Recent Lifestyle Visit

[banjo5]

We visited TV recently (last week) on our 2nd Lifestyle Visit. While we were generally pleased, there are things which we were less pleased with.
This time we stayed in a beautiful 3 bedroom villa in Creekside Villas.
The unit was great but we actually preferred the 2 bedroom patio villa where we stayed two years ago. In Creekside, we felt isolated from the general population. Everyone around us was there on the LS program so we couldn't routinely mingle with residents, as we enjoyed doing when we stayed in Bonneybrook. Nothing wrong with the place but being friendly folks, we really enjoyed the neighborhood feeling in a regular neigborhood.
The meal plan was definitely different. Two years ago we had a choice of 6 lunches or dinners with no spending limit. This time it was a choice of 4 with a different limit at each place, with a high of $50.00 per person at Arnold Palmer, $40.00 at Cane, $20.00 at the Lighthouse and $12.00 at the Veranda. Certainly plenty for a meal but the limit was there nonetheless.
The LS visit this time came with a golf cart and two bikes. The golf cart was ok, I guess, but boy was it slow. I pulled aside every little ways to let the locals pass. I realize they have governors for a reason but they sure are slow, slow, slow. The bikes we didn't use at all. The appeared brand new so they were either just added to the villa or the previous visitors didn't use them either.
The price was $900 for 6 nights this time as opposed to $600 for the same length stay two years ago. I guess if you consider inflation and the inclusion of a golf cart, the price was still good. It would have been better if we didn't have to consider the restaurant limit and it would have certainly been more enjoyable in a regular neighborhood. The Creekside Villas just seemed sterile and isolated for some reason.
We did mingle with the residents at the squares and stores and were impressed with the friendliness of the TV folks. So impressed were we that we put a deposit on a lot in St. Charles and will be joining you in TV later this year.
Now comes the hard part of the gazillion decisions which must be made in the near future. The good part of all this is that I've probably used my snow blower and snow shovel for the last time!!!!!!

[Russ_Boston]

All the more reasons why I'm renting from a private renter this time instead of doing the Lifestyle visit.

[Carla B]

Happy you will be joining us. We did a "Self-Guided Tour".We didn't come here based on a Lifestyle Visit. Didn't know anything about Lifestyle Visits (until joining this forum) or this place, for that matter, and our salesperson didn't enlighten us. We just drove here, ate at the Golden Corral, loved the "neatness" of TV, rented a villa from a private party, and bought a lot. We were startled at how fast the house would be built and the closing date, when we had to come up with the money. Guess we're not too analytical. But, several months later, things have worked out and we love it. Bet you will too if you move here.

[rshoffer]

We visited TV recently (last week) on our 2nd Lifestyle Visit. While we were generally pleased, there are things which we were less pleased with.
This time we stayed in a beautiful 3 bedroom villa in Creekside Villas.
The unit was great but we actually preferred the 2 bedroom patio villa where we stayed two years ago. In Creekside, we felt isolated from the general population. Everyone around us was there on the LS program so we couldn't routinely mingle with residents, as we enjoyed doing when we stayed in Bonneybrook. Nothing wrong with the place but being friendly folks, we really enjoyed the neighborhood feeling in a regular neigborhood.
The meal plan was definitely different. Two years ago we had a choice of 6 lunches or dinners with no spending limit. This time it was a choice of 4 with a different limit at each place, with a high of $50.00 per person at Arnold Palmer, $40.00 at Cane, $20.00 at the Lighthouse and $12.00 at the Veranda. Certainly plenty for a meal but the limit was there nonetheless.
The LS visit this time came with a golf cart and two bikes. The golf cart was ok, I guess, but boy was it slow. I pulled aside every little ways to let the locals pass. I realize they have governors for a reason but they sure are slow, slow, slow. The bikes we didn't use at all. The appeared brand new so they were either just added to the villa or the previous visitors didn't use them either.
The price was $900 for 6 nights this time as opposed to $600 for the same length stay two years ago. I guess if you consider inflation and the inclusion of a golf cart, the price was still good. It would have been better if we didn't have to consider the restaurant limit and it would have certainly been more enjoyable in a regular neighborhood. The Creekside Villas just seemed sterile and isolated for some reason.
We did mingle with the residents at the squares and stores and were impressed with the friendliness of the TV folks. So impressed were we that we put a deposit on a lot in St. Charles and will be joining you in TV later this year.
Now comes the hard part of the gazillion decisions which must be made in the near future. The good part of all this is that I've probably used my snow blower and snow shovel for the last time!!!!!!From outside the preimeter as well, I always felt Creekside had a crowded, sterile "cheap" look to it... interesting to here a Lifestyler see it the same way.

