Any advise for our first Lifestyle Preview Plan?

[Endless Summer]

Hello everyone:)

We're coming to TV Oct 1st for our first "live" look at your wonderful neighborhoods. There is so much hubby and I want to see and do. I feel that I know many of you already just from lurking on TOTV and I'd love to have your advise and suggestions on where to go first and what not to miss. I know we'll be back to do some serious looking after the first of the year - this trip is just to enjoy.

Can't wait to meet everyone! See you soon. :a040:

-Sue

[getdul981]

Sue - my wife and I are going to TV on Sept 28 to pick out our house and make the down payment. We'll be staying until Oct. 4, for a little relaxation before coming back to VA. Maybe our paths will cross somewhere.

[Vinny]

My only advice is to bring your checkbook. You would be surprised how many people come here to enjoy and end up buying. :smiley:

[redwitch]

Schedule a trolley ride for as soon as possible. It will give you a feel for TV and is actually fun and informative. The various rec centers are fun to look at -- they all have different decor. The squares, of course, are a given. Try to take in a show at Savannah Center and at least one event at Church on the Square. Don't hesitate to talk to people. Most of us love to brag about TV and why we moved here. Smile, kick back and enjoy!!!

[Tom Hannon]

You will get all those coupons. Prices off breakfast, lunch and dinner, amovie tickets etc. YOU WILL NOT use all the coupons. You will find yourself so busy you will go hame with unused coupons. But be prepared- The gold cart the will give you will move at the speed of a turtle with a broken leg. And yes, like Vinny siad- BRING YOUR CHECKBOOK. And like REDWITCH said- take the trolley ride and visit the squares.
One suggestion- Read the pamplet on "Rules of driving a golf cart in TV". I didn't read it and wish I had. Enjoy your visit.

[graciegirl]

Schedule a trolley ride for as soon as possible. It will give you a feel for TV and is actually fun and informative. The various rec centers are fun to look at -- they all have different decor. The squares, of course, are a given. Try to take in a show at Savannah Center and at least one event at Church on the Square. Don't hesitate to talk to people. Most of us love to brag about TV and why we moved here. Smile, kick back and enjoy!!!

I agree with Redwitch.....And I add my welcome to you. You won't believe how much fun it is. We will return the 10th...so we will just miss you or I would try to say hello in person!

[Sherman931]

I agree with Vinny...we went just to look for the first time in August; and now we are closing on our new home in TV on Oct 29 :D

[2newyorkers]

Enjoy the golf cart. Do not worry about getting lost, someone will always stop and help you. 5 years later I still can not believe I can hop in my golf cart and go to the supermarket and Wal-Mart. Ask questions... people love to talk about TV.

[Mudder]

If you play golf be sure to use those coupons. You will meet nice people when you play. Go, participate or observe every sport you are interested in, in some cases you can join in. Ride the golf cart multimodal paths, yes, you will be slow due to the cart they give you, but it gives you more time to look around. If you get lost on the paths , never fear someone will point you in the correct direction. Go to each square on their market night. Check the paper out everyday before you start out, a paper will be in your driveway every morning bright and early. Use the food coupons, the waitstaff will tell you how to get the biggest bang for your buck. And yes, bring your checkbook.....you just might buy a house ! ENJOY.

[graciegirl]

If you play golf be sure to use those coupons. You will meet nice people when you play. Go, participate or observe every sport you are interested in, in some cases you can join in. Ride the golf cart multimodal paths, yes, you will be slow due to the cart they give you, but it gives you more time to look around. If you get lost on the paths , never fear someone will point you in the correct direction. Go to each square on their market night. Check the paper out everyday before you start out, a paper will be in your driveway every morning bright and early. Use the food coupons, the waitstaff will tell you how to get the biggest bang for your buck. And yes, bring your checkbook.....you just might buy a house ! ENJOY.

About that SLOW golfcart they loan you.....The rest of us need to remember to shout out....WELCOME TO THE VILLAGES!! as we go around you.:wave:

[bkcunningham1]

Purchase the $5 map of TV.

