Welcome Wagon

[MrLonzo]

Just bought a house at TV. Is there some sort of turnkey concierge service similar to a 'welcome wagon' the Villages has to provide information for new owners just getting started and has lots of questions? Info on: utility services, internet services, insurance services, yard maintenance, police and emergency contacts, who to call for which questions, etc., etc., including recommendations, web sites, phone numbers, even user reviews.

If so, will they contact me or do I need to contact them? If the latter, who would I contact? Thank you!

[villagetinker]

When we moved in in 2013, we had a "welcome wagon" person stop by with a small gift basket, followed by a high pressure sales pitch for water conditioner system. After 30 minutes or more I was finally able to get them to leave, be careful what you wish for.

IMHO, I would introduce myself to my neighbors and see what they have found out for your location, then use this site for additional information. You might also be able to get some info from your sales agent.

We use AAA for insurance, Progressive for house, cars and golfcart, all bundled together. Police and other emergency services are all contacted through 911. Depending on where you live, there will be different NON emergency phone numbers for some services.

There is also another website NEXTDOOR that will have some of the info you are looking for.

[njbchbum]

MrLonzo - You might wish to consider attending one of these sessions VCDD Resident Academy (https://www.districtgov.org/ResidentAcademy.aspx)
And you might want to attend this group meeting VCDD Orientation (https://www.districtgov.org/school.aspx)

And there is a wealth of info available starting here Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/)

[Bogie Shooter]

You already found a good source TOTV.😎

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

MrLonzo - You might wish to consider attending one of these sessions VCDD Resident Academy (https://www.districtgov.org/ResidentAcademy.aspx)
And you might want to attend this group meeting VCDD Orientation (https://www.districtgov.org/school.aspx)

And there is a wealth of info available starting here Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/)

Thank you very much for this!

[MrLonzo]

Well, I guess the answer is there is no 'welcoming committee'.

For electric service, I heard the names SECO and Duke Energy. Ok. Which should I use? Do they both service my area? After about 3 websites and 4 calls, I finally got an account with SECO. Took the better part of a day.

Now on to a gas provider. The name on my breaker panel is LECO (see photo). I went to the LECO site and got nowhere. My real estate agent said TECO. Again, I’m fishing around for information about providers – are they exclusive to my area or overlapping? I go to the TECO website, it says “Tampa Electric” COmpany. Electric? I’m look for gas! And Tampa? I’m in the Villages. Do you see how the new guy on the block can be confused?

And next on the list is internet providers. And trash collectors. And water/sewer. And on and on.

Someone said talk to a neighbor and find out what they’re using. It’s hard when you haven’t moved in yet and met the neighbors because you’re still in another state packing your stuff trying to move.
Others suggested different websites, and there is a lot of information so easy to get lost in. One contact suggested was the Community Development District. I did email them with some questions and was told to call SECO and TECO for electric and gas service for my area, but no further details. Do they have competitors? Or are they monopoly utilities? Why does TECO have so many websites? And what is this LECO? And what about water, sewer, trash pickup?

Finally, after 3 days, I found this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6I6_1vAdBM. Starting at 1 minute in, it answers most of the ‘start up’ questions I’ve been asking for 3 days! I find it incredible that with all the people buying and moving into homes everyday in “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown” that there’s no one (not even the real estate agent) who provides some simple introduction like this. I also came across a book, “Inside the Bubble” by Ryan Erisman, which provides a lot of tips and details about living in the Villages. It’s $25 on Amazon, but right now I’m only interested in Chapter 25 entitled “Things to do right after moving here”. Too bad the Villages has people holding doors open for you at the sales offices, but doesn’t even have a 1-page informational brochure on these 'move-in' topics for new buyers moving to the Villages!

[Bogie Shooter]

Aren’t a lot of the things OP is asking about already defined and established in a new home purchase.
For the two new homes I purchased I didn’t have to shop for electric and gas service. Trash pick-up happened when we moved in.
Things must have changed?

[KimmieK]

Our Sales agent provided us a list of who to call for what, based on our home location/County within The Villages.

