Does a golf course/water view really worth it?

[fflmaster]

I am sure this is discussed in Nauseam, but can’t seem to find much on a search with recent opinions.

I expect my wife and I will want to design our house vs purchase an already made and ready new home if we go in the new home direction.

However, looking at locations TV releases to build lots on the price can go from 5k to 200k.

I get the idea of pick what you can afford and want, but I am still the kind of person that needs to confirm value. Say, we decide to move to a new location in 10 years. I don’t want to loose 200k in value. Up North, the area and size of house would all be similar in price. View would not mean anything to valuation of sale.

So, do the golf course views really sell for 200k more than a same style home without the view? Or do you understand and accept a loss if you purchase the view?

[jbartle1]

An additional thought, difficult to find water view that doesn’t come with alligator!

[retiredguy123]

In my opinion, you should definitely buy a golf and/or water view site. It will sell quickly and you will get your investment back. It is worth it.

[Toymeister]

A good golf course view sells for more than 200k premium on an existing build

[dewilson58]

An additional thought, difficult to find water view that doesn’t come with alligator!

& mowers

& golfers

& golf balls

:ho:

[Rango]

There is no guarantee that there will always be water in you pond

[mrf6969]

Money better spent to have a nice quiet open space lot behind your home with a water view. Lots to look at and peaceful. If we ever put our home on the market, it will go long before other homes of the same type. We love ours.

[jimhoward]

Yes they do, and they sell faster as well. View lots are often larger as well and that is a factor in the price. That is why, if you try to buy the $150K lot that you have your eye on, you can't just do it. You have to enter a random drawing with other people will also want the lot.

The $0 and $5K interior lots on the other hand, you can just take your pick. But, unfortunately the beautiful house you want to build on the view lot, doesn't fit on the $5K lot. So there is that.

[Pondboy]

Yes, golf course views command the extra coin on the front end and they are more likely to sell quickly on the back end. If you get your money back, well, that depends on a lot of things. No one can really tell you what’s going to happen in 10 years. But, it will more than likely sell quicker than a home that backs up to another or one that is on the turnpike or near a busy street.

Look at it this way, what view would you rather have for the next 10 years in that house that you are custom building? The back of someone else’s house or that golf course / pond.

Also, when you pick your lot, choose wisely! You don’t want golf balls hitting your lanai…or those irresponsible golfers trespassing on your property because they can’t hit a ball straight.

[mrf6969]

Yes they do, and they sell faster as well. View lots are often larger as well and that is a factor in the price. That is why, if you try to buy the $150K lot that you have your eye on, you can't just do it. You have to enter a random drawing with other people will also want the lot.

The $0 and $5K interior lots on the other hand, you can just take your pick. But, unfortunately the beautiful house you want to build on the view lot, doesn't fit on the $5K lot. So there is that.

Interesting that there is a lottery drawing for the new lots. Maybe it makes sense to buy a home with the view you like in a pre-owned home. It could save some money.

[Arlington2]

Be sure to research and choose your site carefully. These are not PGA professionals playing our courses. What you think may be a safe location most likely will not be. In the past we were on a par 3 at the friendly tee thinking no one would hit into us. We were wrong and our neighbor downstream was very wrong. Sitting in the lanai was inhibited and a lot of cursing from golfers as they go by, but a nice view.

[retiredguy123]

The biggest mistake you can make is to build a premier or a large designer house with a lot of upgrades on an interior lot.

I would suggest driving through the neighborhood on Iron Oak Way and Morse Blvd. This is the last premier house neighborhood built north of Rt 44 before they stopped building premiers. The houses on the water preserve are all worth well over $1 million dollars. But can you imagine owning one of the huge premier houses on an interior lot, when you could have purchased one of the preserve lots for about a hundred thousand dollars more?

[tophcfa]

I love golf, but wouldn’t live on a course if there was zero up charge. Getting woken up at the crack of dawn by lawnmowers isn’t my idea of a good time.

[biker1]

Water or marsh view with a northeast exposure on the rear of the house.

I am sure this is discussed in Nauseam, but can’t seem to find much on a search with recent opinions.

I expect my wife and I will want to design our house vs purchase an already made and ready new home if we go in the new home direction.

However, looking at locations TV releases to build lots on the price can go from 5k to 200k.

I get the idea of pick what you can afford and want, but I am still the kind of person that needs to confirm value. Say, we decide to move to a new location in 10 years. I don’t want to loose 200k in value. Up North, the area and size of house would all be similar in price. View would not mean anything to valuation of sale.

So, do the golf course views really sell for 200k more than a same style home without the view? Or do you understand and accept a loss if you purchase the view?

[jimhoward]

Interesting that there is a lottery drawing for the new lots. Maybe it makes sense to buy a home with the view you like in a pre-owned home. It could save some money.

If you search the databases for asking prices for pre-owned homes on view lots, you will be quickly disabused of that notion.

[MikeVillages]

We have a golf & lakes view, very open. We can sit in the great room & see the view. Very relaxing.

[Babbs1957]

Worse lots: The tee or green view. Lots of carts, loud conversations, and many jack a$$es.
Better lots: Fairway or water view. Somewhat quiet, low water smell, and bugs
Best lots: Nature view. Quiet, trees covered in moss blowing in the wind, and animals

Sitting in your hot tub and nobody can see you - priceless

[fflmaster]

An additional thought, difficult to find water view that doesn’t come with alligator!

I need a 😂 button. This did make me laugh. But, I actually like looking at the alligators.

[CarlR33]

Look at existing homes for sale (or sold) and compare with what they paid on their county website. Also, a view home is not going to bring a premium on resale if you do silly things like overdo the landscaping or use non neutral specific to you upgrades, etc. I have seen this type of home for sale.

[thelegges]

Posters will tell you what lot you should or shouldn’t choose. However my bet is they haven’t tried for a build lot with a view for at least 4 years.

First if you want to build, choose the $$$$ you need for your budget. Then try for every available lot.

There will be around 30-50+ names for each lot. You will be very lucky to be #1. You have 48 hours to say Yes or No.

So think if you and hundreds are trying for lot release available, those lots will also be highly sought after if you build a desirable model.

That $200,000 lot does sell well if you can only afford a $200,000 model.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You have to decide for yourself what you want to see out the back of your house, combined with how often you'll be looking.

If you feel a golf view is your ideal location, consider two important things:

1. The spot right in front of the tees will often be more congested with golf carts, and some of them are noisier than others.
2. The spot closest to the point at which most balls are likely to land after taking their first shot - is more prone to damage to siding, stucco, windows, and screens, due to slices and whatever other terminology indicates someone messed up their shot.

Try and find the sweet spot. Maybe between the last hole and the next tee, at whichever part of the course you fancy.

[village dreamer]

its always location , location , location with real estate.

[BrianL99]

I am sure this is discussed in Nauseam, but can’t seem to find much on a search with recent opinions.

I expect my wife and I will want to design our house vs purchase an already made and ready new home if we go in the new home direction.

However, looking at locations TV releases to build lots on the price can go from 5k to 200k.

I get the idea of pick what you can afford and want, but I am still the kind of person that needs to confirm value. Say, we decide to move to a new location in 10 years. I don’t want to loose 200k in value. Up North, the area and size of house would all be similar in price. View would not mean anything to valuation of sale.

