Question to owners who are not permanent

[jgbama]

To take Gracie's thread about new or pre-owned a step further, I would like to ask those who have purchased but don't live there permanently a question or two. How do you manage the upkeep when you aren't there? Do you have someone "manage" it for you, like when you rent.

With prices like they are and we've found several pre-owned we absolutely love, I'm wanting to take advantage of the "buyer's market", but don't feel we will be able to make our annual trips as DW's mom now lives with us and doesn't feel she could make the 7-hour trip down.

I'm restless as a cat in a rocking chair factory, and my cool, calm, calculated approach to our transition to TV is starting to get "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead". :D But that is usually the greatest chance to create yourself a real mess! :cryin2:

In the meantime, thought it would be helpful to me and other gonnabees to hear how some of you manage your homes when you aren't there.

Thanks in advance

[Ohiogirl]

We use Mary & Ed Edwards - safehomewatch.com to watch our place (they check it weekly and send an email every week) this summer (May-Sept) while we are gone. We no longer rent it, but did for 4 years. They became our caretakers during our last year of renting. They met the tenant and were available for problems/questions, also checked the place out when the tenant left and accounted for the keys/gdo's/gatepasses. We also used a cleaning person, who was very reliable.

I don't think the market will be jumping back up there that quickly if you decide to wait a year before buying. My bet would be that there would still be good buys.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

John -

We don't rent our place out. We bought something that fit our "snowflake" needs and thus bought a resale Patio Villa. Smaller equals less in just about every category: smaller lawn, smaller physical house (less upkeep effort and on-going costs for utilities, taxes and so forth)....and smaller living space. The size helps keep our outgo fairly low. It works for us!

Redwitch watches over our place while we're away which works out great. We hire out all the service work: lawn and landscaping care, pest and termite control, and so forth. Got most of those referrals from our new neighbors and from the previous owners. There was a fellow already established with others in the neighborhood for doing exterior power washing once or twice a year so we hopped on that wagon as well.

If you ever go back through my posts, one of my earliest threads last fall mentioned our concerns of owning a place "long distance". It's pretty much turned out to be a non-event - everything's worked out fine for us with no worries or concerns. I sleep a lot better at night than I thought I would!

We had a similar thought process as you've had - we really hadn't been too focused on purchasing a home since we only get to TV 3 or 4 times a year for a week or two at a time. But we figured it was best to buy while the prices were advantageous for the buyer. We're not sorry we did.

Bill :)

[nkrifats]

We started with a patio villa. Marry and Ed Edwards checked home weekly for us . Had local lawn, pest control and etc. Cost was minimal during time away and was great to get away to during the year. Am now full time in The Villages.

[Barefoot]

We've used Village Watchdogs for the past four summers and they've never let us down. Retired cops from NYC.

[ducati1974]

We bought in March 2010. We come down for the month of January and a week in the summer. Have not had any problems with our rentals and our home is checked by Villagers Homewatch (not affiliated with TV). They do a great job and we couldn't be happier that we bought early.

[jgbama]

:ho:John -

The size helps keep our outgo fairly low. It works for us!

Redwitch watches over our place while we're away which works out great. We hire out all the service work: lawn and landscaping care, pest and termite control, and so forth. Got most of those referrals from our new neighbors and from the previous owners. There was a fellow already established with others in the neighborhood for doing exterior power washing once or twice a year so we hopped on that wagon as well.

Bill :)

We started with a patio villa. Marry and Ed Edwards checked home weekly for us . Had local lawn, pest control and etc. Cost was minimal during time away and was great to get away to during the year. Am now full time in The Villages.

We've used Village Watchdogs for the past four summers and they've never let us down. Retired cops from NYC.

Thank you all for your quick posts! MIL wants us to go ahead and get our place while she is still around and can enjoy our happiness. My biggest concern is our trips down will be few and far between, if at all. My "think" side of my brain says wait, while my "heart" side says "go for it".

