Villages q1 2024 market update

[Altavia]

Villages real estate
market update
first quarter 2024

[Mleeja]

I have been waiting for this to be published. It is not full of good news. 48 days on the market average!

[Normal]

I have been waiting for this to be published. It is not full of good news. 48 days on the market average!

The economy is hitting a tough spot for the Villages and the country. 55% of home purchases here are financed. The economy influences buying here and everywhere.

Credit card delinquency rates are at an all time high as reported by the Fed this week. Interest rates are starting to surge. Buckle up if you thought the inflation machine was tamed. Reports show there may be one, yes one rate cut in 2024.

As far as The Villages Sun and their advertisements with these numbers,
STATISTICS 101 and Measures of Central Tendency
Skewed perceptions for manipulation of an audience can occur when a presentation only focuses on one of three categories while ignoring the others in the subsets known as Mean, Median and Mode. Here averages or the “mean”seem to highlight the misleading propaganda. Many, many homes were sold at the MODE of reduced prices and huge concessions.

All is fun in rainbow sprinkled unicorn land.

[Altavia]

Yep - $300 million in new home sales in Q1 (sans Middleton) - so 1-2 billion in new home sales this year is likely -- the sky is falling...

Danby is not an easy sell. South of Eastport move quickly.

Richmond and Villages north of Eastport are eagerly anticipated by buyers

[vintageogauge]

Selling about 17 homes a day combined new & used, that's pretty good and probably better than any other community in the country, add to that however many MLS homes were sold during the first quarter and it's impressive. Also, 45 days on the market I don't see as a very long time. Some homes are selling within a couple weeks so there must be some that are way overpriced or bad locations that just aren't selling.

[MrChip72]

Selling about 17 homes a day combined new & used, that's pretty good and probably better than any other community in the country, add to that however many MLS homes were sold during the first quarter and it's impressive. Also, 45 days on the market I don't see as a very long time. Some homes are selling within a couple weeks so there must be some that are way overpriced or bad locations that just aren't selling.

The numbers really don't look "bad". I would be interested to see how they compare to numbers in the rest of Sumter county.

[margaretmattson]

Yep - $300 million in new home sales in Q1 (sans Middleton) - so 1-2 billion in new home sales this year is likely -- the sky is falling...

Danby is not an easy sell. South of Eastport move quickly.

Richmond and Villages north of Eastport are eagerly anticipated by buyersWhat the Developer earns has NOTHING to do with homebuyers and residents. His money is his to keep. Reducing homes prices in Denham and Dabney to sell them quickly hurts those who want to sell their preowned homes. For some, the sky is falling! In order to sell, many homeowners must reduce their asking price significantly.I am so glad you are happy the Developer is making money. But, have you tried to sell your home? Maybe your outlook will change when your wallet is involved. I am pretty sure those who bought in Lake Denham and Dabney aren't thrilled their neighbors paid $50,000 less for the same model home.

Average time on market is not a good indicator. Some homeowners are lucky to sell their home in a few days or weeks. Others have their homes sitting on the market much longer. You can't lump sales together and state "everything is great." Not to mention, there is NEVER a quarterly report that shows how many preowned homes did not sell within the contract time and were removed from the listings. Did those homes vanish? This report is an old marketing technique to sku your numbers so you look good. It in NO WAY tells the complete story.

[Altavia]

What the Developer earns has NOTHING to do with homebuyers and residents. His money is his to keep. Reducing homes prices in Denham and Dabney to sell them quickly hurts those who want to sell their preowned homes. For some, the sky is falling! In order to sell, many homeowners must reduce their asking price significantly.I am so glad you are happy the Developer is making money. But, have you tried to sell your home? Maybe your outlook will change when your wallet is involved.

I am pretty sure those who bought in Lake Denham and Dabney aren't thrilled their neighbors paid $50,000 less for the same model home.

What the Developer DOES has EVERYTHING to do with homebuyers and residents of the surrounding counties.

I'm happy 20,000 employee's are gainfully employed and new jobs are being created

I'm happy suppliers and contractors have a continuing stream of income.

I'm happy the Sumter/Lake county tax base increased 100 million a month.

I'm happy expansion continues and streams of creative new amenities are in progress.

I'm happy homes around me increased 50-100% in sell price in three years.

And history show the majority who purchased here will be able to recover their purchase price and more at time of sale.

[twoplanekid]

From the sales of the last three years.

2021 4,004
2022 3,923
2023 3,029

They might do 4x721 = 2,884 or close to 3,000 for new home sales this year

[margaretmattson]

What the Developer DOES has EVERYTHING to do with homebuyers and residents of the surrounding counties.

I'm happy 20,000 employee's are gainfully employed and new jobs are being created

I'm happy suppliers and contractors have a continuing stream of income.

I'm happy the Sumter/Lake county tax base increased 100 million a month.

I'm happy expansion continues and streams of creative new amenities are in progress.

I'm happy homes around me increased 50-100% in sell price in three years.

And history show the majority who purchased here will be able to recover their purchase price and more at time of sale. You have no idea of the true history of sales because it is NEVER reported. You are going on what you heard from the grapevine. It would be great to see ACTUAL numbers but that will never happen.

I have been here since it was only Spanish Springs. You see progress as great but I can take or leave it. Same cookie cutters homes again and again and again. The model I bought 20 years ago is still built today. I would enjoy seeing something different. Many would argue that the Villages was much better when it was smaller. Outsiders are not happy their hometown has seen a population explosion. I can go on...

My point is this. There is no sense in posting a quarterly report that only shows what the Developer wants you to know. We live in a beautiful community but like anywhere else, it has its problems. IMO, pretending everything is ALWAYS GREAT is not beneficial. Only the Developer profits from that type of behavior. I would rather see the bad as well as the good. This way, I can make informed decisions. I find it is always better to make my kool aid than drink what is served.

[justjim]

What the Developer earns has NOTHING to do with homebuyers and residents. His money is his to keep. Reducing homes prices in Denham and Dabney to sell them quickly hurts those who want to sell their preowned homes. For some, the sky is falling! In order to sell, many homeowners must reduce their asking price significantly.I am so glad you are happy the Developer is making money. But, have you tried to sell your home? Maybe your outlook will change when your wallet is involved. I am pretty sure those who bought in Lake Denham and Dabney aren't thrilled their neighbors paid $50,000 less for the same model home.

Average time on market is not a good indicator. Some homeowners are lucky to sell their home in a few days or weeks. Others have their homes sitting on the market much longer. You can't lump sales together and state "everything is great." Not to mention, there is NEVER a quarterly report that shows how many preowned homes did not sell within the contract time and were removed from the listings. Did those homes vanish? This report is an old marketing technique to sku your numbers so you look good. It in NO WAY tells the complete story.

IMHO there are still many overpriced resales. For a homeowner to expect to double their money in five or less years is now totally unrealistic. Those in TV who purchased their home when rates were 3% are not about to trade that for a 6% interest rate. There are still cash buyers who may be waiting for further price drops. In the past, many new homes were purchased by current homeowners. I have not seen a 50k reduction on a new home by the Developer.

We had friends who recently looked at a new designer home with a 48,000 bond. The bond was a deal breaker for them. I understand their thinking. Overall, given the current economy and higher interest rates, I would rate the Developer’s first quarter results as above average.

[twoplanekid]

You have no idea of the true history of sales because it is NEVER reported[/U]. You are going on what you heard from the grapevine. It would be great to see ACTUAL numbers but that will never happen.

I have been here since it was only Spanish Springs. You see progress as great but I can take or leave it. Same cookie cutters homes again and again and again. The model I bought 20 years ago is still built today. I would enjoy seeing something different. Many would argue that the Villages was much better when it was smaller. Outsiders are not happy their hometown has seen a population explosion. I can go on...

My point is this. There is no sense in posting a quarterly report that only shows what the Developer wants you to know. We live in a beautiful community but like anywhere else, it has its problems. IMO, pretending everything is ALWAYS GREAT is not beneficial. Only the Developer profits from that type of behavior. I would rather see the bad as well as the good. This way, I can make informed decisions. I find it is always better to make my kool aid than drink what is served.

These are the actual numbers that have been reported for new home sales over the years.

Year Homes Sold (Home and Lot) Average Sale Price
1986 511 *
1987 543 *
1988 517 *
1989 542 $ 74,000
1990 502 79,000
1991 430 81,000
1992 562 87,000
1993 567 93,000
1994 686 98,000
1995 700 106,000
1996 753 115,000
1997 1,054 119,000
1998 1,321 129,000
1999 1,544 139,000
2000 1,776 151,000
2001 2,074 156,000
2002 2,260 163,000
2003 3,329 168,000
2004 3,955 204,000
2005 4,263 232,000
2006 3,935 257,000
2007 2,403 251,000
2008 2,236 231,000
2009 2,115 229,000
2010 2,208 231,000
2011 2,307 241,000
2012 2,850 244,000
2013 3,419 271,000
2014 2,601 304,000
2015 2,294 304,000
2016 1,966
2017 2,231
2018 2,134 281,000
2019 2,429 307,000
2020 2,452
2021 4,004
2022 3,923
2023 3,029 410,000

Note: the numbers from the beginning thru 2015 came from page 43 of the SLCDD 9/10/2015 Agenda PDF
The information appearing herein regarding The Villages and the Developer has been furnished by the Developer.
All other data was gathered from published reports in the Daily Sun

[margaretmattson]

IMHO there are still many overpriced resales. For a homeowner to expect to double their money in five or less years is now totally unrealistic. Those in TV who purchased their home when rates were 3% are not about to trade that for a 6% interest rate. There are still cash buyers who may be waiting for further price drops. In the past, many new homes were purchased by current homeowners. I have not seen a 50k reduction on a new home by the Developer.

We had friends who recently looked at a new designer home with a 48,000 bond. The bond was a deal breaker for them. I understand their thinking. Overall, given the current economy and higher interest rates, I would rate the Developer’s first quarter results as above average.Agree with most of what you said. However, some homes in Lake Denham and Dabney were indeed reduced by $50,000. My daughter looked at one because the price intrigued her. The sales rep told her the developer was eager to unload the inventory.She did not purchase because she felt the prices may go lower. She did not want to live in an area where she paid more for a home than neighbors.

[margaretmattson]

These are the actual numbers that have been reported for new home sales over the years.

Year Homes Sold (Home and Lot) Average Sale Price
1986 511 *
1987 543 *
1988 517 *
1989 542 $ 74,000
1990 502 79,000
1991 430 81,000
1992 562 87,000
1993 567 93,000
1994 686 98,000
1995 700 106,000
1996 753 115,000
1997 1,054 119,000
1998 1,321 129,000
1999 1,544 139,000
2000 1,776 151,000
2001 2,074 156,000
2002 2,260 163,000
2003 3,329 168,000
2004 3,955 204,000
2005 4,263 232,000
2006 3,935 257,000
2007 2,403 251,000
2008 2,236 231,000
2009 2,115 229,000
2010 2,208 231,000
2011 2,307 241,000
2012 2,850 244,000
2013 3,419 271,000
2014 2,601 304,000
2015 2,294 304,000
2016 1,966
2017 2,231
2018 2,134 281,000
2019 2,429 307,000
2020 2,452
2021 4,004
2022 3,923
2023 3,029 410,000

Note: the numbers from the beginning thru 2015 came from page 43 of the SLCDD 9/10/2015 Agenda PDF
The information appearing herein regarding The Villages and the Developer has been furnished by the Developer.
All other data was gathered from published reports in the Daily Sun Those are simply numbers sold. It does not provide information on how many homes were sold at a discount rate. Have you gone on VLS? When a new home is pending, the price the home was sold is immediately removed. No further information is given. If you look at their preowned listings, time on the market is never given. VLS is very secretive.

The minute you buy a home, you now live in a preowned home. My daughter is currently looking for a home. The sales history of MANY homes has given us a truer picture of the market. This information is not lining up with "everyone makes money when they sell" stories. A real eye opener!

[vintageogauge]

[QUOTE=margaretmattson;2323518]Those are simply numbers sold. It does not provide information on how many homes were sold at a discount rate. Have you gone on VLS? When a new home is pending, the price the home was sold is immediately removed. No further information is given. If you look at their preowned listings, time on the market is never given. VLS is very secretive.

The minute you buy a home, you now live in a preowned home. My daughter is currently looking for a home. The sales history of MANY homes has given us a truer picture of the market. This information is not lining up with "everyone makes money when they sell" stories. A real eye opener![/QUOT


This is the only place that new homes are cheaper than re-sales. From personal experience, 70% over cost after 3 years is to be expected.

[margaretmattson]

This is the only place that new homes are cheaper than re-sales. From personal experience, 70% over cost after 3 years is to be expected.[/QUOTE]

Preowned homes are more expensive because they have $25,000 or more to pay in closing costs. This gets added to the asking price. Not to mention the cost of upgrades they made to the home. Since many Villagers sell their homes within 1 to 3 years, I understand why their asking price is higher than new construction.

