why would one buy a used house when you have so many new houses?

[village dreamer]

why would one buy a used house when you have so many new house ?? price, location???

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I think that you pretty much answered your own question. Right now if you want to buy a new house you're going to have to live way down near Brownwood. I'm not saying that's bad, but a lot of people would prefer to be more centrally located.

For some people it's the price. You can buy a very inexpensive manufactured home or ranch home in some areas. Maybe that's all they can afford.


You can also get more home for the money by buying a resale. Most people have a maximum amount they can afford when buying a home. It may come down to buying a smaller new home or a larger resale.

A newer resale has also been broken in. When you first move into a new home, there are usually a lot of little problems that arise and get taken care of buy the builder, contractor or developer. A home that's a year or two old has all of these problems worked out.

So there's at least three or four reasons. Maybe there are more, but I would guess that there are ore resales being done in The Villages than new homes sales. At some point, so they tell us, there will only be used home for sale here.

[Phanatic Luvr]

For several reasons. First, a lot of used homes have already had work done like landscaping, paint, upgrades, etc... where new homes, although you can pick what YOU like, you would need to pay additional to have such work done. Also, used homes have had some, if not all of their bond paid, which may be attractive to buyers. Location is another consideration. If one likes a specific area more than the newer sections, that can play a roll in buying. Most of your bigger stores, Kohl's, Sam's, Bed, Bath & Beyond, etc... are all at the northern end of TV's and very little is at the southern end. I also see in my every day travels, it appears the southern end is a bit of a younger crowd. Makes sense! Believe me, there is no lack of homes for sale in TV's, both new and pre-owned. But if you find one you like, you need to move rather quickly because it won't be available for long.

[TheVillageChicken]

I bought pre-owned because the new homes are mass produced using contractor grade materials. None of the ones we were shown did it for us. If I was going to tear out the kitchen and baths, which I did, I wasn't going to do it on a brand new home. I got a nice bargain in the North end of TV and completely remodeled to our specs.

[l2ridehd]

Location, bond lower or paid, attic stairs installed, landscaping done, location, other upgrades like driveway, garage floor, granite, pool, no construction and dust for the next two years, blinds, washer and dryer, natural gas available, and did I mention location.

Personally I would only buy pre-owned as for me they are a much better value.

[SIRE1]

One of the main reasons why we bought a "used" home is that the brand new neighbor hoods look so baren because of the lack of mature landscape and trees. The entire new neighborhoods look sterile when you compare them with those north of 466A. In the "older" neighborhoods the trees and landscaping are fully developed, and that makes the entire neighborhood much more attractive. Also, when you buy a "used" home, you know what your home and the neighbors homes are like. You can't get that perspective when you are the first on the block to move in. Yes, I REALLY like our "older" neighborhood.

[cmj1210]

On the flip side when u buy a new home you have a warranty for anything that goes wrong and everything is new & never lived in. We just had all our buffer landscaping replaced because it was flimsy by the landscaper under warranty.

[graciegirl]

One of the main reasons why we bought a "used" home is that the brand new neighbor hoods look so baren because of the lack of mature landscape and trees. The entire new neighborhoods look sterile when you compare them with those north of 466A. In the "older" neighborhoods the trees and landscaping are fully developed, and that makes the entire neighborhood much more attractive. Also, when you buy a "used" home, you know what your home and the neighbors homes are like. You can't get that perspective when you are the first on the block to move in. Yes, I REALLY like our "older" neighborhood.

As for barren landscape. Add water and wait three years. If you are new to Florida the way things grow will amaze you.

We G's bought two more new homes here. We have built more than a half dozen times before moving here. I like all the well, newness.

Another perk is that in a new area, everyone is new to the neighborhood and there is a lot of social activity and chances to meet new people. In the newer areas some businesses have not yet moved close, but give them time. The areas south of Lake Sumter Landing are all less than ten years old.

And..I think that the way our homes are built are excellent. We have all the new up to date windows that are supposed to sustain high winds and termite protection for ten years, or so I think I was told.:pepper2:

[Bonnevie]

I think there are advantages to both. I chose a resale because I wanted a bigger lot in my cyv. It seemed to me (and was confirmed by the realtor) that the newer lots were generally smaller. Also, with a new home one immediately usually has to buy ceiling fans, blinds, washer and dryer...all adds up. Mine had all those and upgraded refrigerator as well.
My location is about the geographical center of the Villages. I moved from a house that was 40 years old, so one that was only 6 years old was really new to me.

