Leisureville...any valid points?

[OldDave]

I finally broke down and spent $8 on Amazon and read Leisureville. I plan to read the other two books I know about also (including the one here, although it seems a bit expensive for an e-book.)

I'll say right off before I ask my questions, I don't think the author's resentment and resistence to age restricted communities makes any sense. He talks about the Villages not being real. His idea of his older neighbors loving his family and children is more imaginary in many of our lives than the Villages. For many of us our children are grown and gone, and there really isn't much in our towns we care about. Our kids love us and will always come to visit, but they're a lot more likely to visit us in Florida. And I think it is easy for younger people to lose site how how terrifying a coating of ice or snow is for those of us with no balance and difficultly walking. Not to mention just being tired of freezing in the winter. The Villages seems like a great idea to me. (Oh, and too the sex maniacs he met and seemed so bothered by, hey good for them!) OK, to my questions.

There are some things he brings up which concern me and I'd really like your response. (Those of you who just hate these guy and the book, please restrict your comments to those on these points, if you don't mind.)

The most problematic topic is "what happens after the build out?" His chapter on where Sun City is now caused me to stop and think. Whether you like the Morse family or not, they are here to make money. Yes, it sounds like they've built a nice product, but from what little I understand about the structure, they will be gone after it is finished or at least not really movitated to supply new and exciting activities. Their income is in houses. What do you think? Can this eventually become a city and sustain itself? Of will it go the way of that other small community he mentioned in AZ and let everyone in.

Second, how does the lack of an actual government set with you? Sure it's easy to say you didn't like the government back where you used to live. Few people do. But are you, at some level, worried that a company is making decisions that effect your lives. Many people here comment about how well they are taken care of, but is that tempered by the knowledge that at some point in the future, the company won't need to make you happy any longer, after the last lot is sold.

Any other thoughts about his concerns or others?

Again, please don't bother with flaming the book or the guy. I didn't find him to be a particularly good writer. And I can say as a journalist myself, he tried in no way to be an unbiased reporter of the facts. But I want to know your honest concerns. As I've said in another post, this is a huge decision for us. Posts that say, "hey don't worry, be happy" just don't help much. I really need to know what real people feel.

Finally, I know if we do move there I will have to do what my son said. "Dad if you do, you're going to have to drink the kool-aid and like it, or you'll never be happy." I raised and awfully smart son. And a part of me actually wants to drink the kool-aid, but I do want to think about it first.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[CarGuys]

I never liked the Kool Aid-comments. That entrapment of people was Horrific! And this place is not a prison. There are many dynamic and intelligent people housed within the communities . As for leisureville. Well for my own reasons I am not ever going to read the book.

I competely agree with you about the kids growing up and moving on. I hear friends say "We are so happy your moving" I have heard, " Gasp your out of your mind going to Florida!" and we have heard " How can you leave those darling Grand Children?"

We feel that The Villages has offered us many more opportunities and positives than negatives. You can second guess yourself all day but until we live in TV and experience TV for several years I am not able to give accurate feedback.

I will say there is Hype after the intital visit and the a huge reality check when you make the final decision to move.

Our turn to experience starts in July. We have watched this site for years and have friends that have lived in TV for 14 years. We visited 5 years ago and every year after to see if it would implode? And yes we do worry somewhat if the place will be abondoned by the Family and go to H--

If we are comfortable and like it as we anticipate life will be what we hoped for. Not perfect but comfortable. And our kids as of now are more excited to come visit us in Fla than Syracuse NY.

If this turns into a uncomfortable atmosphere then the wagon wheels can roll to new adventures! As Gracie has said, " Once you down size and get rid of the " Stuff" it gets somewhat easier!

Good Post :posting: should generate some stimulating conversations!

Regards Herv- CarGuys

[keithwand]

We read the book in Dec. 2011 and suggested the book to a lot of our friends. My wife especially had her mind made up about TV and it was negative even though we had never visited re the CDD's etc. and thought how many people can be that ignorant?
Actually I guess it would have had to be 80,000 plus.

