Comparing homes for sale

[janht]

We’re going to be renting here in Feb and while here plan on looking at homes. Fortunately (or unfortunately!) we’re very experienced in house hunting, know what we like and therefore tend to move very quickly when we see it. And I mean REALLY quickly….like within an hour after seeing the first house in our search. If we were on House Hunters, it would be a 5 minute show...:) We’re able to do that without worry because I tend to research it to death before jumping in.

So, I’ve been reading a lot of posts here, looking at homes for sale on Zillow, FSBO and have searched for resident advice re: lanais, best neighborhoods, access to the main squares, clubs…anything really. I zoom in on Google satellite to look at busy roads etc…. anything that might be a negative. I am a bit noise sensitive. Maybe that's not a problem here with lower speed limits..dunno. I would think Morse or a major road might be an issue?

I’ve got our own market figured out but in looking at TV, I wonder why some of these homes are lingering on the market..some have been on for many months. Most appear to have more pros than cons: decent locations near or between 466, 466A, sometimes an open concept floor plan, not too dated, a lanai that's not too close to neighbors, (I might be "off" here though...) good storage, preferably a 2 car garage. We’re not expecting move in ready as we’re not in the $400+K category but we’d like to stay away from as much major remodeling as we’ve done in the past …our backs are talking more these days! However, we realize any house we buy we’ll probably tailor to our taste. We’d like to stay somewhere in the mid $200’s but of course lower is better. I'm not fooled by staging or put off by dated decor as I'm able to see past it; potential and bones are what count.

Is close distance to water a plus or drawback…mosquitos?? I like to garden, work outdoors so that matters somewhat.

So my question is, why do some homes stay on the market? Is price the big problem or are there other factors that tend to kill it even if it's bargain basement priced? Do dated interiors really turn most people off? What would absolutely rule out a home if you were looking now in TV? And the opposite...what do people jump on...are there ever bidding wars?

Throw it out there...any info appreciated!

[retiredguy123]

If you are noise sensitive, watch out for a pool pump next door that is close to your bedroom window, and also traffic noise. Best to buy a house on a cul de sac because they are further apart. But, I think the biggest reason houses don't sell is that they are overpriced. It is easy to check the county website to see what the seller paid for the house, and what all the houses on the street sold for. I have seen houses listed for more than $100K above what the seller paid less than a year ago. Also, a 2 car garage is not enough. Most buyers want a separate space for their golf cart. If the house is big and expensive, often it won't sell because there is no golf or water view. Also, don't buy in Lake County. The taxes are too high. My two cents worth. Good luck.

[BobnBev]

My big regret is not having a golf cart garage in addition to our 2 car garage. Live and learn.

[fw102807]

So my question is, why do some homes stay on the market? Is price the big problem or are there other factors that tend to kill it even if it's bargain basement priced? Do dated interiors really turn most people off? What would absolutely rule out a home if you were looking now in TV? And the opposite...what do people jump on...are there ever bidding wars?

Throw it out there...any info appreciated!

There was a house in our neighborhood that was for sale for quite a long time and there were 2 main reasons. The ceilings and walls were painted in colors that would not appeal to many and the price was too high and the owner would not budge on it. They repainted it and lowered the price and it finally sold. Yes dated interiors are a big turnoff to many people who either cannot update themselves or cannot afford to have someone do it. Lastly, yes, there are often bidding wars.

[janht]

Wow...you both say the same? Cart garage plus 2 car?? I don't think I've even seen any of those in our price range; have to look again. I'm not sure if we'd need it but certainly something to think about. Thanks.

Yes, I've gone to the country website and seen some crazy price hikes too but the ones I have saved aren't that. Thank you for the pool pump hint...that's the kind of thing I wouldn't think of beforehand but hopefully I'd hear it when looking at a house. No Lake county...noted.

Oh, why are there such differences in insurance between neighborhoods and and why so darn high....$250 a month?? That's almost double what we pay in our expensive-to-live state.

