Moving to TV: How to deal with being homeless?

[NatureBoy]

Our current house is under contract, and if everything goes smoothly, we'll be homeless in about a month. My wife and I are planning to buy new construction in TV, but the houses we want aren't available yet. We _think_ we're looking at a month or two gap before they'll be complete and released for sale. We have relatives we can stay with for a little while, so housing isn't an immediate concern.

Any advice or pointers to resources for dealing with a couple month gap of not having a permanent address? We're thinking of getting a P.O. box in/near TV, but is there more we should do?

P.S. To those offering to rent us a house, thank you. We already have housing lined up. But I'll keep you in mind in case our temporary situation gets more extended.

[Stu from NYC]

Our current house is under contract, and if everything goes smoothly, we'll be homeless in about a month. My wife and I are planning to buy new construction in TV, but the houses we want aren't available yet. We _think_ we're looking at a month or two gap before they'll be complete and released for sale. We have relatives we can stay with for a little while, so housing isn't an immediate concern.

Any advice or pointers to resources for dealing with a couple month gap of not having a permanent address? We're thinking of getting a P.O. box in/near TV, but is there more we should do?

Get a rental for the time you need it and get a PO box.

[spd2918]

We rented for 3 months and the owner let us use their address. We just did a change of address after getting into our home.

[Sweatman]

Set up temporary mail forwarding on USPS web site from old address to your Villages relative. When you have your new home address suspend temporary forwarding and set up permanent mail forwarding to the new address, also on USPS web site. Cost: $1.15. Welcome to the Villsges!

[patfla06]

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[DAVES]

Our current house is under contract, and if everything goes smoothly, we'll be homeless in about a month. My wife and I are planning to buy new construction in TV, but the houses we want aren't available yet. We _think_ we're looking at a month or two gap before they'll be complete and released for sale. We have relatives we can stay with for a little while, so housing isn't an immediate concern.

Any advice or pointers to resources for dealing with a couple month gap of not having a permanent address? We're thinking of getting a P.O. box in/near TV, but is there more we should do?

A contract, both the buyer and the seller agree to the contract. It normally says when the seller will be out as well as spells out penalties for each day after that.

The contract will say something like broom clean. There is the contract and then the closing-when you get paid for the home. Based on what I've been told it is almost standard practice for the buyer to pull some nonsense. In our case claim it is not broom clean. I foolishly gave them stuff they asked for for free. Garden tools, furniture, an antique clock. In real estate it is only the written that matters. You said you would leave... does not matter unless it is in the contract.

Far as homeless, it is a hairy time. Guides say sell first then buy. We bought first and then sold. Fortunately it went well for us.

Utilities, request a final bill. Pay with a check marked paid in full. Amusing not once but twice our old water company was sold. Each time they claimed we had an opened, unpaid bill. Cable TV. be sure to document EVERYTHING. They claimed we never returned their equipment. I demanded a receipt for the stuff on their stationary signed by the manager I got a card and attached it.

[tophcfa]

If you can afford new construction in the Villages surly you can afford to rent a place for a couple months. Rentals are abundant and very affordable now that busy season is behind us for another year. Good luck and enjoy your new place.

[TrapX]

If you are planning to buy one of the new houses you see listed on the real estate section of the web site, hope you are aware of how they are being sold. You cannot simply see one and buy it. Since there are multiple people that want to buy every house, the buyer chosen is random. It's not the highest bidder. Talk to a realtor and get the details.
I mention this because you may not win one for a long time. Or it could be the first one you try. That may impact your timeline.

[thevillages2013]

Our current house is under contract, and if everything goes smoothly, we'll be homeless in about a month. My wife and I are planning to buy new construction in TV, but the houses we want aren't available yet. We _think_ we're looking at a month or two gap before they'll be complete and released for sale. We have relatives we can stay with for a little while, so housing isn't an immediate concern.

Any advice or pointers to resources for dealing with a couple month gap of not having a permanent address? We're thinking of getting a P.O. box in/near TV, but is there more we should do?
Sounds like a dangerous proposition to me. Will you be patient enough to get the house you really want considering your temporary living arrangement. There are plenty of houses for rent here now. If you rent for six months and one day it is a long term rental and no “hotel” tax.

[tammy.boles]

Our current house is under contract, and if everything goes smoothly, we'll be homeless in about a month. My wife and I are planning to buy new construction in TV, but the houses we want aren't available yet. We _think_ we're looking at a month or two gap before they'll be complete and released for sale. We have relatives we can stay with for a little while, so housing isn't an immediate concern.

