What would you buy in TV if you were buying today?

[ajdeck]

Many questions on this sight have said what they have bought etc. But the question is, if you live here or are a new buyer.


What would you buy after all your research and for what reason. Example, I would buy a villa because, a two bedroom because, a house ( of a certain size because).

Just thought this would be fun for all to find out what we have all learned in our do's and don't of life.

Thanks,

aj

[pooh]

We decided we wanted a house, and had narrowed our choices down to two, a Gardenia and a Lantana. The Lantana won because we love having a great room and larger guest bedrooms. At the time we looked, didn't think about "stretched" models, but based our decision on floor plans shown in info about village homes. Today, I'd still buy the model we have. The only thing we didn't get was a golf cart garage, but the garage we have is larger than ones shown in model info. Very happy with our choice, location, yard, neighbors, friends, community!

[downeaster]

Many questions on this sight have said what they have bought etc. But the question is, if you live here or are a new buyer.


What would you buy after all your research and for what reason. Example, I would buy a villa because, a two bedroom because, a house ( of a certain size because).

Just thought this would be fun for all to find out what we have all learned in our do's and don't of life.

Thanks,

aj

Knowing what I know now I would buy the house I have lived in here for nearly ten years.

[SALYBOW]

Many questions on this sight have said what they have bought etc. But the question is, if you live here or are a new buyer.


What would you buy after all your research and for what reason. Example, I would buy a villa because, a two bedroom because, a house ( of a certain size because).

Just thought this would be fun for all to find out what we have all learned in our do's and don't of life.

Thanks,

aj

I would buy my house, but it is not for sale.

[NJblue]

We bought a Lantana in a new neighborhood on a golf course with golf cart garage and stretched lanai in both directions. If I were to do it over again, I would select the same model with the golf cart garage and in a new neighborhood - can't beat the camaraderie of a new neighborhood forming. The only change I would make would be to not extend the lanai since we found that even with the extensions it was smaller than we wanted so we are in the process of expanding it - which requires demolishing the old lanai that we paid extra for.

[K9-Lovers]

We are very happy with our choice of our corner CYV on a preserve and wouldn't change a thing. That is lucky because we bought our place during our first visit to TV.

[Jim 9922]

Gardina streached at least 4 feet on all sides, and a lani at least 12 feet wide. But who really cares about the house when its the garage that really counts! Should be at least 2 car plus cart and at least 4 feet deeper than normal, 2 feet wider on each side and be able to store 2 golf carts in tandum.

[k2at]

I would look for a stretch Lantana with a golf cart garage and a golf course/water view. The above three requirements are all deal breakers if they are not on my future home.

[Bryan]

The realtors are right! LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION I would be looking for a house, probably 3 br with extra large lanai with at least acrylic windows, a corner lot, a circular driveway, a full 2 car garage, centrally located to our two existing squares and the Savannah Center, a resale with lots of upgrades already in place, and mature landscaping. I would hope the bond was paid off of well on its way to being so but that would be a 'nice to have', not a deal breaker. I would like an eat-in kitchen and can easily do without a dining room.

[hedoman]

The realtors are right! LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION I would be looking for a house, probably 3 br with extra large lanai with at least acrylic windows, a corner lot, a circular driveway, a full 2 car garage, centrally located to our two existing squares and the Savannah Center, a resale with lots of upgrades already in place, and mature landscaping. I would hope the bond was paid off of well on its way to being so but that would be a 'nice to have', not a deal breaker. I would like an eat-in kitchen and can easily do without a dining room.


:MOJE_whot:

You just described our house!

:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

[l2ridehd]

I love my location and would not change it. I love our home with one exception. The garage is not big enough. If I was building I would stretch the garage as much as the lot allows. If I could make it 20 feet bigger in every direction I would. At a minimum I would want a golf car garage added that was two carts deep.

[graciegirl]

You asked...so I will say that my new dream house is The Seabrook. We now own two properties, one here and one there. We will see if we can sell both of them and build this one and not have to eat beans and weenies for the rest of our days.

If only Helene had a little more room in her bedroom, the Camellia would be just fine.

[jgbama]

Knowing what I know now I would buy the house I have lived in here for nearly ten years.

I would buy my house, but it is not for sale.

Great, but you didn't describe your house. What model, etc! Thanks. This thread is most helpful to us "gonnabees"!:ho:

[Ohiogirl]

It is a great post, but I think it needs qualified by a price range. The ideal house is one that you can afford and be happy with the # of bedrooms (for you) and baths.

For instance, we have a 3 BR CYV - Bonita, which we love and would buy again in this price range (under $200,000). The small garage does not bother us because we have a small car - Honda Fit - and 2 golf carts, all of which fit ok. And - we are not garage people - to us it's just a place to put stuff, and since our stuff fits, we're fine. I can see why it would not be fine for those who are garage "putterers." We LOVE the privacy of a CYV with high villa walls and a prettily landscaped back yard. I also like the big kitchen and laundry room that holds a 2nd fridge and extra cabinets and shelving. Kind of makes up for the smaller garage.

