Praise for the Developers

[Bruce3055]

This post is strictly for praise to the developers or thoughts on what life might be like if the developer got tired of negative comments and sold out to a hedge fund.

Please no negative posts about the developer on this thread.

[tophcfa]

This post is strictly for praise to the developers or thoughts on what life might be like if the developer got tired of negative comments and sold out to a hedge fund.

Please no negative posts about the developer on this thread.

It’s hard to see any good coming out of a sale to a hedge fund (more likely a Venture Capital Investor). Those type of purchases are not by investors looking out for the best “long-term” interests of the entity they purchase. They rarely purchase anything without already planning an exit strategy, intended to result in a quick flip and profit. Certainly not the type of entity that would best serve the residents of the Villages.

[FenneyFanatic]

There is no place like this anywhere! We should appreciate the developer's hard work, foresight and dedication in creating this beautiful place. I am grateful every morning to be able to spend another day here.

[vintageogauge]

I doubt very much that the developers are bother by a handful of negative comments about TV mostly by the same individuals over and over again, half of which don't even live here.

[Chi-Town]

Build baby build. Seen too many cases where the inmates take over the insane asylum after build out.

[rustyp]

This post is strictly for praise to the developers or thoughts on what life might be like if the developer got tired of negative comments and sold out to a hedge fund.

Please no negative posts about the developer on this thread.


Is it really possible ? GG signed back in under a new user name

[npwalters]

This post is strictly for praise to the developers or thoughts on what life might be like if the developer got tired of negative comments and sold out to a hedge fund.

Please no negative posts about the developer on this thread.

I find it hard to believe that anyone could have the blinders on to the point they would post such drivel

[dewilson58]

First visited TV 30 years ago.
Watched the growth and purchased about 10 years ago (sub-55).
The key for me was watching the older areas of TV and how they were maintained.
The Developer does a nice job of maintaining the properties.

Since the Developer is a developer, the Developer will continue to develop.
Shocking to me are the people that are shocked at the development/growth.
Glad the Developer continues to develop, rather than sell off.

From generation to generation, the Developer continues with consistent values and execution and vision.

:super::super::super:

[Stu from NYC]

They have done a great job of building this place and shocking that people complain that they keep building.

They must make a bloody fortune on what they do on the existing space and cannot imagine them wanting to sell out.

BTW nothing wrong with constructive criticism but some people do go way over the line.

[Laker14]

My take on it is that if there is a market for "senior" or "retirement" developments, somebody is going to develop it. If it's going to be right next door to the one I've chosen to buy into, I'd prefer it's developed by someone with a track record of knowing what they are doing, and doing it well.
I don't need to commute to the far reaches, and the residents of the newer areas are unlikely to get in my way very often. I see more benefit for me than negatives.

[ureout]

First visited TV 30 years ago.
Watched the growth and purchased about 10 years ago (sub-55).
The key for me was watching the older areas of TV and how they were maintained.
The Developer does a nice job of maintaining the properties.

Since the Developer is a developer, the Developer will continue to develop.
Shocking to me are the people that are shocked at the development/growth.
Glad the Developer continues to develop, rather than sell off.

From generation to generation, the Developer continues with consistent values and execution and vision.

:super::super::super:


I've been here 20 yrs and think the concept is great.. but the developer does not take care of and maintain the older areas, it's the district you live in that maintains them.. In fact many years ago 2008 there was a huge law suit that TV's lost paying 40 miilion $$$ for the upkeep that should have been being done

Villages settles lawsuit, will fund $40M in upgrades – Orlando Sentinel (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2008-03-09-villages09-story.html)

I'm not trying to be negative because I do believe TV is a great place to live, but there is a huge difference in how the developer does business now compared to before they crossed over 44.. In the past you would never see a development being built without "ALL" the amenities being put in 1st... now it's sell the homes and then put in Rec. centers, pools, and golf courses the residents can wait

[Garywt]

One would expect some changes in vision when younger generations move into leadership rolls. For us we have our home and land that can not change, we have access to the golf cart paths to get around and there are plenty of restaurants, stores and music venues to enjoy. Finally the grounds are well cared for, even up north to make our outing very enjoyable. That is what I came foe and is what we still enjoy.