[Irish Rover]

We too did the Lifestyle Preview for the second time. The first was back in 2002 and the most recent was March 7 - March 14. The accommodations (designer home) were great and the meal package was OK. I guess they did away with the funny money that we used to get. I agree that the cart was incredibly slow or all TV people have goosed theirs up. This was our seventh visit to TV. We usually rent Jan/Feb each year but decided on just the preview this year. The biggest change that I saw was the number of people every where. Carts, carts, carts everywhere and at all hours of the day and night. I do think Cane garden is by far the best place to eat now and I would pass on Palmer. The Bananas Foster (Palmer) that I heard so much about came out like rock candy and the steaks were just average at best. Might have been a bad night. We had a great time golfing and meeting a new set of people. I do think I'll stick with Jan/Feb from now on - March just seems to be too crowded. I have my patio villa already rented in Santiago for 2010 and I'm ready to come back. By the way, El Santiago restaurant was also very good but we are partial to it. We still love TV and hope everyone has a great year.
Irish:coolsmiley:

[Army Guy]

ok, maybe I am missing something here. We thought that LSVs were for interest in buying, and not vacations or could be used multiple times? On our first visit in Feb all TV rooms were booked, which was actually good since we found a rate at a local hotel, 1/2 of TV rate with my AARP Card. Didn't care about meals, wheels or deals. Just wanted to know was TV the place for our retirement, and talk with an agent. Which we did, especially when we saw TV was definitely for us and would be our next full-time home. In May when we come we are using the LSV to meet again with our Rep and see what CYVs are available for purchase, as me and the wife will not buy one without totally checking it out first. We are suing the LSV this time cause it was cheaper then the hotels this time of year.
Don't understand some that have been many times. To me it seems like why buy the cow if the milk is free? Or, to put in my terminology in the Army, Either lead, follow, or get the h@11 out of the way! Now don't come down on me, JMHO.

Army Guy

[Dirigo]

We visited TV recently (last week) on our 2nd Lifestyle Visit. While we were generally pleased, there are things which we were less pleased with.
This time we stayed in a beautiful 3 bedroom villa in Creekside Villas.
The unit was great but we actually preferred the 2 bedroom patio villa where we stayed two years ago. In Creekside, we felt isolated from the general population. Everyone around us was there on the LS program so we couldn't routinely mingle with residents, as we enjoyed doing when we stayed in Bonneybrook. Nothing wrong with the place but being friendly folks, we really enjoyed the neighborhood feeling in a regular neigborhood.
The meal plan was definitely different. Two years ago we had a choice of 6 lunches or dinners with no spending limit. This time it was a choice of 4 with a different limit at each place, with a high of $50.00 per person at Arnold Palmer, $40.00 at Cane, $20.00 at the Lighthouse and $12.00 at the Veranda. Certainly plenty for a meal but the limit was there nonetheless.
The LS visit this time came with a golf cart and two bikes. The golf cart was ok, I guess, but boy was it slow. I pulled aside every little ways to let the locals pass. I realize they have governors for a reason but they sure are slow, slow, slow. The bikes we didn't use at all. The appeared brand new so they were either just added to the villa or the previous visitors didn't use them either.
The price was $900 for 6 nights this time as opposed to $600 for the same length stay two years ago. I guess if you consider inflation and the inclusion of a golf cart, the price was still good. It would have been better if we didn't have to consider the restaurant limit and it would have certainly been more enjoyable in a regular neighborhood. The Creekside Villas just seemed sterile and isolated for some reason.
We did mingle with the residents at the squares and stores and were impressed with the friendliness of the TV folks. So impressed were we that we put a deposit on a lot in St. Charles and will be joining you in TV later this year.
Now comes the hard part of the gazillion decisions which must be made in the near future. The good part of all this is that I've probably used my snow blower and snow shovel for the last time!!!!!!