So, do the golf course views really sell for 200k more than a same style home without the view? Or do you understand and accept a loss if you purchase the view?


Simple to find out facts. Look up the Assessed Value of homes with "views", vs similar homes without (or even Redfin or Zillow).

I can tell you one thing for sure. If you ever walked into a neutral bank (NOT Citizen's or whoever TV is using now) and tried to finance an extra $200,000 because the home you wanted to buy is on a detention basin, they'd laugh at you.

[Coop63]

As an avid golfer, I would be very reluctant to own a home on a golf course. Carts zooming past my lanai would drive me nuts. If you are lucky to be anywhere from 20 to 100 yards off a driving hole expect to be peppered by shanks, hooks and slices. Good golfers are not immune from errant shots. Handicap goes up and your odds increase. Guys having fun can be offensive to some.

[vintageogauge]

We lived on a Golf Course for 11 years and were very excited to move in until we actually moved in. There was no privacy, lots of noise, foul language, littering, men relieving themselves right out in the open with no regard of the residents or their children (and yes I did get the police involved with that no-no), spectators for local tournaments would set up their chairs on our lawn without asking and leave their trash behind when they left for another hole, the groundskeepers are on the course before dawn working with lights and after sunset to keep the course free of debris, leaves, mowed, watered, etc. Golf balls were the least of our worries, it was the pigs that were disguised as Country Club Elites that were the biggest problem. When we moved here we decided no golf course but we did want the privacy and peacefulness of a water view which is what we bought with no regrets. For a good return on you home investment try to get on a all stucco street or cul-de-sac where all of the neighbors on the street have a water view. The homes on our street that have been sold to date were off the market almost overnight.

[Nell57]

There is no guarantee that there will always be water in you pond

Not necessarily.
I attended a class on water management in The Villages, presented by The Villages. They have a map that identifies the three types of ponds in The Villages.
1. Ponds with liners. These always have water, and water is moved in and out of these ponds. It is used to store excess water in the rainy season.
2. Unlined ponds. These might completely dry up in the dry season. So there is a chance that when you purchase the property you have a water view, six months later you are looking at a mud hole.
3. Ponds that are adjacent to nature preserves. They never interfere with these ponds.
So if you are purchasing a home have your sales agent find out what type of pond you’re on. At our class they had a big map that clearly identified the purpose of each body of water. I took a picture of it. Make sure you know what you’re buying.
I have lived on the 3rd type for 13 years. We usually do have one gator . …very entertaining.
If you are comfortable with the price…go for the water view.
It’s a great investment.

[jimhoward]

I have a theory that the housing economics for moderately affluent retirees is different from young working people. When you are coming up you buy the home that you can afford based on your savings and your income. The house is mortgaged and the maximum you can pay for the house is limited by how much mortgage you can afford.

But when you are retired it is different. If you have money you can buy any house you want. So then the question is not how much can you afford, its how much of your money do you want tied up in real estate. Your estate is going your heirs. Whether you leave them a million dollar house and some money or a 500K house and 500K more money its not all that different. So you might as well live in the nicer house.

My theory is that this is one factor holding up house prices for nicer homes in the Villages and that buying a view lot is a good idea.

[BrianL99]

Not necessarily.
I attended a class on water management in The Villages, presented by The Villages. They have a map that identifies the three types of ponds in The Villages.
1. Ponds with liners. These always have water, and water is moved in and out of these ponds. It is used to store excess water in the rainy season.
2. Unlined ponds. These might completely dry up in the dry season. So there is a chance that when you purchase the property you have a water view, six months later you are looking at a mud hole.
3. Ponds that are adjacent to nature preserves. They never interfere with these ponds.
So if you are purchasing a home have your sales agent find out what type of pond you’re



Good for you. In my 4 years in TV, I have never run across a single person, who has a clue how the "ponds" and drainage system works and why.

What you're describing are "Retention Ponds", "Detention Ponds" and natural impoundments (of various types).

You're 100% right. Folks should know what their "view" actually is and most don't seem to have a clue.

[Coop63]

I have a theory that the housing economics for moderately affluent retirees is different from young working people. When you are coming up you buy the home that you can afford based on your savings and your income. The house is mortgaged and the maximum you can pay for the house is limited by how much mortgage you can afford.

But when you are retired it is different. If you have money you can buy any house you want. So then the question is not how much can you afford, its how much of your money do you want tied up in real estate. Your estate is going your heirs. Whether you leave them a million dollar house and some money or a 500K house and 500K more money its not all that different. So you might as well live in the nicer house.

My theory is that this is one factor holding up house prices for nicer homes in the Villages and that buying a view lot is a good idea.

Totally agree, home equity is a solid asset that increases with cost of living. It’s a conservative part of your portfolio that you get to enjoy daily. Spending wisely on upgrades increases the value of the asset. Key is to always make choices with the mindset of resale.

[Rainger99]

I am sure this is discussed in Nauseam, but can’t seem to find much on a search with recent opinions.

I expect my wife and I will want to design our house vs purchase an already made and ready new home if we go in the new home direction.

However, looking at locations TV releases to build lots on the price can go from 5k to 200k.

I get the idea of pick what you can afford and want, but I am still the kind of person that needs to confirm value. Say, we decide to move to a new location in 10 years. I don’t want to loose 200k in value. Up North, the area and size of house would all be similar in price. View would not mean anything to valuation of sale.

So, do the golf course views really sell for 200k more than a same style home without the view? Or do you understand and accept a loss if you purchase the view?

View lots are in demand. Kissing lanais are not. You don’t have a lottery for kissing lanais.

Check out the preowned houses in Moultrie Creek that have a view that are for sale. They are a year old. Check out the original sales price and check out the asking price. And then follow up for the sales price. Prices are available at Sumter County appraisers website.


Attention Required! | Cloudflare (https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?App=SumterCountyFL&PageType=Search)

[villagetinker]

I am going to provide a contrary viewpoint, we bought a lot with a road in the back, a view of 2 golf courses in the distance, and villas with a block wall. Outside of some occasional road noise this is a very nice location. The cars at 30+ MPH, the golf carts at 25+MPH never have a chance to see me in the hot tub, the occasional walker is too busy with their phone, so we actually have a lot of privacy. Lot was $65k (2013) house now appears to be 2.5 to 3 times what we paid, AND we know the rear scenery will never change significantly.

[tophcfa]

There is no guarantee that there will always be water in you pond

And there is also no guarantee your golf course view will remain, aka the Hacienda Hills syndrome. One day you’re looking across a fairway at a clubhouse, restaurant, swimming pool, tennis courts, etc…, and you have a short walk to go out to dinner. The next day you’re watching a wrecking ball level all of it. Then you get to live next to a construction site while your once beautiful view is turned into a residential Villa complex. That’s why if you buy a view lot you need to make absolutely certain the land encompassing your view can never be built on or is not a man made retention pond that can suddenly become empty. A real lake, such as lake miona, or a wildlife preserve, is a safe bet, otherwise buyer beware.

[tophcfa]

Water or marsh view with a northeast exposure on the rear of the house.

