The "WANNA BE" Club

[Talk Host]

Are you a member of the Villages "WANNA BE" Club? If so, post a yes in this thread. When do you plan to move here?:a040:

[pwdasher]

most definately.. We wanna be there full time..we're part timers now..still full time employed in our small business..probably be a good ten years before we will be there full time :(

[diskman]

Are you a member of the Villages "WANNA BE" Club? If so, post a yes in this thread. When do you plan to move here?:a040:
Beverly & I only spent 1 day & 1 night and know this is where we are going in lets see not that i am counting 32 months!:2excited::coolsmiley::agree:

[Don H]

We just did the "Lifestyle Visit" for five days and returned home on 3/24. It's looking like The Villages is the place for us. We had a great time. The Lifestyle plan is well done and it enabled us to really get lots of information about living there. We even met friends there who have already moved to TV. All we have to do now is.......sell the house. :faint:

[Niels]

Yes, I'm a TV wanna be. I hope to move there sometime next year! :pepper2:

[ConeyIsBabe]

I've been hanging out at TOTV for a little over one year and plan on visiting for my first Lifestyle Preview in the near or far future. It would be my pleasure to meet (in person) all the TOTVers who have befriended me :a040:

[Linwood]

Came to visit friends over Christmas in 2005, Thought, This place is something special! - bought our house five minutes after it was released to Sales on New Years Eve in 2007, closed in Jan 08
will move there full time in 2 years, 10 months and 5 days, but I am not counting,
In the meanwhile I have to just accept the fun weeks we squeeze in occasionally - I can't wait to get there - sounds like I have a bunch of GREAT neighbors in Hadley - see ya'll in April - I'll be the one driving the Tar Heel Blue cart with the big UNC logo on the front - GO HEELS!!!!
Whoooooo!

[Yoda]

The house goes on the market in about 3 weeks. Once it sells, we rent for about 3 mos, looking for a home. We're gonabes.:pepper2:

[kit9240]

I discovered The Villages about 2 and 1/2 years ago. I've been down on 2 lifestyle previews. Fell in love with it the first trip. Everyone is so friendly. Hopefully I will be able to move from the frozen north next year. Like most people, it will be hard to move away from my children and grandchildren, but I know it's where I want to spend the rest of my life. It feels right and I know I will be happy there. I just hope the real estate market picks up by the time I am ready to make the move.

I've been poking around TOTV for about 2 years. What a great source of information. What an incredible way to meet people. Everyone is so caring and welcoming. You do a fantastic job! Thank you so much!

With any luck, my next visit will be to buy my next home! Can't Wait!!! In the meantime I will live vicariously thru all the posts on TOTV! I feel like I know you all even though we haven't met yet!

[interested]

We are a members of the "as soon as my house sells" club.

[Dirigo]

Three years, if all goes according to plan! Will rent for the first winter and probably buy after we know in which Village we really want to be. Like most everyone else, we have to sell a home "up North" first.

[Ceafolks]

Yes we are TV Wanna Be's. Took the lifestyle tour in Jan. will be back in Aug or Sept to buy. Close in Oct or Nov. (before Dec 1) Move from the frozen North in Dec. Welcome in the New Year in the Villages. That's the plan. Guess that would make us TV GonnaBe's.

[Peggy D]

Tired of being a "Wannabe"--wannbe be a FROG!!

Just got back from visiting friends in Heavenly Hadley (as Kathie calls it). Had a blast.

[Russ_Boston]

I think it will be the new Brownwood section by the time I buy (unless I buy used of course) 2011 or 12 is the latest time frame.

I plan to work (RN) full-time in TV for the first 5-7 years I'm there and then cut back when I reach 60 or 62.

[Pookirgirl]

Yes.... we are definetly wannabees! We are presently in TV for only one more week...sigh...
Not looking forward to our return to Jersey. Our home has been on the market for 2 years and we are getting soo discouraged.
We want to get here more than ever!

[KathieI]

I've been hanging out at TOTV for a little over one year and plan on visiting for my first Lifestyle Preview in the near or far future. It would be my pleasure to meet (in person) all the TOTVers who have befriended me :a040:

CIB, I am personally going to greet you at the gates of TV when you arrive and we'll both let out the longest and loudest sigh of relief. You've waited sooo long and so have I. Hurry here will you?????

[hdh1470]

Are you a member of the Villages "WANNA BE" Club? If so, post a yes in this thread. When do you plan to move here?:a040:

3 years or less,one kid to get thru school,been coming down for last 7 yrs

[TVWannabe]

Obviously, I qualify for the club. I assume I'll have to change my user name after we move to TV.

When? That's the big question. Child one graduates from college in May and gets married in July. Child two graduates from high school in May. So we will be semi-empty nesters very soon. I definitely plan to work one more year to pay off the wedding, but maybe the summer of 2010 will work for us? I turn 50 this summer, and my wife is even younger, but we want The Villages lifestyle now.