We stayed at Creekside also on our LSP a month ago. Don't get me wrong, the place was very nice, but I would rather have stayed in a regular neighborhood. I don't know how the rest of the regualr neighborhood feels about having LSP folks coming and going however.

Our unit was so new the bikes hadn't been delivered yet. The cart was fine (Yamaha gas), but I now know I'll want an electric cart.

The restaurant choices were good also, but I would rather have made my own choices. Cane was the best food, service, and atrmosphere, by far. If you ask, the servers will put both meals on one ticket, you just have to pay any extra over the set amount. That way you get more meals on your LSP.

Everyone we met was very nice and helpful. Everything was clean and well kept. We met some wonderful TOTV'ers that welcomed us and told us their stories and shared information.

No complaints here, great trip. Next time we will rent and mingle more.

Three years and counting "If the Good Lord is willing and the creek don't rise".

I never want to see snow and ice again!

Dirigo

[Dirigo]

All the more reasons why I'm renting from a private renter this time instead of doing the Lifestyle visit.

I agree with you Russ. Us, too, next time.

Dirigo

[Hump55]

We stayed for 6 nights in early March. The one other thing we would have liked is internet service, either wired or wireless. Strange in these times that would not be there.

Otherwise we had a blast and really enjoyed our stay.

[banjo5]

At one time they told you you could only do the Lifestyle visit once. I think TV now views it as a moneymaker, thus the increased prices and decreased perks. I don't know if there's a limit or not now.
The official reason for the Lifestyle visit is obvious in it's name. To experience The Villages lifestyle. Call it a vacation or a sales visit, I don't think it matters. The idea is to get you to TV in hopes that you buy.

[livsea2]

Thanks for the review. We are coming down for our second LSV in April. We last visited in September. The big market dive started while we were there and scared us off! LOL One question to anyone on a recent LSV at Creekside. Are all the new lifestyle units designer homes? If so what style? We are coming with another couple and were curious as to the living arrangements. Thanks again.

[banjo5]

We were in a three bedroom Cumberland courtyard villa. Very nice place.
I agree with a couple of other posters that Cane is the best place for dinner. We had good food and excellent service. The wait was about 25 minutes but it was worth it.
Arnold Palmer, on the other hand was a disappointment. The service was lousy, I'm still waiting for my promised tea refill. We got the feeling that we were a major inconvenience to the wait staff.
The food was barely mediocre. Steaks were supermarket quality, nothing more.
I spoke with a manager who apoligized and said he'd look into it.
Funny but last time we were in TV, Palmer was our favorite place. They went from number one on our list to last. No wonder there was no wait to eat dinner here.
Lighthouse and the Veranda were both very good. We really liked them both.

[banjo5]

We stayed in a Cumberland courtyard villa. Very nice 3 bedroom unit. Very roomy and well laid out. Nicely furnished.

[katezbox]

My husband and I visited on Lifestyles over Thanksgiving. Our friends in TV (who have been here for about 2 years) had let us know in advance that the "deals" they got on their Lifestyles visit had changed. We stayed in a CYV (this was just before TV switched over to the Creekside area) and did not get bikes or golf cart. We rented a cart because we thought that would also be the best way to see TV as a Villager.

We also loved being in a neighborhood - and by renting a villa we got an idea how that would work for us vs. our friends' designer. Eventually bought a Bridgeport in Bonita due to kitchen lust, pure and simple.

Our friends said that one of the reasons the perks have decreased is that they were greatly misused. They told us that every restaurant encouraged them to order appetizers, salads, entrees and multiple desserts - and encouraged them to carry out what they didn't eat. Of course this ensured that the wait staff received larger tips - but inevitably food went to waste.