[Stu from NYC]

I've been here 20 yrs and think the concept is great.. but the developer does not take care of and maintain the older areas, it's the district you live in that maintains them.. In fact many years ago 2008 there was a huge law suit that TV's lost paying 40 miilion $$$ for the upkeep that should have been being done

Villages settles lawsuit, will fund $40M in upgrades – Orlando Sentinel (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2008-03-09-villages09-story.html)

I'm not trying to be negative because I do believe TV is a great place to live, but there is a huge difference in how the developer does business now compared to before they crossed over 44.. In the past you would never see a development being built without "ALL" the amenities being put in 1st... now it's sell the homes and then put in Rec. centers, pools, and golf courses the residents can wait

Wow had no idea.

[Bogie Shooter]

I've been here 20 yrs and think the concept is great.. but the developer does not take care of and maintain the older areas, it's the district you live in that maintains them.. In fact many years ago 2008 there was a huge law suit that TV's lost paying 40 miilion $$$ for the upkeep that should have been being done

Villages settles lawsuit, will fund $40M in upgrades – Orlando Sentinel (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2008-03-09-villages09-story.html)

I'm not trying to be negative because I do believe TV is a great place to live, but there is a huge difference in how the developer does business now compared to before they crossed over 44.. In the past you would never see a development being built without "ALL" the amenities being put in 1st... now it's sell the homes and then put in Rec. centers, pools, and golf courses the residents can wait

Boo……

[VApeople]

This post is strictly for praise to the developers

I don't think you have the power to control what people post in this thread.

[Michread]

South of 44 had the amenity that we wanted - separate MMP; and beautiful walking
/biking paths along the Chitty Chatty preserve along the retention ponds currently to Homestead. Hopefully the walk/bike path will continue through the 3 planned villages south of citrus grove.

[Flyers999]

Their father and grandfather did a great job developing the area from 466 to 466A.

[Stu from NYC]

I don't think you have the power to control what people post in this thread.

Rumor has it some people are being paid per post to only say nice things.

[rustyp]

I'm taking a multiple choice poll but the only correct answer to the question is "A".

[Boomer]

We first visited TV in 2007 but were not ready to buy until later.

On that first visit, the sales department assigned us an agent. We spent a little time hearing her spiel, but then I asked for a different agent.

Why did I do that?

Well. . .because as she was touring us around, she said that she needed to tell me something about The Villages that every buyer needed to know. (She said this in a dramatic, confidential tone.)

Me: And what is it that is so important to know?

The Agent: If you live here, you must never say anything bad about The Villages or people will not like you.

(I thought it was a weird thing for her to say, like this was the world’s biggest high school.)

Boomer

[davem4616]

I love the life style

[Boomer]

Their father and grandfather did a great job developing the area from 466 to 466A.

Ah yes, I remember it well. Everything was mostly in place and waiting for the new homeowners. And it’s still an excellent location.

Those were the days of the nice furniture store in LSL and some of the houses were sold with a deal where you could go in and pick your whole house full of furniture to fit your model.

Boomer

[Topspinmo]

I have nothing to say…. ……:MOJE_whot:

[ithos]

My Real Estate Developer, Right or Wrong!

[La lamy]

Nice to see a thread looking for positive responses! As I've said before, this is active retirement heaven, and I'm SO GRATEFUL to have been introduced to it. Build on I say!
:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

[Jantao]

Amen!! Keep criticism constructive and offer solutions for consideration.

[Rwirish]

And beautiful power lines.

[Nick B]

We first visited TV in 2007 but were not ready to buy until later.

On that first visit, the sales department assigned us an agent. We spent a little time hearing her spiel, but then I asked for a different agent.

Why did I do that?

Well. . .because as she was touring us around, she said that she needed to tell me something about The Villages that every buyer needed to know. (She said this in a dramatic, confidential tone.)

Me: And what is it that is so important to know?

The Agent: If you live here, you must never say anything bad about The Villages or people will not like you.

(I thought it was a weird thing for her to say, like this was the world’s biggest high school.)

Boomer
So she told the truth and you punished her?

[Two Bills]

Latest picture of 'The Developer' checking construction crew work rates!

93202

[dewilson58]

I don't think you have the power to control what people post in this thread.

No, but 85 can ask and most posters will respect the concept...........a few regulars will not.

:ho:

[midiwiz]

I find it hard to believe that anyone could have the blinders on to the point they would post such drivel

yet they do. they haven't considered that the negative is usually deleted.

[ureout]

No, but 85 can ask and most posters will respect the concept...........a few regulars will not.

:ho:

I do respect the concept but I also respect the truth and do not wish to partake of the KOOL AID that many have obviously drank..

