Preowned sales

[virgind]

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[kstew43]

Looks as though the preowned home sales have come to a screeching halt. With The Villages dropping their prices pre owns have slowed way down. I have a designer in Virginia Trace with a pool and happens to be the lowest price comparable south of 466 its not selling. Actually below market value. Only 1/4 mile from Sumter Landing. Dont understand.

age old story......supply and demand.....

as well as....why buy resale when new builds are so much cheaper.....as well as brand new...

best of luck with your home sale......someone will come along.....

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Having bought a new home from Properties of The Villages, I never will again. Their homes are nice, but dealing with them is a nightmare. They have rules that no other real estate company in the country has.

If you apply for a loan and don't get it, you lose your deposit.

If you don't get your loan by the closing date that they set, you are fined $250 per day for each day that you are late.

Unless I was paying cash, it will be a resale for me if I ever buy another home here.

In addition, many of the resales have the bond paid off. This is not small matter sometimes adding $25,000 and up to the cost of your home.

[raynan]

I noticed that resales on our street have abruptly stopped after a real surge this past summer. Hopefully things will pick up when "the birds" get here in January-April. Lots of "birds" are more familiar with the advantage of being between 466 and 466A and that should help you.

[bbbbbb]

[QUOTE=Dr Winston O Boogie jr;1324883]Having bought a new home from Properties of The Villages, I never will again. Their homes are nice, but dealing with them is a nightmare. They have rules that no other real estate company in the country has.

If you apply for a loan and don't get it, you lose your deposit.

If you don't get your loan by the closing date that they set, you are fined $250 per day for each day that you are late.

Unless I was paying cash, it will be a resale for me if I ever buy another home here.

In addition, many of the resales have the bond paid off. This is not small matter sometimes adding $25,000 and up to the cost

bbbbbb

Yep you are so right. Well said and true. A lot of folks seem to see it your way. There are plenty of Regular Realtors, also sales by owner and you do have other options. Be happy and good luck, do what is best for your family and move on.
bbbbbb :wave:

[NotGolfer]

Don't know how it is with The Villages with sales but this time of year in other parts of the country, the sales slow way down because of the holidays etc. Things pick up after the holidays, especially once football is done. Best wishes with the sale of your home...hang in there, every home (my opinion) has a buyer, especially if the price isn't outlandish and if it shows well. New isn't always better, just as one person stated. If a home is well kept etc. had isn't outdated, it will sell!

[Mrs. Robinson]

Having bought a new home from Properties of The Villages, I never will again. Their homes are nice, but dealing with them is a nightmare. They have rules that no other real estate company in the country has.

If you apply for a loan and don't get it, you lose your deposit.

If you don't get your loan by the closing date that they set, you are fined $250 per day for each day that you are late.

Unless I was paying cash, it will be a resale for me if I ever buy another home here.

In addition, many of the resales have the bond paid off. This is not small matter sometimes adding $25,000 and up to the cost of your home.

Yeah -- just one more Villages "gotcha" Dr. Boogie. You are correct on all the counts you mention.

Just a couple of the very "unfriendly," not talked about things here in TV.
Sales agents push new vs. resales because that's what they are told to do.

Since Realtors (outside agents) are not permitted to sell new here, existing owners who want to sell will usually get better results overall from an outside Realtor/broker.

[mscocco]

Was down this past weekend noticed that there seemed to be a lot of designer homes available - so the market is just saturated with them right now - as was mentioned above, the new homes prices are really. Some like the idea of a new home but they don't realize the fringe locations of many of these new build outs. I'm keeping eyes out on cement courtyards and there's not a ton available in the center section and those that are seem a bit on the slightly high side in regards to price.

Hang in there - I've heard stories of folks moving from their homes in established areas into the newer homes only to move back months later....heading into the peak, after the holidays, things should start picking back up again...

[Barefoot]

I have a designer in Virginia Trace with a pool and happens to be the lowest price comparable south of 466 its not selling. Actually below market value. Only 1/4 mile from Sumter Landing. Dont understand.

I'm sure your home will sell soon as Virginia Trace is a great location.
I think you decided on a previous thread that it's the lack of a golf-cart garage that is holding you back.
But I'm sure you will find someone without a golf cart that finds your garage large enough.
Good luck on selling your home.

[justjim]

In talking with my Village Sales representative in the spring, she told me that November was a good month for sales. I remember exactly because I questioned November being a good month.

The Villages is no longer selling new homes at the same pace of a couple years ago. That is pretty easy to observe with the discounts they are giving. The homes in Lake County (Pine Ridge and Pine Hills)are not selling as fast as they once thought they would. As you probably know, taxes are higher in Lake County than in Sumter. Most buyers today are pretty "savvy" when purchasing a home. I believe all golf course lots are sold and there will not be anymore north of State Rt. 44. The Villages south of LaBelle are considerably more distance to Brownwood too.

In short, this all adds up to slower sales than in past years---especially the month of November. In some way, it slows resales too if fewer potential buyers are coming to TV. This Year there was a contentious election and some might be putting off moving and purchasing a retirement home until later.

That said, with interest rates heading up, the election over, and stocks headed higher, I wouldn't be surprised that increased sales of new and resale homes in TV will follow. Prices, however, may be a bit lower until demand catches up with supply.

BTY, I am not a Realtor nor currently a real estate investor although I have been an investor in the past. Like most of you I am happy to be a retiree.

[OpusX1]

Hmmm, we had three courtyard villas in our neighborhood all sell within two weeks of listing in the past four weeks. All for what I thought were very high prices. Might just be a glut of designers at the moment.

[Topspinmo]

age old story......supply and demand.....

as well as....why buy resale when new builds are so much cheaper.....as well as brand new...

best of luck with your home sale......someone will come along.....

That's what new sales want prospective buyer's to think. It's not cheaper when you add in bond and furniture, and all the hidden costs. Just the interest off the bond make it more expensive over preowned with bond paid. Plus you can really score with Fully furnished. Even if they are the same price you still have full bond commitment.

[Topspinmo]

In talking with my Village Sales representative in the spring, she told me that November was a good month for sales. I remember exactly because I questioned November being a good month.

The Villages is no longer selling new homes at the same pace of a couple years ago. That is pretty easy to observe with the discounts they are giving. The homes in Lake County (Pine Ridge and Pine Hills)are not selling as fast as they once thought they would. As you probably know, taxes are higher in Lake County than in Sumter. Most buyers today are pretty "savvy" when purchasing a home. I believe all golf course lots are sold and there will not be anymore north of State Rt. 44. The Villages south of LaBelle are considerably more distance to Brownwood too.

In short, this all adds up to slower sales than in past years---especially the month of November. In some way, it slows resales too if fewer potential buyers are coming to TV. This Year there was a contentious election and some might be putting off moving and purchasing a retirement home until later.

That said, with interest rates heading up, the election over, and stocks headed higher, I wouldn't be surprised that increased sales of new and resale homes in TV will follow. Prices, however, may be a bit lower until demand catches up with supply.