I am a retired Air Force officer, and I’ve been teaching JROTC in a Nashville high school for the past eight years. I golfed a lot as a kid, and I was pretty good, but I've probably only averaged about 27 holes a year over the past 20 years. I can't wait to get back at it. I'll be the one out there with wood woods, metal shafts, and a sweet spot the size of a pea.

We also like bridge, but we are beginners. Hopefully, there are groups that don't mind some table talk or discussion of the hands played.

[Becky]

Moving down on June 1st! Truck is rented. Closing on house here in April! Marking off the days. Will be down next week for spring break! :pepper2:

Becky

[BarbinNH]

We're like you Becky. We just got our closing time and date (11am, Apr 1st), and as soon as we sign the papers we're heading south. We hope to arrive by late next week. YAHOOOOOOO!!!

Ok, back to packing...

[The Bronx Girl]

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I have visited the Villages every summer for about 5 years. He can't wait to move down but I still have to work and I take care of my elderly parents (they won't budge from NY). We have a great time every summer and made alot of good friends. We rent every summer and have had a great experience every time. I feel like we live down in the Villages in the summer and then back to reality (who said that reality does not suck):cus:. I hope when we are down this summer , we will get to meet some of you great people on this board:eclipsee_gold_cup:. I find this board amusing, informative and just great fun. See you in July (God willing!!!):2excited:

The Bronx Girl

The Bronx(where I was born), Yonkers, Mahopac, Carmel....hopefully someday the Villages

[mulligan]

Did a lifestyle visit last october, will do another next winter, mrs mulligan can retire jan of 2011, be there feb 2011!!!!! no question

[Laker14]

We are planning to take our 1st lifestyle visit next winter. Actually, all we know about TV is what I've learned on these boards, and some very good friends who bought 2 years ago. They were visiting her Dad, and what do you know, they came back owners.

But, like me, they are too young (i.e. too poor) to quit working. But I love the idea of lots of people who like TO DO STUFF!!

So one step at a time. I'm 55, and I'll be thrilled if I'm down there by age 62. But I hope to get there for progressively larger chunks of the winter, between now and The Big "R".

So it will give you guys a chance to work a few kinks out, like figuring out the insurance thing. Work on it for me, will you? Thanks.

Dan L

[Army Guy]

Yes!!! We had a non-lifestyle visit in Feb 09, decided it is the place. Going on LSV in May to look to buy. So hopefully will be a resident and EX-wannbe by July/August!

Army Guy

[Joanie]

Visited a friend in The Villages 2 years ago in the summer, no less, and just loved it. We have looked at a dozen or more communities up and down the southeast and none compare to TV. Our house will go on the market in about a month (when the snow is all melted here in northern New York) and then will rent while looking in TV. Wish us luck. We can't tolerate another winter.

[katezbox]

Hi all,

First - TH , thank you for initiating this thread. Some of the folks on here I have chatted with as we anxiously waited for our homes to sell. Others like Kathie, gave me a virtual bearhug right away and made us feel ever so welcome.

Our story is... one of my dearest friends and her hubby retired here about 2 years ago, The showed us the video and we said "not for us1" Then I came down on a solo visit and fell head over heels. My ultimate Yankee of a husband could not believe it (and I think was secretly horrified.)

Then I got him down for a visit - he fell in love with TV (and I think again with me):pepper2:

I had the opportunity to take a new job in our Southern region (would love to retire but too poor) that would let me live in TV. We put the house on the market and I moved in with my kids for 2 months We did a Lifestyles Tour in November - people we had never met invited us to share Thanksgiving dinner with them - and started looking at homes, homesites and models.

On Christmas Eve some angel must have gotten wings - because we signed a contract on our home in Connecticut. The buyer paid cash so we needed to move in a hurry and are living in North Myrtle Beach until our new home in Bonita is ready.

We move in on April 25 - less than one month away. I can't wait to me you in person.

Kate

My cuter half is down there with y'all right now checking out progress on the house.

[Lone Traveller]

Count me as a wanna be.:coolsmiley:

I'll brink to that.:beer3:

[tatsie]

Yes, Coming May 1st

[MelZ]

We own a CYV in Hadley which we rent and visit twice a year. We are doing improvements now to minimize what has to be down when we move to TV. We are adding a Birdcage in June this year, and will start looking at the 2010 project when we come down for Christmas.

As of today I am 1144 days from retirement, and I am counting.

