Negotiating a price with TV on Spec Home

[Danth1980]

On previously owned homes we can negotiate a price with the seller. Buying a new build in TV we are told what the price is after design meetings, and I believe that price is final with no negotiating. What about buying a Spec house from TV, can we negotiate a price on a Spec home? I would think with nearly 300 new builds currently on the market and more being added every few days they would deal on price.

[retiredguy123]

I doubt it. The Villages would be very foolish to start negotiating the price of their new houses individually. When houses don't sell, they issue a price reduction.

[Rainger99]

When we bought, we were told that they don't negotiate the price. The price is the price. If we made a deposit, it was ours - even if someone came by an hour later and offered $50,000 more. Although to be honest, I don't know if that has actually happened! I have not heard of a bidding war on spec homes.

[Stu from NYC]

I think that would set a very dangerous precedent so doubt if they would

[Papa_lecki]

On previously owned homes we can negotiate a price with the seller. Buying a new build in TV we are told what the price is after design meetings, and I believe that price is final with no negotiating. What about buying a Spec house from TV, can we negotiate a price on a Spec home? I would think with nearly 300 new builds currently on the market and more being added every few days they would deal on price.

No negotiations on new construction.
The demand for homes is too great. They don’t need to negotiate, if you don’t want it at their price, there are 15 people behind you on the wait list. One of those 15 will pay their asking price, many would pay above asking.

If you want to negotiate, go pre-owned. But the demand is the similar

[LuvtheVillages]

Having 300 new builds on the market is not a negotiating point. That is only about 3-4 weeks inventory.

[margaretmattson]

Having 300 new builds on the market is not a negotiating point. That is only about 3-4 weeks inventory. I have noticed you can save quite a bit of money if you are one of the last to purchase a home in a new village. The developer has moved on to another area and drops the prices of the few homes that are remaining Of course, your selection is limited. These are the homes no one showed any interest in.

[retiredguy123]

I have noticed you can save quite a bit of money if you are one of the last to purchase a home in a new village. The developer has moved on to another area and drops the prices of the few homes that are remaining Of course, your selection is limited. These are the homes no one showed any interest in.
Pennywise and pound foolish. You are better off being one of the first to purchase.

[margaretmattson]

Pennywise and pound foolish. You are better off being one of the first to purchase. How? The developer never tells anyone what or where he is building next. It is a crap shoot for everyone. Today your new home and area may be prime real estate, in 6 -12 months, not so much.

[Two Bills]

How? The developer never tells anyone what or where he is building next. It is a crap shoot for everyone. Today your new home and area may be prime real estate, in 6 -12 months, not so much.

Pretty sure 'retired' is saying there is always a reason why the last house in any development, is often hard to sell, and often discounted.
Lets face it. It wont be the best location, layout, and build in the area!

[retiredguy123]

How? The developer never tells anyone what or where he is building next. It is a crap shoot for everyone. Today your new home and area may be prime real estate, in 6 -12 months, not so much.
An experienced agent can help you with that. I have been shown new houses before they go on the market. It may not be according to the rules, but it happens.

[margaretmattson]

Pretty sure 'retired' is saying there is always a reason why the last house in any development, is often hard to sell, and often discounted.
Lets face it. It wont be the best location, layout, and build in the area! I believe I stated that in my first post. But, if saving money is your only concern, then buying last is an option.

[margaretmattson]

An experienced agent can help you with that. I have been shown new houses before they go on the market. It may not be according to the rules, but it happens. Not quite what I meant. A realtor doesn't tell you what is coming down the pipeline. Look at Dabney. Is section 84 really going to be worth investing in? Or, does the Developer have another premier area planned in the area of Eastport? Or, does he plan on building premier homes in several locations? He has already built some in Middleton. And, who is to say, in the end, which will be better?

[retiredguy123]

Not quite what I meant. A realtor doesn't tell you what is coming down the pipeline. Look at Dabney. Is section 84 really going to be worth investing in? Or, does the Developer have another premier area planned in the area of Eastport? Or, does he plan on building premier homes in several locations? He has already built some in Middleton. And, who is to say, in the end, which will be better?
I would suggest that you order a crystal ball from Amazon.

[Stu from NYC]

Look at the area being built (goldwing will show us that on his videos) and talk to an experienced agent. Believe they have access to the lot layout and can guide you as to the designer home that can fit on a lot you want.

[margaretmattson]

I would suggest that you order a crystal ball from Amazon. I tried a magic 8 ball, that didn't work.

[Altavia]

How? The developer never tells anyone what or where he is building next. It is a crap shoot for everyone. Today your new home and area may be prime real estate, in 6 -12 months, not so much.

Just follow the trail of new Championship Golf Courses.

If you pay attention to site prep, progress on Championship Golf Courses, and Don Wiley's videos - it's not so hard to anticipate where next home production will take place.

Underground utilities and road prep are substantially completed in much of the area South of Monarch Grove, along Marsh Bend Trail and south of Eastport.

They typically complete 3-4 new Villages a year and those new Villages are shown on the maps released by the Villages.

South of Monarch Grove through Middleton including Eastport will fill in along with the new golf courses the next two years.

[Randall55]

Just follow the trail of new Championship Golf Courses.

If you pay attention to site prep, progress on Championship Golf Courses, and Don Wiley's videos - it's not so hard to anticipate where next home production will take place.

Underground utilities and road prep are substantially completed in much of the area South of Monarch Grove, along Marsh Bend Trail and south of Eastport.

They typically complete 3-4 new Villages a year and those new Villages are shown on the maps released by the Villages.

South of Monarch Grove through Middleton including Eastport will fill in along with the new golf courses the next two years. I referred to all of those. I saw several championship golf courses are planned in the area of Eastport. What I don't know is why section 84 was kept under guard until Don Wiley found the information. Is that area of homes going to be so exclusive and worth the price or is another premier area going to be built near the new championship golf courses that will be better than section 84? I agree that it is a crap shoot. Guess one has to do what they believe is best.

[manaboutown]

Not quite what I meant. A realtor doesn't tell you what is coming down the pipeline. Look at Dabney. Is section 84 really going to be worth investing in? Or, does the Developer have another premier area planned in the area of Eastport? Or, does he plan on building premier homes in several locations? He has already built some in Middleton. And, who is to say, in the end, which will be better?

Realtors do not know what is coming down the pipeline. Neither do Villages agents.

[Altavia]

I referred to all of those. I saw several championship golf courses are planned in the area of Eastport. What I don't know is why section 84 was kept under guard until Don Wiley found the information. Is that area of homes going to be so exclusive and worth the price or is another premier area going to be built near the new championship golf courses that will be better than section 84? I agree that it is a crap shoot. Guess one has to do what they believe is best.

That area is definitely a one off.

It's interesting things to watch the Developer takes risks and innovate in the new areas.

Edna's, Sawgrass and now Middleton are recent examples.

[Stu from NYC]

That area is definitely a one off.

It's interesting things to watch the Developer takes risks and innovate in the new areas.

Edna's, Sawgrass and now Middleton are recent examples.

His risks do seem to always pay off even when they build near the turnpike or the quarry.

[Kelevision]

On previously owned homes we can negotiate a price with the seller. Buying a new build in TV we are told what the price is after design meetings, and I believe that price is final with no negotiating. What about buying a Spec house from TV, can we negotiate a price on a Spec home? I would think with nearly 300 new builds currently on the market and more being added every few days they would deal on price.

Never! Not even 50 cents. Though as someone else mentioned, if certain homes don’t sell after several months or more, they’ll lower the price by 5000. It’s not always and not many choices, usually bad areas, noisy or whatever for not much savings. They always sell.

[Altavia]

Realtors do not know what is coming down the pipeline. Neither do Villages agents.

Then they are not doing their homework.

As stated previously, plenty of evidence for what will materialize the next couple of years.

[SusanStCatherine]

Will the premier homes be all custom builds?

[Randall55]

Will the premier homes be all custom builds? The new reimagined premier models have already been built in Middleton. I went there and asked questions. It seems what you can do is very limited. The tilt wall construction they are currently using is the reason for these limitations. I am going to stay clear of section 84. I believe I will be happier building a home in the areas of Eastport. Just my own personal crap shoot.

[Altavia]

The new reimagined premier models have already been built in Middleton. I went there and asked questions. It seems what you can do is very limited. The tilt wall construction they are currently using is the reason for these limitations. I am going to stay clear of section 84. I believe I will be happier building a home in the areas of Eastport. Just my own personal crap shoot.

We're in the
same boat, waiting for something within walking distance of Eastport. Probably 12-24 months away.

[margaretmattson]

We're in the
same boat, waiting for something within walking distance of Eastport. Probably 12-24 months away. I heard the first Village near Eastport is very close to ready. Supposedly, new homes will be available in the Spring. I do not believe the area is within walking distance but close. The village is surrounded by a championship golf course. I think the name of that course is Sugar Creek?

[thelegges]

The new reimagined premier models have already been built in Middleton. I went there and asked questions. It seems what you can do is very limited. The tilt wall construction they are currently using is the reason for these limitations. I am going to stay clear of section 84. I believe I will be happier building a home in the areas of Eastport. Just my own personal crap shoot.

As we looked at 84, the lots are no where as large as previous Premier neighborhoods. But if one wants to build a house with all 10’ ceilings, and 8’ interior and exterior doors, it only offered in a premier model. One can build same floor plan in a designer, but those two options are no longer offered in a designer.

Which leaves us with waiting, to build again. 84 is in nowhere land right now, but in time that will change. If you are traveling or working in Orlando it’s convenient. Adding up what we would build base premier house at $600,000, another $150,000 in upgrades, view lot roughly $100,000, pool $150,000, and the bond $71,000. Will give some to pause before taking that leap. Of course one could build on an interior, small designer, no pool and be around half that cost. It will be interesting, how 84 will sell out

[Randall55]

As we looked at 84, the lots are no where as large as previous Premier neighborhoods. But if one wants to build a house with all 10’ ceilings, and 8’ interior and exterior doors, it only offered in a premier model. One can build same floor plan in a designer, but those two options are no longer offered in a designer.

Which leaves us with waiting, to build again. 84 is in nowhere land right now, but in time that will change. If you are traveling or working in Orlando it’s convenient. Adding up what we would build base premier house at $600,000, another $150,000 in upgrades, view lot roughly $100,000, pool $150,000, and the bond $71,000. Will give some to pause before taking that leap. Of course one could build on an interior, small designer, no pool and be around half that cost. It will be interesting, how 84 will sell out I agree. But, I believe you will have the same options in the areas closer to Eastport. I can't imagine premier homes will not be built there. But, that is my own crap shoot. I have no knowledge to back it up. Remember, a bond price is determined by the amount of homes built in the section. There are only 121 homes being built in section 84. I can understand the bond price. I just do not see the attraction. Just my opinion.

[Blackbird45]

With new houses selling faster than the sod taking hold why would anyone in their right mind negotiate.

[Stu from NYC]

The developer has created an incredible business.

[BlueStarAirlines]

As we looked at 84, the lots are no where as large as previous Premier neighborhoods. But if one wants to build a house with all 10’ ceilings, and 8’ interior and exterior doors, it only offered in a premier model. One can build same floor plan in a designer, but those two options are no longer offered in a designer.


As someone else mentioned reading the tea leaves, it was pretty much guaranteed that either Premier homes would be back or they would life the limitation on true customization of designer homes. We thankfully were able to build and customize our designer home just a few months before they stopped. Lots of frustration that if one wanted "home A" there were only a few changes one could make. Maybe this is their test to see is the demand is really there or that they can continue with their limited customization options.

As exclusive as they try to make section 84, it looks like there are still "kissing lanais" with only a portion of the homesites as desirable. I'd be curious if the premier homes are again fully customizable or if its just a bigger home with limited customization options.

[NotGolfer]

Seems that the ones questioning this are fairly new to the community. This is what was happening all along. I know folks who bought in the 90's here and had to decide the same day the house came up due to the interest in folks wanting to move here. NO negotiations could be done. This community isn't a town or city like we all moved here from. It's a planned community of a developer. It's a business with a plan. I see so many people coming and right away want to change things like where they're from. So many also plan or over-plan what house they want, the direction it sits etc. but don't do their homework on how FL or the county does things.

[Randall55]

As someone else mentioned reading the tea leaves, it was pretty much guaranteed that either Premier homes would be back or they would life the limitation on true customization of designer homes. We thankfully were able to build and customize our designer home just a few months before they stopped. Lots of frustration that if one wanted "home A" there were only a few changes one could make. Maybe this is their test to see is the demand is really there or that they can continue with their limited customization options.

As exclusive as they try to make section 84, it looks like there are still "kissing lanais" with only a portion of the homesites as desirable. I'd be curious if the premier homes are again fully customizable or if its just a bigger home with limited customization options. You can go to Middleton. The larger, one-story homes are the exact model options for section 84. There are more model options, but they are the same as those built in prior villages. The premier homes in Middleton are easy to identify when driving through because they are larger than those surrounding. Stop in, chat with the realtors, get your own feel.

[westernrider75]

I have noticed you can save quite a bit of money if you are one of the last to purchase a home in a new village. The developer has moved on to another area and drops the prices of the few homes that are remaining Of course, your selection is limited. These are the homes no one showed any interest in.

We were lucky enough to buy one of those homes that were reduced several years ago. We got more house than we were originally looking for and still love it.

[DBChris]

I would think with nearly 300 new builds currently on the market and more being added every few days they would deal on price.

You would be thinking wrong. Give it a shot and post your findings.

[Randall55]

You would be thinking wrong. Give it a shot and post your findings.The post right above yours supplies an answer. Homeowner bought last in a Village for quite a discount and is extremely happy in the home.

[deborahcme]

When we purchased here five years ago, we also thought of making an offer, but that was just it--a thought. Whether new build or existing home, the price was the price. In other markets we've been in (Mississippi, Indiana, Washington DC) the builder's price was the price and you could try a negotiation on an existing home, but would not succeed in a "seller's" market. The main reason (I think) that the TV builders will lower the price on homes that have not sold is because they don't want to continue to pay the carrying costs beyond a certain date. Those "left over" homes may be perfectly fine, just like the left over inventory in clothing sales may be perfectly fine. Limited choices for sure, but ok if you find a home that suits you and also comes at a savings. As to figuring out where development will go.....did someone say crystal ball?

[Stu from NYC]

The post right above yours supplies an answer. Homeowner bought last in a Village for quite a discount and is extremely happy in the home.

OK it happened but we all know it is not a very common occurrence.

When it did happen others picked the most desirable lots and locations.

[Wondering]

They don't negotiate! if inventory/Spec homes aren't selling they lower the price. If demand is high, they are going to lower prices on spec houses. I built in late 2008 and the economy and demand were down, so they discounted even new construction.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

Nope! But that was actually one of the things we ended up liking about the process - the price is the price. We were considering building in Lakewood Ranch and that developer was having sealed bid auctions to buy the lots on a single release day with only a minimum bid made available. I thought that was absolutely insane! Just tell me how much you want for the lot!

[Randall55]

OK it happened but we all know it is not a very common occurrence.

When it did happen others picked the most desirable lots and locations. If one poster tells you she noticed you can save money by being the last to purchase in a Village, and another tells you she did just that, and yet another states she bought at discount when the demand was low, how do you rationalize that it is not a common occurrence? If someone asks me if I know how to get a discount on a new home, I will give them that advice. I wouldn't just say, nope! never happens! Only once in a Blue Moon! And who is to say what is more desirable than others? Maybe it was something simple like the outside paint color.

[DBChris]

The post right above yours supplies an answer. Homeowner bought last in a Village for quite a discount and is extremely happy in the home.

You missed the point. They don't negotiate if you try. They will lower the price at their discretion if they want to "move" the house. That homeowner who is happy bought a house that was already discounted. They did not negotiate the discount.

[Randall55]

You missed the point. They don't negotiate if you try. They will lower the price at their discretion if they want to "move" the house. That homeowner who is happy bought a house that was already discounted. They did not negotiate the discount. I reread the original post. It asks about negotiating then a few vague questions follow. At this point, it is up to the OP to decide what information they will or will not use. As for me, I did learn some valuable information. I might even use it if I wish to purchase an investment home.

[greg.turay]

Not quite what I meant. A realtor doesn't tell you what is coming down the pipeline. Look at Dabney. Is section 84 really going to be worth investing in? Or, does the Developer have another premier area planned in the area of Eastport? Or, does he plan on building premier homes in several locations? He has already built some in Middleton. And, who is to say, in the end, which will be better?
Unit 84 is great if you want a $70,000 plus bond on top of the other costs.

[Two Bills]

I remember a very nice house adjacent too Okeechobee Exec Course at the turn hole, which remained unsold for a long time.
Moyer Loop on one side, dog park at rear.
Location is all.

[Stu from NYC]

If one poster tells you she noticed you can save money by being the last to purchase in a Village, and another tells you she did just that, and yet another states she bought at discount when the demand was low, how do you rationalize that it is not a common occurrence? If someone asks me if I know how to get a discount on a new home, I will give them that advice. I wouldn't just say, nope! never happens! Only once in a Blue Moon! And who is to say what is more desirable than others? Maybe it was something simple like the outside paint color.

So I said it is a rare occurrence never said it never happens. If it happens say 5% of the time does that make it a common occurrence?

I like to negotiate and will always try to do so but recognize my chances might be slim or none.

[kendi]

3 years ago our agent asked the Morse family if they would negotiate. They said they used to but not anymore. Too much backlash from other buyers

[Maker]

Which leaves us with waiting, to build again. 84 is in nowhere land right now, but in time that will change. If you are traveling or working in Orlando it’s convenient. Adding up what we would build base premier house at $600,000, another $150,000 in upgrades, view lot roughly $100,000, pool $150,000, and the bond $71,000.

A smart person will buy the house at as low of a price as possible. And then simultaneously buy the pool, appliances, golf cart, decorations, etc, via a separate deal. You don't want the sale price of the house to include anything extra. Taxes taxes taxes taxes taxes taxes

[JMintzer]

I heard the first Village near Eastport is very close to ready. Supposedly, new homes will be available in the Spring. I do not believe the area is within walking distance but close. The village is surrounded by a championship golf course. I think the name of that course is Sugar Creek?

"Shallow" Creek...

[HandyGrandpap]

On previously owned homes we can negotiate a price with the seller. Buying a new build in TV we are told what the price is after design meetings, and I believe that price is final with no negotiating. What about buying a Spec house from TV, can we negotiate a price on a Spec home? I would think with nearly 300 new builds currently on the market and more being added every few days they would deal on price.

Would someone please advise how to determine the number of: 1) new builds and 2) the total # of homes for sale on the Villages homefinder site, as I have not been able to do so, thanks and much appreciated as always, link below. I have been able to do so on Zillow, but not The Villages Homefinder site.

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/?new&preowned&homesites&status&lng=-81.98019326735313&lat=28.86591360951103&lvl=2)

[2newones]

Why not buy a like new, 2 yr old home in an established location like Sawgrass Grove? Lower bond, lower taxes and you can meet your neighbors before the offer. Preowned are also very negotiable this time of year. See 6022 Swicord St.

[JMintzer]

Would someone please advise how to determine the number of: 1) new builds and 2) the total # of homes for sale on the Villages homefinder site, as I have not been able to do so, thanks and much appreciated as always, link below. I have been able to do so on Zillow, but not The Villages Homefinder site.

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/?new&preowned&homesites&status&lng=-81.98019326735313&lat=28.86591360951103&lvl=2)

1: Go to TheVillagesHomefinder site. Zoom in on the area where new builds are happening (currently Newell & Lake Denham). Put "New Homes" in your search. All of the completed homes will show up on the left hand side of the page. The lots for sale will also show up, but you can ignore those...

Start counting...

2: See above, but include New & Pre-Owned Homes in your search...

[Normal]

Why on Earth would somebody want to spend the extra money to build in Area 84? The Villages won’t be expanding more towards 27. They don’t own the land and 27 has other newer developments on it. Area 84 is right next to the very busy 470 in Lake County where no roundabouts are permitted. The Village is at least 10 minutes from Sawgrass and there isn’t a whole lot of scenery to be had in that neck of the woods. A potential homeowner has a drive to get anywhere within the Villages where amenities are provided. Smart money would be better put to use in the newer Eastport area.

[thelegges]

A smart person will buy the house at as low of a price as possible. And then simultaneously buy the pool, appliances, golf cart, decorations, etc, via a separate deal. You don't want the sale price of the house to include anything extra. Taxes taxes taxes taxes taxes taxes

So you really think people buy and have zero smarts to do so.

First came to TV in “07”. We r on our 4th house 2 new spec both at a discount of closing out village, both investment, 3rd preowned bought for less than asking.

4th was custom upgrading only what would cost more aftermarket. Each house paid for the next house and then some, including adding a pool. Houses in our neighborhood sold in 5 minutes of release. Now at the 11 month mark, resale’s are selling in days.

Lots of experience and due diligence for 16 years. Maybe you could use sage advice, from the many who have experienced TV when LSL was so new,and empty, it was developer run businesses

[skippy05]

A property resale in the villages which can be significantly negotiated would be one that has some undesirable property circumstances surrounding it. I'd say they do exist, but only come to market once in blue moons. Example: contains significant amounts of hideously ugly ceramic floor tile which is expensive to remove. This house will sit and sit on the market. Eventually you can offer a way lower price. However, given you are buying the problem as well as the house, did you actually buy something of real hidden value or simply must plunge exta cash after purchase to try and rectify?

[margaretmattson]

A property resale in the villages which can be significantly negotiated would be one that has some undesirable property circumstances surrounding it. I'd say they do exist, but only come to market once in blue moons. Example: contains significant amounts of hideously ugly ceramic floor tile which is expensive to remove. This house will sit and sit on the market. Eventually you can offer a way lower price. However, given you are buying the problem as well as the house, did you actually buy something of real hidden value or simply must plunge exta cash after purchase to try and rectify?When you buy a new house and put in landscaping, glass enclose your lanai, epoxy the garage, paint the drive way etc. Is that not the same thing?Improvement costs on any homes are to be expected. You find a home that you like and be happy with your choice.

[Kelevision]

The post right above yours supplies an answer. Homeowner bought last in a Village for quite a discount and is extremely happy in the home.

That person didn’t bargain though. They waited until the homes didn’t sell and were reduced. when I bought I had the choice of a newer village by Sawgrass with frame homes or a discounted block model of the same house that was discounted in a different village. It backed up against Morse/warm springs and a golf cart path with power lines running along. I chose to get the regular priced frame house that backed up against the far end of the bocci ball court and a pond. It’s so quiet where I am. Every time I drive by that other one, I’m so happy I didn’t chose it for the 5000 savings.

[Kelevision]

Why on Earth would somebody want to spend the extra money to build in Area 84? The Villages won’t be expanding more towards 27. They don’t own the land and 27 has other newer developments on it. Area 84 is right next to the very busy 470 in Lake County where no roundabouts are permitted. The Village is at least 10 minutes from Sawgrass and there isn’t a whole lot of scenery to be had in that neck of the woods. A potential homeowner has a drive to get anywhere within the Villages where amenities are provided. Smart money would be better put to use in the newer Eastport area.

I completely understand why people would want to live there if they back up against the woods but I’m not sure why the people in the middle houses would like it?

[margaretmattson]

I completely understand why people would want to live there if they back up against the woods but I’m not sure why the people in the middle houses would like it? We drove by. I don't understand the hype. Maybe for those who work in Orlando or.just like the idea of a smaller neighborhood without traffic. Lots were smaller than I expected. And, as some have said, quite a drive to amenities.

[RandyLW]

We just purchased a house in Lake Denham, that had been on the market for a few months. We had placed 18 houses that we liked in our favorites list and watched them closely. Two weeks ago while checking them in the morning I noticed that one of our favorites had a $23,000 price drop, and we bought it. The house was originally listed for $402,000 but we bought it at $379,000 and it was a designer home style that we liked when we first started researching the Villages 4 years ago. Lake Denham is where all the new homes that the Villages are currently selling are located, so our house was not the last new home for sale in our area.

We were not allowed to negotiate our house price, but we packed our favorites list with houses we liked, adding new ones when others sold, and waited for one that we liked to go on sale. I think there is a buying slowdown due to the rising mortgage rates and you can get a good price on a new home if you are patient. The Villages will not let all these new houses just sit there, they need to sell them and they have shown us that they will reduce prices when they need to sale the homes.

[Altavia]

We just purchased a house in Lake Denham, that had been on the market for a few months. We had placed 18 houses that we liked in our favorites list and watched them closely. Two weeks ago while checking them in the morning I noticed that one of our favorites had a $23,000 price drop, and we bought it. The house was originally listed for $402,000 but we bought it at $379,000 and it was a designer home style that we liked when we first started researching the Villages 4 years ago. Lake Denham is where all the new homes that the Villages are currently selling are located, so our house was not the last new home for sale in our area.

We were not allowed to negotiate our house price, but we packed our favorites list with houses we liked, adding new ones when others sold, and waited for one that we liked to go on sale. I think there is a buying slowdown due to the rising mortgage rates and you can get a good price on a new home if you are patient. The Villages will not let all these new houses just sit there, they need to sell them and they have shown us that they will reduce prices when they need to sale the homes.

Congratulations on the purchased off your new home!

Your approach sounds very smart!

[Babubhat]

It’s about cash flow. Move the inventory and build more. Reducing the occasional house is spitting into the ocean to them. They still make a nice profit.

[Twindham]

I doubt it. The Villages would be very foolish to start negotiating the price of their new houses individually. When houses don't sell, they issue a price reduction.
That's exactly what happened with us. We had our eye on a fully furnished spec home. The sales agent told us the price is the price. No negotiating. When it didn't sell after a couple of weeks on the market, they dropped the price by $39k. Then we purchased it. It has made all the difference in the world not having to purchase furniture nor moving furniture from the north since we are snowbirds. No regrets...at least not yet.