Cold Feet?

[dizz42]

We rented a home here in TV just to relax and check things out. For fun we attended a couple open houses and, of course, found a home we both thought was amazing. After talking with an agent, the bank and each other (all night!) we just now decided not to purchase. While we discussed lots of reasons, the two main ones are a) we didn't have a clue that we would love TV this much and b) just got cold feet faced with the prospect of selling our home, packing up, leaving family and friends, etc.

Did this happen to anyone else and did you come back more prepared and buy a home? Or were you glad/sad you did/didn't buy? We still unsure because now we're kinda down. :confused:

[Russ_Boston]

Plenty of time to reconsider - Take it one step at a time - Maybe rent for 6 months in a home/villa that you'd like something similar to and then decide.

TV won't be built out for at least 5 more years and there will always be hundreds of resales on the market.

We won't be there for a couple of years but we rent every year just to keep in touch with our new friends until the time comes.

[hdh1470]

My brother has lived in tv for 7 yrs,we have been visiting for 7 yrs and always loved it but when we got back home we were never sure tv would be are home, In aug. we are renting a home just to try it with out visiting my brother but i think we will make tv are home and our fountain of youth.

[JoeB1]

We stooped in TV on our way to Northern Florida to visit relatves last year. Just really a stop over and to see what the place looked like. We did a three night stay and looked at homes more for something to do than to really think about buying. So no pressure and the sales people where so layed back we laughed all the way home to CA. But we found our selves talking more and more about 'what if' and 'where are we going now that I'm retired'. So the next thing either of us knew we were on a plane going back to TV to really look at the area and spend some time there. We stayed in Fl. for a month and looked around with more seroius thoughts to leaving CA and moving to TV.
Then we put money down on the property, went home and put our home on the market. That's when the cold feet start. House won't sell, neighbors and friends start laughing when you say the word "retirement community", your son looks at you like "what".

But hey, we have an offer and are hoping for the best now. Don't do anyhting until you have spent some time in TV. Meet some people, go on a lifestyle stay or two. Tour around the area and make sure you like what you see. Research this web site and read up on this community and others in Fl. Knolwedge will make you feel better about the decision you make, what ever you decide.

Good luck and maybe we'll see you in The Villages.

[Indy-Guy]

My wife and I had been down several times. Were going to buy then not buy then going to buy then not buy. Then we came down weren't going to buy didn't even bring a check book.

Got to our rental and checked in with the person we were renting from. She asked if we were going to purchase (she isn't in sales) and we said no that we decided that we would rent and keep our home in Indianapolis as we wanted only one home. She said that many people do the opposite and live in The Villages full time then go back North and rent for a couple of months or so in the Summer. It is cheaper to rent a place up north in the Summer than to rent in The Villages in the Winter. We purchased 3 days later. This was 5 years ago and we moved here full time 3 years ago.

We have talked to several people about house sitting up North while they take extended vacations and don't like leaving their home unattended.

Only problem is after you move here you don't want to leave for an extended time. I am going back to Indy for 10 days next week but don't want to stay any longer than that.

[NancyLou]

We rented a home here in TV just to relax and check things out. For fun we attended a couple open houses and, of course, found a home we both thought was amazing. After talking with an agent, the bank and each other (all night!) we just now decided not to purchase. While we discussed lots of reasons, the two main ones are a) we didn't have a clue that we would love TV this much and b) just got cold feet faced with the prospect of selling our home, packing up, leaving family and friends, etc.

Did this happen to anyone else and did you come back more prepared and buy a home? Or were you glad/sad you did/didn't buy? We still unsure because now we're kinda down. :confused:

We have been visiting TV for 4 years now because my brother lives there. DH has been in love with the place since he first saw it and I am the big hold out. We visited again 2 weeks ago and I am no longer holding out, time is a fleeting. We have been Bradenton, Fl. Snowbirds for past 5 years in a resort park with many activities, now we don't have that in our condo here in Ohio and poor dh is missing that big time. I have read and reread everything I can get my hands on. This is a major decision to move away from family & friends but they are big kids now and they can come south and enjoy. July 25 is our Lifestyle visit, wanted ugly ugly weather. If I can handle the heat we will go from there. Every day my emotions are in a different place and I think this whole process is good, means you are sorting things out and not jumping in with your heart.