[F16 1UB]

MELZ how many hours???? LOL

As soon as we sell in KY - GONE !!! Already bought in Hadley May 08. Yeah it's killin us not being there. Friends intro'd us to TV in Oct 07. They moved from a beautiful inter-coastal home in Pompano Beach said you gotta see this (TV) place. And I don't golf. Can't tell we're anxious can ya??? :beer3:

F16

[Irish Rover]

We're wannabees but it looks like I'll have to settle for renting two or three months each year. My wife won't leave the kids and grandkids - which isn't all bad. If we can keep coming down Jan thru Mar, the cold months here in Missouri will be covered. We love TV and the surrounding area. We have our annual "day trips" planned well in advance and even have golf courses from Mt Dora to Ocala who know our group and expect us each year. Enjoy what you have there because it's a one of a kind place.
Irish Rover:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[gardenia]

I plan to purchase in 2011 at the latest after a 3rd visit this summer and renting for 3 months in 2010. I discovered TV 2 years ago after visiting "newly found" relatives who have lived there for over 10 years (isn't that what family reunions are about?) and was speechless! Retirement was the furthest thing from my mind, and I never thought of moving after retirement, but Katie Belle's, and dancing "open air" in Spanish Springs were the clincher for me. After reading all the posts on TOTV about other retirement communities, I didn't even bother to do any more research - you guys did it all for me, and based on what I read, I am confident that nothing beats TOTV for my high-energy, love for physical fitness and dancing. Can't wait to see you all and meet in person! Never played golf though, so guess that's what I am going to spend my time doing the minute I move down. Hope there will be others like me so I am not the only "novice" out there trying to learn or find folks who never held a club either.

[mdfrog]

After seeing the commercials for several years we decided to make a life style visit last May. We had received the marketing material and watched the video and expected it to at least an ok place. To our surprise and delight it was better than we ever expected. After returning home I mentioned to several friends that we had found the perfect place to retire and that if I could sell my business we would moveto TV. From that conversation I had 2 people approach me about purchasing the business 1 made an offer that I didn't feel comfortable with. Because of going through that process my accountant knew someone who might be interested. In the mean time we did another LS visit in October, upon returning I received an offer that was I felt was fair. We settled on New Years Eve and made 1 more LS visit January 6th at which time we bought a lot in Amelia that we had seen in October and never thought it would still be there. After we returned from TV we put our house on the market. As soon as it sells we are headed to TV to rent until our house is built. Can't wait!!!:pepper2:

[KathieI]

Hi all,

First - TH , thank you for initiating this thread. Some of the folks on here I have chatted with as we anxiously waited for our homes to sell. Others like Kathie, gave me a virtual bearhug right away and made us feel ever so welcome.

My cuter half is down there with y'all right now checking out progress on the house.

Awwwww, Kate, it was easy to give you a hug!! http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/grouphugg.gif (http://www.millan.net)
If the cuter half is lonely, have him contact us and we'll show him around... I promise I'll behave!!!! http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/evilgrin.gif (http://www.millan.net)

[SUNNYMARYANN]

We definitely are wannabees! The house is up for sale and we are just waiting to sell so we can get to TV. How long in advance does it take to set up a preview visit?

[batman911]

We are in the almost wannabe club. Visited Florida (Naples, Palm Beach, Tampa, Terra Vista at Citrus Hills, Harbor Hills and TV) the past two Summers. Lots of beautiful golf communities all over Florida but TV was the best match for us. Planning a few more Florida visits (just to be sure) before we retire in 3 years. We have a different view of the weather in Florida. After living in Hawaii since 1967, we are concerned about the chilly Winters in Florida. Leaving Hawaii will not be easy, but we feel that it's time.

[Coconuts]

May I please ask why you would want to leave Hawaii?

[batman911]

Coconuts,

Neither of us have family here in the islands (California, Texas). The cost of living in Hawaii on retirement income, traffic, crime all come into play. The long flights to visit family and friends get longer as you age. Absolutely love the island beauty and weather but there are a lot of sacrifices.

[MelZ]

MELZ how many hours???? LOL

As soon as we sell in KY - GONE !!! Already bought in Hadley May 08. Yeah it's killin us not being there. Friends intro'd us to TV in Oct 07. They moved from a beautiful inter-coastal home in Pompano Beach said you gotta see this (TV) place. And I don't golf. Can't tell we're anxious can ya??? :beer3:

F16

F16 1UB

Actually it's 1144 days 11 hours 24 min and 27 sec right now;)

[Dirigo]

I think it will be the new Brownwood section by the time I buy (unless I buy used of course) 2011 or 12 is the latest time frame.

I plan to work (RN) full-time in TV for the first 5-7 years I'm there and then cut back when I reach 60 or 62.

Why, you're just a youngster, Russ...but you've got a great plan.

[Coconuts]

I understand completely. A few years back, my son worked for the Gov't near Pearl Harbor. He lived in Eva and Honey and I had a wonderful time visiting him, the grands and that beautiful place. Still, the traffic in and around Honolulu was quite a shock and the housing prices for a young family were difficult. Six months out of New England and we find living in The Villages quite a bit cheaper than up North and I know that it will compare favorably with prices in Hawaii. Good luck, BATMAN.

[lj410]

After being wannabes for several years and renting the last 2 winters we purchased land in Amelia when we were down in February- now we are gonnabes. Hope to start building sometime this spring.

