Buyer's questions. House size or Lanai size? Golf cart garage required with two cars?

[Craig Vernon]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?

[retiredguy123]

In my opinion, no. You need a separate golf cart garage. It will make it easier to park the golf cart, but, more importantly, you need it for resale value. When you sell your house, a lot of people will reject it because it doesn't have a golf cart garage.

[Brwne]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?

Find a house that has the indoor floor plan you like, including golf cart garage, and make sure there is sufficient backyard space for an additional amount of lanai. You can always add a birdcage covered lanai later but you can't expand the floor plan.

Pre-owned houses with golf cart garages are more attractive on resale...

[Laurawilcox]

Hello there - You don’t say if you have tried renting for a few days, preferably summer and winter. That would be my recommendation or you could make a mistake that is expensive to recover from. I have three neighbors with large lanais, 2 of them live on the lanai 100% of the time and it is not enclosed, but they have large heaters. My husband and I and the other neighbor are very rarely outside. It wasn’t something that we did when we lived in our previous location so we don’t just naturally go outside. You want to consider what temperature you are comfortable in , the neighbor sounds around you, also need the furniture that’s going to make it as comfortable as the inside for you. My neighbors who enjoy it live in Florida simply because of the beauty of being outside, and they have all three of these covered, it all depends on what works for you. You will not know until you try it. We rented for 3 days to a week a couple of different places and all different kinds of scenarios. We were very surprised with how it changed our thoughts.

Don’t know the cart garage question better than those who are answering. If you make the correct decision on living space, you aren’t as likely to need to sell.

The time that I see this as a different is when people have enclosed their lanai at least with single pane if not more expensive double pane and then they live in the room, they buy the mini split so it is temperature controlled. It is the brightest space in the house, and it definitely becomes the man cave the craft room the place for entertaining. They are managing the weather that way. Then they can have a smaller footprint in the family/living room.

[asianthree]

Your Only storage here is your Garage, or extra closet…OP you have been shopping prices for more than a year..

However if you have a budget one needs to figure it out. List What you have to have, and wish list but can live without.

But all this is mute if you are still shopping not ready to buy. Wait until you are ready to actually buy a home…plotting and charts are just paper, not reality. That said garage (ours is 780sf) and our lanai (70% of our time) is always top of the list.

The home you need may be available with cash in hand, and who knows the seller may except your offer.

[CarlR33]

Craig, we rented a 2-2 patio home with one car garage and separate golf cart garage (with small lanai in between) that was sufficient and livable but we did want more and at the time my stuff was in storage and the second car sat outside off to the side so the garage car could get out without moving the one sitting outside. I have seen used larger homes for sale with a two car stretched garage with the cart sitting in front of the two cars (doable but not real convenient).
Only you can answer your questions as to what is important to you as do you need two cars and do you need a golf cart or maybe have two golf carts? I like the outdoors and am sitting here in 42 degrees with the sun on my back (yes the lanai is important to me). We currently do not have a golf cart and we are living ok without it. You have been looking from a distance for a long time and I would suggest renting for at least a year (in your case) before pulling the trigger on owning. Renting on a long term one year lease is not a bad deal right now vs. short term.
Lastly, have you checked out any other retirement communities during your visit? There are others. Best of luck, now just pull the trigger!

[justjim]

Everybody’s needs and wants are different and they also change. They often change after living in TV for a year or two. For example, you arrive with two cars but after a few months you find you only need one car. That really happens! Many find they need two golf carts not one and their golf cart garage has space for one. I could go on but I believe you see where my post is going. Bottom line - after many houses over the years we found no such thing as a “forever home”. Its about the same as looking for the fountain of youth. “In life you adapt, improvise, and overcome” Clint Eastwood

[tophcfa]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?