If I had $300-400,000, right now I think resale designers with view lots (preserve or certain ponds) are a good buy. I would not want to be on a golf course because of the lack of privacy, possibility of being hit with golf balls (I'm a gardener and outside all the time) and noise of mowing early and often. Would ideally like being on a beautiful pond that overlooks a golf course.

For $200-300,000 I think I'd like a corner CYV with an expanded lanai.

[swimdawg]

I'm a future homeowner in TV. I did a lot of online research before my Lifestyle Preview visit in January. I love the Iris. However, I do keep an eye on TOTV and many recommended a CYV if someone has a dog and will be a snowbird. I then switched my focus to CYV. Well, I was so grateful that I was put up in a CYV during my Lifestyle visit. It just wasn't for me....I felt too enclosed. I had all my notes about the Designer Homes....so back to look at my top 5......and the Iris did win. Location.....I have a "thing" about loving to watch the sunset over a lake/pond. I have that now. My sales rep took me to many locations. Then she took me St. James......lot overlooking lake/pond.......just about same location as I have up north.....lanai facing west. That was IT! Back to sales office.........deposit check written....done deal! That's my story.....and I'm stickin' to it!:D

[RiteLucky]

I'll be there next weekend to stay two weeks and to buy! After looking on the internet I've gone from the larger Designers to the Bonita or Savannah CYV on a golf course or corner lot (not many available). I don't want all the outside to take care of, but I'm originally a country girl and need a little open space. Hope I'm making the right choice, but could change my mind after looking.

[graciegirl]

I'm a future homeowner in TV. I did a lot of online research before my Lifestyle Preview visit in January. I love the Iris. However, I do keep an eye on TOTV and many recommended a CYV if someone has a dog and will be a snowbird. I then switched my focus to CYV. Well, I was so grateful that I was put up in a CYV during my Lifestyle visit. It just wasn't for me....I felt too enclosed. I had all my notes about the Designer Homes....so back to look at my top 5......and the Iris did win. Location.....I have a "thing" about loving to watch the sunset over a lake/pond. I have that now. My sales rep took me to many locations. Then she took me St. James......lot overlooking lake/pond.......just about same location as I have up north.....lanai facing west. That was IT! Back to sales office.........deposit check written....done deal! That's my story.....and I'm stickin' to it!:D

I am so glad you did!!!:MOJE_whot::thumbup::highfive:

[wlou]

We have the Wisteria II, love the floor plan, and we live on the lake ~~. OMG The best view ever! ( would not give that up!) Just wish we had that golf cart garage. Amazing how you think the garage is no big deal and it seems big enough and then you get here and wish you had just a lil extra space! I agree with the earlier poster though, get the view! Location is everything....

[gary42651]

We have a Mandvilla, I love it, and love the village of Bonita, just wish I would have bought one with a golf cart garage.

[batman911]

Has anyone researched the difference in cost of a larger Designer model expanded to the max w/GC garage and one of the smaller Premier models on a standard lot? Are the standard Premier lots comparable to the larger Designer lots? Our dream home is a Gardenia expanded to the max with GC garage with sufficient space in the back for a large lanai and large birdcage garden on a golf course. We plan to keep a car, a truck and two golf carts so we need a large garage. Do not care about the spare bedrooms as one will be an office. We like the breakfast nook with the front view window in the Gardenia. We are trying to stay away from the Premier models because they would be much more house than we need.

[Bambi]

I have a Lantana with a stretched garage on a golf course (pond view). I am on a dead end street which is nice traffic-wise. I put kitchen cabinets, counters and large cupboards in the garage. Extended the lanai with two bird cages - total 50 feet. The lanai faces West and the sunsets are breath taking. Living on a golf course has pros and cons but mainly pros. Extended view is a big one. I converted the extra space in the laundry room to a mini office with cabinets and counters to match the kitchen. I am grateful for pull down attic stairs with flooring in the "stand up attic" - helps satisfy my "pack rat" tendencies. The pond provides hours of bird and turtle watching - so far no alligators! The Lantana with it's large bedrooms and open kitchen area was ideal although I like the front "porch like" features of some of the other models. If I ever moved ( and downsized!) it would be a CYV for the "pup."

[another Linda]

We have a 2/2 CYV with an expanded courtyard that backs to a "forever wild" area. We've upgraded kitchen, bath, and floors and love both the CYV, the privacy, and the location. As we spend a longer periods of time there, however, I wonder if I will want something bigger. So far the longest we've been there at any one time is 2 months. Our Syracuse house is almost 4Ksf with 5/5 so a 2/2 with 1.1Ksf is a big down size.

[graciegirl]

Has anyone researched the difference in cost of a larger Designer model expanded to the max w/GC garage and one of the smaller Premier models on a standard lot? Are the standard Premier lots comparable to the larger Designer lots? Our dream home is a Gardenia expanded to the max with GC garage with sufficient space in the back for a large lanai and large birdcage garden on a golf course. We plan to keep a car, a truck and two golf carts so we need a large garage. Do not care about the spare bedrooms as one will be an office. We like the breakfast nook with the front view window in the Gardenia. We are trying to stay away from the Premier models because they would be much more house than we need.