[Madelaine Amee]

If, and that is a huge IF, I moved again it would have to be to a pre-owned home because I intend to stay in the area immediately adjacent to Sumter Landing with easy access to 466. I lived through this area growing and I do not want to live through Brownwood growing.

[Barefoot]

Location, bond lower or paid, attic stairs installed, landscaping done, location, other upgrades like driveway, garage floor, granite, pool, no construction and dust for the next two years, blinds, washer and dryer, natural gas available, and did I mention location.
Personally I would only buy pre-owned as for me they are a much better value.

:agree: We would only buy pre-owned due to location and for all the above reasons.
As well as a lower premium for lots backing on golf courses.

[pbkmaine]

I think I saw the video tour of every house for sale in The Villages, both new and used, before we bought. We had a list of things we wanted - concrete block, a pool or the room for it, privacy in back, light or white kitchen. We wanted to be able to ride our bicycles to breakfast. In the end, although there was a new house we liked, we bought a used house in Santiago. We liked the Vera Cruz layout, no longer being built. We liked the neighborhood and location. We would have paid at least $100,000 more to get everything we wanted in a new house. Aside from that, I have always had a preference for "gently used" over new. I like things that have been worn in a bit. If there are any problems with a house, they will reveal themselves over 15 years. We have been very happy with our decision and love our neighbors.

[2BNTV]

Location, bond lower or paid, attic stairs installed, landscaping done, location, other upgrades like driveway, garage floor, granite, pool, no construction and dust for the next two years, blinds, washer and dryer, natural gas available, and did I mention location.

Personally I would only buy pre-owned as for me they are a much better value.

:agree:

Some people just like new and it will be priced accordingly. New homes will still need to adjusted to one's taste as they build spec homes. In the old days, one could meet with the design team and have input/choices as to what one preferred.

New or pre-owned. One can't go wrong. It is a matter of one's preference.

[Bonanza]

When we bought, we purchased a new house in the day when you could make your own selections.

In retrospect, we should have bought a re-sale, where you can get more bang for your buck even if you decide to make some renovations.

The bottom line, however, is that no way -- we ain't moving!

[asianthree]

Location, bond lower or paid, attic stairs installed, landscaping done, location, other upgrades like driveway, garage floor, granite, pool, no construction and dust for the next two years, blinds, washer and dryer, natural gas available, and did I mention location.

Personally I would only buy pre-owned as for me they are a much better value.

Yep what he said

[QueenBee1]

All of the above for Resale plus the taxes and bond amount is a lot lower on resale, also on CYV they are lower also.

[tedquick]

why would one buy a used house when you have so many new house ?? price, location???

Location!

[VolGuy]

Another concern is that many retirees plan for retirement but can face an unexpected health, medical or family issue that uses up their savings. You cannot purchase a new home in The Villages if you need to fall back on VA or FHA financing, thus your choices are limited to preowned.

[rubicon]

I believe a benefit for buying pre-owned is that the area is well settled and there are no surprises as to what is going to show up in your back yard or down the block. Also any fault design ought to have been worked out and corrected However, I would hire my own inspector to determine possible/hidden faults...an inspector who is very familiar with homes in TV . I would not buy a pre-owned home though without a warranty of the HVAC and water tank. and if the home was 10 years or older I would negotiate the appliances. I would not assume a bond. I would also check with my insurance carrier to determine if sink hole coverage could be purchased.

You do not have that kind of leverage when buying a new home here as the Properties of The Villages are very inflexible and those of us who bought in and around 2006 still feel the sting of it

[Vic&Judy]

A respectfully-cared-for pre-owned home, which has the bugs worked out, upgrades done, established neighbors and a good "feel" may be a better deal than a new edition.

Plus, It's already "house trained."

[RErmer]

We went for a pre-owned home because TV couldn't/wouldn't do the combinations of tile/countertops/appliances we wanted in a new home. Plus, we love the location, and the more mature landscaping. As a plus, the bond was paid.

