I really need some property advice

[Suzi]

We find ourselves in quite a pickle. We did a LSV in late April, went home "thinking" and then made the decision to buy in TV. Came back in early September and began looking at properties and found several pieces in section 213 and thought we should be able to get at least 1 of those and build our home. Came back again in early November and did alot of research about home styles, stretches, carpet/tiles, and al the particulars we thought we needed to do in preparation to build.
Because of all the rumors about spec homes, we found another section with some properties we could also like. So, we were keeping several options open.
I now understand that 213 will be spec homes. Here is where I need some real advice. I have been following this forum for 7 months and know how valuable the input from the members are. My sales rep is a wonderful person, but is unable to even give me a hint if it will be spec homes ONLY or if I will be able to BUILD in another section.
Honestly, now that I know 213 will be specs, I'm inclined to wait for the other section. Someone on the forum last month said that the builder had applied for a permit for section 225 for April. However, there was no permit applied for section 213 that they could find. Does that mean that they obtain permits for sections that are "client or design-driven" and not for those that are specs?
We really want to build this spring/summer and move in by fall and we thought we were in good shape to be able to do it. But now I am concerned. After many spreadsheets and a great deal of deep-thinking we realize that the property selection is our #1 priority. Home design would be #2. Do forum members think we should wait for section 225 and hope that we will still be able to "choose" our home build? Or do members think that the building-your-own home time has passed and it will be all specs?
I'm depressed enough: its snowing here and 17 degrees. I don't want my dreams of building in TV smashed but not knowing IF I can build is worse. If I can't build, then I need to move on and prepare for a new paradigm.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[graciegirl]

I don't think you should worry. I don't know what the "great minds" have planned but you will be amazed at the wonderful specs they will build with all kinds of kicks and upgrades and great features.

When we first bought in 2008 they were ONLY building specs and there was a huge amount of choices available.

That doesn't mean I think they will only have specs, but NO ONE should anguish or rush into a decision to buy here thinking that it is gonna dry up.

Too much area left.

Deep breaths please, and a smile.
Christmas is coming and Santa is watching.

Hugs from

OLD gracie.

[buggyone]

My personal advice is to buy a re-sale home in one of the established areas of The Villages. Many advantages include the ability to negotiate price with the seller (new homes cannot be negotiated); much lower bond or no bond at all (this saves thousands of dollars over the time period); no construction work going on around you; good possibility of all sorts of extras being built in without having to add on later; established and mature landscaping; and you know exactly what is built around you without being surprised at a later date.

Most re-sales come with a 1 year complete warranty. Some will talk about a roof needing replacing or water heater needing replacing soon. A home inspector will pick up on that stuff and you have no worry.

Think about it before buying new.

Also, it is very, very important to always used a Villages Property agent AND a Multiple Listing Agent from an outside realty company such as ERA, Century 21, Realty Executives, etc. Neither can show each other's listings. It is no secret so be open to both agents.

[tucson]

I would wait until Jan. to see what the developer does. I've heard that they'll be a increase of $10,000.on Designer homes and that you won't be able to choose a lot and they'll be all specs built.

[tucson]

I agree with "buggyone" on this issue!

[aljetmet]

Wow, I know 210 just opened and there are lots of lots still available. The first couple of hours many were snatched up.( by people probably at home) Where were you? Its only been three weeks. Seems you have a very special lot in mind. You have time on your side but you might not have a sure bet to wait it out.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

I think if you are dead set on building then wait it out, what do you have to lose? You can always buy a spec or a pre-owned home if the lot you want doesn't open up to new builds

[BobnBev]

If you look on line every day at pre-owned homes,eventually you will find exactly what you are looking for in a home. Work with real estate agents also. Tell them just what you want, and let them do the leg work. We were gonna build, and decided on the pre-owned home we now live in. Couldn't be happier.

[jimbo2012]

can't beat new!

