Pre-Owned Homes Staying On The Market for Months

[Schaumburger]

Just wondering why some pre-owned homes stay on the market for many months? For example, a turnkey courtyard villa in the Village of Santiago listed on the MLS has been on the market for 9 months. Looks really nice in the photos, fairly neutral decor, doesn't look really outdated to me, and doesn't seem to be really high priced ($205K). Or maybe this is too highly priced? I'm going strictly by the on line photos; I have not seen this CYV in person.

For those of you who are familiar with the real estate market in TV, what do you think?

[Fredman]

Visited at an open house. Very nice home with nice furniture. Price is not unrealistic for a turnkey cvv and is in a nice neighborhood. I know this house because I own a house right down the street. I too am surprised at how long it has been on the market.

[Chatbrat]

Maybe some people really want new

[Cobh521]

I looked at the MLS and think I found it. The home is nice, however I don't think it has much curb appeal. The exterior patio area could be power washed. It may not be selling because the inside has not really been updated. What is the age of the roof. How old is the HVAC system? There are a lot of people looking for this type of home, however their price pint is $200k. I would suggest this home needs to be slightly under the $200k mark so that people will find it when doing a search for homes

[Bay Kid]

Some homes just take awhile to sell. It will sell and probably 2 buyers wanting it in the end.

[asianthree]

I looked at the MLS and think I found it. The home is nice, however I don't think it has much curb appeal. The exterior patio area could be power washed. It may not be selling because the inside has not really been updated. What is the age of the roof. How old is the HVAC system? There are a lot of people looking for this type of home, however their price pint is $200k. I would suggest this home needs to be slightly under the $200k mark so that people will find it when doing a search for homes

I agree needs updating, plus you don’t know if offers have been on the table to reflect improvements, and owner just doesn’t get it

[zmarkp]

The house I bought languished on the market for several months before I decided to buy it -- and then I ended up in a bidding war with someone else who discovered it.

My sister bought a house a block away within hours of its listing and left several other potential purchasers in the dust.

TV is an interesting market. Like most real estate markets gems occasionally appear. If you know what you want, where you want, and why you want you'll recognize the gem when it appears.

One of my goals when I purchased was to not want to move again. So far so good.

[geofitz13]

I look at preowned on the website all the time. It seems to me that a great number of these are in the "northern" areas. I look at the map locations, and often notice a real lack of pools in some of these areas. Seems that the only pools are at the country clubs up there. That is a deal breaker for me. A lot of preowned in Woodbury, Santiago, Calumet Grove, but I don't see a lot in the way of neighborhood pools. There is even a section in Woodbury, the Phillips Villas, where there is a pool, but going by the TV homes website app, there is no access to the area. If you look at the roads, that area seems completely cut off.
Location, location, location??

[JoelJohnson]

When we had to sell our first house, I had done so much work on it I insisted on a price that reflected all my work. A year later I woke up and listed at the price the realtor suggested and guess what, it sold.

Sometimes a snowbird will put a house on the market at a ridiculous price, just to see if some sucker will bite.

On a side note, in my deed it states that The Villages has the right to first offer on the house, does anyone know about that?

[jane032657]

I live in Haciendas of Mission Hills. The houses listed have been selling in days if not on the day they are listed, as of late. I cannot believe that I see it listed one day and sometimes that afternoon they are pending. About 5 or so have gone in less then a week recently. I am curious why they are going so fast right now.

[NotGolfer]

I look at preowned on the website all the time. It seems to me that a great number of these are in the "northern" areas. I look at the map locations, and often notice a real lack of pools in some of these areas. Seems that the only pools are at the country clubs up there. That is a deal breaker for me. A lot of preowned in Woodbury, Santiago, Calumet Grove, but I don't see a lot in the way of neighborhood pools. There is even a section in Woodbury, the Phillips Villas, where there is a pool, but going by the TV homes website app, there is no access to the area. If you look at the roads, that area seems completely cut off.
Location, location, location??

What this person says....it could be a location issue or what does the rest of the neighborhood look like? There are so many factors re: the sale of a home. What someone else thinks is just fine with the interior, others may not. Sometimes I think the shows on HGTV really drive how people think with many things---decorating, "curb appeal", staging and the list goes on.

[Love2Swim]

I live in Haciendas of Mission Hills. The houses listed have been selling in days if not on the day they are listed, as of late. I cannot believe that I see it listed one day and sometimes that afternoon they are pending. About 5 or so have gone in less then a week recently. I am curious why they are going so fast right now.

