Considering TV

[StuckinOhio]

We are thinking of moving to TV whenever our house sells. I have browsed through many of the homes listed on the site and on Zillow. This may seem a petty question but....why do the majority of homes have laminate counter tops? The Designer Series aren't exactly cheap and homes in our area, of this price range, have either solid surface or granite. So, why these counter tops as the standard fare, even on the newly built homes? Is there a specific reason for this other than the cost factor? Also, the majority have electric stoves.

[Barefoot]

This may seem a petty question but....why do the majority of homes have laminate counter tops?

A Villages Sales Rep could answer that question. But I'm guessing it's because laminate is half the price, lighter, and simple to install. Many, many people choose to upgrade to granite.

[graciegirl]

Oh my fellow Buckeye. Come down here and make a visit and do not be afraid to contact the sales department. They don't pressure, in fact they are amazingly unpressurey and won't ever HOUND you. In fact you will have to contact them when you arrive or you will never hear from them. It is because almost all of the people who live here are crazy about it and we can't stop talking about it.

The houses do cost MORE than in other parts of Florida for the same size but the community and the things to see and do and enjoy will just.....blow your mind. AND all of the homes whether they are under 100K or over a million pay the same amenity fee.

And...I have seen some mighty pretty granite down here.

[graciegirl]

Tried to show picture of our granite but I couldn't make it work this morning....

[OpusX1]

Depending on the locaton some of the Villages are all electric, no gas available so it depends on the location if a house will have an electric range or gas range. Some of the new homes have granite but many just have laminate. Lots of people make the change to granite before they move in. There are so many preowned and new homes for sale it is really hard to shop/look online imo.

[ilovetv]

Better to have laminate in a neutral color and texture, that most people can live with until and if they upgrade the countertops, than to have a fortune sunken into granite that is ugly patterned......and there are many we've seen installed that are horribly ugly.

[2BNTV]

I see this is your first post. :welcome: to TOTV.

I was wondering if you have ever been to TV? A visit would be something you might want to consider as TV is a beautiful place that one needs to see to believe. I think you will find there are many things to consider before making a move.

Please don't consider any question too petty to ask as that's why our members are here for on TOTV. :)

Best wishes on your decisions.

[SALYBOW]

We built our home and went right to granite to start. I really prefer it because it cleans up so nicely, you can set a hot pot on it, in fact it will cool down a hot pot more quickly. Some people are under the impression that one has to seal their granite all the time so It may be a deterrant to some. We lucked into buying at a time when the particular granite we chose was going for half price. I love it and may well have chosen it anyway. We sealed it once and then found out it was presealed anyway. Sealing granite means clearing and wiping it off and then going over it with a cloth soaked in sealer. Could not be easier.
I must say that the laminate which they put in our baths is veryattractive so maybe some people don't see the necessity to upgrade. I know our nextdoor neighbors did not use granite and they upgraded everything else. Thier home is lovely. All our homes are lovely, never been in an ugly one down here. Come on down and join us. It is far better weather than Ohio, and I loved Ohio except for the weather. :0000000000luvmyhors

[swrinfla]

When I built some 7 years ago, I felt quite happy with my rather plain laminate. Now, I am thinking seriously about putting in granite. It seems to me that my kids will be able to get a better price for my house after I'm gone, and why shouldn't I enjoy the nicer surface while I'm still here? :bigbow:

SWR
:beer3:

[LvmyPug2]

You will find home prices and features are pretty unique to TV. If you don't care about the "lifestyle" you will get more house for your money just about anywhere else in FL than you will here in TV. We happily gave up the things we have always had in houses like a private yard, granite counters and high end appliances to live in this amazing community. We plan to upgrade the counters, flooring and appliances after we have been here a couple of years.

[USNRet92]

If we purchase new we intend to go with whats installed and wear carpet and countertops out, then down the road upgrade when we replace items...
However if we buy a Pre-Owned Home we'll just have to see what it has and what truly needs replacing.. Either way we are excited about this year and the "High Hopes" we have that TV's will become our new Full time home!!
Looking forward to meeting Neighbors on TOTV's in person. Everyone that posts sounds like a neighbor I would love to have.:)

[CarGuys]

What Gracie Said!

Welcome to the Family!

Herv

[Bill-n-Brillo]

.......So, why these counter tops as the standard fare, even on the newly built homes? Is there a specific reason for this other than the cost factor? Also, the majority have electric stoves.

You've pretty much hit the nail on the head - cost is probably the issue. Helps the developer keep prices for the homes seemingly more reasonable. Some people will pay for any upgrades they want when their new home is constructed, others wait til later, others just go with what they get. It all becomes personal preference for the homeowner.

Regarding natural gas - as Opus stated, availability north of 466A will depend on what village you're looking at. I believe Duval might have been the last village to have natural gas service for the homes - and I don't believe it was in all the homes in Duval. No natural gas service available for any of the homes currently being built.

And welcome to TOTV!!!!

Bill :)

[CarGuys]

Bill This combination often gets me free natural gas popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popco rn::beer3::beer3::boom:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Bill This combination often gets me free natural gas popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popco rn::beer3::beer3::boom:

TMI, Herv!!! :icon_wink:

Bill :wave:

[angiefox10]

TMI, Herv!!! :icon_wink:

Bill :wave:

No kidding!!! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[StuckinOhio]

Thanks for the info. Yes...we did a short visit while we were staying in Orlando 3 weeks ago and really liked the place. As you have stated, there is a lot to consider before moving to TV. Sorry to hear that most of the homes are electric. I don't do well with electric cooking.:sad:. If our home EVER sells, which is beginning to seem impossible (on the market for 1 1/2 yrs), we will definitely come and look at homes. We are also considering moving to SC near some friends of ours. It's all so up in the air right now.

I will say that we have heard many good reports from people who know people that have moved there. I've really only had one bad comment, so that says a lot.

Thanks again. :>)

[brostholder]

Hi and welcome from a former toledoan! Your observations are absolutely correct. Most people, including myself, moved here for the lifestyle and were very much aware that we could have gotten "more house for less money" somewhere else. But like the others, after seeing what this place offers, our attitude changed to "if they would let me move and set up a tent with a sleeping bag, I would do it". We own a 3br 2bath courtyard villa and have had to make some downsizing adjustments, but have found that we just don't need most of the stuff we thought we did. I recommend you come on down and try out the lifestyle visit.

[Alien]

I am also stuck in Ohio, but hopefully not forever. I agree with your comment about needing a gas range. Has anyone installed a propane tank in the areas that do not have gas - would it be allowed? If so, seems like a simple solution that would widen your housing choices.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I now of at least one newer home in TV that has an underground propane tank, installed when the home was built.

Bill :)

[graciegirl]

I have two friends who have done so.

What is wrong with me that I can cook on electric????

[The Village Girl]

I have to turn off the fire alarms to cook!

Gas or Electric is all the same to me!