Our wildlife preserve view (glorified swamp) with a southwest exposure in the rear of our house works for us. The combination of privacy, wildlife, and beautiful sunsets are priceless.

[Lottoguy]

You learn interesting swear words on a golf course.

[VApeople]

As you are playing golf, look at the houses next to golf course. Would you like to live in one of those houses?

In my opinion, some of the lots look very nice, but a lot of them do not. Try to figure out why some of them are appealing and try to find a house or a lot that you think will work for you.

[margaretmattson]

As you are playing golf, look at the houses next to golf course. Would you like to live in one of those houses?

In my opinion, some of the lots look very nice, but a lot of them do not. Try to figure out why some of them are appealing and try to find a house or a lot that you think will work for you.A home is worth what someone is willing to pay. I live in a neighborhood where several of the original residents have died, were diagnosed with terminal illness, or desire to be closer to family. There have been times when several homes were placed on the market at relatively the same time. The sold prices differed immensely. Some walked away with $100-300 thousand profit. Others made $50-75 thousand for the same model.

You would assume the homes with better lots and views made the most, right? Amazingly, not always the case. Some interior lots attracted buyers quickly and sold for top dollar. The homes were gorgeous inside and were truly move in ready.

We live in a CYV villa neighborhood. Some of the lots are maintenance free or have much larger back yards than new builds. All have high stucco walls that offer complete privacy. Our neighborhood also has a pool and pavillon solely for neighborhood use. From what I have experienced, some buyers are willing to pay MUCH more for these attributes. Never underestimate a high budget buyer's needs and wants. A nice view is not always at the top of their list.

When you choose a home, consider these options.
1. Do you want to live in a home that has a wonderful view? One in which other posters have warned may have severe drawbacks. Noise, 24/7 golfer invasion, wild animals, a pond that may dry up, etc, etc. But, offers beauty as far as your eyes can see?

2.One that lacks nothing inside? A home with substantial upgrades is a luxury. Are you willing to pay more for this?

3. Is privacy important? Are you willing to pay more for a larger back yard? Some homes are located on small streets. This means fewer neighbors with little or no noise. Does this type of privacy interest you?

You are the one that must live in the home. Choose the one that offers the most bang for your buck. Most likely, if you need to sell, you will quickly find a high budget buyer. The reason? You paid attention to details when purchasing. You will leave with $$$ in your pocket, and the new owner will be thrilled with his/her purchase.

[Karen Cruiser]

Make sure you’re far away from the Turnpike and major roads so you don’t hear the road traffic all the time!!!

[USOTR]

We purchased last year in September. I will not pay allot extra for a view.. As someone else already stated "there is no guarantee there will always be water in the that retention pound".

However here in the villages at this time, houses with a view are bringing allot more. Will that be the same in 10 years?

[Laurawilcox]

When we were looking to make a similar decision on whether to pay for a premium lot of some sort, my realtor friend said it seems expensive the day you buy it, but it determines how you feel about living there. We bought on a preserve and have total privacy. That has been amazing for us. Several homes went on the market in our village and the difference between a $690,000 home and those going for over 1 million was the view. None of them were premier style with high ceilings, etc.

I wish we had someone in local real estate who could tell us the percentage of homes that have view lots versus those without, as well as the number of view homes with pools, that will tell us the exclusivity, which is what drives price andthat will also help you understand why it retains value.

I have also seen homes where people design amazing landscaping around the back of their homes so they create their own privacy from a visual standpoint usually adding an enclosed glass room for sound abatement from kissing lanais. Quite a bit less expensive but not the same resale as a true view.

[Guinness835]

We looked at several houses before deciding on one with a golf and water view. We bought a re-sale since the location was perfect and the view was the best we’d found. We are far enough off the fairway that errant balls are not a problem, but like others have said some golf view houses are right next to cart paths. We have friends on another course who are closer to the fairway near a sand trap and they sometimes get balls in their yard and golfers coming near their lanai in their carts, but not too often. Every house is different, so make sure you really take everything into consideration. When you find the right house/lot you will know. We did when we saw our view!

[Ptmcbriz]

View lots sell fast. They are in demand and as a result a lot of competition for them. Thereby higher prices. Plus, come on. Would you rather stare at a wall or the back of someone else’s house, or look at water or lush green landscape? Once your wife picks out the designer floor plan then you’ll bid on a lot. It’s a lottery system for view lots. Everyone puts their name in for the lot they want when they become available, and then at midnight a computer tabulates and randomly picks a winner. You then have something like 5 days to put down $10K down to hold it. I’ve see people take a year to finally win the lottery they want losing 20+ bids over that time. Then you have to make a design appt (usually within 6 weeks or so) and it’s over a couple days. Once done picking out all your finishings for the house you put 20% down. Construction starts quite fast and done within 4 months.

[MandoMan]

I am sure this is discussed in Nauseam, but can’t seem to find much on a search with recent opinions.

I expect my wife and I will want to design our house vs purchase an already made and ready new home if we go in the new home direction.

However, looking at locations TV releases to build lots on the price can go from 5k to 200k.

I get the idea of pick what you can afford and want, but I am still the kind of person that needs to confirm value. Say, we decide to move to a new location in 10 years. I don’t want to loose 200k in value. Up North, the area and size of house would all be similar in price. View would not mean anything to valuation of sale.

So, do the golf course views really sell for 200k more than a same style home without the view? Or do you understand and accept a loss if you purchase the view?

When I moved to The Villages almost five years ago, I bought a house with a pool on a golf course. I loved the view and the privacy and appreciated the big trees that blocked the late afternoon sun. After a couple years, though, I sold it and bought a smaller courtyard villa that was even quieter and more private. Most important, I’m now mortgage free and have an extra $1,500 a month to spend, for life. I came to realize that while I love The Villages, I don’t much like being outside in the heat and only rarely used the pool. I admired my view, but from inside the house.

[Bay Kid]

Depends on where the lot is located on the course. Prefer out of golf ball range. Makes for great views instead of neighbor home views. Always better resale.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Say, we decide to move to a new location in 10 years. I don’t want to loose 200k in value.

The future is uncertain, very uncertain. There is no way to guarantee yourself that you won't lose value.

Instead of worrying about value, which is subjective and mostly beyond your control, why don't you start with some wants and needs for your forever home.

Follow Charlie Munger's advice, "Its better to buy a great house at a fair price, than a crappy house at a bargain price."

You can control your next move, you can't control the market value, the economy, the fed, interest rates, and other buyers.

Start with your budget, and your financial model for the next 20 years, assets to income, SS, pension, etc, and then cost of living, taxes, cars, vacations, food, etc. . what you can afford today might not be able to be afforded in 10-20 years. . hence you might have to sell at an inconvenient time.

Then start with the house design, which model, and your location within the villages, near entertainment, near courses. . . near grocery stores, near walking paths, near highway for quick on /off highway for traveling?

Then once you know what you want, start looking. . . the difficulty about the villages is so many choices, so you have to narrow down, exclude what you don't want, and that makes the choices much easier. Also, there may be alot of competition for your desires, so you also have to be actively searching and ready to buy nearly instantly if your perfect home comes up to buy. . .

So instead of worrying about changing house prices in the future, try the desirable selection process first. . you might be surprised

reminds me of an admin who once worked sat our company: "My goal is to marry a CFO"
kind of a backwards approach. .