I would guess because they are newer, and are more centrally located.

[billybye]

That home should sell for $190,000 at best with a lot of outdated stuff

[graciegirl]

[QUOTE=Schaumburger;1575167]Just wondering why some pre-owned homes stay on the market for many months? For example, a turnkey courtyard villa in the Village of Santiago listed on the MLS has been on the market for 9 months. Looks really nice in the photos, fairly neutral decor, doesn't look really outdated to me, and doesn't seem to be really high priced ($205K). Or maybe this is too highly priced? I'm going strictly by the on line photos; I have not seen this CYV in person.



Can you link us to the one you are discussing? I love looking at homes.

[Mama C]

Mission Hills is unique because of its location between Sumter and Spanish Springs and it looks like everyone maintains the exterior of the homes/lots very well with some continuity. Nice area!.....in my opinion

[graciegirl]

Mission Hills is unique because of its location between Sumter and Spanish Springs and it looks like everyone maintains the exterior of the homes/lots very well with some continuity. Nice area!.....in my opinion

It is a great area. AND is only seven years old. Close to groceries, restaurants, medical stuff....Right on 466 which is the center of the population here.

For now.

What time is it?

[hoopsterdad]

sold our patio villa rental in lynnhaven, FSBO, two weeks. got top dollar also, right buyer, right location.

[New Englander]

I'm in a Patio Villa in TV of Pinellas. My next door neighbor is buying in TV of DeSoto. She put her Patio for sale using a Villages sales agent and it sold in one week for full ask...

[Fredman]

Friend. (I just got bopped my the moderator for calling someone by name)
I couldn't find a courtyard villa. I found this one but I think it is a patio villa for 209k on Zillow.
https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/The-Villages-FL/pmf,pf_pt/2088325285_zpid/7403_rid/200000-250000_price/794-993_mp/6m_days/globalrelevanceex_sort/29.004236,-81.812439,28.799554,-82.181511_rect/11_zm/?

Can you link us to the one you are discussing? I love looking at homes.

I think you can find it on era.com. Page 8 1140 Santa Cruz drive

[CWGUY]

Just wondering why some pre-owned homes stay on the market for many months? For example, a turnkey courtyard villa in the Village of Santiago listed on the MLS has been on the market for 9 months. Looks really nice in the photos, fairly neutral decor, doesn't look really outdated to me, and doesn't seem to be really high priced ($205K). Or maybe this is too highly priced? I'm going strictly by the on line photos; I have not seen this CYV in person.

For those of you who are familiar with the real estate market in TV, what do you think?

Friend. (I just got bopped my the moderator for calling someone by name)
I couldn't find a courtyard villa. I found this one but I think it is a patio villa for 209k on Zillow.
https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/The-Villages-FL/pmf,pf_pt/2088325285_zpid/7403_rid/200000-250000_price/794-993_mp/6m_days/globalrelevanceex_sort/29.004236,-81.812439,28.799554,-82.181511_rect/11_zm/?

Can you link us to the one you are discussing? I love looking at homes.

:ho: Here's the only CYV in Santiago for $205,000 I could find.

https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/The-Villages-FL/pmf,pf_pt/52940562_zpid/7403_rid/200000-250000_price/796-995_mp/6m_days/globalrelevanceex_sort/28.9547,-81.985581,28.936523,-82.013047_rect/14_zm/

[andercat]

The house backs to Buena Vista Blvd. That is a busy road. Maybe that is what is holding up the sale. Just a theory.

[Challenger]

I looked at the MLS and think I found it. The home is nice, however I don't think it has much curb appeal. The exterior patio area could be power washed. It may not be selling because the inside has not really been updated. What is the age of the roof. How old is the HVAC system? There are a lot of people looking for this type of home, however their price pint is $200k. I would suggest this home needs to be slightly under the $200k mark so that people will find it when doing a search for homes

I would agree. No curb appeal. Shows very bland. Need several things done before ever taking and publishing pics.

[graciegirl]

This home, also a court yard villa of the same size is in the new area up north and this one is brand new and only 4k more than the one Schaumburger is watching. New roof, air conditioner, light fixures, cabinet, etc. etc. Including new people in the neighborhood. This too is north of 466 and close to Publix.

This would be my choice of the two...bond and all.