I stated earlier it's a great place to live and it is definitely a retiree's dream but it has been kept that way and started by the earlier lawsuit by a few brave residents who stood up to TV's to make sure that the amenity fees that were being paid by home owners went to actual maintenance and not in the developers pocket

[billmbmorris]

It is a great place to live and we have been here for 17 years so we are real veterans --
My only complaint is our Golf courses --They to a large degree are in bad shape --I can not understand how Glenview can be in such great shape and Palmer --Havana --Bonifay and Tierra --etc are awful ----The excuse we hear alot is the amount of play they get during the high season so then how does Glenview do it -----I would be embarrassed to have a guest play most of the champion courses and many of the executive courses.
I get the feeling that it is more important to build as many courses as possible rather than maintain properly as many courses as possible --Do these people feel that we are so happy to still be alive that we will play anything ----I don't get it

[jrandall]

This post is strictly for praise to the developers or thoughts on what life might be like if the developer got tired of negative comments and sold out to a hedge fund.

Please no negative posts about the developer on this thread.
Ditto 👍

[sallyg]

Hahahaha!

[Bogie Shooter]

It is a great place to live and we have been here for 17 years so we are real veterans --
My only complaint is our Golf courses --They to a large degree are in bad shape --I can not understand how Glenview can be in such great shape and Palmer --Havana --Bonifay and Tierra --etc are awful ----The excuse we hear alot is the amount of play they get during the high season so then how does Glenview do it -----I would be embarrassed to have a guest play most of the champion courses and many of the executive courses.
I get the feeling that it is more important to build as many courses as possible rather than maintain properly as many courses as possible --Do these people feel that we are so happy to still be alive that we will play anything ----I don't get it

And you are blaming The Developer, right?

[Bogie Shooter]

Hahahaha!

Hard to understand the intent of this post, was there one?

[Villages Kahuna]

Sure, they occasionally make decisions we don’t like (Hacienda Hills tear down, lots of new apartments, growing too big, etc.). But overall the Morse family has created a wonderful place for us to live. What’s more amazing is that the third generation of Schwartz progenies are taking over in several key jobs (bank President, second in command of design and also construction, and probably others less well known), and they seem to be working just as hard as their parents and grandparents did.

[Stu from NYC]

So she told the truth and you punished her?

In your world we are not allowed to say anything at all negative about the developer? Great place to live but they can do no wrong?
Seriously?

[sgneary]

The only place in the United States where you purchase a new home and it is already a fixer upper. So sad to say that too.

[JMintzer]

I swear, some people just can't help themselves...

[DaleDivine]

Nice to see a thread looking for positive responses! As I've said before, this is active retirement heaven, and I'm SO GRATEFUL to have been introduced to it. Build on I say!
:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

I agree. No other place like this in the world. I'm definitely glad I'm part of it.
:coolsmiley::clap2::bigbow:

[fdpaq0580]

Love my home here. Love the surrounding area. Love the lifestyle. Is everything perfect? That is a debate that can be had about anyplace. But The Villages is my home and I am lucky and happy to be here.
Thank you!
Freddy the Frog (here 'till I croak.)

🐸

[Bogie Shooter]

The only place in the United States where you purchase a new home and it is already a fixer upper. So sad to say that too.

Flip it……………

[dewilson58]

I do respect the concept but I also respect the truth and do not wish to partake of the KOOL AID that many have obviously drank..


Dude, nothing to do with KA, someone just started a positive thread with a simple request and the negative nellies just can help themselves from spreading their comments in all threads. NN's should just go start a different thread. It's simple.

:ho:

[dewilson58]

The only place in the United States where you purchase a new home and it is already a fixer upper. So sad to say that too.

Trying to figure out your other name. :blahblahblah:

Thanks for posting. :1rotfl:

[Stu from NYC]

Someone should write out a pledge of allegiance to the developer for which it stands.:bigbow:

[fdpaq0580]

Gotta love TOTV. It's like the old Monty Python routine, " (receptionist) Good day sir. How can I help you? (customer) I'd like to have an argument, please."
Some folks just would rather find fault and tell you what they don't like than say one word about what they do like. OP wanted to have a thread that let folks express their appreciation for what we have here, rather than the usual liturgy of what is wrong. Like the old Thanksgiving tradition of telling what you are thankful for rather than bitching and moaning about all you find fault with.
Sorry, OP, just one thread without complaints and sarcasm was too much to hope for. Better luck next time.