We drove the car around first and then the golf cart after we sorta knew where we were going. Drive through all of the different communities to get a feel of the housing and amenities.

We went to the grocery store first and picked up some things for meals. It was sort of a waste because we didn't spend much time in the villa. We ate out and took advantage of the meals coupons. (Didn't use them all though.)

My husband liked the trolley ride better than I did. I suppose because I'm so directionally challenged it meant nothing to me as far as knowing where things are positioned. Plus I was too busy "interviewing" people on the trolley to pay attention to the tour.

Go into any of the recreation centers you happen upon. Don't be shy about asking questions and looking around.

Go to the town square at night to see the sights, hear the music and get a feel of the energy there.

We played golf on our visit in December and met a couple from Washington state who will be in our lives forever, God willing.

Don't forget your swimsuits! Have fun.

[Pturner]

Hi Sue & Gene,
:welcome:I wish I were there to meet you. I agree with Red on places to see. Another suggestion is purchase the $5 map of TV. You can get it at the sales office when you arrive. It will help you orient to where you are, find where you are going and give you a "big picture" perspective that's hard to see from the ground.

I agree with talking to folks everywhere you go. The people are part of the Kool refreshing drink served everywhere you go that makes you want spend the rest of your life here and makes everyone who does glad, glad, glad.

[Endless Summer]

What wonderful responses! We already feel a part of the Villages thanks to everyone living in Florida's friendliest hometown! :coolsmiley:

981 - You're a step ahead of us, good luck picking out your house. We'll be looking for you!

Redwich - So we'll schedule a trolly ride the first day, great idea. Do we need to call ahead?

Tom - My husband will read the golf cart rules of driving. Great idea to have that pamplet! TV seems to think of everything!

Mudder - My husband golfs, those coupons will be used!

graciegirl - See ya on our next trip to TV (already planning ahead ya know).

To All - Please do wave when you pass us:wave: and stop to talk! A slow cart will be an advantage for us this trip. When you see me looking lost (I am one of those that get lost going to the mailbox!) please help!:crap2:

OK, the check book will be added to the list of things to bring. How about bikes? We like to ride. Can we ride on the golf cart paths, or where? Are there bike racks in the squares? graciegirl, you said something about a map in one of your responses to someone else - where can we get one?

[Kelsie52]

Welcome

There is so much to do and see. Dont worry about trying to do everything --YOU WILL BE BACK....

You will receive the newspaper everyday --look through it --visit some open houses on your own if you are interested --you will meet lots of people doing the same as you ---you will also meet many that already live in TV searching for their next home or ideas about what they can do to their present home .. Ask questions, as all have said here --people love to talk about TV ---I do and We are not even there yet ---.

You can participate in most of the activities open to TV residents --if your up to it try it --We never had time ...

Visit the squares in the evening --and the pool during the day --YOU WILL meet people in both places ...

If you want to be taken to model homes or any special places make ssure you let the salesperson know ---They will not pressure you --matter of fact they will leave you to enjoy the surroundings because they know if you love TV life style --you will eventually buy something..

Good luck --- :pepper2:

[bkcunningham1]

Our villa came furnished with two bicycles.

Polo kicks off Oct. 1!!

Have you seen The Villages Magazine ? You can read about the polo matches and see a schedule of events for when you are going to be in TV.

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/thevillages/0910/#/14

[Dan =^..^=]

My only advice is to bring your checkbook. You would be surprised how many people come here to enjoy and end up buying. :smiley:

LOL ... Good advice. :thumbup:

[Sherman931]

FYI...the $5 map was included free in all the folders they gave us when we arrived at our villa

[mac9]

You will so enjoy your stay here! You asked where to ride your bikes. Remember, they are NOT golf cart paths. They are multi-modal paths. People bike on them and walk on them. Just be mindful of the folks with their toys...the ones who go down the paths at 27 mph just because their cart will do it!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