BTY, I am not a Realtor nor currently a real estate investor although I have been an investor in the past. Like most of you I am happy to be a retiree.

if you think the taxes are high in Lake Co. Marion Co. way higher, Plus two new builds in district 4. one by veterans clinic will probably eventually sale. I bet the one further down CR42 by railroad tracks will be slow due to the noise all hours of the night? It's pretty loud where I'm at off Lopez Golf course.

Amazes me that area got room for Assisted living complex, 17 Premium houses/lots with room for horses, but no room for Recreation center? Go figure. I sure prospected buyers will soon learn the shortage of facilities in District 3 and 4 very quickly.

Guess the kids don't have the same experience as MR. Gary Morse did, somebody said he would never build in Marion county again.

[bbbbbb]

[QUOTE=Mrs. Robinson;1324968]Yeah -- just one more Villages "gotcha" Dr. Boogie. You are correct on all the counts you mention.

Just a couple of the very "unfriendly," not talked about things here in TV.
Sales agents push new vs. resales because that's what they are told to do.

Since Realtors (outside agents) are not permitted to sell new here, existing owners who want to sell will usually get better results overall from an outside Realtor/broker.

bbbbbb Good comments here.
When buying here, think of this:
Write everything down, everything and be sure it is all defined, refunds, cancellations etc. even see a Lawyer for the contract. A few bucks well spent.
Be cautious and be very careful, the name of the game here is to make money, and they do it well.
Do not count on anything being done as it was done in Lodi, that is out of the question. Here, the rules may not be rules, so be careful and do not accept a single word of anything if it is VERBAL, forget it, really. Home prices are not negotiable with the Village Sales, that should tell you something. On a resale, you can negotiate. One other item, get a good technician, have him spend 3 or 4 hours looking at everything in the home,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, EVERYTHING. And again, no verbal agreements and when you put down the money, it is spent,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, gone. Does every window, screen, door, cabinet, garage doors, sprinklers etc. etc. work right? Does home have a brass quality shutoff valve for water or one of those plastic toys called a valve?
Check it all out and do it well, do it over, sleep on it, no reason to hurry, there are plenty of places to buy, plenty!!!!

bbbbbb



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[Boomer]

Was down this past weekend noticed that there seemed to be a lot of designer homes available - so the market is just saturated with them right now - as was mentioned above, the new homes prices are really. Some like the idea of a new home but they don't realize the fringe locations of many of these new build outs. I'm keeping eyes out on cement courtyards and there's not a ton available in the center section and those that are seem a bit on the slightly high side in regards to price.

Hang in there - I've heard stories of folks moving from their homes in established areas into the newer homes only to move back months later....heading into the peak, after the holidays, things should start picking back up again...


There are designers......and then, there are designers........

As you look for a courtyard villa, you also might want to think about looking at some of the smaller designers on inside lots.

For instance, a classic, smaller Gardenia can give you a nice open 1887 sq. ft. (or slightly more) with a full 2-car garage and lots of natural light.

The front portico area of the Gardenia can be paved. Pavers in the small backyard, too, will cut down on grass to mow. Hiring mowing done for smaller inside lots is relatively inexpensive.

Even though those designers on inside lots look really close together, you might find that the way the houses are sited sometimes allows for more privacy than you might have thought possible. -- And......if you can find a designer that backs up to a courtyard villa neighborhood, you can get backyard privacy from the villa wall.

May I suggest that as you look at courtyard neighborhoods, you might want to expand your search and see what is for sale behind them. When a designer backs up to a villa wall, you don't have to have a kissing lanai or a street in your backyard -- both of which usually can be helped with landscaping though. -- btw, landscaping is just one of the reasons to go with pre-owned.

I wish you the best of luck as you search for the home you will know is yours. (Just for the record, I think pre-owned homes are often the best choice for many reasons.)

[Boomer]

Creating a sense of urgency to buy was once an effective part of TV marketing. Buyers who were not yet retired would often feel that urgency and would buy and then rent their homes until they could be here themselves. Much of their concern was over buildout and the potential for price increases.

I have watched the TV market for more than 10 years, eventually bought, but never bought into that sense-of-urgency thing.

But now, buildout looks far away and prices are not going up so fast. Has that slowed the "buy early" part of the market? -- especially for the new market?

.

[justjim]

There are designers......and then, there are designers........

As you look for a courtyard villa, you also might want to think about looking at some of the smaller designers on inside lots.

For instance, a classic, smaller Gardenia can give you a nice open 1887 sq. ft. (or slightly more) with a full 2-car garage and lots of natural light.

The front portico area of the Gardenia can be paved. Pavers in the small backyard, too, will cut down on grass to mow. Hiring mowing done for smaller inside lots is relatively inexpensive.

Even though those designers on inside lots look really close together, you might find that the way the houses are sited sometimes allows for more privacy than you might have thought possible. -- And......if you can find a designer that backs up to a courtyard villa neighborhood, you can get backyard privacy from the villa wall.

May I suggest that as you look at courtyard neighborhoods, you might want to expand your search and see what is for sale behind them. When a designer backs up to a villa wall, you don't have to have a kissing lanai or a street in your backyard -- both of which usually can be helped with landscaping though. -- btw, landscaping is just one of the reasons to go with pre-owned.

I wish you the best of luck as you search for the home you will know is yours. (Just for the record, I think pre-owned homes are often the best choice for many reasons.)

Good informed post especially regarding looking at a designer on an inside lot and comparing the classic designer with a two car garage to a Courtyard Villa. If you purchase a Courtyard with a two car garage and three bedrooms, you may end up paying more and overall getting less.

You can absolutely landscape out your "backdoor neighbor" in a designer on an inside lot. If you get unlucky to get next door to a "noisy" neighbor, trust me, it doesn't matter what home from a $800,000 to $250,000 you will have an unfortunate issue. A Courtyard Villa, or any other home in The Villages, cannot guarantee you "no noise". That said, the odds are in your favor for that to not happen here too.

As others have posted, taking your time and due diligence are key factors in purchasing your retirement home. The good news, there is just about "something" for everyone in The Villages.

[THUNDERCHIEF]

i'm sure your home will sell soon as virginia trace is a great location.
I think you decided on a previous thread that it's the lack of a golf-cart garage that is holding you back.
But i'm sure you will find someone without a golf cart that finds your garage large enough.
Good luck on selling your home.

we have a two car garage with 2 cars in it, a golf cart, and a harley, and a side by side refrigerator

[Fred R]

If I were ever to sell my little 2 bedroom 2 bath here in Mira Mesa and go to a bigger one there would be 2 criteria that would guide me.
1. I'd never buy a place with a bond
2. I'd never buy a "new home".

There are so many selections north of 466 that are great, well maintained, and available. I had one gentleman tell me last week that when he purchased through a Villages sales agent the agent talked as if the bond was no big thing. The man said that by the time he pays it off he will have spent over $40,000 in bond and interest. For many of you who have a lot of money and don't care, it would be no big deal. But to many of us that came down here to enjoy the good life and aren't rich, it can be an issue. I've toured several of the new homes... You have to pay extra just for hardware for your kitchen cabinets. That is a bummer.

[biker1]

I see the bond as a non-issue. There is a cost associated with the bond, whether it is paid off or not. If it is not paid off then your annual costs will be higher because you will see the bond payment on your property tax bill. If it is paid off then your mortgage will be higher because the selling price will be higher, but you won't have the annual cost of the bond. The interest rate on a mortgage is probably less than the interest rate on the bond so there may be an advantage with it paid off. Also, the interest on the bond is not tax deductible but it will be with a mortgage on a house with a paid off bond. If the house with the bond paid off won't appraise at the higher price then that would be an issue. A cash deal is a bit different to evaluate.

Having bought a new home from Properties of The Villages, I never will again. Their homes are nice, but dealing with them is a nightmare. They have rules that no other real estate company in the country has.

If you apply for a loan and don't get it, you lose your deposit.

If you don't get your loan by the closing date that they set, you are fined $250 per day for each day that you are late.

Unless I was paying cash, it will be a resale for me if I ever buy another home here.

In addition, many of the resales have the bond paid off. This is not small matter sometimes adding $25,000 and up to the cost of your home.

[Boomer]

I see the bond as a non-issue. There is a cost associated with the bond, whether it is paid off or not. If it is not paid off then your annual costs will be higher. If it is paid off then your mortgage will be higher because the selling price will be higher, but you won't have the annual cost of the bond. The interest rate on a mortgage is probably less than the interest rate on the bond so there may be an advantage with it paid off. Also, the interest on the bond is not tax deductible but it will be with a mortgage on a house with a paid off bond. If the house with the bond paid off won't appraise at the higher price then that would be an issue. A cash deal is a bit different to evaluate.


You have pretty well covered things to think about when factoring in the bond, although I do not think it is always a non-issue. -- The issue often is more nuanced than that. If I may, I would like to add a few specifics...................

We own a house between 466 and 466A. The remaining bond is in the mid-teens which added around $1300 on the recent (annual) property tax bill -- though that amount is not tax-deductible, as you said. The interest rate on our mid-teens total-remaining bond amount is 4.25%.

We choose not to pay off the bond because we probably will not keep the house forever and while a paid bond might be an icing-on-the-cake selling point, I am not sure that the seller can expect always to get the pay-off amount back in the price.

When a thread on the topic of the pre-owned market appears, a potential TV buyer usually can find more information about the ins and outs of the bond than they might have already known.......

I hope potential buyers know to ask about the bond amounts. The sales website appears to list the bond simply as paid or not paid. The property tax office does not know the payoff amount. TV must be called directly for that information on pre-owned homes. But I would think agents would make that information available, though a buyer might have to ask.

[Ladygolfer93]

The person in Virginia Trace mentioned a pool. I know from experience while this may be an attractive item for the person living there, when it comes sale time it can be difficult. I've seen one home after another sell quickly (in another popular retirement area) on all sides of a home with a pool and asked friends who owned their own brokerage for 37 years. They said pools can present a problem, especially in developments that already offer one or even more pools (like the Villages). Pools raise insurance rates significantly, raise real estate taxes, and (the brokers said) produce on going expenses that only add to home ownership. They told me if a home pool was a life long desire...go ahead, but be informed that like other specialized items, it can have a negative impact at sale time as the presence of a pool really narrows the number of potential buyers as many do not want to even be shown a house with a pool. I have noticed one home in my Villages (not V. Trace) has been for sale now for over a year, while one across the street and one two blocks down sold quite quickly after they went on the market. May be sometime to what I was told about having a pool at home ?

[biker1]

I will construct a simple example, where I will ignore the future value of money. A house with a $23K bond will cost about $1600/year. After 10 years you will have paid $16K and still have a bond balance of $19K. At that time if you wish to sell the house I would suspect you can ask for a price premium of more than $7K (the difference between what you paid in bond payments and what it would have cost you to pay off the bond initially). Factoring in the future value of money will change the equation but I hope you see the point.

You have pretty well covered things to think about when factoring in the bond, although I do not think it is always a non-issue. -- The issue often is more nuanced than that. If I may, I would like to add a few specifics...................

We own a house between 466 and 466A. The remaining bond is in the mid-teens which added around $1300 on the recent (annual) property tax bill -- though that amount is not tax-deductible, as you said. The interest rate on our mid-teens total-remaining bond amount is 4.25%.

We choose not to pay off the bond because we probably will not keep the house forever and while a paid bond might be an icing-on-the-cake selling point, I am not sure that the seller can expect always to get the pay-off amount back in the price.

When a thread on the topic of the pre-owned market appears, a potential TV buyer usually can find more information about the ins and outs of the bond than they might have already known.......

I hope potential buyers know to ask about the bond amounts. The sales website appears to list the bond simply as paid or not paid. The property tax office does not know the payoff amount. TV must be called directly for that information on pre-owned homes. But I would think agents would make that information available, though a buyer might have to ask.

[Boomer]

I will construct a simple example, where I will ignore the future value of money. A house with a $23K bond will cost about $1600/year. After 10 years you will have paid $16K and still have a bond balance of $19K. At that time if you wish to sell the house I would suspect you can ask for a price premium of more than $7K (the difference between what you paid in bond payments and what it would have cost you to pay off the bond initially). Factoring in the future value of money will change the equation but I hope you see the point.


I completely understand the math of what you are saying, biker1, but I remain of the opinion that the issue of the bond is nuanced.......

Unlike the cut-and-dried, take-it-or-leave-it, new build market, every pre-owned comes with its own story.......

If a buyer is pretty sure they will stay in the home forever, or at least long enough to recoup the return-on-investment of paying off the bond, that can work out very well.

There are others for whom paying off the bond is simply the cost of sleep because they do not want to owe anything on their house or to pay interest on a house expense that has no tax advantage. I get that.

Then there might be some who see ROI in a different way. Maybe those people are dividend investors who might own stocks that pay a relatively decent dividend. Such stocks might even be on that list known as "The Dividend Aristocrats" which means not only do those stocks pay a dividend but those companies have increased that dividend payout for at least 25 years running, thus often increasing the yield on the original investment.

And there might be some who like to put money in stocks so that they can maybe capture a gain when it is most beneficial to their individual need or want for ROI.

And then there are the bird-in-the-hand people who simply prefer to hold on to the money to spend for other things rather than tying it up in one big amount for the bond pay-off.

Well.......as much fun as I am having thinking up scenarios that create the nuances in individual decisions about whether to pay off the bond or not, I really need to get outa here.......

biker1, I think we are both right. :)

[manaboutown]

Well, I add the principal of the bond (if any) to the listed price of a house in determining its actual asking price because a bond is a lien on a house and therefore part of its cost.

