Visit neighbors before buying?

[Patents111]

Given the population density of TV, it would seem that the neighbors adjacent or near the home you are considering to purchase could be almost as important as the actual features of the home itself.

The question then is: Did you meet any neighbors before you purchased? If you did, did it assist or influence your purchase decision? If, not, do you wish you had?

[Velvet]

Before buying, I went to the neighborhood pool where I was going to buy, over and over again and talked to people (I know some people at the pool were from other villages). I walked up and down the street I was going to buy on to get a feeling for what seemed important to my neighbors. I did actually meet 2 of my neighbors as they happened to be outside and they gave me great advice. I liked what I saw, I liked what I heard....still do.

I agree that people are as important as the amenities that come with the house or even more so. Especially when you live so close together.

[Michael Charles]

Given the population density of TV, it would seem that the neighbors adjacent or near the home you are considering to purchase could be almost as important as the actual features of the home itself.

Well then if you're basing your purchase on your possible new neighbors have you considered that they may sell their home one day then who knows who might move in? Plus just because they're right next door or across the street doesn't mean they need to be your new best friends and are tied at the hip. Now, if you happen to get to know, like and respect your new neighbors you may start a very good relationship with them. Just sayin.

[dewilson58]

Did not meet before.

The reverse could happen....................the neighbors could have band together and kept me out.

[ColdNoMore]

I personally couldn't imagine, going around the neighborhood to try and gauge...whether I would like my neighbors. :oops:

I think this action would be woefully incomplete, given that I hardly think you could spend enough time to really get to know them...unless maybe you gave them a detailed survey to complete. :D

To me, buying a home this way would be analogous to buying a car...because you like the tires currently on it.

Both can change in a heartbeat and any such purchase should be based on things...a lot more substantial. :shrug:

[karostay]

Canvas the area before you buy .You don't want to have someone who back up to your Lanai that smokes or has barking dogs

[Two Bills]

If people visited me before buying, most properties in the area would be vacant.

[Bogie Shooter]

Canvas the area before you buy .You don't want to have someone who back up to your Lanai that smokes or has barking dogs

What about drinking, cussing, political views...……………………………..canvas with a list.
Silly.

[dewilson58]

What about drinking, cussing, political views...……………………………..canvas with a list.
Silly.




And Barking Wives.




:shocked:

[tophcfa]

In my opinion location is way more important than the home itself. The primary criteria in our home search was privacy in our back yard, which we found abutting a preserve. We spent several evenings sitting in the back yards of our final two home choices before we ultimately bought our home. We are very happy with our choice, but do have one neighbor that is very disruptive with constant turnover of AIRBNB rentals. Over time neighbors will come and go, but location never changes.

[Aw Man]

......
The question then is:
Did you meet any neighbors before you purchased?......
If, not, do you wish you had?

No and no.
Neighbors here are like anywhere else we’ve lived, most are good, a few are bad.
But, we purposely chose a house that minimizes visual and noise level contact with neighbors, i.e., NO KISSING LANAIS !
We have close friends that loved their original neighborhood and most of their neighbors, but eventually chose to sell and move because of unbearably annoying people in a home with a kissing lanai directly behind them.

[Velvet]

I guess I was thinking that I’m joining a community, not just buying a house. But that’s just me.

[ColdNoMore]

I guess I was thinking that I’m joining a community, not just buying a house. But that’s just me.

The biggest similarity between neighbors and relatives...is that you can't choose either.

The biggest difference between them is, that neighbors typically change...a lot more frequently.

[PersonalChoice]

Don't let the "kissing lanai" scare you off. We have wonderful neighbors.

[Patents111]

I appreciate your thoughtful and whimsical replies. It does clarify things greatly!

[asianthree]

First one on the street, Both homes. So NO

[Topspinmo]

Canvas the area before you buy .You don't want to have someone who back up to your Lanai that smokes or has barking dogs

Close as some Lanai’s are I wouldn’t want someone that whispered too loud. Sound travels when only 10 yard apart.
Bottom line, you can control you’re neighbors or surrounding that’s not inside you’re little cube.

[Topspinmo]

Don't let the "kissing lanai" scare you off. We have wonderful neighbors.

Rolled the dice and you’ve won! For now:ohdear:

[jswirs]

Given the population density of TV, it would seem that the neighbors adjacent or near the home you are considering to purchase could be almost as important as the actual features of the home itself.

The question then is: Did you meet any neighbors before you purchased? If you did, did it assist or influence your purchase decision? If, not, do you wish you had?

We gave absolutely no thought to neighbors. We had our own list of priorities and we were blessed to have found an ideal home for us. After being here for 7+ months we have found that at least 95% of folks here in the villages are friendly and helpful. I call this type of living "A slice of paradise".

[Annie66]

If people visited me before buying, most properties in the area would be vacant.

Now that is funny.:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Arlington2]

I passed on a house that had a yapping dog next door. I don't need the constant aggravation.