🙈🙉🙊

[dewilson58]

Someone should write out a pledge of allegiance to the developer for which it stands.:bigbow:

And we all pledge just prior to the start of entertainment at each square.

:a040:

[Boomer]

We first visited TV in 2007 but were not ready to buy until later.

On that first visit, the sales department assigned us an agent. We spent a little time hearing her spiel, but then I asked for a different agent.

Why did I do that?

Well. . .because as she was touring us around, she said that she needed to tell me something about The Villages that every buyer needed to know. (She said this in a dramatic, confidential tone.)

Me: And what is it that is so important to know?

The Agent: If you live here, you must never say anything bad about The Villages or people will not like you.

(I thought it was a weird thing for her to say, like this was the world’s biggest high school.)

Boomer



So she told the truth and you punished her?


This is not the takeaway I implied in my little story about the experience, but I guess the response above helps to make my point.

I had no intention of bad-mouthing anything and had given no such impression, but to be told immediately by a sales rep that a lockstep mentality was necessary made it sound like a cult.

It was a darned weird first impression and my “takeaway” was that rep had been so effectively programmed that she was not somebody I wanted to do business with. Why was she trying to control a narrative that I knew nothing about? Made me wonder if something was going on that nobody was supposed to talk about. Whatever she was trying to do, it was strange, and definitely not my style. (shudder) But I guess it worked on some people.

Boomer

PS: Bought a few years later from a rep with an actual personality and who did not seem to be battery-operated.

[Djean1981]

I've been here 20 yrs and think the concept is great.. but the developer does not take care of and maintain the older areas, it's the district you live in that maintains them.. In fact many years ago 2008 there was a huge law suit that TV's lost paying 40 miilion $$$ for the upkeep that should have been being done

Villages settles lawsuit, will fund $40M in upgrades – Orlando Sentinel (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2008-03-09-villages09-story.html)

I'm not trying to be negative because I do believe TV is a great place to live, but there is a huge difference in how the developer does business now compared to before they crossed over 44.. In the past you would never see a development being built without "ALL" the amenities being put in 1st... now it's sell the homes and then put in Rec. centers, pools, and golf courses the residents can wait
The buyers should know, by looking, what they are buying

[ureout]

Dude, nothing to do with KA, someone just started a positive thread with a simple request and the negative nellies just can help themselves from spreading their comments in all threads. NN's should just go start a different thread. It's simple.

:ho:

Dude..lol it's been years since I've been called that

yes I understand the OP's wishes but this is an OPEN forum,
I didn't LIE about what happened. I just told the truth for those of you that were not here pre 2008 and do not know the HISTORY of how TV's really did become an amazing place to live.

Again it's not because the developer watched over us ready to fixed all of our problems that arose. It was because they were sued and made to change there SOP's on what and how our amenity fees were used .

[Papa_lecki]

I don’t understand. Apparently this place sucks so much, you need to have a new house under contract within a hour of it being released by the developer, and new houses are under contract within 2 to 3 weeks. And people hate it so much, they move 3 or 4 times, within the villages. They are not selling and moving someplace else, they are selling and moving 0.5 miles away.

Houses appreciated like 20 or 30% in the last 12 months

(DISCLOSURE: My numbers may not be 100% accurate, but they are close)

[Stu from NYC]

I don’t understand. Apparently this place sucks so much, you need to have a new house under contract within a hour of it being released by the developer, and new houses are under contract within 2 to 3 weeks. And people hate it so much, they move 3 or 4 times, within the villages. They are not selling and moving someplace else, they are selling and moving 0.5 miles away.

Houses appreciated like 20 or 30% in the last 12 months

(DISCLOSURE: My numbers may not be 100% accurate, but they are close)

As I read this thread people are not saying this place is bad just not perfect.

Did find it very interesting that the developer was sued to make them put the money we pay for amenities into the amenities.

[dewilson58]

I didn't LIE about what happened. .

Very paranoid aren't we.

Paranoia #1: I never said you lied.

Paranoia #2: My original response was directed at VAPeople, strike a nerve with you??

chilout

[manaboutown]

IMHO the developer's financial rewards are the accolades that matter the most. The proof is in the pudding. Success is its own reward. That the success has run at least three generations is remarkable. The family's ongoing work ethic and creative genius is amazing and rare.

As I see it Harold had a history of being a great promoter but the trailer park in the watermelon patch was just not cutting it. He convinced his son Gary to come down. Gary was the genius who built on Del Webb's Sun City concept, adding some Disneyesque features, and Voila! The Villages was born.

