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View Full Version : Do many people really relocate inside The Villages?


TooColdinIdaho
06-11-2023, 12:57 PM
I read a post here saying that the average person moves to a different house three times after buying in The Villages.
I'm sure that number is a bit exaggerated, but I’m also sure some people do move after realizing the house/location/something else didn’t work for them.

Did you move after buying, and if so, why?

What would be your suggestions on things to consider for making it a “One-and-Done” buy?

asianthree
06-11-2023, 02:03 PM
2007 PV in Mallory rented 2/2 1,5 garage

2010 PV 2/2 in for vaca home…1.5 garage

2012 Cottage 3/2 in 2.0 garage

2014 Designer 3/2 2 plus golf cart garage

2023 Designer, 4/3 …2 master suite …2 car plus golf cart extended 4’ (2 carts will fit with storage room end to end, lanai stretch 4’ ( if we could have fit a 3 car garage we would not hesitate. We retired full time this year.

So key for us is huge indoor storage in oversized closets and

The bigger the garage the better, cause there’s no basements here.

So we are little over the average of 2.5 moves. Many on our street have moved 3 times.

Reason people move, bought small house as second home, retired and bought bigger.
Bought first house bigger, spouse died, and bought something smaller.
Bought 1.5 garage, and moved to bigger garage.

Velvet
06-11-2023, 02:05 PM
Not where I live - most people on my street bought in 2007 (not villas) when the house were built and they have either died or are still living there.

OrangeBlossomBaby
06-11-2023, 02:08 PM
We have no plans to change locations. We're in the Historic area and love it so much that - IF we run into a windfall, we're more likely to have our manufactured home removed, and replaced with a site-built home on the same lot. Unless circumstances change in the neighborhood, I don't see that decision changing for us at all. The location and available amenities are just too perfect for us to consider anything else at this point.

Kenswing
06-11-2023, 03:09 PM
We bought our lot, went through the design process when you could actually customize things. We built the house we wanted. Our next move is either assisted living or Florida National Cemetery.

dewilson58
06-11-2023, 03:20 PM
Bot lot.
Built home.
Ain't moving.


All the Average Move data is way overstated.

The data MIGHT BE, of the movers....they average XX moves.
It's NOT the average Villager.

Babubhat
06-11-2023, 03:31 PM
Yes even though didn’t expect to. Bigger lot, no house behind, room for pool, new house with warranty,etc. At some point get everything you want because time is running short. Things change. But location is still very important

JohnN
06-11-2023, 06:15 PM
We bought a patio villa as a part-time vacation place to see if we really liked The Villages.
We did like it, so when the kids moved along, we came down here full-time.
Sold the patio villa which was nice, and bought a 1600 sq.ft 3BR stucco corner courtyard villa, no maintenance and love it.

coffeebean
06-11-2023, 06:33 PM
Our story is typical.......bought a patio villa and used it for seasonal use; 3 months a year. Sold the villa and purchased our designer home which is the perfect size for the two of us. Very happy with our location so the next move will be to assisted living whenever that becomes necessary.

tophcfa
06-11-2023, 07:29 PM
Not us, we love both our home and the location and are one and done. North of 466 almost exactly between SS and LSL, simple and easy to care for 2 bed and 2 bath ranch with 2 car garage, beautiful private back yard abutting wildlife preserve, beautiful large birdcage with 12 x 24 pool facing west with awesome sunsets, close to lots and lots of golf, shopping, dinning options, and sports pools by golf cart, no bond, and wonderful neighbors. Any bigger home would be a wast as we don’t need any more space to clean, maintain, cool, and pay taxes on.

Debfrommaine
06-11-2023, 07:46 PM
Number four house, loved them all for different reasons. Obviously don't get too attached, just enjoy life wherever we are! Life is good down South, lower taxes and bond is a plus. To each their own whether you stay put or move.

patfla06
06-11-2023, 09:20 PM
Bought a Spec house in 2013, a 4 bedroom Designer, 2,600 sq. ft., waterview.
Love it and will never move anywhere else.

We only lived in 4 houses in 41 years of marriage so we really don’t move often.

bsloan1960
06-11-2023, 09:47 PM
Just wondering: Considering the idea that people who can afford to move several times are likely to be good with money management- how can it be wise to give away a large amount of money 2.5 times to realtors in the form of commissions?

retiredguy123
06-12-2023, 12:01 AM
Just wondering: Considering the idea that people who can afford to move several times are likely to be good with money management- how can it be wise to give away a large amount of money 2.5 times to realtors in the form of commissions?
I don't agree that money paid to a real estate agent is given away. I expect the agent to earn the commission by using their marketing plan to get a higher price in less time for the house. When buying a house, I won't even look at FSBOs because they are usually overpriced and it is too much of a hassle to deal with most FSBO sellers.

HoosierPa
06-12-2023, 04:20 AM
We moved to house with room for pool. If you live here full time, it’s too hot in summer to not have a pool. I know people say “but there are so many community pools”. We are outside all all day, every day, all summer watching ball games from the pool, floating, cooking out, etc. It’s private. Summer is our favorite season because of the pool. Without it, we would be inside all summer after 9 am.

Donaz1
06-12-2023, 04:27 AM
Been here 6 years and on my 3rd house which is a courtyard villa with no grass. Love the location in Tall trees. Walk to Walgreens and Bob Evans.

bowlingal
06-12-2023, 05:19 AM
I love my house, neighbors, location. What I don't love is the oak tree standing on my property that causes all sorts of cleanup about 5-6 months of the year. Acorns, leaves are a constant, and if you want to keep your landscape looking nice, you must be out there almost everyday raking. It's much worse the further north you go, there are many, many more oak trees there. It seems the further south you go, the less there are, especially south of 44. I guess big brother realized the oak tree is more a problem than a pleasure.

mskaggs
06-12-2023, 05:29 AM
Just wondering: Considering the idea that people who can afford to move several times are likely to be good with money management- how can it be wise to give away a large amount of money 2.5 times to realtors in the form of commissions?

Maybe the value of the home has appreciated enough to pocket some cash *and* pay commissions?

jimdecastro
06-12-2023, 05:31 AM
I read a post here saying that the average person moves to a different house three times after buying in The Villages.
I'm sure that number is a bit exaggerated, but I’m also sure some people do move after realizing the house/location/something else didn’t work for them.

Did you move after buying, and if so, why?

What would be your suggestions on things to consider for making it a “One-and-Done” buy?

We moved in Citrus Grove in 2021 and had an interior lot. Built similar floor plan in Newell and moved in a few weeks ago. We have a large pond and preserve behind us. Many on my block are relocated. One person is on number 6.

By the way, I think the statistic is often stated wrong. I think most people live in three houses (which means they move twice).

dewilson58
06-12-2023, 05:32 AM
Maybe the value of the home has appreciated enough to pocket some cash *and* pay commissions?

The point is, But you are still out the commissions paid.

:posting:

rjn5656
06-12-2023, 05:40 AM
Bought a great house 12 years ago in a great neighborhood. Got lucky 2 years and bought a house on the golf course with a pond in back and a pool. And we were able to stay in the same neighborhood.

huge-pigeons
06-12-2023, 05:41 AM
I know people that have moved 6 or more times within the villages, it’s not overstated. Also, I would list my house without a realtor in a heartbeat. I sold my last 2 houses without a realtor and was very simple to do. The buyer did not use a realtor either, the buyer got the contract papers and house disclosure papers from their closing attorneys, we got together and filled out everything, they gave me money for the down payment, and we closed a few weeks later. How much simpler can it get?

retiredguy123
06-12-2023, 05:50 AM
I know people that have moved 6 or more times within the villages, it’s not overstated. Also, I would list my house without a realtor in a heartbeat. I sold my last 2 houses without a realtor and was very simple to do. The buyer did not use a realtor either, the buyer got the contract papers and house disclosure papers from their closing attorneys, we got together and filled out everything, they gave me money for the down payment, and we closed a few weeks later. How much simpler can it get?
Yes, the paperwork is simple. But, I don't hire a real estate agent to do the paperwork. I hire them to advertise, market, and sell the house. If you hire a good salesperson, they should be able to sell the house quicker and for more money than selling it yourself. The only time I would forgo the agent is in a very hot seller's market.

MidWestIA
06-12-2023, 06:03 AM
Maybe as it built out before I heard they made money. But if you want to drive your cart to MANY golf, store & restaurant options you will not go below hwy 44 - so I'm guessing that will slow down.

Remembergoldenrule
06-12-2023, 06:06 AM
Most of people I know who moved more than once were before exploding prices and interest rates. Also, when you could make 100k off selling house. Now, probably not as likely.

bluecenturian
06-12-2023, 06:17 AM
Really think about what you would like in a house/site even future desires. If you want a pool get a lot big enough to accommodate even if it is 5 years before you put it in. If you are going to have more than 1car/motorcycle you will need a 3 or 2+golf cart garage. If you will be having guest consider 3 bathrooms.

Think about what you want over the next 15 years not just now.

Dgodin
06-12-2023, 06:20 AM
Same for us

hrenner
06-12-2023, 06:24 AM
Stat is Propaganda by real estate people to entice people to move so they can make money.
Almost everyone i talk to is in original home

NotGolfer
06-12-2023, 06:26 AM
You heard correctly....we've been here 14 yrs in our 1st house. We moved many times before retirement (varying reasons) and were sick of it. Said once here, once and done!! We are satisfied with our choice. I've wondered the reasoning so many make several changes. Is it disatisfaction?? People's circumstances change over time and it can happen quickly as we age. We "might" have considered making a change a handful of years ago "IF" the move would have been a lateral one. Meaning not taking on more expense. We have a modest 3 bed. ranch and love our area. We'd have gone to a smaller place with NO outside maintenance. BUT we'd done some improvements on this house and didn't want to lose that and replacement wouldn't have worked as well, so we stayed. NOW 14 yrs later both of us have health issues to consider---maybe we should have moved before the prices spiked as they did. I see you, the OP, are making your first post so wondering why this particular question for your 1st time??!!!

Bay Kid
06-12-2023, 06:29 AM
1st home was a small designer home where I would bring Mom and Dad. Great area in Winifred. After Mom passed making plans for my future I bought a larger home/garage on a golf course between Sumter Landing and Brownwood. Perfect for me. Done!

jojoturf
06-12-2023, 06:40 AM
One & done for us. Searched for 5 years, picked lot when Richmond opened, one mile south of Brownwood. Built designer model on pond, no one behind. Love our forever home ❤️🏡

paulajr
06-12-2023, 06:49 AM
Just wondering: Considering the idea that people who can afford to move several times are likely to be good with money management- how can it be wise to give away a large amount of money 2.5 times to realtors in the form of commissions?

Unless you do “For Sale By Owner” like we did!
Moved once (so far) in order to get a house with a pool.

Gsorace
06-12-2023, 06:53 AM
We think the most important thing is neighbors/ friends. We bought 2/2 patio villa and love the area & people. Added gc garage & small room, then bought another home across the street to host family & friend visitors!

SeaCros
06-12-2023, 06:54 AM
Many move to different homes for a myriad of reasons post their first home in TV. Some start with something too big on the first go-round and then downsize. Some are the opposite. Some what a change or scenery or a different floor plan/area of TV. Others might lose a spouse and no longer need the home/memories of their loved one. I would say that when you see "average" might just be a way to take in all the options into consideration as there are so many residents here.

rickaslin
06-12-2023, 07:05 AM
Yes, the paperwork is simple. But, I don't hire a real estate agent to do the paperwork. I hire them to advertise, market, and sell the house. If you hire a good salesperson, they should be able to sell the house quicker and for more money than selling it yourself. The only time I would forgo the agent is in a very hot seller's market.

you just defined The Villages, hot sellers maket.

Djean1981
06-12-2023, 07:11 AM
We are not interested in moving. I think if you've moved a lot in your life, you continue to do so once you get here... Also, I think there's a bit of a social contagion, if all your friends are moving, you're more likely to..

spachic
06-12-2023, 07:14 AM
We bought in 2014 after we helped move our friends down here. First house was a patio villa in Fernandina. We panicked at costs and sold in 2016. Bought a manufactured home in the historic section in 2017 thinking it would be less costly and it was a mistake. The insurance on it was ridiculous and it needed so many repairs. Sold it in 2018. In 2021 bought another patio villa in a south of 44 neighborhood and love it! We would love a courtyard villa some day, but unfortunately we have been priced out at this point. Maybe they could start building some patio villas with fences.

msilagy
06-12-2023, 07:21 AM
Bought manufactured home in the historic side - 2 years sold
Bought 2/2 courtyard villa in Rio Grande 3.5 years sold
Bought 3/2 courtyard villa in Bonnybrook - still own since 2018
I am a seasonal resident - done and done - no more buying !

jedalton
06-12-2023, 07:23 AM
I'm on my 3rd and last

Normal
06-12-2023, 07:31 AM
An average of 3 times is just that, an average. If your concerns are an average number dictating what will happen to you, don’t count on the number being yours.

Mean= average or the addition of all moves divided by the total of all families
Mode= the number most often occurring (such as 1 and done or we moved ….times)

I would wager the mode of 1 (buying and not moving) occurs a whole lot more than those that move and move again multiple times. Seven or even 8 couples on a block may never move, there will always that other indecisive handful that drive your average number up.

Babubhat
06-12-2023, 07:56 AM
It’s ice cold for resales 500k and up. Rates Should not matter for cash buyers

Babubhat
06-12-2023, 07:59 AM
I don't agree that money paid to a real estate agent is given away. I expect the agent to earn the commission by using their marketing plan to get a higher price in less time for the house. When buying a house, I won't even look at FSBOs because they are usually overpriced and it is too much of a hassle to deal with most FSBO sellers.

Not my experience. Regretting using a realtor now. Reasonably priced newer house in prime location and little results. I should not have to be editing the marketing materials for highlighting features. Will wind up doing it myself like many times before. It’s not rocket science, just your time.. Five percent is too much

Lisanp@aol.com
06-12-2023, 08:04 AM
Bought a Villa to try out the "Lifestyle" knowing it was too small for us long term but a cost effective option for seeing if we liked The Villages (I didn't want to rent). Decided we liked it and wanted a larger home where we could have a pool. Sold it a year and a day later for a significant profit after commission and expenses. Rolled that profit into a larger home with zero additional cash out of pocket. Would do it again in a heartbeat if they ever bring back truly custom site built homes.

Babubhat
06-12-2023, 08:09 AM
Not happening. Those days are gone. Semi custom is best you can expect and that term is used loosely. It’s about production speed and cash flow.

Regorp
06-12-2023, 08:15 AM
I read a post here saying that the average person moves to a different house three times after buying in The Villages.
I'm sure that number is a bit exaggerated, but I’m also sure some people do move after realizing the house/location/something else didn’t work for them.

Did you move after buying, and if so, why?

What would be your suggestions on things to consider for making it a “One-and-Done” buy?

In my DeLuna villa neighborhood, been here 9 months, 4 homes have sold already and at least 4 more are rental homes. We don't plan to move, but...... Our son is moving to Middleton.

Marmaduke
06-12-2023, 08:53 AM
We also bought carefully because we tend to like it our way, not the Villages Realtor way.

Mindfully, we proceeded ahead, and wouldn't let anything rush us.

We move very quickly and easily making decisions in most cases- but this purchase wasn't one of those cases

We recognized the potential for mistakes based on what the Village Realtor was telling us, so the broader search was on for us.

When we drove into the right neighborhood and walked into the right house, we knew it immediately and wrote the contract that day. We have privacy, space, great neighbors and many, many other things which are important to us.

Our Motto: To Thine Own Self Be True.

Many of our friends buy THEIR HOUSE with family and friends to accomodate or impress the pants off of right away. Then, the kids rarely come. Make yourselves #1- You deserve it!

snbrafford
06-12-2023, 09:01 AM
2007 PV in Mallory rented 2/2 1,5 garage

2010 PV 2/2 in for vaca home…1.5 garage

2012 Cottage 3/2 in 2.0 garage

2014 Designer 3/2 2 plus golf cart garage

2023 Designer, 4/3 …2 master suite …2 car plus golf cart extended 4’ (2 carts will fit with storage room end to end, lanai stretch 4’ ( if we could have fit a 3 car garage we would not hesitate. We retired full time this year.

So key for us is huge indoor storage in oversized closets and

The bigger the garage the better, cause there’s no basements here.

So we are little over the average of 2.5 moves. Many on our street have moved 3 times.

Reason people move, bought small house as second home, retired and bought bigger.
Bought first house bigger, spouse died, and bought something smaller.
Bought 1.5 garage, and moved to bigger garage.

We have lived here 5 years, are the 4th owner the house built in 2009. The people we bought the house from literally moved across the street to get a pond/gold course view. We have talked to folks that that have moved up to six times - not happy with neighborhood, house to big/small, investment, etc. The reasons are the same as for when people outside TV relocate. It's hard to relocate from a distance and know everything you would like to know about a house - especially with the time pressures / demand when you start looking. We lost a house because we waited a few days and then actually bought our current home sight unseen - just from pictures.

Velvet
06-12-2023, 09:02 AM
An average of 3 times is just that, an average. If your concerns are an average number dictating what will happen to you, don’t count on the number being yours.

Mean= average or the addition of all moves divided by the total of all families
Mode= the number most often occurring (such as 1 and done or we moved ….times)

I would wager the mode of 1 (buying and not moving) occurs a whole lot more than those that move and move again multiple times. Seven or even 8 couples on a block may never move, there will always that other indecisive handful that drive your average number up.

Since I personally don’t know anyone who moved 3 times in TV, maybe once at the most. I think this number of average 3 moves is a fantasy perpetrated by people making money off moves. Or investors. A few people have bought 3 or more times - but to move everything so often at our age? To have such bad judgement as to where you’d like to live and how - again at our age? I don’t think so.

Betty Wagner
06-12-2023, 09:19 AM
It is not an exaggeration for us. We are in our 6th house in 12 years. #1 was a quick buy to get away from cold weather and snow. It was a good house, good location. But no room for expansion. We moved several more times until se had a house with a good size garage. This last house is a courtyard villa which we always wanted. So now we are happy and grounded. I won't say no more moves but probably not.

llaran
06-12-2023, 09:21 AM
Maybe the value of the home has appreciated enough to pocket some cash *and* pay commissions?
Exactly, in the early days, the prices doubled in a year so that's when people did move 3 times. when we first looked in 98, patio villas were in the $60's

Blueblaze
06-12-2023, 10:33 AM
I wonder if that "3 move" thing comes from the fact the so many people own more than one house here. When we sold our Texas home on 2 acres (which we only paid $179K for, in 2013), we made enough on the sale to buy TWO houses in the Villages. We "downsized" to a bigger "Designer" house (with fewer rooms), and put the rest into a Courtyard Villa, just to keep it invested in real estate. Half the people we've met since we moved here seem to own rentals, so we certainly weren't the first to think of it.

coffeebean
06-12-2023, 11:38 AM
Not my experience. Regretting using a realtor now. Reasonably priced newer house in prime location and little results. I should not have to be editing the marketing materials for highlighting features. Will wind up doing it myself like many times before. It’s not rocket science, just your time.. Five percent is too much
I guess it depends on the agent. Sounds like you had a slacker.

retiredguy123
06-12-2023, 12:21 PM
I guess it depends on the agent. Sounds like you had a slacker.
I agree. When you hire a real estate agent, look for the top sellers in the company. Also require a market analysis, and a written marketing plan. And, there should be a clause in the listing agreement that, if you lose confidence in the agent, you have the right to fire the agent and/or the broker. Usually, I will not accept a 6 month listing. 90 days should be long enough. Note that you have no obligation to accept an offer that is less than the asking price. If presented with a low offer, you can renegotiate the commission. I did that once when the buyer wanted me to pay 3 percent of the price for their closing costs. The agent agreed to split that cost with me to make the sale.

BrianNotFromNYC
06-12-2023, 12:35 PM
I read a post here saying that the average person moves to a different house three times after buying in The Villages.
I'm sure that number is a bit exaggerated, but I’m also sure some people do move after realizing the house/location/something else didn’t work for them.

Did you move after buying, and if so, why?

What would be your suggestions on things to consider for making it a “One-and-Done” buy?

People might start (we did) with a two bedroom villa. Then wanted a tad more privacy and room, getting a designer and golf car garage. Story also supports as you get older, you might decide to trade back down to make it easier to keep up. We are on our second. No plans to move again. But you never know!

almondz
06-12-2023, 01:09 PM
We bought in 2015 and rented out until retired in 2020. We really debated if to move at that time. Other houses still didn't have exactly what we wanted and had things we didn't want, like a formal dining room. We loved our location; between LS and SS, just below 466, no bonds and convenient to everything. So we did a major renovation and made it everything we could ask for where we want. I don't see us ever moving.

rogerk
06-12-2023, 02:06 PM
I believe the simple answer is people’s wants and needs change. After living in The Villages and being involved with the lifestyle opportunities for awhile many people’s priorities change. This is followed by the desire to buy a home that better fits their me lifestyle.

My belief is that a lot of folks worry about location too much and don’t pay enough attention to the house they are buying.

The good news is, in this community, for the 20+ years I lived here, there is no financial penalty for moving frequently. The value of our homes increases significantly and typically covers the costs of selling, buying another home, and moving. Not the normal case outside this community. IMO, it is one of the real advantages to buying and living here that is often overlooked by many of the naysayers.

Stu from NYC
06-12-2023, 02:32 PM
Happy with our house and think we will stay here, Only problem is last year both kids with our 4
grandkids came at same time and got lucky to rent a nearby house.

Do not want to move to a larger home for one week a year.

coffeebean
06-12-2023, 03:36 PM
I believe the simple answer is people’s wants and needs change. After living in The Villages and being involved with the lifestyle opportunities for awhile many people’s priorities change. This is followed by the desire to buy a home that better fits their me lifestyle.

My belief is that a lot of folks worry about location too much and don’t pay enough attention to the house they are buying.

The good news is, in this community, for the 20+ years I lived here, there is no financial penalty for moving frequently. The value of our homes increases significantly and typically covers the costs of selling, buying another home, and moving. Not the normal case outside this community. IMO, it is one of the real advantages to buying and living here that is often overlooked by many of the naysayers.

I disagree. Location should be of utmost importance. You can change what ever it is you don't like about the home but you cannot ever change the location.

Debfrommaine
06-12-2023, 04:04 PM
Just wondering: Considering the idea that people who can afford to move several times are likely to be good with money management- how can it be wise to give away a large amount of money 2.5 times to realtors in the form of commissions?
We sell them ourselves.

msmr23@gmail.com
06-12-2023, 04:28 PM
Moved to a newer bigger house, more garage space.

Stu from NYC
06-12-2023, 05:15 PM
IMHO people come for a week and immediately buy a house without really understanding this place and what they want to be near.

We rented for a month and could have taken longer before buying.

dewcrews
06-12-2023, 06:24 PM
Bought a courtyard villa that met all our wish list check offs. Discovered the garage was an issue with our larger SUV. Considered a move, but given the lush landscaping and the beautiful Fenney Village, we decided, instead to buy a smaller car. Working out well, so we'll stay put in our oasis.

Marathon Man
06-12-2023, 06:27 PM
We purchased our new home because we fell in love with the look of the southern area. And as it grows, we become even more happy with our decision.

TooColdinIdaho
06-12-2023, 08:13 PM
.... I see you, the OP, are making your first post so wondering why this particular question for your 1st time??!!!

This is the first question I wasn't able to find a good answer to by using the search function or by reading the forums.
(I've been reading TOTV for many years but just recently decided to sign up.)

I'm 63 and still working 60+ hours a week but will be retiring in 2-3 years, so it's time to get serious about it and plan a few trips.
The Villages is on my very short list.

TooColdinIdaho
06-12-2023, 09:11 PM
I love my house, neighbors, location. What I don't love is the oak tree standing on my property that causes all sorts of cleanup about 5-6 months of the year. Acorns, leaves are a constant, and if you want to keep your landscape looking nice, you must be out there almost everyday raking. It's much worse the further north you go, there are many, many more oak trees there. It seems the further south you go, the less there are, especially south of 44. I guess big brother realized the oak tree is more a problem than a pleasure.
Thanks, these are the kinds of things that I wouldn't think of, but would make a huge difference.
I prefer a low maintenance yard and a tree like that would be problematic for me.
I really don't want to pay a gardener to rake leaves ever other day if I'm not around to do it...

I've always bought new houses in new developments and the trees never got big enough to be a bother before I moved on.

PersonOfInterest
06-13-2023, 06:08 AM
The point is, But you are still out the commissions paid.

:posting:
So you'd be unwilling to give away $36,000 to pocket $120,000 free, clear and non-taxable?

Normal
06-13-2023, 06:48 AM
Thanks, these are the kinds of things that I wouldn't think of, but would make a huge difference.
I prefer a low maintenance yard and a tree like that would be problematic for me.
I really don't want to pay a gardener to rake leaves ever other day if I'm not around to do it...

I've always bought new houses in new developments and the trees never got big enough to be a bother before I moved on.


Avoid deciduous trees at all costs especially, oaks, maples and magnolias.

JRcorvette
06-13-2023, 07:01 AM
I read a post here saying that the average person moves to a different house three times after buying in The Villages.
I'm sure that number is a bit exaggerated, but I’m also sure some people do move after realizing the house/location/something else didn’t work for them.

Did you move after buying, and if so, why?

What would be your suggestions on things to consider for making it a “One-and-Done” buy?

That is what I thought too… Well we are on house #4 but I don’t think thee will be another move. At lease in the Villages.

Villagesgal
06-13-2023, 07:06 AM
I read a post here saying that the average person moves to a different house three times after buying in The Villages.
I'm sure that number is a bit exaggerated, but I’m also sure some people do move after realizing the house/location/something else didn’t work for them.

Did you move after buying, and if so, why?

What would be your suggestions on things to consider for making it a “One-and-Done” buy?

Had our house here built to order 22 years ago on a beautiful championship golf course with a lake view. We went over the plans for several days making changes here and there. I would say the lot you pick is even more important than the house you build, you can make changes to the house, but not the lot. Everyday when we open the back blinds we are still in awe of our view and still love it. The only thing we would have changed on the house itself would have been to extend the garage 4 feet forward. We came from a city house with a 1 car garage so our 2 car garage here seemed huge, but otherwise we wouldn’t change a thing.
I would say, build your home and choose your lot and view wisely and you'll be a very happy one and done.

bsloan1960
06-13-2023, 12:17 PM
I don't agree that money paid to a real estate agent is given away. I expect the agent to earn the commission by using their marketing plan to get a higher price in less time for the house. When buying a house, I won't even look at FSBOs because they are usually overpriced and it is too much of a hassle to deal with most FSBO sellers. By zeroing in on my wording you missed my point. I wasn't debating the worthiness of an agent to get paid- I was asking about the wisdom of paying the huge cost of numerous changes to locations

Velvet
06-13-2023, 05:44 PM
My thing is the psychological cost, packing up, moving, unpacking. New neighbors. New routines. Things get misplaced, things get broken. You are out that period in your life. How much money is it worth for you to go through that? Then you find that you have to customize your new home etc etc. I’ve moved a lot in my life time from the time I was born. An unwilling traveler most of the time. So I’m careful with my first choice.

Heartnsoul
06-13-2023, 06:43 PM
3 to 4 homes. Loved them all

Timeweaver1
06-14-2023, 08:42 AM
I read a post here saying that the average person moves to a different house three times after buying in The Villages.
I'm sure that number is a bit exaggerated, but I’m also sure some people do move after realizing the house/location/something else didn’t work for them.

Did you move after buying, and if so, why?

What would be your suggestions on things to consider for making it a “One-and-Done” buy?

My mother is in her 4th home. Lifestyle changes played a large role. At one time, they were snowbirds as they changed to FROGS. Garage space was a major determining factor and age.

Chi-Town
06-14-2023, 09:16 AM
Had a checklist of must haves for our house here. Achieved 85 % of that list which is really good for an existing home (it was very particular). Didn't want move again,, but have people in the neighborhood who have moved two or three times. Some for size, some for location, and some just for change.