[rmd2]

Yes I did meet my neighbors before I bought my house and one of the neighbors introduced me to almost all the other neighbors that day. It is a friendly, nice neighborhood. I really like the people here and I'm glad I moved here.

[parchiba49]

I guess I was thinking that I’m joining a community, not just buying a house. But that’s just me.
You are joining a community. It spans 3 Zip Codes, 3 Counties, 40+ square miles and growing. Meeting neighbors before is like finding out the 'real' deal when you move in with someone. When I moved into my current (3rd) home, people were wary of me but came to realize that not only was I a nice person, but also a good person to know!

[brianherlihy]

we have a place in the villages and we have had 4 and we live next to sumter the day we moved in my next door to came over to tell me my lines and my gates now I wont even talk to him / I still like the villages and I just stay away from him /:welcome::welcome::MOJE_whot:

[Garwood1]

Bought neighbors sight unseen and they have turned to be wonderful , we share tools , lunches , dinners parties and look out for each other’s properties . Most people are just like us , engaging friendly and welcoming here. They wish to enjoy our golden years and openly offer contentment to share in my humble opinion

[newgirl]

Yes!!! Do not buy unless you do, wrong neighbors can make life hell .

[mills3186]

It is also really important to listen to surroundings. Is there a noisy pool or postal station nearby? Noisy golf cart path or street? Stand around for a bit and see. That stuff will drive you more crazy than the neighbors as you can't get away from it. Neighbors may change, infrastructure not so much.

[OhioBuckeye]

Given the population density of TV, it would seem that the neighbors adjacent or near the home you are considering to purchase could be almost as important as the actual features of the home itself.

The question then is: Did you meet any neighbors before you purchased? If you did, did it assist or influence your purchase decision? If, not, do you wish you had?

The only thing I heard when we were looking for a home was, some of the older subdivisions the people are very clicking but personally I think that’s a bunch of hooie. If your looking for a great village to live in look at TV of Charlotte. The people there will come to you & ask you to join them. But I’m sure almost all of them go out of their way to welcome you! You’ll love it no matter where you buy!

[ColdNoMore]

Just keep your eyes peeled...for any confederate flags. :D

I'm still trying to figure out though, how one thinks they can 'evaluate' current neighbors in what would be the most basic of ways...and make a decision based on the flimsiest of research? :shrug:

[Matthew Wag]

I personally couldn't imagine, going around the neighborhood to try and gauge...whether I would like my neighbors. :oops:

I think this action would be woefully incomplete, given that I hardly think you could spend enough time to really get to know them...unless maybe you gave them a detailed survey to complete. :D

To me, buying a home this way would be analogous to buying a car...because you like the tires currently on it.

Both can change in a heartbeat and any such purchase should be based on things...a lot more substantial. :shrug:

I agree politically can be an issue , but in todays society who knows. I am building I know if someone is different than me could be a problem. But like you said who knows?

[Madelaine Amee]

If people visited me before buying, most properties in the area would be vacant.

I like your style Bill ...............

NO, I don't want anyone visiting me and I will not be visiting them. The only time I made an exception was when I was actually forced into it by someone walking my backyard!!! My gut was right on .... so happy they have moved.

I have GREAT neighbors, they are all in the Witness Protection Program and half the time I don't know if they are dead or alive.

I pick my friends, not my neighbors. I do not have an open door policy. I am a "good morning" and "good evening" person and I am a very private person, people know where I live if they need help and they know they can call me.

[MEbner2805]

[QUOTE=Patents111;1715347]Given the population density of TV, it would seem that the neighbors adjacent or near the home you are considering to purchase could be almost as important as the actual features of the home itself.

The question then is: Did you meet any neighbors before you purchased?

Not sure why you bother with neighbors here buying in a retirement community??? this isn’t the evil real world where you can’t trust anyone and you worry about awful neighbors. We don’t get any of that here honestly! If it happens it’s very very rare!!! All my neighbors are quiet and not home much either and I am a young 57 year old and so don’t bother anyone! Nice breeds nice here. It’s all I see! With that, I don’t expect neighbors to talk to me at all as everyone minds their own business and does their life on their own terms. It’s totally fine! Everyone takes care of their property upkeep and Follows the rules and that’s all I care about! Now I got hate from couples who hate singles next door because they make dumb assumptions about us that somehow we are going to have lots sex partners over - Uhhh NOT!!! So discrimination and ugly false old school perceptions We can’t control Dumb perceptions, so I just ignore them and live my life! Who says Single people Can’t live here like anyone else anyway? Big Eye roll ������

[Velvet]

we have a place in the villages and we have had 4 and we live next to sumter the day we moved in my next door to came over to tell me my lines and my gates now I wont even talk to him / I still like the villages and I just stay away from him /:welcome::welcome::MOJE_whot:

Wow! Friendly...not!

I think good neighbors are important. Up north there was a guy who kept encroaching my property, then eventually told me I can’t drive down my own driveway! He had a construction company and he put up a fence to block me from my driveway. I got the local counselor involved but....