We visited friends in Jan. 2012. Had drinks at City Fires corner porch. Met friends and friends of friends and more. Someone slipped something in her drink when she wasn't looking...a few drops of the infamous Koolaid.

We close on our new Villages home 6/26/2012 and can't wait.

Re Mr. Midnight. Really; he's out that late? Sells books though.

[JimJoe]

My wife and I have been to TV many times and always had a great time. I have met very few (if any) residents who do not love it.
The future can hold anything. Research and decide.
I love the diverse seasons up north so I am still a looker.
As mom always said:
To Each His Own.
JJ

[elevatorman]

What happens after the buildout? Take a look at The Villages north of 466. It is built out and the developer does not have control, the CDD does.
Our government is in the form of a CDD, if you go to this link it is explained better than I can do it. Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/yourdistrict/front.aspx?district=7)

[CarGuys]

Quote (Someone slipped something in her drink when she wasn't looking...a few drops of the infamous Koolaid.)

Ok I am not going to win on this one. As a young man seeing those dead peoples pictures and reading about the event troubled me.

And when we a Villagers post drink the Kool-Aid it brings up Jonestown. Now I am not being mean or trying to start trouble or pick on anyone who uses the term Kool-Aid . In fact as a CarGuy I HATE Kool-Aid the nasty carpet seat staining automotive electrical destruction stuff!

I ask could we not come as Villagers with something better that drinking the Kool-Aid

Jack Daniels! Scotch - Wine- Beer! or for some Smoking POT! but Gee are we all getting hearded down to the Town Square one night for the final Kool-Aid happy hour?


In November 1978, California Congressman Leo Ryan arrived in Guyana to survey Jonestown and interview its inhabitants. After reportedly having his life threatened by a Temple member during the first day of his visit, Ryan decided to cut his trip short and return to the U.S. with some Jonestown residents who wished to leave. As they boarded their plane, a group of Jones's guards opened fire on them, killing Ryan and four others.

From infoplease :

Some members of Ryan's party escaped, however. Upon learning this, Jones told his followers that Ryan's murder would make it impossible for their commune to continue functioning. Rather than return to the United States, the People's Temple would preserve their church by making the ultimate sacrifice: their own lives. Jones's 912 followers were given a deadly concoction of a purple drink mixed with cyanide, sedatives, and tranquilizers. Jones apparently shot himself in the head.

Read more: The Jonestown Massacre The Jonestown Massacre (http://www.infoplease.com/spot/jonestown1.html#ixzz1r6CbQxTn)

[OldDave]

As always in true life and this forum, we have drifted away from the question. Thanks for the thoughtful responses. Anyone else have something to comment on about my original question? (and as to the red vs blue) I think it's safe to say the folks who run the place are 100% republican, so the split of individuals may not matter much. And I'm with the last poster, talking about religion and politics is not a good idea. I don't believe anyone ever had their views on either topic changed by talking to someone else, but it sure has started lots of fights and caused lots of hurt feelings.

[CaptJohn]

It seems to me that most everyone likes it now, so the thing to do is move in now while all is well and when one perceives it no longer is a fun place, then time to pack up and find another place. Those choices are very individual and will differ from person to person.
The good times may go on well past our lifetime.

[OldDave]

That's great Capt. unless your house is worth 1/2 of what you paid for it. I think this place looks much better done than Sun City. Hell, I don't think Del Webb had a clue as to what he was really building. From what I've read he was the most surprised guy on the planet when it took off.

Hey, as to kool-aid, I told CarGuy that I was sorry for saying that. I had forgetten, but the pictures of all the people, especially little kids all over in the tropical heat...(I'm not going further in the description) that was really horrible. In my mind I don't normally make the connection between that and Jonestown, but he's right, that is where it came from. I should remember that day well because it happened on my 30th birthday. I think we may have to drink the orange juice instead. (although I remember a campaign by General Foods to quickly point out it wasn't actually koolaid, but some other kind of drink mix.