[justjim]

The person in Virginia Trace mentioned a pool. I know from experience while this may be an attractive item for the person living there, when it comes sale time it can be difficult. I've seen one home after another sell quickly (in another popular retirement area) on all sides of a home with a pool and asked friends who owned their own brokerage for 37 years. They said pools can present a problem, especially in developments that already offer one or even more pools (like the Villages). Pools raise insurance rates significantly, raise real estate taxes, and (the brokers said) produce on going expenses that only add to home ownership. They told me if a home pool was a life long desire...go ahead, but be informed that like other specialized items, it can have a negative impact at sale time as the presence of a pool really narrows the number of potential buyers as many do not want to even be shown a house with a pool. I have noticed one home in my Villages (not V. Trace) has been for sale now for over a year, while one across the street and one two blocks down sold quite quickly after they went on the market. May be sometime to what I was told about having a pool at home ?

Revisiting the OP I overlooked the pool and Ladygolfer you are correct that a swimming pool can be a "turnoff" for many looking to buy a retirement home in a retirement community. That said, a pool can also be just what someone is looking for in a home but of the universe of buyers it's a very small number. A pool may actually be a liability instead of an asset. In addition, you rarely get your orginial cost back from a pool.

[windwalker]

Having bought a new home from Properties of The Villages, I never will again. Their homes are nice, but dealing with them is a nightmare. They have rules that no other real estate company in the country has.

If you apply for a loan and don't get it, you lose your deposit.

If you don't get your loan by the closing date that they set, you are fined $250 per day for each day that you are late.

Unless I was paying cash, it will be a resale for me if I ever buy another home here.

In addition, many of the resales have the bond paid off. This is not small matter sometimes adding $25,000 and up to the cost of your home.

After eight months on the market I finally sold my beautiful Gardenia for $27,000 less than listing price. Owned it for 13 years and put over $30,000 in updates. Took a real loss and would never use the Villages Agents for anything again..nothing but problems and all they want to do is sell the new homes with their huge bonds.

[Putt4Dough]

After eight months on the market I finally sold my beautiful Gardenia for $27,000 less than listing price. Owned it for 13 years and put over $30,000 in updates. Took a real loss and would never use the Villages Agents for anything again..nothing but problems and all they want to do is sell the new homes with their huge bonds.

You are saying you boughtt Gardenia 13 years ago and put in $30k upgrades and took a big loss because of Villages sales? Lets have the numbers, what you paid and what you sold for. Finding this one hard to believe.

[Fredman]

You are saying you boughtt Gardenia 13 years ago and put in $30k upgrades and took a big loss because of Villages sales? Lets have the numbers, what you paid and what you sold for. Finding this one hard to believe.

I agree. Can't believe that after 13 years of ownership that you lost money.

[graciegirl]

If a home isn't selling here there is a reason. Maybe it needs a coat of paint inside and out and a little staging? I have been told repeatedly that your best time to sell is the first two weeks and perhaps some folks are going for "the kill". It is wise to pay attention to recent like home sales, keeping in mind the view, the location and the age and the size. Price it fairly, most will still make quite a bit.

I don't sell houses. I am not a realtor. Just an observer.

[Mrs. Robinson]

There are three things and only three things that will sell a house . . .

Condition, Location and Price.

Price encompasses everything. When all else fails, price is king!

[Fredman]

There are three things and only three things that will sell a house . . .

Condition, Location and Price.

Price encompasses everything. When all else fails, price is king!

You forgot the most important thing. If the wife wants it you will buy it. The other things be damned

[Boomer]

Good informed post especially regarding looking at a designer on an inside lot and comparing the classic designer with a two car garage to a Courtyard Villa. If you purchase a Courtyard with a two car garage and three bedrooms, you may end up paying more and overall getting less.

You can absolutely landscape out your "backdoor neighbor" in a designer on an inside lot. If you get unlucky to get next door to a "noisy" neighbor, trust me, it doesn't matter what home from a $800,000 to $250,000 you will have an unfortunate issue. A Courtyard Villa, or any other home in The Villages, cannot guarantee you "no noise". That said, the odds are in your favor for that to not happen here too.

As others have posted, taking your time and due diligence are key factors in purchasing your retirement home. The good news, there is just about "something" for everyone in The Villages.


Thank you, justjim,

I just spent a little time looking at TV ads and the MLS ads for pre-owned designers. It seems like when a designer is on a corner or on a larger lot or on a golf course, the lot becomes the featured selling point.....

But there does not seem to be any acknowledgment of how well an inside lot, with a smaller designer, can work for potential buyers who do not want the hassle of a lot of yard care.

For those potential villa buyers who might not mind a relatively manageable amount of yard upkeep (which can be hired) smaller designer lots can be worth knowing about, for comparing features and overall costs.

Also, pre-owned designer streets usually have a higher percentage of year-round neighbors for those who prefer a more established neighborhood. -- Even snowbirds sometimes like the idea of somebody being around, even when they are not.

I used to watch the villa market. I looked for a long time, and from afar, convinced that a villa was what would work best for us. But then...........:)

[mscocco]

FYI - To MSCOCCO - We have a Courtyard Villa at 632 Arteaga Way in Mission Hills that is Poured Cement with Stucco Finish reduced to $349,500, Great Opportunity!
Corner Lot with Room for Full Size Pool and has 2 Car Garage with room for Golf Cart Garage.
If interested, please call Brian Dees at 352 350 4480.


Thank you Ria...Mission Hills is beautiful and so close to Sumpter landing but a bit out of the price range that we are looking. We purchase a CYV in Pennecamp for investment this past June and have rental lined up through until May. We're likely looking for another CYV mainly because of the ease of maintenance and also I do believe these are easier to rent than a designer.

Personally, I love the Gardenia, Lantana, and Iris floorpans and if buying for myself to occupy, I'd want the expanded lanai and birdcage but that won;t be a for a couple more years.

Good luck on your sale. I think I've sen you home listed and if it is the one I'm thinking of, it has a lot to offer!

Boomer - thanks for the incite. I've kicked around the idea of an inside designer as many of these can be had for only $20k-$25K more than the larger 3BR CYV homes and do offer more sq footage. right now, it's a numbers thing. If I was buying for myself, it's the way that I'd probably go but for buying a rental, the CYV makes more sense for us right now.

Mark

[Fraugoofy]

Thank you Ria...Mission Hills is beautiful and so close to Sumpter landing but a bit out of the price range that we are looking. We purchase a CYV in Pennecamp for investment this past June and have rental lined up through until May. We're likely looking for another CYV mainly because of the ease of maintenance and also I do believe these are easier to rent than a designer.

Personally, I love the Gardenia, Lantana, and Iris floorpans and if buying for myself to occupy, I'd want the expanded lanai and birdcage but that won;t be a for a couple more years.

Good luck on your sale. I think I've sen you home listed and if it is the one I'm thinking of, it has a lot to offer!

