Living Expenses in TV

[PleaseBeKind]

Trying to create a budget before buying in TV. Have read many posts about living expenses but trying to get a little more clarity. Hope to purchase or build a Premier home with a pool, Grandview or Kings Bay, approximately 3600 sq.ft. Hoping to better estimate cost of electricity for a similar sized home and also maid service costs. Thanks in advance for helping me with this. Best wishes.

[John41]

We have a 1250 sqft 2/2 CYV and spend about $120 per month on electricity. We keep our temperature 76 degrees during the day and 72 degrees at night. For your sqft I would guess about $175 per month but SECO could give you a better estimate. Having a pool you might want to be sure you have gas if you want it heated.

[Chi-Town]

If you want a Premiere home you'll have to buy preowned.

[vintageogauge]

If you are going to buy a premier (can't build one at this time as there are no lots available) and hire a maid why on earth are you concerned about electricity, you should be more concerned about taxes and bond, utilities are a drop in the bucket. When lots become available for a Premier be prepared to shell out well into the high hundreds of thousands for one as quite a few designer home lots are already in the $300,000 plus range.

[retiredguy123]

Trying to create a budget before buying in TV. Have read many posts about living expenses but trying to get a little more clarity. Hope to purchase or build a Premier home with a pool, Grandview or Kings Bay, approximately 3600 sq.ft. Hoping to better estimate cost of electricity for a similar sized home and also maid service costs. Thanks in advance for helping me with this. Best wishes.
If the house is all electric, your electric bill will be a little less than $200 per month. Maid service will cost about $80-100 per cleaning. But, as far as I know, you cannot build a Premier house in The Villages unless you can find a vacant lot that someone bought, but never built on. I would check with an experienced Villages agent about that possibility.

[Stu from NYC]

If you are going to buy a premier (can't build one at this time as there are no lots available) and hire a maid why on earth are you concerned about electricity, you should be more concerned about taxes and bond, utilities are a drop in the bucket. When lots become available for a Premier be prepared to shell out well into the high hundreds of thousands for one as quite a few designer home lots are already in the $300,000 plus range.

Very true

[villagetinker]

OP, I agree with above, we have stretched gardenia, and cleaning service and electricity are the lowest monthly costs. Your top costs will be (not necessarily in correct order), mortgage, bond, taxes, amenity fees (including trash, water, irrigation), eating out, lawn mowing and maintenance, etc. I hope you have all of these in your budget also.

[JSR22]

My home is 2400 sq ft under heat/air and we have a pool. A typical bill for electric is $180 except in July, Aug and Sept usually $265. We keep the house at 74. Cleaning sevices range from $100 to $125. We do not use gas to heat the pool. We have solar panels on the roof. There are some beautiful resale premiers with beatiful pools and views on Constitution Way.

[queasy27]

The questions being asked don't make sense, they should be asking about building costs, taxes, bond, landscape, landscape maintenance, pool maintenance, etc.

Maybe the OP has already priced out those items.

[asianthree]

So much for friendly. If you don’t ask questions that posters like you will be ridiculed, and assume you are not bright enough to evaluate your own financial ability.

Sorry OP. We looked at 3 premier homes with pools, and solar panels. The seco bills For home came to around $235. A month. Of course you have no idea what the temp was kept at for home or pool. Homes had 12 foot and higher ceilings. We did find a premier home we loved, it did back to a road, with a view. We did bid on it, but owner pulled off market, when the home they were buying fell through in Pine Hills.

Problem with the 3 homes was they were interior lots, and not what we were looking for. As stated at this time there does not seem to be any new premier areas, but maybe down the road.

Are far as maid services, are you looking for routine weekly cleaning, or someone to come in daily for light cleaning, cooking, and basic laundry.

[retiredguy123]

I think it would be a huge mistake to buy or build any Premier house on an interior lot.

[asianthree]

I think it would be a huge mistake to buy or build any Premier house on an interior lot.

That’s the way we felt, when you looked out at the beautiful pool, all we could see was the roof of the homes behind. All 3 interior homes are still on the market when we looked in February

[kathyspear]

Maid service will cost about $80-100 per cleaning.

For 3600 sq ft? Is that accurate?

kathy

[retiredguy123]

For 3600 sq ft? Is that accurate?

kathy
It may be a little low, but it depends on how often you have it cleaned.