Any advice or pointers to resources for dealing with a couple month gap of not having a permanent address? We're thinking of getting a P.O. box in/near TV, but is there more we should do?

Hi - I have a beautiful home in Creekside Landing available for rent. You could use our mailbox for your mail until your home is ready. It's a 3 bedroom 2 bath. 734-904-5081

[Luggage]

Go on a vacation in Asia . it's cheaper . for a five star hotel there then renting here. Really.

[me4vt]

Sorry but, living in the Villages isn’t the only place in the area! There are many homes and areas that put the “Villages” to shame!! Having the Mark of, “The Village People” doesn’t put you above any…….

[GizmoWhiskers]

If you are planning to buy one of the new houses you see listed on the real estate section of the web site, hope you are aware of how they are being sold. You cannot simply see one and buy it. Since there are multiple people that want to buy every house, the buyer chosen is random. It's not the highest bidder. Talk to a realtor and get the details.
I mention this because you may not win one for a long time. Or it could be the first one you try. That may impact your timeline.

Yep a Villages realtor who is well connected is key. I worked with two. One sat on my request while the other bounced and I got my house. That was just before the "gold rush" though so its even harder to get one now. Seek out some names of those who roll up their sleeves.

[Madisond]

My husband and I were in the same boat. I found a beautiful Airbnb in Ocala on a horse ranch. It was a studio apartment with a loft and we only paid $100 a day. Checked Airbnb and I’m sure you’ll find some great deals! Good luck! Keep in mind this too shall pass

[oneclickplus]

Our current house is under contract, and if everything goes smoothly, we'll be homeless in about a month. My wife and I are planning to buy new construction in TV, but the houses we want aren't available yet. We _think_ we're looking at a month or two gap before they'll be complete and released for sale. We have relatives we can stay with for a little while, so housing isn't an immediate concern.

Any advice or pointers to resources for dealing with a couple month gap of not having a permanent address? We're thinking of getting a P.O. box in/near TV, but is there more we should do?

1) storage unit
2) rent (airbnb is my suggestion)

[JSR22]

Sorry but, living in the Villages isn’t the only place in the area! There are many homes and areas that put the “Villages” to shame!! Having the Mark of, “The Village People” doesn’t put you above any…….
Most homes in TV are much nicer than the homes in Spruce Creek South, and the amenity difference is huge.

[sswitenki]

Set up temporary mail forwarding on USPS web site from old address to your Villages relative. When you have your new home address suspend temporary forwarding and set up permanent mail forwarding to the new address, also on USPS web site. Cost: $1.15. Welcome to the Villsges!

I would check with the post office on how long it takes for a temporary mail forwarding to take effect. Last year when we requested this service they told us it would take 1 month to go into effect. It is not instantaneous as it had been previously. I used to use this frequently when we would be gone a week or two at a time. No longer a feasible option

[sallyg]

Storing your belongings might be more of a challenge than putting a roof over your head. My suggestion would be to rent first and take your time buying. There is SO much new construction it is hard to keep up. After being here for a couple of months you may find a different model house, a better deal or a different location that you prefer. Sometimes the "new" but previously owned homes are a better deal since the first owner may have taken care of numerous improvements or upgrades, such as lighting, water filtration, gutters, sun shades, higher end appliances, landscaping etc. Best of luck.

[Bay Kid]

If you rent for a few months you might find other areas in The Villages more appealing.

[Bateman]

Our current house is under contract, and if everything goes smoothly, we'll be homeless in about a month. My wife and I are planning to buy new construction in TV, but the houses we want aren't available yet. We _think_ we're looking at a month or two gap before they'll be complete and released for sale. We have relatives we can stay with for a little while, so housing isn't an immediate concern.

Any advice or pointers to resources for dealing with a couple month gap of not having a permanent address? We're thinking of getting a P.O. box in/near TV, but is there more we should do?

If you are interested in renting my home in The Village of Summerhill for one or two months, you may contact me at bgilbert874@aol.com

[Bateman]

Not sure if my first reply went through, but if you are interested in renting my home in The Village of Summerhill for one or two months, you may contact me at bgilbert874@aol.com

[NatureBoy]

Sorry but, living in the Villages isn’t the only place in the area! There are many homes and areas that put the “Villages” to shame!!

Care to list any? We haven't bought yet, so maybe we could be convinced to buy somewhere else.