We received a map in the folder when we stayed on our LPP in Dec '09. But it wasn't the same as the $5 map you buy at the sales offices. It was fairly detailed - enough to get around with. The $5 was money well spent for the other map, though - it had more detail, specifically as it relates to the multi-modal paths. Again, this was from nearly a year ago - perhaps they're now including the $5 maps as part of the package. Also, the $5 maps aren't 'forever' maps - for two reasons: 1. The rapid expansion of TV continues and TV updates and reprints the maps on a periodic basis. We bought the $5 map just prior to leaving last Dec. On our next trip down in Feb., it was behind the times - Buttonwood, etc. wasn't on it! 2. As mentioned by others, the map will wear out on the folds pretty quick with any amount of use. After a while, it'll start looking like shredded wheat!! :1rotfl:

Enjoy your time while you're there. You'll never be able to take it all in during a single trip. You'll be back! :D

Bill

[bkcunningham1]

We received a map in the folder when we stayed on our LPP in Dec '09. But it wasn't the same as the $5 map you buy at the sales offices. It was fairly detailed - enough to get around with. The $5 was money well spent for the other map, though - it had more detail, specifically as it relates to the multi-modal paths. Again, this was from nearly a year ago - perhaps they're now including the $5 maps as part of the package. Also, the $5 maps aren't 'forever' maps - for two reasons: 1. The rapid expansion of TV continues and TV updates and reprints the maps on a periodic basis. We bought the $5 map just prior to leaving last Dec. On our next trip down in Feb., it was behind the times - Buttonwood, etc. wasn't on it! 2. As mentioned by others, the map will wear out on the folds pretty quick with any amount of use. After a while, it'll start looking like shredded wheat!! :1rotfl:

Enjoy your time while you're there. You'll never be able to take it all in during a single trip. You'll be back! :D

Bill

Exactly!! I wish we had two of the five dollar maps. One for the golf cart and one for the car. I wore our map out in one weekend after we bought looking for yard sales. The GPS was, well, frustrating. Our GPS's name changed from Jeeves to something not appropriate to post here.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Exactly!! I wish we had two of the five dollar maps. One for the golf cart and one for the car. I wore our map out in one weekend after we bought looking for yard sales.

I've heard from others that they've taken a new $5 map, cut it into various 'pages' to suit them, then had each laminated. Me? I prefer to wrestle with it when the entire map's unfolded, flapping around in the breeze, shredding itself, wife making fun of me while valiantly trying to help............fun! :mad:

Bill

[sands]

Sue&Gene,
My husband and I made our first visit to The Villages last year, also in October. I'd known about it but hadn't been there before; my husband only heard of TV through me before we married 3 years ago. We're in our 50's so we figured we'd go back a number of times over a number of years before eventually retiring there... As others have said, take the check book! We went back again, selected a lot, decided to go on and build and closed in Buttonwood in July. It truly is paradise! Now working on transferring employment to be able to get down there asap. Why wait and let others have all the fun?! I also agree with getting the $5 map, going to open houses listed in the paper each day to see lots of housing options, and making an appointment to get an "overview" tour with a salesperson (they truly are NOT pushy.) As for the trolley tour -- not so much. But maybe that was just me. Definitely check out the evening entertainment and activity at the square. You're going to have a great time!

[Pturner]

Hi again Sue & Gene,

Before lugging your bicycles down, you might want to double check. Unless it's changed, the first LS includes two bicycles and helmets.

As for getting lost, and you will, it's actually a fun experience. That's because someone will immediately hand you a Kool refreshing drink. It's one of my favorite flavors, as a matter of fact.

No kidding. The second you slow down and get a puzzled look on you face, someone is going to stop and ask what you're looking for. Believe me, I got lost enough to know this.

I couldn't wait for the day when I could be the one to serve this particular flavor. It's a rite of passage to being a true Villager (along with owning a home in TV). This summer, it happened. A lady slowed down and got a puzzled look on her face and trust me, I was fast on the draw. As had been done for me twice, I turned around and let her follow me to her turn.

Once she was safely on her way, I was so excited to have achieved this rite of passage that I actually cried.

[Russ_Boston]

Great advice so far.

Also remember to tell hubby not to worry about signing up for golf as a single - they always place you with others - usually other LSV guests.

The bikes are the single speed variety, just OK. Plenty of places to 'park' them around town.