[Stu from NYC]

For 3600 sq ft? Is that accurate?

kathy

Also would depend upon how much of a mess you make

[CarrieOn]

Go for your dream..that’s what I’m doing..I’ll be there soon!! I don’t care what it costs..(within my reason) I just retired..I deserve it and so do you!!

[Jolson]

If you are going to buy a premier (can't build one at this time as there are no lots available) and hire a maid why on earth are you concerned about electricity, you should be more concerned about taxes and bond, utilities are a drop in the bucket. When lots become available for a Premier be prepared to shell out well into the high hundreds of thousands for one as quite a few designer home lots are already in the $300,000 plus range.

There are 3 lots up by CR 42 available that are priced at well over $500K that I believe are for premier homes. They have been available for quite some time.

[Travelhunter]

If you want a Premiere home you'll have to buy preowned.
New area near red fox golf course are rumored to be premier homes

[erenee]

You can build a Premier home on a 5 acre lot in Chatham acres

[DecaturFargo]

Do not get gas for the pool. It would cost you $1000 a month. We know. We have a pool and gas. We recently put on solar for the pool. Approximate cost was $4400 for 10,000 gallon pool. It was the best expenditure ever.
They mostly have cleaning services. Not "maid" service. I clean my own. You will have watee charges for irrigation and separate water charges for house water. Pool charges a month from a company. Lawn service. Pruning services. Pest control spraying. Monthly amenities charge from The Villages. If you buy a golf cart, you will have insurance on them and your car. Cable charges. Cell phone charges. Annual fee of you become a priority member golfer with trail fee. Electric charges.

[davem4616]

Trying to create a budget before buying in TV. Have read many posts about living expenses but trying to get a little more clarity. Hope to purchase or build a Premier home with a pool, Grandview or Kings Bay, approximately 3600 sq.ft. Hoping to better estimate cost of electricity for a similar sized home and also maid service costs. Thanks in advance for helping me with this. Best wishes.



It certainly makes sense to research the cost of living before making a commitment

however the cost of a utility bill and maid service is chump change compared to everything else that you should be budgeting for

BTW...don't forget to throw in a nice chunk of change on the line item 'contingency' regardless of whether you go new or pre-owned...you'll be glad you did

[Ndomines]

You will need about 22k/year
To cover the expenses and annual tax This would include the bond
If the bond is paid off then about 16k/year

Trying to create a budget before buying in TV. Have read many posts about living expenses but trying to get a little more clarity. Hope to purchase or build a Premier home with a pool, Grandview or Kings Bay, approximately 3600 sq.ft. Hoping to better estimate cost of electricity for a similar sized home and also maid service costs. Thanks in advance for helping me with this. Best wishes.

[Bridget Staunton]

Amazing post, why are u worried about a budget for a 3600 sq ft home. I clean my own home it’s fairly easy

[eeroger]

Trying to create a budget before buying in TV. Have read many posts about living expenses but trying to get a little more clarity. Hope to purchase or build a Premier home with a pool, Grandview or Kings Bay, approximately 3600 sq.ft. Hoping to better estimate cost of electricity for a similar sized home and also maid service costs. Thanks in advance for helping me with this. Best wishes.

I have a 3200 sq ft premier home. The lot is 0.44 acres and is a corner interior lot. We love it! Some sarcastic people say otherwise. The electric bill is about $235 in the summer. We have solar panels for pool, plus a gas heater for winter months. We do not have natural gas so we have 250 gal propane tank in the ground. Pool cleaning is $130/mo, house cleaning service is $120 every two weeks. As the others mentioned don't forget lawn mowing, fertilization, bush trimming, and the other usual costs of T.V. cable/satellite, internet, cell phone, water/irrigation, & amenity. Combination of water, irrigation, amenity, sewer, & sanitation on a dry month can run up to $400 to keep the grass somewhat green. Average bill is about $300 /month. Hope this helps.

[Lilaphoto@aol.com]

I would suggest that you rent a home first with less sq footage. We thought for sure that we needed 3,600 ft house and a housekeeper at least once a week. Just like back home. Well, we are in a 2,000 sq ft home and a housekeeper once every two weeks and I am not sure we need anything more. I was totally surprised. Especially if you have a large pool area. They are not building Premier homes anymore but you can get Premier features on a new home. I.e. 10’ ceilings for your lanai. My fantastic housekeeper charges by footage. I only pay her $100 a visit. She would charge more than that for a larger home. Don’t forget the pool maintenance cost. Please be sure you understand your bond payments. It’s different here in The Villages. Many places have the contractors pay for the infrastructure ... not here. You are paying for that! Good luck. You will love it here! Welcome in advance!

[charmed59]

I have a 3200 sq ft premier home. The lot is 0.44 acres and is a corner interior lot. We love it! Some sarcastic people say otherwise. The electric bill is about $235 in the summer. We have solar panels for pool, plus a gas heater for winter months. We do not have natural gas so we have 250 gal propane tank in the ground. Pool cleaning is $130/mo, house cleaning service is $120 every two weeks. As the others mentioned don't forget lawn mowing, fertilization, bush trimming, and the other usual costs of T.V. cable/satellite, internet, cell phone, water/irrigation, & amenity. Combination of water, irrigation, amenity, sewer, & sanitation on a dry month can run up to $400 to keep the grass somewhat green. Average bill is about $300 /month. Hope this helps.

We have a similar premier home and these costs are inline with what we are paying.

[Davelinda91]

It’s not cheap! Depending on where you buy. Wildwood has city taxes as well as county 2000 sq ft all in taxes and Bond(25-38K) could run as high as $7k per year. Amenities $300, electric $250, gas $100, house insurance with sink hole protection $250, car insurance $200. Trail fee, priority golf $100 And finally ...
Happy Hour $600 per month! Live life large

[Stu from NYC]

It’s not cheap! Depending on where you buy. Wildwood has city taxes as well as county 2000 sq ft all in taxes and Bond(25-38K) could run as high as $7k per year. Amenities $300, electric $250, gas $100, house insurance with sink hole protection $250, car insurance $200. Trail fee, priority golf $100 And finally ...
Happy Hour $600 per month! Live life large

Wow that must be a very happy happy hour!:icon_wink:

[1948JDG]

Yes, I agree. Why worry about electricity costs when you're spending $300,000 for a home??

[dewilson58]

Yes, I agree. Why worry about electricity costs when you're spending $300,000 for a home??


maybe because there is no endless supply of $$$$.


:duck:

[Dilligas]

Trying to create a budget before buying in TV. Have read many posts about living expenses but trying to get a little more clarity. Hope to purchase or build a Premier home with a pool, Grandview or Kings Bay, approximately 3600 sq.ft. Hoping to better estimate cost of electricity for a similar sized home and also maid service costs. Thanks in advance for helping me with this. Best wishes.

If you are looking for premier home, you currently can not build, so would need a resale. Have your TV sales agent obtain the expenses from the owner. Don’t forget irrigation water....with our heat and if the home has zoysia that was used in southern half of TV, and size of lawn, could run $200+. Don’t just accept the published cost of living the brochure has listed, it will be higher. Then lawn care, fertilizers, & bugs $200-$300/ month. Cleaning $150+ per time for that size.

[Topspinmo]

If the house is all electric, your electric bill will be a little less than $200 per month. Maid service will cost about $80-100 per cleaning. But, as far as I know, you cannot build a Premier house in The Villages unless you can find a vacant lot that someone bought, but never built on. I would check with an experienced Villages agent about that possibility.

5 acres or so lots on the horse farm for mansion on the hill. But, wouldn’t be worried about electricity bill.

[dtennent]

In addition to costs, I hope you are thinking about the non budget items. 1) For us, having a lanai that did not look into the lanai of someone else was very important. Such lots are more expensive but if you are buying a premier home, then initial purchase price isn't your top priority. 2) Think about storage. (Perhaps you are since you are looking at 3600 sq ft) There are no basements here so your storage is above ground. Can build storage into spare bedrooms or in the garage- just think about it. 3) The garage - We have a stretched Lantana with a deeper garage (2 car plus golf) but I still wish we had more room.

Good luck with your search and have fun!

[PleaseBeKind]

Maybe the OP has already priced out those items.

Yes, you are correct! Very insightful. Thank you for being so understanding.

[New Englander]

So much for friendly. If you don’t ask questions that posters like you will be ridiculed, and assume you are not bright enough to evaluate your own financial ability.

