Coming For A Visit

[Posh 08]

The wife and I are coming for a quick look at TV in October. Figure we'll get "the feeling" or maybe not in an overnight. If we like then we'll book a longer visit in the Spring. We are being shown around by one of the sales reps. What should we focus on?

[Mudder]

Don't spend the whole time with a sales rep. They are good people, etc...but you will get an even better feel if you just roam around by yourself. I've had many friends say that the sales rep kept them mostly in brand new areas, they had no idea about anything north of 466. Some reps didn't even take them into any Rec centers, country clubs, etc...the reps are there to sell houses and some, not all, leave out the best part....the lifestyle ! You need time to strike up conversations with residents, don't forget to go to the squares at night. One of my friends said they asked even there was a hospital nearby and the rep told them about Leesburg and Ocala....forgot to mention the Villages hospital. So, enjoy your short time here, but do strike out on your own. Also it's very different experiencing The Villages in a golf cart!

[memason]

Welcome Posh 08! Boy-oh-boy... an overnight visit will be tough to get a good feel, but I recommend you take notice of how clean and manicured everything is and how everyone gets around on golf carts. Try to get to at least one of the town squares (Spanish Springs or Lake Sumter Landing) for happy hour and the free live entertainment. By all means, talk to anyone you want about the Villages; most folks are more than happy to share their experiences and what it's like to live here.

If you're going to be with a sales rep., you'll most likely see a few homes...there are homes for every pocketbook, from less than $100,000 to over $1,000,000. Regardless of the home you purchase, the amenities are the same...

Good luck and be sure to let us know how your visit goes... Keep asking questions here, as this is a great source of information.

[Posh 08]

Don't spend the whole time with a sales rep. They are good people, etc...but you will get an even better feel if you just roam around by yourself. I've had many friends say that the sales rep kept them mostly in brand new areas, they had no idea about anything north of 466. Some reps didn't even take them into any Rec centers, country clubs, etc...the reps are there to sell houses and some, not all, leave out the best part....the lifestyle ! You need time to strike up conversations with residents, don't forget to go to the squares at night. One of my friends said they asked even there was a hospital nearby and the rep told them about Leesburg and Ocala....forgot to mention the Villages hospital. So, enjoy your short time here, but do strike out on your own. Also it's very different experiencing The Villages in a golf cart!

Thanks for the reply. We'll be staying at the Waterfront Inn, so it looks like a short walk to the square? Looks like I need to investigate north of 466.

[Posh 08]

Welcome Posh 08! Boy-oh-boy... an overnight visit will be tough to get a good feel, but I recommend you take notice of how clean and manicured everything is and how everyone gets around on golf carts. Try to get to at least one of the town squares (Spanish Springs or Lake Sumter Landing) for happy hour and the free live entertainment. By all means, talk to anyone you want about the Villages; most folks are more than happy to share their experiences and what it's like to live here.

If you're going to be with a sales rep., you'll most likely see a few homes...there are homes for every pocketbook, from less than $100,000 to over $1,000,000. Regardless of the home you purchase, the amenities are the same...

Good luck and be sure to let us know how your visit goes... Keep asking questions here, as this is a great source of information.

Did someone mention Happy Hour? :thumbup: LOL. I'm trying to understand the cost of a "bond". Sounds expensive. :22yikes:

[memason]

Let me see if I can explain the bond....

When a neighborhood is built, the developer passes on the cost of the infrastructure (streets, electric, etc.) to the home owners. It's a function of infrastructure cost .vs. home density. So, if you purchase a home in a Designer neighborhood, everyone in that neighborhood pays the same bond amount. Therefore, if you purchase a Courtyard Villa, they are more densely packed, so the bonds are less. If you go into a Premier home, they are not nearly as densely packed (larger lots), so the bond is more. Home owners only pay this once. Therefore, if you purchase a pre-owned home, a portion of the bond will have already been paid by the previous owner. In some cases, home owners payoff the bond early.

Important thing to keep in mind, is when looking at a home, treat the bond as an addition to the asking price. ie $100,000 + $5,000

Hope this helps... Someone else might have a better answer.

[Posh 08]

Let me see if I can explain the bond....