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/#/M233.63/Map?new&preowned&maxPrice=215000&lng=-81.98107557097668&lat=28.882050942478134&lvl=2)

[John_W]

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[EdFNJ]

My late father’s $78000 resale value (at that time - worth about $60K now) 40yr old 3rd floor 1br 1 1/8 bath 800 sq ft condo in S Fl was appraised for $180000 (not a typo) about 10 years ago when he took out his RM. When it comes to rev mortgages anything goes for appraisal since in the end the Feds who foot the bill. Now that was the “last person to leave” that appraisal is killing us. Letting it go into foreclosure. It was great for him (and the bank). Point is rev mortgage appraisals aren’t necessarily a 100% true indicator of resale value.

[wendyquat]

New roof, new water heater 2018, and BOND PAID. My guess is it’s not much overpriced but 2/2 is a drawback to some! I would think would make a great rental!

[John_W]

My late father’s $78000 resale value (at that time - worth about $60K now) 40yr old 3rd floor 1br 1 1/8 bath 800 sq ft condo in S Fl was appraised for $180000 (not a typo) about 10 years ago when he took out his RM. When it comes to rev mortgages anything goes for appraisal since in the end the Feds who foot the bill. Now that was the “last person to leave” that appraisal is killing us. Letting it go into foreclosure. It was great for him (and the bank). Point is rev mortgage appraisals aren’t necessarily a 100% true indicator of resale value.

Apples and oranges, ten years ago was a housing boom, a lot of homes sold way above what they are worth now. Then there was a lot of foreclosures and Countrywide went out of business. The appraisal was simply reflecting the price at the time. Our home in 2011 was worth $157K, that's what we paid, today it's appraised at $237K and ten years from now who knows.

Actually I agree with you as far as our current appraisal, it's too low. Our next door neighbor's 2 BR CYV, who made no improvements except for the landscaping, listed it by owner in April for $229K and sold in 2 weeks for $223K, it originally sold in 2011 for $162K.

[BK001]

Apples and oranges, ten years ago was a housing boom, a lot of homes sold way above what they are worth now. Then there was a lot of foreclosures and Countrywide went out of business. The appraisal was simply reflecting the price at the time. Our home in 2011 was worth $157K, that's what we paid, today it's appraised at $237K and ten years from now who knows.

Actually I agree with you as far as our current appraisal, it's too low. Our next door neighbor's 2 BR CYV, who made no improvements except for the landscaping, listed it by owner in April for $229K and sold in 2 weeks for $223K, it originally sold in 2011 for $162K.


Our house was pre-owned, and, in my opinion, had curb appeal and many extras including skylights, remote-controlled gas fireplace, jetted roman tub and walk-in shower, koi pond, outdoor therapy spa, solar heated pool, pergola and screened birdcage.

This pre-owned Lantana was purchased new for $307,300 in 2004.

In August 2015, eleven years later the owner listed it for sale for $429,900 (with an $11k bond balance).

The price was reduced 4 months later in December, to $419,900. In May 2016, we had been looking for exactly 5 days when we saw this house. (I fell for the beauty of the Lanai.) After 2 rounds of negotiations, the owner accepted $390,000.

So for us it was a head-turning “lightning round” yet for the owners, it was an agonizingly long 9 months to sell.

I think we got a terrific deal, and, the seller, with a 26 -27% appreciation (if my math is correct) in my opinion didn't do too badly either.

[retiredguy123]

A house will almost always sell if it is priced correctly. This house must be overpriced, like many other preowned houses on the market. I viewed a house this week that has been on the market for a few months. The owner paid $413K about 18 months ago, and priced it at $630K. Houses have just not appreciated that much in the past 2 years. The average Villages house has appreciated about 35 percent total over the past 5 years. You can add money for upgrades, but not as much as you paid for the upgrades. And, the seller should not add money to cover the real estate commission. That is totally a seller expense.

[BK001]

A house will almost always sell if it is priced correctly. This house must be overpriced, like many other preowned houses on the market. I viewed a house this week that has been on the market for a few months. The owner paid $413K about 18 months ago, and priced it at $630K. Houses have just not appreciated that much in the past 2 years. The average Villages house has appreciated about 35 percent total over the past 5 years. You can add money for upgrades, but not as much as you paid for the upgrades. And, the seller should not add money to cover the real estate commission. That is totally a seller expense.


I agree with you. Yet it seems to me that those who sell after 2 or 3 years are doing better than those who have held for 10-15 years. And while none of us want a depreciating asset, I don't think appreciation is high on the list of many who buy here. I don't expect to benefit from appreciation since whatever we have will go to our heirs when we pass. And while there are some "speculators" here in TV, my guess is there are other markets that would show much stronger appreciation. However, I think 35% over 5 years is pretty darn good.

[Packer Fan]

The house backs to Buena Vista Blvd. That is a busy road. Maybe that is what is holding up the sale. Just a theory.

Totally agree with you . Throw in the fact the furniture is dated, and the concrete needs to be power washed BADLY. They are trying to recoup the cost of the new Roof and water heater in the price, but it obviously needed it. I would power wash it, and drop the price to 199, it would sell in a day. Might want to replace the table also. The other issue is it is only 2 bedrooms......

[graciegirl]

Totally agree with you . Throw in the fact the furniture is dated, and the concrete needs to be power washed BADLY. They are trying to recoup the cost of the new Roof and water heater in the price, but it obviously needed it. I would power wash it, and drop the price to 199, it would sell in a day. Might want to replace the table also. The other issue is it is only 2 bedrooms......

I agree. The front has mold on it near the eaves as well. Get rid of the furniture . I would love to stage it. People don't realize how removing this or that or adding this or that makes a world of difference in how fast a home sells, if all things else are on target. NO. I don't do staging. I just recently watched our daughter sell her house and she updated several light fixtures and got rid of some furniture and priced it fairly and it sold the first day.

This housing market in The Villages is hot. You have to compete with what is out there.

[Schaumburger]

[QUOTE=Schaumburger;1575167]Just wondering why some pre-owned homes stay on the market for many months? For example, a turnkey courtyard villa in the Village of Santiago listed on the MLS has been on the market for 9 months. Looks really nice in the photos, fairly neutral decor, doesn't look really outdated to me, and doesn't seem to be really high priced ($205K). Or maybe this is too highly priced? I'm going strictly by the on line photos; I have not seen this CYV in person.



Can you link us to the one you are discussing? I love looking at homes.

It looks like several people posted the listing before me. The answers have been very enlightening. Common sense would seem to dictate that a house on the market for 283 days is priced too high. I would think the owners would have realized this by now, but I guess they want a certain price so...

[Fraugoofy]

Just wondering why some pre-owned homes stay on the market for many months? For example, a turnkey courtyard villa in the Village of Santiago listed on the MLS has been on the market for 9 months. Looks really nice in the photos, fairly neutral decor, doesn't look really outdated to me, and doesn't seem to be really high priced ($205K). Or maybe this is too highly priced? I'm going strictly by the on line photos; I have not seen this CYV in person.

For those of you who are familiar with the real estate market in TV, what do you think?Sometimes people have smoked inside their homes. Makes it hard to sell. Sometimes it has sat with no A/c and there is mold... I would not buy a used house sight unseen... in this particular case, the home appears not well taken care of, as other posters have pointed out. There are no real upgrades in this house at all...

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk

[manaboutown]

A smoked in house is a deal killer for most home buyers.

[tophcfa]

Simple law of supply and demand. If a home is priced right, relative to other buyers options, it will sell in a reasonable time frame.

[SnowflakeinDeLaVista]

I havent looked at this home, but, in addition to some of the other comments, here are some thoughts: Houses sell faster when there is more competition for them and in the Villages that means the busy season. We have been in the off season for a few months. I live in a great location between Sumter and SS, and there are homes going up for sale in my little community at a pretty fast clip because of the age of the residents, so there has been a lot of competition for the buyer this year. Something you can't see in the pics is the smell. Many who struggle to take care of themselves, also struggle to care for their aging pets. I've walked into a lot of homes that smell really bad of pet odors. If you're going to rip out the carpet and paint anyway, then its no big deal but if there are 3 homes similar to each other in looks and price, are you going for the one with the funky smell? Don't know if this home has that problem. It says turnkey? The price seems good for a Courtyard Villa. Maybe there have been lotsof them on the market and this one just needs some updating. Price seems a little low. I'm seeing $229k and up for some of those.

[Rwirish]

Perhaps no one is interested at this time. It doesn’t imply there is a problem.

[Laker14]

As a potential buyer, I see some problems. The first thing I noticed, as has been mentioned, is the busy street bordering the back yard.

The second thing I noticed is the location, which for me would be a bit too far north and west, making it a bit further away from the more centrally located courses and features and friends, than I'd like to be. From what I've seen looking at listings, the closer you are to the edges, especially the north edge, the lower the demand.