[kittygilchrist]

SuziQ,
I started looking august 2011 for a property and just could not find exactly what i wanted in a preowned. I crave morning sunlight (about to croak from these 2 overcast days) so needed east/south to the rear. A few days ago I decided to build and my agent took me to section 210 in Gilchrist, to a lot with a direct east exposure and the most incredible view of trees/pond/course. Altho that lot had been sought after by others it was my lucky day that the section had been released and the lot became mine.
There is an incredible sense of ownership in building it yourself. I suggest you figure out what kind of lot works best for you and what size model you need and get the agent to help you find a lot that makes you wildly happy.
Caution: it is unlikey you can set a time you want to build and then find a great lot. If possible, go ahead with choosing and building asap. The street i bought on was sold out in a few days.

[graciegirl]

I believe there will be more choices before too long.

[tommy steam]

I would wait until Jan. to see what the developer does. I've heard that they'll be a increase of $10,000.on Designer homes and that you won't be able to choose a lot and they'll be all specs built.

Wife and I went and looked at a new designer the other day. The agent in the home told us she thinks that there will be a price increase at the beginning of the new year. One of the reasons was the storm sandy,causing building material to rise. They will add those costs on to the new homes. In about a year while we were looking ,designers went up around 8 k or more. Not too long ago they would hold a lot for 2500 , now I think its 5000. Boomers are retiring at 10k a day! They are looking for places to live. The villages is one of those places and I think prices will only go up.

[kittygilchrist]

also, my agent said there may come a time only specs will be built but no one knows how much longer. I am with you on the lot being priority. I hope you will take another vacay from the freezer soon and try again to find a lot that you love and start the building earlier than you planned.

[jimbo2012]

tommy get a move on then and save $$$

[kittygilchrist]

you can't get a design appt till next year unless there's a cancellation. lucky me, I got a dec 26 appt due a cancel. god loves me.

[kittygilchrist]

sorry, but I always have one more thing. there are some dynamite models that go on sale sporadically. that would be a great deal if you can get it.

[jimbo2012]

yes I agree, we found one!

[jojo]

We spent over a year designing and planning a custom home in Ohio. I love my pre-owned home in The Villages far more. It was just a few months old and had features that I would not have thought of including the flagstone tile floor that I loved the minute I saw it. Not to mention that we had less work to do on move-in.

[ctoboika]

where is the best place to get quick updates to new area's opening up to purchase land. We are looking to purchase but seem to always been behind the date?

[EVTheVillages]

My personal advice is to buy a re-sale home in one of the established areas of The Villages. Many advantages include the ability to negotiate price with the seller (new homes cannot be negotiated); much lower bond or no bond at all (this saves thousands of dollars over the time period); no construction work going on around you; good possibility of all sorts of extras being built in without having to add on later; established and mature landscaping; and you know exactly what is built around you without being surprised at a later date.

Most re-sales come with a 1 year complete warranty. Some will talk about a roof needing replacing or water heater needing replacing soon. A home inspector will pick up on that stuff and you have no worry.

Think about it before buying new.

Also, it is very, very important to always used a Villages Property agent AND a Multiple Listing Agent from an outside realty company such as ERA, Century 21, Realty Executives, etc. Neither can show each other's listings. It is no secret so be open to both agents.

Absolutely agree with this........ DEFINITELY look at resales as well - the bond is a LOT lower too! With 500 offices around the world, the best agent training and being the only Better Business Bureau accredited Real Estate Firm here in The Villages, please consider us also in that list above!

[graciegirl]

To the OP who had dreamed of a brand spanking new home. There will be choices and new areas opening up.

What is challenging is getting things all coordinated. For instance you had wanted a home in a certain area but you had not sold the home back north or you HAD sold the home back north and you need to act NOW.

If you want a resale there are HUNDREDS of wonderful choices. If you want a new home there are HUNDREDS of choices.

AND if you buy something and the view isn't what you like or the house is way too small or a little too big...well then you will join the ranks of thousands of us and you will sell and move. It is far easier to sell a house here than to sell a house from whence you came AND the moving expenses are far lower and by then you have jettisoned all the extra stuff.

AND...I still say you can sell it yourself. But you can't do it in under a year and make money without a penalty. Everyone shoud know this....There is a clause in your new home agreement that says somehow that if you sell at a profit in under a year there is a penalty. AND that is to discourage flippers.

