The best of The Villages.....

[jcvdd1]

A family member just sold a piece of property in Manhattan and sold it for an ---insane--- amount of money. Although he is just a "regular" recently retired guy, he wishes to use the proceeds and purchase a grand home in The Villages and he is asking for my help.

He has a budget for the house of 2.5 million with more than enough money left over to last him for the rest of his life and for the rest of his children's life. The budgeted amount would include the house, all fees, taxes and all furnishing.

"BEFORE" consulting a real estate agent and tax professional, any suggestions where we can look ?

Once again, Thank You !!!:bigbow:

[Aces4]

A family member just sold a piece of property in Manhattan and sold it for an ---insane--- amount of money. Although he is just a "regular" recently retired guy, he wishes to use the proceeds and purchase a grand home in The Villages and he is asking for my help.

He has a budget for the house of 2.5 million with more than enough money left over to last him for the rest of his life and for the rest of his children's life. The budgeted amount would include the house, all fees, taxes and all furnishing.

"BEFORE" consulting a real estate agent and tax professional, any suggestions where we can look ?

Once again, Thank You !!!:bigbow:

I would thoughtfully suggest he rents, all over Florida if he is intent on living in Florida. The Villages may be his cup of tea or he may fall in love with other areas such as a home by the Gulf of Mexico. Good luck to him but I hope he does his homework.

[Nucky]

A family member just sold a piece of property in Manhattan and sold it for an ---insane--- amount of money. Although he is just a "regular" recently retired guy, he wishes to use the proceeds and purchase a grand home in The Villages and he is asking for my help.

He has a budget for the house of 2.5 million with more than enough money left over to last him for the rest of his life and for the rest of his children's life. The budgeted amount would include the house, all fees, taxes and all furnishing.

"BEFORE" consulting a real estate agent and tax professional, any suggestions where we can look ?

Once again, Thank You !!!:bigbow:

I know you said he is recently retired but just to dot the I's & cross the T's are the children at the correct age level to fit The Villages rules? Just a little forward thinking! Hey, you never know! I let someone else handle the details of the age thing. :faint:

[retiredguy123]

The Villages is not currently building any Premier houses. And, they have only 4 house listed above a million dollars. The most expensive listing by The Villages is about $1.3 million. So, your family member will be saving a lot of his money. He may want to buy a high quality lot, build a new house, and include a lot of expensive upgrades. Another option is for him to find a high toned woman. Problem solved.

[Braddock]

Buy near the water.
Why would anyone want to pay that much for a villages house.
I sold my premier recently and am looking at my options.

[tophcfa]

Look in the different Bridgeport Villages, spectacular homes. There are some unbelievable homes on the Palmer golf course (Riley and Laurel) as well as Lake Miona. For that kind of coin I hope any home considered has a private 25 yard long lap swimming pool.

[John_W]

I have a cousin who passed away last year, but anybody that has been to Ocean City, Maryland probably has seen Billy's Famous Subs on 140th Street. He moved his sub shop from the boardwalk to that location in 1974 and took a gamble buying 3 acres for $40,000. At that time, there was nothing but sand dunes, the boardwalk ended at 35th St. and beyond that was very little. By 2000 the entire area well beyond his sub shop was built up and he retired and gave the shop to his long time manager and sold the remaining acreage for $3 million dollars, which just added to his retirement.

Anyway, he always looked for ways to make money. In 1985 when he wanted to build a house in Florida, his sub business was summer only and he wanted a winter home. He went to Hollywood, Florida and put in $600,000 along with two friends who also each put in $600,000. So for $1.8 million they bought a canal lot and built this six unit condo with parking and storage underneath, a pool in the back, plus a dock for their boat on the canal. Each of the three investors got one condo to live in and one condo to sell. So basically they built the home for free. This is the building at 3300 N. Ocean Drive.



https://geo2.ggpht.com/cbk?panoid=r7B62VOQXuh7DXEeCROw5g&output=thumbnail&cb_client=search.gws-prod/local-details-getcard.gps&thumb=2&w=408&h=240&yaw=265.55548&pitch=0&thumbfov=100

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If he's looking for a "grand" home and his budget is 'up to' 2.5 mil including everything, I'd suggest one of the St. Augustines in the Villages of Bridgeport. They're both under $1 mil, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, small pool, over 3000 square feet, tucked away from the world but easily accessible to the main road. He could pick out his own furnishings, rip out the carpet in the bedrooms and replace them with tile, buy gorgeous rugs to cover the tile, pay all his bonds and fees and whatnots, and still have plenty from that 2.5 mil to hire a cleaning lady to come in once a week (and tip her VERY well for holidays and her birthday).

[retiredguy123]

I have a cousin who passed away last year, but anybody that has been to Ocean City, Maryland probably has seen Billy's Famous Subs on 140th Street. He moved his sub shop from the boardwalk to that location in 1974 and took a gamble buying 3 acres for $40,000. At that time, there was nothing but sand dunes, the boardwalk ended at 35th St. and beyond that was very little. By 2000 the entire area well beyond his sub shop was built up and he retired and gave the shop to his long time manager and sold the remaining acreage for $3 million dollars, which just added to his retirement.

Anyway, he always looked for ways to make money. In 1985 when he wanted to build a house in Florida, his sub business was summer only and he wanted a winter home. He went to Hollywood, Florida and put in $600,000 along with two friends who also each put in $600,000. So for $1.8 million they bought a canal lot and built this six unit condo with parking and storage underneath, a pool in the back, plus a dock for their boat on the canal. Each of the three investors got one condo to live in and one condo to sell. So basically they built the home for free. This is the building at 3300 N. Ocean Drive.



https://geo2.ggpht.com/cbk?panoid=r7B62VOQXuh7DXEeCROw5g&output=thumbnail&cb_client=search.gws-prod/local-details-getcard.gps&thumb=2&w=408&h=240&yaw=265.55548&pitch=0&thumbfov=100
My parents and I used to vacation every summer for a week in Ocean City, MD in the 1950's. There was no 35th Street. But, one year my mom saw a sign to buy oceanfront lots for $5,000 and she said that we should buy one. My dad immediately said, "$5,000 for a lot! Are they crazy?"

[jebartle]

The peeps

[Bitsee]

If he wants to mingle with millionaires I suggest he check out Golden Ocala.
The average income retired person couldn't even get up to the gate, much less thru it.
Supposedly the estates in there resemble castle's from what I'm told.

[graciegirl]

I believe that all people who live in The Villages live like people who lived in the wealthiest places in history. We drive our little chariots through more miles of beautiful flowers and landscaping and cut lawn than any Roman Emporer ever experienced, with dozens of sparkling swimming pools to enjoy at will.

We live in neighborhoods surrounded by others with decades of amazing adventures and experiences who for the mere asking will share with us the way they changed this world with their diligence and creativity and scholarship at the school of life.

I think that people in all homes, big or small enjoy them with the same pride and satisfaction as the Astors and Rockerfellers and Vanderbilts and one up them because we have wonderful, WONDERFUL, air conditioning during the hottest times and only have to push buttons to water our lovely yards. We don't have to worry with snarly and petulant servants and don't have to think who has the most money because really, very few know or care where you live or how big or small your home is when you sit next to them in art class or at the squares.

I really love and have enjoyed and have been very impressed with every home I have been invited to visit in The Villages.

[jblum315]

With 2.5 million to spend on a house, why TThe Villages?

[graciegirl]

With 2.5 million to spend on a house, why TThe Villages?

There are quite a few who do and they did choose here.

[rjn5656]

For that money, I would go outside the villages. The villages is nice, but for $2m, you have a lot of nice options in florida.

[John_W]

My parents and I used to vacation every summer for a week in Ocean City, MD in the 1950's. There was no 35th Street. But, one year my mom saw a sign to buy oceanfront lots for $5,000 and she said that we should buy one. My dad immediately said, "$5,000 for a lot! Are they crazy?"

I actually worked at Billy's Famous Subs at his original location on Wicomico St. and the Boardwalk in '69 for one summer. I had taken the car and looked at land for $2,000 an acre but as a 19 year old, I didn't have any money. The next year I was in the Army and going to school in Alabama and spent every weekend in Panama City Beach. There was maybe a 1/2 mile of homes and motels and that all there was back then. Today PC (as it's called) is 30 miles of condos, motels, amusement parks and bars and restaurants. If we only had the money then, life would be so easy now.

[justjim]

A family member just sold a piece of property in Manhattan and sold it for an ---insane--- amount of money. Although he is just a "regular" recently retired guy, he wishes to use the proceeds and purchase a grand home in The Villages and he is asking for my help.

He has a budget for the house of 2.5 million with more than enough money left over to last him for the rest of his life and for the rest of his children's life. The budgeted amount would include the house, all fees, taxes and all furnishing.

"BEFORE" consulting a real estate agent and tax professional, any suggestions where we can look ?

Once again, Thank You !!!:bigbow:

OP, congratulations to your relative and friend. I’m sure any number of Realtors would be glad to show you and your friend several “upscale” properties in The Villages. It’s my experience that friends and family are just as important as the material possessions that we have been fortunate to obtain. You apparently know this friend and relative pretty well or he would not be asking you to do this. He apparently has a great deal of trust and confidence in you. Discuss with him what he has in mind for his retirement lifestyle. Does he like to play golf, tennis/pickleball, swim/workout, etc. ? Does he plan to keep a home in New York? I would then quietly go about scouting for upscale homes that would be suitable for his lifestyle. Good hunting and due diligence when you two agree on a piece of property to make an offer on.

[perrjojo]

We rented in Gulf Harbor, ft Myers. Great properties and location
Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club | Private Club | Fort Myers, Florida (https://www.gulfharbour.com/)
Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club | Fort Myers, FL Retirement Communities | 55places (https://www.55places.com/florida/communities/gulf-harbour-yacht-country-club?nhds_source=google&nhds_medium=cpc&nhds_campaign=6522254299&gclid=Cj0KCQiAq97uBRCwARIsADTziybuSZoO4px48HVVxddC ZvZiO6LjFkPNzIyi-at3BldKOAcT0ZVV3Y8aApy9EALw_wcB)

[OCsun]

I have a cousin who passed away last year, but anybody that has been to Ocean City, Maryland probably has seen Billy's Famous Subs on 140th Street. He moved his sub shop from the boardwalk to that location in 1974 and took a gamble buying 3 acres for $40,000. At that time, there was nothing but sand dunes, the boardwalk ended at 35th St. and beyond that was very little. By 2000 the entire area well beyond his sub shop was built up and he retired and gave the shop to his long time manager and sold the remaining acreage for $3 million dollars, which just added to his retirement.