We have learned so much from TOTV and want to thank all of you for the great information you have shared.

[Dirigo]

We definitely are wannabees! The house is up for sale and we are just waiting to sell so we can get to TV. How long in advance does it take to set up a preview visit?

We were told you can't reserve outside of six months from when you want to visit. You can sometimes push them along by telling them you are visiting other retirement communities.

Dirigo

[sschuler1]

We're definitely in the "gonnabe" club! We just put the house back on the market 3 weeks ago, now it's just a matter of how soon we can sell! Hope to be there sooner than later!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[l2ridehd]

Discovered the Villages about 4 years ago. Have done two LSV and have bought two homes there. One in Poinciana and one in Sunset Pointe. Was planning to be there this year, but the stock market and housing market have delayed those plans for a while. Perhaps next year. Need some time to recover from the financial downside everyone took this past year and build up the reserves a little more. But we spend as much time as possible there and enjoy it every time. Be there again next week. So was a wannabee, moved to a gonnabee, and am now back to a wannabee. Will set a date by September this year and stick to that plan.

[Russ_Boston]

Actually it's 1144 days 11 hours 24 min and 27 sec right now;)

Hey, that almost exactly what my countdown calandar says! That's my 55th birthday.

[Lobwedge60]

We're in the same boat as a lot of 'wannabes', getting the current house ready and on the market, not wanting to shovel one more flake of snow. The boat is getting full but we hope to get off later this year or early next. We're really looking forward to becoming frogs and joining in on the great lifestyle at TV. The video of the monthly TOTV luncheon was VERY enjoyable; we were there in spirit.

[larrydube]

436 days 8hrs 29 min 50 sec :2excited: :beer3:

[collie1228]

I was hoping to retire in 2010 at age 60 and move to TV then, but my "conservatively invested" retirement savings has lost over $100K in the last 8 months, so I have had to reset my plan. Now that I AM conservatively invested, it looks like Age 62 will be my target. Assuming my lawyer can make any sense of TV's financial underpinnings, and assuming I can make up most of that $100K by saving more over the next 36 months, I'll be buying a courtyard villa mid-year 2012. Only three more snowy winters to go in Central NY!

[barbjim]

Yes, we are Wannabeez'. Just put our home up for sale in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Hopefully when Spring hits here soon, we will have folks coming to take a look. I hope someone will love the house and neighborhood as much as we have. We will be visiting soon, trying to determine if we want a Gardenia or a Lantana, Golf view, or one of our friendly neighbors backyards.:2excited::pepper2:

[barbjim]

We are a members of the "as soon as my house sells" club.

I believe that is becoming a very large club. It is a membership that I look forward to giving up. Time to check the stars to see if everything is in the right position for a sell here in Virginia.

[MelZ]

Hey, that almost exactly what my countdown calandar says! That's my 55th birthday.

Russ:

That's my 66th Birthday and I will retire at 5pm.

[Mikitv]

We have been to many states and retirement communities the last 7 years. We visited TV 2 times on short visits and loved what we saw. We did a weeks lifestyle preview in May 2007 and knew this was the place for us. We joined TOTV and love all the information we have learned in preparation for our move to TV. We will be wannabees until we sell in Arkansas and we can retire.

[G&P SSSKI]

visited friends this pass jan.for 10 days my wife and i feel in love with tv.tv wantabes yes. 3 or 4 years. 55 now with 38 years as a lineman with telco and winters are getting longer and colder. plan LSP FOR NEXT YEAR. GPSKI54

[Ohiogirl]

We bought almost 3 years ago in Sabal Chase and rent out our CYV as much as we can, but never all of April - we reserve some time for ourselves as that is just a beautiful month down there - and also try to make a couple of other visits when we can. Usually a girlfriend trip in there somewhere too.

Afraid to do too much extra landscaping as I feel we should be there during/after hard freezes - am dying to put in a lemon tree but going to wait until I'm there to cover it up when needed.

Going to put a nice storm/screen door in this spring and start looking at some inside painting. Eventually want to update the kitchen with granite countertops and nicer sink and faucet. Has anyone added a pergola on the side patio of a courtyard villa? I've seen a couple from the street, but haven't really looked into it seriously yet.

The hardest thing about buying early like this (we think it will be close to 4 years before we can retire, making it about 7 years after buying) is wanting to be down there NOW! Is a great vacation place right now - and a fun place for family to gather also as my sister did the same thing, although she gets to retire sooner (which is only fair, as she is older). However - think I'd trade age for retirement at the moment!


We own a CYV in Hadley which we rent and visit twice a year. We are doing improvements now to minimize what has to be down when we move to TV. We are adding a Birdcage in June this year, and will start looking at the 2010 project when we come down for Christmas.

As of today I am 1144 days from retirement, and I am counting.

[Hawkwind]

Yes but I have to sell one of 2 homes that I currently have here in Ohio. The housing market here in northern Ohio is almost at a stand still, nothing is moving unless you want to give it away.