[NatureBoy]

Yep a Villages realtor who is well connected is key. I worked with two. One sat on my request while the other bounced and I got my house. That was just before the "gold rush" though so its even harder to get one now. Seek out some names of those who roll up their sleeves.

We have a Villages sales agent we're working with. I can't say how much of a hustler he is. I hadn't thought of getting two Villages agents - do you let them know about each other so they work harder for the commission? :icon_wink:

[NatureBoy]

1) storage unit

Moving company is storing our stuff.

They will store it "here" locally, and then move it down to FL when we are ready.
Makes my life simpler by having it under control of one company the whole time, and not having to unpack & pack it.

[NatureBoy]

Storing your belongings might be more of a challenge than putting a roof over your head.

Moving company is storing them.


My suggestion would be to rent first and take your time buying. There is SO much new construction it is hard to keep up. After being here for a couple of months you may find a different model house, a better deal or a different location that you prefer.

We've been planning this move for several years. We've been tracking all the different house models, and areas. We have family who have lived in TV for a few years, and we've visited them several times. (They actually moved there after getting tired of hearing us talk about it, and they are having a great time.)

Yes. New construction is ongoing, and there will always be a "better" area every few months. One could wait forever for the "perfect" place.


Sometimes the "new" but previously owned homes are a better deal since the first owner may have taken care of numerous improvements or upgrades, such as lighting, water filtration, gutters, sun shades, higher end appliances, landscaping etc. Best of luck.
Our experience so far is that the pre-owned homes are significantly more expensive than the new construction. And we want a Veranda which there are hardly any pre-owned ones available - and the few we've seen are very expensive.

[LianneMigiano]

Yep a Villages realtor who is well connected is key. That was just before the "gold rush" though so its even harder to get one now.Just heard on the stock market channel that the stock market downturn is expected to last all year long! That surely will end the "gold rush". The buyers' wages haven't even kept pace with the "gold rush" prices. That, alone, will dry up the number of buyers.

[TrapX]

Moving company is storing our stuff. They will store it "here" locally, and then move it down to FL when we are ready.
Makes my life simpler by having it under control of one company the whole time, and not having to unpack & pack it.

They will unload it all, and shove it into storage. Likely using storage crates.
Be sure everything (not in a box) is wrapped in padding when it goes into the truck. Mattress and box springs and clothing is also in plastic stretch wrap and sealed from bugs. Containers with removable lids must be tightly secured so they cannot pop off - they will be stored sideways or inverted (any liquids might leak when upside down).

Have a detailed inventory of everything, every box, every loose thing, every rug, everything. Put your own inventory number on everything. Take a picture of everything going into their truck. On delivery, take pictures of everything coming off the truck.

When they ask you to sign "delivery is complete"... DO NOT... You are releasing them from damage claims. If you find a problem, they will say "you signed that everything was ok"; now you say it's not ok. Were you lying then, or are you lying now. Claim denied.
Write on their document a note about the truck was unloaded but you have not had the opportunity to inspect the items, or verify all items are present.

Consider PODS. You have full control over their contents. Research how to pack. You can hire people to load and unload them.

[DaleDivine]

Care to list any? We haven't bought yet, so maybe we could be convinced to buy somewhere else.

Me4VT can't list any because there are NONE... Nothing compares to TV...
:ohdear::ohdear:

[Papa_lecki]

We have a Villages sales agent we're working with. I can't say how much of a hustler he is. I hadn't thought of getting two Villages agents - do you let them know about each other so they work harder for the commission? :icon_wink:

You also need an MLS realtor, VLS agents can not show pre owned MLS listings. You are limiting your inventory by not having both.

[Papa_lecki]

Our experience so far is that the pre-owned homes are significantly more expensive than the new construction. And we want a Veranda which there are hardly any pre-owned ones available - and the few we've seen are very expensive.

One reason pre-owned are more expensive is because previous owner did upgrades. You need to compare apples to apples.

[Papa_lecki]

We've been planning this move for several years.

How could you have been planning this for years if you didn’t have a temporary living plan?

[Stu from NYC]

You also need an MLS realtor, VLS agents can not show pre owned MLS listings. You are limiting your inventory by not having both.

Very true and often Village agent are strongly encouraged to push people into new.

[Stu from NYC]

We rented for a month to get a better idea as to the lay of the land and where we wanted to go.

Moving to a second house is not cheap.