Sorry OP. We looked at 3 premier homes with pools, and solar panels. The seco bills For home came to around $235. A month. Of course you have no idea what the temp was kept at for home or pool. Homes had 12 foot and higher ceilings. We did find a premier home we loved, it did back to a road, with a view. We did bid on it, but owner pulled off market, when the home they were buying fell through in Pine Hills.

Problem with the 3 homes was they were interior lots, and not what we were looking for. As stated at this time there does not seem to be any new premier areas, but maybe down the road.

Are far as maid services, are you looking for routine weekly cleaning, or someone to come in daily for light cleaning, cooking, and basic laundry.

My thoughts exactly....

[PleaseBeKind]

We have a similar premier home and these costs are inline with what we are paying.
Thank you so much for your comments. Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

If you are looking for premier home, you currently can not build, so would need a resale. Have your TV sales agent obtain the expenses from the owner. Don’t forget irrigation water....with our heat and if the home has zoysia that was used in southern half of TV, and size of lawn, could run $200+. Don’t just accept the published cost of living the brochure has listed, it will be higher. Then lawn care, fertilizers, & bugs $200-$300/ month. Cleaning $150+ per time for that size.
Thank you for the info. Good to know that agent can get costs from owner. Zillow and TV listings never show these costs. Best wishes.

[Pamelah]

A 3600 sq’ Premier Home with a pool for $300,000?!? Sign me up. A strange original inquiry unless he has no idea of housing costs. If he knows the price of a 3600sq’ home with pool and is ok with that, why the worry about a maid or electric bill?

[PleaseBeKind]

I would suggest that you rent a home first with less sq footage. We thought for sure that we needed 3,600 ft house and a housekeeper at least once a week. Just like back home. Well, we are in a 2,000 sq ft home and a housekeeper once every two weeks and I am not sure we need anything more. I was totally surprised. Especially if you have a large pool area. They are not building Premier homes anymore but you can get Premier features on a new home. I.e. 10’ ceilings for your lanai. My fantastic housekeeper charges by footage. I only pay her $100 a visit. She would charge more than that for a larger home. Don’t forget the pool maintenance cost. Please be sure you understand your bond payments. It’s different here in The Villages. Many places have the contractors pay for the infrastructure ... not here. You are paying for that! Good luck. You will love it here! Welcome in advance!
Thank you for the info and insights. Best wishes.

[chrssyb40@aol.com]

You may also want to factor line items in your annual cost analysis all items that will need to be replaced once they've reached their useful life (roof, interior and exterior painting, washer, dryer, pumps, golf carts, etc.).

[PleaseBeKind]

It’s not cheap! Depending on where you buy. Wildwood has city taxes as well as county 2000 sq ft all in taxes and Bond(25-38K) could run as high as $7k per year. Amenities $300, electric $250, gas $100, house insurance with sink hole protection $250, car insurance $200. Trail fee, priority golf $100 And finally ...
Happy Hour $600 per month! Live life large
Thanks for the info. My detailed budget does include a similar amount like your "Happy Hour". Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

You may also want to factor line items in your annual cost analysis all items that will need to be replaced once they've reached their useful life (roof, interior and exterior painting, washer, dryer, pumps, golf carts, etc.).
Thank you for the info. Yes, I agree so my detailed budget has similar non frequent recurring items like you mentioned. Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

In addition to costs, I hope you are thinking about the non budget items. 1) For us, having a lanai that did not look into the lanai of someone else was very important. Such lots are more expensive but if you are buying a premier home, then initial purchase price isn't your top priority. 2) Think about storage. (Perhaps you are since you are looking at 3600 sq ft) There are no basements here so your storage is above ground. Can build storage into spare bedrooms or in the garage- just think about it. 3) The garage - We have a stretched Lantana with a deeper garage (2 car plus golf) but I still wish we had more room.

Good luck with your search and have fun!
Thank your for your comments. Yes, I agree "kissing" lanais are not for us. Thanks.