Also I believe that the company I work for will retire me via a layoff before I am ready to retire and that point in tme may be very soon. Either way I am planning at least a snowbird at TV for at least 4 or 5 months.

[ConeyIsBabe]

CIB, I am personally going to greet you at the gates of TV when you arrive and we'll both let out the longest and loudest sigh of relief. You've waited sooo long and so have I. Hurry here will you?????


Thanks, Kathie....... I really appreciate your friendship and I look forward to that day :2excited:

[benj]

after wishing to be a tv'er for almost 4 years. By the middle of April I should be there!!
No one will call me brilliant, but I visited from the 6th to the 10th and bought a house site unseen with a cart I havent seen either. This after selling my house after 3 years in Colorado. I packed everything I own in a trailer and sent it out to Florida, I dont even know where.
I hope the villages is everything I think it is.
Coney if youi need a place to stay for a few( just friends ) just ask. Maybe you'll trade bambi for flipper.
Anyway I'm so happy I could....
Happy to meet some of you soon, even you Chells. To the rest of you good luck and keep the faith.
BENJ

[sschuler1]

Congrats Benj!!!! Good luck with your move. A broasted chicken dinner from Three Brothers will be eaten in your honor!

[ouma1938]

Wannabe and have been since our Lifestyle visit in August 2007. House here hasn't sold yet and its driving me slowly crazy. Trying to figure out a way to just go ahead and buy a smaller house than we originally thought of getting, becoming snowbirds for a while, until the house here sells and then moving down and getting a larger house if we feel we need to. I am thinking also that we could be summer birds and rent out the house there to snowbirds when possible. I need to investigate all that more but appreciate any thoughts my great TOTV friends have on a plan like that. Mostly need to know the viability of renting out to snowbirds, best way to go with property management, that sort of thing. I'll have to figure out our costs as well, utilities and renters insurance etc.

[kfierle]

I was a "wannabe" but since I purchased a CYV in Bonita in December I am a "gonnabe". Unfortunately, I have to wait about 4 years to make it to be a full-timer. I rent out my Villa when I can't be there and use it when I can. I will be there April 15-20 :smiley: and will probably wish I didn't have to leave to go back to NY to work!

[sbm]

We are wannabe/gonnabe's hopefully by this summer. Bought our CYV on Adriana Way last July and rented it out this last year through PM. Put our home on the market two weeks ago and so far two showings with no interest. My wife will retire June 4th when school is done and I will hang it up when the house sells. Told my boss last year I would give him official notice as soon as we have a purchase agreement (so 30-45 day notice). They have already hired my replacement, so I just moved to an office where I can kind of stay out of everyone's way until I hang it up!! We first visited TV probably over ten years ago and couldn't believe there was a better place for us to be and have stopped by on visits to our timeshare in Orlando over the years just to see some of the changes. Finally sold the timeshare and reality finally set in when we actually made the purchase in TV last year and now all I do is think about getting there.

[ConeyIsBabe]

after wishing to be a tv'er for almost 4 years. By the middle of April I should be there!!
No one will call me brilliant, but I visited from the 6th to the 10th and bought a house site unseen with a cart I havent seen either. This after selling my house after 3 years in Colorado. I packed everything I own in a trailer and sent it out to Florida, I dont even know where.
I hope the villages is everything I think it is.
Coney if youi need a place to stay for a few( just friends ) just ask. Maybe you'll trade bambi for flipper.
Anyway I'm so happy I could....
Happy to meet some of you soon, even you Chells. To the rest of you good luck and keep the faith.
BENJ

LOL Benj..... Trading Bambi for Flipper - - that's cute!! Anyway, thanks for the kind offer. Who knows :shrug: CONGRATULATIONS on your move -I hope your new life in TV will fulfill all your expectations ;)

[tankdvr1950]

nice post talk host....its been kinda quite lately in the Wannabes social group forum

i have been on TOTV for a year or so and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience...the information here is amazing and so very very helpful...and the members are the best.....friendly and helpful all....is a gross understatement

that said......after 3 lifestyle visits......looking at sooooooo many models......and just enjoying all that TV could offer during a lifestyle visit....and yes...to include getting lost in our golf car...and have decided after our first visit that this was the place we wanted to be................

we put the house on the market 3 weeks ago....and after 9 showings...and 1 open house....two offers (one was an insult it was so low) we are accepting the most recent offer with a proposed closing date of May 29th

obviously....we are very excited....and are starting our to do list as i type this

so much to do in so little time

but we are as we have been committed

plan is to head to TV a few days before the closing...rent...look...by...and enjoy

as much as i have learned on TOTV.....now its different......need more info and will be posting questions as i can think of them

soooooo looking forward to our first Crispers lunch

[sschuler1]

Congrats, tankdvr!!! Hoping that we can be selling the house and doing the same thing as you sometime this year! Good luck with your move!