Those who sold their homes 70% or more over cost were fortunate. Those who bought the homes are now sitting on homes they cannot sell. Their asking price is way above the market. On MLS we see many who bought homes during the covid craze who now must take a loss. Some 40K and more. My daughter is moving slow in buying. She wants to do everything she can to avoid a possible expensive mistake. It seems for every"I made a wad of cash on my home' story, there is a sad reality for those who paid the wad. This is happening because the Developer continues to build at marginal price increases and has no problem discounting hundreds of homes to suit his needs. A buyer has to be careful!

[MrChip72]

This is the only place that new homes are cheaper than re-sales. From personal experience, 70% over cost after 3 years is to be expected.

Preowned homes are more expensive because they have $25,000 or more to pay in closing costs. This gets added to the asking price.

Nothing posted here is factually correct. A small percentage of new homes in less desirable areas are cheaper than existing homes.

We almost bought a fairly new preowned home 24 months ago and the closing costs were going to be around $2000. We ended up buying new but nothing related to closing costs, we still had to pay some fees to buy our new home.

[margaretmattson]

Nothing posted here is factually correct. A small percentage of new homes in less desirable areas are cheaper than existing homes.

We almost bought a fairly new preowned home 24 months ago and the closing costs were going to be around $2000. We ended up buying new but nothing related to closing costs, we still had to pay some fees to buy our new home.The closing costs to SELL A PREOWNED HOME are $25,000 or more. The realtors fees alone for a $500,000 home is $25,000. Yes, when you purchase a home, closing costs are minimal.

[Laker14]

As a very satisfied and comfortable (in my surroundings) Villages homeowner, way up here in Poinciana, I see what the developer is currently developing, and continuing to plan on developing, having less and less impact on me, and on my "investment". More and more, what is being developed is separated from me by distance and concept. The more that is true, the less impact it has on my current lifestyle and on my anticipated lifestyle and the marketability of my home, when the day comes I or my heirs should decide to sell it.

I believe the marketability of my home will be more affected by things neither I nor the developer can control, like interest rates, and how affluent the pool of buyers may be at that time, which will be due to how well THEIR homes are selling, distant from TV, and how well the investment markets have done for the decade or so prior to their retirement, or their pre-retirement years.

These quarterly reports are mildly interesting, but as for representing anything that affects me, personally, basically eye candy.

[Randall55]

Yep - $300 million in new home sales in Q1 (sans Middleton) - so 1-2 billion in new home sales this year is likely -- the sky is falling...

Danby is not an easy sell. South of Eastport move quickly.

Richmond and Villages north of Eastport are eagerly anticipated by buyersA developer sellng a new home and the buyer wanting to eventually sell that same home are ENTIRELY DIFFERENT scenarios. The developer may make a sizeable profit from the buyer. However, that same buyer may need to sell for a loss.

Or, that same buyer can make more profit than the developer on the resale. Because of this, the developer does not allow a buyer to immediately flip his homes. He is interested in protecting himself.

What goes in the Developer's wallet stays in his wallet. What goes in a buyer's wallet stays in his. Both accept a potential for a loss. It is foolish to try and compare when one has nothing to do with the other. Congratulations! The developer is making great money.This doesn't always mean good news for homeowners.

[Two Bills]

I personally think far too many overthink the property market.
The main reasons a house does not sell, whatever the market, or interest rate conditions are:
Priced to high.
It's a dump.
Poor location, or a combination of any three.
If the market deems you sell low, you will buy low. That has always been, and always will be.
All commodities make their price level from market demand, and property is just another commodity.
The expectation that you should always make a profit is nonsense.
So many enter the housing market with expectations way above reality, just because historical sale prices were higher, or lower, if buying.
All reports and figures showing sales, returns etc. from vested interests should be treated with a very large pinch of salt.
My wife and I have bought and sold quite a few houses in our time, and all our best deals were in fallen markets.
Go grab a great bargain!

[dewilson58]

These are the actual numbers that have been reported for new home sales over the years.

Year Homes Sold (Home and Lot) Average Sale Price

2001 2,074 156,000
2002 2,260 163,000
2003 3,329 168,000
2004 3,955 204,000
2005 4,263 232,000
2006 3,935 257,000
2007 2,403 251,000
2008 2,236 231,000
2009 2,115 229,000
2010 2,208 231,000
2011 2,307 241,000
2012 2,850 244,000
2013 3,419 271,000
2014 2,601 304,000
2015 2,294 304,000
2016 1,966
2017 2,231
2018 2,134 281,000
2019 2,429 307,000
2020 2,452
2021 4,004
2022 3,923
2023 3,029 410,000


THE PLACE IS BOOMING.
Where else is selling 2,000-3,000-4,000 houses.
Some swings, but no market bust.

[jimbomaybe]

The economy is hitting a tough spot for the Villages and the country. 55% of home purchases here are financed. The economy influences buying here and everywhere.

Credit card delinquency rates are at an all time high as reported by the Fed this week. Interest rates are starting to surge. Buckle up if you thought the inflation machine was tamed. Reports show there may be one, yes one rate cut in 2024.

With inflation being an issue would that not indicate a higher interest rate ?, home sales slowing , possible stagflation ?

[Papa_lecki]

We had friends who recently looked at a new designer home with a 48,000 bond. The bond was a deal breaker for them. I understand their thinking. Overall, given the current economy and higher interest rates, I would rate the Developer’s first quarter results as above average.

Wait, I was told by TOTV experts that paying off the bond doesn’t impact your resale.

[jimbomaybe]

Wait, I was told by TOTV experts that paying off the bond doesn’t impact your resale.
I have trouble trying to figure that out as well

[Randall55]

Wait, I was told by TOTV experts that paying off the bond doesn’t impact your resale.Lately, It has just been marketing jargon from the sales reps trying to make a bond payment seem inconsequential. Telling a would be buyer you do not need to pay it off helps immensely with a new home sale. I believe most on TOTV will agree the bonds are ridiculously high. Their advice has been don't buy new homes look at preowned instead.

[spinner1001]

THE PLACE IS BOOMING.
Where else is selling 2,000-3,000-4,000 houses.
Some swings, but no market bust.

Yep.

People filter information to be consistent with what they want to believe.

[spinner1001]

Wait, I was told by TOTV experts that paying off the bond doesn’t impact your resale PRICE.

There. I corrected it.

[Randall55]

There. I corrected it.If you buy a new home and pay off the $48,000 bond, do you think you can sell the home at a $50,000 higher asking price than same model homes? Most buyers wouldn't even look at your listing because they would instantly feel it is overpriced. They would have no idea you paid off the bond.

[dewilson58]

If you buy a new home and pay off the $48,000 bond, do you think you can sell the home at a $50,000 higher asking price than same model homes?

No body is saying you can profit from paying off a bond.

[Two Bills]

As far as bonds go, if you are earning more from interest on capital you could pay it off with, keep the bond payments. If not, pay it off.
The same if cash rich from a house sale. Take a mortgage when buying the next property, if you can earn more investing proceeds.
If you sell with no bond, it's obvious it is a great selling point, and a better deal for the buyer.
Never listen to vested interests, they are looking for their best deal, just the same as you.
It really is as simple as that.

[Randall55]

No body is saying you can profit from paying off a bond.Who said anything about profit? Most would want to recoup it when selling.

[Craig Vernon]

I realize most on here live and enjoy what they already own in TV. As someone who watches the market looking to purchase there is a simple way to see what the truth of the market is and that is pull up Zillow and look at what is selling and at what price. Anyone who believes their patio villa is still worth 300k is wrong. Anyone on an interior lot who believes they can still get 300 per sq ft is wrong. Anyone who believes housing at current interest rates, taxes and bonds are a good investment are wrong. Anyone who doesn't care about any of these things and is looking to live the dream is going to pay for it and most likely will be upside down in the home's value potentially for many years. Sales are slowing, listings are going up, and prices are dropping on preowned but only from levels that were unsustainable over the last three years. If you bought prior to 2021 great. If you purchased 2022 or after with improvements etc you are most likely going to struggle to recoup. This is a bad environment for flippers, investors, and value buyers but perfectly fine for existing and future residents looking to be where many of you already are.

[dewilson58]

Who said anything about profit? Most would want to recoup it when selling.

U

pay off $48k bond, sell for $50k more......................$2k profit,

[frayedends]

I realize most on here live and enjoy what they already own in TV. As someone who watches the market looking to purchase there is a simple way to see what the truth of the market is and that is pull up Zillow and look at what is selling and at what price. Anyone who believes their patio villa is still worth 300k is wrong. Anyone on an interior lot who believes they can still get 300 per sq ft is wrong. Anyone who believes housing at current interest rates, taxes and bonds are a good investment are wrong. Anyone who doesn't care about any of these things and is looking to live the dream is going to pay for it and most likely will be upside down in the home's value potentially for many years. Sales are slowing, listings are going up, and prices are dropping on preowned but only from levels that were unsustainable over the last three years. If you bought prior to 2021 great. If you purchased 2022 or after with improvements etc you are most likely going to struggle to recoup. This is a bad environment for flippers, investors, and value buyers but perfectly fine for existing and future residents looking to be where many of you already are.

I disagree on investors, but it totally depends on how long they are willing to wait. Even 2008 investors eventually made lots of money, if they waited long enough.

[TomPerry]

Many people in this post think they are real estate experts - - - HA!

Many people in this post are gleefully thinking The Developer is experiencing a financial downturn- - - HA!

Any people who think The Villages is not Booming are Nuts!

[Michael 61]

Many people in this post think they are real estate experts - - - HA!

Many people in this post are gleefully thinking The Developer is experiencing a financial downturn- - - HA!

Any people who think The Villages is not Booming are Nuts!

I agree - the Developer is doing well, and good for them! We all benefit.

[Randall55]

U

pay off $48k bond, sell for $50k more......................$2k profit, Most would round off a sales price. $648,000 looks like you had a recent price reduction. $650,00 looks like an original ask price.

[Randall55]

Many people in this post think they are real estate experts - - - HA!

Many people in this post are gleefully thinking The Developer is experiencing a financial downturn- - - HA!

Any people who think The Villages is not Booming are Nuts! The Villages is booming for the Developer. Currently, many preowned homes are sitting on the market for months. If yours was one of the many sitting, would you still be laughing? A boom for the Developer does not always equate to a boom for every homeowner.

I do not think I am a real estate expert. But, I have been searching for a home. This market is rough. A few sell their homes for sizeable profit but most can't even get a buyer in their door. I see price reduction after price reduction on MLS. This week there were 64. Last week, 48. The Developer was forced to reduce the price of 250+ homes in Dabney and Lake Denham. Things are MUCH DIFFERENT than in years prior.

[Craig Vernon]

I disagree on investors, but it totally depends on how long they are willing to wait. Even 2008 investors eventually made lots of money, if they waited long enough.

I meant more short-term investors. I agree with you there is still value in holding property in the long term. Many on here have said 2008 had very little effect on values in the TV market because the value here was incredible. Now TV is a known commodity that many have been profiting from with an above average 6% annual return, lower taxes, lower bonds, lower insurance rates, amenity fees, and expenses on everything related to inflation. This strategy has forced many investors into the short-term rental market to make ends meet and this is also not working for many.

[Tonydivo]

Only traffic in my house is on open houses. We live in what they call the most sought after village. My realtor never walked anyone through. Go figure.🤦🏻*♂️

[Normal]

Only traffic in my house is on open houses. We live in what they call the most sought after village. My realtor never walked anyone through. Go figure.🤦🏻*♂️

Thankfully realtors are a dying breed. Whatever your markup was for paying them, just think how much quicker your house would have sold without it. The markup is a sales killer!

[coleprice]

These are the actual numbers that have been reported for new home sales over the years.

Year Homes Sold (Home and Lot) Average Sale Price
1986 511 *
1987 543 *
1988 517 *
1989 542 $ 74,000
1990 502 79,000
1991 430 81,000
1992 562 87,000
1993 567 93,000
1994 686 98,000
1995 700 106,000
1996 753 115,000
1997 1,054 119,000
1998 1,321 129,000
1999 1,544 139,000
2000 1,776 151,000
2001 2,074 156,000
2002 2,260 163,000
2003 3,329 168,000
2004 3,955 204,000
2005 4,263 232,000
2006 3,935 257,000
2007 2,403 251,000
2008 2,236 231,000
2009 2,115 229,000
2010 2,208 231,000
2011 2,307 241,000
2012 2,850 244,000
2013 3,419 271,000
2014 2,601 304,000
2015 2,294 304,000
2016 1,966
2017 2,231
2018 2,134 281,000
2019 2,429 307,000
2020 2,452
2021 4,004
2022 3,923
2023 3,029 410,000

Note: the numbers from the beginning thru 2015 came from page 43 of the SLCDD 9/10/2015 Agenda PDF
The information appearing herein regarding The Villages and the Developer has been furnished by the Developer.
All other data was gathered from published reports in the Daily Sun

Golfers shopping for homes in The Villages should NOT purchase a New Home in the Southern Areas, which lack enough Executive Golf Courses. Rather, they should buy a pre-owned home in the Middle or Northern areas which have plenty of Executive golf courses nearby.

[Randall55]

I disagree on investors, but it totally depends on how long they are willing to wait. Even 2008 investors eventually made lots of money, if they waited long enough.It is no longer profitable for investors to sit on a home for years.Home prices, taxes, and bonds are too high. It is much better to invest money where you can get an easy 5% or higher. Carrying high monthly expenses with the hope of getting a great return at a much further date goes against common sense.