[thelegges]

How is it that many don’t read a post. OP is looking for insight on what to do with mail options. He has a place to stay, furniture in storage, just wants to know where to send mail during transition.

OP we used the post office for a box. Did a temporary address for 4 months, it’s $1.06 on a credit card. If you find a house, you can stop the forwarding of your mail online. You can also readjust to a later date. Any mail that you receive make it paperless, after move you can change back to paper after you find a house.

[NatureBoy]

OP is looking for insight on what to do with mail options.

And any other general advice on dealing with the "homeless" time between houses.

Yes, we have living arrangements. But hearing that other people rented for a few months with no problem is helpful. (Plans do fall through and having a plan B is not a bad thing.)

All the advice about buying used vs new is not as helpful. We've been watching the TV real estate market for several years - almost bought in Chitty Chatty when it opened. We want a veranda. Full stop. There are almost no pre-owned verandas available - and the few I've seen are way above my budget. (I think there is high demand for them so the price is accordingly cranked up.) And my wife is looking forward to having a fresh new house.


OP we used the post office for a box.

My wife looked into this and according to her, we have to rent the P.O. Box in person, so that will have to wait until we are in FL.

Any mail that you receive make it paperless, after move you can change back to paper after you find a house.
That's not a bad idea. I have some bills that could be switched to paperless.

[BayLady57]

And any other general advice on dealing with the "homeless" time between houses.

Yes, we have living arrangements. But hearing that other people rented for a few months with no problem is helpful. (Plans do fall through and having a plan B is not a bad thing.)

All the advice about buying used vs new is not as helpful. We've been watching the TV real estate market for several years - almost bought in Chitty Chatty when it opened. We want a veranda. Full stop. There are almost no pre-owned verandas available - and the few I've seen are way above my budget. (I think there is high demand for them so the price is accordingly cranked up.) And my wife is looking forward to having a fresh new house.


My wife looked into this and according to her, we have to rent the P.O. Box in person, so that will have to wait until we are in FL.


That's not a bad idea. I have some bills that could be switched to paperless.

We closed on the sale of our R.I. home on 4/29/22 and once it was under contract we secured a 2 month rental in TV through Villages Hometown Rentals which had a pet friendly patio villa available which we needed as we have two cats. The day before closing we had our belongs packed in one large and one small POD and they were picked up by PODs. The same day we picked up the rental van we would be traveling to TV in, then after that we dropped off our car to the place that would be transporting it to a terminal in Orlando, and immediately after closing we began our 2 day trek to TV. Once we arrived at our rental we made arrangements with Groome shuttle service that brought my husband to MCO and from there he took a taxi to the terminal to pick up the car. When he got back to the rental with our car he then brought the van to the drop off place in Leesburg and our TV agent gave him a ride back to our rental. With regards to mail, I switched whatever bills I could to online payment, and we did a two month temporary address change to our friend's address that live in St. Catherine and we go to their house to pick up any mail as needed. Having been in periodic contact with our TV agent for nearly two years through 2 lifestyle visits, we knew we wanted a new 3br CV in one of the newer areas. Nothing wrong with pre owned or other areas but this was our personal preference. The following day after we arrived we spent time with our TV agent who showed us a list of the new homes that were being released for sale the following day and an Avondale CV with a golf cart garage in lower St John was on the list to be released and in our price so our agent took us to see the home. It was love at 1st sight, but we had to climb the next hurdle which was our agent had to beat out the other agents to get a hold on it for us when it would be released for sale at 8 am the following day. Our agent called at 8:40 to let us know she got the hold and we had 2 hours to decide if we wanted to move forward with the sale and we said an immediate yes!! We bypassed putting down the $2,500 to secure the hold and went right to the 10% deposit, and early evening we signed the contract with a scheduled closing for 6/3. Since signing the contract we have been busy setting up services, managed to get new PCPs, dentist, specialty doctors with upcoming appointments scheduled, and already had our hair cut by our new barber and stylist. We also purchased a few pieces of new furniture and a washer and dryer because we had to purchase our own. Our PODs are currently in a storage facility in Gainesville and we will call when we are ready for delivery. For us, we had to go this route as we wanted to be cash buyers, so we had to sell before we bought since this was the only way we knew how much CV we could afford to purchase. If you have your heart set on a new veranda model home, you really need if you don't already have a TV agent. I can pretty much guarantee you having just been through the purchase of a new home myself, all those pending homes you see listed daily on the TV website the buyers of those homes had a TV agent who got holds for them when they were released for sale. We had already signed the contract a few days before our CV made it up on the website as pending. Same thing happened to my friend who just closed on a Sycamore model home in Deluna. Just be prepared when purchasing new although the price may be lower than a pre owned same model, you are going to have a higher bond as ours is just shy of $32k. So you will need to decide what is of more value to you a higher cost pre owned with lower bond and likely many expensive upgrades, or lower cost new home with a higher bond and no upgrades. Best of luck on your relocation to TV and hope yours goes as smooth as ours did.