[PleaseBeKind]

Thank you so very much for answering my questions in such nice detail. Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

Amazing post, why are u worried about a budget for a 3600 sq ft home. I clean my own home it’s fairly easy
I'm not worried about a budget. Have done one almost my entire career and it really helps me manage my finances successfully. Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

Do not get gas for the pool. It would cost you $1000 a month. We know. We have a pool and gas. We recently put on solar for the pool. Approximate cost was $4400 for 10,000 gallon pool. It was the best expenditure ever.
They mostly have cleaning services. Not "maid" service. I clean my own. You will have watee charges for irrigation and separate water charges for house water. Pool charges a month from a company. Lawn service. Pruning services. Pest control spraying. Monthly amenities charge from The Villages. If you buy a golf cart, you will have insurance on them and your car. Cable charges. Cell phone charges. Annual fee of you become a priority member golfer with trail fee. Electric charges.
Thank you for the detailed info about the pool. I agree "cleaning service" is a much better term, so again thank you for that. Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

New area near red fox golf course are rumored to be premier homes
Thanks for the tip! Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

You can build a Premier home on a 5 acre lot in Chatham acres
Thanks for the tip. Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

There are 3 lots up by CR 42 available that are priced at well over $500K that I believe are for premier homes. They have been available for quite some time.
Thanks for the info. Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

Go for your dream..that’s what I’m doing..I’ll be there soon!! I don’t care what it costs..(within my reason) I just retired..I deserve it and so do you!!
Thanks for being so nice! Best wishes.

[lwmilo]

OP, I agree with above, we have stretched gardenia, and cleaning service and electricity are the lowest monthly costs. Your top costs will be (not necessarily in correct order), mortgage, bond, taxes, amenity fees (including trash, water, irrigation), eating out, lawn mowing and maintenance, etc. I hope you have all of these in your budget also.

Dont forget insurances, home, maybe appliances

[PleaseBeKind]

So much for friendly. If you don’t ask questions that posters like you will be ridiculed, and assume you are not bright enough to evaluate your own financial ability.

Sorry OP. We looked at 3 premier homes with pools, and solar panels. The seco bills For home came to around $235. A month. Of course you have no idea what the temp was kept at for home or pool. Homes had 12 foot and higher ceilings. We did find a premier home we loved, it did back to a road, with a view. We did bid on it, but owner pulled off market, when the home they were buying fell through in Pine Hills.

Problem with the 3 homes was they were interior lots, and not what we were looking for. As stated at this time there does not seem to be any new premier areas, but maybe down the road.

Are far as maid services, are you looking for routine weekly cleaning, or someone to come in daily for light cleaning, cooking, and basic laundry.
Thanks for the info. The ridicule and sarcasm has been disappointing but not going to let it bother me at all. I agree with you and will not consider an interior lot. Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

I think it would be a huge mistake to buy or build any Premier house on an interior lot.
Thank you for your comment and I agree. Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

My home is 2400 sq ft under heat/air and we have a pool. A typical bill for electric is $180 except in July, Aug and Sept usually $265. We keep the house at 74. Cleaning sevices range from $100 to $125. We do not use gas to heat the pool. We have solar panels on the roof. There are some beautiful resale premiers with beatiful pools and views on Constitution Way.
Thank you so much for the detailed info. Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

OP, I agree with above, we have stretched gardenia, and cleaning service and electricity are the lowest monthly costs. Your top costs will be (not necessarily in correct order), mortgage, bond, taxes, amenity fees (including trash, water, irrigation), eating out, lawn mowing and maintenance, etc. I hope you have all of these in your budget also.
Thank you for your comment and I do have all of these items in my detailed budget. Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

If you are looking for premier home, you currently can not build, so would need a resale. Have your TV sales agent obtain the expenses from the owner. Don’t forget irrigation water....with our heat and if the home has zoysia that was used in southern half of TV, and size of lawn, could run $200+. Don’t just accept the published cost of living the brochure has listed, it will be higher. Then lawn care, fertilizers, & bugs $200-$300/ month. Cleaning $150+ per time for that size.
Thanks for the details. Just increased my irrigation water budget. Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

I would suggest that you rent a home first with less sq footage. We thought for sure that we needed 3,600 ft house and a housekeeper at least once a week. Just like back home. Well, we are in a 2,000 sq ft home and a housekeeper once every two weeks and I am not sure we need anything more. I was totally surprised. Especially if you have a large pool area. They are not building Premier homes anymore but you can get Premier features on a new home. I.e. 10’ ceilings for your lanai. My fantastic housekeeper charges by footage. I only pay her $100 a visit. She would charge more than that for a larger home. Don’t forget the pool maintenance cost. Please be sure you understand your bond payments. It’s different here in The Villages. Many places have the contractors pay for the infrastructure ... not here. You are paying for that! Good luck. You will love it here! Welcome in advance!
Thank you for sharing your ideas and kind thoughts. Best wishes.