[bike42]

[First question] . . . "what happens after the build out?" . . . Whether you like the Morse family or not, they are here to make money. . . . Their income is in houses . . .

Second, how does the lack of an actual government set with you?


1) The Morse family and all of its subsidiary companies make a lot of money on new houses, but once the homes are all built, they will continue to have a huge perpetual source of income from the commercial properties. Your house and its land is sold to you, but all of the stores, restaurants, medical offices and so forth are on land owned by The Villages. The lease/rental income will support the Morse family and many others for generations to come. They have nothing but incentives to keep TV a beautiful place because they want patrons for the businesses. They will also continue to make money on sales and financing of resale homes.

2) The CDD form of government is a real government, sanctioned by the State of Florida and in use in 600+ other communities. You can get as involved as you want, or sit by and let others do the work (as most of us probably did in our former home towns.)

[keithwand]

Seriously she drinks Koolaid; pink lemonade flavor along with way to much diet coke.

[mgjim]

Quote (Someone slipped something in her drink when she wasn't looking...a few drops of the infamous Koolaid.)

I ask could we not come as Villagers with something better that drinking the Kool-Aid.

Jack Daniels! Scotch - Wine- Beer! or for some Smoking POT! but Gee are we all getting hearded down to the Town Square one night for the final Kool-Aid happy hour?

I'm with you and cast my vote for Jack Daniels!

[Villageshooter]

i am sure major changes will happen, however by that time we all will either be dead or have sold our houses and moved back to our families to live out our final days. If the whole place gets like north of 466 it will have lived its usefulness and yes there will be deterioration. However have you ever seen a neighborhood that didnt go somewhat downhill. There will be another place like this someplace else. The Morse kids have more $$ than they can ever spend. There is some young person out there somewhere that will have a great idea for folks to live somewhere.You just have to get the buyers to drink the kool-ade. Like we have!

[JoeC1947]

i am sure major changes will happen, however by that time we all will either be dead or have sold our houses and moved back to our families to live out our final days. If the whole place gets like north of 466 it will have lived its usefulness and yes there will be deterioration. However have you ever seen a neighborhood that didnt go somewhat downhill. There will be another place like this someplace else. The Morse kids have more $$ than they can ever spend. There is some young person out there somewhere that will have a great idea for folks to live somewhere.You just have to get the buyers to drink the kool-ade. Like we have!


huh?

[OldDave]

I have to agree with Joe's "huh?" We're talking about selling our house and using all of that money and maybe a little more to buy a house. I'm sorry I'm not glib enough to just let time run it's course and not worry about what my children or grandchildren could do with that money when we die. If the Villages dies in 20 years, it would concern me even if I were dead. OK, that sounds weird, but you know what I mean. I want to make a wise, informed decision before I drink the Jack Daniels.

[shcisamax]

I get a little concerned thinking North of 466 is deteriorating. I get a little concerned thinking that each new development decreases the value of the prior one because the new construction gets discounted. Wonder if this trend will continue and when they build out to Brownswood, Bridgeport and Lake Sumter will be "old hat" and lose value.

[angiefox10]

I felt the author wanted to move his family into this type of community. I didn't get that he didn't like it as much as he didn't like the fact that right now, he couldn't live here.

Sorry, I know this wasn't a comment on the question. Just what I took away from the book.

[B & G]

How is north of 466 deteriorating? I will be visiting TV in July and was going to look at some of the homes for sale north of 466.

[Pturner]

I finally broke down and spent $8 on Amazon and read Leisureville. I plan to read the other two books I know about also (including the one here, although it seems a bit expensive for an e-book.)

I'll say right off before I ask my questions, I don't think the author's resentment and resistence to age restricted communities makes any sense. He talks about the Villages not being real. His idea of his older neighbors loving his family and children is more imaginary in many of our lives than the Villages. For many of us our children are grown and gone, and there really isn't much in our towns we care about. Our kids love us and will always come to visit, but they're a lot more likely to visit us in Florida. And I think it is easy for younger people to lose site how how terrifying a coating of ice or snow is for those of us with no balance and difficultly walking. Not to mention just being tired of freezing in the winter. The Villages seems like a great idea to me. (Oh, and too the sex maniacs he met and seemed so bothered by, hey good for them!) OK, to my questions.

There are some things he brings up which concern me and I'd really like your response. (Those of you who just hate these guy and the book, please restrict your comments to those on these points, if you don't mind.)

The most problematic topic is "what happens after the build out?" His chapter on where Sun City is now caused me to stop and think. Whether you like the Morse family or not, they are here to make money. Yes, it sounds like they've built a nice product, but from what little I understand about the structure, they will be gone after it is finished or at least not really movitated to supply new and exciting activities. Their income is in houses. What do you think? Can this eventually become a city and sustain itself? Of will it go the way of that other small community he mentioned in AZ and let everyone in.

Second, how does the lack of an actual government set with you? Sure it's easy to say you didn't like the government back where you used to live. Few people do. But are you, at some level, worried that a company is making decisions that effect your lives. Many people here comment about how well they are taken care of, but is that tempered by the knowledge that at some point in the future, the company won't need to make you happy any longer, after the last lot is sold.

Any other thoughts about his concerns or others?

Again, please don't bother with flaming the book or the guy. I didn't find him to be a particularly good writer. And I can say as a journalist myself, he tried in no way to be an unbiased reporter of the facts. But I want to know your honest concerns. As I've said in another post, this is a huge decision for us. Posts that say, "hey don't worry, be happy" just don't help much. I really need to know what real people feel.

Finally, I know if we do move there I will have to do what my son said. "Dad if you do, you're going to have to drink the kool-aid and like it, or you'll never be happy." I raised and awfully smart son. And a part of me actually wants to drink the kool-aid, but I do want to think about it first.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Hi OldDave,
I think your questions are excellent. Here's my perspective, FWIW:

1) What happens after buildout? While I don't have a crystal ball, I do see many reasons to think both TV and its developers can thrive post-buildout.

For one thing, the governing structure does transition to homeowner control, but with deed restrictions and legal requirements for use of amenities fees in place so. Second, the developer maintains residual income from leasing commercial properties, ownership of The Villages health care system, ownership of the local bank, media and other commercial ventures and even residential resales. Finally, I point to the north side of TV as a plus in terms of after buildout. To me, it's one of the prettiest areas of TV, the golf courses, cart paths, dog park, fitness trail and rec centers are well maintained and teaming with life and activity. Last, the scale of TV with it's residual amenities revenues, while not guaranteeing it's sustainability, certainly makes sustainability viable.

2) Lack of government: I addressed this in my answer to the build out question.

I think you are on the right track by digging deeper and seeking to address your legitimate concerns. One thing that strikes me is that where ever we live, many, many things can and oft times do happen to cause property values or quality of life to diminish over time. "There are no guarantees for the if's in life." And while we're throwing in quotes, there's the one about "the dream afraid of waking that never takes the chance."

To me, TV's sustainability is a good bet and the quality of life is unbeatable.

Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best!

[senior citizen]

How is north of 466 deteriorating? I will be visiting TV in July and was going to look at some of the homes for sale north of 466.

Actually, my husband PREFERRED ***north of 466, where we stayed during month of November....after the initial 4 day lifestyle visit in Creekside Landing near Lake Sumter Landing (which I loved). I liked all those villages near the Sweet Bay supermarket area.....and near the cottages at L.S.L.

***At first, we thought it would be too far away from everything, but truthfully, it was not. How we ended up in Marion County, above 466, was that hubby wanted a pool home and it was the only one I could find at the time.

