First Visit Impressions

[spd2918]

Hi all!

This is my first post. I am researching retirement communities with my wife. In 8 long years I will retire and my wife will keep working from her home office.

We visited last week and I'd like to share with you my (and my wife's) first impressions of your community:

Wow are your streets clean. We knew exactly when we were outside and inside "the bubble" due to the cleanliness. It is clear you and the management take great care in how the streets look.

I love the golf cars. I'm a kid at heart and love the idea of getting around in carts. I might need to learn how to golf.

The lot sizes seem a little small, and your money does not buy much house. We are looking to downsize, but we were a little surprised how far our money won't go. For a used $175K 1200 foot house we were expecting better surfaces and updates.

We ate in Sumter Square and found the restaurants were expensive for what we got. I know this is a planned community, but why can't there be more reasonably priced places to eat? It would be wonderful if there were non-chain restaurants. :icon_hungry:

Lisa and I were blown away by all the things to do! It is hard to imagine being bored with all the clubs and activities. This place completely fits our requirement for activity.

How do my impressions stack up with your reality?

Brad

[spring_chicken]

Your impressions are right where mine were. We bought early because prices were rising so fast, I didn't want to sell a 4200 square foot house and pay the same for a 2000 square foot house on a lot that was 1/10 of the size.
We bought pre-owned so we got more bang for the buck and it had already been updated with granite, tile throughout...
The restaurants around Sumter are for the most part overpriced (I came from the south, so am accustomed to lower cost of living). One exception is the Lighthouse. It is not a chain and that's about the only restaurant I go to Sumter for.
You are spot on about lots to do. Don't feel like you need to take up golf. I was a golfer before arriving. Within a month of getting here, I found myself on 4 softball teams, a volleyball team, participating in track and field, and having enough time to golf about once a month.
I also totally agree about clean. I've never been anywhere in my life where the streets and surroundings are kept so pristine.
All in all, don't sweat the house thing. You are buying the lifestyle. And it's well worth it.

[pbkmaine]

We spent many years in central and northern NJ, so the prices seemed reasonable to us. RE taxes are 1/4 of what we paid there. So I guess it's relative. Eating out compares well to NJ prices too. We ate out a great deal when we got here and are cooking at home more now. Our neighbors, many of whom have lived here for 15 years, tell us that's a typical pattern. There are wonderful farmers markets at Spanish Springs (Thursday) and Brownwood (Saturday). They will inspire you to cook at home. With all the activities, a small house on a small lot makes sense. Who has time to do house and garden work? I think the nicest thing about The Villages is not the activities, or the restaurants, or the clean streets. It's the people. There are a few curmudgeons. You will see them on these boards. But the vast majority of the people I have met here are super nice.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I'm from the Boston area and I thought that the home prices were very low.

As far as restaurants they seem about the same as where I'm from. The prices might be a little bit higher because the rents are higher inside the bubble, but part of what you're paying for is the convenience of being able to get to them in a golf cart.

[dbussone]

We've lived in numerous cities. Compared to LAS, BOS, ATL, CLT, FTL, TPA, and BNA, the home prices are lower. Compared to JAN they are slightly higher. Let's see - that's 7:1 in favor of the prices here being lower in my experience.

[redwitch]

I think you're pretty spot on. No question you can get more house for the buck elsewhere. Golf cart communities are a dime a dozen. But what you can't get anywhere else are the activities. There is no other community that comes close to our lifestyle. There are enough activities and clubs to keep you busy from sunrise to sundown if you so choose.

Restaurants here are more to socialize than places to dine. Golfers eat before or after their game at a restaurant. Book clubs meet and then go out to eat lunch. So, more chains to accommodate groups of diverse tastes and incomes. Summer prices are somewhat lower and there are always coupons. Some folks rarely eat out. Others rarely eat in. Most of us are somewhere in the middle.

TV ain't perfect, but it is truly a great place to live. Personally, I don't think you can lose moving here.