The best thing about Lifestyles for was staying in the Villa - now that you don't stay in a neighborhood anymore, I'm not sure it is as effective - other than for those who visit without doing their homework here or elsewhere.

k

[Dirigo]

Thanks for the review. We are coming down for our second LSV in April. We last visited in September. The big market dive started while we were there and scared us off! LOL One question to anyone on a recent LSV at Creekside. Are all the new lifestyle units designer homes? If so what style? We are coming with another couple and were curious as to the living arrangements. Thanks again.

The unit we had was a CYV.

[banjo5]

My husband and I visited on Lifestyles over Thanksgiving. Our friends in TV (who have been here for about 2 years) had let us know in advance that the "deals" they got on their Lifestyles visit had changed. We stayed in a CYV (this was just before TV switched over to the Creekside area) and did not get bikes or golf cart. We rented a cart because we thought that would also be the best way to see TV as a Villager.

We also loved being in a neighborhood - and by renting a villa we got an idea how that would work for us vs. our friends' designer. Eventually bought a Bridgeport in Bonita due to kitchen lust, pure and simple.

Our friends said that one of the reasons the perks have decreased is that they were greatly misused. They told us that every restaurant encouraged them to order appetizers, salads, entrees and multiple desserts - and encouraged them to carry out what they didn't eat. Of course this ensured that the wait staff received larger tips - but inevitably food went to waste.

The best thing about Lifestyles for was staying in the Villa - now that you don't stay in a neighborhood anymore, I'm not sure it is as effective - other than for those who visit without doing their homework here or elsewhere.

k
There were misuses under the previous LS plan for sure. When we dined at
Arnold Palmer, the waiter pushed the Kobe steak with a lobster tail. He even stated that the tails were on the small side so we might want to order two tails. Same thing at Katie Belles. In both instances we declined. We preferred to eat what we normally ate.
You were limited to an appetizer, a main course and a dessert for each person. There was no limit, however, to the price of each course. Seemed like a classy way to do business.
When I take business clients to dinner, I wouldn't ever consider giving them a dollar limit. I trust that they will use good judgement in their choices. In most cased they do. Isn't that what the LS program is? A series of business meetings? You being the customer being wooed.
You can agree with me if you want, don't care if you don't.

[katezbox]

Actually, I do agree with you. But, as the headlines testify daily, greed and misuse are rampant. I can see why limits are imposed. When we take clients to dinner, we sit with them at the table. In Lifestyles, there is no one to "check" greedy behavior. Other than NFL platers and Olympic athletes, no one needs kobe beef, twe lobster tails, plus appetizer and dessert just because it is "free."

[collie1228]

It's strange how different our experiences can be. We were there in July, and maybe visiting during the off season made our visit more enjoyable. We stayed in one of the Cottages at Lake Sumter Landing, and virtually everything was outstanding. And the cost in July was only $90 per night. Maybe if I paid $900 for six nights I might have had a different opinion. But for less than $500 (5 nights), the home was beautiful, the complimentary new Yamaha gas cart was plenty fast (but admittedly the residents did, generally, go a couple of MPH faster than us). Having the gas cart also convinced me that I would buy electric. We had free wireless internet service at the cottage, which was great too. We loved the bicycles, which appeared to be brand new. We didn't mind the limits on the "free" meals, as it never crimped our style at all. We liked Cane Garden the best, for the same reasons others have expressed - good food, great service and a nice room. After dinner, the waiter asked us to take a serving of cheesecake home, as its value made the bill come up to the limit. Lunch at Palmer after eighteen holes was really nice too. And dinner at Cattle Baron was really special, as they offered a full course dinner or either prime rib, steak or lobster for the full value on the card. No extra charges (except for alcohol, of course). I really can't think of much that I could complain about - the service at the Lighthouse was abysmal and we had a thunderstorm most afternoons. That's about it. All-in-all we had a very nice time, and I recommend it to all my friends. And apparently it worked, as we plan to buy in TV when I retire, which will probably be in three years, now that the 401(k) is in critical but stable condition.