[Sabella]

Yeah and the residents in the villages are paying for the beautiful job of maintaining it not the developer.

[Stu from NYC]

Yeah and the residents in the villages are paying for the beautiful job of maintaining it not the developer.

Funny how people do not really understand how this place works and where our amenity dollars go. Landscaping is generally done very well.

[Bogie Shooter]

Yeah and the residents in the villages are paying for the beautiful job of maintaining it not the developer.

So………and your point is?

[Stu from NYC]

So………and your point is?

I think her point was that residents thank the developer for this and it is the individual districts paying for it out of our amenity fees.

[Stu from NYC]

An analogy:
The United States Founding Fathers laid a framework what is an amazing country to live in.
They purposely built in "healthy tension" as the guiding dynamic that kept it great.
They encouraged debate, encouraged differing opinions, encouraged disagreements.
I view The Villages the same way:

1) There is no place I'd rather be: US and The Villages
2) I don't agree with everything - and occasionally complain: US and The Villages
3) I don't think number 1 and number 2 above are not compatible.
4) When the option for disagreement - challenge - disappears - it usually ends up in bad results.
5) For example - imagine a country that is only one party: only Republicans or only Democrats - would we be better off - or worse off - putting aside your personal beliefs? I think we'd be worse off - much worse of - there are many examples that demonstrate this: China? Russia? North Korea?

That's my take.
Complain away.
And defend away.
And - most of all - be glad you were born in the US - and found The Villages for this stage in life.

Very well said

[rustyp]

Gotta love TOTV. It's like the old Monty Python routine, " (receptionist) Good day sir. How can I help you? (customer) I'd like to have an argument, please."
Some folks just would rather find fault and tell you what they don't like than say one word about what they do like. OP wanted to have a thread that let folks express their appreciation for what we have here, rather than the usual liturgy of what is wrong. Like the old Thanksgiving tradition of telling what you are thankful for rather than bitching and moaning about all you find fault with.
Sorry, OP, just one thread without complaints and sarcasm was too much to hope for. Better luck next time.

🙈🙉🙊

Home owner - This parrot is dead, deceased, no more, ceased to be, met its maker, pushin up daisies.

Developer - this parrot is simply resting.

Home owner - This is an x parrot.

Developer - You should call the home warranty dept.

Home owner - Hello home warranty. I insist you replace this parrot.

Developer - Sorry we no longer build the norwegian blue model. We can substitute for a slug.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The birds really love the statue of Harold Schwartz in Spanish Springs Town Square! Awesome job Developers for commissioning it.

[Bogie Shooter]

I think her point was that residents thank the developer for this and it is the individual districts paying for it out of our amenity fees.

Let her speak for herself.

[Topspinmo]

And we all pledge just prior to the start of entertainment at each square.

:a040:
Yes, in-line waiting for my liquor.

[Keefelane66]

Gotta love TOTV. It's like the old Monty Python routine, " (receptionist) Good day sir. How can I help you? (customer) I'd like to have an argument, please."
Some folks just would rather find fault and tell you what they don't like than say one word about what they do like. OP wanted to have a thread that let folks express their appreciation for what we have here, rather than the usual liturgy of what is wrong. Like the old Thanksgiving tradition of telling what you are thankful for rather than bitching and moaning about all you find fault with.
Sorry, OP, just one thread without complaints and sarcasm was too much to hope for. Better luck next time.

🙈🙉🙊
Well it sort of is if one chooses they can get SPAM at a restaurant now

[Stu from NYC]

Let her speak for herself.

You might have scared her off.

[MartinSE]

They have done a great job of building this place and shocking that people complain that they keep building.

They must make a bloody fortune on what they do on the existing space and cannot imagine them wanting to sell out.

BTW nothing wrong with constructive criticism but some people do go way over the line.

I hope they are making a bloody fortune!

We looked at a lot of places and found many “Villages” before finding this, and most were run down or abandoned altogether.

This place is still amazing after 20 years. It is not just the developers, but the systems they put in place to keep it up.

[Topspinmo]

And you are blaming The Developer, right?

Well, does own all the championship courses, who else at the top???

[Stu from NYC]

Well, does own all the championship courses, who else at the top???