[PleaseBeKind]

So much for friendly. If you don’t ask questions that posters like you will be ridiculed, and assume you are not bright enough to evaluate your own financial ability.

Sorry OP. We looked at 3 premier homes with pools, and solar panels. The seco bills For home came to around $235. A month. Of course you have no idea what the temp was kept at for home or pool. Homes had 12 foot and higher ceilings. We did find a premier home we loved, it did back to a road, with a view. We did bid on it, but owner pulled off market, when the home they were buying fell through in Pine Hills.

Problem with the 3 homes was they were interior lots, and not what we were looking for. As stated at this time there does not seem to be any new premier areas, but maybe down the road.

Are far as maid services, are you looking for routine weekly cleaning, or someone to come in daily for light cleaning, cooking, and basic laundry.
We are looking for routine weekly cleaning so I have $600 per month in our budget. Is that about right? Thanks.

[JSR22]

We are looking for routine weekly cleaning so I have $600 per month in our budget. Is that about right? Thanks.

I think that is a good number.

[Sunflower33]

I own a designer called an Ivy and stretch it to 3000 sq feet. I pay 125.00 for cleaning about 230.00 to 260.00 for electric. I have an oversized pool. 35 ft long Our pool is heated by solar great way to go but we had a propane tank buried in yard which works our grill in outdoor kitchen and heats pool in winter when we need too. Water, trash, and amenity fee is 300.00 to 340.00. It is my understanding they are not building any premiers out across 44 but are stretching designers if you can find a premier on conservation road off Moyer there are some really beautiful premiers there another beautiful premier neighborhood is bridgeport of lake Sumter older homes but beautiful Good luck

[PleaseBeKind]

I own a designer called an Ivy and stretch it to 3000 sq feet. I pay 125.00 for cleaning about 230.00 to 260.00 for electric. I have an oversized pool. 35 ft long Our pool is heated by solar great way to go but we had a propane tank buried in yard which works our grill in outdoor kitchen and heats pool in winter when we need too. Water, trash, and amenity fee is 300.00 to 340.00. It is my understanding they are not building any premiers out across 44 but are stretching designers if you can find a premier on conservation road off Moyer there are some really beautiful premiers there another beautiful premier neighborhood is bridgeport of lake Sumter older homes but beautiful Good luck
Thanks so much for the info. Best wishes.

[DecaturFargo]

We only have 1800 sq ft. Temp ser at 79 with ceiling fans. Bill came today. It is $305, NOT $200

[LSTSB2018]

Off subject but...Love the names of some of these housekeepers. Haven’t been able to find one.

[yankygrl]

Trying to create a budget before buying in TV. Have read many posts about living expenses but trying to get a little more clarity. Hope to purchase or build a Premier home with a pool, Grandview or Kings Bay, approximately 3600 sq.ft. Hoping to better estimate cost of electricity for a similar sized home and also maid service costs. Thanks in advance for helping me with this. Best wishes.
I have a designer home so no clue on utility costs of a premier home however I can recommend a maid service and they charge by home size and how often they clean etc. Sunny Girls Cleaning Service 352-789-2017.

[yankygrl]

Trying to create a budget before buying in TV. Have read many posts about living expenses but trying to get a little more clarity. Hope to purchase or build a Premier home with a pool, Grandview or Kings Bay, approximately 3600 sq.ft. Hoping to better estimate cost of electricity for a similar sized home and also maid service costs. Thanks in advance for helping me with this. Best wishes.
Also if you can afford a premier you shouldn’t really have issue with other expenses, just saying there is $$ there

[BMill]

Thanks so much for the info. Best wishes.
Just wondering on the designer homes (I would want a pool), are these all built with shingle roofs? I live in South Florida and we have tile or barrel tile roofs here. Just wondering why each home is shingle roofed - I have a realtor sending me listings.