[mark47]

Would never even consider a West facing lanai, stay away from pickle ball courts, must have golf cart garage, TV salesman advised me to never have your lanai face a double yellow lined road. Just my opinion

[janht]

There was a house in our neighborhood that was for sale for quite a long time and there were 2 main reasons. The ceilings and walls were painted in colors that would not appeal to many and the price was too high and the owner would not budge on it.

We love uglees as you can normally get a better price but doesn't sound like those owners were too realistic. Good to know about bidding wars. Thanks!

[pbkmaine]

So much of it boils down to personal preference.

Some people love being on a golf course, but my husband and I did not like the lack of privacy or the noise from the cart paths. So, privacy versus views is a big issue. Then you need to ask yourself how important having a friendly neighborhood is. We lucked out on ours; the neighbors are super nice. But we have friends who prefer to keep to themselves, and neighbors are not a factor. Then there’s location. We are north of 466 and very close to the Savannah Center and shopping, but many like a location farther south, where the average age is lower and where The Villages is expanding.

Then there’s frame versus block construction. My oldest friend’s husband is a structural engineer and strongly advised block for Florida, so we limited our search to block. We also preferred resale to new. We felt like we were getting more for our money with resale. We liked having mature plants. My husband also wanted us to have our own pool. I wanted an indoor laundry room, not one in the garage.

Factoring as many of those things in as possible, we came up with a dozen houses that seemed to fit. We ended buying one of the top 6.

[janht]

Would never even consider a West facing lanai, stay away from pickle ball courts, must have golf cart garage, TV salesman advised me to never have your lanai face a double yellow lined road. Just my opinion


Ah yes....Pickle ball courts.. the OTHER reason I aerial Google! Had that exp years ago at a resort when it first came on the scene. How close is "close" here...what # of blocks distance?

Thanks.

[janht]

Then there’s frame versus block construction. My oldest friend’s husband is a structural engineer and strongly advised block for Florida, so we limited our search to block. We also preferred resale to new. We felt like we were getting more for our money with resale. We liked having mature plants. My husband also wanted us to have our own pool. I wanted an indoor laundry room, not one in the garage.



Good info on construction. I'm big on mature landscaping too which is why the older north section has appeal. I realize the south is preferable for most people but in most cases the landscaping is pretty sparse. I find just north of 466 is usually a nice compromise. Would never consider new construction because I'm paying premium for design choices I don't care for....like the really dark wood stained kit cabs I'm seeing.

Thanks!

[graciegirl]

Then there’s frame versus block construction. My oldest friend’s husband is a structural engineer and strongly advised block for Florida, so we limited our search to block. We also preferred resale to new. We felt like we were getting more for our money with resale. We liked having mature plants. My husband also wanted us to have our own pool. I wanted an indoor laundry room, not one in the garage.

Good info on construction. I'm big on mature landscaping too which is why the older north section has appeal. I realize the south is preferable for most people but in most cases the landscaping is pretty sparse. I find just north of 466 is usually a nice compromise. Would never consider new construction because I'm paying premium for design choices I don't care for....like the really dark wood stained kit cabs I'm seeing.

Thanks!

Landscaping. About 18 months is the difference between sparse and lush on most new homes.

I found this home with a golf cart garage and two regular garages for under 250K, then I read you want block. I am not a realtor nor have I ever been.

Bad Request (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/#/S6F.63?new&preowned&homesites&minPrice=200000&maxPrice=250000&garage=2%20Car,%20plus%20Golf%20Car%20Garage&lng=-82.01478533946064&lat=28.791067627376115&lvl=2)

[janht]

----

[janht]

I found this home with a golf cart garage and two regular garages for under 250K, then I read you want block. I am not a realtor nor have I ever been.

Bad Request (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/#/S6F.63?new&preowned&homesites&minPrice=200000&maxPrice=250000&garage=2%20Car,%20plus%20Golf%20Car%20Garage&lng=-82.01478533946064&lat=28.791067627376115&lvl=2)[/QUOTE]

It's not for sale. I haven't found ONE house on the Village site for sale site that is. Thanks though.