[huge-pigeons]

The sky is falling is absurd. Not buying because the bond is $50k, illogical. Not buying because you have a feeling you are paying more than your neighbors, illogical too.
I have friends that have been competing with 200 other people to buy in Eastport, lost out 5 times now but still trying. Every new house in Eastport will sell. If I was the developer and wanted to make money, have each new home sell to the highest bidder. You have up to 200 people wanting to buy each house/property, it would be a gold mine. Thank god the developers don’t do that.
If your house is in good shape, reasonably priced, in a good area, it will sell in weeks. I have a friend out of state that I assisted in checking out houses and he bought 1 that was on the market only a few days. I also know houses that over exaggerate their home/location and have come down hundreds of thousands or more and been on the market for many months.

As for buying a home with a $50k bond, I have friends that have moved from existing villages to Newell and they are very happy. They bought on a pond and said they saved over $150k for a pond house in the other areas. They were already paying $35k bond, so saving $150k on a lot but increasing their bond by $10k, that’s a h3ll of a deal.

Some of the areas that have a fire sale, I wouldn’t buy them at a $100k discount. But at $50k discount and you want the house, you can brag to the old neighbors you got the better deal. If you wait, somebody else might come in and buy them.

If I was looking, this would be a good time to buy mainly because I pay cash for our home, no financing. For the seller, this is great. Cash offers don’t need an appraisal, inspections, no contingencies, etc, and it can be a very short closing date. For the buyer, I can get a better deal.

[dewilson58]

Golfers shopping for homes in The Villages should NOT purchase a New Home in the Southern Areas, which lack enough Executive Golf Courses.

Golfers don't focus on Executive Courses.

:ohdear:

[VApeople]

As far as bonds go, if you are earning more from interest on capital you could pay it off with, keep the bond payments. If not, pay it off.

Yeah, that is what we did.

We closed on our house in 2016. The interest on our bond was 6% and our savings account earned 1%.

So we paid off the bond.

[Desiderata]

Only traffic in my house is on open houses. We live in what they call the most sought after village. My realtor never walked anyone through. Go figure.🤦🏻*♂️

May I ask which village you live in?

[Craig Vernon]

Golfers don't focus on Executive Courses.

:ohdear:

You are Correct Sir.

[Markus]

What the Developer earns has NOTHING to do with homebuyers and residents. His money is his to keep. Reducing homes prices in Denham and Dabney to sell them quickly hurts those who want to sell their preowned homes. For some, the sky is falling! In order to sell, many homeowners must reduce their asking price significantly.I am so glad you are happy the Developer is making money. But, have you tried to sell your home? Maybe your outlook will change when your wallet is involved. I am pretty sure those who bought in Lake Denham and Dabney aren't thrilled their neighbors paid $50,000 less for the same model home.

Average time on market is not a good indicator. Some homeowners are lucky to sell their home in a few days or weeks. Others have their homes sitting on the market much longer. You can't lump sales together and state "everything is great." Not to mention, there is NEVER a quarterly report that shows how many preowned homes did not sell within the contract time and were removed from the listings. Did those homes vanish? This report is an old marketing technique to sku your numbers so you look good. It in NO WAY tells the complete story.

Agree. How many of the homes sitting on the market a long time are buyers asking way more for the home than the market will bear? Also, what many are missing is the MLS listings. Did some of these homes that not sell via VLS simply relist with the MLS? The VLS sales are only half of the total sales in the areas picture.

[VApeople]

Golfers don't focus on Executive Courses.

I have been a golfer since 1958 and even went to Univ. of Florida on a full golf scholarship. I will be 79 in a few weeks. I hate riding in golf carts.

My wife and I love the new pitch and putt courses, especially MickyLee. We played there yesterday but quit after 9 holes because it was so hot. Then we drove across Bexley Bridge to look at the new areas and took Marsh Bend Trail up to Magnolia Plaza, where we got two milkshakes at Foxtail coffee shop.

It was a wonderful day.

[CarlR33]

If you purchased 2022 or after with improvements etc you are most likely going to struggle to recoup.
Unless you’re an investment flipper then who cares your going to sell maybe 5-10 years down the road anyhow. Go to the pool and relax. Does this mean you’re not buying soon as you have said?

[merrymini]

Anyone who purchases anything without looking at every single economic aspect is a fool. The driver here is what you are selling and what people are willing to pay. Simple.

[jrref]

Wait, I was told by TOTV experts that paying off the bond doesn’t impact your resale.

A home with the bond paid off is just another selling point along with a pool, extra bedrooms, baths or any other improvement that makes the property stand out among the competition.

I have to admit, a $48K bond is a lot of extra money you will need to pay every year.

[Craig Vernon]

Unless you’re an investment flipper then who cares your going to sell maybe 5-10 years down the road anyhow. Go to the pool and relax. Does this mean you’re not buying soon as you have said?

My wife and I will be in TV for the month of May and will be actively looking.

[margaretmattson]

The sky is falling is absurd. Not buying because the bond is $50k, illogical. Not buying because you have a feeling you are paying more than your neighbors, illogical too.
I have friends that have been competing with 200 other people to buy in Eastport, lost out 5 times now but still trying. Every new house in Eastport will sell. If I was the developer and wanted to make money, have each new home sell to the highest bidder. You have up to 200 people wanting to buy each house/property, it would be a gold mine. Thank god the developers don’t do that.
If your house is in good shape, reasonably priced, in a good area, it will sell in weeks. I have a friend out of state that I assisted in checking out houses and he bought 1 that was on the market only a few days. I also know houses that over exaggerate their home/location and have come down hundreds of thousands or more and been on the market for many months.

As for buying a home with a $50k bond, I have friends that have moved from existing villages to Newell and they are very happy. They bought on a pond and said they saved over $150k for a pond house in the other areas. They were already paying $35k bond, so saving $150k on a lot but increasing their bond by $10k, that’s a h3ll of a deal.

Some of the areas that have a fire sale, I wouldn’t buy them at a $100k discount. But at $50k discount and you want the house, you can brag to the old neighbors you got the better deal. If you wait, somebody else might come in and buy them.

If I was looking, this would be a good time to buy mainly because I pay cash for our home, no financing. For the seller, this is great. Cash offers don’t need an appraisal, inspections, no contingencies, etc, and it can be a very short closing date. For the buyer, I can get a better deal.People look at things differently.

1. The sky is falling for those who cannot sell their home. You believe it is their fault, I see it differently.

2. You do not mind carrying a $50,000 bond. I prefer to buy a preowned with no bond. I would rather use the $50,000 to make upgrades to the property. Without having to pay a monthly $250 or more bond payment, my savings will help to offset the price of my upgrades. Plus, I get to live in a home that is to my liking not some standard cookie cutter home. If I bought a new home, there would be upgrades needed: landscaping, gutters, painting, bird cage, etc. $50,000 for a bond plus more for upgrades? I would rather not!

3. I do not have a FEELING I am paying more than neighbors. Go on VLS and check the prices for Dabney and Lake Denham. There are hundreds of REAL price reductions.I am not making this up.

4. Why do I not want to spend more for the same home as my neighbor? If I am ever in a need to sell scenario, I would rather be the lowest asking price in my neighborhood than the highest. Having to compete with a neighbor who paid $50,000 less than me could mean I have to reduce my asking price by that amount. This means I may have to sell for a loss. Not a good thing especially if you are in a need to sell position.

5. I do not buy a home at a lesser price to BRAG. Informed decisions keeps money in my bank account. Exactly where I like it!

[dewilson58]

1. The sky is falling for those who cannot sell their home. You believe it is their fault, I see it differently.

2.

3. I do not have a FEELING I am paying more than ?neighbors. Go on VLS and check the price reductions for Dabney and Lake Denham.

1) Sad if "your" house is not selling and "you" feel the sky is falling. "You" have other issues.

3) "price reductions"..........sounds like someone felling for selling tactics. Over price, sit for a month and then give a "discount". Look, a price reduction.

[MSGirl]

Agree with most of what you said. However, some homes in Lake Denham and Dabney were indeed reduced by $50,000. My daughter looked at one because the price intrigued her. The sales rep told her the developer was eager to unload the inventory.She did not purchase because she felt the prices may go lower. She did not want to live in an area where she paid more for a home than neighbors.
The reduction of home prices in new Villages as they close out that Village is very common and has been going on for YEARS! The beauty of The Villages is you won’t lose money on your home. You still build equity. Have to stop thinking as if you’re in anywhere else USA. If you want to buy, can buy, but holdout for lower prices, the buyer will be the loser in the end

[vintageogauge]

This is the only place that new homes are cheaper than re-sales. From personal experience, 70% over cost after 3 years is to be expected.

Preowned homes are more expensive because they have $25,000 or more to pay in closing costs. This gets added to the asking price. Not to mention the cost of upgrades they made to the home. Since many Villagers sell their homes within 1 to 3 years, I understand why their asking price is higher than new construction.

Those who sold their homes 70% or more over cost were fortunate. Those who bought the homes are now sitting on homes they cannot sell. Their asking price is way above the market. On MLS we see many who bought homes during the covid craze who now must take a loss. Some 40K and more. My daughter is moving slow in buying. She wants to do everything she can to avoid a possible expensive mistake. It seems for every"I made a wad of cash on my home' story, there is a sad reality for those who paid the wad. This is happening because the Developer continues to build at marginal price increases and has no problem discounting hundreds of homes to suit his needs. A buyer has to be careful![/QUOTE]

I know a lot of people that sold homes south of 44 after as little as 1 year up to 5 and 6 years and all of them were sold at a price giving the owners a hefty positive return on their investments, some nearly double what they paid. Also I have never heard of anyone, at least south of 44, that sold their home at a loss. Your daughter moving slowly can be making a mistake.

[justjim]

Golfers don't focus on Executive Courses.

:ohdear:

Many older golfers do. Perhaps a championship nine once a week or every 10 days.

[dewilson58]

Many older golfers do. Perhaps a championship nine once a week or every 10 days.

and they purchased years ago and live north of 44.

:ho:

[margaretmattson]

1) Sad if "your" house is not selling and "you" feel the sky is falling. "You" have other issues.

3) "price reductions"..........sounds like someone felling for selling tactics. Over price, sit for a month and then give a "discount". Look, a price reduction. I am not trying to sell a home. I am in the market to buy. Just posting what I have seen on MLS and VLS. I WISH the market was great like some believe. What I have seen and experienced is quite the opposite.

[Haggar]

Wait, I was told by TOTV experts that paying off the bond doesn’t impact your resale.

Just a piece of tax advice - the loan payment (principal and interest) should be added to the tax basis of the home. Though the bond payment is on your tax bill it is not considered real estate taxes which could be used if one itemizes. Increasing the tax basis would be relevant in the sale of rental properties or homestead properties with taxable gains

[Pbsabo]

Only traffic in my house is on open houses. We live in what they call the most sought after village. My realtor never walked anyone through. Go figure.🤦🏻*♂️

We are doing a lifestyle visit this August from Memphis. I’m curious about desirability of different villages. What are the top 5 most desired in your opinion. We are leaning towards building, but are going to look at secondary.

[Normal]

Yeah, that is what we did.

We closed on our house in 2016. The interest on our bond was 6% and our savings account earned 1%.

So we paid off the bond.

Every case is so different. If you closed on a new house in 2020 or 21 you hit the perfect wave. Your bond was in the 20-35k range at 3% interest, while your income on investments etc is hitting 8-10% annually. It would be a very poor financial decision to pay off the bond.

[Indydealmaker]

You have no idea of the true history of sales because it is NEVER reported. You are going on what you heard from the grapevine. It would be great to see ACTUAL numbers but that will never happen.

I have been here since it was only Spanish Springs. You see progress as great but I can take or leave it. Same cookie cutters homes again and again and again. The model I bought 20 years ago is still built today. I would enjoy seeing something different. Many would argue that the Villages was much better when it was smaller. Outsiders are not happy their hometown has seen a population explosion. I can go on...

My point is this. There is no sense in posting a quarterly report that only shows what the Developer wants you to know. We live in a beautiful community but like anywhere else, it has its problems. IMO, pretending everything is ALWAYS GREAT is not beneficial. Only the Developer profits from that type of behavior. I would rather see the bad as well as the good. This way, I can make informed decisions. I find it is always better to make my kool aid than drink what is served.

Chronic contrarianism is unhealthy particularly if one also suffers from "Developer Syndrome ".

[Rainger99]

Golfers don't focus on Executive Courses.

:ohdear:

You are probably correct about good golfers. But 80-90 % of all golfers are not very good. And that number may be higher here because most people are over 55 and many people never started playing until they moved here.

If you are not very good, you don’t want to pay $60-$75 a round to be frustrated. You go to the free executive courses.

[margaretmattson]

Chronic contrarianism is unhealthy particularly if one also suffers from "Developer Syndrome ".I do not have developer syndrome. It seems I am one of few who understands what he earns on the sale of his home has NOTHING in common with a homeowner wishing to sell his. TWO DIFFERENT sales transactions neither associated with the other. One can make a profit while the other has a loss. Not a difficult concept to understand.

