Questions

[BAILYBOOHOO]

Can anyone tell me the amenity fees for Pennecamp .And our there any hoa fee's and any other fees just trying to get all the fees together so there our no surprizes thank in advance. Cable & Lawn fees tks again

[graciegirl]

Can anyone tell me the amenity fees for Pennecamp .And our there any hoa fee's and any other fees just trying to get all the fees together so there our no surprizes thank in advance. Cable & Lawn fees tks again

The amenity fees are the same all over The Villages. It costs about $135 a month for million dollar houses and those that cost 100K and in any village. There are no HOA fees. We have a small lawn and it costs about $50 a month. For cable there are choices. I believe that you will find the list of living expenses given to you by the sales office pretty spot on.

[njbchbum]

you might like to visit these sites for add'l info:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=139
check out the 'moving to the villages' series of posts


http://www.districtgov.org/

they are good sites to bookmark for future reference, too

[graciegirl]

you might like to visit these sites for add'l info:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=139
check out the 'moving to the villages' series of posts


http://www.districtgov.org/

they are good sites to bookmark for future reference, too

I think that these links will only work if copied and pasted.

[Pturner]

Bailyboohoo,

Congratulations on moving to Lower Paradise. I'm excited for you! Here is another good link. Read the first post by zcaveman. He provides great info about costs, plus a checklist of things do take care of when you get here.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17717

Have you closed on your home yet? When are you moving? Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!

[getdul981]

I think that these links will only work if copied and pasted.

I have found that if you right click on the link and then click on "Open In New Window", that you don't have to copy and paste.

[BAILYBOOHOO]

Thank you for the reply's Going to look this Sat .

[wendyquat]

While looking a properties for sale in The Villages I noticed a listing in Villa de la Mesa with $165 HOA fees. Is this over and above the $135 amenities fee? Wondered if it were because of their "de la Mesa neighborhood pool and park"??

[Ohiogirl]

I can think of 2 areas that do (I think) have HOA fees - these are the carriage houses near Glenview CC and the villas (mostly 2 story, some end units are perhaps 1 story) near Spanish Springs. I think the villas near Spanish Springs used to be used for the Lifestyle Preview Program. These are attached units and the HOA fees likely cover outside maintenance, including lawn and landscaping, and a fund for future roof replacement when needed, just like most condo associations. There may also be a pool or two involved, but I'm not sure about that - seem to remember seeing one that required a special pass near the carriage houses.

The vast majority of villas and homes in The Villages are single family and have no HOA fees, just the amenity fee that as Gracie said, is pretty much the same throughout The Villages.

[rhsgypsylady]

The Amenity fees just went up from $135 to $136.42. All villas have a HOA fee of $165 (just went up from $150). Homes do not have a HOA fee. I know this because I just purchased a villa in June. Villas used to not have HOA fees but that changed a couple of years ago. It is optional whether or not a person joins the HOA for The Villages.

On another note, I do not plan to retire for another couple of years and my villa is for rent on a long term lease (no less than 6 months) if any of you know of someone interested. Just send me a private message and I'll respond. It is an unfurnished courtyard villa with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, lanai, all appliances (including washer and dryer), and has it owns swimming pool.

[Becky]

Have never heard of all villas having an HOA fee. Think Ohiogirl is correct on which ones have extra maintenance fees. I do know that your amenities fee goes up on the anniversary of your buying. It can not go up more than 3%.

Becky

[rhsgypsylady]

Ohiogirl may be correct in that certain ones have extra maintenance fees but if you look at the deed restrictions on villas, they do have HOA fees. And if it is not paid, a lien can be put on your home. Check it out.

[Ohiogirl]

Becky's right - please don't confuse Courtyard Villas and Patio Villas with the few (two that I know of) condo-type attached villas. You take care of (or contract individually for) the lawn and/or landscape maintenance in the CYV and Patio villa neighborhoods.

Some CYV neighborhoods come with grass front and back, which you can replace with stone or other mulch if you like. Some but not all of the newer CYV neighborhoods have bans against grass and are sold with none (I think to keep down the lawnmowing noise and to appeal to some buyers).

I don't think you can do that with Patio Villas, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Our CYV has grass front and back, and we kind of like that - have a dog and also just think the grass looks cooler than a lot of concrete or stone, but it does require mowing, fertilizing, etc. Usually around $40/mo for most CYVs, but price varies with contractor.