[villagetinker]

We specified a south facing lanai, works great. We have a road to the back of the house, yes there is some road noise, however, we have great privacy, pie shaped lot with neighbors some distance away, and a very nice block wall across the street (villas on the other side), and very nice landscaping. We decided early on NO golf course, and NO water view. The reason for the no water view is documentation from TV specifically states the water may NOT be there all the time, also if you get a natural preserve area, these can get inundated with weeds, etc that you are NOT allowed to remove or control, in other words the view you have today is NOT the view you will have in the future. Do a search on Lake Miona an this site, lots of complaints and some very suspicious tree removal. Avoid houses near intersections, as you may get headlights into your house. IMHO, look very carefully at any solar tubes, you may not like the lighting effect.
Make sure all permits and ARC approvals were obtained for any and all exterior and interior changes or improvements. There have been recent sales where this was not done and the new owner had to remove non-approved driveway expansions, landscaping, etc. Do not rely on salesperson or owner, get this in writing on the disclosure form.
Check age of roof, if over 10 years, figure on a possible new roof in a few years, same goes for the exterior paint (note you need approval to change color).
If garage or driveway is painted check for an anti-slip coating (like shark grip), without this coating these can become very slippery when wet.
hope this helps.

[lanabanana73]

For us, we really wanted rear privacy without paying a premium lot price, so we back up to a villa wall. That seemed like the perfect compromise, and has worked out well. We are just north of 466A in Tamarind Grove and love that location for its proximity to so many golf courses, and the ease of getting to 301. Love the new Trailwinds shopping plaza and what's going on there. We did not get a golf cart garage, but I can see the beauty of having one. We just try not to collect too much "stuff" that needs storing. I would stay away from ALL major roadways, including ones like St Charles, as they are busy and pretty noisy. Good luck in your search. I'm sure you will find the perfect house for you!

[papasetti82]

Don't forget about the "Bond"

[valuemkt]

For what its worth. It's good that you are experienced house hunters.. but moving quickly with any real estate in a strange area isn;t necessarily a good thing. Very good that you like uglies, as you will be able to see past paint, carpet, formica tops, dated light fixtures etc. You're obviously moving from out of town, probably out of state. So the next question is size.. How big of a house are you moving from. The great majority of homes are in the 1300-2100 sq ft size. They are 3/2's .. no basement. Are you prepared for that ? I think many villagers over downsize, and find themselves screaming for space in 1500 ft.. others are fine with it. Now your setting.. golf course, water, kissing lanai;s, a solid wall, or "no homes behind" - a code word for backs up to street. All have issues that are different for each person. As an aside, last week we looked at a Premier $$ home. When we went out to see the pool area, we could hear every word our new kissing lanai neighbors were saying, and they weren;t screaming.. Then we met their nice, but yippy dog. Have you sampled the 3 town squares ? have a preference ? Do you think you;ll be a golf cart person ? How far of a ride will it be to your favorite water aerobics activity.. or the poker game, or your favorite restaurant? what might be fun the first few times might be a PITA after a while. Structurally, look at the inside. are you a bath tub person, or is that just an ornament ? A walk in shower became standard a while ago, and accommodate walkers etc, while in later years you might think only a gymnast can get in and out of the tubs. So now start looking.. Block vs siding may or may not be the deal breaker you think, given all of the requirements you;ve already listed. In the end, after doing 2 lifestyle previews, we looked at over 50 homes (culled from many more for sales eliminated via the internet) listed by both the Villages and MLS (you do know that they dont sell each others listings, dont you). We, too can go into a house and within 5 or 10 minutes decide whether it bears further consideration. That was in 2016, and we didnt want to build. Now, you have another choice.. south of brownwood. and the blogs are full of opinions. BTW, we ended up with a large block designer (turn key) with lanai facing a street - many people would have eliminated it from consideration. Best and luck, m advice is to use your speed and experience to look at MORE homes in DIFFERENT areas to optimize time spent and increase likelihood of a successful first purchase.

[graciegirl]

I found this home with a golf cart garage and two regular garages for under 250K, then I read you want block. I am not a realtor nor have I ever been.