Boomer - thanks for the incite. I've kicked around the idea of an inside designer as many of these can be had for only $20k-$25K more than the larger 3BR CYV homes and do offer more sq footage. right now, it's a numbers thing. If I was buying for myself, it's the way that I'd probably go but for buying a rental, the CYV makes more sense for us right now.

Mark
Hey Mark. Just a thought. I have done extensive research on rentals and patio villas far outweigh courtyards for rental purposes. Price, convenience, maintenance and rental income make it an attractive consideration. Just thought I'd give you something to chew on before making your next rental purchase. PM me if you want further info. Rae

Sent from my SM-N910R4 using Tapatalk

[Boomer]

Any thoughts on whether selling turn-key narrows or expands the field of potential buyers?

Any thoughts on the idea that a turn-key house will sell faster if priced to compete directly with other houses of the same type that are not turn-key?

[Garden guru]

Thank you Ria...Mission Hills is beautiful and so close to Sumpter landing but a bit out of the price range that we are looking. We purchase a CYV in Pennecamp for investment this past June and have rental lined up through until May. We're likely looking for another CYV mainly because of the ease of maintenance and also I do believe these are easier to rent than a designer.

Personally, I love the Gardenia, Lantana, and Iris floorpans and if buying for myself to occupy, I'd want the expanded lanai and birdcage but that won;t be a for a couple more years.

Good luck on your sale. I think I've sen you home listed and if it is the one I'm thinking of, it has a lot to offer!

Boomer - thanks for the incite. I've kicked around the idea of an inside designer as many of these can be had for only $20k-$25K more than the larger 3BR CYV homes and do offer more sq footage. right now, it's a numbers thing. If I was buying for myself, it's the way that I'd probably go but for buying a rental, the CYV makes more sense for us right now.

Mark

In case you're interested, we have a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 3-year-old CYV in Fernandina with granite countertops and a large birdcage that we plan to list for sale in January. Let me know it you might be interested.

[charmed59]

Turnkey houses have their pluses and minus'. There are a large number of folks that would love nothing more than showing up with a suitcase and starting their life here. There are also some number of folks looking for investment property, and a turnkey property means they can put it up for rental now. That said, if the furnishing look worn, they aren't attracting either of those groups. So to really discuss turnkey, let's assume the furnishings are in fairly new shape, like a model home.

Those looking for investments are less invested in the style of furnishings. It doesn't matter if the house is decorated in rustic, sea cottage, modern, tropical, or contemporary. Any of those styles will rent out equally well. As long as it isn't something very specific, such as a Blue and Green Norte Dame fan theme, people won't shy away.

However, if when you look at the group of folks looking for their own home for either seasonal or year round, even nice furniture can be a turn off. If the couple have their heart set on a beach cottage home, and the furnishings are mid-century modern, they might give pause, even if the bones of the house are perfect for them. If they have to replace the furnishings, and empty version of the same house might be more appealing. However, if the house is priced the same as an empty house, you won't be losing the folks that need to refurnish the house, and you will be gaining those that love the decor that is there.

If a family finds a house where the furnishings are perfect, but they will have to move the furniture to redo floors or take popcorn off ceilings, or make even larger fixes, then an empty house might have an advantage. It depends how in love they are with the furniture.

[HimandMe]

Thank you Ria...Mission Hills is beautiful and so close to Sumpter landing but a bit out of the price range that we are looking. We purchase a CYV in Pennecamp for investment this past June and have rental lined up through until May. We're likely looking for another CYV mainly because of the ease of maintenance and also I do believe these are easier to rent than a designer.

Personally, I love the Gardenia, Lantana, and Iris floorpans and if buying for myself to occupy, I'd want the expanded lanai and birdcage but that won;t be a for a couple more years.

Good luck on your sale. I think I've sen you home listed and if it is the one I'm thinking of, it has a lot to offer!

Boomer - thanks for the incite. I've kicked around the idea of an inside designer as many of these can be had for only $20k-$25K more than the larger 3BR CYV homes and do offer more sq footage. right now, it's a numbers thing. If I was buying for myself, it's the way that I'd probably go but for buying a rental, the CYV makes more sense for us right now.

Mark

You might want to add the Lily to your list. Usually wider lot, all bedrooms are spacious. It's like the Lantana (or Iris with bigger bedrooms) and the 2nd bedroom in the front of the house 12x16 makes a great TV room so your LR doesn't have to be dominated by the TV.

[VApeople]

Some like the idea of a new home but they don't realize the fringe locations of many of these new build outs.

We recently bought a new home in Osceola Hills because we liked the fringe location.

When we looked at a map of The Villages, we saw a lot of houses east of Buena Vista and thought how hard it must be for all of those people to get out. We went to the Lake Miona rec center a few days ago and the traffic congestion there was terrible, at least by our standards.

[Boomer]

Turnkey houses have their pluses and minus'. There are a large number of folks that would love nothing more than showing up with a suitcase and starting their life here. There are also some number of folks looking for investment property, and a turnkey property means they can put it up for rental now. That said, if the furnishing look worn, they aren't attracting either of those groups. So to really discuss turnkey, let's assume the furnishings are in fairly new shape, like a model home.

Those looking for investments are less invested in the style of furnishings. It doesn't matter if the house is decorated in rustic, sea cottage, modern, tropical, or contemporary. Any of those styles will rent out equally well. As long as it isn't something very specific, such as a Blue and Green Norte Dame fan theme, people won't shy away.

However, if when you look at the group of folks looking for their own home for either seasonal or year round, even nice furniture can be a turn off. If the couple have their heart set on a beach cottage home, and the furnishings are mid-century modern, they might give pause, even if the bones of the house are perfect for them. If they have to replace the furnishings, and empty version of the same house might be more appealing. However, if the house is priced the same as an empty house, you won't be losing the folks that need to refurnish the house, and you will be gaining those that love the decor that is there.

If a family finds a house where the furnishings are perfect, but they will have to move the furniture to redo floors or take popcorn off ceilings, or make even larger fixes, then an empty house might have an advantage. It depends how in love they are with the furniture.



Thank you for your well thought through answer.

Our last two houses (not in TV) sold quickly, one in 3 days, the next one in 3 weeks. If we decide to sell our TV house, it will be turnkey. Even though we have bought and sold quite a few houses throughout the years, this would be the first turnkey.

Your last sentence in your next-to-last paragraph is what I have been thinking.

We thought about selling last year, but when we got there we changed our minds. But maybe this time.

[cms36]

I think this is true. I submitted a request for more information on a pre-owned home in Charlotte on Monday and as of now (Friday) still haven't heard from TV

[Buckeyes76]

We want to be in the Villages when my husband retires in 2019 So, We bought a pre-owned in June 2016. We had been looking since July 2015. We have moved 10 time, remodeled every home we have bought SO,,,, We were very particular,,, no bond, 90 % turnkey and close to Lake Sumpter Landing.
Suggestions
The longer your home is on the market,,people looking will wonder why?? Take it off and re-list with new agent in March. We went through 3 agents before finding the right one. Some agents in the Villages are pretty aggressive and want to sell new. We loved Stacey.
If you have a bond, suggest you take out home equity or line of credit to pay off.
Up grade your kitchen and masterbath if you haven't already. If you have carpet, instead of replaceing it, offer $$ back at closing because we all have different taste.
Everybody has opinions, these are just mine??? Good luck!