[JackieandCharlie]

We bought a pre-owned home in The Village of Piedmont a year and a half ago. We ended up buying a bigger home than we set out looking for in beautiful lushly landscaped area, and virtually no bond. Oh, and we spent less money than we had planned, too. Lots of good reasons to buy pre-owned.

[llaran]

the new houses are all "spec" at this time, also electric - no gas, and the bond. the prices are higher, add to that, landscaping, major changes such as cabinets, flooring. Don't forget location!!!

[johnboy]

In a used home, there are loads of upgrades that are not in new homes. Everything from crown molding, tiled floors, window treatments, water softeners, landscaping, painted rooms, etc, etc.

[graciegirl]

In a used home, there are loads of upgrades that are not in new homes. Everything from crown molding, tiled floors, window treatments, water softeners, landscaping, painted rooms, etc, etc.

You are right...but they never seemed to be what I would pick.

[patfla06]

We bought a new spec house. The designer did a better job
then I could have done.
Yes the bond is high and we are South of 466A.

BUT the newer homes are built with the latest hurricane
"standards". You also don't have to replace older
appliances, carpet, etc.

I think the main reasons people buy resales is
location and price point.

I think anywhere in T.V. Is a good place to live!

[ssmith]

I expected to buy a used home. We looked at several and really I could have lived in any of them buuuttttt.....they were priced $30,000 more than my new home which is also quite a bit larger than the ones we were looking at.

I have always loved Hadley and thought we would end up there but am looking forward to closing next Wed on our new Lilac in Charlotte.

Can't wait to get there and get the boxes unpacked...which seem to be piling up high in this house up north!!!!

[pivo]

Probably the same reason some people will buy a used cars instead of new ones

[Barefoot]

Probably the same reason some people will buy a used cars instead of new ones

I don't think the "used car" comparison works with houses.
For us, the most important home feature was the location.
We wanted to live mid Villages.

[GoldenHurricane]

If you are concerned about buying a "used home" because of hurricanes, please note that the Florida state legislature implemented more stringent building codes after the 2004 hurricane season.
Henceforth, whatever house was built after 2006+ has the same structural building requirements as what is built now!

http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2014/5/25/life_for_floridians_.html

[Sandtrap328]

I believe a benefit for buying pre-owned is that the area is well settled and there are no surprises as to what is going to show up in your back yard or down the block. Also any fault design ought to have been worked out and corrected However, I would hire my own inspector to determine possible/hidden faults...an inspector who is very familiar with homes in TV . I would not buy a pre-owned home though without a warranty of the HVAC and water tank. and if the home was 10 years or older I would negotiate the appliances. I would not assume a bond. I would also check with my insurance carrier to determine if sink hole coverage could be purchased.

You do not have that kind of leverage when buying a new home here as the Properties of The Villages are very inflexible and those of us who bought in and around 2006 still feel the sting of it

Absolutely correct posting.

I would also add in that a resale home is negotiable in price! New homes do NOT have negotiable prices. If the seller is motivated, you can usually get several thousand dollars off the listing price.

[FoPAA]

Among all the other reasons mentioned, a gas range is important to many cooks - if you want gas you will have to buy a resale (and yes, we do have a lovely resale, with a gas stove, on the market, PM me for the link!)

[SoccerCoach]

Oh, so many reasons! Assuming you sold a previous home, why did somebody buy IT?

[patfla06]

Another reason we bought a new house is our model did not
exist until late 2012.
The Ivy was exactly what we wanted and why we ended up
with a new house.

[jimmer]

What is the amount of new designer home bond south of 466A these days?

[Sandtrap328]

What is the amount of new designer home bond south of 466A these days?


It is just about $25,000 to a smidgen over $50,000. That adds up to a lot of money on your property tax bill each year when you figure in the interest.

Pre-owned will be less bond or no bond at all.

The area south of 466A just does not feel as safe as it s near Wildwood. Choose something around Lake Sumter Landing like Caroline or Mallory Hill on the interior of The Villages for safety, beauty, and convenience - as well as lower bond.

[joldnol]

20 k on a cottage house

[graciegirl]

It is just about $25,000 to a smidgen over $50,000. That adds up to a lot of money on your property tax bill each year when you figure in the interest.