The Seabrook that we would like is a new Premier model.

[starflyte1]

We are very happy with the home we have. We love the location, very close to SS and on a golf course. Lots of big trees on the golf course, very private, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, 2 car garage. Small swimming pool with large lanai. Lanai faces east, so is comfortable even on hot days.

We could have looked further for a home with a golf cart garage, stucco, and a better floor plan, but the location and pool were most important to us.

[pzjay]

xxx

[784caroline]

An expanded Lantana on an oversized lot...does not have to be on a golf course...(but on a cul-de-sac CLOSE TO A TOWN SQUARE WOULD BE NICE) and no one immediately behind ie privacy). This Lantana would have a deep golf cart garage or even a 3 car garage...the expanded portion would allow for a larger kitchen with center island and a deeper pantry/storage off the laundry room, lets take out the glass sliding glass doors and provide an "arched" openeing to the lanai area. IN the lanai we woudl raise the concrete floor 4 inches and run continous tile from the family room and enclose it all with with glass sliders/over glass transom windows and provide total heat/ac. Finally we would add a hexagonal room off of the master bedroom that could be used as a hobby room/exercise room or office, that would lead also into the enclosed lanai but yet be closed off when entertaining.

[swimdawg]

An expanded Lantana on an oversized lot...does not have to be on a golf course...(but on a cul-de-sac CLOSE TO A TOWN SQUARE WOULD BE NICE) and no one immediately behind ie privacy). This Lantana would have a deep golf cart garage or even a 3 car garage...the expanded portion would allow for a larger kitchen with center island and a deeper pantry/storage off the laundry room, lets take out the glass sliding glass doors and provide an "arched" openeing to the lanai area. IN the lanai we woudl raise the concrete floor 4 inches and run continous tile from the family room and enclose it all with with glass sliders/over glass transom windows and provide total heat/ac. Finally we would add a hexagonal room off of the master bedroom that could be used as a hobby room/exercise room or office, that would lead also into the enclosed lanai but yet be closed off when entertaining.

Just curious, Caroline, what do you have now? Could you get this with a new-build? I think this sounds like a pretty nice house to me!:thumbup:

[Carla B]

For Batman:

I think what you're describing is a Williamsburg premier model, which is an expanded Gardenia. but still only 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. The standard premier lots are generally larger than designer lots but cost less than a designer golf course lot...at least they did in 2008. However, the bond is greater, as there are fewer lots in the unit to share the cost of the infrastructure. I think the garages are larger, too. It sounds just right for you!

[784caroline]

Swimdawg

Tough to make this stuff up.............send me a PM if you would like to see it some time. Im sure you can get this as a new build but it would be MUCH cheaper to add the hexagonal room and to enclose the lanai on your own. It really is all Lot dependent.

BTW: Florida is NOT Niagra NY...a western facing lanai IMO will be very HOT in the summer is almost unbearable for most people. Highly suggest you try it during a 0 Florida summer before you committ.

[swimdawg]

Swimdawg

Tough to make this stuff up.............send me a PM if you would like to see it some time. Im sure you can get this as a new build but it would be MUCH cheaper to add the hexagonal room and to enclose the lanai on your own. It really is all Lot dependent.

BTW: Florida is NOT Niagra NY...a western facing lanai IMO will be very HOT in the summer is almost unbearable for most people. Highly suggest you try it during a 0 Florida summer before you committ.
Thank you so much.
For now, my plan is continue spending summers in WNY. I'm goin' one day at a time now. So maybe 6/6. We do have lovely summers in WNY. I may very well be contacting you at some point. Once again, thank you.

[natickdan]

Many questions on this sight have said what they have bought etc. But the question is, if you live here or are a new buyer.


What would you buy after all your research and for what reason. Example, I would buy a villa because, a two bedroom because, a house ( of a certain size because).

Just thought this would be fun for all to find out what we have all learned in our do's and don't of life.

Thanks,

aj

I think your question is one that most wrestle with while looking for a home and, for us, it wasn't an easy process and it's certainly a subjective one.

We had several requirements:


A new home within our budget
Designer Style
3 BR's to accommodate guests ( we use 1 BR as a den with a sleep sofa )
Florida Room
Cement/Stucco
A short walk to the recreation center


We found it all in our Allamanda...And it's in a great neighborhood.

[wdwduo]

Our first home was a 3/2 cyv, in Hadley. We loved it, but the garage was too small. We now live in a slightly stretched Jasmine with a 2 car garage. I love the upgrades...ss appliances, granite countertops, roman shower, tile floor, and our lanai is 11x20. But...I hate the maintenance of the lawn! We have a corner lot, so the cost is higher for grass cutting. We pay for lawn treatments, but I'm still not happy with how it looks. And for me, the lack of privacy (no villa walls) is something I''m trying to get used to.

My ideal house would be a block/stucco cyv with a 2 car garage and no lawn, just stone.