Apparently you are not allowed to criticize the developer on this thread on penalty of all kinds of bad stuff

[npwalters]

An analogy:
The United States Founding Fathers laid a framework what is an amazing country to live in.
They purposely built in "healthy tension" as the guiding dynamic that kept it great.
They encouraged debate, encouraged differing opinions, encouraged disagreements.
I view The Villages the same way:

1) There is no place I'd rather be: US and The Villages
2) I don't agree with everything - and occasionally complain: US and The Villages
3) I don't think number 1 and number 2 above are not compatible.
4) When the option for disagreement - challenge - disappears - it usually ends up in bad results.
5) For example - imagine a country that is only one party: only Republicans or only Democrats - would we be better off - or worse off - putting aside your personal beliefs? I think we'd be worse off - much worse of - there are many examples that demonstrate this: China? Russia? North Korea?

That's my take.
Complain away.
And defend away.
And - most of all - be glad you were born in the US - and found The Villages for this stage in life.

Yep, what this poster said

[Stu from NYC]

Yep, what this poster said

But it should be done in a civilized manner.

[dewilson58]

But it should be done in a civilized manner.

Exactly.

And a key word is respect.
Respect, some don't understand the concept.

It's a social media board, come on.

If someone asks a specific thread to be positive, respect the request.
Don't be a D and be negative.
Respect, if one can not................it's best not to say anything.
If you don't respect and you can't "it's best not to say anything", than everyone sees it.
Rather than not respect, jus go start your own thread and be negative.....it's free.

:ho:

[dewilson58]

I praise the Developer for the lovely rain tonight, the full ponds and the greenness.

:coolsmiley:

[joelfmi]

We commend you for transparency about what is happening at the villages. There are three thing the villagers cannot hide, smoke and mirrors, negative transparency, enforcements of rules

[fdpaq0580]

Home owner - This parrot is dead, deceased, no more, ceased to be, met its maker, pushin up daisies.

Developer - this parrot is simply resting.

Home owner - This is an x parrot.

Developer - You should call the home warranty dept.

Home owner - Hello home warranty. I insist you replace this parrot.

Developer - Sorry we no longer build the norwegian blue model. We can substitute for a slug.

Ha! Well remembered.

[fdpaq0580]

Sorry, Bruce, but it seems that there are a lot of folks who cannot find one positive thing to say about their "hometown".
As for me, I am fully aware of the past threads that were mostly, "here is what is wrong with TV and/or the developer", rants. I've participated in many and have my own list of things I think could be better. But, for this one thread, I thought it would be nice to see that we, the residents, actually like and appreciate where we live, even if things aren't perfect according to our own personal preferences.
I love living here. I appreciate the beauty of the whole development. The amenities, activities, services, etc. The Villages is a pretty nice place to live. Perfect in every way? No! But still, really nice.

[GizmoWhiskers]

This post is strictly for praise to the developers or thoughts on what life might be like if the developer got tired of negative comments and sold out to a hedge fund.

Please no negative posts about the developer on this thread.

Family dynasty has indeed created the most amazing "bubble" in the country. Leave the bubble and you know you have left.

People are fleeing crap hole states and cities to retire in this amazing family created bubble. Two years ago you had your pick of homes. Not now. Just hope the bubble doesn't burst.

[Stu from NYC]

Family dynasty has indeed created the most amazing "bubble" in the country. Leave the bubble and you know you have left.

People are fleeing crap hole states and cities to retire in this amazing family created bubble. Two years ago you had your pick of homes. Not now. Just hope the bubble doesn't burst.

Nothing goes up forever, in two years our house has gone up a huge amount and do expect a correction in the near future.

Great place to live though.

[Laker14]

We commend you for transparency about what is happening at the villages. There are three thing the villagers cannot hide, smoke and mirrors, negative transparency, enforcements of rules

That post makes no sense at all, but neither does the tag to it: "Residence of the villiages never waste very true agony"

Congratulations on making a totally nonsensical contribution to the conversation, Mr. Transparency.

[KYtoTV2021]

This post is strictly for praise to the developers or thoughts on what life might be like if the developer got tired of negative comments and sold out to a hedge fund.

Please no negative posts about the developer on this thread.

Err, you do not get to choose responses to your opinion......Mr Putin

[ThirdOfFive]

This post is strictly for praise to the developers or thoughts on what life might be like if the developer got tired of negative comments and sold out to a hedge fund.

Please no negative posts about the developer on this thread.
On the one hand you have some negative comments from a few crotchety old geezers.

On the other hand you have people flooding in here, paying ridiculous prices for homes.

Which message of the two, do you think, is most meaningful to the developers?