[westernrider75]

Just bought a house at TV. Is there some sort of turnkey concierge service similar to a 'welcome wagon' the Villages has to provide information for new owners just getting started and has lots of questions? Info on: utility services, internet services, insurance services, yard maintenance, police and emergency contacts, who to call for which questions, etc., etc., including recommendations, web sites, phone numbers, even user reviews.

If so, will they contact me or do I need to contact them? If the latter, who would I contact? Thank you!

We were given all that info at closing.

[Worldseries27]

Just bought a house at TV. Is there some sort of turnkey concierge service similar to a 'welcome wagon' the Villages has to provide information for new owners just getting started and has lots of questions? Info on: utility services, internet services, insurance services, yard maintenance, police and emergency contacts, who to call for which questions, etc., etc., including recommendations, web sites, phone numbers, even user reviews.

If so, will they contact me or do I need to contact them? If the latter, who would I contact? Thank you!
My builder was the one man welcome committee and he showed me around then things to do and look for

[bowlingal]

go to the new resident night, usually at the Colony Regional center. Given once a month, and it's free. Also go to the golf cart safety clinic, also given once a month, also free. You can find this and additional information on the district web site..... Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org). Also, sign into Nextdoor.com and facebook page The Villages Friendly folks.

[Chrusan]

To my knowledge there is a Villages concierge service for VLS buyers. If you used a VLS salesperson they can provide you with the person’s name.

[Rzepecki]

go to the new resident night, usually at the Colony Regional center. Given once a month, and it's free. Also go to the golf cart safety clinic, also given once a month, also free. You can find this and additional information on the district web site..... Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org). Also, sign into Nextdoor.com and facebook page The Villages Friendly folks.

The next VHA New Residents Night is on July 11 at Ezell Recreation Center. The doors open at 6:30 pm. Go to theVHA.net for more dates and events.

[Nana2Teddy]

Well, I guess the answer is there is no 'welcoming committee'.

For electric service, I heard the names SECO and Duke Energy. Ok. Which should I use? Do they both service my area? After about 3 websites and 4 calls, I finally got an account with SECO. Took the better part of a day.

Now on to a gas provider. The name on my breaker panel is LECO (see photo). I went to the LECO site and got nowhere. My real estate agent said TECO. Again, I’m fishing around for information about providers – are they exclusive to my area or overlapping? I go to the TECO website, it says “Tampa Electric” COmpany. Electric? I’m look for gas! And Tampa? I’m in the Villages. Do you see how the new guy on the block can be confused?

And next on the list is internet providers. And trash collectors. And water/sewer. And on and on.

Someone said talk to a neighbor and find out what they’re using. It’s hard when you haven’t moved in yet and met the neighbors because you’re still in another state packing your stuff trying to move.
Others suggested different websites, and there is a lot of information so easy to get lost in. One contact suggested was the Community Development District. I did email them with some questions and was told to call SECO and TECO for electric and gas service for my area, but no further details. Do they have competitors? Or are they monopoly utilities? Why does TECO have so many websites? And what is this LECO? And what about water, sewer, trash pickup?

Finally, after 3 days, I found this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6I6_1vAdBM. Starting at 1 minute in, it answers most of the ‘start up’ questions I’ve been asking for 3 days! I find it incredible that with all the people buying and moving into homes everyday in “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown” that there’s no one (not even the real estate agent) who provides some simple introduction like this. I also came across a book, “Inside the Bubble” by Ryan Erisman, which provides a lot of tips and details about living in the Villages. It’s $25 on Amazon, but right now I’m only interested in Chapter 25 entitled “Things to do right after moving here”. Too bad the Villages has people holding doors open for you at the sales offices, but doesn’t even have a 1-page informational brochure on these 'move-in' topics for new buyers moving to the Villages!
Did you buy an older home, or brand new? We bought new six months ago and received all of that info and more in a welcome package sent to us before closing. Sorry it’s been so difficult for you. Welcome, and best of luck with your move!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I've been here almost four years and still haven't yet been able to attend a new residents night. There were none for a long time during the Pandemic. The year before that, I only vaguely knew they existed from skimming some posts here that weren't related to anything I was focusing on at the time. I'm also involved in a club that meets on Tuesday afternoons down by O'Dell. So I'd have to come all the way back to the Historic section, stopping to pick up something for dinner so I can get home by 5, eat dinner, wash up, and then go all the way back down again to a 6:30 meeting, then back home again...

If they had it any other night of the week, it'd be great. I'm already -not- a member of the Historic Side Club for the same reason. I'd LOVE to join that club. But I can't wrap my mind around the idea that I'm retired, supposedly living in a resort community, and have to rush around every week at suppertime. I love my volunteer gig, but I just wish either it, or the club I want to join, would be on a different night. AND it'd be great if the new residents meeting would alternate nights. So people who have already joined a club that meets only on Tuesdays - still have a chance to attend one without missing the other.

[LucyP]

Your realtor should have information for you or ask them. Make a list! I brought pre owner North of 466 with “Turnkey” meaning furniture in home. There are “Bonds” on home when purchasing you Need to ask about. Extra $$$! My realtor gave me all information needed to move it who to contact. Download The Villages app. Start looking thru it to find information.

[dtennent]

From my experience, the only service where you have a choice is cable/internet. The companies available vary depending on where you live. The electric and gas utilities are specific to your area. I found calling them direct was helpful. Garbage is included in my monthly amenity fee, water, and garbage bill. Again, no competitors.

Sorry that your sales agent didn’t provide the information to you. Our agent, Kathy Collins, provided all of this and more. As noted above, use the search function on this site to read about specific improvements in which you might interested.

Hope things go better for you going forward.

[sharonl7340]

Well, I guess the answer is there is no 'welcoming committee'.

For electric service, I heard the names SECO and Duke Energy. Ok. Which should I use? Do they both service my area? After about 3 websites and 4 calls, I finally got an account with SECO. Took the better part of a day.

Now on to a gas provider. The name on my breaker panel is LECO (see photo). I went to the LECO site and got nowhere. My real estate agent said TECO. Again, I’m fishing around for information about providers – are they exclusive to my area or overlapping? I go to the TECO website, it says “Tampa Electric” COmpany. Electric? I’m look for gas! And Tampa? I’m in the Villages. Do you see how the new guy on the block can be confused?

And next on the list is internet providers. And trash collectors. And water/sewer. And on and on.

Someone said talk to a neighbor and find out what they’re using. It’s hard when you haven’t moved in yet and met the neighbors because you’re still in another state packing your stuff trying to move.
Others suggested different websites, and there is a lot of information so easy to get lost in. One contact suggested was the Community Development District. I did email them with some questions and was told to call SECO and TECO for electric and gas service for my area, but no further details. Do they have competitors? Or are they monopoly utilities? Why does TECO have so many websites? And what is this LECO? And what about water, sewer, trash pickup?

Finally, after 3 days, I found this on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6I6_1vAdBM. Starting at 1 minute in, it answers most of the ‘start up’ questions I’ve been asking for 3 days! I find it incredible that with all the people buying and moving into homes everyday in “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown” that there’s no one (not even the real estate agent) who provides some simple introduction like this. I also came across a book, “Inside the Bubble” by Ryan Erisman, which provides a lot of tips and details about living in the Villages. It’s $25 on Amazon, but right now I’m only interested in Chapter 25 entitled “Things to do right after moving here”. Too bad the Villages has people holding doors open for you at the sales offices, but doesn’t even have a 1-page informational brochure on these 'move-in' topics for new buyers moving to the Villages!

Not quite the "friendliest town," but you should get all that info at closing. You'll find that once they have your money, they are not concerned with you. That is until the trolls report you for non-compliance, then their hands are tied.

[Papa_lecki]

You need to have your utilities i your name at settlement, your agent would have set up electric/gas for you.

Trash is in your amenity bill
Water/sewer use the same company for all of TV

So your only option that the Welcome Wagon could help with is internet - BUT that’s your choice.

[Carlsondm]

Contact your sales agent.

[Fenster]

Maybe you should contact your salesperson.

I’ve heard great stories about how helpful the sales agents are, even well after the closing process has concluded.

Our salesperson was Lenny Berger. He was very helpful and knowledgeable, until the closing.

After we closed he wouldn’t return any messages, even to just say “I can’t help you.” Ironically, his newsletter often proclaimed that he is all about serving others.

Fortunately, he doesn’t work for the Villages any more.