When a neighborhood is built, the developer passes on the cost of the infrastructure (streets, electric, etc.) to the home owners. It's a function of infrastructure cost .vs. home density. So, if you purchase a home in a Designer neighborhood, everyone in that neighborhood pays the same bond amount. Therefore, if you purchase a Courtyard Villa, they are more densely packed, so the bonds are less. If you go into a Premier home, they are not nearly as densely packed (larger lots), so the bond is more. Home owners only pay this once. Therefore, if you purchase a pre-owned home, a portion of the bond will have already been paid by the previous owner. In some cases, home owners payoff the bond early.

Important thing to keep in mind, is when looking at a home, treat the bond as an addition to the asking price. ie $100,000 + $5,000

Hope this helps... Someone else might have a better answer.

Thanks, that clears it up for me. That is one of the important ??s I'll have when buying. How much bond. :faint:

[Pturner]

Hi Posh 08,
Welcome to TOTV! Memason gave you an excellent answer on how the bond works. No need to feel intimidated by the bond: just add it to your total cost when comparing the price of different homes.

The Town Squares have free live music and dancing from 5 - 9 p.m. seven nights a week. Yes, you are a short walk to LSL from Waterfront Inn. The squares are an excellent place to meet folks and ask questions.

Whether with a sales rep. or on your own, there are certain things besides homes you will want to see. Here's a suggested itinerary that will take you from one end of TV to the other. To do this on your own, pick up a $5 Villages Map at the sales office.


Visit at least one regional Rec. Center. I'll suggest Sea Breeze. Be sure to check out the inside and outside recreational facilities there. While there, pick up a copy of the Recreation News (http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/app/files/recnews.pdf). That will give you an idea of the breath of activities always available.
From Sea Breeze, turn left on Bailey Trail and follow it around until it circles back to Buena Vista. This will give you an overview of some southside neighborhoods.
When you intersect again with Buena Vista, turn left, drive north on Buena Vista (and yes, it is a beautiful vista), until you get to Arnold Palmer Country Club on your right. Check out the beautiful indoor and outdoor dining facilities, pool and pro shop. This is currently one of nine country clubs in TV. Like the Rec. Centers, they all have a different and beautiful decor.
Cross 466-- you'll then be on the north side of The Villages-- until you get to the Polo Fields on your right. Drive in and behind the Polo Fields and you will see the softball complex.
Get back on Buena Vista and drive north to El Camino Real and turn right. (If you have time, stop in the Savannah Center at Buena Vista and El Camino Real. Arts and craft shows and theater performances are held here).
From El Camino Real, turn into a few of the residential gates to drive through some of the northside neighborhoods. If you don't have a gate pass, just press the red button.
Get back on El Camino Real and continue east until you see the Assisted Living complex (I'm drawing a blank on the name) on your left and the The Villages Hospital on your right. No need to go in unless you want to-- you'll be impressed enough seeing them from the outside.
Stay on El Camino Real until you get to the intersection with Morse. If time permits, follow the roundabout to the second exit, to Paige. Take Paige to Main Street. You'll see Veterans Memorial Park on your left. Turn right on Main Street, which will take you right into Spanish Springs Square, where you will see Church on the Square and Katie Bells in addition to many shops and restaurants.
For simplicity, go back north on Main, turn left on Paige and this time, when you get to the roundabout, take the third exit to head south of Morse Blvd. Cross 466 (back to the LSL or for now, southside of TV). You will drive over a beautiful bridge overlooking LSL.
If you are exhausted by now, you can turn right on Old Mill Run until you get back to Waterfront End. Or continue down Morse Blvd. south to Odel Circle. Turn right on Odel to Canal. This will take you along some more southside communities and golf courses. Turn right on Canal, then left on Old Mill Run back to Waterfront End.
This is assuming that your TV sales agent already took you to see the new Village of Sanibel under construction south of 466a. If not, after driving over the Morse bridge, continue on Morse south all the way to 466a, cross 466a and tour the Sanibel area. Then return north on Morse, take a left at the second Odel Circle, then a right on Canal, left on Old Mill back to your hotel.


Whew, I'm already tired from the tour. Time for some Koolaide. :)

Others might have different ideas to share. More than one option is always good.