Wishing you well,
Nanc

[dizz42]

Thanks, all, for your stories. We are leaving to go home on Tuesday and tonight, we had a wonderful evening at the square, dancing and listening to the band. It was great and we talked some more about putting in that bid on the house. But we are sticking to our decision to go home, clean up, clear out and generally get ready to move. We will be scheduling a Lifestyle Preview for sometime in January and at that time, we'll see how we feel. Glad to know cold feet is normal. :laugh:

[Army Guy]

Yes, getting cold feet is normal. We had been looking for a place to retire for the past 5 years, TV was the last placed we looked. At the time of our first visit we were actually sold on buying at Barefoot Resort in Myrtle Beach. WE came saw TV and were so blown away, we went home and said heck with Myrtle Beach! Started doing on-line research about TV, found TOTV, and really starting reading asking questions and decided this was the place. Came down and bought. After we bought and right before the clsoing is when we had our "cold feet" moment. But we still felt TV was "right" for us, and now that we are owners, could not be happier.

Army Guy

[kittylecroix]

We have rented twice for a month. I asked everyone I met how they ended up in TV. I couldn't believe how many told me "I wasnt planning on moving anywhere, but we loved it so much we went back home, sold out house and bought down here." "you still like it?" "Oh yeah, it's wonderful. " "Do you miss the grandchildren? "Oh sure, but we visit them a few times a year"
We didn't want to Jump into anything so quickly, so we took out time and decided. It wasn't hard. We're already 50 miles away from the grand childredn, the weather in NY is cold or raining a lot of the time ( I'd say 10 months out of the year) and the taxes are horrendous. Seems like a no brainer. We plan on being in TV in Sept. and possibly having an apt. for the summer in NY. See how that goes for awhile. I'm sure we'll have trepedations, but it's always like that with a big decidion. All the rest have worked out.

[rshoffer]

We rented a home here in TV just to relax and check things out. For fun we attended a couple open houses and, of course, found a home we both thought was amazing. After talking with an agent, the bank and each other (all night!) we just now decided not to purchase. While we discussed lots of reasons, the two main ones are a) we didn't have a clue that we would love TV this much and b) just got cold feet faced with the prospect of selling our home, packing up, leaving family and friends, etc.

Did this happen to anyone else and did you come back more prepared and buy a home? Or were you glad/sad you did/didn't buy? We still unsure because now we're kinda down. :confused:Yes... I actually tried to get out of my home sale in Pa... it sold immediately, after signing the agreement I panicked and tried to wiggle out of it. (there is no '3 day cooling of period in Pa). I got over it. The transition is very stressful but, in retrospect, was worth it.

[hlanders]

Like many others, we came for the lifestyle visit and fell in love, found a house, went to the Villages bank, got approved for a loan and ready to make an offer when our better senses took over. We had high hopes the sale of our current home would not take too long but alas....unless we just give it away a sale has not occurred. In the meantime, although we did love the home we found we have now had time to research more and have a better perspective on where/what we ultimately want to buy so very glad we did not give in to "getting caught up" in the fun and make a purchase too early.
Good luck!

[dizz42]

Like many others, we came for the lifestyle visit and fell in love, found a house, went to the Villages bank, got approved for a loan and ready to make an offer when our better senses took over. We had high hopes the sale of our current home would not take too long but alas....unless we just give it away a sale has not occurred. In the meantime, although we did love the home we found we have now had time to research more and have a better perspective on where/what we ultimately want to buy so very glad we did not give in to "getting caught up" in the fun and make a purchase too early.
Good luck!

We were "this close" too, hlanders! I think we made the right decision but it still is so hard to leave this place! We head for home tomorrow and, of course, that is what we want to see...how we feel when we get home. First order of business: 1) talk to a realtor; 2) get an appraisal; 3) start to clean out; 4) do more research on TV; and finally, 5) get in touch with where we want to be. Sounds like a plan. Hey...we got a plan! :coolsmiley:

[villages07]

We bought in TV in July 2006, at the very end of the peak of the market frenzy. We bought before selling our primary house, but, crunched the numbers to make sure the financial burden and possibility of carrying two houses for an unpredictable period of time was do-able.