[gettingby]

I’ve lived in Florida 55 of my 67 years. We have purchased several homes both as a residence and rentals. In the Orlando area a home on a retention pond is the cheaper home in a neighborhood, only here in The Villages is that considered waterfront property. I’m not sure that you would go wrong with a pond or a golf course view here. I suggest you follow your own desire. Seems people move here and they just can’t spend it fast enough. I also think if you put a 5 gallon pale of water in your front yard there will be a gator in it tomorrow morning. Really just have to worry about them 2 times a year when they come in heat.

[Angelhug52]

I need a 😂 button. This did make me laugh. But, I actually like looking at the alligators.
If there is water there are gators. Including open invite to them to your pool, should you build one.

[elle123]

I am sure this is discussed in Nauseam, but can’t seem to find much on a search with recent opinions.

I expect my wife and I will want to design our house vs purchase an already made and ready new home if we go in the new home direction.

However, looking at locations TV releases to build lots on the price can go from 5k to 200k.

I get the idea of pick what you can afford and want, but I am still the kind of person that needs to confirm value. Say, we decide to move to a new location in 10 years. I don’t want to loose 200k in value. Up North, the area and size of house would all be similar in price. View would not mean anything to valuation of sale.

So, do the golf course views really sell for 200k more than a same style home without the view? Or do you understand and accept a loss if you purchase the view?
The word is "ad nauseam" and it's getting nauseating thinking about how overpriced some properties are. As a golfer, I wouldn't want to live directly on a golf course unless my view was separated by a good size lake. You lack privacy and it's dangerous as balls are regularly misdirected onto your lanai. Wearing a bike helmet while resting on a lounge chair could be stressful. A man-made lake can easily be transformed into a retention pond.

Nonetheless, your home is worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

[Worldseries27]

if there is water there are gators. Including open invite to them to your pool, should you build one.
aye, aye ,

[lpkruege1]

Yes, golf course views command the extra coin on the front end and they are more likely to sell quickly on the back end. If you get your money back, well, that depends on a lot of things. No one can really tell you what’s going to happen in 10 years. But, it will more than likely sell quicker than a home that backs up to another or one that is on the turnpike or near a busy street.

Look at it this way, what view would you rather have for the next 10 years in that house that you are custom building? The back of someone else’s house or that golf course / pond.

Also, when you pick your lot, choose wisely! You don’t want golf balls hitting your lanai…or those irresponsible golfers trespassing on your property because they can’t hit a ball straight.

As a golfer, is any lot truly safe? Just asking.

[La lamy]

A view will always attract more people, hence a higher price IMO. At our age, why not go for what you love and not worry so much about what the resale value might be! Good luck with getting what you want.

[Bodrum]

I am sure this is discussed in Nauseam, but can’t seem to find much on a search with recent opinions.

I expect my wife and I will want to design our house vs purchase an already made and ready new home if we go in the new home direction.

However, looking at locations TV releases to build lots on the price can go from 5k to 200k.

I get the idea of pick what you can afford and want, but I am still the kind of person that needs to confirm value. Say, we decide to move to a new location in 10 years. I don’t want to loose 200k in value. Up North, the area and size of house would all be similar in price. View would not mean anything to valuation of sale.

So, do the golf course views really sell for 200k more than a same style home without the view? Or do you understand and accept a loss if you purchase the view?
I live on a small lake at my house is selling for 60 $70,000 more than one across the street. Both phones are similar.

[Villagesgal]

We bought a lot on a championship golf course with a water view 20 years ago. Best thing we ever did and worth every penny. Never have seen a gator, only 2x had a ball land in our backyard, mowing is in the late mornings or early afternoons on the course on days the course is closed, it's closed 2 days a week. Love the privacy, still love the view and are amazed it's ours, even after 20 plus years, the view still takes our breath away. Homes on the course seldom go for sale and when they do they sell within a few days for $300,000 and much more than interior lots and even the lots across the street who have a view of the course between the houses.
I don't know about executive courses, but championship course homes have a lot of privacy and we would buy it again in a heartbeat, it was well worth the upcharge.

[Bwanajim]

Do you really want golf carts and people going by your backyard every 15 minutes every day? No privacy. I would suggest finding a lot that backed up to the wooded preserve areas. Those are beautiful.

[Nell57]

As a golfer, is any lot truly safe? Just asking.

My house is on the green. Since they are putting I’ve only had 2 balls in my yard ever.
When I’m inside it’s very entertaining to watch my golfers.
I have reflective film on my window so I can see out but they can’t see in.
If I’m outside the golfers wave or we joke around.
It wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I love it.

[opinionist]

If you don't mind living in a house that looks out at someone else's backyard, then it is not worth it. I enjoy having a spot where I can sit and connect with nature, even if the house next door is just 15 feet away. It is a matter of out of sight, out of mind. I don't know what the premium is to the house value in dollars, but to me, it is a home to live in and not an investment.

[sowilts]

I am sure this is discussed in Nauseam, but can’t seem to find much on a search with recent opinions.

I expect my wife and I will want to design our house vs purchase an already made and ready new home if we go in the new home direction.

However, looking at locations TV releases to build lots on the price can go from 5k to 200k.

I get the idea of pick what you can afford and want, but I am still the kind of person that needs to confirm value. Say, we decide to move to a new location in 10 years. I don’t want to loose 200k in value. Up North, the area and size of house would all be similar in price. View would not mean anything to valuation of sale.

So, do the golf course views really sell for 200k more than a same style home without the view? Or do you understand and accept a loss if you purchase the view?
Have our Home on a retention pond. Linden. Was well worth the price of the lot. Fantastic Sunset views. Would not want a Golf Course lot. Too much cart noise.

[BrianL99]

We bought a lot on a championship golf course with a water view 20 years ago. Best thing we ever did and worth every penny. Never have seen a gator, only 2x had a ball land in our backyard, mowing is in the late mornings or early afternoons on the course on days the course is closed, it's closed 2 days a week.



The are no "championship golf courses" in The Villages, that are closed 2 days a week, nor is there a Championship Golf Course in the USA, that mows the grass in the "late mornings or early afternoons".

[Sledneck]

i was told 3 hours to decide Posters will tell you what lot you should or shouldn’t choose. However my bet is they haven’t tried for a build lot with a view for at least 4 years.

First if you want to build, choose the $$$$ you need for your budget. Then try for every available lot.

There will be around 30-50+ names for each lot. You will be very lucky to be #1. You have 48 hours to say Yes or No.

So think if you and hundreds are trying for lot release available, those lots will also be highly sought after if you build a desirable model.

That $200,000 lot does sell well if you can only afford a $200,000 model.

[lawgolfer]

I am sure this is discussed in Nauseam, but can’t seem to find much on a search with recent opinions.

I expect my wife and I will want to design our house vs purchase an already made and ready new home if we go in the new home direction.

However, looking at locations TV releases to build lots on the price can go from 5k to 200k.

I get the idea of pick what you can afford and want, but I am still the kind of person that needs to confirm value. Say, we decide to move to a new location in 10 years. I don’t want to loose 200k in value. Up North, the area and size of house would all be similar in price. View would not mean anything to valuation of sale.

So, do the golf course views really sell for 200k more than a same style home without the view? Or do you understand and accept a loss if you purchase the view?

The additional expense of a golf course view will be recovered when you or your heirs sell the house. However, living with a view of a golf course may not be all you hoped for. You will have the noise from mowers and golf carts; the occasional
cursing by players; and, the occasional golf ball hitting your lanai or landing in your yard (more than occasional if you chose a poor location).

The larger problem involves a very poor decision by The Villages in the placement of the cart paths on the golf courses. For some reason known only to the designers, the cart paths have been laid on the side of the fairways closest to the houses. I swear there are houses that I feel I could reach out and touch as I pass by them in my cart. Several times I have said "hello" to people having breakfast in their lanai as I pass by or, even worse, when I am out of the cart and looking for a golf ball. You will find this exists on every course in The Villages. In the older areas, I have noticed that many, if not most, of the lanais have been enclosed and the screening replaced. While this may reduce the noise of the passing carts, it still means that you will have golfers looking into your living quarters from a distance as short as 15'.

If you are spending the extra money for a "view" lot, I recommend you look at those with a view of water or a preserve and not a bunch of old men with beer bellies, dressed in funny looking clothes, and poking in your plants looking for a little white ball.

[PilotAlan]

As a golfer, is any lot truly safe? Just asking.
Only past the green and before the next tee box.

I live on a course now. In front of the forwarded tee box. Still get balls in the yard (but not a lot). The dog has an infinite supply of balls to play with.

[KenLee100]

A good LOCAL real estate professional should be able to calm your fear of loss. Remember this market is different than most of the country. There are are many 'Chicken Littles' out there that will tell you the sky is falling to get clicks on YouTube.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

With how difficult lots are to obtain, especially desirable view lots, you might have to take what you can get. I lost out on 9 lotteries (27 lots) before settling for a lot that was not our desired view. The best lots are truly like winning a lottery prize. Don’t get your heart set on a specific view or you are surely going to be disappointed. But, short answer is that my opinion is that no lot in the Eastport area is worth a $200,000 lot premium. Even the “best” lots have something not so desirable about them (power lines, prison lights, turnpike noise, etc)

[South2C]

There are also lakes of which are named. Usually having fresh water springs.

[justjim]

Yes they do, and they sell faster as well. View lots are often larger as well and that is a factor in the price. That is why, if you try to buy the $150K lot that you have your eye on, you can't just do it. You have to enter a random drawing with other people will also want the lot.

The $0 and $5K interior lots on the other hand, you can just take your pick. But, unfortunately the beautiful house you want to build on the view lot, doesn't fit on the $5K lot. So there is that.

We had our “dream home” built on a golf course lot. No golf balls because of the lot we chose. Mowers and golf cart noise were minimal, again, because of the lot we chose. I will make a guess that it is likely more difficult to choose the exact lot on a golf course today because of the so called “lottery” for them. If I was purchasing today that could be a deal breaker for me. But to each their own. A water view lot was not in our plans for reasons others have mentioned in their posts.

That said, you can choose your house and lot but not your neighbors. Generally speaking your neighbors are just a few feet away on either side and not far across the street. As far as value, the value in most cases, has been extremely profitable in The Villages. I have no reason to believe that won’t continue in the future. I cannot emphasize enough that due diligence is a must when purchasing real estate in The Villages. Good hunting.

[Rainger99]

Is there a significant price difference for a house on a Championship course as compared to a similar house on an executive course?

[larrycrilley@gmail.com]

The golf course view is beautiful and quite relaxing. We just happened to be getting ready to market OurCourtyard Villa with the golf course view, a pool, and Jacuzzi, and quite a few extras.

Replied if you’d like

[Joecooool]

Yes they do, and they sell faster as well. View lots are often larger as well and that is a factor in the price. That is why, if you try to buy the $150K lot that you have your eye on, you can't just do it. You have to enter a random drawing with other people will also want the lot.

The $0 and $5K interior lots on the other hand, you can just take your pick. But, unfortunately the beautiful house you want to build on the view lot, doesn't fit on the $5K lot. So there is that.We just built a large house in Well Point on a lake. They told us when we bid on our lot that we would have to go through several rounds of lots before we would get the one we wanted.

Nope, got the first one.

Since we have moved in we have been speaking with our neighbors and they have all told us the same thing - got their waterfront lot on the first try.

So while it may have been hard in the past, it wasn't for us.

The extra $100k was worth it for us because it allowed us to have a larger house with stretches and a pool with a screen enclosure. I also couldn't have my back patio up against another house, I can't live like that.

I just wish we hadn't bid on the first try because we were NOT ready to buy. We hadn't even listed our other home for sale yet because our realtor told us it would probably be a year or so before we "won" the lot lottery. Getting it so fast caused us an enormous amount of stress trying to list and sell our home in time to close on the new build. And when that didn't happen, the additional stress of having to get unexpected financing for the new home.

Knowing what I know now, I would have done things differently.

[justjim]

Is there a significant price difference for a house on a Championship course as compared to a similar house on an executive course?

As a general rule, yes.

[snbrafford]

I am sure this is discussed in Nauseam, but can’t seem to find much on a search with recent opinions.

I expect my wife and I will want to design our house vs purchase an already made and ready new home if we go in the new home direction.

However, looking at locations TV releases to build lots on the price can go from 5k to 200k.

I get the idea of pick what you can afford and want, but I am still the kind of person that needs to confirm value. Say, we decide to move to a new location in 10 years. I don’t want to loose 200k in value. Up North, the area and size of house would all be similar in price. View would not mean anything to valuation of sale.

So, do the golf course views really sell for 200k more than a same style home without the view? Or do you understand and accept a loss if you purchase the view?

I've lived in TV since 2018 and in our second home for a year now. To US (each has to make up their own mind), a view (golf, water, reserve, etc.) was not worth the additional price. We have relatives in the northern section up by Glenview that purchase an older home with a great gold course view but got at a great price as it needed a lot of updating. It's think TV artificially generate the cost of "special" lots as they have a raffle when you want to purchase a specific lot - its not as simple as going Into a sales office and picking a lot.
At the end of the day, the value of a view is up to you alone. I don't think you would lose the money. HOWEVER, a lot of people move to other areas (us included) and some multiple times.
I would suggest not passing up pre-owned homes as the previous owners have often made nice upgrades that don't recoup the cost on a sale - especially if not owned for a while. For example, we were the fifth owner for our first home here. We move to get a larger lot - no view but privacy and room for a pool or hot tub.
Also, be wary of pond views. The ponds close us were just mud holes until the recent rains.

[fflmaster]

If you are spending the extra money for a "view" lot, I recommend you look at those with a view of water or a preserve and not a bunch of old men with beer bellies, dressed in funny looking clothes, and poking in your plants looking for a little white ball.


I do appreciate the response. I am looking to get all sides.

[HJBeck]

It's in the eye of the beholder!! If it turns you on, do it. Make sure you like golf balls flying into your yard or house. I speak from experience (I'm the one hitting them). Some people complain about the lack of privacy, and the constant golf cart noise all day long. But the final choice is always yours, not others telling you what you should do.