Your responses have sure helped should my "heart" side win out!!:D:D

When I read Gracie's thread on "new vs pre-owned" and saw the number of people who own but aren't permanent as well as those who bought unseen, I'm starting to question my planned approach of selling our house here before buying in TV.

Thank y'all again!! :ho:

[jgbama]

We use Mary & Ed Edwards - safehomewatch.com to watch our place (they check it weekly and send an email every week) this summer (May-Sept) while we are gone. We no longer rent it, but did for 4 years. They became our caretakers during our last year of renting. They met the tenant and were available for problems/questions, also checked the place out when the tenant left and accounted for the keys/gdo's/gatepasses. We also used a cleaning person, who was very reliable.

I don't think the market will be jumping back up there that quickly if you decide to wait a year before buying. My bet would be that there would still be good buys.

Where's my manners?? Somehow missed including your post with the others.

Thanks Ohiogirl for the great info and valuable reminder that the market won't be quick to bounce back. I think you are right, but just hope we can sell our place here when the time comes. But that's another worry! :D

[Ohiogirl]

Have to say though that the worst part about buying before you are able to retire and move down is that you can hardly stand not being there yet! You keep thinking, if only . . .

[jgbama]

Have to say though that the worst part about buying before you are able to retire and move down is that you can hardly stand not being there yet! You keep thinking, if only . . .

That is the way we were when we bought our beach place. Every waking moment I was visualizing sitting on the front porch looking at the Gulf.

I can only imagine how we would be if we end up buying at TV before moving down. I'm 24/7 now!!:D

[Ohiogirl]

Maybe you've talked about this before, but what made you change your mind about moving to TV from the beach place? Or are you keeping both?

[LI SNOWBIRD]

Have to say though that the worst part about buying before you are able to retire and move down is that you can hardly stand not being there yet! You keep thinking, if only . . .

We bought a Villa when we were still working and were snowflakes for 2 years.We so missed TV. We graduated to Snowbirds and who knows maybe Frogs!:BigApplause:

[ajdeck]

To take Gracie's thread about new or pre-owned a step further, I would like to ask those who have purchased but don't live there permanently a question or two. How do you manage the upkeep when you aren't there? Do you have someone "manage" it for you, like when you rent.

With prices like they are and we've found several pre-owned we absolutely love, I'm wanting to take advantage of the "buyer's market", but don't feel we will be able to make our annual trips as DW's mom now lives with us and doesn't feel she could make the 7-hour trip down.

I'm restless as a cat in a rocking chair factory, and my cool, calm, calculated approach to our transition to TV is starting to get "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead". :D But that is usually the greatest chance to create yourself a real mess! :cryin2:





In the meantime, thought it would be helpful to me and other gonnabees to hear how some of you manage your homes when you aren't there.

Thanks in advance
Like what was stated here before. The next generation of 'buyers' will not be able to retire as all planned. Therefore there will be a void for a few years (along with the 'state of affairs right' now) so a lot of 55 communities will not have the retiree's to fill the void of the ones dying off. Now with that said, we all know that TV will always stay a little a head of others but still prices will not go as some seem to think.
Buying power is being decreased on a daily basis, retirements are being elimiated or decreased, health care will do nothing but increase cost out of pocket plus....

So do you really think you need to rush into something? I wouldn't rush and be sorry, just take time, there will always be a good buy. We have bought and sold 17 places in our life, some in good times and some in bad times.
Just like stocks, in the long run they all worked out and dollar wise never losted money on anyone, just watch for the people who price to the market not to there emotions.

Good Luck and as much as you want to be here don't jump and be sorry. Take your time and it will come.

aj

[jgbama]

Maybe you've talked about this before, but what made you change your mind about moving to TV from the beach place? Or are you keeping both?

When we bought the beach place in 2002 we thought we would retire there. We learned of TV in 2005 and made our first trip in April and fell in love, again!! :D We knew immediately this was the place for us!!