[banjo5]

Actually, I do agree with you. But, as the headlines testify daily, greed and misuse are rampant. I can see why limits are imposed. When we take clients to dinner, we sit with them at the table. In Lifestyles, there is no one to "check" greedy behavior. Other than NFL platers and Olympic athletes, no one needs kobe beef, twe lobster tails, plus appetizer and dessert just because it is "free."

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough with my description of a business dinner. In New York City, more often than not I pay for the hotel, cab and meals at the hotel. I pay for the actual breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings where business is actually discussed. In most cases it is. None of us like being away from our family and comfort zone.
Having said that, I have no interest in checking everyone's dinner check. Some people are greedy, those people never get invited back to do business with us.
Some people are special, generous, giving, intelligent, forgiving, pretty much perfect!
Those people become Villagers!!!!!

[katezbox]

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough with my description of a business dinner. In New York City, more often than not I pay for the hotel, cab and meals at the hotel. I pay for the actual breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings where business is actually discussed. In most cases it is. None of us like being away from our family and comfort zone.
Having said that, I have no interest in checking everyone's dinner check. Some people are greedy, those people never get invited back to do business with us.
Some people are special, generous, giving, intelligent, forgiving, pretty much perfect!
Those people become Villagers!!!!!

Hi Banjo,

I totally agree. As some one on the road a lot, I love it when someone goes the extra mile to make me feel welcomed and taken care of. It was especially true in some of the out of the way places I traveled for business.

Part of me will always reflect my parents' values they learned in the Depression - I hate to see waste - whether it be someone who leaves half a drink at a wedding because the bar is "open" or those who order way more than they need because it is "free."

I don't know if I can live up to your description of a Villager - but I want to have a good time trying!:pepper2:

[Army Guy]

The problem I see, and that I hinted about in my first post in this thread is that I think the entire LSV program might be misused. It seems to us, that folks are using them more for vacations, and using TV as a resort. I view the LSV as both Katexbox & banjo have said, "a business trip", to see if you want to purchase and live in the TV. I guess that is where I have my problem with it. To me, I would put a 3 visit max limit on it. Why 3? First time to check it out, next two to look and buy.
That is why, even though we both golf, I will not golf while at TV till we buy. The intent of my visits are business of buying. Guess my years of ethics in the Army will not allow me to take advantage of anything like that.

Army Guy

[spk7951]

There were misuses under the previous LS plan for sure. When we dined at
Arnold Palmer, the waiter pushed the Kobe steak with a lobster tail. He even stated that the tails were on the small side so we might want to order two tails. Same thing at Katie Belles. In both instances we declined. We preferred to eat what we normally ate.
You were limited to an appetizer, a main course and a dessert for each person. There was no limit, however, to the price of each course. Seemed like a classy way to do business.
When I take business clients to dinner, I wouldn't ever consider giving them a dollar limit. I trust that they will use good judgement in their choices. In most cased they do. Isn't that what the LS program is? A series of business meetings? You being the customer being wooed.
You can agree with me if you want, don't care if you don't.


I agree with your comparison but I think you also need to take it a step further. The LSV program probably handles thousands if not tens of thousands of visits per year. If there was abuse then I could certainly understand a business decision to make changes based on the volume that is generated by the LSV program.

[Russ_Boston]

Guess my years of ethics in the Army will not allow me to take advantage of anything like that.

I think you are using the word 'advantage' too literally here. The INTENT is for you to enjoy everything that TV has to offer (including golf and food and recreation etc.). I don't think that anyone who takes a lifestyle visit is taking 'advantage' of anyone. If TV management found it to not be in their best interests they would police it themselves. In fact they used to do that. It used to be one visit only but then they started to relax the rules (but also took away some of the perks). You know how marketing works, when you have something great you just need to expose people to it and they will eventually buy!

PS> I chose to take arrange my second visit (this May) myself for many reasons.

Russ

[Army Guy]

Russ, I agree with you. Maybe I used to strong of a word. The intent was that the LSV should be used as just a vacation turning TV into a destination vs a place to tour and possibly live. And I do agree also, marketing is definitely their motive!