[Chi-Town]

Take a ride down Buena Vista from 42 to 44. If that doesn't deserve praise nothing does.

[Bay Kid]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, for creating The Villages!!!

[PurePeach]

I, too, think that. I also marvel at the landscaping every time I go somewhere.

[rustyp]

This post is strictly for praise to the developers or thoughts on what life might be like if the developer got tired of negative comments and sold out to a hedge fund.

Please no negative posts about the developer on this thread.

I'm winning by a landslide thus far. Ref my positivity rule in the thread I created yesterday:

After moving to Florida did it meet your expectations ?

I've enticed 3.3 responses per hour

You score is 1.8 responses per hour

Let's start another ludicrous thread and see if we can out do ourselves.

[fdpaq0580]

Err, you do not get to choose responses to your opinion......Mr Putin

He didn't choose the responses, obviously. He did ask, politely, for positive comments. So sorry you could not think of anything nice to say. Oh, and since you seem to be unaware, name calling is a "no no".
Have nice day. 🌴

[Marathon Man]

I've been here 20 yrs and think the concept is great.. but the developer does not take care of and maintain the older areas, it's the district you live in that maintains them.. In fact many years ago 2008 there was a huge law suit that TV's lost paying 40 miilion $$$ for the upkeep that should have been being done

Villages settles lawsuit, will fund $40M in upgrades – Orlando Sentinel (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2008-03-09-villages09-story.html)

I'm not trying to be negative because I do believe TV is a great place to live, but there is a huge difference in how the developer does business now compared to before they crossed over 44.. In the past you would never see a development being built without "ALL" the amenities being put in 1st... now it's sell the homes and then put in Rec. centers, pools, and golf courses the residents can wait

The myth that will not die. Aviary Rec Center was built and open as houses were being built around it. Homestead is now open with houses just past it not built yet. Walking trails are put in place when the streets are built. Golf courses are built along with everything else, but they must grow in before being opened (just like in the other areas).

[MartinSE]

Err, you do not get to choose responses to your opinion......Mr Putin

Did you know that most moths only eat in the larval stage, and live the rest of their lives can not eat anything and only live off the fat stored up?

There, that contributed a LOT to the thread.

I see what you mean, we should all just post random BS on every thread it really improves the signal-to-noise ratio.

There really does seem to be a hard time differentiating between being asked to do something, and being TOLD to do it - Mr. Putin.

[Bogie Shooter]

Did you know that most moths only eat in the larval stage, and live the rest of their lives can not eat anything and only live off the fat stored up?

There, that contributed a LOT to the thread.

I see what you mean, we should all just post random BS on every thread it really improves the signal-to-noise ratio.

There really does seem to be a hard time differentiating between being asked to do something, and being TOLD to do it - Mr. Putin.

👍….

[manaboutown]

On the one hand you have some negative comments from a few crotchety old geezers.

On the other hand you have people flooding in here, paying ridiculous prices for homes.

Which message of the two, do you think, is most meaningful to the developers?

What means the most to the developer is how much it is banking in profits. Oh wait, it owns the bank, too!

[MartinSE]

What means the most to the developer is how much it is banking in profits. Oh wait, it owns the bank, too!

True, but, it would appear to me, and this is just my opinion, I know nothing - that the developers are in it for the long run (over 20 years now) many (most?) senior developments I visited before coming here looked 40 years old after 2 or 3 years.

Many (most?) others are in it for a quick buck, and then leave the residents to clean up after them.

Here the dev's put in place a system to turn over control to residents in an orderly manner, and it works well.

Also, I can clearly see improvements that have been made, like wider golf cart paths, wider roads, etc. over the years in each new section they improve from what they learned in the last section.

With all that said, I guess what I see in this thread is a number of people that feel if something isn't perfect, then it is awful. And it is has ANY problems, the the developers are a bunch of crooks.

Maybe the truth is someplace in the middle - the developers are human (I think - maybe shape shifting lizards?) and so are not perfect, but they are doing better than any other senior community I have visited.

Think about the great deal the folks over at Top of the World get. They OWN their homes, they just don't OWN the land they are built on. They have a 100 year lease. Hmmm... really? That doesn't sound like a very good investment - LOL!

[Professor]

Last I knew this was an open forum and no one gets to dictate whether comments are positive or negative by the responders. If you only want to hear what you want to hear, why bother asking for opinions?

[dewilson58]

Last I knew this was an open forum and no one gets to dictate whether comments are positive or negative by the responders. If you only want to hear what you want to hear, why bother asking for opinions?