The third thing I notice is that while being backed by Buena Vista, it lacks easy access to it by golf cart. This seems to me to be the worst of two worlds. Listening to the traffic, and yet still having to take a circuitous route to get to it if I want to use that particular way to get south.

People list properties with varying mindsets. Some want to sell, and get their money out of it as quickly as is reasonable, and some just want to dangle it out there, figuring if I get a bite and my price, great, if not, I'll take it off the market. Looking at the list price history of this particular property, I don't think this seller is particularly motivated to sell.

I agree with others, that this property could sell, if the seller was willing to take fewer dollars than what it is being listed for. On the other hand, if the seller is patient, he/she may find just the person who would find this property well suited for them.

[DReifinger]

The villa we purchased was on the market one day. We saw it that evening and made an offer. After six years, two trips a year meeting with the same realtor (what a gem and now wonderful friend) we found the “perfect” home for us. All that time looking at homes and we finally saw the privacy and tranquility of our courtyard villa and it was a match. It will sell, it just needs the right person.

[Love2Swim]

Totally agree with you . Throw in the fact the furniture is dated, and the concrete needs to be power washed BADLY. They are trying to recoup the cost of the new Roof and water heater in the price, but it obviously needed it. I would power wash it, and drop the price to 199, it would sell in a day. Might want to replace the table also. The other issue is it is only 2 bedrooms......

I agree. The furniture is dated, nothing much in the way of decorating - the place just doesn't show well. The HVAC will need to be replaced in a couple years as well, although the new roof is a bonus. Backing up to Buena Vista is a definite minus. A real estate person from The Villages told us that homes north of CR 466 are always going to get less than those south of CR 466, due to age and location. I personally didn't like the carpet they had chosen, nor the tile. It needs new appliances, and granite countertop. Plus, it looks like it has the lower ceilings as opposed to volume ceilings, which is a negative.

[mellincf]

A former Realtor here. The answer is always the same: location, condition, or price. In addition, "turnkey" usually means "old furniture" here. I admit I haven't seen the house, but remember, when selling a home you are competing with the professionally decorated model homes The Villages are selling. Even at a different price point, model homes are what buyers have seen and then (unrealistically) expect.

[deestatham]

I sold real estate for 10 years. I know that the Villages is a unique market but some factors apply to ALL. Location and price apply to all. Trust me, if it’s priced right, it will sell. There is a lot of competition in the Villages, so price it right and it will sell. Leaving it sit on the market for 9 months is not cost effective. Being stubborn about the price stigmatizes the property. The longer it sits, the more buyers will move on to another house. Listen to your realtor.

[Shoresands]

If you look at the map you will see why. It is a long way to El Camino Real to go anywhere. If it had easy/quick access to Buena Vista it would go in a heart beat. If not for that I would have bought it last December when I was actively looking down there.

[graciegirl]

I agree that being on the market for a long time stigmatizes a home. People wonder "What is wrong with it?".

When we sold our home in Ohio, our agent said that you should be able to sell this home in the first week. She said, I am not your friend now, I am the truth teller. Pull up all of your perennials, they look dead. (It was winter) Paint your lovely blue bathroom a nice neutral shade. Replace your cushions on the deck and porch, they look a little tired. Get rid of the bookcase in your bedroom. I see you have replaced your light fixtures and your kitchen and bath surfaces with granite, good. Etc. Etc. We cleaned and we polished and we discarded. Our closets were a work of art.

We had a bidding war, three offers came in with no contingencies and we sold to the highest bidder who had cash in nine days.


HOWEVER. IN summary, houses usually do not sit for any time in The Villages if they are priced fairly, don't smell bad, and all things else are equal.

Disclaimer. I am not a realtor or an agent, never have been.... just a retired preschool teacher who likes to look at houses on line and on HGTV.

[eweissenbach]

Also a former Realtor FWIW. In TV there is a somewhat unique situation - everyone drives golf carts much of the time. Therefore, if your location requires several blocks of meandering roads to get to a primary road, that is going to negatively affect perceived value. Proximity of amenities is a corresponding issue. I have looked at homes like that which have price tags $10K or more less than very comparable homes nearer primary roads and therefore amenities.

[blueeagle65]

They don't stay on the market that long in Summerhill. I guess the old adage of "location, Location, Location" is true.