[justjim]

We recently bought a new home in Osceola Hills because we liked the fringe location.

When we looked at a map of The Villages, we saw a lot of houses east of Buena Vista and thought how hard it must be for all of those people to get out. We went to the Lake Miona rec center a few days ago and the traffic congestion there was terrible, at least by our standards.

Good point about being on a fringe location---at least for now. When, and if, they start building south of Rt 44 (in earnest) Osceola Hills may no longer be on the fringe. For now---a lot less traffic than the "center" locations in The Villages. We like our location and designer in LaBelle too.

[virgind]

Thats really disturbing what CMS posted as we have our house for sale. We also found out that most of the sale agents dont work on week ends. I wonder how many potential sales they may have lost because of that. I'll say one thing I would not recommend any one list with TV for pre owned home sale. Sorry we did. Contract will be up in a month and not again.

[Boomer]

I think the VLS website is excellent, well organized, and easy to navigate. That site sure can get 'em in the door.

But what about the MLS?

I think I must be missing something.

Can anyone recommend a site that covers all the MLS listings in TV and is user-friendly?

[asianthree]

Our village rep sold our house in 3 days, showed the house on Friday, Saturday, and sold on Sunday. Never had time for open house. It was turnkey.

We texted him about a preowned we saw on web site, late Friday night, looked on Saturday morning, made an offer, Saturday was his birthday, he sold three houses on his birthday Saturday.

Out of 3 TV reps two were more than you could ask for. Our 2 rep was not even so so. It depends on who you use.

[npwalters]

Well, I add the principal of the bond (if any) to the listed price of a house in determining its actual asking price because a bond is a lien on a house and therefore part of its cost.

We bought in April and that is exactly how I approached it. Only one rational way to compare prices. Take the ask and add the bond (if any) and that is what the true cost is.

[Spikearoni]

I think the VLS website is excellent, well organized, and easy to navigate. That site sure can get 'em in the door.

But what about the MLS?

I think I must be missing something.

Can anyone recommend a site that covers all the MLS listings in TV and is user-friendly?

I find Trulia.com to be very helpful. The site states the age of the house that is for sale as well as its sales history.

[manaboutown]

I think the VLS website is excellent, well organized, and easy to navigate. That site sure can get 'em in the door.

But what about the MLS?

I think I must be missing something.

Can anyone recommend a site that covers all the MLS listings in TV and is user-friendly?

You may also try realtor.com, redfin.com, zillow.com and ziprealty.com as well as the above mentioned trulia.com.

I have found the comprehensiveness of results vary by website.

[Boomer]

Thank you to those of you who answered my question about where to find MLS listings. Those national sites certainly can be helpful.

I have been hoping to find a local MLS site also, one that is well organized and easily navigated. And tonight I think I finally found one.......

The MLS agent who provides the site is Sally Love with Realty Executives. I have never met her, but I happened upon her site which is sallysellsthevillages.com and I found it to be easy to use.

Sally Love's site can be searched by village, by price range, and other ways to customize the search. I could get to a lot of information and pictures quickly.

It is the best local MLS site I have found so far, but I might be missing other good ones.

[Boomer]

Any thoughts on whether selling turn-key narrows or expands the field of potential buyers?

Any thoughts on the idea that a turn-key house will sell faster if priced to compete directly with other houses of the same type that are not turn-key?


Turnkey houses have their pluses and minus'. There are a large number of folks that would love nothing more than showing up with a suitcase and starting their life here. There are also some number of folks looking for investment property, and a turnkey property means they can put it up for rental now. That said, if the furnishing look worn, they aren't attracting either of those groups. So to really discuss turnkey, let's assume the furnishings are in fairly new shape, like a model home.

Those looking for investments are less invested in the style of furnishings. It doesn't matter if the house is decorated in rustic, sea cottage, modern, tropical, or contemporary. Any of those styles will rent out equally well. As long as it isn't something very specific, such as a Blue and Green Norte Dame fan theme, people won't shy away.

However, if when you look at the group of folks looking for their own home for either seasonal or year round, even nice furniture can be a turn off. If the couple have their heart set on a beach cottage home, and the furnishings are mid-century modern, they might give pause, even if the bones of the house are perfect for them. If they have to replace the furnishings, and empty version of the same house might be more appealing. However, if the house is priced the same as an empty house, you won't be losing the folks that need to refurnish the house, and you will be gaining those that love the decor that is there.

If a family finds a house where the furnishings are perfect, but they will have to move the furniture to redo floors or take popcorn off ceilings, or make even larger fixes, then an empty house might have an advantage. It depends how in love they are with the furniture.


Thanks again for answering my question. I am quoting us here because I have more questions about turnkey sales..........

It seems to me that before the house is listed, the best thing to do would be for the seller to remove any items they want to keep. But that might not always be possible.

Do sellers mark items that will not stay or do they provide an inventory of what will stay? Or both?

If a turnkey has always been a private home and never a rental, a seller probably has a few more things to think about when preparing the house for listing. For instance, what about artwork? If the seller is taking a painting, should they just mark it to show it does not stay? Or just get it out of there, leaving a blank wall? Or, if possible, try to find something to replace it for staging? Or is it better to just have freshly painted walls with nothing, or very few items?

Suggestions? Advice? For sellers and/or buyers of a turnkey home?

[asianthree]

Thanks again for answering my question. I am quoting us here because I have more questions about turnkey sales..........

It seems to me that before the house is listed, the best thing to do would be for the seller to remove any items they want to keep. But that might not always be possible.

Do sellers mark items that will not stay or do they provide an inventory of what will stay? Or both?

If a turnkey has always been a private home and never a rental, a seller probably has a few more things to think about when preparing the house for listing. For instance, what about artwork? If the seller is taking a painting, should they just mark it to show it does not stay? Or just get it out of there, leaving a blank wall? Or, if possible, try to find something to replace it for staging? Or is it better to just have freshly painted walls with nothing, or very few items?

Suggestions? Advice? For sellers and/or buyers of a turnkey home?

We removed everything from our house that we were taking, as our agent said if it's in the pictures or at a showing buyers will want it, even something as small as a vase. Unless house is listed turnkey available then you might buy sections of furniture

[Boomer]

We removed everything from our house that we were taking, as our agent said if it's in the pictures or at a showing buyers will want it, even something as small as a vase. Unless house is listed turnkey available then you might buy sections of furniture

Thank you, asianthree. I appreciate hearing from someone who has been through it. I have sold quite a few houses but never a turnkey. There is a bit more to get my head around while we decide for sure.