[UpNorth]

A golf course view is often more than just a view. Especially if you are next to a tee box, putting green or golf cart path. Spend an hour or so in front of your viewing area and see if you want it. You might be surprised.

[almondz]

It's all a matter of opinion.

[BrianL99]

Remember this market is different than most of the country.

Different, how?

Different, why?

[tophcfa]

Different, how?

Different, why?

Really? There is no other place in the entire world, no less the USA, that is like the lifestyle in the bubble. If the Villages didn’t exist, my wife and I wouldn’t have a home in Florida.

[retiredguy123]

This thread is a no brainer. If you are buying a lot and designing a new house, you should definitely buy a premium view lot. Will you recover your cost? Nobody knows. But, when you sell your house, you will sell it quickly and command a higher price than any interior lot, and you may make a bundle in profit. Why waste your time and money selecting upgrades and color selections for a plain interior lot. Put your money into a premium lot and, if you can't afford the upgrades now, do them later. You can always add upgrades, but you can never upgrade the lot.

[Koapaka]

I love golf, but wouldn’t live on a course if there was zero up charge. Getting woken up at the crack of dawn by lawnmowers isn’t my idea of a good time.

Trust me, I would kill if they waited for dawn to start their mowing.

[BrianL99]

Remember this market is different than most of the country. .

Different, how?

Different, why?

Really? There is no other place in the entire world, no less the USA, that is like the lifestyle in the bubble. If the Villages didn’t exist, my wife and I wouldn’t have a home in Florida.

The subject wasn't the "lifestyle", it was the "market". Apples & oranges.

[Tomptomp]

To each his own. When I went house hunting the first thing I looked at was the view. I find it silly that people who never lived on a golf course think that they know the pros and cons.

[Dilligas]

I am sure this is discussed in Nauseam, but can’t seem to find much on a search with recent opinions.

I expect my wife and I will want to design our house vs purchase an already made and ready new home if we go in the new home direction.

However, looking at locations TV releases to build lots on the price can go from 5k to 200k.

I get the idea of pick what you can afford and want, but I am still the kind of person that needs to confirm value. Say, we decide to move to a new location in 10 years. I don’t want to loose 200k in value. Up North, the area and size of house would all be similar in price. View would not mean anything to valuation of sale.

So, do the golf course views really sell for 200k more than a same style home without the view? Or do you understand and accept a loss if you purchase the view?
If you have to question the cost it is probably not worth it for you.

[Danube]

Our neighborhood also has a pool and pavillon solely for neighborhood use.

You're saying other Villages residents can't use the pool?

Where is this, and how is it enforced?

[retiredguy123]

You're saying other Villages residents can't use the pool?

Where is this, and how is it enforced?
As I understand it, if it is funded by The Villages amenity fees, other Villagers can use it.

[margaretmattson]

You're saying other Villages residents can't use the pool?

Where is this, and how is it enforced?It is not enforced. Few outside of the neighborhood have interest in it. The vast majority of the time it is only neighbors in the pool. There are several CYV neighborhoods with pools. Creekside Landing, Mission Hills, Woodbury, Rio Grande, plus a few more. Usually, the pool was included in these neighborhoods because sales at one time used the villas for Lifestyle Visits. But, not all. Sometimes the Developer simply decided to add a pool to the Villa neighborhood, like in Woodbury.

When I wrote private, I meant away from crowds and secluded. Like a home on a small street with few or no neighbors. Of course, any Villager can use it! They rarely do. Which is my second meaning
of private.

I think the one in Rio Grande is enforced. Neighbors only because they pay for the grounds and upkeep.

[Normal]

At a certain time both types of lots are appealing. Timing is everything. Some ponds drain out and are still empty with overgrown weeds. Ashland pond is one such example. A sinkhole can drain a pond quickly with no fix in sight and the dead fish stink.

Golf course lots have great views too. It’s those golf ball dings in the house and loose shingles from the dropping white dimpled spheres that may turn some off.

Like a showroom, both can be shown off as dazzling, it’s the day-to-day reality that can be troublesome.

[Danube]

As I understand it, if it is funded by The Villages amenity fees, other Villagers can use it.

That's also my understanding.

Waiting for margaretmattson to tell use where this is exclusive neighborhood pool is located:

"Our neighborhood also has a pool and pavillon solely for neighborhood use."

Maybe near the Championship couse that mows in the late morning or early afternoon?

[Malsua]

You're saying other Villages residents can't use the pool?

Where is this, and how is it enforced?

I know that De La Mesa(North of 466 of Rio Grande) has one of these pools and you specifically have to pay for it and it is exclusively for the residents of that neighborhood.

For some reason I think there is one more of these somewhere, but I can't recall where. Maybe there isn't.

[retiredguy123]

It is not enforced. Few outside of the neighborhood have interest in it. The vast majority of the time it is only neighbors in the pool. There are several CYV neighborhoods with pools. Creekside Landing, Mission Hills, Woodbury, Rio Grande, plus a few more. Usually, the pool was included in these neighborhoods because sales at one time used them for Lifestyle Visits. But, not all. Sometimes the Developer simply decided to add a pool to the Villa neighborhood, like in Woodbury.
It is not enforced because it is not enforceable. If the pool is funded by the amenity fees, it is not "solely" for neighborhood use. Any Villager can use any pool that is funded by the amenity fees.

[margaretmattson]

It is not enforced because it is not enforceable. If the pool is funded by the amenity fees, it is not "solely" for neighborhood use. Any Villager can use any pool that is funded by the amenity fees. Correct. I added more to my prior post. My meaning of the word private meant away from crowds. Sorry, for the misunderstanding.

Rio Grande is enforced. Neighbors only because they pay for grounds and upkeep. I did not and will not state what neighborhood I reside for security reasons. I've always been told never divulge your home address on social media.

[Danube]

I know that De La Mesa(North of 466 of Rio Grande) has one of these pools and you specifically have to pay for it and it is exclusively for the residents of that neighborhood.

For some reason I think there is one more of these somewhere, but I can't recall where. Maybe there isn't.

What you are saying is, if I, not a resident of De La Mesa, try to use that pool I will be asked to leave? By who's authority?

I don't think so.

[Danube]

Correct. I added more to my post. My meaning of the word private meant away from crowds. Rio Grande is enforced because they pay for grounds and upkeep.

Wot? Now you're saying another(?) "Rio Grande" pool is off-limits to most residents of TV? Or are you talking about Villa de la Mesa?

How is the exclusivity enforced? Will the sheriff come if a resident of Virginia Trace refuses to leave this pool?

[Malsua]

What you are saying is, if I, not a resident of De La Mesa, try to use that pool I will be asked to leave? By who's authority?

I don't think so.

The residents pay somewhere around $800 annually, maybe a touch more, per household for use of the space. This is on top of the regular amenities fee.

[margaretmattson]

Wot? Now you're saying another(?) "Rio Gramnde" pool
is off-limits to
most residents
of TV? Or are
you talking
about Villa de la Mesa?
How is the exclusivity enforced? Will the sheriff come if a resident of Virginia Trace refuses to leave this pool?I only know the pool is in the Village of Rio Grande. Everyone I know calls the pool private Rio Grande. This name was used when the pool and park were constructed. Older residents do not know it by any other name. I have no idea how it is enforced.