[CWGUY]

If you look at the map you will see why. It is a long way to El Camino Real to go anywhere. If it had easy/quick access to Buena Vista it would go in a heart beat. If not for that I would have bought it last December when I was actively looking down there.

:ohdear: Actually I would say a 10 minute cart ride.... maybe closer to 5.
Carvello Dr. to Enrique Dr. and you're at El Camino Real.

:confused: Why is everyone in a hurry? :icon_wink:

[Topspinmo]

This home, also a court yard villa of the same size is in the new area up north and this one is brand new and only 4k more than the one Schaumburger is watching. New roof, air conditioner, light fixures, cabinet, etc. etc. Including new people in the neighborhood. This too is north of 466 and close to Publix.

This would be my choice of the two...bond and all.

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/#/M233.63/Map?new&preowned&maxPrice=215000&lng=-81.98107557097668&lat=28.882050942478134&lvl=2)

There are few at that price, most are 250K plus bond. After bond pay off close or over 300K for average CYV. Plus the blind side taxes in Marion county which you think would go down from 300 plus extension of district 4, NOT going up.

Average Resale's will loose value being market is flooded with new homes (and there not selling that fast off CR42, place looks like ghost town) they have been over priced since 2012/13 IMO.

Also, the pond drain pipe failure probably has some gun shy, which IMO man made sinkhole which is ground collapse from failed drain system that was ran between private property with houses stacked. Got ask how many of us has potential failures form storm drain under our property?

Luckily I cant remember sinkhole in CYVs since I been here. Most that I have observed are close to storm drains and golf course retention ponds? But, I've only been here 4 years.

[2BNTV]

In certain cases, an owner thinks their home is worth more than it is.

Sometimes an owner wants to recoup all monies they put into a home. That's not realistic.

The market determines what a home will sell for.

Of course, it never hurts to spruce up the home before selling. I saw one today and my reaction was, I would never pay their asking price as it needed to be updated. IMHO.

If one wants to move right away, a home needs to be priced appropriately or it will not sell. That's reality.

[graciegirl]

In certain cases, an owner thinks their home is worth more than it is.

Sometimes an owner wants to recoup all monies they put into a home. That's not realistic.

The market determines what a home will sell for.

Of course, it never hurts to spruce up the home before selling. I saw one today and my reaction was, I would never pay their asking price as it needed to be updated. IMHO.

If one wants to move right away, a home needs to be priced appropriately or it will not sell. That's reality.

Your house would sell right away. You have it decorated beautifully and it is smart and clean and very attractive. Not everyone has that touch.

[2BNTV]

Your house would sell right away. You have it decorated beautifully and it is smart and clean and very attractive. Not everyone has that touch.

Thank you Gracie. Your house would sell in a second, too as it is beautiful!

[CindyNah1]

Just wondering why some pre-owned homes stay on the market for many months? For example, a turnkey courtyard villa in the Village of Santiago listed on the MLS has been on the market for 9 months. Looks really nice in the photos, fairly neutral decor, doesn't look really outdated to me, and doesn't seem to be really high priced ($205K). Or maybe this is too highly priced? I'm going strictly by the on line photos; I have not seen this CYV in person.

For those of you who are familiar with the real estate market in TV, what do you think?

I've lived here 3 yr. and notice that MLS listings take a lot longer to sell unless then are below market value( less than perfect) VLS gets WAY more traffic here. also MLS show people non village houses and they look like you get more house for the $$$ unfortunately those sales people also tell buyers incorrect information ( like you can dance anywhere in the villages NOT)

[Laker14]

I've lived here 3 yr. and notice that MLS listings take a lot longer to sell unless then are below market value( less than perfect) VLS gets WAY more traffic here. also MLS show people non village houses and they look like you get more house for the $$$ unfortunately those sales people also tell buyers incorrect information ( like you can dance anywhere in the villages NOT)

there are places in TV where you can't dance?

[Hifred]

Did you check to see if there was a sink hole disclosure. I went to look at a very nice home, great location, and when I was going to make an offer I saw the home had a sink hole repair in the disclosures. This home had a Lloyds of London insurance policy for ten years but I am sure after it ran out that it would be difficult to get additional sink hole coverage.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

New roof, new water heater 2018, and BOND PAID. My guess is it’s not much overpriced but 2/2 is a drawback to some! I would think would make a great rental!