Currently, many preowned homes are sitting on the market for months even with major price reductions. If you looked at MLS and home histories you would CLEARLY see this. If RECORDED TAX AND PRICE HISTORY is contrary to what posters are stating or the Developers averaged quarterly, sorry, I will believe the recorded history.

Average price on the sale of homes and days on market does not tell the true story. Some can sell their home for one million in 6 months while others can sell their homes for $250,000 in a few days. Averaging together is pointless. Simple third grade math.

[Bogie Shooter]

Chronic contrarianism is unhealthy particularly if one also suffers from "Developer Syndrome ".

I do not have developer syndrome. It seems I am one of few who understands what he earns on the sale of his home has NOTHING in common with a homeowner wishing to sell his. TWO DIFFERENT sales transactions neither associated with the other. One can make a profit while the other has a loss. Not a difficult concept to understand.

Currently, many preowned homes are sitting on the market for months even with major price reductions. If you looked at MLS and home histories you would CLEARLY see this. If RECORDED TAX AND PRICE HISTORY is contrary to what posters are stating, sorry, I will believe the recorded history. You are free to believe as you wish.

This would be call a minority.:):ho:

[LianneMigiano]

Do these figures that everyone is posting here include all real estate sales - or just Properties of The Villages?????

[margaretmattson]

Do these figures that everyone is posting here include all real estate sales - or just Properties of The Villages????? If you are interested in buying a particular home, you can type in the address and look at the history from the county records. If the home is listed with MLS, it will also provide you with all price reductions the seller has made. VLS keeps this a secret. And why does VLS keep this secret? Because facts could be contrary to what he wants buyers to believe.

[Jayhawk]

Just a piece of tax advice - the loan payment (principal and interest) should be added to the tax basis of the home.

This is not correct.

Determining Your Home's Tax Basis | Nolo (https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/determining-your-homes-tax-basis.html)

[CarlR33]

My wife and I will be in TV for the month of May and will be actively looking.You will need to hit the street of dreams then.

[JMintzer]

THE PLACE IS BOOMING.
Where else is selling 2,000-3,000-4,000 houses.
Some swings, but no market bust.

Yet, for some reason, some insist on portraying that the sky is falling...

[Normal]

Yet, for some reason, some insist on portraying that the sky is falling...

Yet some are in the classic Denial mode…all’s great in the housing market? They love to muffle the facts with spin.
I guess if you have blinders on, yes
Again, they come from rainbow, candy sprinkles unicorn land.

[JMintzer]

Who said anything about profit? Most would want to recoup it when selling.

Recoup the bond?

It's a debt on the property, not on the seller. Once sold, there's nothing to recoup...

[JMintzer]

The Villages is booming for the Developer. Currently, many preowned homes are sitting on the market for months. If yours was one of the many sitting, would you still be laughing? A boom for the Developer does not always equate to a boom for every homeowner.

I do not think I am a real estate expert. But, I have been searching for a home. This market is rough. A few sell their homes for sizeable profit but most can't even get a buyer in their door. I see price reduction after price reduction on MLS. This week there were 64. Last week, 48. The Developer was forced to reduce the price of 250+ homes in Dabney and Lake Denham. Things are MUCH DIFFERENT than in years prior.

Since you're searching for a home, you should be happy the "market is rough" and all of the "price reductions". Why all of the complaints?

And yes, things are different than during the Covid Boom of the past few years...

[JMintzer]

Only traffic in my house is on open houses. We live in what they call the most sought after village. My realtor never walked anyone through. Go figure.🤦🏻*♂️

"The most sought after Village"? Do tell!

[JMintzer]

We are doing a lifestyle visit this August from Memphis. I’m curious about desirability of different villages. What are the top 5 most desired in your opinion. We are leaning towards building, but are going to look at secondary.

However many Villages there are, that is how many different answers you'll get...

[JMintzer]

Every case is so different. If you closed on a new house in 2020 or 21 you hit the perfect wave. Your bond was in the 20-35k range at 3% interest, while your income on investments etc is hitting 8-10% annually. It would be a very poor financial decision to pay off the bond.

True. We purchased a resale in February 2021. We're the 3rd owners. We paid about $30K more than the 2nd owners, who bought the house in 2018. Our bond was around $20K...

[JMintzer]

Yet some are in the classic Denial mode…all’s great in the housing market? They love to muffle the facts with spin.
I guess if you have blinders on, yes
Again, they come from rainbow, candy sprinkles unicorn land.

No, just a realist... I purchased my home at what I thought was an exceptional price, at an exceptionally low interest rate.

If I choose to move, I'll either pay the asking price, negotiate to a price I find acceptable, or pass on the house.

It's not rocket surgery...

[dewilson58]

Yet, for some reason, some insist on portraying that the sky is falling...

Negative Nellie's

or

Sad life.

or

Troll's.

or

Bitter person.

or

Jealous non-resident.

Pick one, Pick two.....pick'm all.

:ho:

[Normal]

There is no sense in posting a quarterly report that only shows what the Developer wants you to know. We live in a beautiful community but like anywhere else, it has its problems. IMO, pretending everything is ALWAYS GREAT is not beneficial.

I would rather see the bad as well as the good. This way, I can make informed decisions. I find it is always better to make my kool aid than drink what is served.

Precise and exact. Keep in mind though, the Developer wants to sell homes so that’s why the report is one sided. We all know the slump will end sooner or later, but right now we remain in a slump.

[MSGirl]

Lately, It has just been marketing jargon from the sales reps trying to make a bond payment seem inconsequential. Telling a would be buyer you do not need to pay it off helps immensely with a new home sale. I believe most on TOTV will agree the bonds are ridiculously high. Their advice has been don't buy new homes look at preowned instead.
If the cost of the bond determines whether you buy the house or not, then look at different options in The Villages. New homes dictate higher bonds for longer period of time. A resale home has no bond or the time frame of the bond is lower; as well as the overall cost of the bond. If you plan on staying in the house, forever, pay off the bond. If there is a chance you could move, don’t.
Buying a home or a lifestyle here is like no other place. I didn’t come here for a monetary investment. Been there. Done that. I’m here for the lifestyle. And everything The Villages has to offer. And in all the years I’ve lived here, I don’t know ANYONE that has lost money here.

[MSGirl]

We are doing a lifestyle visit this August from Memphis. I’m curious about desirability of different villages. What are the top 5 most desired in your opinion. We are leaning towards building, but are going to look at secondary.
That’s a loaded question. Villagers will tell you they live in the BEST Village. And everyone does!!! Really depends on what you want. Does the house dictate where you will live? Or the lifestyle? South of 44 is new and shiny. Has an over abundance of homes, with less amenities for now. If you are young and have time to wait, that could be where you want to go. Having 6 pools close to your home is good for you with 5 championship golf courses available 5 minutes away from you is another factor. Being a golf cart away from the 3 squares with shops and restaurants another factor. The reason you choose a lifestyle visit is so you can experience what the Villages has to offer. Your home should be secondary.

[vintageogauge]

If the cost of the bond determines whether you buy the house or not, then look at different options in The Villages. New homes dictate higher bonds for longer period of time. A resale home has no bond or the time frame of the bond is lower; as well as the overall cost of the bond. If you plan on staying in the house, forever, pay off the bond. If there is a chance you could move, don’t.
Buying a home or a lifestyle here is like no other place. I didn’t come here for a monetary investment. Been there. Done that. I’m here for the lifestyle. And everything The Villages has to offer. And in all the years I’ve lived here, I don’t know ANYONE that has lost money here.

Amen to that. In my mind our bond is simply an annual expense that will never go up or down other than the balance dropping annually, I don't see a slump in re-sales, at least not in our village the new listings seem to be sold overnight, I also don't see any major problems within TV, there is more to do here, more food and retail establishments, and a lot more amenities than there were 7 years ago when we purchased our home. You buy what you like, you enjoy your time here and you sell at a profit what more can you ask for.

[Snakster66]

And in all the years I’ve lived here, I don’t know ANYONE that has lost money here.

I guarantee you there are people who sold houses within the last few months that they bought in 2022 who lost money.

[vintageogauge]

I guarantee you there are people who sold houses within the last few months that they bought in 2022 who lost money.

I doubt that to be true.

[Normal]

I doubt that to be true.

Respectfully, it’s quite true with numerous sales.

1055 Winsboro purchased November 22 for 423,000 sold last month for 379,000 that’s a 44 k loss without paying realtor fees.

661 Sherwood purchased in May of 2022 345,000 sold for 340,000 in Feb of 2024

There are several that have lost money. Just look on the Zillow realtor website. Click on the Facts Features tab to get all the info.

[Haggar]

This is not correct.

Determining Your Home's Tax Basis | Nolo (https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/determining-your-homes-tax-basis.html)

Don't confuse a mortgage with a bond. The payments on a mortgage do not add to the basis.
A bond is different.

[margaretmattson]

Recoup the bond?

It's a debt on the property, not on the seller. Once sold, there's nothing to recoup...For those who PAY OFF the bond then find themselves moving within a year or so, recouping is wanted. Especially with higher bonds.

[margaretmattson]

Respectfully, it’s quite true with numerous sales.

1055 Winsboro purchased November 22 for 423,000 sold last month for 379,000 that’s a 44 k loss without paying realtor fees.

661 Sherwood purchased in May of 2022 345,000 sold for 340,000 in Feb of 2024

There are several that have lost money. Just look on the Zillow realtor website. Click on the Facts Features tab to get all the info.
Completely agree. There have been quite a few, lately. I did not want to post addresses. Those who really want the truth can easily find it on MLS.

Some posters have lived in their homes for years with no intention of moving. They are happy and content. This is new information for them and depending on how long they have lived in their home it probably doesnt affect them. New buyers need to be aware. And, it is not wise to purchase a new home in the Villages thinking the one you currently own will sell quickly. I know 3 people who are stuck paying monthly payments on two homes. It is best to move with caution and eyes wide open.

[Jayhawk]

Don't confuse a mortgage with a bond. The payments on a mortgage do not add to the basis.
A bond is different.

You are the one who wrote: the loan payment (principal and interest) should be added to the tax basis of the home.

Nice try but you were wrong.

[Normal]

Completely agree. There have been quite a few, lately. I did not want to post addresses. Those who really want the truth can easily find it on MLS.

Some posters have lived in their homes for years with no intention of moving. They are happy and content. This is new information for them and depending on how long they have lived in their home it probably doesnt affect them. New buyers need to be aware.

You are correct, there is no need to post addresses forever. Some have drank way too much cool aide. Like I saw in another’s post though, “Facts are a stubborn thing”. Think of how ugly it is down in Dabney and Lake Denham. Living next to a neighbor who paid 10 of thousands less for almost an identical house.

[margaretmattson]

You are correct, there is no need to post addresses forever. Some have drank way too much cool aide. Like I saw in another’s post though, “Facts are a stubborn thing”. Think of how ugly it is down in Dabney and Lake Denham. Living next to a neighbor who paid 10 of thousands less for almost an identical house.We are spending time on MLS and VLS looking for patterns of the types of homes suffering a loss. We will not buy until we have a better understanding. Time is on our side. It is not likely the market will suddenly reverse itself anytime soon. Knowledge is power and Kool Aid tastes bitter when the party is over.

[JMintzer]

I guarantee you there are people who sold houses within the last few months that they bought in 2022 who lost money.

Doubtful, if they initially bought the house new...

Now, if they bought a resale at the ridiculously inflated Covid prices, I'd tend to agree...

[JMintzer]

Respectfully, it’s quite true with numerous sales.

1055 Winsboro purchased November 22 for 423,000 sold last month for 379,000 that’s a 44 k loss without paying realtor fees.

661 Sherwood purchased in May of 2022 345,000 sold for 340,000 in Feb of 2024

There are several that have lost money. Just look on the Zillow realtor website. Click on the Facts Features tab to get all the info.

Two examples is hardly "numerous"...

And checking your examples, those were both resales, which jives with my previous post...

And one of them appears to have been purchased by an investor, since it immediately went up for rent after the purchase...

[JMintzer]

You are correct, there is no need to post addresses forever. Some have drank way too much cool aide. Like I saw in another’s post though, “Facts are a stubborn thing”. Think of how ugly it is down in Dabney and Lake Denham. Living next to a neighbor who paid 10 of thousands less for almost an identical house.

I'm sure everyone is so petty that they compile a spreadsheet, listing what all of their neighbors paid for their homes...

[margaretmattson]

I'm sure everyone is so petty that they compile a spreadsheet, listing what all of their neighbors paid for their homes...You do not have to take time to make a spreadsheet. Simply go on VLS. Over 250 homes were discounted in Lake Denham and Dabney in January. The new prices are bright red in color. Doesn't take a genius to find them. This can be done in mere minutes. It is far from a stressful task

The sales in Moultrie Creek seem to be quick and stable. Maybe the Developer has changed his plans in order to keep it this way. I doubt he wants to deal with needed price reductions like Lake Denham and Dabney. But, as we all know, well-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. We are not willing to gamble our money to see which way this goes. The end of summer will probably be a good indicator. We have no problem waiting until then.