[graciegirl]

I've heard from others that they've taken a new $5 map, cut it into various 'pages' to suit them, then had each laminated. Me? I prefer to wrestle with it when the entire map's unfolded, flapping around in the breeze, shredding itself, wife making fun of me while valiantly trying to help............fun! :mad:

Bill

You are either my evil twin or my husbands. YOU are gonna fit in just fine.

[graciegirl]

Hi again Sue & Gene,

Before lugging your bicycles down, you might want to double check. Unless it's changed, the first LS includes two bicycles and helmets.

As for getting lost, and you will, it's actually a fun experience. That's because someone will immediately hand you a Kool refreshing drink. It's one of my favorite flavors, as a matter of fact.

No kidding. The second you slow down and get a puzzled look on you face, someone is going to stop and ask what you're looking for. Believe me, I got lost enough to know this.

I couldn't wait for the day when I could be the one to serve this particular flavor. It's a rite of passage to being a true Villager (along with owning a home in TV). This summer, it happened. A lady slowed down and got a puzzled look on her face and trust me, I was fast on the draw. As had been done for me twice, I turned around and let her follow me to her turn.

Once she was safely on her way, I was so excited to have achieved this rite of passage that I actually cried.

Oh P. I love you.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

You are either my evil twin or my husbands.

Answer: Yes, I am. :icon_twisted:

:laugh:

[Endless Summer]

Wow, you guys are so great!:bowdown: Thanks for the wonderful info. Can't wait to get to TV for that Kool refreshing drink!! :beer3: -Sue

[dwbevan]

How about bikes? We like to ride. Can we ride on the golf cart paths, or where? Are there bike racks in the squares? graciegirl, you said something about a map in one of your responses to someone else - where can we get one?

Sue, When we went for our LSP in April, bikes were in the garage! They really do think of everything.

Debbie

[pauld315]

i spoke to the realtor when I arrived and convinced him that I really already knew a lot about TV and really wanted to get into the neighborhoods and look around. I asked him if there was a map in the folder. He said yes but it wasn't as detailed as I was looking for and to hold on. he got up and came back a few minutes later with the 5 dollar map for free to give to me.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

i spoke to the realtor when I arrived and convinced him that I really already knew a lot about TV and really wanted to get into the neighborhoods and look around. I asked him if there was a map in the folder. He said yes but it wasn't as detailed as I was looking for and to hold on. he got up and came back a few minutes later with the 5 dollar map for free to give to me.
Now THERE'S the kind of sales person who knows how to start winning you over! :)

Bill

[kb8tpw]

I thought all sales reps did that. I had the same experience. Perhaps all sales reps are not as savy at marketing as the developer, or that point was not made at that particular sales meeting. It's just good business - and I've never worked in real estate. I agree with Gracie or whoever said it that they don't last too long with all of the folding and re-folding. By the time they wear out there are new streets and neighborhood anyway.

[Hawkwind]

Sue

Another thing you will want to do is look at the recreation news as to what clubs are having meetings and for a schedule of what is going on at the local rec centers. For the online version go to this link from the Daily Sun.

http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/app/files/recnews.pdf

You may have to cut and past the address into your browser if you do not get to the rec news site. This comes out every Thursday in the home delivered Daily Sun or copies are available at the rec centers. The online version usually shows up online also on Thursday but sometimes later in the day.

Remember that as a guest on the LP you can attend any of the activities that are available to homeowners.

Check it out and there you will also find some general maps showing all the pools and other landmarks. It will give you an overall picture of TV.

[Russ_Boston]

Remember that as a guest on the LP you can attend any of the activities that are available to homeowners.

Not exactly the case - you get guest passes not resident passes. This comes into play mostly for the exec courses which are free to residents but small cost to guests. Also for sport pools (laps, water VB etc.) if they are checking for resident ID.

[quidam65]

I guess this is as good a time (and subject) as any for my first post.

I know TV is an age-restricted community where at least one person residing in TV must be at least age 50. However, does the age-restriction also apply to the Lifestyle Preview Plan that TV development offers to potential buyers?