[ugotme]

Unless I missed it I am not sure where you are coming from.
I am originally from Long Island and the houses are (generally) $400K and up!
Taxes when we left there were about $10K/year and now about $13K.

Some posters claim that the taxes here are high. Obviously it all depends on where you came from.

Still, it is a wonderful place where you can be as active or inactive as you wish. It is clean and there are many restaurants to choose from. I will not attempt to discuss the quality as everyone has different tastes.

C'mon down!

[spd2918]

Thanks for all the replies. Home costs certainly are relative. I will most likely get $125K to $130K for my nice home in NW WI when I sell (hardwood floors, quartz counters, new windows, blah blah blah). I know I will have to pony up some more to get less house.

No worries. We wanted less space to heat and cool anyway. We were just surrised at the cheapo counters and plastic bathrooms. Once its paid for I will add what we want.

I don't plan to be inside much after I get used to the summer heat.

[mmorisi]

We settle tomorrow on our house and are in a similar situation about retirement...however my mom moved into TV about 3 years ago and the prices have steadily gone up! We were a bit hung up on the lack of yard as well but ad so many have pointed out with so much to do a yard is the last thing on your mind!! Hope to see you there one day! Can't wait to move our things in this weekend!!

[CFrance]

How did you know it's called the bubble?

[spd2918]

How did you know it's called the bubble?

I research. Too much.

[sunnyatlast]

Big houses on big lots with $600/mo. winter heating bills up north: been there, done that, gave away the snowblower and the pick and shovel and rock salt.

Here, it's not about the house or cosmetic things like "surfaces" (we don't have "plastic bathrooms"….ours are ceramic tile (original) in our courtyard villa). It's about being surrounded by people who are healthy, young at heart and who have done all kinds of big things they're not trying to impress anyone with now. They are here for us and everyone in the neighborhood in an instant. And we have a gazillion things to do in all these beautiful, clean town squares and recreation venues.

Maybe you should look at other places. Look at the places where people can gather in them.

[Suzi]

Thanks for all the replies. Home costs certainly are relative. I will most likely get $125K to $130K for my nice home in NW WI when I sell (hardwood floors, quartz counters, new windows, blah blah blah). I know I will have to pony up some more to get less house.

No worries. We wanted less space to heat and cool anyway. We were just surrised at the cheapo counters and plastic bathrooms. Once its paid for I will add what we want.

I don't plan to be inside much after I get used to the summer heat.


Moved here part-time 1.5 years ago from Michigan. When I returned this December to my hometown, I realized just how much "work" it is to live there. Certainly, the heating costs (for us its propane and wood heat) and then the daily shoveling. But I also realized how hard it is to go everywhere - through the snow. An example is grocery shopping, you have to put on the heavy coats, gloves, boots and drive in the mess to the store and when you get finished......push, push hard that cart full of groceries thru the snow to get to your car. Man, I really don't miss that. It's a hard life.
None of that kind of stuff here. Truly easy living. When posters write it is more about where you are living the life style rather than "the home", believe them. And it doesn't matter to me or others what kind of home you live in. If you are a nice person - then we want to be friends with you. Maybe its for walks, pot-lucks or cards....so much to choose from. Wisconsin is a beautiful state and I'm sure you have roots there but you will do the same here - TV. 100,000 people and counting and most of us will want to be friends with you.....its just paradise.

[spd2918]

If you read my original post you will see that I'm not complaining about TV; I like TV and will most likely end up there. I'm just offering my first impression opinions. The houses I am posting about are at the price point I can afford. That means compromises. No big deal.

For you former Northerns- How long did it take you to acclimate to the summers in FL?

[JerryLBell]

My wife and I have visited The Villages twice so far and are looking at it and other retirement communities in Florida for when we retire in a couple of years (and counting down the days!). The basic price of houses seem about in line with what we're seeing at other communities, as are the lot sizes. You get a bit less than of both for the money than what we have here in Cary, NC (outside of Raleigh), but I'm looking to downsize on the yard work anyway. Plus, I'm thinking of a house in The Villages almost like a cabin on a cruise ship. It doesn't need to be huge because you're never there anyway! We're leaning towards The Villages because of the huge number of activities available. We are definitely planning on being out of the house a LOT. That's very different than friends of ours who have built their huge, elaborate retirement home on a huge, wooded lot in the middle of nowhere. They want to be at home forever, endlessly enjoying their house, I guess. We want to be out, Out, OUT having fun, Fun, FUN!