The neighbors did seem older, some elderly but everyone waved or said hello and even loved to see our little grandbaby in her stroller....when they visited for Thanksgiving week. It seemed quite normal and nice and quiet.

We were on the Nancy Lopez golf course......and the shopping in Mulberry Grove was fairly close by......as well as all the shopping and restaurants off 466......by car.

When we'd go down to Lake Sumter Landing to the restaurants, the trip back didn't seem too long (not as long as we had originally thought). We would make a right off of 466 and pass the POLO GROUNDS, lots of horses, etc.
It was quite a pretty ride. Keep going up Buena Vista Blvd....and soon enough you are in Marion County. Everything beautifully manicured, lush green grass, flowers like Gracie always comments on....just terrific landscaping.

As far as the neighbors being in their 70's and 80's.......didn't bother us.
Everything was as neat as it possibly could be. Coming from New England where zoning is pretty lax, we've seen it all and the Villages was beautiful.

We also saw all of the other villages, new and old......all very pretty.
We left with a great impression. Our visit was just to "get the lay of the land" so to speak. We thought the entire place would be humongous.
It was more manageable than we thought it would be.....however, the first day was a nightmare, getting lost on those roundabouts, back and forth over the bridge......but that was after a very long day of travel.

The only thing I thought odd was the telephone receptionist who called several times up to Vermont, saying "We want to get you out into the community". To me, that sounded like we were in an assisted living nursing home type place. (just kidding).....but.....again, we still have all of our marbles and hopefully, free will to do as we wish. Again, not everyone goes there to party hardy.

Some just love the homes and the ambience of living in a beautiful place. I'm sure if a survey was done as to those who do not go for the "lifestyle" of active 55+ as advertised.......many would raise their hands. We enjoyed just reading our kindles by the poolside under the birdcage off the lanai with super views of the golf course. Now our son and daughter in law loved zipping around in the golf carts, the golf couse, etc. and we ALL LOVED THE RESTAURANTS and Lake Sumter Landing boardwalk, etc............plus touring around to see all the new homes, etc.

All 4 of our adult children, which includes the two in law spouses, as well as the three grandchildren who can talk......have said they will spend all their holidays with us if we ever moved to THE VILLAGES.........snow gets old after awhile......not to mention traveling in it for holidays, on mountain roads.

The Villages has a lot going for it.........hopefully, people are allowed to express differing opinions. As for the Democrats vs. the Republicans, I've heard that from people up north who feel they could never move to TV if they were Democrats. Sad. Like someone else said, religion and politics actually shouldn't come up in conversation as you can never please everyone.

I think the KOOL AID reference comes from the old book and movie "The Stepford Wives" not the Jim Jones massacre tragedy. It was also used in reference to the Casey Anthony tribulations. As far as the Stepford Wives, anyone who watched Desperate Housewives, Bree (Brie?) would be a typical Stepford Wife role model. Now, we definitely do NOT want to move to Wisteria Lane........but the Villages would be great, somwhere down the road...for as another person said, we are not interested in selling our home for peanuts in this downsized real estate market....up here at least....where homes remain on the market for years and decades even.

We will return and we will stay in different villages to get the feel for all of them....before making our ultimate decision.

p.s. As for the author of Leisureville........he was coming from a different time in his life......a new father, he wanted his child to have that homey neighborly feel of the older "grandparents" in the neighborhood, just as we had when ours were growing up in a small town. I read it and don't recall him wanting to live there in the Villages himself........he just went to visit his old neighbors from across the way who had relocated to TV. No, he was not a prize winning author....but it was his opinion and take on his own personal visit. We go through different stages in our lives and things change.

Our son had told his wife that he could picture himself retiring to TV in 15 more years. He was impressed with the high energy physically fit seniors he saw cycling and the dragon boat races, etc......etc., etc.......he's 40; has traveled the entire world, each and every continent.......so it's quite high praise coming from him, for The Villages.

But even the younger neighborhoods will eventually turn into the type we rented in...as people get into their late 70's and 80's and hopefully beyond.