Mainly, just have a great, great time and keep us posted on your trip!

[Posh 08]

Hi Posh 08,
Welcome to TOTV! Memason gave you an excellent answer on how the bond works. No need to feel intimidated by the bond: just add it to your total cost when comparing the price of different homes.

The Town Squares have free live music and dancing from 5 - 9 p.m. seven nights a week. Yes, you are a short walk to LSL from Waterfront Inn. The squares are an excellent place to meet folks and ask questions.

Whether with a sales rep. or on your own, there are certain things besides homes you will want to see. Here's a suggested itinerary that will take you from one end of TV to the other. To do this on your own, pick up a $5 Villages Map at the sales office.


Visit at least one regional Rec. Center. I'll suggest Sea Breeze. Be sure to check out the inside and outside recreational facilities there. While there, pick up a copy of the Recreation News (http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/app/files/recnews.pdf). That will give you an idea of the breath of activities always available.
From Sea Breeze, turn left on Bailey Trail and follow it around until it circles back to Buena Vista. This will give you an overview of some southside neighborhoods.
When you intersect again with Buena Vista, turn left, drive north on Buena Vista (and yes, it is a beautiful vista), until you get to Arnold Palmer Country Club on your right. Check out the beautiful indoor and outdoor dining facilities, pool and pro shop. This is currently one of nine country clubs in TV. Like the Rec. Centers, they all have a different and beautiful decor.
Cross 466-- you'll then be on the north side of The Villages-- until you get to the Polo Fields on your right. Drive in and behind the Polo Fields and you will see the softball complex.
Get back on Buena Vista and drive north to El Camino Real and turn right. (If you have time, stop in the Savannah Center at Buena Vista and El Camino Real. Arts and craft shows and theater performances are held here).
From El Camino Real, turn into a few of the residential gates to drive through some of the northside neighborhoods. If you don't have a gate pass, just press the red button.
Get back on El Camino Real and continue east until you see the Assisted Living complex (I'm drawing a blank on the name) on your left and the The Villages Hospital on your right. No need to go in unless you want to-- you'll be impressed enough seeing them from the outside.
Stay on El Camino Real until you get to the intersection with Morse. If time permits, follow the roundabout to the second exit, to Paige. Take Paige to Main Street. You'll see Veterans Memorial Park on your left. Turn right on Main Street, which will take you right into Spanish Springs Square, where you will see Church on the Square and Katie Bells in addition to many shops and restaurants.
For simplicity, go back north on Main, turn left on Paige and this time, when you get to the roundabout, take the third exit to head south of Morse Blvd. Cross 466 (back to the LSL or for now, southside of TV). You will drive over a beautiful bridge overlooking LSL.
If you are exhausted by now, you can turn right on Old Mill Run until you get back to Waterfront End. Or continue down Morse Blvd. south to Odel Circle. Turn right on Odel to Canal. This will take you along some more southside communities and golf courses. Turn right on Canal, then left on Old Mill Run back to Waterfront End.
This is assuming that your TV sales agent already took you to see the new Village of Sanibel under construction south of 466a. If not, after driving over the Morse bridge, continue on Morse south all the way to 466a, cross 466a and tour the Sanibel area. Then return north on Morse, take a left at the second Odel Circle, then a right on Canal, left on Old Mill back to your hotel.


Whew, I'm already tired from the tour. Time for some Koolaide. :)

Others might have different ideas to share. More than one option is always good.

Mainly, just have a great, great time and keep us posted on your trip!

Wow, thank you so much for the tour. That was work! :BigApplause: Ya'll sure do like the Koolaide. LOL. Will let you know how it goes.

[Posh 08]

trying to reply with thanks PT but it keeps saying something about a Mod.

[2BNTV]

Take the trolley tour if you have time.

Memason nailed the bond question and Pturner always gives great advice.

I would visit the squares, enjoy the music and talk to people.

One day will have you wanting more time in TV and to come back for another visit.

Have a great time.

[Posh 08]

Take the trolley tour if you have time.

Memason nailed the bond question and Pturner always gives great advice.

I would visit the squares, enjoy the music and talk to people.