[kfierle]

The amenity fee is tied to the Consumer Price Index and may change annually. Mine actually went down last year and will be reset in November of this year.

I own a Courtyard Villa and DO NOT pay a HOA fee.

[rhsgypsylady]

Ohiogirl,

What village do you live in? My courtyard villa is in De La Vista south and does have a $165 HOA fee. It also has no grass in front or back, just rock. Villa de la Mesa also has a $165 HOA in addition to the amenity fee. I don't know about patio villas. I just know that by looking at the deed restrictions, the villas show they have HOA fees.

[rhsgypsylady]

kfierle

Where is your CYV? Maybe I got screwed.

[kfierle]

rhsgypsylady

My CYV is in Bonita.

[Ohiogirl]

Mine's in Sabal Chase. No HOA.

I'm thinking the ones in DeLaVista and other CYVs north of 466 and close to Spanish Springs were the first Courtyard villas built - they may be all stucco, with stucco walls all around and tile roofs - does your HOA fee cover exterior maintenance (repairing and painting stucco) and repairing and maybe accruing for tile roof replacement?

[ncr2482]

I live in a CYV in Belvedere. We do not have an HOA fee, only the amenity fee of approx. $135 month. We replaced all of our grass with stone and landscaping. No deed restrictions limiting our ability to do so.

[Ohiogirl]

I know you can replace grass in a CYV - think there are some newer CYV neighborhoods that do not allow grass. But I don't think you can go grassless in a Patio Villa.

[Opulence]

I know you can replace grass in a CYV - think there are some newer CYV neighborhoods that do not allow grass. But I don't think you can go grassless in a Patio Villa.

Pennecamp has several CYV's -Savannah, Cabana and Key Villas. Jacaranda & Altamonte are the newest "Savannah" CYV's that I am aware of (personally saw them) and each of those have grass. The "Cabana CYV" and the "Key Villas" have grass as well. You can replace the grass if you wish, but I am not aware of any CYV's that have a NO GRASS restriction.

Perhaps someone more knowledgable, can post the names of these particular Villas, where grass is restricted and where they are located? I for one would be very curious to know about them.

Betty

[collie1228]

For a couple of years almost all of the CYV's were built with no grass, and I specifically asked my Villages real estate rep if residents were allowed to remove some of the concrete and plant grass. He told me that the no-maintenance CYV's were deed restricted, and you were not allowed to plant grass. However, since that time, they are selling many more CYV's with grass, as you can see on the photos in the TV Homes Gallery website. I know that many people like the no maintenance concept, but my beagle and I don't think we would enjoy a concrete or stone backyard.

[Ohiogirl]

if you look online at the available new Courtyard Villas, I think you will find that some neighborhoods have grass and some don't. As someone said earlier, it's ok to replace the grass with stone, but not ok in a deed restricted CYV neighborhood to replace stone with grass. The grassless neighborhoods usually seem to have big rear patios as well as side patios than the CYVs with grass.

I think the Villages has figured out that it's not a "one size fits all" - some of us (especially with dogs) do like the grass and some (even with dogs) like the lesser maintenance of no grass (but you still have weeds, as Gracie said somewhere earlier).

I wonder if the weeds are a bigger problem in the no grass CYV neighborhoods, since there ARE IMO more snowbirds and back and forth residents in the CYVs. I know I was appalled at the size of my weeds our first visit after closing. You really need to have someone take care of those if you are not a permanent resident, so the grassless yards are not really maintenance free, just grass free.

[rhsgypsylady]

I am north of 466 (halfway between both squares). My villa is stucco and the wall fence is stucco. Yes, the deed restriction does say the VCCD is responsible for the maintenance and painting of the top and exterior of the fence and the owner is responsible for the part facing the interior of their own back yard. Since these walls all seem to connect, this tells me that the only part the VCCD is responsible for is the top. Additionally, I do not have a tile roof. I am responsible for my roof so I am confused as to why I have a HOA fee and some villas don't.

[kfierle]

Is your HOA fee billed on a monthly or annual basis? If monthly, does it come on the same bill as the amenity fee? I am still trying to figure out why you have this fee.

[Ohiogirl]

Are you sure you're not confusing the maintenance bond (on your annual property tax bill) with an HOA fee (those are usually monthly in most HOA's outside of the Villages).