As far a restaurant pricing, I guess it's all in what you're used to having around you. We ate at a handful of restaurants and found some to be a bit overpriced and some to be bargains, much like the variety of restaurants we have here.

We're still trying to figure out what other costs there might be to budge for that we might have overlooked. The Bonds (or CDCs or whatever) are a bit off-putting and the other monthly fees aren't cheap. But we know that infrastructure like that (all those golf courses, rec centers, pools, town squares, nightly music, etc.) doesn't come free.

We're also trying to figure out how much we'll need in "fun" money. We hope to travel more in our retirement. I want to take golf back up (and that ain't free, even on "free" courses!). We don't want to be "house poor" and not be able to socialize and entertain the way we want. So, we continue to work for now. However, if I were to win the lottery today, I'd be down there tomorrow. When we visited the first time the year before last, it was all I could do to make myself leave and go home! And that was just a "drop-in" visit, not a lifestyle preview visit!

[JerryLBell]

For you former Northerns- How long did it take you to acclimate to the summers in FL?
We moved from Michigan to North Carolina and it took me about a year or two to become accustomed to the summers here. When we move from NC to Florida, I'm expecting to adjust within a year.

[spd2918]

Plus, I'm thinking of a house in The Villages almost like a cabin on a cruise ship. It doesn't need to be huge because you're never there anyway!

That is a great way to put it!

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Love it or Hate it

[ffresh]

The only thing that I can add to the above posts, which are spot on, is that you are visiting at the busiest/most populous time of the year. During the "slower" times (other than Jan/Feb/Mar), restaurants consistently run specials (even the country clubs) but with so many rear ends competing for a limited number of seats, you won't find that at this time of year - and the lines are LONGER for just about everything ... that's not really a complaint, just a fact of life. We have a home here and love it but we're still snowbirds. You'll LOVE IT! And, as has been previously stated, you're buying a LIFE STYLE not just a home. It's possible but difficult to match this anywhere else!

FredF

[DigitalGranny]

My first impression of the Villages was that the people were friendly and happy --and that I would love it here! There is something here for almost everyone. We drove around until we found a neighborhood that felt like home. If you want more yard, buy on a golf course or a lake so your view is of space, but you don't have to mow it, or pay for it! Our house here is about 2/3 the size of our one in Ohio and cost about the same. It's older, no granite, and I don't care! We eat lunch out nearly every day and eat breakfast and dinner at home. Lunches are a great bargain here and the food is just as good as at dinnertime.
We love it and wouldn't want to be anywhere else when it's 18 degrees at home ( like it was when we left after New Years)!

[Packer Fan]

Thanks for all the replies. Home costs certainly are relative. I will most likely get $125K to $130K for my nice home in NW WI when I sell (hardwood floors, quartz counters, new windows, blah blah blah). I know I will have to pony up some more to get less house.

No worries. We wanted less space to heat and cool anyway. We were just surrised at the cheapo counters and plastic bathrooms. Once its paid for I will add what we want.

I don't plan to be inside much after I get used to the summer heat.

This explains a lot! Housing up North is very cheap (unless you are on a lake) because there is little demand. Unless you are a hunter or snowmobiler, there is not a lot to do up there either. We live in Milwaukee and found the villages prices to be very reasonable, especially for what you get. The taxes are very low compared to Wisconsin. As far as dining, I think it is very reasonable, especially in the country clubs. We went to Nancy Lopez and both had steak and wine and paid $50, that would have been double here in Milwaukee. Remember that the only thing that matters in real estate is location... and the villages is THE location. The one thing we found to be higher is prices in the surrounding area for furniture and furnishings - even Hobby Lobby prices were higher than up North.. I would suggest Walmart.com and Wayfair.com to help furnish your home to get around this.