[NavyVet]

Hi! I don't know if I have much helpful info but I'll do my best. You'll be able to find premier home resales in several areas between Route 42 and State Road 44. The further South you go, the newer the homes/villages. In the size you are looking for, also check out the St. Augustine model. It is a wonderful floor plan (my favorite!). I think it may have been discontinued by TV but I have a jpg or pdf if you need to see the plan. I have a 1900 sq. ft. designer home with pool. We installed solar panels for $4000 and the pool cleaning service comes once a week. $140/month for both the pool and hot tub. We have house cleaners (2 ladies) that come every other week. I pay $130 but they do a thorough job, not just light housekeeping/surface cleaning like some people have. Since my home is about half the footage of what you are looking for, I won't bother with electric, water, lawn maintenance, pest control, amenities fee, trash, etc. Sounds like you already have a handle on all that.
Now, the single biggest, most annoying bill (other than the actual house mortgage) is the BOND. The newer the areas and I assume the larger the home, the bigger the bond. Our last 2 designer homes were around $20,000 (in 2009 and 2013). So figure this into the cost of the house. Some people think of this as a tax as payments for the Bond show up on your annual property tax bill. It's a way to inflate the price of the homes by saying you're paying for the 'lifestyle' but really it's to pay for infrastructure of the next new area. The really annoying part is even if you are a 100% disabled Veteran, this bond is on the NON-ad-valorem side of the tax bill, so no exemption. In other words, even if your property taxes are zero, you still get a hefty bill every year. I forget how many years it runs, but you will end up paying a lot of interest, too. You do get an option to pay the whole thing off if paying interest or having any kind of debt bugs you like it does me. I have paid off 2 bonds, but now on 3rd house here and I've paid more than my share for the privilege of living here. I've heard the bond on the new homes South of 44 can be upwards of $30,000 now. Definitely check the listings for Bond Paid or Low Bond Balance, more likely with older homes which can be very beautiful with mature trees, etc. If you have 2 vehicles, you'll probably want at least a 2.5 garage to also keep a golf cart. Too hot to leave anything outside. Some people use a golf cart as their second car. Anyway there are a lot of choices for a lot of different preferences. Best of luck in the search for your dream home!

[PleaseBeKind]

Hi! I don't know if I have much helpful info but I'll do my best. You'll be able to find premier home resales in several areas between Route 42 and State Road 44. The further South you go, the newer the homes/villages. In the size you are looking for, also check out the St. Augustine model. It is a wonderful floor plan (my favorite!). I think it may have been discontinued by TV but I have a jpg or pdf if you need to see the plan. I have a 1900 sq. ft. designer home with pool. We installed solar panels for $4000 and the pool cleaning service comes once a week. $140/month for both the pool and hot tub. We have house cleaners (2 ladies) that come every other week. I pay $130 but they do a thorough job, not just light housekeeping/surface cleaning like some people have. Since my home is about half the footage of what you are looking for, I won't bother with electric, water, lawn maintenance, pest control, amenities fee, trash, etc. Sounds like you already have a handle on all that.
Now, the single biggest, most annoying bill (other than the actual house mortgage) is the BOND. The newer the areas and I assume the larger the home, the bigger the bond. Our last 2 designer homes were around $20,000 (in 2009 and 2013). So figure this into the cost of the house. Some people think of this as a tax as payments for the Bond show up on your annual property tax bill. It's a way to inflate the price of the homes by saying you're paying for the 'lifestyle' but really it's to pay for infrastructure of the next new area. The really annoying part is even if you are a 100% disabled Veteran, this bond is on the NON-ad-valorem side of the tax bill, so no exemption. In other words, even if your property taxes are zero, you still get a hefty bill every year. I forget how many years it runs, but you will end up paying a lot of interest, too. You do get an option to pay the whole thing off if paying interest or having any kind of debt bugs you like it does me. I have paid off 2 bonds, but now on 3rd house here and I've paid more than my share for the privilege of living here. I've heard the bond on the new homes South of 44 can be upwards of $30,000 now. Definitely check the listings for Bond Paid or Low Bond Balance, more likely with older homes which can be very beautiful with mature trees, etc. If you have 2 vehicles, you'll probably want at least a 2.5 garage to also keep a golf cart. Too hot to leave anything outside. Some people use a golf cart as their second car. Anyway there are a lot of choices for a lot of different preferences. Best of luck in the search for your dream home!
Thank you for the detailed info. Very helpful. Best wishes.