[phairmason]

We bought a partially furnished (not turnkey) patio villa. The seller was still living in the house so there was a list displayed of what furniture stayed (couch, chairs, table, bedroom sets, major appliances, etc.) when we viewed the property. We negotiated the purchase price of the house and the contents separately. That list of furniture was included in a rider on the contract and we paid for that with a personal check--I won't pay real estate property taxes on furniture and appliances.

[mrdarcy]

Lyle Gant at lylegant.com is another local MLS realtor who specializes in Villages properties.

[trueorange]

We bought our home here turnkey, and when the previous owners gave us a counteroffer, they listed which items they planned to keep, mostly some artwork, their personal computer and some knick knacks. Their counter offer had pictures of everything they kept. It was a very organized process, although I wish they had kept more stuff, there was a lot to wade through when we got there. We had a huge garage sale to sell some of the extra dishes, curios, linens, etc.

[Barefoot]

Do sellers mark items that will not stay or do they provide an inventory of what will stay? Or both?

Suggestions? Advice? For sellers and/or buyers of a turnkey home?

When I was a Realtor, if a home were sold with furniture/golfcart/belongings, there would be a comprehensive list of all inclusions which would form part of the contract. If not included on the list -- not included.
This is especially important for fixtures such as dining room lights. Fixtures should be included or replaced.

[thelegges]

Our preowned had furniture, pictures, and tv for sale, there was a list of what was for sale. We bought most of it, so the owner whos wife had passed did not have to deal with it. We then donated items we did not need after we closed. It made his move so much easier.

[ricthemic]

Regarding the OP: just curious, have sales of village pre owned homes declined a lot compared to the last 2 years? If so, are new home sales also down?

[Boomer]

While The Villages (VLS) site is easy to navigate, I don't see a way to find out the days-on-market. I guess I could figure it out, sort of, on specific listings by the listing number. But sometimes houses are relisted with a new number.

MLS sites for TV houses sometimes show days-on-market. Zilliow does, too.

I think being aware of days-on-market can be helpful to both buyers and sellers. For sellers who want to list, knowing how an agent is doing with existing listings is a factor to consider. If you can't find the info, ask.

But, overall, the market is the market.

[autumnspring]

In talking with my Village Sales representative in the spring, she told me that November was a good month for sales. I remember exactly because I questioned November being a good month.

The Villages is no longer selling new homes at the same pace of a couple years ago. That is pretty easy to observe with the discounts they are giving. The homes in Lake County (Pine Ridge and Pine Hills)are not selling as fast as they once thought they would. As you probably know, taxes are higher in Lake County than in Sumter. Most buyers today are pretty "savvy" when purchasing a home. I believe all golf course lots are sold and there will not be anymore north of State Rt. 44. The Villages south of LaBelle are considerably more distance to Brownwood too.

In short, this all adds up to slower sales than in past years---especially the month of November. In some way, it slows resales too if fewer potential buyers are coming to TV. This Year there was a contentious election and some might be putting off moving and purchasing a retirement home until later.

That said, with interest rates heading up, the election over, and stocks headed higher, I wouldn't be surprised that increased sales of new and resale homes in TV will follow. Prices, however, may be a bit lower until demand catches up with supply.

BTY, I am not a Realtor nor currently a real estate investor although I have been an investor in the past. Like most of you I am happy to be a retiree.

As a former sales rep in the photo industry. If, anyone asks THINGS ARE GREAT.
For real estate sales, it is a predicable game. A broker will tell you that they will get you a high price for your house so that you give them the listing. That ties you up for six months. If anyone sells your house in that time period they get 1/2 of the commission which they need to split with the office they work for. That is the reason why the listing broker is motivated to be the selling broker as well.
If, a home doesn't sell in a month or two it is like old eggs-a bit stale.

Look at ZILLOW. The hard cold rude facts are easy to see.
You can see what your model is listed for and more important what it SELLS for.

[Boomer]

Does anybody know if TV salespeople or MLS agents "tour" new pre-owned listings or present their new pre-owned listings at office meetings? My guess is some do, some don't, but I really don't know. Anybody?

[Boomer]

Forgive me. I was writing a post of unsolicited, but ever-so-helpful, advice about photos for real estate ads. -- But either my iPad or my connection is overly sensitive and going haywire this morning and kept posting partial posts. I just gave up and took it out.

[kstew43]

As a retired Realtor in Broward county florida.....

You ABSOLUTELY push your listings in your office with your fellow office realtors. We had sales lunches every week to hear about all the new listings in our office.

And we used to have caravans....we would all get together once a week and preview our offices listing then meet for lunch paid by our broker. Strive to keep the commissions in the company.

That is just good business....

[Greg Nelson]

In Green Valley,AZ there are tons for sale and cheap too

[Boomer]

Does anybody know if TV salespeople or MLS agents "tour" new pre-owned listings or present their new pre-owned listings at office meetings? My guess is some do, some don't, but I really don't know. Anybody?


As a retired Realtor in Broward county florida.....

You ABSOLUTELY push your listings in your office with your fellow office realtors. We had sales lunches every week to hear about all the new listings in our office.

And we used to have caravans....we would all get together once a week and preview our offices listing then meet for lunch paid by our broker. Strive to keep the commissions in the company.

That is just good business....


Yes. Definitely. Good business.

Our house up north is in a large city where some agents "tour" or "caravan" and some do not. There are brokerages that are so big that they end up having a whole lot of agents, some of whom only want to get the listings and that's it.

I have found out that some of TV MLS agents "caravan" but I don't know if all the MLS offices do. My guess is yes.......or the agents choose as individuals.

But does anyone know if the salespeople who work for TV bring other agents through their new pre-owned listings or present the new listings at meetings?

Buyers need two agents if they want to know the whole TV market -- one MLS and one VLS. But sellers have to decide which one will get the listing. Lots to think about -- either way.

[Boomer]

A long time ago, in a different city, in the world of real estate, in a class, it was said that an Open House rarely sells the house that is Open.......

The general idea, then and there, was that an Open House was a good way for the agent to meet people who might eventually become clients for the agent but rarely for the house where they met.

Is that how things work in TV? Does an Open House sell the Open House more often here than in other markets? (My guess is maybe, especially considering "No Signs Allowed.")

[justjim]

Since you can't put a sign up in the yard but can put up a temporary open house sign, open house does likely sell better in The Villages than in other real estate markets. This is especially true for "For sale by owner". Just my opinion.

[CassieInVa]

Was at an Open House this week (preowned home listed with the Villages) and agent said that prices are good right now to purchase but might want to wait a bit to sell, as prices should go back up soon. Mentioned there are a lot less available listings than normal right now and hopefully a sellers market coming up. Of course, it is anybody's guess.

[BobnBev]

///

Can you PM me with your address and home info?

[HimandMe]

There are designers......and then, there are designers........

As you look for a courtyard villa, you also might want to think about looking at some of the smaller designers on inside lots.

For instance, a classic, smaller Gardenia can give you a nice open 1887 sq. ft. (or slightly more) with a full 2-car garage and lots of natural light.