[2BNTV]

My wife and I have visited The Villages twice so far and are looking at it and other retirement communities in Florida for when we retire in a couple of years (and counting down the days!). The basic price of houses seem about in line with what we're seeing at other communities, as are the lot sizes. You get a bit less than of both for the money than what we have here in Cary, NC (outside of Raleigh), but I'm looking to downsize on the yard work anyway. Plus, I'm thinking of a house in The Villages almost like a cabin on a cruise ship. It doesn't need to be huge because you're never there anyway! We're leaning towards The Villages because of the huge number of activities available. We are definitely planning on being out of the house a LOT. That's very different than friends of ours who have built their huge, elaborate retirement home on a huge, wooded lot in the middle of nowhere. They want to be at home forever, endlessly enjoying their house, I guess. We want to be out, Out, OUT having fun, Fun, FUN!

As far a restaurant pricing, I guess it's all in what you're used to having around you. We ate at a handful of restaurants and found some to be a bit overpriced and some to be bargains, much like the variety of restaurants we have here.

We're still trying to figure out what other costs there might be to budge for that we might have overlooked. The Bonds (or CDCs or whatever) are a bit off-putting and the other monthly fees aren't cheap. But we know that infrastructure like that (all those golf courses, rec centers, pools, town squares, nightly music, etc.) doesn't come free.

We're also trying to figure out how much we'll need in "fun" money. We hope to travel more in our retirement. I want to take golf back up (and that ain't free, even on "free" courses!). We don't want to be "house poor" and not be able to socialize and entertain the way we want. So, we continue to work for now. However, if I were to win the lottery today, I'd be down there tomorrow. When we visited the first time the year before last, it was all I could do to make myself leave and go home! And that was just a "drop-in" visit, not a lifestyle preview visit!

A very good, thoughtful, post! :BigApplause:

[sunnyatlast]

This explains a lot! Housing up North is very cheap (unless you are on a lake) because there is little demand. Unless you are a hunter or snowmobiler, there is not a lot to do up there either. We live in Milwaukee and found the villages prices to be very reasonable, especially for what you get. The taxes are very low compared to Wisconsin. As far as dining, I think it is very reasonable, especially in the country clubs. We went to Nancy Lopez and both had steak and wine and paid $50, that would have been double here in Milwaukee. Remember that the only thing that matters in real estate is location... and the villages is THE location. The one thing we found to be higher is prices in the surrounding area for furniture and furnishings - even Hobby Lobby prices were higher than up North.. I would suggest Walmart.com and Wayfair.com to help furnish your home to get around this.

Spot on!

[rubicon]

Hi all!

This is my first post. I am researching retirement communities with my wife. In 8 long years I will retire and my wife will keep working from her home office.

We visited last week and I'd like to share with you my (and my wife's) first impressions of your community:

Wow are your streets clean. We knew exactly when we were outside and inside "the bubble" due to the cleanliness. It is clear you and the management take great care in how the streets look.

I love the golf cars. I'm a kid at heart and love the idea of getting around in carts. I might need to learn how to golf.

The lot sizes seem a little small, and your money does not buy much house. We are looking to downsize, but we were a little surprised how far our money won't go. For a used $175K 1200 foot house we were expecting better surfaces and updates.

We ate in Sumter Square and found the restaurants were expensive for what we got. I know this is a planned community, but why can't there be more reasonably priced places to eat? It would be wonderful if there were non-chain restaurants. :icon_hungry:

Lisa and I were blown away by all the things to do! It is hard to imagine being bored with all the clubs and activities. This place completely fits our requirement for activity.

How do my impressions stack up with your reality?

Brad

SPD" I won't bore you with my story only to say that my first impression was the same as my second impression (Lifestyle visit).