It ended up taking 18 months to sell our house and, in the end, a fairly significant financial difference between keeping both for 18 months vs selling up there first and buying here later. But, it was manageable. The upside was the 18 months of living here vs sitting North waiting to get here.

In hindsight, it would have made more financial sense to have bought a small villa back then and after the house sold buy the designer model we wanted and perhaps keep the villa as an investment. I have no regrets for taking the path that we did -- love the house, the location, and the neighbors and all the fun we had in those first 18 months here.

However, in today's market, if the numbers don't crunch, one is advised to sell first then come here to buy. There is always a good selection of new homes to pick from and between April and December plenty of rentals to camp out in until you find the right home.

[Army Guy]

Villages07, you are correct again. The number crunching made all the sense for us to. Although we can not actually start living at TV for 3 more years till the wife retires, we bought now cause we saw from research, that the housing market IMO has hit the bottom, espeically it seems in TV. We got the last CYV with a 15,000+ discount on it, in an absolutely great location. So we bought but now have two homes. The good thing is our primary in AL is paid for and "cheap to keep" so carrying costs are nothing. Want to cry? My AL property tax......$319.00.......not a month, A YEAR!!!!

Army Guy

[hlanders]

You are on your way dizz42 - You have a plan! Don't get me wrong, when we came home we agonized over the decision and it quickly became a mute point when we saw "our home" go under contract so we could not even change our mind- that hurt worse! Time has proven that for us it was the right decision and what I have in mind when we get there with money in hand ready to buy will be different than that home I thought was perfect. Good luck on the sale of your home!

[cher54461]

We have stayed the last 3 years in tv. We have put our house up for sale and plan to rent and look for a house. I think you always wonder if you are making the right move. My in-laws brother and sister can't understand why we want to move. But we loved it when we stayed, and feel we are making the right move. I don't think you can be sure until you are living there. Hope the house sells and we can come as soon as possible.

[CaribbeanAl]

Totally understand-
We first looked for 3 days Sept 2007.
Went around with Brad Becker in V Sales office- CLASS ACT !!!
What we liked to "Pull The Trigger" was out of our budget-
Spent the next year researching options, speaking to outside brokers, pouring over maps & getting our thoughts together. Rented for a month Sept, 2008. After 5 days called Brad. FL was ON SALE .The prices were down a 1/3rd from 2007.
SCORE !!! We're very excited about our V home-
I wish you well-

[ditzyfitzy]

My girlfriend, from OH, has actually PURCHASED 3 times and then re-nigged all three times.....so, don't feel bad!

My neighbor, in Hemingway, bought a designer home with the sole intent of renting it out on a long term basis. (He loves it so much down here--that he hasn't even advertised the home yet). You may want to consider renting something long term if you can afford to keep your home AND rent. My guess is that you will like it down here so much--that you won't want to go back! Seems like that happens to most.....

[BobKat1]

Totally understand-
We first looked for 3 days Sept 2007.
Went around with Brad Becker in V Sales office- CLASS ACT !!!
What we liked to "Pull The Trigger" was out of our budget-
Spent the next year researching options, speaking to outside brokers, pouring over maps & getting our thoughts together. Rented for a month Sept, 2008. After 5 days called Brad. FL was ON SALE .The prices were down a 1/3rd from 2007.SCORE !!! We're very excited about our V home-
I wish you well-

That's interesting, Al. I hadn't seen a number or a percentage given to the change in market prices in TV. Definitely a good time to buy.

I'm assuming you were looking at new homes?

[rshoffer]

We were "this close" too, hlanders! I think we made the right decision but it still is so hard to leave this place! We head for home tomorrow and, of course, that is what we want to see...how we feel when we get home. First order of business: 1) talk to a realtor; 2) get an appraisal; 3) start to clean out; 4) do more research on TV; and finally, 5) get in touch with where we want to be. Sounds like a plan. Hey...we got a plan! :coolsmiley:If you are fully retired and have some ambivalence I'd suggest a 3-6 month rental... I have a very close friend who also was "this close" to buying a house here but was a bit overwhelmed by the size of the place. They rented for 4 mos over the winter and decided they wanted a quieter lifestyle, less traffic etc. They ended up retiring in Pa and travel during the yucky months.