Army Guy

[susieq31]

The real problem with the Creekside/Lake Sumter Landing Lifestyle Visits is that you do not get a good picture of the neighborhoods or (usually) the house you would eventually live in. When we came for our 2nd LSV, we told the realtor that we would only stay in a neighborhood, in the type of house we were thinking of buying. That way, we could tell whether the home was too small (or large) etc. for our needs. Our agent was wonderful and set us up in a home in the neighborhood where we now live (Hemingway).

Not sure what's going on with the meal plan. I know you're probably trying to save $$$ but try venturing outside of the LSV choices. Ask the locals what they recommend. There are many, many good-to-great restaurants here.

It's my understanding that the rental carts are calibrated to the 19.2 mph speed limit, while owned carts (and especially the street-legal low-speed vehicles, or LSVs) may not be. Being able to go faster is a mixed blessing-if you're ticketed over the speed limit the ticket is pretty costly.

Yes, the Lifestyle Visits program is supposed to lead to sales but if the sales staff does not follow up aggressively, I'm not sure whether that will ever change. Maybe the abuses are what led to the cutbacks?

[Russ_Boston]

It's my understanding that the rental carts are calibrated to the 19.2 mph speed limit,

The cart I rented from The Villages Cart store didn't go anywhere near 19.2. I was being passed by runners:laugh:

[spk7951]

The cart I rented from The Villages Cart store didn't go anywhere near 19.2. I was being passed by runners:laugh:

Friends of ours rented from The Villages cart store recently and complained to them about the speed. They were told that those carts are restricted to go no more than 12 mph.

[SteveFromNY]

Friends of ours rented from The Villages cart store recently and complained to them about the speed. They were told that those carts are restricted to go no more than 12 mph.

I was told this restriction (which I heard was 13 MPH - but hey, whats' the difference?) is due to insurance regulations.

"Regular" carts are not supposed to exceed 20 (or is it 19.5 MPH). If they do, they can be ticketed for speeding. And if they've been modified to go faster (and aren't street legal), insurance and warranties are null and void (or so says my insurance policy and my owner warranty info).

The 4 seaters TV rents are faster than 13 MPH (or at least that's been my experience).

[Irish Rover]

Livsea2 - you do have a choice of residence that you will be staying in. The price for each option is different and availability will determine where you stay. The designer home would be great if you are coming with another couple because of the way it is set up. Lots of room and privacy for each couple. There are PV, CYV and designers with designers at the higher rate. If you are a golfer and golf is part of the reason you might move to TV, then by all means golf. It will be a big part of your life at TV so you should see how the courses are set up and how the system works.
I don't know where Armyguy is coming from with the ethics thing because "NO ONE" takes advantage of TV. Enjoy everything they offer because it's a great package and you will see that a lot of thought has been put into it. You will also meet some really nice people while you are there.
Irish

[Army Guy]

Irish, the point I was making was, that I have read some posts on here from folks that have taken 6-10 LSVs. As I stated in my first post in this topic, IMHO, LSVs are to come see if you are a perspective buyer in TV. I can see 1-3 visits. First to see it, the next two to search for your residence and buy it. Anything more, to me IMHO, you are using it as a vacation destination resort, that too me, again, JIMHO, is "using" the system. If you rent a home from a TV resident to use, fine. But to me LSVs are for people who are interested in buying at TV.
My intent was not to offend anyone, just state my HO.

Army Guy

[dillywho]

I was told this restriction (which I heard was 13 MPH - but hey, whats' the difference?) is due to insurance regulations.

"Regular" carts are not supposed to exceed 20 (or is it 19.5 MPH). If they do, they can be ticketed for speeding. And if they've been modified to go faster (and aren't street legal), insurance and warranties are null and void (or so says my insurance policy and my owner warranty info).

The 4 seaters TV rents are faster than 13 MPH (or at least that's been my experience).