I believe you assessment is accurate. How one perceives this community is in part based on where they have lived before and your personalities. You also should consider what life will be like for you and your spouse 5-10-15 years after you move here

I believe a person can be active just about anywhere. as to the golf cart travel, many like it. some like me were bored after about to weeks. I only use my golf cart for golf and in most instances I walk on the executive courses so often just take my car

Good luck with your decision

[tomwed]

Everything is clean and maintenance areas are hidden.
Rec Centers, Squares and neighborhoods to an extent have a theme, like Disney Resorts.
Separate checks are the norm.
Free exec golf that I can walk.
Golf Dress code is very forgiving.
Many clubs that I joined are $10 for the year.
For $55 a year I have access to a 8,000 sq ft woodshop.
Waterbirds that I photograph all the time.
I find it quiet and very safe.
The paths are perfect for biking.
I don't have a golf cart and don't want one. I have a smart car that I enjoy and lease.
Orlando Airport and pick up service is very convenient and safe.
All that Orlando has to offer is nearby.
Two great cruise ports are relatively close.
TOTV is good for advice, chatting, classifieds,
As I think of things, I may add more.

[dbussone]

Everything is clean and maintenance areas are hidden.
Rec Centers, Squares and neighborhoods to an extent have a theme, like Disney Resorts.
Separate checks are the norm.
Free exec golf that I can walk.
Golf Dress code is very forgiving.
Many clubs that I joined are $10 for the year.
For $55 a year I have access to a 8,000 sq ft woodshop.
Waterbirds that I photograph all the time.
I find it quiet and very safe.
The paths are perfect for biking.
I don't have a golf cart and don't want one. I have a smart car that I enjoy and lease.
Orlando Airport and pick up service is very convenient and safe.
As I think of things, I may add more.


Excellent start. I would add wonderful neighbors. Friendly staff in the rec centers, etc. Not enough time in the day to do all the activities that you might enjoy. Generally nice, intelligent people on TOTV who wish to be helpful.

And others will add more.

[bobbym]

check out this link it will help you a lot 50 Things to Think About Before Buying a Home in The Villages (http://www.thevillagesfloridabook.com/50-things/)

[JerryLBell]

Well, we recently spent another week in Florida checking out several active retirement communities. At the end, we were so convinced of The Villages that we called back to the realtor we'd talked to and started the process of buying one of the houses we had toured on an open house. It'll still be a coupe of years before we can retire and move there (we may have to find some renters in the meantime), but at least now we've got a house waiting for us when we're ready.

And we never did manage to try the "lifestyle preview visit"!

[CFrance]

Congratulations! And welcome. You won't be sorry.:pepper2:

[hulahips]

Hi Brad. Your first impressions were accurate. Our homes are cookie cutter, a bit high, and we have too many chain restaurants. On the other hand our clubs are fabulous, golf carts are fun to get around and most people love our lifestyle. My suggestion is visit again and possibly even rent to really get a really good feel for the villages. Keep posting here with your questions and good luck in your decision

[Mleeja]

Well, we recently spent another week in Florida checking out several active retirement communities. At the end, we were so convinced of The Villages that we called back to the realtor we'd talked to and started the process of buying one of the houses we had toured on an open house. It'll still be a coupe of years before we can retire and move there (we may have to find some renters in the meantime), but at least now we've got a house waiting for us when we're ready.

And we never did manage to try the "lifestyle preview visit"!

Jerry, this is exactly what we did. PM me if you would like to speak to someone about managing your property. The lady that handled ours was very good about finding good renters. Was less expensive that the reality companies.

[kcrazorbackfan]

We knew 20 minutes after we arrived, it was where we wanted to be. We had visited AZ. numerous times but got concerned with the water/drought situation out West. We bought a lot on a golf course in Bella Vista, AR about 5 years ago to build our retirement home, but came to the realization that there was nothing else to do besides play golf, and I mean NOTHING; sold the lot last month.