[Army Guy]

As far as discounts go, like I posted above our CYV, was the last to have a large discount, now they are more in the $6000-7000 range, where ours was close to $20,000, PLUS, now the CYV do not come with ALL appliances, ours still did. Now they only have garbage dispos, washer/dryer. So that also makes a difference.
I truly believe unless something else in the economy fails, the bottom has been hit at TV and prices, etc headed up again.

Army Guy

[champion6]

PLUS, now the CYV do not come with ALL appliances, ours still did. Now they only have garbage dispos, washer/dryer. So that also makes a difference.
Wow, that's a significant change. This is the first I have heard of this. It makes me wonder if a similar change might be made with new homes. Hmmm... time will tell.

[Army Guy]

6, yes we were really surprised too. You figure that is about $3000 worth of value gone, and my amount is probably low-ball.
We bought the last 2 bed in Anita Villas, all that was left was a 3 bed Stonybrook and it sold shortly after. They started the less discount, etc with the Hydrangia (sp?) Villas.

Army Guy

[CaribbeanAl]

Brad took us to a Golf Front lot- Advised us they were closing out Hadley & offering 30% discount on the land - By the time we added on the other marketing insentives it was a "No Brainer" - It was VERY GOOD TIMING !!! Especially compared to 2007

[katezbox]

I think there will continue to be some bargains around as villages get completed. There was one Bridgeport in Hadley that was discounted about $60K before it finally sold. We did not like the exposure or closeness to Colony - but for others that is a plus not a minus. Whoever bought that house got a great deal.

Like AG I think that the market is beginning to firm up a bit. However, if your feet are chilly, buying prematurely may cost you more in the long run. Look how many posters talk to the ides a renting to be sure you really know what you want.

I have a huge spreadsheet to track our costs/investment. We also visited our friends in Largo, did a Lifestyle, went to many open houses, peeked in windows and visited TOTV and TV websites daily.

As we retire and are no longer in our peak earning years, we need to remember that financial mistakes are costly as we have less time and less income for our own economic recovery.

[hlanders]

There is so much to consider and learn that the ideal situation would be to rent for 6 months to a year and get a much better feel for what and where you want to be. I hesitate to go that route as it appears I will be selling low and looking for a "wash" with the advantage on the buying end too. It appears TV prices are coming around quicker than other areas and I want to get the most for my money. Are there any renters that have sold and now looking for the next purchase with thoughts on this?

[dizz42]

Good advise/comments all 'round, folks. Thank you for letting me know we are not alone! I am also a spreadsheet-kinda-gal and I already started making comparison notes on expenses, etc. We will also try to pay closer attention to the housing market. Our opinion is that the drop in prices is probably slowing down and is darn near bottom. Another reason to think long and hard about a move.

As we were driving home today, we discussed that Lifestyle Preview in January and also renting for a month (two if possible) next spring or summer. We know we love Florida in the winter but I think most of our hesitation is - can we live there year-round? We wonder about getting acclimatized to the heat and I worry about those great, big palmetto bugs. :22yikes:

[katezbox]

Hi Dizz,

My hubs felt the same way. Growing up he spent summers in Maine where the temps are around the same as a winter's day here.

As for the bugs... we have yet to see a palmetto bug - though do have to spray for them where we lived in SC. In mid May we had some type of beetles that were attracted to the lights outside - but other that having to sweep them up the next morning, they really weren't an issue. They looked like a type of beetle we had in NE that we called a "Japanese" beetle.