[Opulence]

if you look online at the available new Courtyard Villas, I think you will find that some neighborhoods have grass and some don't. As someone said earlier, it's ok to replace the grass with stone, but not ok in a deed restricted CYV neighborhood to replace stone with grass. The grassless neighborhoods usually seem to have big rear patios as well as side patios than the CYVs with grass.

I think the Villages has figured out that it's not a "one size fits all" - some of us (especially with dogs) do like the grass and some (even with dogs) like the lesser maintenance of no grass (but you still have weeds, as Gracie said somewhere earlier).

I wonder if the weeds are a bigger problem in the no grass CYV neighborhoods, since there ARE IMO more snowbirds and back and forth residents in the CYVs. I know I was appalled at the size of my weeds our first visit after closing. You really need to have someone take care of those if you are not a permanent resident, so the grassless yards are not really maintenance free, just grass free.

"if you look online at the available new Courtyard Villas, I think you will find that some neighborhoods have grass and some don't. "



I check the available new Courtyard Villas daily (sometimes a few times a day). If you go to the menu at the top, and pull down HOMES - you will see "New Home Gallery". Click on Courtyard Villas (photo) then click on "available". This brings up every new courtyard villa that TV has for sale. Everyone of these new homes has grass . . . Savannah, Key and Cabana series. I really have not found any villas with grass restrictions. I could be wrong, but I would think that sod is cheaper than stone to put in. So it would be cheaper for the developer to use the sod. I spent 7 months in Pennecamp and went to see all of the new villas (even in Buttonwood) and never once did I come across a Villa with Grass restrictions. That would be a big turn off for me.

BTW - the courtyard villas featured now (currently for sale) are all from Altomente.

Betty

[rhsgypsylady]

It is annual. My amenity comes monthly and is included with the water, trash, etc. I'm still trying to figure it out myself. I'm not trying to be difficult or argue; I'm just conerned. A little background on why I am concerned.

When I saw the listing for the villa for sale, it was noted that there was a $135 amenity fee but joining the HOA was optional. NO ONE mentioned that there was a HOA fee and joining the HOA was mandatory - not my real estate agent, the selling agent, nor the person who owned the villa. Two days before closing, the title company in their title search, came across this issue. Needless to say I was livid. I could not believe that NO ONE knew of this, especially both real estate agents who sell in TV (one exclusively). I was told that the owner just blew it off because she thought it was for TV HOA which is optional and did not pay it. Because it was not paid, this is how the title company found it. I questioned why a lien was not put on her property for not paying and no one had an answer. Because there was neglect in mentioning this, I negotiated that the owner would pay the back year and the next year. A week or so ago I received a letter stating they had gone up from $150 to $165. I was also told that there used to not be a HOA but a couple of years ago the VCCD decided that villas would have HOA.

I would appreciate any help in figuring out why I have HOA, yet others don't. Thanks so much.

[kfierle]

rhsgypsylady

Where is your villa located? I am in the Pilar Villas in Bonita and am trying to figure out this HOA thing.

[rhsgypsylady]

Villa De La Vista South

Good luck! I've been trying to figure it out ever since I bought the villa in June. Please let me know what you find out. Thank you.

[wendyquat]

Villa De La Vista South

Good luck! I've been trying to figure it out ever since I bought the villa in June. Please let me know what you find out. Thank you.


We are looking at various courtyard villas and I came across one for FSBO in de la Mesa and she mentioned a $165 POA fee. I'd just like to know about it before I wound up like rhsgypsylady! I just thought it might be de la Mesa because of their park/pool but De La Vista South doesn't seem to have any particular amenities that other villas do not have.

[graciegirl]

We are looking at various courtyard villas and I came across one for FSBO in de la Mesa and she mentioned a $165 POA fee. I'd just like to know about it before I wound up like rhsgypsylady! I just thought it might be de la Mesa because of their park/pool but De La Vista South doesn't seem to have any particular amenities that other villas do not have.

Somewhere up north in The Villages, in an area where Spanish names are common, there is a truly fenced in Village called Hickory Head Hammock. They have their own homeowners association with fees. There are some Premiers in there I know, because someone in my art class lived there and described her home. I understand that her home was where old Mr. Schwartz, Mr. Gary Morse's father lived.