[Joanie]

Tankdvr, Way to go!!! We are northern New Yorkers. Where is Wilton?
Hope to be in your position soon!

[tankdvr1950]

thanks for all the good wishes

Joanie....Wilton is about 5 miles north of Saratoga Springs

[darylj2000]

We are wannabees also and as soon as our house sells in Iowa:2excited:, we will be comming to the villages as full timers. We want a CYV

[Safe Home Watch Mary Edwards]

After seeing the commercials for several years we decided to make a life style visit last May. We had received the marketing material and watched the video and expected it to at least an ok place. To our surprise and delight it was better than we ever expected. After returning home I mentioned to several friends that we had found the perfect place to retire and that if I could sell my business we would moveto TV. From that conversation I had 2 people approach me about purchasing the business 1 made an offer that I didn't feel comfortable with. Because of going through that process my accountant knew someone who might be interested. In the mean time we did another LS visit in October, upon returning I received an offer that was I felt was fair. We settled on New Years Eve and made 1 more LS visit January 6th at which time we bought a lot in Amelia that we had seen in October and never thought it would still be there. After we returned from TV we put our house on the market. As soon as it sells we are headed to TV to rent until our house is built. Can't wait!!!:pepper2:
Tadpole Hi, Welcome to TV, We are from Middle River Md.been in Fl over 10 years moved three times until we found this place.We fell in love found a lot 90 days later house done moved in.Still have house for sale In Punta Gorda on golf course gave away our Home Watch business and here we are.Wish you all the luck on your new home, you will love it here.Ed&Mary

[Joanie]

Tankdrvr,
I know Saratoga well. Good friends there.
We live about 10 miles west of Watertown. Chaumont to be exact.
Again, congrats on the sale of your house. Here's hoping all goes well.
That gives me hope that this may be the right time for us to sell, also.

[tankdvr1950]

Joanie....know your area well....was in the National Guard for 21 years and spent a lot of time at Ft Drum...and X was also from Watertown...so know it well......with the snow and cold u have...there is no wonder that u long for TV....hope to meet u there

[BarbinNH]

YAAY, another house sold! Congratulations tankdvr. We sold ours here in Southwest NH and are closing next Wednesday (April Fool's Day--I wonder what that means?).

It is so good to hear that houses in some areas are beginning to move. Our neighbor thinks he may be getting a contract soon, too.

Again, congratulations!

[sschuler1]

Good luck on your closing BarbinNH!!! Congrats!

[petenj]

House in NJ is up for sale , as soon as it does we are heading to TV ,looking for a rental for a year to test the waters.

[katezbox]

Hi Pete,

There is a web site called something like The Villages for Rent by Owner. I have seen them as a sponsor on this site previously - but did not find it for you today. Their site is great - you can search by the type of home you are interested in (PV, CYV, Designer, etc.

PS - Full disclosure - we do not have a home for rent there.

[Shimpy]

Waiting for Oct. 2010 to retire. Will put the house up for sale a couple months earlier. Unlike most folks, we won't be moving down from the frozen north, but up from the warmer winters of W palm Bch. area. Been there about 5 times for a overnight at the Holiday Inn Express. Don't see much point in a lifestyle visit because once we move there We'll be interested in joining clubs, mainly motorcycle, which we can't do unless a resident, and we don't play golf, so don't really know how a lifestyle visit will give us a good idea what it's like to really live there. But, that said, we know we want to move there and am counting the days till we can sell the Pondorosa and make the move. So, look for Phyllis and Les quite frequently at Spanish Springs and LSL on the dance floor.

[hlanders]

OH YES, YES, AND YES.
First lifestyle visit to get acquainted in 2006 and fell in love, 2nd visit in 2007 to be sure it was not just "puppy love" - NOT!
Been trying to sell in this awful market ever since and getting frustrated.
Hoping spring brings some buyers without losing my shirt on a deal.
Can't wait to be a frog!

[rsetterlund]

Yes. We have our house in Hemingway, but have to wait 1 1/2 years. I am still working. But just knowing that we own and this web site makes life bearable up here in New England. Just can't wait for all the fun and friendly people. We will be staying in our house the first part of April (just one more week to wait).

[73Goat]

Yes we are.

Planning on buying in late 09 to mid 10. We will retire in 3 years, 7 months, 29 days, in October 2012. Not that we're counting or anything.

[Canwego2]

Just retired a little over a year ago here in Chesterfield Michigan...came down to TV in March. Bought a home in Duval and will be closing the first week in April. My wife and I looking forward to our new life in the TVs. We will be snow birds for the first few years then we plan to become Frogs....
What a great place.....we just can't stop talking about all the activities and the wonderful folks we met when we were down there....see ya soon!

[#1HawkeyeFan]

Visiting for the second time to look at homes the middle of April, hope to relocate this summer.

[moira]

We just returned from 8 days in The Villages and had a fabulous time. What an awesome place. Hubby retires in 3 years and then, Villages here we come.