Our Seabreeze cottage we bought was about 1k sq. ft. and $12k less than our KC home. The yard in KC took 3 hrs. total to trim and mow; our yard in TV will take about 45 minutes. My wife retired 2/28 and we moved her and her Mom (who resides in Providence Independent Living) to TV the same day; after a 34 year career, my wife is like a totally new person with everything she has to do here and the super-friendly people she has become acquainted with; she is really relaxed. I really look forward to being there full time at the end of May.

Is TV perfect? No, but it's the closest to perfection to every place we've lived or visited. Out of 10, probably a 9.9.

[paulat585]

Hi all!

This is my first post. I am researching retirement communities with my wife. In 8 long years I will retire and my wife will keep working from her home office.

We visited last week and I'd like to share with you my (and my wife's) first impressions of your community:

Wow are your streets clean. We knew exactly when we were outside and inside "the bubble" due to the cleanliness. It is clear you and the management take great care in how the streets look.

I love the golf cars. I'm a kid at heart and love the idea of getting around in carts. I might need to learn how to golf.

The lot sizes seem a little small, and your money does not buy much house. We are looking to downsize, but we were a little surprised how far our money won't go. For a used $175K 1200 foot house we were expecting better surfaces and updates.

We ate in Sumter Square and found the restaurants were expensive for what we got. I know this is a planned community, but why can't there be more reasonably priced places to eat? It would be wonderful if there were non-chain restaurants. :icon_hungry:

Lisa and I were blown away by all the things to do! It is hard to imagine being bored with all the clubs and activities. This place completely fits our requirement for activity.

How do my impressions stack up with your reality?

Brad

I bought in March & agree with all you've pointed out. When I first thought about buying it was because of the activities, the weather (-25 where we are this winter!) and the ease of using a golf cart.

What I've realized after reading all these posts is the thing that matters most to me is the friendliness & positive outlook of almost everyone we've met in The Villages. To me, this is the most valuable thing we found. Certainly don't find that where we came from!

[graciegirl]

I bought in March & agree with all you've pointed out. When I first thought about buying it was because of the activities, the weather (-25 where we are this winter!) and the ease of using a golf cart.

What I've realized after reading all these posts is the thing that matters most to me is the friendliness & positive outlook of almost everyone we've met in The Villages. To me, this is the most valuable thing we found. Certainly don't find that where we came from!


Welsome to the forum Paula. I can tell already you will be happy here.

Hugs and kind wishes.

[2BNTV]

Hi all!

This is my first post. I am researching retirement communities with my wife. In 8 long years I will retire and my wife will keep working from her home office.
We visited last week and I'd like to share with you my (and my wife's) first impressions of your community:
Wow are your streets clean. We knew exactly when we were outside and inside "the bubble" due to the cleanliness. It is clear you and the management take great care in how the streets look.
I love the golf cars. I'm a kid at heart and love the idea of getting around in carts. I might need to learn how to golf.
The lot sizes seem a little small, and your money does not buy much house. We are looking to downsize, but we were a little surprised how far our money won't go. For a used $175K 1200 foot house we were expecting better surfaces and updates.
We ate in Sumter Square and found the restaurants were expensive for what we got. I know this is a planned community, but why can't there be more reasonably priced places to eat? It would be wonderful if there were non-chain restaurants. :icon_hungry:
Lisa and I were blown away by all the things to do! It is hard to imagine being bored with all the clubs and activities. This place completely fits our requirement for activity.
How do my impressions stack up with your reality?

Brad

Your impressions are spot on for the most part.
1. Call off your search as you will never find a retirement community better than TV. It's not perfect but darn close!!!
The myriad of activities and it's friendly people will help you to live longer.
2. It is kept pristine and you don't have to shovel sunshine!!!
3. Golf carts are a very nice way to get around this community with over 90/100 miles of golf cart trails!
4. You may get more house for your money with surrounding communities but you will not have the lifestyle, TV offers. You probably won't spend much time in your home anyway, if you want to be active!
5. Costs are reasonable for feeling like your living like a millionaire. It's all depends on what part of the country one comes from. Taxes are so much less than most places.
6. You won't have any or many gourmet dinning experiences but the food is acceptable and if one wants great food, one needs to cook at home to their own standards. Some places are more reasonable than others.
7. If one is bored in TV, it's their own fault as you won't find another place with as many activities as TV.

Keep in mind as you get older and prefer a really big house, you won't jump out of bed and say, "boy, I am looking forward to cleaning this big house again!!! I know I don't. :smiley:

[patfla06]

It must be hard when the housing costs you're coming from are lower
then here.

The Villages is everything people have posted. Clean, fun,
Tons of activities, and fairly safe.
There isn't another community that even comes close.

We were fortunate that we lived in Tampa before moving here
so it wasn't a big change. After 18 years I still don't like
Summer but I would NEVER move back north.

You won't have to have different seasonal clothing (no boots,
Heavy coats, gloves or SNOW!) You won't have high heating
bills.

The lifestyle in T.V. Is wonderful. You won't regret moving here.

[CFrance]

It must be hard when the housing costs you're coming from are lower
then here.

The Villages is everything people have posted. Clean, fun,
Tons of activities, and fairly safe.
There isn't another community that even comes close.

We were fortunate that we lived in Tampa before moving here
so it wasn't a big change. After 18 years I still don't like
Summer but I would NEVER move back north.

You won't have to have different seasonal clothing (no boots,
Heavy coats, gloves or SNOW!) You won't have high heating
bills.

The lifestyle in T.V. Is wonderful. You won't regret moving here.
I agree. And the amount of time you will have to spend indoors out of the heat is nothing compared to the amount of time you have to spend trying to stay warm up north. Our son says don't worry; if we become invalids, he will move down from Michigan to take care of us! So we're never going back.

[CathyandSteveG]

We have dear friends who have wintered in their home in the villages since 2004. We came down to look things over for ourselves in July 2013. It was everything they had described.

We are finally ready to take the plunge and will put our home on the market June 1. I confess...It is a bit disheartening that we will sell our 2700 sq. ft home on 10 acres in Missouri and spend every penny we get to purchase a 2000 sq. ft. home in the villages on a postage stamp sized yard. We understand that we will be purchasing a lifestyle...but i confess it seems a bit exuberant. It is what we want...so we will bite the bullet...and i guess that is what most people do since they sell 300 homes a month.

We hope the house sells quickly and we can be settled in the villages by the end of the year.

[CFrance]

I do know what you are feeling. We went from a three-story condo on Lake Michigan to having a wall behind us and a house in front of us.

But do know that if you end up not liking the lifestyle (which I doubt), you have made a non-risky investment that you will not lose money on if you decide to move on. You'll just have to pack again!

Good luck on the sale of your home. Don't forget to bury a statue of St. Joseph upside-down in your yard. Works like a charm.:coolsmiley:

[dbussone]

We have dear friends who have wintered in their home in the villages since 2004. We came down to look things over for ourselves in July 2013. It was everything they had described.

We are finally ready to take the plunge and will put our home on the market June 1. I confess...It is a bit disheartening that we will sell our 2700 sq. ft home on 10 acres in Missouri and spend every penny we get to purchase a 2000 sq. ft. home in the villages on a postage stamp sized yard. We understand that we will be purchasing a lifestyle...but i confess it seems a bit exuberant. It is what we want...so we will bite the bullet...and i guess that is what most people do since they sell 300 homes a month.

We hope the house sells quickly and we can be settled in the villages by the end of the year.


I hope your home sells very quickly. Don't feel uncomfortable about downsizing. Most of us have done that to be here. We downsized from more than 12 rooms to a designer home. We donated 5 rooms of furniture to a charity - and still came to TV with too much. You will love it here without all the "stuff" you've accumulated.

[CathyandSteveG]

we will certainly bury a St. Joseph! lol

I look around this house and think what am i going to do with all this? We have 12 10 rooms and a finished basement ...so i get a little overwhelmed thinking of all the things i have to give away.

I truly believe we will love it in TV...once we get this show on the road.

Thank you for your best wishes and keep your fingers crossed for us!