I'm nowhere near eligible to retire (currently 45 with at least 11 years to go) but I should have my primary mortgage paid off in the next two years and a HELOC paid off after that (i.e., by the time I become eligible I will have long since paid off the house). I'm trying to plan ahead to see if TV is someplace to where I might want to move after retirement.

[Endless Summer]

Russ Boston, Interesting comment on our guest pass. When I talked to our guest coordinator I asked about additional costs for golf (very impt to hubby) and she said there would be no additional charge. So, now we are forwarned (thanks) and we'll just have to play it by ear. I'm checking out the sport pools - hope no one checks passes I guess.

[graciegirl]

Russ Boston, Interesting comment on our guest pass. When I talked to our guest coordinator I asked about additional costs for golf (very impt to hubby) and she said there would be no additional charge. So, now we are forwarned (thanks) and we'll just have to play it by ear. I'm checking out the sport pools - hope no one checks passes I guess.

You get free vouchers, I think I remember, for a couple of Championship courses. And if you are checking them out and say you are a "gonna be" I am sure they will show you around the sports pools.

[Russ_Boston]

You get free vouchers, I think I remember, for a couple of Championship courses. And if you are checking them out and say you are a "gonna be" I am sure they will show you around the sports pools.

Depending on the time of year you will be able to get into the sports pools with no questions. But you can certainly look around if you don't want to jump in!

Yes Gracie is correct, you will get some championship golf (regulation size courses) for free. The executive courses (mostly par 3's) are free for residents and small costs for guests of residents.

[obxgal]

If your a resident and walk the executive course it is free, but if you use your golf car then there is a trail fee of $3.50 per person.

A green fee is required for guests to play golf. The fee ranges from $6.50 in the months of May through October and $10.00 from November through April. Guests are obligated to pay an additional $3.50 trail fee, unless they are walking, regardless of whether the sponsoring resident has a paid trail fee or not.

[cherylncliff]

Enjoy your visit to TV. Be sure and check the newspaper everyday for events. You can also see open houses both through TV and outside realtors. Try out some of the classes- we did some line dancing. Katie Bells was fun, especially if you like to dance.:pepper2: We went for a visit in Oct2009 with no intention to buy, back again Feb 2010, bought a lot by phone in March based on our agents recommendation. Went back again in July to see the lot and design the house and close in Buttonwood Oct 14. We are hoping to retire this year, sell the MI house and become frogs by next summer. Make sure to visit both town squares and if you have time and the nerve then stop by one of The Villages' Golf cart stores and take a test drive. Enjoy!

[Jane52]

What you'll see and experience is for real, so enjoy it and get a place here without debating and over-analyzing every trivial detail before buying. Only in The Villages can one DISREGARD the old adage, "If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is." It IS as good as it appears on first sight!

The comment I've heard most often is "I wish we had done it years sooner."

Life is short. Cancer or a massive stroke can hit any one of us at any time. Enjoy life in The Villages' truly friendly, hometown atmosphere while you can. Then if disaster strikes, you'll be surrounded by dozens of godly, decent people who will care for you and walk with you thru the dark days as well as the happy ones.

[Schaumburger]

Quidam, I would call the TV sales office to see if you qualify for the Lifestyle Preview Plan? I will be 50 in 11 days, and I visited TV for the first time this past July - I stayed at the Comfort Suites near Spanish Springs. I took the trolley tour, and I received a phone call a few days ago from the TV sales office to see if I wanted to take a Lifestyle Preview Plan in the fall. I won't be able to retire to TV for several years (but if I could afford it, I would move to TV tomorrow). I am hoping to rent a house in TV for 2 weeks in 2011. I would love to take a Lifestyle Preview visit this year or in 2011, but I want to "save" these visits until it is closer to my moving date, as I believe there is a 2 or 3 visit limit to the Lifestyle Preview. TV is very impressive, so I would definitely recommend a visit if you are at all considering a move to TV.

Laura

[graciegirl]

What you'll see and experience is for real, so enjoy it and get a place here without debating and over-analyzing every trivial detail before buying. Only in The Villages can one DISREGARD the old adage, "If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is." It IS as good as it appears on first sight!