We unloaded the beach place in March, mainly because it was 4-plex and we owned just one apartment. Getting all four to agree on anything was getting more and more challenging. We also were going to have to put a sizable amount into repairs and just felt it was time to sell.

We are now focused on TV. . . hot and heavy!!!:thumbup:

[jgbama]

Like what was stated here before. The next generation of 'buyers' will not be able to retire as all planned. Therefore there will be a void for a few years (along with the 'state of affairs right' now) so a lot of 55 communities will not have the retiree's to fill the void of the ones dying off. Now with that said, we all know that TV will always stay a little a head of others but still prices will not go as some seem to think.
Buying power is being decreased on a daily basis, retirements are being elimiated or decreased, health care will do nothing but increase cost out of pocket plus....

So do you really think you need to rush into something? I wouldn't rush and be sorry, just take time, there will always be a good buy. We have bought and sold 17 places in our life, some in good times and some in bad times.
Just like stocks, in the long run they all worked out and dollar wise never losted money on anyone, just watch for the people who price to the market not to there emotions.

Good Luck and as much as you want to be here don't jump and be sorry. Take your time and it will come.

aj

AJ, you are a "breath of fresh air" and your comments are where I think we will be heading, which is wait until things are a little more definite with my dear MIL (mom-in-law).

We can pay down a few more bills, and continue with "dejunking" our place here. Worked on my side of the closet yesterday! :D

Everyone's comments are really helpful and TOTV is a powerful tool for wannabees, gonnabees, snowflakes, snowbirds, and frogs alike!! Never realized we were "snowflakes" until PTurner clued me in!! :D

[Dennis Ga]

John, I like your signature line, but I'm afraid they would have a hard time finding something big enought to get all of the logos attached. :(

John"I think Congressmen should wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers so we can identify their corporate sponsors."

[Bill Gordon]

Use Mary and Ed Edwards - they are the greatest, alwaysnthere to help with issues and give weekly updates

[2BNTV]

Like what was stated here before. The next generation of 'buyers' will not be able to retire as all planned. Therefore there will be a void for a few years (along with the 'state of affairs right' now) so a lot of 55 communities will not have the retiree's to fill the void of the ones dying off. Now with that said, we all know that TV will always stay a little a head of others but still prices will not go as some seem to think.
Buying power is being decreased on a daily basis, retirements are being elimiated or decreased, health care will do nothing but increase cost out of pocket plus....

So do you really think you need to rush into something? I wouldn't rush and be sorry, just take time, there will always be a good buy. We have bought and sold 17 places in our life, some in good times and some in bad times.
Just like stocks, in the long run they all worked out and dollar wise never losted money on anyone, just watch for the people who price to the market not to there emotions.

Good Luck and as much as you want to be here don't jump and be sorry. Take your time and it will come.

Great advice AJ. :BigApplause:

[quote=jgbama;383780]AJ, you are a "breath of fresh air" and your comments are where I think we will be heading, which is wait until things are a little more definite with my dear MIL (mom-in-law).

We can pay down a few more bills, and continue with "dejunking" our place here. Worked on my side of the closet yesterday! :D

Everyone's comments are really helpful and TOTV is a powerful tool for wannabees, gonnabees, snowflakes, snowbirds, and frogs alike!! Never realized we were "snowflakes" until PTurner clued me in!! :D

John - I feel your pain about wanting to be in TV. Good Luck!!!!!!! :)

[ariel]

We just bought in June and are using one of the private house watch businesses. So far, so good. We chose a CYV because it would be easier for upkeep at a distance. Looked at a lot of houses and would have bought a house if we lived closer or could move now. So for now, just looking forward to being frogs.

[jgbama]

John, I like your signature line, but I'm afraid they would have a hard time finding something big enought to get all of the logos attached. :(

John"I think Congressmen should wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers so we can identify their corporate sponsors."

I thought it was good too. Kinda makes me sad though that somewhere along the way Congress seemed to have forgotten about taking care of America, instead of themselves!!