[OldDave]

What a wonderfully detailed post. Thank you.

[graciegirl]

I get a little concerned thinking North of 466 is deteriorating. I get a little concerned thinking that each new development decreases the value of the prior one because the new construction gets discounted. Wonder if this trend will continue and when they build out to Brownswood, Bridgeport and Lake Sumter will be "old hat" and lose value.

What happens here is that the direct Florida sun is hard on paint and it quickly fades. Some owners repaint every five years and some don't. Everything is maintained the same as far as public areas.

Each new development does NOT decrease the value of the prior one. Some people like resales and some people like new and the same model, situated on the same kind of lot varies very little in price if not at all whether new or resale. New people sometimes do not put in the variable of the lot which is the reason for difference in price in many cases.

There is much misinformation on this forum which was the subject of a recent thread and a lot of it comes from folks who do not live here yet.

People waiting and those who have put a deposit on the lot sometimes suffer from anxiety about their choice. You can see the apprehension in their posts. That is normal, I did the same....and I was quick to panic at certain posts.

That is the reason that I try so hard to quell rumors and correct misinformation. I hurt for those who worry.

Deep breaths. It is gonna be nice for our life spans I would guess.

[dsned]

Chill out--- "drinking the Kool Aid" has come to mean something completely different than what originally happened at Jonestown. The current meaning of the the phrase is drinking something that causes a sort of mind control. The phrase has been used for many other things besides the Villages.

[mrfixit]

I'm with you and cast my vote for Jack Daniels!

PSSST........a little useless info here
......been acquainted with a few people who worked at Jack Daniel.............
................seems to me y'all just might like to try the "Evan Williams" brand .......

....Try it and see for yourself.

[OldDave]

The koolaid reference really brought up some bad memories for CarGuys, so I'm glad to try something else. Hell i don't drink so maybe I should go back to calling it orange juice. Makes more sense anyway.

[zcaveman]

If the whole place gets like north of 466 it will have lived its usefulness and yes there will be deterioration.

Please explain this comment. Thanks.

[CarGuys]

PSSST........a little useless info here
......been acquainted with a few people who worked at Jack Daniel.............
................seems to me y'all just might like to try the "Evan Williams" brand .......

....Try it and see for yourself.

Well I quit drinking two years ago. But I'm thinking of starting back when I get moved in. Something about looseing 33k a year to our x's might trigger that!

My sister lives near the Distillery. Here is a Pic of Ruth caugh holding my bag!
I was caught up in the Single Barrel Vat Room huggin the Vat stating " I Love you Man! ) 2324

[Trish Crocker]

It seems to me that no matter where you choose to live, if you buy into a new subdivision or condominium complex, there will be deteriorization after a time. I think that many of the people moving to TV are investing a lot of their savings, especially since the market in most areas has turned down and we are not getting the money we had hoped to get from the sale of our homes. The question is, how much can we worry about what the future brings? I really, really don't mean to be flippant, I too care about what I leave to my children and grandchildren but there is no guarantee anywhere we move. I am looking forward to the day that they can all visit us, we can take them to Disney and Universal and they will forever have the memories of the times we've spent together. It's going to be neat to know that the grandkids will be telling their friends "Hey...we get to go see Grandma and Grandpa..they live in this really cool place..we can't wait to get there!!"..this is so much better than "Why do we have to go to grandma and grandpa's? It's so boring there, even Grandma and Grandpa seem bored"...:coolsmiley:

[Trish Crocker]

Well I quit drinking two years ago. But I'm thinking of starting back when I get moved in. Something about looseing 33k a year to our x's might trigger that!

My sister lives near the Distillery. Here is a Pic of Ruth caugh holding my bag!
I was caught up in the Single Barrel Vat Room huggin the Vat stating " I Love you Man! ) 2324

Herv...don't think of it as losing 33K...think of it as a price to pay to get rid of them...and cheaper than a hitman! (not that I've ever priced one...didn't know where to look when I needed one...just kidding, everyone..honest):rolleyes:

[Bogie Shooter]

Just a waste of $8.
Reading the posts on TOTV are far more infomative!