The comment I've heard most often is "I wish we had done it years sooner."

Life is short. Cancer or a massive stroke can hit any one of us at any time. Enjoy life in The Villages' truly friendly, hometown atmosphere while you can. Then if disaster strikes, you'll be surrounded by dozens of godly, decent people who will care for you and walk with you thru the dark days as well as the happy ones.

Of all of the things I have read on this forum, your post was the most perfectly beautiful of all.

[getdul981]

Quidam, I would call the TV sales office to see if you qualify for the Lifestyle Preview Plan? I will be 50 in 11 days, and I visited TV for the first time this past July - I stayed at the Comfort Suites near Spanish Springs. I took the trolley tour, and I received a phone call a few days ago from the TV sales office to see if I wanted to take a Lifestyle Preview Plan in the fall. I won't be able to retire to TV for several years (but if I could afford it, I would move to TV tomorrow). I am hoping to rent a house in TV for 2 weeks in 2011. I would love to take a Lifestyle Preview visit this year or in 2011, but I want to "save" these visits until it is closer to my moving date, as I believe there is a 2 or 3 visit limit to the Lifestyle Preview. TV is very impressive, so I would definitely recommend a visit if you are at all considering a move to TV.

Laura

If you are planning on buying, don't do it until after you have done your LSP. We were down in May (visiting from Orlando) and put a down payment on a lot. We're going back next week to pick out the details for our house and called to do a LSP. We were advised that since we had already purchased, we were not eligible. We get the villa and golf cart, but no free dinner coupons or golf coupons, but we don't golf anyway. The price is $25 less per day than for the LSP.

[quidam65]

Laura and Greg--Thank you for the information. When I call TV Sales to schedule a visit I will ask questions about age and any cap on the number of visits. Also I called the # for the TV road map and it will probably arrive in a week or so.

Did I read correctly elsewhere that TV is building a third Town Square? Given the growth I'm not totally surprised.

[windylou]

I spent too much time reading the rec news on our first visit... although
it is a great way to choose your activities .
Our best thing was just driving around on the golf cart with your map . ... The map has a brown line for golf cart paths .. but there are also street lanes.
If you feel lost .. pull onto the grass , hold your map up to try to find where you are ... and someone will certainly stop to offer assistance .

Katie Belle's is great entertainment .. esp if the weather is bad for the Square entertainment . We usually eat at Cattle Baron's (upstairs) ... and still get the music... but if you want to dance, downstairs is best .

Just relax and enjoy the friendly atmosphere ....

God's blessings on your journey .

[windylou]

Sorry , I forgot to say ..
Katie Belle's requires your guest pass card .
Be sure to have that with you wherever you go ...

[sands]

I guess this is as good a time (and subject) as any for my first post.

I know TV is an age-restricted community where at least one person residing in TV must be at least age 50. However, does the age-restriction also apply to the Lifestyle Preview Plan that TV development offers to potential buyers?

I'm nowhere near eligible to retire (currently 45 with at least 11 years to go) but I should have my primary mortgage paid off in the next two years and a HELOC paid off after that (i.e., by the time I become eligible I will have long since paid off the house). I'm trying to plan ahead to see if TV is someplace to where I might want to move after retirement.

I've heard that a limited number of people under 50 have been allowed to buy homes in TV, and that if you're under a certain age and don't have children living with you, you can buy. They anticipate that the build-out will be complete in the next 5-6 years, so if you want to buy new construction you'll want to look into that.

I can relate to the planning ahead -- I learned of TV when I was in my late 30's and got my first video from them on VHS! Now, about 15 years later, my husband and I have bought our home and hope to be able to be there full time in January. (We'll still have to work for awhile, but better there than here!) We originally thought we might put the house in the Property Mgmt. program there for a few years and stay here longer before retiring, but once it was built and we saw it, no way. Best of luck, whatever you do!