Eventually I moved to another house in another neighborhood. There my neighbor did my lawn and shoveled the snow free, all year long. I bought the equipment, the salt etc. for both our properties. The difference between neighbors was day and night.

[Velvet]

Just keep your eyes peeled...for any confederate flags. :D

I'm still trying to figure out though, how one thinks they can 'evaluate' current neighbors in what would be the most basic of ways...and make a decision based on the flimsiest of research? :shrug:



Neighbors can change but not the whole street, for example. One does not go knocking on doors, that’d be a great way to make people dislike you right away.

I went to where the people on my future street hang out. (I did a bit of research.)

[Madelaine Amee]

I can see driving the neighborhood to see what the homes look like and how they are kept. Also check out the amount of traffic coming through your particular area. To me, that is the way to check out whether a neighborhood is going to suit me.

[REDCART]

We can tell you from personal experience this past fall, if you find that perfect home at the right price you will not have the luxury to think about it overnight and survey the neighbors because someone else will have already made an offer.

[joshgun]

Given the population density of TV, it would seem that the neighbors adjacent or near the home you are considering to purchase could be almost as important as the actual features of the home itself.

The question then is: Did you meet any neighbors before you purchased? If you did, did it assist or influence your purchase decision? If, not, do you wish you had?
I had home built in OBG two years ago. Before building disruption I apologized for the noise, dirt and disruption they would experience for a couple of months. I, also, explained that the developer said three massive oak trees would have to come down because they would impinge in the foundation. Both are great neighbors.

[Villagesgal]

We went around and talked to neighbors, we chose not to buy in one neighborhood because of very pretentious uppedy people, we asked people if they would buy in the neighborhood again, what they liked about the neighborhood and what they didn't like. Also asked about barking dogs. Been here in this house 19 years now and would buy it again. Lots of turnover over 19 years, but the location is great and the overall feel of the neighborhood remains the same. Always knock on doors and ask questions to see if the neighborhood is a good fit for you.

[Velvet]

We can tell you from personal experience this past fall, if you find that perfect home at the right price you will not have the luxury to think about it overnight and survey the neighbors because someone else will have already made an offer.

Always have alternative homes you would be interested in besides the one you’re talking about. Otherwise, they have you over a barrel. With thousands of new homes being built what are the chances you won’t find a better one than what you are considering now?

[MollyJo]

In my opinion location is way more important than the home itself. The primary criteria in our home search was privacy in our back yard, which we found abutting a preserve. We spent several evenings sitting in the back yards of our final two home choices before we ultimately bought our home. We are very happy with our choice, but do have one neighbor that is very disruptive with constant turnover of AIRBNB rentals. Over time neighbors will come and go, but location never changes.

With all the rules of The Villages, I’m surprised rentals can be less than 2 weeks.

[Nell57]

I looked for things like how well they kept up their yard and I didn't want to be next door to an established Live Oak. They drop leaves and tiny acorns all over your property.
You are right, some neighborhoods are very social and friendly, others not so much

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Don't let the "kissing lanai" scare you off. We have wonderful neighbors.

Not everyone does.

to the OP: I didn't really need to check out the neighbors before buying. They checked me out while we were looking for our home. It's one of the (many) reasons we picked this area. We have awesome neighbors; every single one that I've seen on our street outside their houses, are people i would pick to be my neighbor, if they weren't already.

We'll be getting a new neighbor soon, as a house on the street is for sale. I hope they will consider us to be as good a neighbor to them, as all the other folks on our street have been to us.

[Michael Charles]

We can tell you from personal experience this past fall, if you find that perfect home at the right price you will not have the luxury to think about it overnight and survey the neighbors because someone else will have already made an offer.

Agreed! When were first shown the home we're now living in (purchased spring 2019) the TV sales robot said that if we're interested in this home he'd call in the office to see if it was available. We were then given an "opportunity!" for TV to "HOLD" it for us for 2 whole hours! We went out to lunch and made our decision quickly. We've all experienced that if we bought new from TV. What a learning curve for us! What a business model for them!

[charmed59]

I first met the neighbors at the open house when I was walking through. They were all there chatting and were very friendly. Then, as we were checking out the mailboxes one of the neighbor’s asked for our email and we were invited to the monthly neighborhood social, which was the night before closing. While we were in escrow our neighbors threw a cocktail party for us and another couple who had just moved onto the street.

By the time we moved in we knew all the neighbors. They are great!

[Velvet]

I first met the neighbors at the open house when I was walking through. They were all there chatting and were very friendly. Then, as we were checking out the mailboxes one of the neighbor’s asked for our email and we were invited to the monthly neighborhood social, which was the night before closing. While we were in escrow our neighbors threw a cocktail party for us and another couple who had just moved onto the street.

By the time we moved in we knew all the neighbors. They are great!

Makes sense to me. The neighbors would be as interested in the new comer as you would be in them. Are you social? Would you prefer to be left alone?