We had a similar dilemma. We wanted a home with a private back yard and either a pool or adequate room to build one. Our maximum price limited us from getting both a larger home and the private pool we desired. We mutually decided our priority was the privacy and pool. We settled for a very modest 2 bed 2 bath stick built ranch that abuts a wildlife preserve and had adequate room to build a large birdcage with a pool. Going on 10 years later, we are very happy with our decision. We spend more time in the pool/birdcage than inside the home and it’s less home to cool, clean, and pay taxes on. It sounds like you and your wife have to prioritize what will be most important to you going forward and weigh the trade offs. As far as the garage, it would be difficult to have two cars and a golf cart. We have three golf carts and no full time car at our home. When we drive down and have a car we leave it in the driveway and barely use it. If you’re limited to a two car garage you might want to consider one car and two golf carts? Best of luck with your search, I enjoy the updates as it brings back memories.
Below was our priority : )

[dtennent]

For a variety of reasons, I would rent for a few months at a time in different style homes in different locations. For us, having an expanded garage with bays for 2 cars and a golf cart allowed us to go from a 2 car/1 golf cart to a 1 car/ 2 golf cart family with plenty of room for tools/tool bench and more storage. We enjoy our expanded lanai but, as others have noted, you can modify your outdoor space later.

How do you use your home? In The Villages, most people meet others at restaurants around the area. For us, entertaining at home is important. Since we love to cook, having a nicer kitchen is a necessity. Having space for my wife’s crafting tools and supplies is also important. But you will only understand what is really important by living here. Good luck.

[GreggC69]

Agree with others - it is a personal choice and what is important for some is not for others, and vice versa. I think with the large number of houses, you will find one that fits for you once you are definitive on your "must haves" and "would be nice to haves". For us...we checked all our boxes and could not be happier. But again - situations are different.

For us...it was a must for a golf cart garage. But, we wanted it for a singular car and two carts. We go EVERYWHERE in the cart; having only one car has never been an issue for us and frankly, even with the one car, it sits in the garage unused far more that either of the carts.

Additionally - we wanted a nice and spacious lanai. We stay outside much of the time. Having that space to be out and enjoy was important for us.

Also, it was important for us where that ideal house was. We wanted it to be convenient to multiple squares as well as golf, recreation, and shopping/restaurants and in a village that is very active.

Again, to each his own but we found ours that checked all the boxes. You will too! Good luck.

[Craig Vernon]

I have read all your responses and understand what each is saying. As some of you know my wife and I have been renting in TV for about six years different times to get a full picture. We have stayed in a 2/2, 3/2 and 3/2 with a golf cart garage none had very large lanais just the most basic standard screened ones. My retirement is now set for April to May 2025 so shopping is in full swing pre-approved by Citizens First if we buy before selling our Ohio home. Looking forward to our full time Village's adventure. Appreciate all the wisdom and personal experience.

[jimhoward]

We are new to the villages and have a two car garage with no golf cart garage. While a golf car garage would be nice, we really have no problem with two cars and one golf cart. I think we could even have two golf carts if we wanted. The cars mostly stay parked in the driveway. There is plenty of room in the driveway to scoot the golf cart by between the parked cars and park it in the garage. There is also room on the concrete pad beside the house (its a CYV) to park the cart if we don't mind leaving it outside.

Even if we filled half of our two car garage with junk, I think we would still be okay.

So for us a golf cart garage is a nice-to-have not an absolute essential.

[Bogie Shooter]

Cars parked in ones driveway...add so much...

[Aces4]

We would caution to get a plot plan of your future home before purchasing if you plan on expanding any portion of the home. You'd be surprised how many homes on nice sized lots have "right of ways" running across them and other restrictions. Due diligence is necessary on so many fronts when purchasing here.:sigh:

[Cupcake57]

1. If you are social and active and plan to be out and about a lot, extra lanai space may not be priority. If either of you still work from home, maximizing living space is important.
2. Unless you are both working, ditch the second car. As another poster said, the garage is where you store your stuff; don't forget sports equipment, bicycles, cardio drumming balls, pool noodles, etc. And if you are doing your own lawn maintenance, lawnmowers, edgers, trimmers, chemicals....that has to go somewhere. Plus vacuums, mops, brooms, all end up in the garage as closets are not big.
3. Many people move and adjust their wish list after they get here. Just get here!

[rjm1cc]

Indoor much more important than outdoor. You can use the grass area if you have to and maybe you can build a larger patio. Golf cart- I park behind my car. Had to have the garage made larger. My problem was the lot I wanted could not have a golf cart garage added. Measure the space in the garage and make sure you can open you car doors and get in and out of the car. Garages can be tight especially if you get mobility problems as you age.

[Altavia]

You can never have too much garage space in FL.

[MX rider]

Look north of 466A. The lots tend to get a bit bigger the further you go north. We were in about the same price range but $425K was our max. We found a nice 3 and 2 ranch on a corner lot with a 2 car garage and a cart garage in Amelia. I love having a bigger yard. I can get my Chevy Colorado, my wifes Lexus NX300, a Harley Road king, my dirtbike, 2 mountain bikes, a Honda push mower and our golf cart in there. Yes it's tight but if you get creative it can be done. Good luck.

[patfla06]

We were lucky having lived in Florida for 17 years before we moved to T.V. so we already knew what was important for us.

We bought a spec house that is 2,600 sq ft with a 2-car garage with an extra 4 ft. down the right side.
We are not golfers so the lack of a golf cart garage wasn’t important. We have 1 golf cart with room for 2.
We have 2 SUV’s and have no problem getting in and out. The size of the house mattered more to us.

We have a water view lot and that was more important to us.

[kidnerkim]

Welcome. First thing I always recommend to newbies is rent first. That way you can get a better idea of area & size. Do you have children that will be visiting? Lanai space is good if you don’t have kissing lanais. Good place for grandkids to play. Area to move into is more important. How close to your square, golf, theatre/entertainment.

[Craig Vernon]

Thanks again for all the wisdom. Have a wonderful day.

[bowlingal]

very very hot and humid in the summer. Your lanai should face north to avoid the summers hot rays.

[Papa_lecki]

We only need one car, but two golf carts. We do not have a golf cart garage and that is the ONE regret we have - love everything else about the house.
If you will have 2 cars, you need the golf carts garage. (But you probably only need one car)

[sowilts]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?
We have a large lania and cart space in the garage. If we couldn’t have both would go with large lania and small garage. We spend more time in the lania.

[MandoMan]

Find a house that has the indoor floor plan you like, including golf cart garage, and make sure there is sufficient backyard space for an additional amount of lanai. You can always add a birdcage covered lanai later but you can't expand the floor plan.

Pre-owned houses with golf cart garages are more attractive on resale...

My first home in The Villages was in Tierra del Sol South. 1600 sq. ft., small lanai, large bird cage with swimming pool, two car garage, on the golf course. Thinking of adding another person to my life, I looked at a house on the same street and backing onto the same golf course, but it was 2500 sq. ft. So I went to view it during an open house. Turned out it had a tiny lanai rather like mine, but the extra 900 sq. ft. was simply putting more indoor space in the outdoor space with birdcage and pool where I lived. Same size lot. The distance between the back of that house and the golf course edge was the same as the distance between the back of my birdcage and the golf course. So in that neighborhood, built in 1998, it was one or the other.

[SeaCros]

Once here you may find out that you no longer need 2 cars but having 2 carts is something that works for you most in TV. To each their own for sure but IMO so many have high demand in what they want here in TV and it doesn’t exist or you will exstend way outside of your budget. Like others have suggested it could be better to rent until you can find something that works for you and family.

[gorillarick]

We visited here at least once a year for ten years before buying, and looked at real estate and open houses on every trip. Then we bought 3 years ago.
So far, I see no reason to move for a long time.

While buying this house, our real estate agent said many people buy and move 2 to 4 homes while here. Thought to myself; 'and throw $30k in the toilet every time you do, and disrupt your life by 3 to 6 months every time?'

Yeah, shop.

[Shelbyh]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?

We moved here in May. We had a budget but of course wanted it all. We preferred a large backyard and we predetermined a 2-car garage will do. We are in retirement and downsizing was the point. The house floor plan with the large fenced backyard and big lanai is what pulled the trigger for us. The home has a 2-car garage. I was not driving my car so we sold it and living with one car and one golf cart works out fine. My husband build himself a workshop in the garage. Everyone comes here with too much stuff and ends up throwing it away or donating. Save ur self the trouble and downsize before you get here.
As you can see lots of scenarios
Either way you will love it here!!