At one of the safety clinics we attended, the police chief said, "If your cart is involved in an accident, the first thing we will do is check the speed. If your cart has been modified to go over 20 mph, you're mine." When Lt. Wolfe of the Sumter Co. SO spoke at one of our neighborhood meetings, he said that not only would you get a ticket for speeding, you would have to appear in Bushnell before the judge (not just pay your fine) and explain to him why you were operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

[SteveFromNY]

At one of the safety clinics we attended, the police chief said, "If your cart is involved in an accident, the first thing we will do is check the speed. If your cart has been modified to go over 20 mph, you're mine." When Lt. Wolfe of the Sumter Co. SO spoke at one of our neighborhood meetings, he said that not only would you get a ticket for speeding, you would have to appear in Bushnell before the judge (not just pay your fine) and explain to him why you were operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

Yet another reason to leave the governor alone! I thought about modifying it, and then read the warranty booklet and heard about speeding tickets. And realized that if I need to go faster I'll take my car.

[Dirigo]

Yet another reason to leave the governor alone! I thought about modifying it, and then read the warranty booklet and heard about speeding tickets. And realized that if I need to go faster I'll take my car.

I agree with Steve. Its a GOLF CART, not a street rod. If you live in TV you are probably either on vacation or retired...what's the rush? Just because some other modified (read "illegal") carts zip by yours doesn't mean souping up your cart is the smart thing to do.

On our LSP, Villagers told us of some very large fines for improper use of golf carts. Not to mention the liability issues if you are driving a golf cart that can travel at over the legal cart speed limit. You worked hard all you life to get here, don't put everything at risk just to go faster in a golf cart.

Besides, you're in a flimsy vehicle moving at, hopefully, not more than 19mph. If you are involved in an accident, the damage to your body at that speed could be severe enough to disable you for the rest of your life.

If I was in a hurry, or had a long distance to travel, I would certainly take my car.

Dirigo

[Boomer]

I do not pretend to know how many visits it would take to sell an individual on TV. 'Individual' is the operative word here. We have not done the Lifestyle yet. We rented for a month in the fall of 2007. I could feel then that the times they were a changin'.

TV sales reps were just coming down off the hot, hot market when people were lining up to throw checks at them. Being in the market for a second home, not a primary residence, made it so much easier for us to wait and see. We started with a month rental in order to spend enough time to get a feel for things.

As we got into the process of getting the lay of the land, I had more and more questions. Property taxes and contract contingencies and inspections and, of course, the bond were all so different from what I had been used to through the buying and selling of several houses in Ohio.

This kind of investment is not something to take lightly and so I asked lots and lots of questions on the first go-round. (And some day I may tell you the rest of that story here, about how I know I ticked our TV sales rep off by asking all those questions.) Anyway, I asked them nicely. It was not a drill and grill. But I really needed to understand all the stuff that was so new to me. Not necessarily bad. Just new. Well, we left without buying. As we left a model home on the last day, a sales rep on duty there called out, "You will be so sorry if you do not buy right now." Why yes, that parting shot set really well with me. Uh huh. I wanted to tell her that the boatload of Boomers they were expecting might be delayed somewhat. That was in 2007.

The point of all this (other than the fact that I am typing here because I am procrastinating on tax stuff still, working at it in spurts and looking for distraction) is that to buy or not to buy is a different timeline for everybody. And TV will respond to the changes in the market by doing whatever. The cost of doing business will always reveal itself and morph and maybe even evolve.

But the other thing I want to throw in here is that we surely all know daggone good and well that there are those who take advantage of everything and everybody if they can. People who think they can say whatever they want to say, treat others rudely if they feel like it, be nasty to those they consider to be "servile," and just generally barge through life in entitlement mode.

And I would lay good money that there were Lifestylers who, when there were no limits on those meals, were wolfing down lobster tail after lobster tail, even if it meant a visit to the vomitorium afterward. And just behaving badly in general because hey it was free. Entitlement mode. Sticking it to somebody. Whatever. Some people just have no manners. Some people are just nasty people down deep in their hearts. It's just the way it is. And those people sometimes ruin things for others. And although most people would not turn into wolfer-downers of lobster tails and Kobe after Kobe, there were some who did. I'm sure. They did until the cost of doing business had to kick in. Had to adjust. Better than passing the cost of the pigs on to the nice people, more than it already is.

Gee, are there any other examples out there in our country today of those who operate in entitlement mode or those for whom it is never enough.