Pre-owned will be less bond or no bond at all.

The area south of 466A just does not feel as safe as it s near Wildwood. Choose something around Lake Sumter Landing like Caroline or Mallory Hill on the interior of The Villages for safety, beauty, and convenience - as well as lower bond.

A new designer home bond is about $25,000
A new premier home bond is about $50,000
A new patio villa bond is about $ 13,000
A new cottage is about $20,000

I think that is a misleading statement about lack of safety in the new villages. In new areas where construction is continuing there are more workers around but the subcontractors are not all skallywags. I don't think the fact that Wildwood and Fruitland Park are closeby has much bearing on safety. If a bad guy wants to come in here he can come in here anywhere all the way to Spanish Springs. If you think that Wildwood is the source of trouble, actually the last few burglars were from Bellview and the mugger was from Orlando, he and his girlfriend.

Newer areas have newer people and it is easier to get to know people sometimes.

And the bond is the cost of the infrastructure. It is absorbed into the cost of the home in other areas of this country. The bond hasn't disappeared on older homes. It is absorbed into the cost or the remainder still has to be paid.

I think that a new home is a wonderful thing and it carries a warranty that is immediately carried out on any issues. We have had two here. Newer homes have the new level of windows for strong winds and all new devices such as humidistats. People who buy new homes are just as happy as people who buy used homes.
We have satisfied friends in both catagories . No I don't work for the developer and I don't work for a realtor either.

P.S. Our three year old home is around Lake Sumter Landing and we love it.

[simpkinp]

I live in the central area, Mallory Square, and NOTHING is for sale longer than 3 weeks. Some move witchin this Village to larger/smaller homes just to stay in this area. Also, we have a wonderful neighborhood, as do most of us her in TV . We get attached to each other, hence the reluctance to leave our friends. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, so when I win the Lottery...

[Medtrans]

Well said Gracie. You made us see that whatever we choose it is the right choice for us and we are all in a wonderful place.

[Sandtrap328]

Well said Gracie. You made us see that whatever we choose it is the right choice for us and we are all in a wonderful place.

You undoubtedly will be happy in a new or resale home in any location in The Villages.

Do check out resales for the negotiation aspect, mature landscaping, established area, no construction, probably lower bond, built ins already in place, and away from the edges of The Villages. You want to know what might be built on that vacant non-Villages that abuts your property but no one knows at this time! Ask the people who now have a multistory nursing home close to their backyard.

There are large areas of real poverty close to Village property with nothing more than a 4 foot wood fence separating them. I would buy in the interior for safety feelings.

Once again, I recommend Mallory Hill and Caroline for beautiful homes, great location, and just a good place to be a frog.

[MoeVonB61]

We bought used / resale because we like the "cozy" feeling of the mature landscaping and prefer to be on the borders of Belleview and Summerfield rather than Leesburg and Wildwood. We were already living in Central Florida and were totally familiar with the Demographics.

[Steve & Deanna]

We purchased a pre-owned because of the location and because it was spotless and the bond was less too. We're happy up north and happy in The Villages. Best of both worlds as we've really lucked out on both. So far, so good. Happy, happy, happy.

[tekcormn]

I am coming there Nov 10 thru the 14th from Minnesota to look at properties to buy.
Where is the ideal location that is close to all the attractions and activities.
Also do Lakeside Landings residents have access to the Villages and the shops, restaurants, etc. Would appreciate any advice I can get. I will be staying at
the Waterfront Inn. I am 64 , male and single ! THANKS !!!

[tekcormn]

how do I find homes with low or no bond ?

[Laurie2]

how do I find homes with low or no bond ?


Generally speaking, the older the home, the lower the bond. There are exceptions because some pay their bonds in full early in ownership. If they do so, they usually expect to recoup that in the selling price, though that does not always happen.

I think I am correct in saying Lake County homes do not have a bond. Most TV homes are in Sumter County and some in Marion County. Get the $5.00 map at the sales office and get your bearings. That should help you a lot with locating where you want to be. You can also get a map from AAA.

Be sure to have an MLS agent in addition to a TV sales rep. They cannot sell each other's listings. Tell each agent exactly what you want. I did. The MLS agent found it for us.