[jgbama]

Use Mary and Ed Edwards - they are the greatest, alwaysnthere to help with issues and give weekly updates

Thanks for sharing this. A caretaker will definitely be a plus. To much of an investment to just have sitting there. Do they help with contacting the lawn care people, etc?

[TednRobin]

We have Mary and Ed watching our place. They helped w suggesting lawn and pest people. If they aren't doing a good job, Mary and Ed will get on them. They also coordinate with the services to come in to the house if needed. We have been very happy with thier service.

[jgbama]

We just bought in June and are using one of the private house watch businesses. So far, so good. We chose a CYV because it would be easier for upkeep at a distance. Looked at a lot of houses and would have bought a house if we lived closer or could move now. So for now, just looking forward to being frogs.

We were thinking CYV for room for our yorkie to roam around. You are right about upkeep being a little easier.

In all the other "gazillion" facts, figures and issues buzzing around my head, I'm thinking two-car garage, because we will be going the 2-cart route pretty quick after we move. Have stayed in three different CYVs, and it's a "little tight" with a car and one cart.

Oh well, just another decision. . . right? :D Congrats on your purchase!!! Happy for you.

[Pturner]

Hi John,

Red keeps our home when we are not in TV, and we have lawn service, etc. Buying before we could retire has definitely been the right choice for us, because we are able to come down, if only for a long weekend, at least every other month from April-Dec. Hubby gets 8 weeks of vacation. We do rent it out Jan-Mar.

Like Bill, we went for small and re-sale. Being there for only 10 days at a time max, and sometimes only 3-4 day, the last thing i want is a big house to clean and maintain.

That said, if you wouldnt be able to come down and enjoy your place, you might be wise to bide your time. It might be even more depressing to have a home in TV, but never be able to enjoy it. :cryin2:

Of course, if you found a firesale on the perfect place, that might be hard to resist.

[jgbama]

Use Mary and Ed Edwards - they are the greatest, alwaysnthere to help with issues and give weekly updates

Thanks Bill and to everyone for their kind replies!! I continue to be blown away by the great replies. Everyone has been so helpful. :ho: Will definitely put Mary and Ed on our contact list.

Bill-n-Brillo shared the great website about homestead exemptions. If you are thinking about buying in TV, as most of us are, you definitely want to print out the information on the website - http://www.sumterpa.com/Exemptions.asp

Having to file between January and March are valuable dates to remember, or you have to wait until the next year to file!

I'm hooked on TOTV as well as TV. Thank you all!:BigApplause:

[jgbama]

Hi John,

Red keeps our home when we are not in TV, and we have lawn service, etc. Buying before we could retire has definitely been the right choice for us, because we are able to come down, if only for a long weekend, at least every other month from April-Dec. Hubby gets 8 weeks of vacation. We do rent it out Jan-Mar.

Like Bill, we went for small and re-sale. Being there for only 10 days at a time max, and sometimes only 3-4 day, the last thing i want is a big house to clean and maintain.

That said, if you wouldnt be able to come down and enjoy your place, you might be wise to bide your time. It might be even more depressing to have a home in TV, but never be able to enjoy it. :cryin2:

Of course, if you found a firesale on the perfect place, that might be hard to resist.

Hi GA buddy!! Thanks for sharing. We were just working on MIL about making the trip. She may be softening. DW told her (since she sleeps a lot) "get in the car and when you wake up...we'll be there"!! :1rotfl:

I think once she makes one trip subsequent ones would be a lot easier. It's just getting that first one under her belt. She was so confined in her home for so long, showing her there is a world out there she is free to explore is a little overwhelming. We're exposing her in bits and pieces. She seems to really enjoy eating out more (we don't cook much anymore) and going shopping a lot more. I've got two "shopoholics" on my hands!! :D

We'll see how things go and just try to get ready for when that right time comes along.

Thanks again for the helpful info.