And now, for me, back to my whole approach/avoidance issue with these stupid tax things I am supposed to be getting together.

Boomer the Grouchy

[graciegirl]

Houses are still selling here, maybe not as fast and they were and they are still building here a lot. People are gonna be people and take advantage, but most of the people I have met here in TV are grown ups with kind hearts and giving attitudes.

I wish Boomer would return and try it again.

[Boomer]

Houses are still selling here, maybe not as fast and they were and they are still building here a lot. People are gonna be people and take advantage, but most of the people I have met here in TV are grown ups with kind hearts and giving attitudes.

I wish Boomer would return and try it again.

She will.

[Boomer]

Well, here I am back again in this thread. Diversion from tax prep stuff today.

Anyway, while we were there renting, we did a couple of things that helped us to get a better feel for things outside of the ins and outs of the business of a purchase. We had a resident pass and so we could go to any pool in TV. We visited a few different ones. Without fail, people were friendly, helpful, and welcoming. They gave us great information about life in TV and pointers on which restaurants were good and were just generally all around nice. (I am not scary to talk to.)

Another thing was that Mr. Boomer attended a couple of club meetings. One was the Ham Club. (No they did not make sandwiches.) The other was the Airplane Hangar Flyers. He liked both of the meetings. But he really liked those hangar flyers. I think he could have listened to flying stories all day from them. Some seriously experienced pilots live in that place.

Anyway, I bet many of the clubs in TV are welcoming to visitors. Just get the list and go for it. Even if you are just renting for right now.

So if you find yourself in a rental, feeling a little cut off and wanting to know more about day-to-day life in TV, just get out and among 'em and they will help. You will meet some really nice people.

But meanwhile, back at the ranch (the ranch style house back in Ohio) life goes on. But we will return. We may do a Lifestyle attached to a longer rental this time. Don't know yet for sure. I do know though that if I have to put up with another wretched winter here, I will be crazier than I already am. Time will tell I guess.

Boomer

P. S. No, Mr. Tony, before you even ask, I do not think there is a club for English majors in TV. Perhaps you could start one.

[LELANDJANE]

I've been following this thread for a couple of days now. I've had two lifes style visits in the past year. I'm still in the process of selling my home, just retired last month and am still trying to decide what to do. My sister-in-law who lives in Jacksonville is in a similar situation. One thing we're trying to decide by visiting is whether as single women we would enjoy tv on a fulltime basis. Ironically, we wanted to go next weekend for a three day visit. My sister-in-law called and was told that you can only take one lifestyle visit! News to me after two and to her after three, but I just got reservations at the Marriott Town Suites. We are glad to do that, just thought perhaps we got more of a feeling of "living there" the other way. Oh well, it'll be fun, anyway.

[Army Guy]

Lelandjane, really? They told you just one? Wow, they must have just started that policy. Now I feel bad, may with venting my thoughts, they agreed......

Army Guy

[Russ_Boston]

Last year they told me just one and then this winter they e-mailed me and wondered when I wanted to come again.

[katezbox]

Boomer,

The Villages real estate team we worked with were absolutely fabulous - I would be happy to recommend them. The also have an assistant who is a single gal, living in Caroline She loves TV. Before we met (based on her enthusiasm and cheerful attitude I thought she was probably in her 20's - TV reverse ages people!

We hope you will visit us on your next trip down. Just think of all the different models you could see by doing a TOTV tour!

I learned that TV sold over 250 homes (new) in January. In February they kept the discount at 5% (it was 4.5% in December, then 5.0% in January) but have dropped it back to 4.5% in March. So things are selling. However, everyone does have the right time to buy - and getting the lowest price is nice, but happiness in the long term is better.

Kate

PS - not that I know you are an English major, you must cringe at my postings. I tend to type the way I speak - and use commas, dashes and parenthesis interchangeably. :shrug:

[borjo]

Hey Army Guy,
I don't know what the Lifestyle tour is charging in May but that month alot of us with private rentals are only charging $400/week (6 nights). Mine includes an electric cart and internet. It's 2 bedrooms and den and located in Ashland Village. Pictures can be seen at www.************.com/2135