I know of someone who buys Premiers and resells them in just over a year because we looked at a couple of those homes.

[batman911]

where is the best place to get quick updates to new area's opening up to purchase land. We are looking to purchase but seem to always been behind the date?

The best place to get up to date info on available lots is your sales agent. Let your sales agent know what you want and that you are ready to purchase. He or she can hold a suitable lot for you for a short time when they are released. You will need to make a decision quickly.

[Heavenstobetsy]

yes I agree, we found one!

Jimbo- you sound like you were able to find the best of both worlds. Where did you end up- what section? Are you still in the same area that you were looking to build in?

[Happinow]

Personally, I believe that you are correct when you say lot choice is #1. Friends of ours that built down the street from us say they are so sorry they didn't chose a different lot. They have kissing lanais and it is not working out very well for them. Absolutely no privacy...they hardly use their lanais due to the lack of privacy. They said if they had to do it again, they would not have back to back lanais. I agree with them. Lot choice is huge!!! I would wait for another section to be released and see if they are spec homes or if you can build. Best of luck.

[jimbo2012]

Jimbo- you sound like you were able to find the best of both worlds. Where did you end up- what section? Are you still in the same area that you were looking to build in?

Yes the same street in #215 I reserved a std 60 x 90 in June set to design on 12/13.

Found a different model but on the same street Ridgewood but the lot is big, about 150 deep 100 cross the back and 60 in front, has a double golf cart garage enough to add a pool later if we want.

Oh no kissing lanai's

We're loving it!!!!:pepper2::pepper2::pepper2:

[shcisamax]

Your sales rep if worth his/her salt should be on top of any section releases. If you tell them what you want...but you have to know exactly what you want...and have trust in them, as soon as lots are released they can snag the one you want. You can wire funds.
OR, you might consider renting here and be ready to jump when something comes available.

[buggyone]

" Friends of ours that built down the street from us say they are so sorry they didn't chose a different lot. They have kissing lanais and it is not working out very well for them. Absolutely no privacy...they hardly use their lanais due to the lack of privacy. They said if they had to do it again, they would not have back to back lanais. I agree with them. "

This is an absolutely perfect example of why I am a strong advocate of buying a re-sale home. With the re-sale, you know exactly what the homes look like when you purchase it - and exactly what is around you - and the lay of the land.

As I have said, most re-sales come with a full year warranty on everything, much lower bond than new homes, ability to negotiate with the seller, no construction work, and probably all the upgrades you want are already there.

I really like the areas of Glenbrook, Caroline, and Virginia Trace for the types of homes and the views.

[gmcneill]

So, SuziQ, what did you all decide to do?

FYI: as Gracie surmised, there are many lots available for purchase/build. In Gilchrist 211 alone, there are at least 40 lots spanning the range of choices from kissing lanais to villa back wall to corner to waterfront to golf front, and even to golf-waterfront.

PS: was the time of your original post planned or purely coincidental? 12pm on 12-12-12.
Perhaps you should wait and put in a claim for unit 212-12 ;)

[janmcn]

" Friends of ours that built down the street from us say they are so sorry they didn't chose a different lot. They have kissing lanais and it is not working out very well for them. Absolutely no privacy...they hardly use their lanais due to the lack of privacy. They said if they had to do it again, they would not have back to back lanais. I agree with them. "

This is an absolutely perfect example of why I am a strong advocate of buying a re-sale home. With the re-sale, you know exactly what the homes look like when you purchase it - and exactly what is around you - and the lay of the land.

As I have said, most re-sales come with a full year warranty on everything, much lower bond than new homes, ability to negotiate with the seller, no construction work, and probably all the upgrades you want are already there.

I really like the areas of Glenbrook, Caroline, and Virginia Trace for the types of homes and the views.

Also if you buy a home north of 466, you can see the seven grocery stores, the seven churches, five softball fields, two bowling alleys, hospital, plus numerous other stores: Target, Wal-Mart, Bell's, etc., plus many restaurants.