Hickory Head Hammock has a HUGE iron gate. You cannot use your card to enter it. I would love to see inside that area. It is very near Spanish Springs.

[K9-Lovers]

I believe the "HOA" fee being referred to in this thread is named incorrectly, and instead must be the annual fee imposed by the VCDD. We own a CYV and just received a letter regarding a fee of $160 or so that is an annual Maintenance Assessment for the Village Community Development District. The fee is meant to cover " the facilities and projects of the District such as landscaping, common areas, storm water drainage infrastructure, aquatic weed control, street lighting and villa roads."

[Pturner]

I believe the "HOA" fee being referred to in this thread is named incorrectly, and instead must be the annual fee imposed by the VCDD. We own a CYV and just received a letter regarding a fee of $160 or so that is an annual Maintenance Assessment for the Village Community Development District. The fee is meant to cover " the facilities and projects of the District such as landscaping, common areas, storm water drainage infrastructure, aquatic weed control, street lighting and villa roads."

But if this is what others are referring to, why would it just be assessed on CYVs and not all TV homes. :shrug:

[Hawkwind]

There are two HOA's on the org chart, the Glen Hollow Farms Homeowners Association and The Villas of Spanish Springs Condominium Owners Association.

[mak44070]

Hickory Head Hammock has a HUGE iron gate. You cannot use your card to enter it. I would love to see inside that area. It is very near Spanish Springs.
But, GG, you CAN get in there in your golf cart!

[Ohiogirl]

But if this is what others are referring to, why would it just be assessed on CYVs and not all TV homes. :shrug:

I think it IS on all TV homes, it's the Annual MAINTENANCE assessment on your tax bill, and the amount depends on the VCDD where you live, and probably is less for villas (either patio or CYV) than ranches, designers, or cottages, and Premiers are probably higher yet - just like the Annual DEBT assessment. You also pay the Annual Village FIRE assessment.

Just take a look at your tax bill, or if you have a mortgage you may have a paper entitled "Important Information About Your Property Tax Bill.

This is NOT an HOA, it is an ASSESSMENT.

In most other areas of the country where I have lived, this stuff is just not delineated on your tax bill like it is in The Villages, probably because it's not an old town or city like most of us are familiar with.

Personally, compared to most places I have lived all over the country, I find the property taxes, including the bond(s), to be pretty reasonable. As others have explained, the bond DEBT portion can be paid off if desired, but the Maintenance and Fire Assessments never go away and will likely increase periodically as time marches on.

[kfierle]

I think it IS on all TV homes, it's the Annual MAINTENANCE assessment on your tax bill, and the amount depends on the VCDD where you live, and probably is less for villas (either patio or CYV) than ranches, designers, or cottages, and Premiers are probably higher yet - just like the Annual DEBT assessment. You also pay the Annual Village FIRE assessment.

Just take a look at your tax bill, or if you have a mortgage you may have a paper entitled "Important Information About Your Property Tax Bill.

This is NOT an HOA, it is an ASSESSMENT.

In most other areas of the country where I have lived, this stuff is just not delineated on your tax bill like it is in The Villages, probably because it's not an old town or city like most of us are familiar with.

Personally, compared to most places I have lived all over the country, I find the property taxes, including the bond(s), to be pretty reasonable. As others have explained, the bond DEBT portion can be paid off if desired, but the Maintenance and Fire Assessments never go away and will likely increase periodically as time marches on.

:agree: I was thinking the same thing.

[jblum8156]

I've been to a meeting in Hickory Head Hammock, in one of the premier homes. We had to wait for a security person to open the gate. Most of the homes there look pretty ordinary, but the old trees and landscaping are beautiful. No idea how you could get in unless you know somebody there, or whether a realtor could take you in.

[mak44070]

I've been to a meeting in Hickory Head Hammock, in one of the premier homes. We had to wait for a security person to open the gate. Most of the homes there look pretty ordinary, but the old trees and landscaping are beautiful. No idea how you could get in unless you know somebody there, or whether a realtor could take you in.

Just hop in your golf cart!:clap2:

[wendyquat]

I think I found the answer to the question of POA fees for de la Mesa villas in that The Villages.com has a new listing there on Dominguez and states there is a $45 per month fee for the upkeep of the park and pool provided for those 139 villas. I would say it would be worth it!