $850.We were in the house in Sept and Oct and the electric bill for Sept was $95 and the water and sewage bill only went up a few dollars. This past summer the home watch folks set the AC
at 80 degrees and the bill never exceeded $80.
When we are in the house,we do not pay $45 a month for home watch service,so I estimate the $750 figure will be our monthly costs when we occupy the house.
The below figures are monthly costs for out of pocket expenses base upon our stay in TV for Sept and Oct.This is our like style.Plug in figures for your life style.

Budget $400 a month for dinning out,$200 for golf at a country club(3 or 4 times a month),$50 for drinks at the square happy hour(5 times a month),$500 for food and $600 for misc.TOTAL $1750
That is a grand total of $2500.Add in your car expenses,medical expenses, insurance and mortgage(if any).
If the patio villa is paid off and you have good health insurance a couple can live nicely in TV on a monthly income of $4,000.

In a few years, we hope to be full time in TV and plan to upsize to a 3 bedroom ranch or designer home.So we are interested in the monthly costs for a larger home.

[ValerieJo]

[QUOTE=quirky3;874309]If you buy in the historic section, the bond should already have been paid.

Check out the homes at this link:

Thank you. This was very helpful.

Thanks to everyone else for their input as well. We have started working with a Financial Planner so he seems to think we should be able to retire in a few years. It's the Medical that the issue.

If we can pay cash for a home and just have expenses, one of our SS checks should cover the monthly expenses (taxes, utilities, fees, etc). The other one's SS check and our 401K withdraws should be able to cover the 'Fun' stuff.

I'm thinking a part time job would be able to cover the medical insurance payment for a few years.

Of course it always looks good on paper. Am I way off base thinking that approximately $2700 - $3000 a month in income if the house was paid for enough (without healthcare costs)?

[SIRE1]

As someone who is also from Michigan, let me say that living down here sure beats the winter weather you have had !!!!!

In your original post, you questioned the difference between a Patio Villa and a Courtyard Villa. I suggest you look at The Villages web site TheVillages.com and click on the HOMES tab in the upper tool bar and then click on the MODEL HOME GALLERY HOMES & VILLAS tab. From there, you'll see models for both styles plus the floor plans.

To get an idea of what those houses cost, plus manufactured houses in the Historic side of The Villages (as many have suggested) click on the BECOME A VILLAGERS PRE-OWNED HOMES tab and then click on the SEARCH OUR QUALITY PRE-OWNED HOMES. You can see the villa homes by clicking on the VILLA SERIES tab. You can see the manufactured homes by clicking on the HOMES SERIES tab and then selecting MANUFACTURED HOMES.

An alternative to buying, if you are still undecided if retirement in The Villages is a possiblity, is to rent. You can rent by the month and try it out for yourself. There are several rental management companies that list homes for rent plus several that are listed here on TOTV. I began renting for serveral years when I could only stay 2 months a year. After doing quite a bit of research, I came to the conclusion that if you were going to stay in The Villages 3 months or less, then renting was the best option. Once I decided to stay at least 4 months or longer, the on going annual cost (e.g. taxes, insurance, lawn maintenance, etc) was less than the rent I would pay for that period.

Regardless, I hope you get a chance to try out our lifestyle and get out of Michigan for a while.

[teacher204]

I remembered reading your post awhile back, so when I saw this listing I thought of you. There is a nice 1 bedroom patio villa that just came on the market in the village of Alhambra. It's listed for $125,900.

[John_W]

My parents retired in 1983 in Timberpines, (http://www.timberpines.com/) it's a 55+ community about an hour away in Hernando County. They finished build out about the year 2000. It's a real gated community with a wall perimeter. They have 3 golf courses and you can drive your golf cart from your home to the course.

Outside the gate is US Hwy 19, you're about an hour north of Tampa or St. Petersburg. They have every type business right outside the gate on Hwy 19. Resale homes in the low 100's are common. It's like a small scale version of The Villages with clubs, recreation, facilities, etc.

http://www.timberpines.com/SiteDesign/SplashImages/splashImage_4.aspx

[Bogie Shooter]

Sometimes more information is provided than necessary..............................

[Arubagirl33]

Foreclosures? Be Careful! May not be directly in The Villages. 60% of The Village Homes are closed with Cash Deals. They could be homes within the vicinity of the Villages and without All of The Lifestyle benefits. A Realator and Preview Viist would help you A lot. We are not permanent residences yet and our home runs around $900 a month including a Bond and without a mortgage. Hope that helps! All the Best to you~