[Danube]

The residents pay somewhere around $800 annually, maybe a touch more, per household for use of the space. This is on top of the regular amenities fee.

Weird how no one can answer my question: How is the exclusivity enforced?

Makes me think the "exclusive pools" are just rumors to keep people away.

[Danube]

I only know the pool is in the Village of Rio Grande. I have no idea how it is enforced.

Probably because it's not enforced / does not exist.

[Malsua]

Weird how no one can answer my question: How is the exclusivity enforced?

Makes me think the "exclusive pools" are just rumors to keep people away.

I have a friend who lives in that community. He is out of town or I'd ask him.

I don't know if there are any others, but that pool at least does enforce membership payment. I don't know how, but I know for sure that they do. Otherwise few would pay for it and everyone would use it.

None of the other neighborhood pools are restricted like that one, specific pool. I'm pretty sure you get a pin on badge and you will be asked to leave if you don't have it. And yes, I'm pretty sure this will escalate all the way up to involving the cops.

[Malsua]

Here's the sign on the gate on either end.

"De Le Mesa Residents Only"

[Ken D.]

I am sure this is discussed in Nauseam, but can’t seem to find much on a search with recent opinions.

I expect my wife and I will want to design our house vs purchase an already made and ready new home if we go in the new home direction.

However, looking at locations TV releases to build lots on the price can go from 5k to 200k.

I get the idea of pick what you can afford and want, but I am still the kind of person that needs to confirm value. Say, we decide to move to a new location in 10 years. I don’t want to loose 200k in value. Up North, the area and size of house would all be similar in price. View would not mean anything to valuation of sale.

So, do the golf course views really sell for 200k more than a same style home without the view? Or do you understand and accept a loss if you purchase the view?

We hit it right, beautiful golf course view, no worry about balls or carts near our home. Never hear mowers, but can see from afar.

[margaretmattson]

We hit it right, beautiful golf course view, no worry about balls or carts near our home. Never hear mowers, but can see from afar.Stunning! Now that's a view I would pay extra! You chose well.

[Kelevision]

The answers will be as follows… People who have a view lot will tell you yes, it’s worth it and people who don’t will say it’s not worth it. I don’t, I have a courtyard villa with a wall but, if money didn’t matter I’d have definitely gone with a view lot. No question. Then there’s which view. I personally, don’t care about a retention pond view and wouldn’t take that. I love the nature preserve views and/or marshland views. I don’t want golf course views because if I can see them, they can see me. I could NEVER live in anything with kissing lanais yet it doesn’t bother others. To each their own and only you can decided if it’s worth it.

[golfing eagles]

Here's the sign on the gate on either end.

"De Le Mesa Residents Only"

I wonder who put up that sign :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Ken D.]

The answers will be as follows… People who have a view lot will tell you yes, it’s worth it and people who don’t will say it’s not worth it. I don’t, I have a courtyard villa with a wall but, if money didn’t matter I’d have definitely gone with a view lot. No question. Then there’s which view. I personally, don’t care about a retention pond view and wouldn’t take that. I love the nature preserve views and/or marshland views. I don’t want golf course views because if I can see them, they can see me. I could NEVER live in anything with kissing lanais yet it doesn’t bother others. To each their own and only you can decided if it’s worth it.
We can see them, but they cannot see us ������*♂️

[Tomptomp]

Unless you have lived on a golf course you don’t know what it’s like. I have a spectacular view and I love it. It GREAT !

[margaretmattson]

I wonder who put up that sign :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:I have lived in the area over 20 yrs. This pool and park has been private for 15 yrs, maybe a little longer. It was the first neighborhood that was built for lifestyle visits. At one time, the townhomes in Spanish Springs were also used for lifestyle visits. When the developer moved on, the upkeep for both areas became the responsibility of those who bought. I know for certain, the townhomes at Spanish Springs has an HOA. I heard there was an HOA in the area of the private pool and park. I have no idea if it is soley for the villa owners or the entire village. I believe the HOAs are the reason they can set their own rules.

Both areas were constructed 20 yrs ago. Schwartz was in charge. He did things differently than Gary Morse. No one should be annoyed by the perks from the past. The generation now in charge is providing perks in the newer areas. Change is good!

[golfing eagles]

Unless you have lived on a golf course you don’t know what it’s like. I have a spectacular view and I love it. It GREAT !

Agree 1,000,000%. I have a 180 degree view of a championship course with 3 water features in view. The cart path does not come close to my house, and since it is on the left side of the fairway and recessed a bit, I've never been hit to my knowledge, and have only found 2 balls in my yard in 11 years. This compares to the tens of thousands of balls sliced into the water on the right :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:. Also, they rarely mow before 8AM, and I can't hear the choice words uttered on the tee. Probably in the top 2% of view lots in TV. Of course, these lot premiums aren't cheap. 11 years ago it was $175,000 and I can only imagine what a similar lot would go for today. Still, I wouldn't trade it for almost anything.

[golfing eagles]

I have lived in the area over 20 yrs. This pool and park has been private for 15 yrs, maybe a little longer. It was the first neighborhood that was built for lifestyle visits. At one time, the townhomes in Spanish Springs were also used for lifestyle visits. When the developer moved on, the upkeep for both areas became the responsibility of those who bought. I know for certain, the townhomes at Spanish Springs has an HOA. I heard there was an HOA in the area of the private pool and park. I have no idea if it is soley for the villa owners or the entire village. I believe the HOAs are the reason they can set their own rules.

Both areas were constructed 20 yrs ago. Schwartz was in charge and he did things differently than Gary Morse. No one should be annoyed by the perks from the past. The generation now in charge is providing perks in the newer areas. Change is good!

Wasn't aware of that. But I assume the litmus test is not whether there is an HOA, but whether or not general amenity fees are supporting the pool. Not that I care, I've never been in community pool in 11 years

[shut the front door]

Money better spent to have a nice quiet open space lot behind your home with a water view. Lots to look at and peaceful. If we ever put our home on the market, it will go long before other homes of the same type. We love ours.

Same here. I wouldn't take a golf course lot if you gave it to me because I simply do not want to sit on my lanai and have to see and smell the gas carts zipping around. Water view, all day.

[rjm1cc]

My neighbor had the same question and a specific lot (in the area of the green and tee) in mind. She went out to the lot several times during the day for a few hours and concluded there was too much golf traffic by the lot for her to enjoy her patio. I would avoid ponds because they can develop a leak and that could lead to a sink hole.

[jimhoward]

I think these is a large of variety of golf course view lots. There was a spectacular image a few posts back of a view of a peninsula green and bunker. Almost everyone would want that and would pay a lot for it.

But there are a lot of golf courses here and a lot of golf course view lots and not all of them are so great. I don't really like the ones that are right along the fairways where the lanai and the pool are just a few meters from the O.B. markers. Seems like they are on display. I am also not a big fan of the golf course views on the pitch and putts. I would prefer any view lot to an interior lot, but view lots are definitely not all equal.

And speaking of not equal, I'd like to speak in favor of the red-headed step child of view lots......the retention pond view. Those lots provide good privacy to the rear since the nearest house to the rear is far away on the other side of the pond. To my eye they have a nice view. Importantly, the homesite premium for those lots is far less than the $150-$200K mentioned on this thread.

I have a home on a retention pond in Water's Edge. The lot, by Villages standards, is oversized at 0.27 acres. My homesite premium was $69,000. I would have paid more for a still better view, but those are hard to get.

[merrymini]

I have lived on a championship course for 10 years. Great view and lovely sunsets, they will have to carry me out foot first. That being said, if you think people playing on championship courses are much better, you are mistaken. Most people are very good but there is always the idiot coming onto your property and yes I find golf balls frequently. The good outnumber the bad, fortunately, but the bad makes me hate golfers. There is early mowing, like before 6 am. Because I usually have my windows closed, it isn't a big problem. If I moved, I would probably choose a prairie, but no ponds, roads, edge of property lots and no where near a rec center. I would not like to hear pickleballs all day long!

[FoPAA]

Our pups have always loved our view as much as we do.

[tophcfa]

Agree 1,000,000%. The cart path does not come close to my house, and since it is on the left side of the fairway and recessed a bit, I've never been hit to my knowledge, and have only found 2 balls in my yard.

So the left side of the fairway is safer? Thinking about it, I guess that makes sense. Good golfers tend to draw the ball, and the hackers typically are slicers. Although the pull hooks can be real low trajectory bullets.

[tophcfa]

Wasn't aware of that. But I assume the litmus test is not whether there is an HOA, but whether or not general amenity fees are supporting the pool. Not that I care, I've never been in community pool in 11 years

Don’t live there, but it’s in my neck of the woods and am well aware of the situation. It’s not supported by the general resident ammenity fees, it’s an assessment for the residents in the particular neighborhood that has access to the park/pool.

[golfing eagles]

Don’t live there, but it’s in my neck of the woods and am well aware of the situation. It’s not supported by the general resident ammenity fees, it’s an assessment for the residents in the particular neighborhood that has access to the park/pool.

Then the next question would be if the original build of the pool was supported by the bond for that CDD and not just that "neighborhood"

[CoachKandSportsguy]

personal opinion: I would trade the incremental cost of water view lot for a bigger house, or a house with more outdoor living features.

unfortunately the water view is not natural, has gators which can eat grandchildren, and the golf course is a nemesis, a foe to be wrestled with regularly, and therefore we don't need the constant reminder of the struggle....

[tophcfa]

personal opinion: I would trade the incremental cost of water view lot for a bigger house, or a house with more outdoor living features.

unfortunately the water view is not natural, has gators which can eat grandchildren, and the golf course is a nemesis, a foe to be wrestled with regularly, and therefore we don't need the constant reminder of the struggle....

It’s not just the view one is paying for, it’s the privacy that comes along with it, which is priceless. A big part of the reason we spend so much time outside in our pool/birdcage is the privacy. If we were looking out an other homes instead of a wildlife preserve there is no way we would get the same level of enjoyment out of our property. I suppose using the premium cost for more house would be worth it for folks who spend all of their time at home inside the house?

[shut the front door]

personal opinion: I would trade the incremental cost of water view lot for a bigger house, or a house with more outdoor living features.

unfortunately the water view is not natural, has gators which can eat grandchildren, and the golf course is a nemesis, a foe to be wrestled with regularly, and therefore we don't need the constant reminder of the struggle....

In the history of The Villages, do you know how many grandchildren have been eaten by alligators?
ZERO. Not one. Put the pearls down.

[thelegges]

In the history of The Villages, do you know how many grandchildren have been eaten by alligators?
ZERO. Not one. Put the pearls down.

One TV Buffalo munched on a child’s fingers while grandpa held the kid over the fence to pet the buffalo. Which quickly cause the developer to move buffalo to an undisclosed location.

Thanks Grandpa for decision that caused harm, and made him $$$

[Nana2Teddy]

Really? There is no other place in the entire world, no less the USA, that is like the lifestyle in the bubble. If the Villages didn’t exist, my wife and I wouldn’t have a home in Florida.
Ditto! We’d still be in SoCal with the perfect low humidity weather and very few bugs. I’m a Disney parks fan, but would never have moved here just for Disney World. We’re here only because of The Villages lifestyle.

[Nana2Teddy]

It is not enforced. Few outside of the neighborhood have interest in it. The vast majority of the time it is only neighbors in the pool. There are several CYV neighborhoods with pools. Creekside Landing, Mission Hills, Woodbury, Rio Grande, plus a few more. Usually, the pool was included in these neighborhoods because sales at one time used the villas for Lifestyle Visits. But, not all. Sometimes the Developer simply decided to add a pool to the Villa neighborhood, like in Woodbury.

When I wrote private, I meant away from crowds and secluded. Like a home on a small street with few or no neighbors. Of course, any Villager can use it! They rarely do. Which is my second meaning
of private.

I think the one in Rio Grande is enforced. Neighbors only because they pay for the grounds and upkeep.
Our lifestyle visit in 2022 was at Alden Bungalows near Brownwood, which is a CYV neighborhood. The pool was in that neighborhood and was always very quiet with very few people, or just us, using it. At that time it was maybe just one street with Lifestyle villas, the rest were privately owned. We also have a village near us now that has their only pool in the CYV neighborhood. We checked it out once and it was empty, so with it being just a 7 minute cart ride from us we’ll be using it occasionally.

[margaretmattson]

Our lifestyle visit in 2022 was at Alden Bungalows near
Brownwood, which is a CYV neighborhood. The pool was in that neighborhood and was always very quiet with very few people, or just us, using it. At that time it was maybe just one street with Lifestyle villas, the rest were privately owned. We also have a village near us now that has their only pool in the CYV neighborhood. We checked it out once and it was empty, so with it being just a 7 minute cart ride from us we’ll be using it occasionally.With snowbirds gone, you will probably have the pool to yourself. Enjoy!

[tophcfa]

With snowbirds gone, you will probably have the pool to yourself. Enjoy!

Not true, at least the sports pools. I found it easier to get a lane to swim laps during the winter than when I was at the Villages the first couple weeks of June. The warm weather brings people out to the pools in numbers. I love it during the heart of snowbird season, when the temperature drops to the 40’s or high 30’s, and on an evening swim I sometimes have an entire sports pool to myself : )

[patfla06]

We have a water view and it is definitely worth it. There are gators but so what?
I could never live on a golf course due to mowing, chemicals, etc. due to allergies.

[dougjb]

In the history of The Villages, do you know how many grandchildren have been eaten by alligators?
ZERO. Not one. Put the pearls down.

It is a known fact that The Villages' alligators have been taught proper manners. They only eat a toe or two as appetizers!

[LuckySevens]

I disagree........we live right at the green, and love watching them chip and putt. We don't hear cursing, and the carts don't bother us as most are on the other side of the green from our house. I don't want to jinx us, but in 13 years our house has never been hit by a golf ball. Our lanai faces the green.
On another note....if you have a big enough lot, stretch everything you can as there isn't a lot of storage in these homes with no basement (or storage sheds allowed). The attic has storage, but SOOO hot up there. Also, I suggest you get a tall attic so you can walk around up there. We opted for the shorter roof as our realtor said it was more hurricane proof. I didn't realize at the time that I would have to crawl around or roll around in a chair up in the attic. Would like to have a 'do over' on that decision. ☺