People say that these amenities will come to the new area around SR44. I just hope I live long enough to see them.

[llaran]

Beware! the sales people are. only to show what the builder wants to sell at that time. it is really hard if you're not here or have someone else here to help you. Wehad rented a years and had frends here. We were told the area we wanted was all sold, we drove around after hours, we found a home , with dry wall and a great lot in the area we wanted, called the sales lady. she checked and said it is a spec house but was not for sale until the cabinets are installed. told we wanted the house and went back north. about 2 months later she called and we bought , site unseen. don' believe everything you are told!

[LynnDeb]

My personal advice is to buy a re-sale home in one of the established areas of The Villages. Many advantages include the ability to negotiate price with the seller (new homes cannot be negotiated); much lower bond or no bond at all (this saves thousands of dollars over the time period); no construction work going on around you; good possibility of all sorts of extras being built in without having to add on later; established and mature landscaping; and you know exactly what is built around you without being surprised at a later date.

Most re-sales come with a 1 year complete warranty. Some will talk about a roof needing replacing or water heater needing replacing soon. A home inspector will pick up on that stuff and you have no worry.

Think about it before buying new.

Also, it is very, very important to always used a Villages Property agent AND a Multiple Listing Agent from an outside realty company such as ERA, Century 21, Realty Executives, etc. Neither can show each other's listings. It is no secret so be open to both agents.
We just put a contact on a resale house w low bond

[DougB]

Also if you buy a home north of 466, you can see the seven grocery stores, the seven churches, five softball fields, two bowling alleys, hospital, plus numerous other stores: Target, Wal-Mart, Bell's, etc., plus many restaurants.

People say that these amenities will come to the new area around SR44. I just hope I live long enough to see them.

:agree:
We bought a re-sale north of 466. Closed on Halloween. Best decision we ever made. Fully furnished with golf cart and bond already paid. There are some great deals out there right now. Just a matter of preference of what you want. The only bad decision you could make is not buying.

[LynnDeb]

:agree:
We bought a re-sale north of 466. Closed on Halloween. Best decision we ever made. Fully furnished with golf cart and bond already paid. There are some great deals out there right now. Just a matter of preference of what you want. The only bad decision you could make is not buying.

Agree:agree:

[LynnDeb]

We are in contract also N 466

[DougB]

:pepper2: congratulations. I hope everything runs smooth and goes well for you!

[Trish Crocker]

We decided on a spec because of time constraints. Since we are bringing Steve's folks with us we didn't want to have to wait for a design appointment and then wait for the build. The spec we got is definitely not the one we would have built but it did come with a master bedroom stretch, lanai stretch, granite, under-counter lighting and a great little swimming pool with a wonderful birdcage. We may, as so many people do, decide to build in the future before the build-out..but then again, after the last few weeks of butt busting packing..not so sure I want to do it again!

[ilovetv]

This is just one opinion. If the lot is the #1 criteria, then seeing how the views look after that home and all the surrounding homes and landscaping are done is best accomplished by seeing/getting either an already-built new home, or a pre-owned home.

I remember a rather long thread here by Happinow (I think), in which there was great disappointment over their golf or partial golf view being blocked by a neighbor who built later and added barrier landscaping or some such thing that blocked their view and caused friction between neighbors.

Again, this is just an opinion. We didn't put so much priority on the lot as on the village location--in relation to the facilities we like the most i.e. Lake Sumter Landing, Havana and Mallory CC's, etc. And overall, the criteria at the top of our list was the LIFESTYLE and access to our favorite places in TV. I don't know of anybody with an "undesirable" lot in our CYV's. The privacy of the walls on 3 sides eliminates many of the common sources of squabbling between neighbors.

[Suzi]

I wrote the original thread. We decided the property is #1 and have stuck to our original lots and are waiting it out. We are waiting for sections to open and our rep has the numbers of the lots and her finger on the button. If the section(s) we are interested in have not opened by April, we plan to fly down again and take a look around and reassure ourselves that the lots we are interested in are still "the ones". Will also look at pre-owned and specs while there. Keep your fingers crossed my friends on TOTV.