Bad Request (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/#/S6F.63?new&preowned&homesites&minPrice=200000&maxPrice=250000&garage=2%20Car,%20plus%20Golf%20Car%20Garage&lng=-82.01478533946064&lat=28.791067627376115&lvl=2)

It's not for sale. I haven't found ONE house on the Village site for sale site that is. Thanks though.[/QUOTE]

The icon "bad request" is a home for sale on Woods Way in Desoto. New. I don't know why the words "bad request" came up. The mysteries of the internet....

[pauld315]

So my question is, why do some homes stay on the market? Is price the big problem or are there other factors that tend to kill it even if it's bargain basement priced? Do dated interiors really turn most people off? What would absolutely rule out a home if you were looking now in TV? And the opposite...what do people jump on...are there ever bidding wars?

Throw it out there...any info appreciated!

Most resales that I have seen that stay on the market too long here are overpriced. That is not a phenomenon specific to The Villages, it happens everywhere.

My advice to you in picking a resale home is

1) Determine what general area (Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter or Brownwood) you want to buy in and then try to narrow that down using specific criteria such as

What type of view are you looking for?
Do you want another home directly behind you?
How far do you want to be from a town square?
How far do you want to be from shopping?
How far do you want to be from doctors, the hospital etc?
How much of a bond are you willing to take on?

Once you can determine that then look for a home that suits you in terms of size, number of bedrooms, is the bond paid etc etc.

If no houses meet your criteria this trip, continue looking at what goes up for sale in the area you have chosen. Something will come along shortly.

Good luck !

[janht]

It's not for sale. I haven't found ONE house on the Village site for sale site that is. Thanks though.[/QUOTE]

The icon "bad request" is a home for sale on Woods Way in Desoto. New. I don't know why the words "bad request" came up. The mysteries of the internet....

I put the address into Zillow ...it's off the market. Yes...the mysteries of the internet are many...:)

[retiredguy123]

There are actually three basic types of construction in The Villages, block walls with stucco, poured concrete with a decorative cement finish (not actually stucco), and wood frame with vinyl siding. In my opinion, the best and most durable is the poured concrete. However, I don't think the type of construction should be an absolute deal breaker.

[gomsiepop]

Wow...you both say the same? Cart garage plus 2 car?? I don't think I've even seen any of those in our price range; have to look again. I'm not sure if we'd need it but certainly something to think about. Thanks.

Yes, I've gone to the country website and seen some crazy price hikes too but the ones I have saved aren't that. Thank you for the pool pump hint...that's the kind of thing I wouldn't think of beforehand but hopefully I'd hear it when looking at a house. No Lake county...noted.

Oh, why are there such differences in insurance between neighborhoods and and why so darn high....$250 a month?? That's almost double what we pay in our expensive-to-live state.

I also searched The Villages website and saw the same home Gracie posted. Yes, it is for sale (for today)

Bad Request (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/#/S6F.63?new&preowned&homesites&garage=2%20Car,%20plus%20Golf%20Car%20Garage&lng=-81.98657473&lat=28.882124925&lvl=1)

[janht]

Wow....lots of great info here, thank you all. I'll have to print this out for reference.

Re size: It's not so much about SF many times but how a house is laid out as to how it functions. We'd like to find min 1300sf, 1500 would be more than enough. We're not worried about downsizing as we went from 4000sf, a huge barn/workshop and 5 acres to 1700sf with a tiny driveway/no garage in our current house. Now that was a bit of a challenge. Although we've shopped and bought long distance successfully with out last 2 homes, we knew the areas. It's not the easiest thing to do so we'd get familiar with the lay of the land in TV by renting sev times...maybe Nov this upcoming year. We're always ready to jump though...lol.

I've looked at enough homes at this point at all price points to know that what we want to spend probably won't get us some of the things that are recommended but that's OK. Big baths, bedrooms have no weight with us nor does turnkey. I've never seen a house that we wouldn't have changed. Wonder how I can find out if there are any yippy, barky dogs about....carry treats in my pockets? :) Except for our current house, THAT was a problem at every single home when we lived in in CO.

Thanks for the great input so far...some very specific things here which people only learn through exp. We'll be a lot smarter in Feb when we're down there and get a feel for everything.