[CarGuys]

Herv...don't think of it as losing 33K...think of it as a price to pay to get rid of them...and cheaper than a hitman! (not that I've ever priced one...didn't know where to look when I needed one...just kidding, everyone..honest):rolleyes:

I Love you Woman! OMG - a happy hour with Trish AngieFox SwimDawg Gracie Ruth- Run Guys! Just kidding all-

[EdV]

If you really want to learn about The Villages both past and present, I would suggest you visit the Villages Property Owners Association (http://www.poa4us.org/)(POA) website and monthly bulletins. There are two homeowners associations it TV. One is The Villages Homeowners Association (http://www.thevha.net/)(HOA) which is supported by the Developer and is therefore biased towards the Developer’s viewpoint. The other association is The POA mentioned above which is an independent organization that tends to be fairly vocal about any shortcomings they see in TV.

As luck would have it, the March (http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin201203.pdf) (Page 13) and April (http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin201204.pdf)editions of the POA Bulletin contain a two part series on the history of The Villages and some of the more important development along the way. I highly recommend it.

[graciegirl]

If you really want to learn about The Villages both past and present, I would suggest you visit the Villages Property Owners Association (http://www.poa4us.org/)(POA) website and monthly bulletins. There are two homeowners associations it TV. One is The Villages Homeowners Association (http://www.thevha.net/)(HOA) which is supported by the Developer and is therefore biased towards the Developer’s viewpoint. The other association is The POA mentioned above which is an independent organization that tends to be fairly vocal about any shortcomings they see in TV.

As luck would have it, the March (http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin201203.pdf) (Page 13) and April (http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin201204.pdf)editions of the POA Bulletin contain a two part series on the history of The Villages and some of the more important development along the way. I highly recommend it.


I have given up on trying to get you to consider a move from Stonecrest to here Edvin. You would just love it here across the street. You know more about this place than people who live here, but you are a smart fellow overall.

I know, you really like a really GATED community. Oh well.

[Bogie Shooter]

Why buy the cow if you are getting the milk free?

[CFrance]

What happens here is that the direct Florida sun is hard on paint and it quickly fades. Some owners repaint every five years and some don't. Everything is maintained the same as far as public areas.

Each new development does NOT decrease the value of the prior one. Some people like resales and some people like new and the same model, situated on the same kind of lot varies very little in price if not at all whether new or resale. New people sometimes do not put in the variable of the lot which is the reason for difference in price in many cases.

There is much misinformation on this forum which was the subject of a recent thread and a lot of it comes from folks who do not live here yet.

People waiting and those who have put a deposit on the lot sometimes suffer from anxiety about their choice. You can see the apprehension in their posts. That is normal, I did the same....and I was quick to panic at certain posts.

That is the reason that I try so hard to quell rumors and correct misinformation. I hurt for those who worry.

Deep breaths. It is gonna be nice for our life spans I would guess.

I agree with Gracie about the new housing not bringing down the price of pre-owned homes. We looked extensively at both and found very little difference in price between new and old for the same size house.

[EdV]

Aww Gracie, you’re too kind. But hey, you never know, maybe someday I’ll make it onto the top 20 TV next door neighbors list.

And Bogie, I wish the milk was free. In fact it’s quite the opposite. You see, I pay an association fee here in Stonecrest which is used to maintain our private roads and then I pay real estate taxes which are used to maintain the public TV roads that are in Marion County. I’m not complaining, just reminding you in case you forgot. And I do very much enjoy driving around TV on ‘our’ roads and patronizing many of the fine restaurants in TV who are more than happy to take my American dollars, especially in the summertime when many folks abandon TV and escape to the north.

[rubicon]

Why buy the cow if you are getting the milk free?

There is a lot of that going around and its adding to the congestion