Kate

[angel222]

I applaud all who have taken the time to really research and get their "real" feelings down before purchasing. I came on a Lifestyle visit in July '08 with another widow and we had a blast. I decided to rent for three months in Jan.'09 to see how it would be to live there alone. I purchased a house in three weeks without selling my home in NY (although I had an offer that fell through before closing in TV). Right after purchasing my TV house I had a medical emergency and had to fly back to NY for surgery. While I was recuperating, my home in NY sold and now I had no options - TV was going to be my new home. I moved in May '09 and my cold feet are still a little chilly! Remember for me its different - I'm not a couple. I know I will love living in TV but I think the cold feet part takes some time to get through. I bought a designer home at a great discounted price - I love it but had alot of second thoughts when I first moved in because its so big. My point is: take your time and really figure out whats good for you - nothings "written in granite" but its so much better if you come with a clear head and know for the most part what kind of house you want. The lifestyle in TV cannot be found anywhere else and its great but I'm sure others have had to take time to adjust to the change as I have. I'm putting on the "defroster" for my cold feet as I write this!!! :)

[rshoffer]

Good advise/comments all 'round, folks. Thank you for letting me know we are not alone! I am also a spreadsheet-kinda-gal and I already started making comparison notes on expenses, etc. We will also try to pay closer attention to the housing market. Our opinion is that the drop in prices is probably slowing down and is darn near bottom. Another reason to think long and hard about a move.

As we were driving home today, we discussed that Lifestyle Preview in January and also renting for a month (two if possible) next spring or summer. We know we love Florida in the winter but I think most of our hesitation is - can we live there year-round? We wonder about getting acclimatized to the heat and I worry about those great, big palmetto bugs. :22yikes:Florida is the LEAST buggy place I have ever lived.... sounds crazy but true. I'm a mosquito magnet... no exaggeration--->not a SINGLE bite in a year... love bugs a very minor brief issue... plus I never saw bugs getting it on before so love bugs were a novelty.

[dizz42]

In PA, we have been plagued by Stink Bugs lately. They are really gross looking :yuck:, they fly and seem to show up everywhere. While we were at the house in TV, I have to say we did not see any bugs...just the little lizards. They don't bother me at all as long as they stay outside. Besides, we were told they eat mosquitos.:o

The people we rented from said they spray regularly but I thought maybe we didn't see any bugs because it was only June. So, in July, August and September, the bugs don't get worse?

As far as the heat, people were telling us that while we were there, it was unseasonably hot (in the mid/high 90's). The one night at the square, it was 94 but with the humidity, felt like 107. Was that about how hot it gets, say, in August or September?

We stopped here at my daughter's in Virginia and tomorrow we will be on our way home to PA. We are still talking, talking, talking about TV and missing "our" lovely villa.

[Dancer64]

:2excited::crap2::crap2:Yes, getting cold feet is normal. We had been looking for a place to retire for the past 5 years, TV was the last placed we looked. At the time of our first visit we were actually sold on buying at Barefoot Resort in Myrtle Beach. WE came saw TV and were so blown away, we went home and said heck with Myrtle Beach! Started doing on-line research about TV, found TOTV, and really starting reading asking questions and decided this was the place. Came down and bought. After we bought and right before the clsoing is when we had our "cold feet" moment. But we still felt TV was "right" for us, and now that we are owners, could not be happier.

Army Guy

We are moving from Myrtle Beach to TV on July 20. We retired to a 55+ community in MB 3 years ago, a MAJOR mistake. Don't think it's a good idea to retire in a resort area, traffic is a nightmare, and seems to be getting worse each year. Good choice on your part to have chosen TV. We can't wait to get there. :2excited::crap2:

[Keedy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS51bj7Z5ys

[JimJoe]

I need advice:
I am flying to FL next Saturday to watch the Shuttle launch, and then to the villages. I have thought so much about moving there. I have stayed there 4 times. My brother and sister live there. I LOVE it.
It is hard to give up a lifelong profession (law). I am afraid to retire. Seriously afraid. What will I do with the rest of my life? Will I go crazier? ( or should that be more crazy).
Here is what I like. fixing computers and hacking the net, weight training, running, eating, kayaking, my beagle, pickleball, horseshoes, basketball, golf except when my brother kills me which is everytime we play, messing with tools, biking, arguing (I LOVE to argue), a little trouble but not too much, and my wife (she is retired), but not necessarily in that order.
:)
How can I convince myself it is time for me to give up all the fun and excitement of the hunt and the kill in the courtroom, and move away from beloved Iowa??