[janht]

I also searched The Villages website and saw the same home Gracie posted. Yes, it is for sale (for today)

Bad Request (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/#/S6F.63?new&preowned&homesites&garage=2%20Car,%20plus%20Golf%20Car%20Garage&lng=-81.98657473&lat=28.882124925&lvl=1)

So I guess what I'm seeing is these homes are NOT being listed on the MLS or with realtors. It's just on the TV site?...or at least many of them are perhaps. That would explain why they're "off market" on Zillow.

Thanks for jumping in...

[graciegirl]

So I guess what I'm seeing is these homes are NOT being listed on the MLS or with realtors. It's just on the TV site?...or at least many of them are perhaps. That would explain why they're "off market" on Zillow.

Thanks for jumping in...

ONLY The Villages can show and sell NEW homes.

[fw102807]

Wow....lots of great info here, thank you all. I'll have to print this out for reference.

Re size: It's not so much about SF many times but how a house is laid out as to how it functions. We'd like to find min 1300sf, 1500 would be more than enough. We're not worried about downsizing as we went from 4000sf, a huge barn/workshop and 5 acres to 1700sf with a tiny driveway/no garage in our current house. Now that was a bit of a challenge. Although we've shopped and bought long distance successfully with out last 2 homes, we knew the areas. It's not the easiest thing to do so we'd get familiar with the lay of the land in TV by renting sev times...maybe Nov this upcoming year. We're always ready to jump though...lol.

I've looked at enough homes at this point at all price points to know that what we want to spend probably won't get us some of the things that are recommended but that's OK. Big baths, bedrooms have no weight with us nor does turnkey. I've never seen a house that we wouldn't have changed. Wonder how I can find out if there are any yippy, barky dogs about....carry treats in my pockets? :) Except for our current house, THAT was a problem at every single home when we lived in in CO.

Thanks for the great input so far...some very specific things here which people only learn through exp. We'll be a lot smarter in Feb when we're down there and get a feel for everything.

Keep in mind that a lot of this is just personal preference or opinion. For example I have a west facing lanai and love it.

[vintageogauge]

Wow...you both say the same? Cart garage plus 2 car?? I don't think I've even seen any of those in our price range; have to look again. I'm not sure if we'd need it but certainly something to think about. Thanks.

Yes, I've gone to the country website and seen some crazy price hikes too but the ones I have saved aren't that. Thank you for the pool pump hint...that's the kind of thing I wouldn't think of beforehand but hopefully I'd hear it when looking at a house. No Lake county...noted.

Oh, why are there such differences in insurance between neighborhoods and and why so darn high....$250 a month?? That's almost double what we pay in our expensive-to-live state.

There are new homes in Fenney/DeSoto, and McClure with golf car garages priced in the mid $200,00's. And I'm sure there will be plenty of them in Marsh Landing.

[janht]

Keep in mind that a lot of this is just personal preference or opinion. For example I have a west facing lanai and love it.

Exactly. I'm a little different in my tastes too from many people.

[John_W]

...

[janht]

Yes, new homes are only sold by employees of TV, they may or may not be licensed Realtors. Something similar to a car dealer and his salesman selling new cars. Resales (used homes) can be sold by an MLS agent or relisted with TV sales department. From what I've read, about 60% of resales are sold by TV and 40% are sold by MLS agents. So if you're looking to live in the established areas between 42 in the north and 44 in the south, you'll need two different agents. For the new homes, one Villages agent will be all you need.

We're not interested in new homes primarily because we'd be paying a premium for design choices I wouldn't choose...e.g. dark kit cabs. We're also interested in more established landscapes.

So, what are commission rates for TV realtors? It must be lower for resales or they'd be no incentive for an owner to list with just TV. They're missing out on too much of the market.

Thanks for the info.

[I Tango]

Or you can do like we did. I researched everything to death also before we came. Wanted a designer or cottage home without a west facing lanai, wanted an inside washer/dryer, at least 2 car garage etc. What did we end up with? A courtyard villa with a west facing lanai, washer/dryer in the 1 1/2 car garage. Go figure. We keep our 2 golf carts and motorcycle with sidecar in the garage and our car sits in the driveway. We bought in Fenney because the price was too good to pass up. Now we love it. Love the downsizing and if you're determined you can make almost anything work. Come with your list of wants but keep an open mind. I think it's difficult to make a bad choice almost anywhere in TV.