One: It's called being respectful of the OP's wishes.

Two: It's nice to have positive threads.

Three: You have the option to start your own crabby thread.

:ho:


(you probably don't understand the NOTHING thread either)

[Nucky]

There is no place like this anywhere! We should appreciate the developer's hard work, foresight and dedication in creating this beautiful place. I am grateful every morning to be able to spend another day here.

You have always been one of my favorite posters since you landed here.

You seem to get to the point and I agree with you almost all the time. This post is on the money 💴. I can’t and don’t want to imagine our beautiful life being run any other way by anyone else.

Thanks for your post’s FennyFanatic, we could use many more like you on this Fotum.

[JMintzer]

Last I knew this was an open forum and no one gets to dictate whether comments are positive or negative by the responders. If you only want to hear what you want to hear, why bother asking for opinions?

It's called common courtesy...

[Bilyclub]

Family dynasty has indeed created the most amazing "bubble" in the country. Leave the bubble and you know you have left.

People are fleeing crap hole states and cities to retire in this amazing family created bubble. Two years ago you had your pick of homes. Not now. Just hope the bubble doesn't burst.

To the people who own one residence and are down here for the long haul, the bubble bursting means nothing.

[Packer Fan]

So I read 7 pages of posts, some very well thought out and nice. A few who don't know what common courtesy is by repecting the request of the OP to be positive. Well, here is my praise-
1. The place is beautiful
2. The weather is great
3. The houses are built for the 55+ crowd on one level and are easy to get around in.
4. Small yards so they are easy to take care of.
5. NO BASEMENTS TO FLOOD. People in Wisconsin all want a basement, and they all pay $15,000 to waterproof them after 20 years. Never understood why people would ever want a pit under their house to get water issues with.
6. Town Squares. WOW, what a great concept.
7. Music every night
8 Dynamic place - Florida retirement haven The Villages rivals San Jose as ‘most dynamic’ metro (https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/04/05/florida-retirement-haven-the-villages-rivals-san-jose-as-most-dynamic-metro/)
9. The pools and rec centers
10. An awesome state with no income taxes
11. Relatively low property taxes
12. An hour from Orlando and 1 1/2 hours to the beach
13. Golf Carts and cart paths
14. Wonderful friendly people.

So you can argue some of this is not created by the Developer, but they had a hand in most if not all of it, except maybe the weather, but they did chose the place to do this, so they get credit.

I really don't understand some people who gripe about it constantly, why not just move somewhere else?

Have a blessed day

[MartinSE]

:coolsmiley:One: It's called being respectful of the OP's wishes.

Two: It's nice to have positive threads.

Three: You have the option to start your own crabby thread.

:ho:


(you probably don't understand the NOTHING thread either)

:coolsmiley:
:bigbow:

[MartinSE]

It's called common courtesy...

:coolsmiley:
:bigbow:

[MartinSE]

So I read 7 pages of posts, some very well thought out and nice. A few who don't know what common courtesy is by repecting the request of the OP to be positive. Well, here is my praise-
1. The place is beautiful
2. The weather is great
3. The houses are built for the 55+ crowd on one level and are easy to get around in.
4. Small yards so they are easy to take care of.
5. NO BASEMENTS TO FLOOD. People in Wisconsin all want a basement, and they all pay $15,000 to waterproof them after 20 years. Never understood why people would ever want a pit under their house to get water issues with.
6. Town Squares. WOW, what a great concept.
7. Music every night
8 Dynamic place - Florida retirement haven The Villages rivals San Jose as ‘most dynamic’ metro (https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/04/05/florida-retirement-haven-the-villages-rivals-san-jose-as-most-dynamic-metro/)
9. The pools and rec centers
10. An awesome state with no income taxes
11. Relatively low property taxes
12. An hour from Orlando and 1 1/2 hours to the beach
13. Golf Carts and cart paths
14. Wonderful friendly people.

So you can argue some of this is not created by the Developer, but they had a hand in most if not all of it, except maybe the weather, but they did chose the place to do this, so they get credit.

I really don't understand some people who gripe about it constantly, why not just move somewhere else?

Have a blessed day

Uh, yup, pretty much sums it up. There are those that just love to hate - and the percentage seems to go up as we age.

[Altavia]

And getting better.

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/whatsnew/continuing-the-dream/a-closer-look-at-eastport)

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/whatsnew/lifestyle/walls-are-going-up-at-new-schools)