[bark4me]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?
If you're gonna have 2 cats and a golf car, you're gonna need at least a 2 car garage w/a golf car garage.
As for Lani, do you plan to spend alot of time outside? Is then yes, a bigger Lani. Don't worry, you'll move a couple of times anyways. We did.

[MicRoDrafting]

We are relative newbies that decided on the “CYPRESS” Designer Style HOME in a Older, well established Village.

Found the Floor Plan Very appealing with the Lanai built into the interior between the Master Suite and Guest bedrooms. And have decided to leave the patio doors open so the A/C flows in, as the Lanai has storm windows installed.

We did sacrifice the rear yard - having just enough room for small garden plots and our barbecue as the inside is quite adequate for entertaining.

Realizing that since one of us is retired, but the other remains in the work force, we only need one vehicle in the garage. Which leaves plenty of room for the Honey Buggy (we don’t golf), which is perfect for running errands in the Spanish Springs shopping area, as well as shooting over to Savannah for evening shows.

Lake Sumpter Landing is only a 10 min ride by car or 20 mins by the cart - which makes shopping at Whole Foods on 466 quite convenient as well.

AND as luck would have it (a True Blessing), we moved right next door to “the Mayor” couple of the street that have been here since ‘Day One’ … which gives my Better Half the most Gracious Copilot that simply loves to navigate around the cart trails - including all the shortcuts.

Only reason I did not touch base on activities and club access is because there are thousands within reach and everyone has their own preference.

[Jim1mack]

If we’re not sleeping, eating or watching TV at night we’re on our lanai. We have a pool, large yard that looks out to the yards of six of our back yard neighbors all well landscaped. It’s a park like setting. We also have a a three raised bed garden. Go for a large yard with a nice view and a pool for the ambiance. Golf cart garage for sure. 10+ years and loving it.

[BlueStarAirlines]

We were unwilling to compromise on house, lanai size, and wanted a water view so we waited until we could get a lot and build the house and lanai that we wanted. As others have pointed out, you can always expand the lanai if you have the room, but if that is an option then just consider adjusting your price range now. We spend a lot of time on our lanai and were unwilling to sacrifice on the size or the view when we sat on it.

One thing you CANNOT compromise on is your garage size. You will regret it immediately if you do.

[kimgarwel12@gmail.com]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?

We bought a 3/2 patio villa with a full 2-car garage and a golf cart garage (1 car and a golf cart), no lanai. We figured we could add a lanai after purchase. Not so fast!! Remember that 5-ft easement restriction?? Yep!! All around our house, every side. Runs right down the middle of the patio. Not even a bird cage is allowed. We could do an unscreened pergola, but that's it. We toyed with the idea of buying a courtyard villa with a screened lanai but with interest rates as high as they are and bonds out of control, we decided against it. Our house ticks all the boxes except for the lanai. Then we talked to others who say a simple screened lanai isn't enough. Furniture gets wet when it rains/blows, so they have to add windows. With that comes the need for AC because it's like a sauna with the windows closed. The only way we'd spend that much time out on a lanai would be if we had a TV out there.....and that wouldn't happen on a simple screened lanai. Soooo, after long consideration, we put in a remote-controlled awning for shade and called it good. We sit out on the patio occasionally and grill almost every night, but we really don't "need" the lanai. Would we still like to have one? Yes, but all things considered, we're good as is!! We're getting more out of the 2-car garage and separate golf cart garage at this point than a lanai.

[Topspinmo]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?

IMO probably not going find house with those requirement for that budget? If you do you better jump on it quick. I seen some CYVs corner lot or on golf course sell for that with 1 1/2 car garages few with two car garages on smaller lot. Even patio villas are close to 300K or more very few or have 2 car garage. I sure you can find house with two cart plus golf cart garage but it going to be on crackerjack lot probably. For you requirements IMO budget needs another 100K. This not 2012.