One day will have you wanting more time in TV and to come back for another visit.

Have a great time.

Thanks, thinking that too.

[Posh 08]

So, I noticed that I could buy an E-book from the forum administrator? Is that required?

[tainsley]

My husband and I got "the feeling" our first day in Lake Sumter Landing. That was a year ago in June. Came back in October...spent the month of July in a rental. Bought a house in Tamarind Grove. Came back to VA to sell our house! Hope to be in TV forever by the end of the year. Where in VA do you live?

[Schaumburger]

Thanks for the reply. We'll be staying at the Waterfront Inn, so it looks like a short walk to the square? Looks like I need to investigate north of 466.

Posh 08 -- Welcome to TOTV. I stayed at the Waterfront Inn in July for one night before my rental started -- you can easily walk to the square at Lake Sumter Landing (LSL) from the Waterfront Inn -- it's probably a 7 or 8 minute walk unless you stop at one of the stores or restaurants along the way. Good luck and enjoy your visit. I've heard October is a good time to visit (temps. are starting to get cooler then), so I will be back to visit TV then also. :welcome:

[Schaumburger]

So, I noticed that I could buy an E-book from the forum administrator? Is that required?

No, it's not required. I've thought about buying the book, but reading and posting on TOTV for the past year has given me quite an education about buying and living in The Villages (TV).

[Posh 08]

My husband and I got "the feeling" our first day in Lake Sumter Landing. That was a year ago in June. Came back in October...spent the month of July in a rental. Bought a house in Tamarind Grove. Came back to VA to sell our house! Hope to be in TV forever by the end of the year. Where in VA do you live?

Sorry, I missed your question. We live in the Shenandoah Valley. Home sales over here are slow, heck no pulse even.

[Posh 08]

No, it's not required. I've thought about buying the book, but reading and posting on TOTV for the past year has given me quite an education about buying and living in The Villages (TV).

I broke down and bought the book. Lots to think about.

[Schaumburger]

I broke down and bought the book. Lots to think about.

Posh 08, I agree, it is a big decision to relocate cross country. But I have a few years to think about it as I'm still a TV wannabee at this point with several years until I leave my present job. But wherever I end up, the chances of me spending my golden years in the Chicago area snow belt are pretty slim.

[Posh 08]

Posh 08, I agree, it is a big decision to relocate cross country. But I have a few years to think about it as I'm still a TV wannabee at this point with several years until I leave my present job. But wherever I end up, the chances of me spending my golden years in the Chicago area snow belt are pretty slim.

No more Virginia Winters for me either.:cold: Once we get this house sold, that is. That is the major hurdle right now, and that hurdle seems to get higher.

[Pturner]

Wow, thank you so much for the tour. That was work! :BigApplause: Ya'll sure do like the Koolaide. LOL. Will let you know how it goes.

Oh please do! Look forward to hearing about your trip. And yes, we do love our Koolaid.

[SukiChu]

Thanks pturner! That will help us get a quick tour as well. We will be there for four days in October as well. Does the Koolaide make the ride more fun?

[Pturner]

Thanks pturner! That will help us get a quick tour as well. We will be there for four days in October as well. Does the Koolaide make the ride more fun?

Welcome SukiChu!
Glad to be of help, and you betcha! ;) You won't believe the variety of flavors. Enjoy your trip and please, tell us all about it.

[LI SNOWBIRD]

wow PT that was a wonderful summary. Well written and concise.
I would like to add that anyone can check out both squares at any time by going to thevillages.com and click on the temperature (in yellow)- then allow the download of the application. Then watch/wonder/enjoy. Sigh-- wish we were there now

[2BNTV]

wow PT that was a wonderful summary. Well written and concise.
I would like to add that anyone can check out both squares at any time by going to thevillages.com and click on the temperature (in yellow)- then allow the download of the application. Then watch/wonder/enjoy. Sigh-- wish we were there now

Thank you so very much. I didn't know this and I have been to the site numerous times.

As a wannabee, this will be good vicarious TV fix. :)

[Posh 08]

wow PT that was a wonderful summary. Well written and concise.
I would like to add that anyone can check out both squares at any time by going to thevillages.com and click on the temperature (in yellow)- then allow the download of the application. Then watch/wonder/enjoy. Sigh-- wish we were there now

Thanks, went right there and opened it.

[Posh 08]

Bought a Kindle book last night. Florida Move Guide: The Unofficial Moving to Florida Guide. They claim over 800,000 people move to Florida each year and over half move back. Hmmmmm. Anybody notice that revolving door at TV?

[jgbama]

Bought a Kindle book last night. Florida Move Guide: The Unofficial Moving to Florida Guide. They claim over 800,000 people move to Florida each year and over half move back. Hmmmmm. Anybody notice that revolving door at TV?

Sales reps get credit for telling folks the "average" Villager (not sure what that means) moves 3 times. Many of the homes for sale may just be Villagers moving to a larger home, or maybe from a villa to a ranch or designer home. What percentage is people moving out is anyone's guess. We aren't there yet but we intend to buy a furnished, pre-owned. For whatever reason the need to sell a home, we appreciate. It will save our marriage! Too many choices on equipping a new home and we don't always agree on most of those choices! :D

[graciegirl]

The wife and I are coming for a quick look at TV in October. Figure we'll get "the feeling" or maybe not in an overnight. If we like then we'll book a longer visit in the Spring. We are being shown around by one of the sales reps. What should we focus on?


Posh?

Are you here yet? Would like to meet you both.

Sounds like you haven't yet visited.

We are waiting to hear what you think of our home town!

[kb8tpw]

If you follow PT's guidance as close as you can you will have done a superior job and accomplished in a short time what wiould take a couple of days to get the same. I would have made the exact same recommendation as PT but not as articulate and detailed. The devil is in her details, they will be priceless as you expolore. Enjoy and hurry back !! :welcome:

[Posh 08]

Posh?

Are you here yet? Would like to meet you both.

Sounds like you haven't yet visited.

We are waiting to hear what you think of our home town!

Hi gracie. We came oct 8th. It was raining both days but we liked it enough to want to come back for a longer look. We looked at lots of houses, rec centers etc. Talked to some folks. We liked the cyv homes. Didn't get to see many people out playing because of the rain. We met family and friends for dinner at codys. Lots to talk about. We'll be back.

[Trish Crocker]

Bought a Kindle book last night. Florida Move Guide: The Unofficial Moving to Florida Guide. They claim over 800,000 people move to Florida each year and over half move back. Hmmmmm. Anybody notice that revolving door at TV?

Posh, there are many young people that move to Florida for the climate, thinking that they will find jobs. After they are there for a while, the novelty wears off and the minimum wage job they have gets tiring, therefore they move back home. I have seen this happen many times, including my son and my nephew. When you factor this in along with the seniors that move back to their original state to be with family, it is easy to see how that many people leave. The Villages seems to be different...we are all planning to be there for the long haul and I bet the percentage of people that leave TV to move out of state is quite small. Glad you enjoyed your visit and sorry for the rain. When we went it was in July so it was hot and sunny with only a day of rain. Hope to meet you someday in TV.

Trish

[Posh 08]

Posh, there are many young people that move to Florida for the climate, thinking that they will find jobs. After they are there for a while, the novelty wears off and the minimum wage job they have gets tiring, therefore they move back home. I have seen this happen many times, including my son and my nephew. When you factor this in along with the seniors that move back to their original state to be with family, it is easy to see how that many people leave. The Villages seems to be different...we are all planning to be there for the long haul and I bet the percentage of people that leave TV to move out of state is quite small. Glad you enjoyed your visit and sorry for the rain. When we went it was in July so it was hot and sunny with only a day of rain. Hope to meet you someday in TV.

Trish

How entire trip to was beautiful except for the two days at TV so no apology needed about the weather. Hope to meet all next trip.

[Pturner]

If you follow PT's guidance as close as you can you will have done a superior job and accomplished in a short time what wiould take a couple of days to get the same. I would have made the exact same recommendation as PT but not as articulate and detailed. The devil is in her details, they will be priceless as you expolore. Enjoy and hurry back !! :welcome:

Thank you ever so kindly, kb8tpw!

Posh 08, glad you enjoyed your trip despite the weather.