The front portico area of the Gardenia can be paved. Pavers in the small backyard, too, will cut down on grass to mow. Hiring mowing done for smaller inside lots is relatively inexpensive.

Even though those designers on inside lots look really close together, you might find that the way the houses are sited sometimes allows for more privacy than you might have thought possible. -- And......if you can find a designer that backs up to a courtyard villa neighborhood, you can get backyard privacy from the villa wall.

May I suggest that as you look at courtyard neighborhoods, you might want to expand your search and see what is for sale behind them. When a designer backs up to a villa wall, you don't have to have a kissing lanai or a street in your backyard -- both of which usually can be helped with landscaping though. -- btw, landscaping is just one of the reasons to go with pre-owned.

I wish you the best of luck as you search for the home you will know is yours. (Just for the record, I think pre-owned homes are often the best choice for many reasons.)

Good idea...consider Designers that back up to those courtyard walls. You get all the designer extras and the privacy.

[HimandMe]

Thanks again for answering my question. I am quoting us here because I have more questions about turnkey sales..........

It seems to me that before the house is listed, the best thing to do would be for the seller to remove any items they want to keep. But that might not always be possible.

Do sellers mark items that will not stay or do they provide an inventory of what will stay? Or both?

If a turnkey has always been a private home and never a rental, a seller probably has a few more things to think about when preparing the house for listing. For instance, what about artwork? If the seller is taking a painting, should they just mark it to show it does not stay? Or just get it out of there, leaving a blank wall? Or, if possible, try to find something to replace it for staging? Or is it better to just have freshly painted walls with nothing, or very few items?

Suggestions? Advice? For sellers and/or buyers of a turnkey home?

You usually get an itemized list. A private home is often beloved and furnished differently. Major items often stay but other things are often not trinkets and go with the owner or heirs.

[justjim]

In Green Valley,AZ there are tons for sale and cheap too

I have a first cousin who lives there in Green Valley, Az. He has been there five or six years and likes it. However, he usually does his traveling in July and August because of the heat. We looked Arizona over prior to settling on Florida and Arizona just didn't do it for us. Too many rocks and "brown tones". Sorry, off the thread subject a bit.

There were close to 500 ready built new homes for sale just a week ago and most were discounted. This affects the resale market to some extent in TV. Depending on the location you prefer the resales may have an advantage because new homes/villas are either "far" north or south in The Villages.

[Boomer]

Good idea...consider Designers that back up to those courtyard walls. You get all the designer extras and the privacy.

You usually get an itemized list. A private home is often beloved and furnished differently. Major items often stay but other things are often not trinkets and go with the owner or heirs.

Yes and Yes.

When I walked in the front door of this light, bright, well-maintained, conveniently located, pre-owned designer and looked straight through to the back and saw that wall -- I knew.

This home has always been a private home and you are so right about how it is furnished.....and beloved -- by us and by the previous owner, too..........

[SALYBOW]

I was told by an agent that the Villages still sells more pre-owned homes than all the real estate companies combined. Go figure. We are attempting to sell our by owner and we are getting boo-coup people through right now. We have decided that without a realtor we can reduce the price by $5000 dollars. This will benefit both parties. If anyone is interested in a beautiful Iris model with many extres PM me.

[Boomer]

MLS? VLS? FSBO?

The market here is different.

No matter what route a seller or buyer takes, the market for TV is a relative constant in some ways......The inventory might ebb and flow, a little, but there always will be another house for sale.

And where else in the country can it be said that a house just might sell from an ad in a newspaper.

[SALYBOW]

if you go FSBO you can get it listed on Listsmart and it will be on the MLS.

[Boomer]

if you go FSBO you can get it listed on Listsmart and it will be on the MLS.


The FSBO market definitely has changed with all those websites out there that can include them. I have FSBO'd a few times. It has been a while though. (And not here in TV) Our past two northern sells were with a realtor.

No matter who markets the house, FSBO or VLS or MLS, pictures are crucial. I have seen some real doozies from all 3 of those. I keep wanting to reach into some of those photos to straighten up bad bedmaking and turn on lights and put things like toothbrushes and shampoo in drawers......And I cannot comprehend why people take pictures of toilets -- even if the lid is closed. (As far as I know, all TV houses have toilets.)

All sellers, no matter how they are selling, should look at their home's pictures with a new and critical eye. Might be an OUCH but could be well worth doing.

[kstew43]

The FSBO market definitely has changed with all those websites out there that can include them. I have FSBO'd a few times. It has been a while though. (And not here in TV) Our past two northern sells were with a realtor.

No matter who markets the house, FSBO or VLS or MLS, pictures are crucial. I have seen some real doozies from all 3 of those. I keep wanting to reach into some of those photos to straighten up bad bedmaking and turn on lights and put things like toothbrushes and shampoo in drawers......And I cannot comprehend why people take pictures of toilets -- even if the lid is closed. (As far as I know, all TV houses have toilets.)

All sellers, no matter how they are selling, should look at their home's pictures with a new and critical eye. Might be an OUCH but could be well worth doing.

I feel the same way......

[Boomer]

Any thoughts on the current pre-owned market for houses between 466 and 466A?

It looks to me like the inventory might be a little low, but I don't really know for sure. I could be wrong. If it is a lower inventory, it is probably not by a whole lot. I do not keep stats. I have been just watching this market (in general) for a very long time and have developed a bit of a feel for it--whatever that is worth.

I know Open Houses can be busy this time of year, but I don't think that means much of anything other than it is the time of year when there are a lot of people here--some of whom will buy--eventually.

[perrjojo]

Any thoughts on the current pre-owned market for houses between 466 and 466A?

It looks to me like the inventory might be a little low, but I don't really know for sure. I could be wrong. If it is a lower inventory, it is probably not by a whole lot. I do not keep stats. I have been just watching this market (in general) for a very long time and have developed a bit of a feel for it--whatever that is worth.

I know Open Houses can be busy this time of year, but I don't think that means much of anything other than it is the time of year when there are a lot of people here--some of whom will buy--eventually.
Each week TV puts the sales stats in one of their ads in the Daily sun. They list the total number of homes sold in the last 12 months. 5 years ago the total sold was over 6,000 with 2059 being preowned. This past week the total was just barely over 4000 with pre owned being close to the 2050 mark. I don't remember the exact amount. I have kept a record of it because ...well, just because. LOL. What does this all mean stastically? Beats me. Actually it means new home sales are down from 2012 and preowned numbers remain constant;however, it does show preowned are down somewhat because the total number of homes has increased. Without doing the official math and proportions I would assume that preowned sold numbers have gone down less than New but both markets are certainly healthy.

[Villageswimmer]

We put our villa on Zillow and it sold in 8 days. Sorry but the Daily Sun buries the FSBO ads. Not worth their high price IMO. It's not easy to sell, especially market it, on your own. Price it fairly unless you want to hold out for a long time. We were blessed.