[Papa_lecki]

If we’re not sleeping, eating or watching TV at night we’re on our lanai. We have a pool, large yard that looks out to the yards of six of our back yard neighbors all well landscaped. It’s a park like setting. We also have a a three raised bed garden. Go for a large yard with a nice view and a pool for the ambiance. Golf cart garage for sure. 10+ years and loving it.

Agree with this - we spend a lot of time in our lanai/birdcage.
Will you have many guests (kids or friends)? If so, you’ll want a large outdoor space. Visitors from the north want to be outside when in FLA.

[Justputt]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?

Space, Space, Space. These homes have ZERO real storage! IMO, build! Get what you want on a lot you want. Stretch the garage in all directions to the max and pick a roofline that allows the most storage above, since these places are where you'll end up putting storage. The TV garages are much smaller than they appear because the doors are smaller, so in proportion they look okay. Golf cart garage is a must if you have two cars. These garages aren't big enough without it.

[gighilton]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?

I have had three homes at The Villages, and have not experienced your issue. Perhaps you contact Cheryl McDaniel at The Villages Real Estate. I am sure she can help with this.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

In a very short time, when one of our cars died, we found we didn’t need 2 cars. A 2 car garage is big enough for our SUV and 2 carts, plus a lawn mower and power washer.

[tophcfa]

In a very short time, when one of our cars died, we found we didn’t need 2 cars. A 2 car garage is big enough for our SUV and 2 carts, plus a lawn mower and power washer.

It takes time to adjust. Up north two cars is a necessity for us, in the Villages we barely need one car, but definitely require more than one golf cart.

[FloridaGuy66]

We have one car and a golf cart with a two car garage. We use the space the golf cart sits in also for storage in a couple big shelving units and a locker. There's really no other practical space to store things that are needed on an ongoing basis. It's not practical to go up to the attic everyday.

If we had two cars and an additional golf cart garage, I still doubt we would be parking the second car into the second spot as we still need the extra storage for things like bikes, lawnmower, tools, etc.

Many of my neighbors just gave up and park one or both of their cars in the driveway.

[FrostyBear]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?

Keep looking, what you’re looking for is out there.

I was in the same predicament when I was looking for a home in TV. I eventually found a 2000 sq ft home with a golf cart garage and a lanai that is on its way to be my man cave. My budget was the same as yours and I had enough to enclose the lanai to stay within my budget. The prices have dropped a little since I bought my home last year so I believe it’s out there. Patience is the key, it took us about six months looking online almost everyday to find our house and lot that fit our wants.

Good luck in your search

[opinionist]

I consider an adjacent golf cart garage essential, not because I have a golf cart, but because space is needed to park two full-size cars and have room to get out of the car. I love the lanai because it has the feel of the outdoors without the bugs of the outdoors. I have never used the patio because if I want some sunshine, I will take a walk.

[coffeebean]

In my opinion, no. You need a separate golf cart garage. It will make it easier to park the golf cart, but, more importantly, you need it for resale value. When you sell your house, a lot of people will reject it because it doesn't have a golf cart garage.

One of our criteria for our forever home in The Villages was a golf cart garage. It was a MUST!!! Well, needless to say, we purchased a home without a golf cart garage.

The garage has a nice "bump out" on one side. We use the bump out area to have tall built in cabinets for storage. Invaluable!!!

With two cars, we also have a long enough drive way to park one car and be able to maneuver the golf cart in and out of the garage with ease.

These are the two reasons we settled for a home without the golf cart garage. It is possible and doable.

[kkingston57]

In my opinion, no. You need a separate golf cart garage. It will make it easier to park the golf cart, but, more importantly, you need it for resale value. When you sell your house, a lot of people will reject it because it doesn't have a golf cart garage.

And most of the 2 car garages in TV are smaller than most other garages.