[janht]

That's funny and yes...it happens. We're always open minded...almost too much so. We tend to walk in and immediately know if it's for us. Very much a "feeling" to a great degree.

[graciegirl]

We're not interested in new homes primarily because we'd be paying a premium for design choices I wouldn't choose...e.g. dark kit cabs. We're also interested in more established landscapes.

So, what are commission rates for TV realtors? It must be lower for resales or they'd be no incentive for an owner to list with just TV. They're missing out on too much of the market.

Thanks for the info.

Many NEW Villages homes are not designed and then built for you. Some are already built such as the one I showed you. It is ready to be sold and it is how it is, no changes allowed.

I don't sell houses. We buy them. Bought two new ones here. Loved them both. No regrets.

[janht]

-----

[janht]

Many NEW Villages homes are not designed and then built for you. Some are already built such as the one I showed you. It is ready to be sold and it is how it is, no changes allowed.

I don't sell houses. We buy them. Bought two new ones here. Loved them both. No regrets.


I realize the new homes are already built and there are no choices in finishes.What I meant is new homes are more expensive than resale and it makes no sense for us to pay a higher price when it's finished out with design choices I don't care for.

The majority of newer homes also seem to be in the southern sector such as Fenney which I don't think is of interest to us. I'd rather be more central and in established neighborhoods but we'll find out when we visit.

[Packer Fan]

I realize the new homes are already built and there are no choices in finishes.What I meant is new homes are more expensive than resale and it makes no sense for us to pay a higher price when it's finished out with design choices I don't care for.

The majority of newer homes also seem to be in the southern sector such as Fenney which I don't think is of interest to us. I'd rather be more central and in established neighborhoods but we'll find out when we visit.

I think you have a few of the same misconceptions I had when I first came to TV 5 years ago - first, NEW is NOT more expensive than resale. In fact, right now New can actually be less expensive, because they are in the Fenney area. The other thing is that there are new houses being sold in the historic section at very reasonable prices - in your price range. When I came here, I was going to buy a resale and ended up with a new house, amazing.
Also, there are new houses with all levels and types of cabinets and trim. You can actually find just about anything you want in new home. Look and you will be surprised.

Next - it is CRITICAL to have an MLS and a TV agent. Also, the MLS agent is really not the preferred, in fact the TV agents actually have an advantage because they have more of a share of resales, and they have new homes to sell. Contrary to the bashers here, they are required to have a Valid FL real estate license. They are all excellent.

Lastly - the main thing that determines price is really not location, it is View. Yes, location is important, but you will pay a LOT more for a view. I have a house with no view worth about 300k. Across the street they have a view of evans prairie marsh and the same house is double that. Location is important, yes, but View is much more important - and remember you pay taxes on that.

Lastly - Kissing Lanias are really not that big of a deal. It is preferable to have them offset and not right across from each other. To each his own - if you can get a wall, great.

If a house is on the market more than 2 months, it is overpriced. That is pretty much a rule.

That is my opinion, take it for what it is worth.

[CFrance]

I think you have a few of the same misconceptions I had when I first came to TV 5 years ago - first, NEW is NOT more expensive than resale. In fact, right now New can actually be less expensive, because they are in the Fenney area. The other thing is that there are new houses being sold in the historic section at very reasonable prices - in your price range. When I came here, I was going to buy a resale and ended up with a new house, amazing.
Also, there are new houses with all levels and types of cabinets and trim. You can actually find just about anything you want in new home. Look and you will be surprised.

Next - it is CRITICAL to have an MLS and a TV agent. Also, the MLS agent is really not the preferred, in fact the TV agents actually have an advantage because they have more of a share of resales, and they have new homes to sell. Contrary to the bashers here, they are required to have a Valid FL real estate license. They are all excellent.