Please vote:
Move the villages you chicken.. or

Stay in Iowa for the hunt and the kill, and where your neighbor's chop saw and shop vac are ALMOST as loud as yours... or

Cluck cluck for another 2 years or until you die, which ever comes first ... or

For once in your Life listen to your wife and be a Snowbird.
Please vote and be (somewhat) kind with your comments.
Jim

[chuckinca]

Snowbird - listen to your wife

[JeanneBeannie]

I second that Chuck. Okie my vote JimJoe is do not cluck cluck for another 2 years and listen to your wife!! :coolsmiley:
Retire, relax and enjoy the rest of your life. You have worked hard enough, now its time for you and your wife to have fun!! :pepper2: :beer3: :pepper2:

[kittylecroix]

I vote for snowbird, at least at first. Isn't that the best of both worlds?

[JimJoe]

Hmm... 3 votes and all for snowbird. But my concern is going crazy without the hunt and the kill. Can anyone tell me if they or theirs went through that regret (missed the job), and how they resolved it. I don't want to turn into a grumpIER old man. thanks.

[Hawkwind]

Hmm... 3 votes and all for snowbird. But my concern is going crazy without the hunt and the kill. Can anyone tell me if they or theirs went through that regret (missed the job), and how they resolved it. I don't want to turn into a grumpIER old man. thanks.

I say forget the snowbird and become a full time year around resident. You will not go crazy as I am sure that will all the activities that you are interested in you will find some competition to keep you going.

Walk away from the hunt and kill and you will not miss it. Of course you will miss the people that you have worked with over the years but you can tell them how great of time you are having in the TV.

[dizz42]

Here is what I like. fixing computers and hacking the net, weight training, running, eating, kayaking, my beagle, pickleball, horseshoes, basketball, golf except when my brother kills me which is everytime we play, messing with tools, biking, arguing (I LOVE to argue), a little trouble but not too much, and my wife (she is retired), but not necessarily in that order.
Jim

Dear Jim~
With all of your interests, I really believe you would not have a problem with retirement especially if you were at TV. They have so many clubs and activities that you could stay active and do all the things you currently love. My husband and I only just retired in March and, quite honestly, the old adage seems to be true...how did we EVER have time to go to work! :laugh:

However, I'm gonna vote for "snowbird" as kittylecroix put it - it's the best of both worlds - and then you could ease into it.

Incidently, my husband and I are finally home now and we are still talking about TV. And, of course, the house we were looking at sold which we knew it would. :sigh:

[Barefoot]

If you are having fun in the courtroom, and the work energizes you, and you wake up every day with a smile on your face, I vote that you keep working.

If you're losing interest in law and feel like slowing down, I vote for snowbird status. This obviously has a huge advantage since it would make your wife happy.

I think you'd love retirement since you have so many other interests. But, retirement doesn't suit everyone. I have one friend that feels he is on the "slag heap of life" now that he has retired.

My only regret about retirement is that I wish I'd done it sooner! :pepper2:

[JimJoe]

I love it.. A "coldfeet" post by Barefoot. That makes sense to a Northerner. The fun in the courtroom is wearing off but it was fun for so long... however Snowbirding is starting to settle in. My wife has wanted to do that ever since she retired 2 years ago.
From what I can tell, housing prices, especially in the Villages are starting to level out. Does any one agree or disagree? Thanks. Jim

[katezbox]

I love it.. A "coldfeet" post by Barefoot. That makes sense to a Northerner. The fun in the courtroom is wearing off but it was fun for so long... however Snowbirding is starting to settle in. My wife has wanted to do that ever since she retired 2 years ago.
From what I can tell, housing prices, especially in the Villages are starting to level out. Does any one agree or disagree? Thanks. Jim

Jim,

I agree on the part of the home prices leveling off.

I wish I could retire - but am a frog that is still working. As much as I wish I didn't have to work - and grump about it to all and sundry - I count my blessings daily that I am able to live here and telecommute.

As far as the the court wars go, I do understand. I really love the hunt and beating the competition in a big deal. I know reciprocity is tough to get in FL, but would you be able to do some pro bono work here that would satisfy the hunting itch?

Good luck.

Kate