[MrChip72]

The closing costs to SELL A PREOWNED HOME are $25,000 or more. The realtors fees alone for a $500,000 home is $25,000. Yes, when you purchase a home, closing costs are minimal.

Most people that aren't of advanced age don't use realtors to sell a home in an active market like here in the Village. We use Zillow or other sites that cost close to zero. It would never occur to me to use a realtor to sell a home. That's for older boomers to waste their money on. I've observed homes on my street and adjacent up for sale by owner and by agents. The ones that used an agent sold their homes no faster at all.

[Randall55]

Two examples is hardly "numerous"...

And checking your examples, those were both resales, which jives with my previous post...

And one of them appears to have been purchased by an investor, since it immediately went up for rent after the purchase...Not likely anyone has the time or patience to type ALL the homes that were sold for a loss in the past few months. A few examples proves the posters who stated "no one loses money on their house" are wrong. If you want more examples, simply look on MLS. The facts are there for all to see.

NEW HOMES have sold for a loss. or with big reductions. Some newer villages seem to suffer that fate more than others. This market is a crap shoot. As we have seen in Denham and Dabney, even for the developer. A person would be a fool to buy recklessly in this market. Or, maybe they have tons of money and simply do not care.

[Randall55]

The sky is falling is absurd. Not buying because the bond is $50k, illogical. Not buying because you have a feeling you are paying more than your neighbors, illogical too.
I have friends that have been competing with 200 other people to buy in Eastport, lost out 5 times now but still trying. Every new house in Eastport will sell. If I was the developer and wanted to make money, have each new home sell to the highest bidder. You have up to 200 people wanting to buy each house/property, it would be a gold mine. Thank god the developers don’t do that.
If your house is in good shape, reasonably priced, in a good area, it will sell in weeks. I have a friend out of state that I assisted in checking out houses and he bought 1 that was on the market only a few days. I also know houses that over exaggerate their home/location and have come down hundreds of thousands or more and been on the market for many months.

As for buying a home with a $50k bond, I have friends that have moved from existing villages to Newell and they are very happy. They bought on a pond and said they saved over $150k for a pond house in the other areas. They were already paying $35k bond, so saving $150k on a lot but increasing their bond by $10k, that’s a h3ll of a deal.

Some of the areas that have a fire sale, I wouldn’t buy them at a $100k discount. But at $50k discount and you want the house, you can brag to the old neighbors you got the better deal. If you wait, somebody else might come in and buy them.

If I was looking, this would be a good time to buy mainly because I pay cash for our home, no financing. For the seller, this is great. Cash offers don’t need an appraisal, inspections, no contingencies, etc, and it can be a very short closing date. For the buyer, I can get a better deal.You have no idea how many wanted the same home or model or lot in Moultrie Creek. Your friend was beat out 5 times each by ONE BUYER. Only ONE BUYER gets an opportunity to purchase and close on a home. I would tell your friend to get another sales rep. Apparently, several are quicker to act when a home is made available for sale. The first sales rep to get the ball rolling usually gets the sale.

It is standard operating procedure for a sales rep to tell a buyer he has a few hours to purchase a home that has recently come available. If the potential buyer does not commit within the few hours, the home is made available to others. This does not necessarily mean there are 200 or ANY buyers waiting breathlessly to steal it away. It simply means a sales rep is not permitted to hold a new home unlisted longer than a few hours. A listing must go public after that time frame. Otherwise, new homes will sit for days or possibly a week, then suddenly the buyer backs out. This few hour time frame protects the Developer. It is not meant to force a buyer to commit to a home in fear of losing that home or others that may come available.

The number of people you believe is in the Moultrie Creek lottery may only be in your mind. Perhaps one person wants the same home as your friend. Could be 3 or 4. I could even see possibly 10. 200 is a stretch for me to believe. Need proof? If what you stated is true, why are there over 100 available homes listed on VLS for the Village of Moultrie Creek? If there are HUNDREDS of ready to pounce buyers, dont you think the homes would have been sold without the need to list? Or, at the very least, there would be far less than 100+ homes available?

Could it be your friend simply felt a need to rush? Recently, Villagers received an open invitation to tour the new model homes. Perhaps your friend misconstrued this to mean there were hundreds of buyers? Not simply visitors?

[Craig Vernon]

You will need to hit the street of dreams then.

We saw this in February. Looking forward to a nice month of golf, food, fun and friends.

[Robojo]

IMHO there are still many overpriced resales. For a homeowner to expect to double their money in five or less years is now totally unrealistic. Those in TV who purchased their home when rates were 3% are not about to trade that for a 6% interest rate. There are still cash buyers who may be waiting for further price drops. In the past, many new homes were purchased by current homeowners. I have not seen a 50k reduction on a new home by the Developer.

We had friends who recently looked at a new designer home with a 48,000 bond. The bond was a deal breaker for them. I understand their thinking. Overall, given the current economy and higher interest rates, I would rate the Developer’s first quarter results as above average.

That would be a deal breaker for me too. Why should I pay that? The bond makes no sense to me.

[HomerSimpson]

I wonder if this will ever be posted like previous quarters, such as
Q4 Market Update 2023 (https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/q4-market-update-2023/index.php)

[JMintzer]

You do not have to take time to make a spreadsheet. Simply go on VLS. Over 250 homes were discounted in Lake Denham and Dabney in January. The new prices are bright red in color. Doesn't take a genius to find them. This can be done in mere minutes. It is far from a stressful task

The sales in Moultrie Creek seem to be quick and stable. Maybe the Developer has changed his plans in order to keep it this way. I doubt he wants to deal with needed price reductions like Lake Denham and Dabney. But, as we all know, well-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. We are not willing to gamble our money to see which way this goes. The end of summer will probably be a good indicator. We have no problem waiting until then.

Once the house is pending, the price is gone from the Homefinder site...

Hence the need for a spreadsheet in order to keep track of which of your neighbors you now must be any at because they got a better deal than you...

Should I be happy if they paid more?

I'm not angry if someone paid less for their car. Maybe they took advantage of a 0% interest rate that wasn't available when I bought.

I have better thing to do than obsess over what someone else paid for what they have...

[JMintzer]

Not likely anyone has the time or patience to type ALL the homes that were sold for a loss in the past few months. A few examples proves the posters who stated "no one loses money on their house" are wrong. If you want more examples, simply look on MLS. The facts are there for all to see.

NEW HOMES have sold for a loss. or with big reductions. Some newer villages seem to suffer that fate more than others. This market is a crap shoot. As we have seen in Denham and Dabney, even for the developer. A person would be a fool to buy recklessly in this market. Or, maybe they have tons of money and simply do not care.

If you're going to make a claim, shouldn't you be sure your two posted examples NOT support the argument to which you're responding?

And how do you know that NEW homes sold for a loss? Do you know what it costs the developer to build the houses?

[JMintzer]

IMHO there are still many overpriced resales. For a homeowner to expect to double their money in five or less years is now totally unrealistic. Those in TV who purchased their home when rates were 3% are not about to trade that for a 6% interest rate. There are still cash buyers who may be waiting for further price drops. In the past, many new homes were purchased by current homeowners. I have not seen a 50k reduction on a new home by the Developer.

You. are correct. There are many who still believe the market is the same as it was during the "Covid Boom"...

They'll soon figure out it's not and reduce their prices.

And when they do, several people on this thread will go "AHA! Look at how much prices are dropping! The bottom of the market is falling out!"

When, in fact, the prices are simply adjusting to normal, and they'll most like still get a decent profit (unless the bought during the Covid Boom, and they're trying to flip the home for a huge profit . They're screwed)...

[Snakster66]

unless the bought during the Covid Boom, and they're trying to flip the home for a huge profit . They're screwed...

Some people are forced to sell for one reason or another. Not everyone who bought two years ago, and are selling today, are trying to flip their home for profit. But to the broader point, yes, they are screwed.

The re-sale market is definitely going through a correction right now. That doesn't mean the bottom is dropping out (as you correctly allude). However not everyone who is listing today has gotten that message and still list as though the market is booming for sellers. They are the ones who end up selling for 7-10% (or more) below their original asking price and thus making the casual observer think that the market is crashing. People who are pricing according to the current market still sell quickly with modest price drops. And some actually sell for list or even a little higher. If they have good listing agents (and listen to them) they price correctly and do well. Others.....not so much.

[Altavia]

That would be a deal breaker for me too. Why should I pay that? The bond makes no sense to me.

What part of the bond financing the infrastructure makes no sense?

The effective cost of a bond is the difference between the bond interest and what you could earn investing that money.

For example, you have a $50K bond @ 4.5%. Instead of paying it off, take your bond money and purchase a 4.5% CD, the bond is now effectively costing 0%.

[JMintzer]

Some people are forced to sell for one reason or another. Not everyone who bought two years ago, and are selling today, are trying to flip their home for profit. But to the broader point, yes, they are screwed.

The re-sale market is definitely going through a correction right now. That doesn't mean the bottom is dropping out (as you correctly allude). However not everyone who is listing today has gotten that message and still list as though the market is booming for sellers. They are the ones who end up selling for 7-10% (or more) below their original asking price and thus making the casual observer think that the market is crashing. People who are pricing according to the current market still sell quickly with modest price drops. And some actually sell for list or even a little higher. If they have good listing agents (and listen to them) they price correctly and do well. Others.....not so much.

Prezactly!

[GoRedSox!]

The market may be normalizing, but is still amazingly resilient for a housing market with a 7.44% 30-year mortgage interest rate. No one could expect the pandemic market to continue once we were no longer in what is considered a pandemic.

The thing that strikes me is the sheer magnitude of what The Villages is doing down south. There is land cleared and construction going on right now seemingly for as far as the eye can see. The amount of construction is mind-boggling. It does not appear that The Villages is holding back or slowing down. I am amazed every time I go down there.

[Escape Artist]

The market may be normalizing, but is still amazingly resilient for a housing market with a 7.44% 30-year mortgage interest rate. No one could expect the pandemic market to continue once we were no longer in what is considered a pandemic.

The thing that strikes me is the sheer magnitude of what The Villages is doing down south. There is land cleared and construction going on right now seemingly for as far as the eye can see. The amount of construction is mind-boggling. It does not appear that The Villages is holding back or slowing down. I am amazed every time I go down there.

I wonder where all the medical services and doctors will come from? That’s the biggest negative living in TV for me: the lack of adequate or competent medical care. It’s glaringly obvious as I had to even change my insurance because the offices I went to could not find doctors or keep them. When I finally got a primary care physician he ended up leaving a few months later and that’s when I switched. The new insurance isn’t much better but at least my new doctor has been there for a year.

This is one aspect of TV lifestyle that the developers didn’t think of or chose to ignore. Even if we are all “active adults” we are still entering a stage in our lives when we will need more medical care, not less. The way they are building, TV might soon be looking at 200,000 residents, the majority of them over 55. Will there be enough hospitals, rehab and after-care facilities, nurses, doctors, therapists etc. to handle the demand? I highly doubt it. You’d be hard pressed to find that many doctors/surgeons/nurses enthusiastic about providing geriatric care or living in Central Florida to make it work. The system is already broken and will continue to get worse.

[JMintzer]

The market may be normalizing, but is still amazingly resilient for a housing market with a 7.44% 30-year mortgage interest rate. No one could expect the pandemic market to continue once we were no longer in what is considered a pandemic.

The thing that strikes me is the sheer magnitude of what The Villages is doing down south. There is land cleared and construction going on right now seemingly for as far as the eye can see. The amount of construction is mind-boggling. It does not appear that The Villages is holding back or slowing down. I am amazed every time I go down there.

Same here... It's staggering...

[Altavia]

The market may be normalizing, but is still amazingly resilient for a housing market with a 7.44% 30-year mortgage interest rate. No one could expect the pandemic market to continue once we were no longer in what is considered a pandemic.

The thing that strikes me is the sheer magnitude of what The Villages is doing down south. There is land cleared and construction going on right now seemingly for as far as the eye can see. The amount of construction is mind-boggling. It does not appear that The Villages is holding back or slowing down. I am amazed every time I go down there.

With no intent to disrespect those who purchased there, for several reasons Danby is a harder sell than some other areas.

Richmond and North of Eastport will be blows outs when available.

[vintageogauge]

I wonder where all the medical services and doctors will come from? That’s the biggest negative living in TV for me: the lack of adequate or competent medical care. It’s glaringly obvious as I had to even change my insurance because the offices I went to could not find doctors or keep them. When I finally got a primary care physician he ended up leaving a few months later and that’s when I switched. The new insurance isn’t much better but at least my new doctor has been there for a year.

This is one aspect of TV lifestyle that the developers didn’t think of or chose to ignore. Even if we are all “active adults” we are still entering a stage in our lives when we will need more medical care, not less. The way they are building, TV might soon be looking at 200,000 residents, the majority of them over 55. Will there be enough hospitals, rehab and after-care facilities, nurses, doctors, therapists etc. to handle the demand? I highly doubt it. You’d be hard pressed to find that many doctors/surgeons/nurses enthusiastic about providing geriatric care or living in Central Florida to make it work. The system is already broken and will continue to get worse.

The new southern villages are much closer to Orlando than up north but the north is much closer to Ocala. If you live in the Cleveland area suburbs and you want to visit the main Clinic campus or University Hospital, the drive can be up to an hour, no different than here. There are shortages of doctors everywhere in the country. As far as emergency care TV has opened several new 24 emergency centers and are already adding on to the one on 44 across from Brownwood, and there is The Villages hospital for the north if you dare to go there and Leesburg hospital for the southern villages. Lots of skilled nursing facilities are going up, it's a hot market right now and the investors know it.

[Randall55]

If you're going to make a claim, shouldn't you be sure your two posted examples NOT support the argument to which you're responding?

And how do you know that NEW homes sold for a loss? Do you know what it costs the developer to build the houses?Shouldn't you remember what you wrote on your previous posts?

Reread your posts. Figure out which one I was responding to. Don't have time to keep explaining things to you.

[Randall55]

Once the house is pending, the price is gone from the Homefinder site...

Hence the need for a spreadsheet in order to keep track of which of your neighbors you now must be any at because they got a better deal than you...

Should I be happy if they paid more?

I'm not angry if someone paid less for their car. Maybe they took advantage of a 0% interest rate that wasn't available when I bought.

I have better thing to do than obsess over what someone else paid for what they have... Several posters have stated all you need is VLS and MLS. No need for a spreadsheet. All the information is on both sites. Easy Peasy!

You buy a newly constructed house and happily move in. Weeks later, the Developer slashes the price of 250 available homes in your Village. The same model you just bought is now $30,000 less. You are a saint if that doesn't bother you.

What happens if you need to sell? Neighbors who own the same model in your neighborhood have a listing price lower than you. You look overpriced and will have a difficult time trying to sell the home. Anyone can easily understand that concept.

[Randall55]

With no intent to disrespect those who purchased there, for several reasons Danby is a harder sell than some other areas.

Richmond and North of Eastport will be blows outs when available.Agree. Richmond is a great location. If the builds are Verandas, they will be snagged quickly. Some sales reps may already have interested buyers waiting for those homes.

[Randall55]

What part of the bond financing the infrastructure makes no sense?

The effective cost of a bond is the difference between the bond interest and what you could earn investing that money.

For example, you have a $50K bond @ 4.5%. Instead of paying it off, take your bond money and purchase a 4.5% CD, the bond is now effectively costing 0%. True to some extent. If you don't have a bond, you can use interest earned on something more enjoyable. Personally, I would rather use the earnings on a spectacular vacation. Especially when we live in a community with cookie cutter homes. It is simple to find the model you like with the bond paid off.

If interest rates go down, then you must use your savings to pay the bond. A house with no bond will not have that issue.

[Altavia]

Several posters have stated all you need is VLS and MLS. No need for a spreadsheet. All the information is on both sites. Easy Peasy!

You buy a newly constructed house and happily move in. Weeks later, the Developer slashes the price of 250 available homes in your Village. The same model you just bought is now $30,000 less. You are a saint if that doesn't bother you.

What happens if you need to sell? Neighbors who own the same model in your neighborhood have a listing price lower than you. You look overpriced and will have a difficult time trying to sell the home. Anyone can easily understand that concept.

So if your neighbor purchased the same house for $30K less, what's the chances that buyer requesting a reduction in taxable value for their home would be successful reducing their taxes?

[ton80]

So if your neighbor purchased the same house for $30K less, what's the chances that buyer requesting a reduction in taxable value for their home would be successful reducing their taxes?

My understanding is that a purchased home is re-assessed at the sales price for that specific home. The purchaser at the higher price would have to go through a reassessment process and would need a lot of comparable data. I have done it with a county reassessment but doubt that the higher price purchaser would be successful.

The purchaser at the lower price should be assessed automatically at the purchase price.

[badkarma318]

Agree. Richmond is a great location. If the builds are Verandas, they will be snagged quickly. Some sales reps may already have interested buyers waiting for those homes.

There is a waiting list.

[Robnlaura]

That would be a deal breaker for me too. Why should I pay that? The bond makes no sense to me.

That’s how the developer builds all those nice golf courses and dance areas. O and he charges you another fee to use those facilities!! You don’t think the builder builds nice areas for nothing lol

[dewilson58]

That’s how the developer builds all those nice golf courses and dance areas.

Wrong, close by no cigar.
(actually, not even close)

Bonds funded: Infrastructure includes storm water systems, underground pump stations, water retention areas, curbs, gutters, streetlights, transportation trails, underground piping, etc.

[Aces4]

Preowned homes are more expensive because they have $25,000 or more to pay in closing costs. This gets added to the asking price. Not to mention the cost of upgrades they made to the home. Since many Villagers sell their homes within 1 to 3 years, I understand why their asking price is higher than new construction.

Those who sold their homes 70% or more over cost were fortunate. Those who bought the homes are now sitting on homes they cannot sell. Their asking price is way above the market. On MLS we see many who bought homes during the covid craze who now must take a loss. Some 40K and more. My daughter is moving slow in buying. She wants to do everything she can to avoid a possible expensive mistake. It seems for every"I made a wad of cash on my home' story, there is a sad reality for those who paid the wad. This is happening because the Developer continues to build at marginal price increases and has no problem discounting hundreds of homes to suit his needs. A buyer has to be careful!

I know a lot of people that sold homes south of 44 after as little as 1 year up to 5 and 6 years and all of them were sold at a price giving the owners a hefty positive return on their investments, some nearly double what they paid. Also I have never heard of anyone, at least south of 44, that sold their home at a loss. Your daughter moving slowly can be making a mistake.[/QUOTE]

There has been a huge change in the market in one year.

[margaretmattson]

I know a lot of people that sold homes south of 44 after as little as 1 year up to 5 and 6 years and all of them were sold at a price giving the owners a hefty positive return on their investments, some nearly double what they paid. Also I have never heard of anyone, at least south of 44, that sold their home at a loss. Your daughter moving slowly can be making a mistake.

I sold a home in September in 7 days. I made a good profit and used that to buy my current home. But, I had been living in the prior home for 17 years. Lots of time for appreciation.

Things have changed in the past FEW MONTHS. The history of homes on the market shows many are sitting for months and prices are moving downward. I didn't want to believe it until the Developer starting reducing prices. 250 + homes is not merely selling off what remains in a Village and moving on. (His way of doing business in years prior) It doesn't take much to realize the market is changing.

We will wait until the end of September. If we are wrong and prices go up, my daughter will be happy with a smaller home or a fixer upper. She is in her 40s. Husband is 54. She has time to wait. For them, any model in any Village is fine. Not picky, at all. Their only concern is buying a home and it depreciates 30-50 thousand in a month or so. Who wouldn't?

Currently, homes SOUTH OF 44 with views and pools seem to make a large profit on the resale. With interior lots, it is a DIFFERENT story. We have seen them sitting for months and YES quite a few suffered a loss. For her own reasons, my daughter wants an interior lot. Maybe it is too much inventory that is dragging prices down on these homes. Because of cookie cutter build, one looks EXACTLY like another. In this case, maybe buyers go the cheapest route they can find.

[Normal]

I sold a home in September in 7 days. I made a good profit and used that to buy my current home. But, I had been living in the prior home for 17 years. Lots of time for appreciation.

Things have changed in the past FEW MONTHS. The history of homes on the market shows many are sitting for months and prices are moving downward. I didn't want to believe it until the Developer starting reducing prices. 250 + homes is not merely selling off what remains in a Village and moving on. (His way of doing business in years prior) It doesn't take much to realize the market is changing.

We will wait until the end of September. If we are wrong and prices go up, my daughter will be happy with a smaller home or a fixer upper. She is in her 40s. Husband is 54. She has time to wait. For them, any model in any Village is fine. Not picky, at all. Their only concern is buying a home and it depreciates 30-50 thousand in a month or so. Who wouldn't?

Currently, homes SOUTH OF 44 with views and pools seem to make a large profit on the resale. With interior lots, it is a DIFFERENT story. We have seen them sitting for months and YES quite a few suffered a loss. For her own reasons, my daughter wants an interior lot. Maybe it is too much inventory that is dragging prices down on these homes. Because of cookie cutter build, one looks EXACTLY like another. In this case, maybe buyers go the cheapest route they can find.

Very much spot on. Two things to mention. The first is interest rates do matter. More than half of all homes bought here are financed. Secondly, there seems to be an uptick in view lot new construction. There is a lot of water south of 44.

I still see depreciating housing prices till summers end. The Fed won’t cut interest rates anytime soon. Waiting doesn’t hurt a bit. If you bought now, we still have a ways to go till the bottom on prices. Houses are for sale EVERYWHERE!

[frayedends]

Very much spot on. Two things to mention. The first is interest rates do matter. More than half of all homes bought here are financed. Secondly, there seems to be an uptick in view lot new construction. There is a lot of water south of 44.

I still see depreciating housing prices till summers end. The Fed won’t cut interest rates anytime soon. Waiting doesn’t hurt a bit. If you bought now, we still have a ways to go till the bottom on prices. Houses are for sale EVERYWHERE!

Been a while since I read through this thread, but if you are waiting for interest rates to drop, I think that is a mistake. If prices are low now, when rates drop the prices will immediately increase. You can refinance an interest rate, you can't refinance the price. Just my opinion. Of course timing is everything and the exorbitant closing costs in Florida also need to come into play. Not sure how bad closing costs are on refinancing.

[JanetH]

Hey it took us 189 days to sell a beautiful home that would be 3 mil and not even available in the villages . Of course it’s not sitting in the villages . Would have loved to get the price per square foot that we pay here. Not complaining, just don’t think 40/50 days on the market is a big deal ……..

[vintageogauge]

I sold a home in September in 7 days. I made a good profit and used that to buy my current home. But, I had been living in the prior home for 17 years. Lots of time for appreciation.

Things have changed in the past FEW MONTHS. The history of homes on the market shows many are sitting for months and prices are moving downward. I didn't want to believe it until the Developer starting reducing prices. 250 + homes is not merely selling off what remains in a Village and moving on. (His way of doing business in years prior) It doesn't take much to realize the market is changing.

We will wait until the end of September. If we are wrong and prices go up, my daughter will be happy with a smaller home or a fixer upper. She is in her 40s. Husband is 54. She has time to wait. For them, any model in any Village is fine. Not picky, at all. Their only concern is buying a home and it depreciates 30-50 thousand in a month or so. Who wouldn't?

Currently, homes SOUTH OF 44 with views and pools seem to make a large profit on the resale. With interior lots, it is a DIFFERENT story. We have seen them sitting for months and YES quite a few suffered a loss. For her own reasons, my daughter wants an interior lot. Maybe it is too much inventory that is dragging prices down on these homes. Because of cookie cutter build, one looks EXACTLY like another. In this case, maybe buyers go the cheapest route they can find.

Over the last few months we have had several homes in our immediate neighborhood listed at what I felt were very high prices and sold in just a few weeks, both interior and view lots. This is still a great time to sell a home, at least south of 44. I have noticed that Pine Hill and Pine Ridge homes don't seem to sell very fast for some reason.

[margaretmattson]

Hey it took us 189 days to sell a beautiful home that would be 3 mil and not even available in the villages . Of course it’s not sitting in the villages . Would have loved to get the price per square foot that we pay here. Not complaining, just don’t think 40/50 days on the market is a big deal …….. if some people sell their homes in 5 days, others sell theirs in 30, and some take 100 days; the average is 45 days.

An average does not give a true picture. It makes one believe ALL homes sell within 45 days. In my example, 33% were far under, 33% in range and 33% way over. If you want factual days on market, you have to go on MLS and look at home history. A quarterly report that gives averages is interesting to look at but not reality.

[Snakster66]

I have noticed that Pine Hill and Pine Ridge homes don't seem to sell very fast for some reason.

One word: taxes.

For me to consider either of those villages, it would have to be an exceptional deal.

[Normal]

if some people sell their homes in 5 days, others sell theirs in 30, and some take 100 days. The average is 45 days

An average does not give a true picture. It makes one believe ALL homes sell within 45 days. In my example, 33% were far under, 33% in range and 33% way over. If you want factual days on market, you have to go on MLS and look at home history. A quarterly report that gives averages is interesting to look at but not reality.

The average or sometimes called the mean can be very misleading with so many outliers. The current market is influenced by aggressive price cuts. The price cuts do help more houses move in fewer days.

What I have found very interesting about Florida retirement housing markets are the similarities. Take a look at Sun City by Tampa. It showed slowing signs about 2 months ago and now inventory is climbing through the roof. If what has happened in the past holds true, it will be a blood bath soon for sellers here. It will be a 100% buyers market.

[Aces4]

Very much spot on. Two things to mention. The first is interest rates do matter. More than half of all homes bought here are financed. Secondly, there seems to be an uptick in view lot new construction. There is a lot of water south of 44.

I still see depreciating housing prices till summers end. The Fed won’t cut interest rates anytime soon. Waiting doesn’t hurt a bit. If you bought now, we still have a ways to go till the bottom on prices. Houses are for sale EVERYWHERE!



I fail to understand why the Fed should cut interest rates since they are really where they should be or maybe a percent or two higher. When did "free money" to buy anything you want become the norm? And please don't tell me 1-3% doesn't equate to free money. It's price of homes that needs to adjust and drop accordingly.

[Normal]

I fail to understand why the Fed should cut interest rates since they are really where they should be or maybe a percent or two higher. When did "free money" to buy anything you want become the norm? And please don't tell me 1-3% doesn't equate to free money. It's price of homes that needs to adjust and drop accordingly.

I agree, why cut rates at all? They won’t till the fall or even at all this year. The new norm is setting in and prices have to be driven down in homes. Those who bought in 2020 or 2021, Merry Christmas if you borrowed at 2.5%. Those days are long gone now. Nobody is going to pay those loans off early. Interest rates need to stay in the 7-10% range.

[vintageogauge]

The average or sometimes called the mean can be very misleading with so many outliers. The current market is influenced by aggressive price cuts. The price cuts do help more houses move in fewer days.

What I have found very interesting about Florida retirement housing markets are the similarities. Take a look at Sun City by Tampa. It showed slowing signs about 2 months ago and now inventory is climbing through the roof. If what has happened in the past holds true, it will be a blood bath soon for sellers here. It will be a 100% buyers market.

This is not similar to what has happened in the past. The last time loans were being given to anyone, even those that they knew could not afford them and the prices sky rocketed on homes. Fast forward a couple years they were all in foreclosure, tons of vacant homes hit the market, and the prices tanked. That is not the case here, Prices are high due to inflation, and lack of inventory. There are thousands of buyers out there waiting for rates to come down that will jump in and buy at the current high prices as soon as a rate drop happens, if it ever does. 7% is still a bargain when compared to rates 30 years ago.

[Aces4]

This is not similar to what has happened in the past. The last time loans were being given to anyone, even those that they knew could not afford them and the prices sky rocketed on homes. Fast forward a couple years they were all in foreclosure, tons of vacant homes hit the market, and the prices tanked. That is not the case here, Prices are high due to inflation, and lack of inventory. There are thousands of buyers out there waiting for rates to come down that will jump in and buy at the current high prices as soon as a rate drop happens, if it ever does. 7% is still a bargain when compared to rates 30 years ago.


I think what is being missed is that one of the reasons interest rates are manipulated over time is to force people to put their money into the pyramid scheme, ah.... stock market, to make any type of gains. One cannot be elected if the stock market is bottoming to it's actual value.

[Jayhawk]

That’s how the developer builds all those nice golf courses and dance areas. O and he charges you another fee to use those facilities!! You don’t think the builder builds nice areas for nothing lol

Why would they? Why would anyone with half a brain?

[Robnlaura]

Wrong, close by no cigar.
(actually, not even close)

Bonds funded: Infrastructure includes storm water systems, underground pump stations, water retention areas, curbs, gutters, streetlights, transportation trails, underground piping, etc.
Wrong answer

In The Villages, property bonds are used to finance many of the community's amenities, including golf courses, recreation centers, and swimming pools. When a new facility is proposed, the developers of The Villages will issue a property bond to finance its construction. The bond is then sold to investors, who receive interest payments over the life of the bond.



I guess you forgot the “ect” part. This is all about infrastructure period.

[Robnlaura]

Not sure why no one understands what a cdd pays for.. What is the Community Development District in our community specifically responsible for?
The CDD may provide the following publicly-owned elements:
Recreation, Executive Golf Courses, Public Safety, Neighborhood and Village Watch Services, Gate Houses
Off-site road improvements, streets, sidewalks, street signs and street lighting. This will be transferred to the County for maintenance
Water management. Including main line irrigation, lake and water control structures
Conservation areas
Water and sewer facilities, which will be transferred to the appropriate franchised utility
Landscaping and entry features

[Robnlaura]

Florida created CDDs, a particular kind of local government, to make it easier to finance and manage infrastructure and services in planned communities. To finance the construction of infrastructure, such as roads, water and sewer facilities, stormwater management systems, and recreational amenities, CDDs, as special-purpose governmental units, have the right to issue tax-exempt municipal bonds. Notable CDDs include the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the location of Walt Disney World and currently the center of a power struggle in the State of Florida, as well as substantially all of The Villages, the giant Central Florida retirement community.

[dewilson58]

Wrong answer
.

Just cut and pasted off their website.

Go read it and educate what THEY SAY.



Hope your day improves.................not enjoying the hatred.

[dewilson58]

I guess you forgot the “ect” part.

Did not forget, jus don't know what "ect" is.

chilout

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Robnlaura]

Just cut and pasted off their website.

Go read it and educate what THEY SAY.



Hope your day improves.................not enjoying the hatred.

I have had a great day laughing at…

[Robnlaura]

Did not forget, jus don't know what "ect" is.

chilout

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Right at the bottom of the villages story .. this is about infrastructure! Pretty good explanations out there.

[vintageogauge]

I think what is being missed is that one of the reasons interest rates are manipulated over time is to force people to put their money into the pyramid scheme, ah.... stock market, to make any type of gains. One cannot be elected if the stock market is bottoming to it's actual value.

Investors can take their profits and run anytime they wish. Also one WILL be elected if the stock market has bottomed, no doubt about it.

[jlejsek@sbcglobal.net]

Villages real estate
market update
first quarter 2024
Thank you for sharing. We are looking to buy in Eastport!

[Altavia]

Thank you for sharing. We are looking to buy in Eastport!

They've broken ground for about a dozen new Villages within 3-4 mi of Eastport that are in various stages of site prep and construction.

They historically complete about 3 Villages a year, so they likely will be building in that area the next 3-4 years.

Good luck!

[Aces4]

Investors can take their profits and run anytime they wish. Also one WILL be elected if the stock market has bottomed, no doubt about it.


Yeah, I should have said re-elected if the stock market tanks around November in an election year.

An investor can take what is currently left of his investment in a down year and run. I agree.

[HandyGrandpap]

Changing market: 500 Avecilla Dr, asking $825K, Purchased for $975K Dec 2022.
500 Avecilla Dr, THE VILLAGES, FL 32162 | MLS# G5074632 | Redfin (https://www.redfin.com/FL/The-Villages/500-Avecilla-Dr-32162/home/48475218?utm_source=myredfin&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=recommendations_update&riftinfo=ZXY9ZW1haWwmbD0zNTk0MTE0MyZwPWxpc3Rpbmdfd XBkYXRlc19yZWNvbW1lbmRhdGlvbnMmYT1jbGljayZzPXJlY29 tbWVuZGF0aW9ucyZ0PWltYWdlJmVtYWlsX2lkPTM1OTQxMTQzX zE3MTQ0ODI0ODlfNiZsaWxyX3Njb3JlPTAuODc0MTg4ODk5OTk zODk2NSZsaXN0aW5nX2lkPTE3NzEwOTY2NiZwb3NpdGlvbj0zJ nByb3BlcnR5X2lkPTQ4NDc1MjE4JnVwZGF0ZV90eXBlPTkmej0 w)

Apr 27, 2024

Date

Price Changed
Stellar MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid #G5074632

$825,000
Price


Dec, 2022
Dec 20, 2022

Date

Sold (MLS) (Closed)
Stellar MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid #G5059154

$975,000
Price

[Normal]

Changing market: 500 Avecilla Dr, asking $825K, Purchased for $975K Dec 2022.
500 Avecilla Dr, THE VILLAGES, FL 32162 | MLS# G5074632 | Redfin (https://www.redfin.com/FL/The-Villages/500-Avecilla-Dr-32162/home/48475218?utm_source=myredfin&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=recommendations_update&riftinfo=ZXY9ZW1haWwmbD0zNTk0MTE0MyZwPWxpc3Rpbmdfd XBkYXRlc19yZWNvbW1lbmRhdGlvbnMmYT1jbGljayZzPXJlY29 tbWVuZGF0aW9ucyZ0PWltYWdlJmVtYWlsX2lkPTM1OTQxMTQzX zE3MTQ0ODI0ODlfNiZsaWxyX3Njb3JlPTAuODc0MTg4ODk5OTk zODk2NSZsaXN0aW5nX2lkPTE3NzEwOTY2NiZwb3NpdGlvbj0zJ nByb3BlcnR5X2lkPTQ4NDc1MjE4JnVwZGF0ZV90eXBlPTkmej0 w)

Apr 27, 2024

Date

Price Changed
Stellar MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid #G5074632

$825,000
Price


Dec, 2022
Dec 20, 2022

Date

Sold (MLS) (Closed)
Stellar MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid #G5059154

$975,000
Price

Neighbor only lost 20 k on their designer home with view. Now isn’t the time to sell. It’s a no brainer with 6.5 to 7 months inventory available.

[margaretmattson]

Neighbor only lost 20 k on their designer home with view. Now isn’t the time to sell. It’s a no brainer with 6.5 to 7 months inventory available.It is getting more obvious that preowned homes are taking a hit. Many will say they were overpriced to begin with, but owners paid TOO MUCH after Covid. Now, they must take a loss. A reminder for all to be careful when purchasing.

[Altavia]

Neighbor only lost 20 k on their designer home with view. Now isn’t the time to sell. It’s a no brainer with 6.5 to 7 months inventory available.

Was the bond paid off?

[Normal]

Was the bond paid off?

The house is about 2 and a half years old. The bond wasn’t paid off.

[Altavia]

It is getting more obvious that preowned homes are taking a hit. Many will say they were overpriced to begin with, but owners paid TOO MUCH after Covid. Now, they must take a loss. A reminder for all to be careful when purchasing.

Several friends and neighbors have gotten their list price or more if using a MLS agent.

Selling preowened is a low priority for VLS reps unless it involves also purchasing another VLS property.

[margaretmattson]

Several friends and neighbors have gotten their list price or more if using a MLS agent.

Selling preowened is a low priority for VLS reps unless it involves also purchasing another VLS property.It seems like it is hit or miss. Some homes get their asking price while others linger on the market for months with price reduction after price reduction. This is true for both southern and northern areas. It is a market where buyers have ALL the control. A large inventory of homes gives them plenty to choose. If your Gardenia model doesn't have appealing attributes, a buyer will pass and look at the MANY SAME models available. Cookie-cutter homes means competition. Yours has to stand out!

Even the Developer is having problems. More price reductions in Dabney in the past week.

[Altavia]

It seems like it is hit or miss. Some homes get their asking price while others linger on the market for months with price reduction after price reduction. This is true for both southern and northern areas. It is a market where buyers have ALL the control. A large inventory of homes gives them plenty to choose. If your Gardenia model doesn't have appealing attributes, a buyer will pass and look at the MANY SAME models available. Cookie-cutter homes means competition. Yours has to stand out!

Even the Developer is having problems. More price reductions in Dabney in the past week.


Not a good time for those trying to recover a bond payoff in sell price.

[Snakster66]

It seems like it is hit or miss. Some homes get their asking price while others linger on the market for months with price reduction after price reduction. This is true for both southern and northern areas. It is a market where buyers have ALL the control. A large inventory of homes gives them plenty to choose. If your Gardenia model doesn't have appealing attributes, a buyer will pass and look at the MANY SAME models available. Cookie-cutter homes means competition. Yours has to stand out!

Even the Developer is having problems. More price reductions in Dabney in the past week.

As someone who has been looking (diligently) for a couple months now, I generally agree. I track sold homes literally every day. While it's true a small handful of homes still sell at or even a little over list price (very rare these days), the vast majority are selling below list price; even list prices that have been reduced several times.

I also agree that houses that stand out have a much better chance. Your Gardenia (and Camellia) example is spot on. It's getting to be a real good time to be a buyer because there are many options available. And if one house you like goes pending today, invariably another one you like will hit the market tomorrow.

All I need now is to secure a remote work job; just a matter of time. :-)

[Snakster66]

Not a good time for those trying to recover a bond payoff in sell price.

Not necessarily. As I'm looking at houses, I factor any bond balance into the price of the house (e.g., 450k price, 15k bond balance, 465k total price). Some may argue reasonably that that type of simplification is the wrong way to look at it, but it's how I choose to look at it. If another similar house has no bond balance and is priced at 460k, then it would be the leader (all other things being equal). There are a lot of factors I take into account when deciding on market value of a specific home, and paid off bond does hold value for me. It's not the primary factor, but it is a factor.

[Pairadocs]

I have been waiting for this to be published. It is not full of good news. 48 days on the market average!

Kind of sheds some light on what has puzzled me. Neighbors moves to a small villa due to health issues. Their designer home on a corner lot is very spacious and has been kept very up to date, kitchen additions, new roof, AC, paint, flooring, gutters, etc. I thought the ask price of $459 was really priced to sell for this nicely kept home, but apparently not, After 3 months it was cut more than 50K and now at 5 months is down to $389. There are no hidden problems, sink hole activity, irrigation system has always been maintained, all that, so it looks like the old saying that a home is "worth" ONLY what a buyer will pay and not a penny more. Too many available home ? Too many NEW homes and villages ? Interest to high for those who want or need to finance ? Not sure. Have noticed the same trend in many other Florida planned retirement communities... just normal up and down of market ? ? ?

[JMintzer]

It is getting more obvious that preowned homes are taking a hit. Many will say they were overpriced to begin with, but owners paid TOO MUCH after Covid. Now, they must take a loss. A reminder for all to be careful when purchasing.

Yes, the Covid boom drastically inflated prices. And those selling after only a few years are taking a hit.

But there are plenty of preowned homes (purchased befor said boom) that are realistically priced...

[JMintzer]

Several friends and neighbors have gotten their list price or more if using a MLS agent.

Selling preowened is a low priority for VLS reps unless it involves also purchasing another VLS property.

Selling what the customer wants should be their main priority. It was with our VLS agent.

[Snakster66]

Kind of sheds some light on what has puzzled me. Neighbors moves to a small villa due to health issues. Their designer home on a corner lot is very spacious and has been kept very up to date, kitchen additions, new roof, AC, paint, flooring, gutters, etc. I thought the ask price of $459 was really priced to sell for this nicely kept home, but apparently not, After 3 months it was cut more than 50K and now at 5 months is down to $389. There are no hidden problems, sink hole activity, irrigation system has always been maintained, all that, so it looks like the old saying that a home is "worth" ONLY what a buyer will pay and not a penny more. Too many available home ? Too many NEW homes and villages ? Interest to high for those who want or need to finance ? Not sure. Have noticed the same trend in many other Florida planned retirement communities... just normal up and down of market ? ? ?
Still on market? I can't find anything that fits that description but would be interested to see it.

The market is correcting from the covid boom highs.

[vintageogauge]

It's very hard to find a comparable home as there is such a wide spread in the value of the lot the home is on. Also, homes that are hard to find sell very quickly unless there is a problem. Example, TV has only 5 pre-owned 4 bedroom Woodside models that are not pending and only 6 pre-owned Ivy models and 4 of them are in the undesirable villages of Pine Hills and Pine Ridge along with one only having a 2 car garage. That's it, in all of The Villages pre-owned listings there are only 11 of those models available that are not pending, the ones in desirable areas on desirable lots sell with in a few days, some times the same day. Corner lots are hard to sell as are kissing lanais or designers without a golf car garage. For every home that takes 90 days to sell there is one that is sold in one day and that's and average of 45 days on the market. When you buy a home, just don't look at the price, look at the desirability when it comes to re-sale.

[Randall55]

It's very hard to find a comparable home as there is such a wide spread in the value of the lot the home is on. Also, homes that are hard to find sell very quickly unless there is a problem. Example, TV has only 5 pre-owned 4 bedroom Woodside models that are not pending and only 6 pre-owned Ivy models and 4 of them are in the undesirable villages of Pine Hills and Pine Ridge along with one only having a 2 car garage. That's it, in all of The Villages pre-owned listings there are only 11 of those models available that are not pending, the ones in desirable areas on desirable lots sell with in a few days, some times the same day. Corner lots are hard to sell as are kissing lanais or designers without a golf car garage. For every home that takes 90 days to sell there is one that is sold in one day and that's and average of 45 days on the market. When you buy a home, just don't look at the price, look at the desirability when it comes to re-sale.Spot on! If you own a home that is in demand but only a few on the market, you will cash in. Homes with great views are also an easy sale. Not many want a corner lot unless it is fenced in. Homes with pools used to be an easy sale but there are so many now. The design of the pool and lanai area has to be amazing. Like one poster said, cookie cutter homes means competition. A buyer can choose from many on the market or wait until one they desire comes available.

A seller needs to correct anything ODD they did to their home or it will not sell. They also need to carefully look at the pictures a realtor posts of their home. I see some and I shake my head. Large furniture or lots of furniture that makes the home look small, garages packed with stuff, pictures of roofs when they are wet making it appear there is damage, etc..

[Snakster66]

Spot on! If you own a home that is in demand but only a few on the market, you will cash in. Homes with great views are also an easy sale. Not many want a corner lot unless it is fenced in. Homes with pools used to be an easy sale but there are so many now. The design of the pool and lanai area has to be amazing. Like one poster said, cookie cutter homes means competition. A buyer can choose from many on the market or wait until one they desire comes available.

A seller needs to correct anything ODD they did to their home or it will not sell. They also need to carefully look at the pictures a realtor posts of their home. I see some and I shake my head. Large furniture or lots of furniture that makes the home look small, garages packed with stuff, pictures of roofs when they are wet making it appear there is damage, etc..

I used to think my parents were pulling my leg when they said people don’t like corner lots, but here’s two posts in a row underscoring that. Personally, I love seeing corner lots. With a little luck, that’s what we will end up with (if we find one with the right house on it).

Your second paragraph is spot on. How many times I see bad pictures is remarkable. I see houses that are priced at a premium and it looks like a 7 year old took the pictures with an iPhone 4. And yes, often times the rooms are very cluttered which doesn’t do the seller any favors. I will also add as free advice to listing agents: if you highlight something in the description, include a picture of it in the pics. Drives me crazy and it should be real estate 101.

[vintageogauge]

I used to think my parents were pulling my leg when they said people don’t like corner lots, but here’s two posts in a row underscoring that. Personally, I love seeing corner lots. With a little luck, that’s what we will end up with (if we find one with the right house on it).

Your second paragraph is spot on. How many times I see bad pictures is remarkable. I see houses that are priced at a premium and it looks like a 7 year old took the pictures with an iPhone 4. And yes, often times the rooms are very cluttered which doesn’t do the seller any favors. I will also add as free advice to listing agents: if you highlight something in the description, include a picture of it in the pics. Drives me crazy and it should be real estate 101.

Corner lots have higher bonds than their neighbors, several times more expensive to maintain the lawn, and they are open invitations for dogs as they all seem to have a stop sign post or light post that the dogs are attracted to and they go on from there. If you live here full time and maintain your own lawn you'll not enjoy the summers.

[Aces4]

Corner lots have higher bonds than their neighbors, several times more expensive to maintain the lawn, and they are open invitations for dogs as they all seem to have a stop sign post or light post that the dogs are attracted to and they go on from there. If you live here full time and maintain your own lawn you'll not enjoy the summers.


Don't forget all the lovely mole crickets that ruin the grass around the street light and are just about impossible to get rid of in your lawn. And then that whole big lot is usually not usable for anything because of right of ways running through it. Never again!

[Happydaz]

Corner lots have higher bonds than their neighbors, several times more expensive to maintain the lawn, and they are open invitations for dogs as they all seem to have a stop sign post or light post that the dogs are attracted to and they go on from there. If you live here full time and maintain your own lawn you'll not enjoy the summers.

Corner lots have beautiful views out of their living room and bedroom windows. Instead of looking out onto the side of your neighbor’s house and AC you have a beautiful view of sunsets, trees and shrubs. Corner lots can help the claustrophobic who may feel squeezed in if they have neighbors on both sides. In addition to having the beautiful views out of the side living area, corner lot homes have the rear views as well at the back from their lanai. Corner lots are great for people who need to have nice views out of all their windows.

[Aces4]

Corner lots have beautiful views out of their living room and bedroom windows. Instead of looking out onto the side of your neighbor’s house and AC you have a beautiful view of sunsets, trees and shrubs. Corner lots can help the claustrophobic who may feel squeezed in if they have neighbors on both sides. In addition to having the beautiful views out of the side living area, corner lot homes have the rear views as well at the back from their lanai. Corner lots are great for people who need to have nice views out of all their windows.


And don't forget to add all the traffic you'll see in the view. And if you're lucky enough to have a stop sign there, cart and motorcycle noise.. it's just heavenly. Not!

[Happydaz]

And don't forget to add all the traffic you'll see in the view. And if you're lucky enough to have a stop sign there, cart and motorcycle noise.. it's just heavenly. Not!

If you listened to the critics you would hear “Don’t buy a lot on a golf course, don’t buy a home near water and alligators, don’t buy a home where there are a lot of rentals, don’t buy a home near a busy highway, don’t buy a home at the edge of a Village near vacant land.” It is best to buy what you like and enjoy living in the home you choose. There is no one house fits all. We don’t all have to live in homes on interior lots.

[Aces4]

If you listened to the critics you would hear “Don’t buy a lot on a golf course, don’t buy a home near water and alligators, don’t buy a home where there are a lot of rentals, don’t buy a home near a busy highway, don’t buy a home at the edge of a Village near vacant land.” It is best to buy what you like and enjoy living in the home you choose. There is no one house fits all. We don’t all have to live in homes on interior lots.

No doubt. However, not to point out the deficiencies of living on a corner lot is deception. There are many, many homes in TV's that aren't on corner lots and have beautiful views. To each, their own.

[margaretmattson]

If you listened to the critics you would hear “Don’t buy a lot on a golf course, don’t buy a home near water and alligators, don’t buy a home where there are a lot of rentals, don’t buy a home near a busy highway, don’t buy a home at the edge of a Village near vacant land.” It is best to buy what you like and enjoy living in the home you choose. There is no one house fits all. We don’t all have to live in homes on interior lots. They are not critics if they own a corner lot property. Not critics if they own a property on a golf course. I lived near rentals and would advise to STAY AWAY. Many have witnessed what can happen if you purchase beside Nonvillage Property. Just posters giving their experience. You have the choice to learn from them or ignore them.

[Snakster66]

Corner lots have beautiful views out of their living room and bedroom windows. Instead of looking out onto the side of your neighbor’s house and AC you have a beautiful view of sunsets, trees and shrubs. Corner lots can help the claustrophobic who may feel squeezed in if they have neighbors on both sides. In addition to having the beautiful views out of the side living area, corner lot homes have the rear views as well at the back from their lanai. Corner lots are great for people who need to have nice views out of all their windows.

Ding ding. Spot on. Of the downsides listed by others in recent replies, I don't see any of them as serious issues that offset the space and semi-privacy one gets with a corner lot. I guess it's a matter of what you are used to before you move there. My current neighborhood dogs seemingly love my mailbox. That they would only use street signs going forward is a win. Since I'm not buying new, bonds vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, so what do I care if they vary from one house to another next door? And hey...some don't have bonds at all! It's all relative.

I don't deny that some folks may not like them for a variety of valid reasons (for them). The pluses (as I see them) outweigh any potential drawbacks. That's the beauty of so many varying options at TV. They all don't have to please every person. But every person is pleased by at least one of them. As for me, I think Rick Nelson (I believe he dropped the 'y' at this stage) sang it best: "You see, you can't please everyone, So you got to please yourself"

[vintageogauge]

Corner lots have beautiful views out of their living room and bedroom windows. Instead of looking out onto the side of your neighbor’s house and AC you have a beautiful view of sunsets, trees and shrubs. Corner lots can help the claustrophobic who may feel squeezed in if they have neighbors on both sides. In addition to having the beautiful views out of the side living area, corner lot homes have the rear views as well at the back from their lanai. Corner lots are great for people who need to have nice views out of all their windows.

The rear view and lanai are usually facing the side of a neighbor's house. The side view is a street with homes all along it and cars and trucks stopping at the intersection, I really don't see the beauty in that. Also not all homes on corner lots have the living area on the street side, a lot of them face their neighbor and the bedrooms are on the street side.

[Happydaz]

The rear view and lanai are usually facing the side of a neighbor's house. The side view is a street with homes all along it and cars and trucks stopping at the intersection, I really don't see the beauty in that. Also not all homes on corner lots have the living area on the street side, a lot of them face their neighbor and the bedrooms are on the street side.

I think a corner lot can be beautiful, but then I love plants.

[Snakster66]

I think a corner lot can be beautiful, but then I love plants.

Beautiful. My wife may want to consult with you when we finally make it down there. :-)

[vintageogauge]

I think a corner lot can be beautiful, but then I love plants.

That's one high maintenance way to hide the 2-street view and stop sign, probably helps with the traffic noise too. I"m not saying that everyone dislikes corner lots what my original reply was is that they do not sell quickly unless there is something special about them like a 4-car garage, water front, or other hard to find feature.

[Snakster66]

That's one high maintenance way to hide the 2-street view and stop sign, probably helps with the traffic noise too. I"m not saying that everyone dislikes corner lots what my original reply was is that they do not sell quickly unless there is something special about them like a 4-car garage, water front, or other hard to find feature.

Fair enough, and all the better for those of us who do like corner lots.

I think the upshot is that the corner lot gives you the space (usually) to create those optically pleasing landscape features.

[Randall55]

I think a corner lot can be beautiful, but then I love plants.Is that a home in the Villages? Looks beautiful! Most corner lots are not landscaped that well.

[Happydaz]

Is that a home in the Villages? Looks beautiful! Most corner lots are not landscaped that well.

Yes it is the Villages. There are many homes throughout the Villages that have landscaping that is beautiful and artistic. I can think of many of the homes on Conservation Trail, Osceola Hills, and many in Designer neighborhoods, etc.. A Premier home lot or a Designer on a corner lot (or other types of house models and villas on corner lots) gives a landscaper the room to develop a beautiful and private garden setting.

[Aces4]

Yes it is the Villages. There are many homes throughout the Villages that have landscaping that is beautiful and artistic. I can think of many of the homes on Conservation Trail, Osceola Hills, and many in Designer neighborhoods, etc.. A Premier home lot or a Designer on a corner lot (or other homes and villas on corner lots) gives a landscaper the room to develop a beautiful and private garden setting.

That's an excellent project for someone who has no other interests than to maintain large jungles on their front yard. Think about the heat, bugs, varmints, snakes and your back before signing on for that project. If you're flush with money, hire a gardener, lol.