Anyway, he always looked for ways to make money. In 1985 when he wanted to build a house in Florida, his sub business was summer only and he wanted a winter home. He went to Hollywood, Florida and put in $600,000 along with two friends who also each put in $600,000. So for $1.8 million they bought a canal lot and built this six unit condo with parking and storage underneath, a pool in the back, plus a dock for their boat on the canal. Each of the three investors got one condo to live in and one condo to sell. So basically they built the home for free. This is the building at 3300 N. Ocean Drive.



https://geo2.ggpht.com/cbk?panoid=r7B62VOQXuh7DXEeCROw5g&output=thumbnail&cb_client=search.gws-prod/local-details-getcard.gps&thumb=2&w=408&h=240&yaw=265.55548&pitch=0&thumbfov=100

Thanks for sharing the story of Billy's Subs. We bought our first place in OC in 1979 and still own a place on the ocean at 145th. Life is Good!

[tophcfa]

With 2.5 million to spend on a house, why TThe Villages?

If that was my house budget I would buy a really nice house in the Villages for way less than $2.5 MM and also get a place in St. John, USVI with the change. How great would that be : )

[Velvet]

2 homes makes sense to me too, for variety and the weather as long as it is easy to get back and forth between them. But it is double the work.

[jcvdd1]

2 homes makes sense to me too, for variety and the weather as long as it is easy to get back and forth between them. But it is double the work.


Excellent point -

I will strongly suggest that he purchase a "nice" home within The Villages along with a home near The Treasure Coast.... Thanks

[papasetti82]

I would thoughtfully suggest he rents, all over Florida if he is intent on living in Florida. The Villages may be his cup of tea or he may fall in love with other areas such as a home by the Gulf of Mexico. Good luck to him but I hope he does his homework.

There's a lot of vacant land in Mexico Beach now.

[fromct]

Or within The Villages (between 466 and the Polo) fields is this option:

Lakes and Live Oaks | Lady Lake, FL - Marion County | Land for Sale | Farm & Ranch (https://farmandranch.com/property/lakes-and-live-oaks)

[jcvdd1]

There's a lot of vacant land in Mexico Beach now.

Thanks-
Also an excellent point but unfortunately, the "house-flippers" have already picked-up most of the beach front distressed properties literally days after the storm. But thanks for the idea.....

[Boilerman]

My advice is to rent for a year or so to see if this is where he wants to live. The real estate market at that price level is much more limited not to mention the broker fees.

I also think a second place to escape the summer heat is a great option for those with the money.

[graciegirl]

Or within The Villages (between 466 and the Polo) fields is this option:

Lakes and Live Oaks | Lady Lake, FL - Marion County | Land for Sale | Farm & Ranch (https://farmandranch.com/property/lakes-and-live-oaks)

I had no idea where this was, although I had seen this ad before. I looked up the address on sumterpa.com to see who owned it and I was surprised and I posted the name and that post was deleted.

I am surprised and a little worried that Mark Morse didn't buy it for less than three million. hmmm, is he low on cash?

[dewilson58]

I had no idea where this was, although I had seen this ad before. I looked up the address on sumterpa.com to see who owned it and I was surprised and I posted the name and that post was deleted.

I am surprised and a little worried that Mark Morse didn't buy it for less than three million. hmmm, is he low on cash?




He is low on cash because HE raised HIS property taxes by 25%.




:1rotfl:






.

[CWGUY]

I had no idea where this was, although I had seen this ad before. I looked up the address on sumterpa.com to see who owned it and I was surprised and I posted the name and that post was deleted.

I am surprised and a little worried that Mark Morse didn't buy it for less than three million. hmmm, is he low on cash?

:ohdear: Look it up again! He did own it some time ago. It's all public information.

[graciegirl]

:ohdear: Look it up again! He did own it some time ago. It's all public information.

The name on the Sumterpa.com was the same name as a business at Lake Sumter Landing.

I really am having such a wonderful day, I don't want to be deleted. It hurts my feelers.

[CWGUY]

The name on the Sumterpa.com was the same name as a business at Lake Sumter Landing.

I really am having such a wonderful day, I don't want to be deleted. It hurts my feelers.

:) I know. Did you look back to see who previous owners were?

[Velvet]

I thought the koi pond was the best.

[JimJohnson]

For that much money, he could buy 10 Villas for homeless senior citizens.

[fromct]

And if you really need to be impressed, Joan Pletcher (from the ad I posted) has the means - whoever previously mentioned Ocala knows where the g$$$$d stuff is........

All Listings | Ocala Horse Farms (http://joanpletcher.com/listings)

For me, though, TV is still the best!