Lastly - the main thing that determines price is really not location, it is View. Yes, location is important, but you will pay a LOT more for a view. I have a house with no view worth about 300k. Across the street they have a view of evans prairie marsh and the same house is double that. Location is important, yes, but View is much more important - and remember you pay taxes on that.

Lastly - Kissing Lanias are really not that big of a deal. It is preferable to have them offset and not right across from each other. To each his own - if you can get a wall, great.

If a house is on the market more than 2 months, it is overpriced. That is pretty much a rule.

That is my opinion, take it for what it is worth.
Yes, what he said. This is good advice.


We paid about 10K extra for a wall behind our designer. It was nice to have that privacy, and we landscaped along that wall for some interesting stuff to look at from the lanai. I was happy not to have a kissing lanai where you had to landscape right to your lanai to block the view. The Tamarind Grove area wasn't even on our GPS in 2011. Now there is great shopping within ten minutes' drive.



Then we downsized into a courtyard villa with a wall that fronted a street. No more rooftops to look at, only palm trees. And it isn't a major street, so traffic noise is not a problem. We stayed in the same area of Tamarind Grove, in fact just over the wall of our designer, because we love the area and the nearby shopping, especially since the Trailwinds shopping development came in. We just needed a place we could close up easier when we became snowbirds.



I wish you could come rent for a while and experience homes in different locations.

[graciegirl]

I realize the new homes are already built and there are no choices in finishes.What I meant is new homes are more expensive than resale and it makes no sense for us to pay a higher price when it's finished out with design choices I don't care for.

The majority of newer homes also seem to be in the southern sector such as Fenney which I don't think is of interest to us. I'd rather be more central and in established neighborhoods but we'll find out when we visit.

I don't think new homes are more expensive than resales here. They aren't like cars. I don't sell homes never have, but I think that if you don't at least go and visit some of the new homes and new areas you are cheating yourselves out of a choice.

Mostly the price of homes are affected by VIEW. A home that is almost exactly the same as another is going to be cheaper or more expensive if it is looking to the back at a neighbor, or a golfcourse or even a road. Road views are more expensive than neighbors lanai views. Brand new homes and older homes with equal views are generally priced the same...………...

[jojo]

Keep in mind that a lot of this is just personal preference or opinion. For example I have a west facing lanai and love it.

We chose our west facing lanai purposefully and love it. The sunsets are gorgeous, warm in the winter, and we just use the fans in the summer. Would not trade it.

[Tom C]

I have also been watching for more than a year now. What I have found is that some sellers WAY overprice their home. Look at the cost per SF.

I know that location can impact this, BUT NOT BY 150%!!! the average price per SF in the villages is ~$220. THERE IS NO WAY ANY PROPERTY IS WORTH MORE THAN $330/SF. All the bells and all the whistles will not make a house more than this amount.

Some sellers think all the things they have added are worth 100% of what they invested - NOT THE CASE, espically when they are electronics ( like sound systems, TVs, ceiling fans , etc.). These things are like landscaping, it is good curb appeal, and may make your home sell sooner, but do not drive up the price.

There are a LOT of homes for sale, “ kick to the curb” the overpriced, or offer a sensible price, but the best is to just move on to the next....

[Spikearoni]

[QUOTE=janht;1609655]I put the address into Zillow ...it's off the market. Yes...the mysteries of the internet are many...:)[/

Oftentimes the MLS sites such as Zillow might say that a home is not for sale if it is listed in the homes portion of The Villages Search Homes site. MLS does not list homes that are being sold by The Villages and The Villages does not list homes marketed by the MLS. However you can find both in The Daily Sun.

[janht]

Thanks for all the input guys. I can't respond to the more recent posts as I'm hosting our family Christmas and pretty much stuck in the kitchen until Tuesday. :)

We're looking forward to our rental down there in Feb and checking out some homes.

[graciegirl]

Thanks for all the input guys. I can't respond to the more recent posts as I'm hosting our family Christmas and pretty much stuck in the kitchen until Tuesday. :)

We're looking forward to our rental down there in Feb and checking out some homes.

Merry Christmas. Hurry home to us soon.

NO. I have no vested interest. I JUST LOVE IT HERE.