[NatureBoy]

Thank you for the summary of your experience. Definitely a few nuggets to learn from.

The day before closing we had our belongs packed in one large and one small POD and they were picked up by PODs.

We are having a moving company pick up all our stuff and store it locally.


The same day we picked up the rental van we would be traveling to TV in, then after that we dropped off our car to the place that would be transporting it to a terminal in Orlando,

We're having one car door-to-door transported. The whole vehicle transport phase is quite a racket.


Our agent called at 8:40 to let us know she got the hold and we had 2 hours to decide if we wanted to move forward with the sale and we said an immediate yes!! We bypassed putting down the $2,500 to secure the hold and went right to the 10% deposit, and early evening we signed the contract with a scheduled closing for 6/3.

Can't say I'm looking forward to that pressure. But we've looked at house models and the building plans, so I think I have a good idea of what we want.


For us, we had to go this route as we wanted to be cash buyers, so we had to sell before we bought since this was the only way we knew how much CV we could afford to purchase.

Yep. We have a budget and are hoping the new verandas fall within it. Based on the prices of other verandas & designers, I expect we'll be close.


If you have your heart set on a new veranda model home, you really need if you don't already have a TV agent.

Yes. We're working with the agent who did our Lifestyle visit a few years ago.


Just be prepared when purchasing new although the price may be lower than a pre owned same model, you are going to have a higher bond as ours is just shy of $32k. So you will need to decide what is of more value to you a higher cost pre owned with lower bond and likely many expensive upgrades, or lower cost new home with a higher bond and no upgrades.

Yep. Lots of variables.


Best of luck on your relocation to TV and hope yours goes as smooth as ours did.
Thank you. It's nice to hear success stories.

[BayLady57]

Thank you for the summary of your experience. Definitely a few nuggets to learn from.


We are having a moving company pick up all our stuff and store it locally.

We're having one car door-to-door transported. The whole vehicle transport phase is quite a racket.

Can't say I'm looking forward to that pressure. But we've looked at house models and the building plans, so I think I have a good idea of what we want.


Yep. We have a budget and are hoping the new verandas fall within it. Based on the prices of other verandas & designers, I expect we'll be close.


Yes. We're working with the agent who did our Lifestyle visit a few years ago.


Yep. Lots of variables.


Thank you. It's nice to hear success stories.
PODS worked out well for us especially getting the 10% Veteran discount so our cost with storage was around $3,800. Our friends that live in St. Catherine used and recommended Sterry St. Towing which is local to R.I. and southeast MA company which provides car transport to Orlando during snow bird season and our cost was $950 which we thought reasonable considering the price of gas. Good that you know the model you desire and what you are willing to spend to get it. After owing a fairly large home for us anyway for 32 years on a 15,000 square lot, and after doing many updates and repairs on it over the course of about a year to get it sell ready we knew we wanted to down size in both house and yard as well as have a little privacy and a 3br CV checked all those boxes. And fortunately for us we listed just before the interest rates began to creep up and sold our perfect for a family with children home to a younger couple for $50k over asking after a little bidding war took place with 2 other potential buyers. And this put us in very good shape to cash purchase the new CV we desired which cost $176k less than what we sold our many years mortgage free home for. The CV we purchased especially with it's golf cart garage and yard big enough to put a pool in which we have no desire for that having had a pool at our previous home, plus we are less than a 5 minute walk to the only pool in St. John is enough house and yard for us at this stage of our lives. This is a one and done for us and know if anything happens to either one of us our CV will be easier for either to manage alone including financially. I was a 44 year old recent widow when I met my current husband, and without his physical and financial assistance I highly doubt I would have been able to afford to keep and maintain my home so purchasing a CV made the most sense for us. Again, wish you the best of luck on your journey to TV.

[Veiragirl]

Just don't buy one anywhere close to a Pickle Ball Court. TOO MUCH NOISE