[punkpup]

Wannabe!?!?!?! Heck no we're "future Villages residents" no two ways about it!

First discovered TV in 1998 and was told I was crazy to want to live in central Florida so I never mentioned it again until a friend told us that's where she was going after retiring from her job here in Boston. Believe it or not February 2007 after the Tornadao blasted through TV and in the middle of The Superbowl the decision to move to TV was made. Originally we had planned on this year as the one we became residents of TV but due to the economy and other circumstances beyond our control maybe next year is the year.

We'll be in TV this April for about 8 days to visit with friends, party and look at some homes.

Hope to get together with anyone who's up for it while we're there!

[ajdeck]

Just was at TV, returned with more questions then before. Seems a lot of people we talked to are very concerned of the upcoming (?) law suits against TV and/or the family. Leaving some wondering of the future of TV.

Any other thoughts (this was discussed two nights at the Sumter music with just people we talked to (or should say they talked to us).

[elevatorman]

:2excited: No we are not wanna bes, that is not anymore. We signed a contract on 3/31/09 in Duval. We have been on numerous lifestyle tours over the last 20 years and can't wait for settelment June 18. We purchased a Begonia and will be arriving as soon as we sell our Maryland home. So I guess we are soon-to-bes.

[shelagh.rose]

Hopefully, within the year!!
Sooner would be better.

[F16 1UB]

:2excited: No we are not wanna bes, that is not anymore. We signed a contract on 3/31/09 in Duval. We have been on numerous lifestyle tours over the last 20 years and can't wait for settelment June 18. We purchased a Begonia and will be arriving as soon as we sell our Maryland home. So I guess we are soon-to-bes.

Congrats "elevatorman". Finally did it after 20 yrs. Wow!!! Good luck on the sale of your home.

F16

[katezbox]

Just was at TV, returned with more questions then before. Seems a lot of people we talked to are very concerned of the upcoming (?) law suits against TV and/or the family. Leaving some wondering of the future of TV.

Any other thoughts (this was discussed two nights at the Sumter music with just people we talked to (or should say they talked to us).

Hi,

There is a thread with a lot of information on this. The columnist from the Orlando Sentinel initiated it. You could do a search on bonds and sentinel and probably find it. LOTS of good info there.

I make my point pretty clear in posts on that thread, so don't want to beat it to death, but I do not consider reporters who string together a lot of half truths in an alarmist fashion to be credible.

Kate

Kate

[ajdeck]

Thanks, it's hard enough to make a good decision and on top have people who add 'statements' that are maybe half true at best.


Thanks to anyone and everyone who will be honest about TV. To the others please don't post without facts.

aj

[scottke]

We are still "gonnabe's". The house is getting a lot of traffic now that it is back on the market (it needed a rest during the winter). We sure are hoping this time makes us potential "frogs". We're getting tired of only being able to visit our home in Amelia.

[2BNTV]

QUOTE=Pookirgirl;195613]Yes.... we are definitely wannabees! We are presently in TV for only one more week...sigh...
Not looking forward to our return to Jersey. Our home has been on the market for 2 years and we are getting soo discouraged.
We want to get here more than ever![/QUOTE]

:agree: Also a discouraged wannabe.

I stumbled across this thread when doing a search for clubs.

I came to TV for the first time fours years ago. I was blown away that something could be so beautiful and wonderful and was dying to move as soon as possible. I couldn't move at that time but that's a long and boring story.

I am also having trouble selling my condo as I live in condo city, (many choices), and the board of directors took out a loan, (AKA - assessment), for all residents without their vote which makes selling almost impossible. :mad:

Last night, my next door neighbor informs me that she had gotten an offer after being on the market for about two years and hopes her potential buyer can get a mortgage. She also informed me that she will pay the assessment as this is the only way she can sell. I hope she can escape this crazy place and I can follow. At this moment, I am very discouraged as I've had my condo on the market since Jan/2010.

I was having dinner with friends Sunday night and Barbara remarked to me, "Do you remember when you were counting down the days when you could retire"?
That countdown ended November2010, and Thursday is my birthday and marks the one year anniversary of when I was planning on moving to TV, (countdown is zero, minus 365 days, still counting and way overdue).

I came down for a LSV in September of this year and met several TOTV members at Crisper’s including KathieI, (The Mayor).

My new plan is to shoot for spring of 2011 as I don't think it will sell over the holidays.

Worst case scenario is spring of 2012. For right now, I can keep my dream alive by the wonderful members on TOTV to keep me from losing it. I keep on working to keep my mind off of “How much I want 2 B N T V”.

Thank you for listening to my tale of woe.

[GaDawg]

Just returned home from our 2nd lifestyle visit. Will put our home on the market in April next year until it sells! Then rent for a few till we find that right house and from then on....... FROGS! Woo Hoo!!