[jimmy o]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?
My wife and I each had our separate cars up North. Moving here we knew that we would not need a third means of transportation. So we sold one car before moving here. Came here and picked up our golf cart. Now we have one car and one golf cart. If we need another means of transportation we will buy another golf cart, We know our situation and definitely do not need or want another car, but many times consider another cart. We only have a two car garage and that is plenty for us. If we get another cart still no problem, 2nd cart would fit nicely in our garage. That said, yes, it would still be nice to have a golf cart garage. But how much stuff do we really need, our two car is plenty. If we get crowded, we will get rid some some more useless stuff.

[Snakster66]

We just moved in back in September. I'd say our thinking was very much along the lines of yours. I won't presume to tell you what you should do, but here is where we landed. We downsized from our home in PA fairly significantly. Not by necissity, but by choice. My wife didn't want too big of a house to maintain (I'm still working, she's not). However, what I concluded, after looking at many houses and many models, is that sme of that extra square footage in other houses was wasted space. For us it was about the size and practicality of the living spaces moreso than the bedroom (master specifically). The model we landed on as we focused our search was Wisteria/Jasmine.The living are (TV area) is fantastic. It easily accommodated the 85" TV I brought down from a viewing distance perspective and we are not cramped in that area at all. It has a perfectly spaced dining area and a good sized kitchen that has a breakfast area. We are remodeling the kitchen to but 40" cabinets to maximize storage space. Yes the master bedroom is smaller than other models, but since we only sleep in there, we don't have any second thoughts about it. The master closet is a good size and will be even better when we put a closet system in there. We are also re configuring master bath to maximize that space. Second bedroom is a surprisingly good size. Third bedroom is a bit smaller, but that is being used as my office and is fine for my needs.

So having identified a model, the thought process moved on to other items on your question list. To wit: outdoor space and garage. We found one with a larger than usual lanai (already enclosed but it's acrylic, so we are having it re-done in glass) and it already had a large-ish patio with birdcage. This was on a corner lot and that birdcage faces the corner, with space to build a[out even more patio/outdoor space in the future. For garage, my preference would be to have one with a golf cart garage. It would definitely make things easier. However, a deal breaker for me would be a standard sized 2 car garage (typically that is 440 sf although I've seen designer houses as low as 400 and some models you might find 480 sf as "standard". The house we bought does not have a golf cart garage, but it is stretched a lot on one side. The square footage of the garage is 572 sf and there is room on the side to expand it just a bit and add a golf cart garage; which may be something we look at in a year or two. There were some built ins that ate up space and had limited utility, so I ripped them out. I have gobs of space in there now, and storage solutions I am choosing are predicated on versatility and, in some case, mobility.

And almost just as importantly, this house was in an area (village really) that we were targeting and we were able to get it at a great price which allows us the flexibility to make the upgrades mentioned above. We couldn't be happier with our decision and do not regret the downsizing to a "smaller" house at all.

To summarize, we:
Priortized outdoor space/area over internal square footage.
This was predicated on finding a model that had SF in all the 'right' places
Look for a golf cart garage for most storage and convienience; however, don't dismiss a stretched garage as a viable alternative. For me that bar was set at 550 sf,

Best of luck in your search. I hope you find the one that makes you happy.

[banjobob]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?
To OP there are homes you describe that are close to what you desire , the problem is the budget you are wanting to buy in . Most of the large homes you describe are much higher price range. Another poster described best , deside what you can be happy with and explore every listing as they hit the market.

[Normal]

First of all, consider the fact prices are still trending downward in the Villages. Take your time on your “forever home” purchase. Many sellers should be more than willing to bargain on a good price for you. Personally, I would rent till I saw a clearer picture on the bottom of this whole thing. Then you are in a better place to jump in under more ideal circumstances. You may eventually get all you want within your budget.

Next, I think of outdoor space as not climate controlled. This makes that optional use space as desirable only a couple of months out of the year so I would consider climate controlled space as my premium priority.

Lastly, garages are a definite consideration for most. They usually aren’t climate controlled and fairly warm much of the year. It is all about parking and parking logistics at this point. If you like the garage space for more than parking, go for as large as possible. Remember, a snug fit in the area stays that way day in and day out if you decide to maintain your current vehicle usage.