[Schaumburger]

Quidam65,
If you go on www.thevillagescommercialproperty.com/location.asp, Brownwood Paddock Square is shown on the map, south of 466A. From the TV web site: "Brownwood is a 350,000 square feet town center in the development phase on State Rd 44." An experienced TV resident could fill in more details about how far along Brownwood is. TV is spread out-so it looks like it will be getting more spread out in the next few years. Very clean - very well planned!
Laura

[Cynbod]

Laura and Greg--Thank you for the information. When I call TV Sales to schedule a visit I will ask questions about age and any cap on the number of visits. Also I called the # for the TV road map and it will probably arrive in a week or so.

Did I read correctly elsewhere that TV is building a third Town Square? Given the growth I'm not totally surprised.


I have been told that after the first visit the real estate agent must issue an invitation.:confused:

[brostholder]

Hello everyone:)

We're coming to TV Oct 1st for our first "live" look at your wonderful neighborhoods. There is so much hubby and I want to see and do. I feel that I know many of you already just from lurking on TOTV and I'd love to have your advise and suggestions on where to go first and what not to miss. I know we'll be back to do some serious looking after the first of the year - this trip is just to enjoy.

Can't wait to meet everyone! See you soon. :a040:

-Sue
Welcome!!! I think there are just a few "must do" things to get the feel of the place. I would recommend happy hour and music in both town squares, a visit to Katie Bells, watching a sunset over lake sumter in your golf cart from the bridge.

[graciegirl]

Driving home from the square last night I was struck again about the green spaces planned to have no homes on them that are landscaped for us to enjoy looking at. There are those that say the homes are too close together, but I now see that smaller lots to care for means more time for us to play. All around there are many of the green spaces left and they are filled with tall trees, flowering bushes, paths and benches, areas of water and vibrant tropical flowers and manicured grass areas that are just perfectly beautiful.

The developers could have crammed more houses onto them. I get a little discouraged when people say the Morses are greedy.

I almost get teared up when I drive through those beautiful areas and see nice looking grown up people tooling along in their sparkling carts with the wind blowing their hair. Somehow the green areas always make me feel like how I envisioned heaven when I was a child.

Take time to see the beauty here, in the place and in it's people.

Welcome, enjoy and have a cool drink here and there.:wave:

[sands]

We have our home but haven't moved there full time yet (can hardly wait) but even from just the short visits we've had there, I can't agree with graciegirl more. I say, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is -- unless you're in The Villages!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I have been told that after the first visit the real estate agent must issue an invitation.:confused:I inquired about it with one of the people who coordinates the Lifestyle visits. She said coming a second time wouldn't be a problem - just no "freebies" like we got on our first trip. She didn't mention anything about needing to coordinate it with/get the blessing of our sales rep.

Bill

[Pturner]

I inquired about it with one of the people who coordinates the Lifestyle visits. She said coming a second time wouldn't be a problem - just no "freebies" like we got on our first trip. She didn't mention anything about needing to coordinate it with/get the blessing of our sales rep.

Bill

Hi Bill, it is the Sales office that coordinates the Lifestyle trips. If you call to schedule a second one, you will be referred to your sales rep, who will make the arrangements. Not to worry though. There is no sales pressure on the second one either.

BTW, if for some reason, you did not care for your sales rep, you can ask to be assigned another one.

[memason]

I inquired about it with one of the people who coordinates the Lifestyle visits. She said coming a second time wouldn't be a problem - just no "freebies" like we got on our first trip. She didn't mention anything about needing to coordinate it with/get the blessing of our sales rep.

Bill

We recently purchased a home in St. Charles, but we had 3 Lifestyle visits over the span of about 5 years and had all of the freebies on each one... We scheduled each of our visits through the sales center.

There's probably a limit, but not sure what it might be... Just from reading the posts on this thread, there doesn't appear to be a consistent policy for the number of visits or the amenities granted. So, I say enjoy them as long as you can... Once you get past "It's too good to be true", you buy!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

pturner/memason - Thanks for the feedback.

We never did follow through on the 2nd visit - just asked the coordinator about the concept of it when she called to just see how we were doing (many months after our Lifestyle visit).

And you're right - it doesn't seem to be consistent re: how they handle multiple visits. I'd guess that it might hinge on how serious they feel you are as a potential buyer. We told them flat-out that we weren't ready to buy at that point in time.

Bill