I've been looking through TV official sales page, and on a couple of unaffiliated realtor sites. I've noticed a LOT of these 2/2s are actually 3/2s but the 3rd bedroom doesn't have a closet. Or perhaps - they really are 2/2 but have a den, that 3/2s don't have. However you look at it - if it's over 1300 SF and has that third room, then it's "enough" home for us. We currently live in a 3/1 ranch home in New England with a full partly-finished basement that we use as "his" man-cave, his work shop, our exercise room, and our laundry room, in addition to storage (it runs the entire length and width of the house). But the normal living area is barely 1100 SF, and a lot of it is hallway space and weird placement of rooms.

We're definitely considering patio and courtyard villas as our first choice, but the price has to be right, and so does the location. I don't want something brand new, because I want shade trees that won't take til I'm dead of old age to actually provide shade. So for me the older sections are great. I also don't want carpeting; I like area rugs on wood/laminate/tile and would really loathe having to try and move furniture just to vacuum under the couch.

Parking would also be a "thing" - we'd definitely have at least one normal car-type vehicle, and probably two golf carts (he plays golf. I do not). So we need to either a) live in an area in which parking in the driveway is acceptable and allowed, or b) live in an area where extra parking is nearby, and we have an oversized 2-car garage with laundry facilities inside the house.

The more I look, the more I feel that the older areas in or near Spanish Springs is the most suitable to our needs. Plus the bonds are usually paid, or very low, and homes are older and therefore lower in price (even if they're totally updated).

[Retiring]

Just wondering why some pre-owned homes stay on the market for many months? For example, a turnkey courtyard villa in the Village of Santiago listed on the MLS has been on the market for 9 months. Looks really nice in the photos, fairly neutral decor, doesn't look really outdated to me, and doesn't seem to be really high priced ($205K). Or maybe this is too highly priced? I'm going strictly by the on line photos; I have not seen this CYV in person.

For those of you who are familiar with the real estate market in TV, what do you think?

I haven’t read the entire thread so I may be repeating what others have said.

I did look at some resales that have been on the market awhile. I found the reason for the lengthy sit is usually staring you in the face. Price: some are looking to recoup their entire expenditure, RE commissions, closing costs, moving costs, etc. Some want to be paid for every option they ordered PLUS a healthy profit. No, I’m not going to pay you $10k for that hideous water feature that cost you $5k three months ago. Also, sinkhole damage in the disclosure is the kiss of death. I saw several homes that were less than a year old and the price was 20% above new construction. Houses go up in 90 days here, why would I give you an extra $150k for a home built a few months ago??? If you build a home and have a change of heart or you’re unable to move here, please don’t expect to recoup every expense you had in the buying process. One seller said he added in all his hotel expenses when they were house shopping in TV, he said, “it’s only fair.” If you get greedy, the house is going to sit.

For the right price, EVERYTHING sells.

[Tom C]

I must agree. Example: If the seller believes that their $10,000 investment in electronics should boost the price of a home by $10,000, they are mistaken. Electronics and appliances depreciate very quickly - it is like selling a laptop or tablet. Landscaping improves the curb appeal and may make the house sell faster, but does not add much at all to the selling value. I looked seriously at a home that was spectacular, however the owner had added so much improvements (and was trying to get back every penny of his "investment") that the home was priced WAY out of the market. I bet the seller ends up taking it out on the realtor, saying they are not doing a good enough job.

We walked away from that home. It was spectacular, but I bet it stays on the market for a long time.... One needs to look at the sales price as a function of the cost per SF for comparable homes. That said, sometimes the view and privacy impacts the price too....

It comes down to... A home is a large investment. Buyers will take all the time they need to find what they deem to be worthwhile to them.

[retiredguy123]

I agree. My biggest pet peeve is the FSBO seller who wants to "share" the real estate commission with the buyer. The commission is the cost to professionally market and sell the home. It is a cost that the seller agrees to pay on the listing agreement, and should be paid entirely by the seller.

[Love2Swim]

I agree with many of the above comments. And then you have the person who did NOTHING to the house, and they're asking a huge amount, because they see other homes of that type asking a higher amount. It doesn't occur to them that the other homes probably have upgrades, or possibly a better, more central location, etc.

[LuckySevens]

I think simply power washing the driveway would make it look much cleaner thus giving you a positive thought as soon as you arrive.
The patio area needs it also.

[villagerfromthewestcoast]

We just sold our house in South Osceola Hills in 5 days and we got our asking price..

[rjn5656]

Our neighborhood sells quickly.