[Craig Vernon]

We just moved in back in September. I'd say our thinking was very much along the lines of yours. I won't presume to tell you what you should do, but here is where we landed. We downsized from our home in PA fairly significantly. Not by necissity, but by choice. My wife didn't want too big of a house to maintain (I'm still working, she's not). However, what I concluded, after looking at many houses and many models, is that sme of that extra square footage in other houses was wasted space. For us it was about the size and practicality of the living spaces moreso than the bedroom (master specifically). The model we landed on as we focused our search was Wisteria/Jasmine.The living are (TV area) is fantastic. It easily accommodated the 85" TV I brought down from a viewing distance perspective and we are not cramped in that area at all. It has a perfectly spaced dining area and a good sized kitchen that has a breakfast area. We are remodeling the kitchen to but 40" cabinets to maximize storage space. Yes the master bedroom is smaller than other models, but since we only sleep in there, we don't have any second thoughts about it. The master closet is a good size and will be even better when we put a closet system in there. We are also re configuring master bath to maximize that space. Second bedroom is a surprisingly good size. Third bedroom is a bit smaller, but that is being used as my office and is fine for my needs.

So having identified a model, the thought process moved on to other items on your question list. To wit: outdoor space and garage. We found one with a larger than usual lanai (already enclosed but it's acrylic, so we are having it re-done in glass) and it already had a large-ish patio with birdcage. This was on a corner lot and that birdcage faces the corner, with space to build a[out even more patio/outdoor space in the future. For garage, my preference would be to have one with a golf cart garage. It would definitely make things easier. However, a deal breaker for me would be a standard sized 2 car garage (typically that is 440 sf although I've seen designer houses as low as 400 and some models you might find 480 sf as "standard". The house we bought does not have a golf cart garage, but it is stretched a lot on one side. The square footage of the garage is 572 sf and there is room on the side to expand it just a bit and add a golf cart garage; which may be something we look at in a year or two. There were some built ins that ate up space and had limited utility, so I ripped them out. I have gobs of space in there now, and storage solutions I am choosing are predicated on versatility and, in some case, mobility.

And almost just as importantly, this house was in an area (village really) that we were targeting and we were able to get it at a great price which allows us the flexibility to make the upgrades mentioned above. We couldn't be happier with our decision and do not regret the downsizing to a "smaller" house at all.

To summarize, we:
Priortized outdoor space/area over internal square footage.
This was predicated on finding a model that had SF in all the 'right' places
Look for a golf cart garage for most storage and convienience; however, don't dismiss a stretched garage as a viable alternative. For me that bar was set at 550 sf,

Best of luck in your search. I hope you find the one that makes you happy.

Wow, I really appreciate the detailed response we have rented both a wisteria and a jasmine. I have looked at many of them and almost bought one recently, but I really want a golf cart garage if at all possible and we are not on a time crunch. Glad to see you landed well. Thanks again.

[JMintzer]

We bought a re-sale with a 2 car garage and a golf cart garage with a 4' front-back stretch. This allowed pleny of room behind the cart for my work bench.

Out lanai also has a 2' stretch, which allowed us to easily fit a round table for 4 and a wicker sofa & 2 chairs set, plus 2 more chairs with ottomans...

For us, BOTH were important...

[Snakster66]

Wow, I really appreciate the detailed response we have rented both a wisteria and a jasmine. I have looked at many of them and almost bought one recently, but I really want a golf cart garage if at all possible and we are not on a time crunch. Glad to see you landed well. Thanks again.

I know there is at least one Wisteria and one jasmine currently on the market with golf cart garages. They are out there, just not all that common. Best of luck.

[VApeople]

As we search for our forever home in TV a glaring problem has developed in our price range 400-450k. If I like the house size the outdoor space, meaning the lanai and patio, is small or non-existent. If I like the outdoor space the home is smaller than we would like. Which is of higher value to full time residents? House square footage or Lanai and patio space? Question2. Can we get by with His/Her cars and a golf cart without a golf cart garage?

We have two cars but no golf cart. We are very happy that we have a golf cart garage.