[mulligan]

We,ve talked of little else for two years now. But now that we put a deposit on a lot in Tamarind Grove, we'll be spending our 3rd visit, starting thursday, picking interior finishes instead of wishing....Gonnabe

[Jerseyboy2]

Bought Sept. 2009 and hope to be full time by the spring of 2012.

[bandsdavis]

Yes we are. I will retire at the end of February, and we will become FROGS as soon as we can sell the house in VA. Of course, who knows how long that might take!

B.

[FMF Doc]

Uptown Girl and I came home from our Life Style Visit in September convinced this is where we would want to retire. I have several years left to work but since I travel a lot and work from my home when I don't travel where we live doesn't matter.

I wanted to have a knee replacement done with a Doctor I like. The surgery was a week ago today and I came home on Thursday. Already started the Physical Therapy and hopefully will be done with everything by early December. We will probably wait until after Superbowl to list our home and hope to see by springtime.

[taylor111947]

Count me in!

The plan: :2excited:

Put the house on the market ASAP - need to sell by June 27th (2011) so I'm trying to price to sell;

Visit TV in Jan to househunt (hoping to buy);

Retire as soon as I sell (or sooner if I really can't stand my job one more minute);

Move to TV;

Relax;

Enjoy life :MOJE_whot:

[2BNTV]

Count me in!

The plan: :2excited:

Put the house on the market ASAP - need to sell by June 27th (2011) so I'm trying to price to sell;

Visit TV in Jan to househunt (hoping to buy);

Retire as soon as I sell (or sooner if I really can't stand my job one more minute);

Move to TV;

Relax;

Enjoy life :MOJE_whot:

taylor111947:

Amen!

[ssmith]

We are Wannabe's but may remain so for several years. My hubby is 56 and he will need to work to have insurance...no early retirement for us. He can't seem to find a job there so we remain Wannabe's.:cus:

This Mar will be our 5th visit and we do enjoy it while we are there.

We are happy where we are up North...we get to see the Grandkids and enjoy friends here. Don't want to waist half of my life unhappy with what I do have.

We do want to move there too...it is just sooo beautiful with such beautiful people there.

We hope to move if the Good Lord allows and if the Crik don't rise.

S

[dpingram]

June won't come soon enough and I can retire from the insanity of 24/7 teaching and lesson plans. Lot is almost paid for, house plan and most interior packages picked out. One small bump in the road.............We need to sell this house!!!!:censored:

[Jakel]

We had hoped not to shovel another flake, but the NJ housing market has other plans. Maybe in 2011!!

[gogond]

Yes I'm a "WANNABE". Wanted to move 4 or 5 years ago:cry: Wife won't retire. Stuck in NJ. :cry::grumpy::sad:

[Schaumburger]

I am another Wannabee. I would move to TV tomorrow, but I'm still 5+ years from leaving my current job...unless my current job leaves me first...Then there's the health insurance dilemma...got to keep working to get health insurance coverage. I'm hoping to rent a place in TV during summer of 2011 for a week or two and then maybe for a week in the fall of 2011. Now if I won the lottery...all of my problem would be solved.

[Jhooman]

We bought a lot in Buttonwood this past July. We will put our home on the market in Feb 2011 and then begin building our dream home in The Villages. We will be full time residents.

I can hardly wait to hit the golf courses, swim, dance and hang with my new found friends and family. My parents moved to TV five years ago, they are thriving with life and spark.

We'll be there soon!!!

[ewstanley]

We hope that we will be down there to start to look next year.
We are just trying to figure out new or used.
So many options.

[cookies]

We are definitely wannabees, we first visited for 2 days/nights in June 2008 and we were impressed. At that time we still needed to sell our house in Pa and we thought we wanted to move back to Virginia Beach area where we had lived before for 20+ years. We are returning to TV for a 6 day lifestlye preview after Thanksgiving and we hope that after drinking the "koolaid" and sampling "the bubble" that we will be sold on becoming gonnabees!

Sue and Gary:beer3:

[DougR]

I like the Gonnabe attitude! --because it's gonna happen...someday. Im 47 and have about 10 more years left in my career before I retire. My wife and I have been to TV twice thru the LSV program. First time in 2009 and again in the summer of 2010. We love the lifestyle, friendliness, the calmness and the safety/security which TV offers. We both can't wait to become involved with clubs, programs, activities and enjoy the company of new friends! By the time I retire and we are ready to make the move, Brownwood area will be complete and we will most likely be south of 466A. See Ya Soon!! :beer3:

[Shalyjo]

We too are members of that club!

[CaptainMorgan]

Color me a gonnabe. First visit was in 2005. Several more visits and lots of lurking on TOTV. Closed on home in Bellaire in March 2010. :a040:

Maybe we can move full-time in 2012. Several more Ohio winters to survive.

[ConeyIsBabe]

My wannabee dream is following my youth :cryin2:

[diskman]

:beer3: It's my 65th today! Medicare what a great birthday gift from Uncle Sam.
Now the TV countdown:pepper2::bowdown: