Repeat Lifestyle Visits?

[MplsPete]

We had a pleasant Lifestyle Visit in mid-December (the weekend of the big rain.) Wife says, better check it out in summer, see if you like the heat. I called to request a Lifestyle Visit in July. I have read many accounts of people mentioning they had more than one visit. Schedulers told me, No no, it was a one-time opportunity . . . ?

[GpaVader]

We came back for a second life style visit. It did take a little doing but it happened. The second visit was in Aug of 2021. The first visit was in Oct of 2019.

It could be because your dates are so close together. I would explain that it rained through most of your visit and you need to see what its like during the summer both from a weather perspective and also because you need to see it out side of snowbird season.

[Kenswing]

We had a pleasant Lifestyle Visit in mid-December (the weekend of the big rain.) Wife says, better check it out in summer, see if you like the heat. I called to request a Lifestyle Visit in July. I have read many accounts of people mentioning they had more than one visit. Schedulers told me, No no, it was a one-time opportunity . . . ?

Find a sales agent you like and have them arrange it for you.

[dewilson58]

Find a sales agent you like and have them arrange it for you.

Exactly

[villagetinker]

Since you are looking over the summer, you may find rentals available for a similar rate, but may not include all of the items in the lifestyle visit. Also, remember yes it gets hot, but you will typically be in air-conditioned areas. Golf and other outside activities can be challenging during the afternoon direct sunshine. We adapted very quickly and have enjoyed 10 years here so far.

[Dean62]

We had our sales agent call us about a year after our first lifestyle visit to see if we wanted to come back for a second one. I know one restriction on a second visit is you don't get the free golf.

[Stu from NYC]

Better yet rent for a month and see how you like this place

[Topspinmo]

We had a pleasant Lifestyle Visit in mid-December (the weekend of the big rain.) Wife says, better check it out in summer, see if you like the heat. I called to request a Lifestyle Visit in July. I have read many accounts of people mentioning they had more than one visit. Schedulers told me, No no, it was a one-time opportunity . . . ?

I can tell what like in summer, HOT and muggy. And I came from OKC where summer temps can run easily 110 to 115 plus. IMO I find that the angle of sun beating on my back is worse down here which IMO requires lot of sun block.

[Tustin714]

We did a one-week lifestyle stay in the Fall of 2022, and then a full-month rental last October, and it made a huge difference. We went to a lot of open houses, and my wife even started to notice the flora differences between areas (lots of Magnolia trees versus other flora). Plus we got a sense of where we would spent a lot of our activity time, and are closing this Friday.

Good luck.

[JMintzer]

We did a one-week lifestyle stay in the Fall of 2022, and then a full-month rental last October, and it made a huge difference. We went to a lot of open houses, and my wife even started to notice the flora differences between areas (lots of Magnolia trees versus other flora). Plus we got a sense of where we would spent a lot of our activity time, and are closing this Friday.

Good luck.

Just curious... Where did you decide to purchase?

[RandyLW]

We did 4 Lifestyle visits over four years before we bought last year, each time we wanted to come we would just call our awesome sales representative and he would initiate a call back to us to schedule it. Good luck!

[Randall55]

We had a pleasant Lifestyle Visit in mid-December (the weekend of the big rain.) Wife says, better check it out in summer, see if you like the heat. I called to request a Lifestyle Visit in July. I have read many accounts of people mentioning they had more than one visit. Schedulers told me, No no, it was a one-time opportunity . . . ?Several folks I have met in the squares have told me they can not obtain a second lifestyle visit. They each were told this change was made a few months ago. Only one lifestyle visit is permitted moving forward. Your best bet is to rent a furnished home from a villager. The rates are substantially lower during the summer months.

We sold our home in Hawkins and easily found a yearly rental. There are hundreds to choose from: small patio villas all the way up to premiere homes. Many come with a golf cart included.

[Michael 61]

I did my first lifestyle visit in July 2022. My sales rep knew I was highly motivated to buy. I asked for a second lifestyle visit seven weeks later, at the end of August 2022, and my sales rep made it happen with no problem (I assume that being it was “low” season made my request more easily accommodated). I almost bought in DeLuna, but decided to wait a few months and take my chances in Richmond, as I knew those homes would be coming on the market at the end of 2022. In the meantime, I wanted to return a third time, and didn’t want to be greedy, and didn’t even bother asking about a 3rd lifestyle visit. I ended up renting for a month in October 2022, in Fernandina, as I wanted to check out an established neighborhood, in order to compare to the newer homes. Ended up winning the Richmond lottery, buying sight unseen November 2022 and closed in December 2022. The rest is history …. Retirement in The Villages is the best!

[asianthree]

Lifestyle in 07, PV in Caroline, cottage 09 in LSL, CYV 10, LSL. Those days you could visit as long as there was available homes, but perks dwindle each time.

We had family here so visits with them at different villages from Lopez area to LSL.

I agree call your rep they cam make it happen

[badkarma318]

You could stay at either the Brownwood Hotel or the Waterfront Inn for just a little more than the lifestyle visit daily rate. Of course you wouldn't get the golf cart, bikes, and any other potential perks (although they dwindle after the first time).

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

We have never had a Lifestyle visit. We just rented a house for two weeks last summer and we did the same when we decided to go for two months starting April. (Yea!!)

[MrFlorida]

Rent for the month of July or August, then you'll know if you want to live here.

[spd2918]

They got snooty with us when we asked for a 2nd lifestyle visit. We found it was cheaper to rent a PV for a week.

I agree a long visit in August will help you determine if Florida is right for you.

[ColtsFan]

We did two life style visits. I am sure you can get it done. Also, the summer time might seem hot to you, but you do develop what they call "Florida Blood". The heat of the summer does not bother us---and plenty of pools to go to. We enjoy the weather year around. Moving here was the best decision we have made.

[Rwirish]

One time.

Summer is the best time of year.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

We have never had a Lifestyle visit. We just rented a house for two weeks last summer and we did the same when we decided to go for two months starting April. (Yea!!)

By far the best way to get a true feel of TV. The reason is that you get a real feel of living in a neighborhood, learn a location, and learn to travel in a golf cart. Also gives you a feel for living expenses for food, versus a 1 week "vacation".

Living in a house also gives you a sense of a typical house set up, and what you might want or not. Helps to get a baseline for looking at a type of house to buy, given certain characteristics of the different models. Since most houses are very, very similar, what will make you decide on your purchase some added difference, whether storage, or lanai design, or outdoor kitchen, or location / view.

We have a rental available for one more year: there are two types of renters, winter asylum seekers, and those looking for their TV/FL retirement home. summer rates are less per day than life style visits, look at the different types and rates as a sample with loads of pictures.

Also, when looking for a house we went through lots of sales and rental pictures to get a sense of interior decor and setups. . so much information available before you even get here!

The Villages, FL United States - 2351 Bayberry Ct | Down Home Properties (https://bookings-downhomepm.escapia.com/Unit/Details/231037)

The Villages, FL United States - 525 Inner Circle | Down Home Properties (https://bookings-downhomepm.escapia.com/Unit/Details/207545)

The Villages, FL United States - 1352 Kilgore Way | Down Home Properties (https://bookings-downhomepm.escapia.com/Unit/Details/211580)

[CoachKandSportsguy]

BTW, you don't have to suffer through summer, until you get used to the heat. . you can get boiled like a frog or
you can take a summer vacation north, by car, RV or visit family left behind!

[LonnyP]

The easy way to do it is to rent for a month or two from a landlord in an area that you like. I prefer Osceola Hills. The landlord will get you lifestyle passes and you can check it out all you want. The lifestyle visit you likely did was scheduled with the villages and I have no idea if they limit those.

[FloridaLady]

If you were happy with the agent they assigned last time call them about getting a 2nd visit and see what they say

[Miboater]

We also had four lifestyle visits. The sales department called us for the middle two and we initiated the last one when we knew we were ready to buy. While we got the usual golf cart and bikes we didn't get any other perks like the golf passes or show tickets.

[NotGolfer]

One life-style visit for us----that was in late 2008. Even back then the "perks" had changed from reports of others who'd come earlier. Availability was fairly easy but the market was quite open here then as well.
We're "from" MN so know the difference in climates so here, it's semi-tropical. You will become accostomed to the weather. We'd rather live here then struggle through winters there....which seem (in other years at least) to keep getting longer. Our family situations have changed too---it's difficult to pull folks together and to travel that far for just a day, afternoon or whatever get-together seems out of the question------and expensive! They can come here if they want to see us!! We're so thankful to live in The Villages----the Life-style is good on all levels! Hope you find your solution!!

[Idahodale]

We did a one-week lifestyle stay in the Fall of 2022, and then a full-month rental last October, and it made a huge difference. We went to a lot of open houses, and my wife even started to notice the flora differences between areas (lots of Magnolia trees versus other flora). Plus we got a sense of where we would spent a lot of our activity time, and are closing this Friday.

Good luck.

The first two years of retirement, we spent in Mexico. The expats (Americans) suggested renting the first year. There are many houses for rent in TV for cheap, in the summer, some with golf carts. Try it out first. I loved Mexico, but left due to the crime. And saved thousands because we rented.

[kkingston57]

We had a pleasant Lifestyle Visit in mid-December (the weekend of the big rain.) Wife says, better check it out in summer, see if you like the heat. I called to request a Lifestyle Visit in July. I have read many accounts of people mentioning they had more than one visit. Schedulers told me, No no, it was a one-time opportunity . . . ?

Brother came 1-2 days after Hurricane Ian. They allowed him a 2nd visit citing the storm. Did not include the golf costs.

[skiclub]

I agree with what most are saying, rent for a month in the summer. We bought our home a few years ago and rent it out occasionally (per month) and have had three couples purchase homes after renting from us. One of the couples rented last June because they wanted to see what it would be like to be here in the summer and ended up buying a home. There is so much to see and do during a month versus trying to make a big decision off of a one-week visit.

[Nell57]

I equate Florida summer vs Ohio winter.
You just have to manage your time. Go out in the mornings…..stay in the air conditioning for a siesta during the heat of the day. Back out in the evenings . They are long with fabulous sunsets.
Be sure and come again in October. SOLD

[lawgolfer]

We had a pleasant Lifestyle Visit in mid-December (the weekend of the big rain.) Wife says, better check it out in summer, see if you like the heat. I called to request a Lifestyle Visit in July. I have read many accounts of people mentioning they had more than one visit. Schedulers told me, No no, it was a one-time opportunity . . . ?
There is no denying that, during the daytime, it can be hot and muggy in the Summer. That said, you quickly learn to adapt. Air conditioning is ubiquitous. My wife rarely leaves the house without a light jacket or sweater as the stores and restaurants are cold.

Lifestyle visit are great. We did two in 2021, one in the Winter and one in the Summer. However, when we decided to buy a house, we stayed at the Waterfront Inn. Our reasoning was two-fold. First, we didn't want to feel beholden to a Village's salesperson. Second, we wanted to be away from the villas across from Brownwood used for Lifestyle visits, which we felt was somewhat confining. We spent 2 or 3 days just driving around a large number of Villages to get a sense of what it would be like living in them, with an emphasis on having easy access to one of the town squares, stores, restaurants, doctors, banks etc. We quickly concluded that access to Rt.466 to the west of Monte Vista would be an excellent location as well as access to LSL.

We were very happy with the Waterfront. We could walk to Lake Sumter Landing. If we wanted a golf cart, we walked across the street and rented one for the day from The Villages garage. We used both a Village's salesperson and an independent realtor. We found that we wanted to live in the LSL area, found a nice house in the village of Winifred and then set out on the great adventure of remodeling it.

Any of the Villages of Polo Ridge, Tall Trees, Winifred, Bridgeport, Carolyn, Belvedere, and Virginia Trace would have met our requirements.

[wawriwwawriw]

Try to Use your spouse name and credit card. Their system may not “catch it”

[Professor]

We had a pleasant Lifestyle Visit in mid-December (the weekend of the big rain.) Wife says, better check it out in summer, see if you like the heat. I called to request a Lifestyle Visit in July. I have read many accounts of people mentioning they had more than one visit. Schedulers told me, No no, it was a one-time opportunity . . . ?

We did two visits before we bought, but they were 18 months apart so that may make a difference.

[TomSpasm]

You should definitely rent a private home in an area you think you are interested in. I'm not sure where you are coming from, but aside from the heat, what you'll really be impressed by is the amount of rain, thunder and lightning. But those are good things, they cool things down. The other thing you'll enjoy in the summer is everything not being jam crammed full of people, and a lot less cars and carts in your way to your destinations.

[CarlR33]

I just asked this question to a rep yesterday and was told the limit was three BUT, I would not call the Villages operator and demand another visit from them. I would go through my Villages Rep for the next lifestyle visit. Having said that I would consider renting a private home for a week-month instead of a second or third lifestyle visit. The summer is hot two or three months a year…..so what…..it’s cold 6 months in the north take your pick, LOL.

[jimjamuser]

The easy way to do it is to rent for a month or two from a landlord in an area that you like. I prefer Osceola Hills. The landlord will get you lifestyle passes and you can check it out all you want. The lifestyle visit you likely did was scheduled with the villages and I have no idea if they limit those.
Make the 2 months in the summer if you are going to be year around residents.

[MrChip72]

Make the 2 months in the summer if you are going to be year around residents.

Personally, I disagree with that advice. It would be like evaluating a place up north in the middle of winter when there's too much snow and too cold to go outside for very long. In the summer in TV you'll just end up inside in the A/C.

Honestly, it's much better for people to try it out in the good months like in the spring or fall where many people are doing more activities, socializing, they can gauge how busy things can get at the squares, restaurants and the traffic.