Beginning our house hunting adventure

[LvmyPug2]

We decided over 5 yrs ago we would move to TV and become frogs when we retired. After years of "fantasy house shopping" via the internet we are now actually ready to buy in TV (Woo Hoo!).

We recently moved to FL for work and now live 1.5 hrs away from TV. We decided to rent where the job is and buy our dream place in TV now so we can use it as a weekend get away until we retire (3-6 yrs). Although DH and I are both very eager to become Villagers, we are fortunate to be able to take the time we need to find the right house for us. There are so many options, we are a bit overwhelmed.

We started out thinking we wanted a CYV for the privacy and the convenience it would provide because we have a dog, but after some house hunting we have concluded we prefer the "feel" of neighborhoods comprised of houses. DH has also decided he needs a 2 car garage.

We also assumed we wanted a pre-owned but we are now rethinking this. It seems that many of the preowned homes we have looked at are nearly the price of a new home, even when you factor in the higher bonds of the new homes. Has anyone else concluded this or are we missing something? We are going to visit the design center next week to look at new construction options and determine the costs. What should things should we ask/ be aware of as we consider our options? Any advice you can provide us as we conduct our search is most appreciated.

Thanks

[buggyone]

If you ask me, pre-owned is THE way to go. There are so many upgrades to buy when you buy a new house. Just think of it as a stripped down car and everything is an extra. Adds up very fast.

I bought a pre-owned with the perfect view and setting 2 years ago. The house has upgrades that are perfect and would not even be offered on a new house - and we had them from Day 1 with no extra cost.

The bond is another item. Our bond was $2,300. Compare that with bonds of $20,000 to $50,000 on new houses. Big chunk of change.

New houses are not negotiable in price. Pre-owned homes are fully negotiable with the seller.

Right now, there are a couple of real nice designer homes on Talley Ridge Drive in Glenbrook offered by Villages Properties that are for sale. Golf course and water views. Check them out with an agent.

[Tom Hannon]

When we first began looking, we thought of resale. Like you said, "not much of a price difference." You appear to be young (said you were retiring in 3-6 years) I'd strongly recommend you buy new, so that you fit into a new neighborhood with younger neighbors. Buying in an established neighborhood could mean older neighbors and neighbors already in their little groups.
I suggest waiting for a spec home sale. TV reduce prices of homes to clear out a neighborhood. You have the time. Wait for the right deal.

Things to look for- A golf cart garage, walk in shower and having a house on a cul-de-sac can give you a bigger piece of property and less traffic.

Good luck with your house buying.

[BAILYBOOHOO]

Good Luck

[Pturner]

Hi Lvmypug,
How exciting that you are finally at the ready-to-buy stage! We were wannabees for several years before buying too, so we know the feeling.

The best way to compare price on new vs resale, is to price a new home you like on a lot you would want with all the upgrades you would build and add the bond for total firm price.

Then find a comparable resale with the same upgrades on a comparable lot, add the bond (if any) to get the total asking price. Remember that this price is negotiable.

When we were looking we found, in general, that homes offered for sale by owner tended to be about the same or higher than comparable new homes. Resales listed through TV or MLS tended to be considerably less than comparable new homes. That was two years ago, so I don't know how the market is today.

Good luck and please keep us posted on your progress.

[Schaumburger]

Lvmypug2, I don't have any words of wisdom to offer you in your house hunting adventure as I am a wannabee, but just wanted to wish you good luck, and I hope you find the house of your dreams (and your dog's dreams also -- gotta keep the fur child happy). :wave: