Helpful advice and warnings for brand new Villagers.

[graciegirl]

Let's do a thread with some advice for newbies, things to do and NOT to do when you first move here.

First I will say not to buy from the door pounders who come to you in the weeks right after you move in. Not because they are all unworthy contractors, but some of them are, and nothing, NOTHING has to be done at once. Take your time and wait for changes to water supply, adding pest treatments, painting driveways or even if you will add downspouts to the back of your home. Wait to see who your neighbors use for lawn maintainance.

Please jump in here and add your comments here everyone.

[Suzi]

Bless you for starting this thread. So much to remember/consider. Instinct is to make your nest as soon as possible....but I know we should slow down and take time to assess our new surroundings. Anxious to hear more suggestions.

[Parker]

Beware the clever and sneaky water system salespeople! They will phone and mail solicitations under all sorts of fake identities, but when you question and press, they'll finally fess up to being water system sales. And they are relentless in their persistence. My father recently bought a house and he has been bombarded for two months now, despite repeatedly telling the phone soliciters 'No thanks', and throwing away the mail disguised as all sorts of government and official looking important papers. Geez, what an irritating group they are!

[NotGolfer]

Take your time furnishing you house! Do the essentials but don't rush the process. tTake time to think what you want to "say" in each room. This especially for the ladies...men probably (over-all) don't care quite as much, though there are exceptions.

[billethkid]

before you move take a long hard look at your furniture and decide whether you really want the same in your new home in TV. I can't tell you how many new residents wind up getting new furniture becuase it is time or it doesn't go in the new house as well or it is not a Florida-ie or just because.

We for one could have saved time and money by bringing our master bedroom and guest furniture only. Sell, pass on, give away and don't pay to move it.

When it comes to golf carts take your time to comparison shop.

CHeck with your neighbors for the various services they use. Many of us have had to trial and error find ones we are satisfied with.

As has been stated already beware/ignore the door knockers....especially the ones who want to trim your trees and bushes whether they need them or not.

btk

[Sable99]

Keep them coming. Mom and I have owned here for almost a year but we haven't moved in yet!

[ilovetv]

As billiethekid said, think about buying new furniture here instead of paying so much to ship tired, outdated furniture.

The consignment shops here are full of things that are in good shape but extremely dated, and much of it cost the owner a bundle to ship it here and then it did not fit or did not do justice to a sparkling, fresh new or pre-owned home here.

[gerryann]

I agree with all of the above.

To add to a few. When shopping for golf cart...sometimes paying the extra eliminates problems down the road. Will they come to your home if you have a problem?

When finding a landscape company..check here on TOTV, but also ask other folks who's yard you like who they used and are they happy. Thats one area that I didn't do enough research. I'm stuck with dead plants and a company that could care less....never come around to see how plants, etc are doing.

If possible, walk the neighborhood and see who your neighbors will be. And if you meet some ask them about noise...trains, barking dogs, etc.

[laceylady]

I agree with all of the above.

To add to a few. When shopping for golf cart...sometimes paying the extra eliminates problems down the road. Will they come to your home if you have a problem?

When finding a landscape company..check here on TOTV, but also ask other folks who's yard you like who they used and are they happy. Thats one area that I didn't do enough research. I'm stuck with dead plants and a company that could care less....never come around to see how plants, etc are doing.

If possible, walk the neighborhood and see who your neighbors will be. And if you meet some ask them about noise...trains, barking dogs, etc.

In addition, just because a company is an advertiser on TOTV, does not mean they provide good customer service. I can probably guess who gerryann is talking about. Also check with Seniors vs, Crime before hiring anyone for anything. The best source is your neighbors-- don't rush into landscaping like I did, and get royally ripped off.

[delima2000]

Watch out for the welcome wagon phone call. They are not from welcome wagon. They are people that want to test your water and get you to purchase a system from them.

[downeaster]

Do not pay for any service in advance. There may be a few exceptions to this "rule" but until you are really settled in and know who's who it is best not to make payments in advance.

[jmd4667]

I am in same situation. It is tough to hold back on things you want to do but we moved forward with the landscaping and had a PV solar system installed. Our primary reason is that we want to get things done before getting on a fixed income. Neighbors are very helpful. We started with Stellar lawn service but have since changed. They started off good but the yard maintenance suffered as time went on. We now have have a service that we pay monthly and it works out better in my opinion. Wife wants to do some inside things which we are looking into. Keep is to be patience and check out avialble sources before commiting. Good Luck!

[anarick]

I notice that some here are saying that they receive phone calls from pushy vendors. My question is how did they get your new phone number? Especially if you have a cell phone? or do you have a land line which is posted somewhere?
Please share.

[asianthree]

I notice that some here are saying that they receive phone calls from pushy vendors. My question is how did they get your new phone number? Especially if you have a cell phone? or do you have a land line which is posted somewhere?
Please share.

its the land line and those who stop by and have you fill out an info card

[anarick]

its the land line and those who stop by and have you fill out an info card

I guess the solution is not to fill out the info card.
Thanks

[graciegirl]

One of the things that new villagers don't do is to find a doctor and have their records transferred. It just isn't on your mind to do when you are not sick.

But many can tell you that health emergencies can occur at any time and it helps to have someone in possession of your records.

Do not ask me who to choose for a doctor. Ours is just o.k..Our dentist is so good that I hate to share.

O.K. Drs. Kathleen Williams and her partner at Palm Dental on 466 across from Crispers and next to Lang Eye. You owe me big time. I hope they don't get any busier than they are.

BE VERY CAREFUL of dentists. This is the first time I have lived in a place where they will scam you. There are a lot of unethical ones and dental hygienists too who want to deep clean you for over a thousand dollars.

[batman911]

All the cell phone numbers I gave out during the building process will be changed when we move full time to TV. I never give out my unlisted land line number to anyone except friends and family. That should stop the vendor calls.

[Bill32]

Agree with don't ever pay up front, especially landscapers. One of my favorite improvements was the solar tubes in the dark area's of our home'

[Vinny]

before you move take a long hard look at your furniture and decide whether you really want the same in your new home in TV. I can't tell you how many new residents wind up getting new furniture becuase it is time or it doesn't go in the new house as well or it is not a Florida-ie or just because.

We for one could have saved time and money by bringing our master bedroom and guest furniture only. Sell, pass on, give away and don't pay to move it.

When it comes to golf carts take your time to comparison shop.

CHeck with your neighbors for the various services they use. Many of us have had to trial and error find ones we are satisfied with.

As has been stated already beware/ignore the door knockers....especially the ones who want to trim your trees and bushes whether they need them or not.

btk

We sold or gave away our furniture before moving to TV. We bought from Southern Lifestyles who have the floor plans for each model home ad are able to do floor plans for each room. When we got here our new furniture was all in place as designed and we felt like we were coming home rather than moving in.

[LvmyPug2]

Best advice I got came from a bumper sticker I saw shortly after moving here. It said "we don't care how you did it up north".

[Phanatic Luvr]

I believe as soon as you connect a landline through companies like Comcast, companies can obtain immediate access to a new customes data base since they know there is a 30 day delay on the DO NOT CALL LIST, so they take advantage of the window of opportunity. They also know when you close on a home through public record and will cross reference your address, name and new #. It's called marketing and only you can control it by how you deal with the calls.
Another thing to keep in mind is to learn your homes mechanics. Meaning such things as your irrigation system and how to use it, your locks on your garage doors are a very common unknown by residents of The Villages. I always suggest to clients that they lock their garage doors if they are going away for a period of time. I have heard many residents say that one of their neighbors garage door openers, opens their door as well.
Bring a camera with you when searching for your new home. It can be overwhelming and by the end of the day, you won't remember what you saw or where it was. Also, take a camera to the design meeting.
If you are closing up your home for the summer and heading north, turn off your main water (as long as you don't need it to be on for a spa or pool, etc..), close your blinds so the sun does not heat up the home and cause your AC to run when not needed, turn your hot water heater off, no one is taking a shower ... hopefully. :ohdear:

[Lpierleo]

I also agree solar tubes were one of our best after market investments. I also recommend you use this forum for many of your questions, particulary for numerous contractors you may want in the future. Also, ask away on this forum, you will receive great advise. Most of all, enjoy!

[TrudyM]

One of the things that new villagers don't do is to find a doctor and have their records transferred. It just isn't on your mind to do when you are not sick.

But many can tell you that health emergencies can occur at any time and it helps to have someone in possession of your records.

Do not ask me who to choose for a doctor. Ours is just o.k..Our dentist is so good that I hate to share.

O.K. Drs. Kathleen Williams and her partner at Palm Dental on 466 across from Crispers and next to Lang Eye. You owe me big time. I hope they don't get any busier than they are.

BE VERY CAREFUL of dentists. This is the first time I have lived in a place where they will scam you. There are a lot of unethical ones and dental hygienists too who want to deep clean you for over a thousand dollars.
In addition I suggest a thumb drive with you at all times.
Last time we moved our doctor sugested we get a thumb drive that had a medic-alert symbol on it and add it to our keys. If something happens when traveling you have all right at hand and emts look for medic alets.
We scanned in the medical files and had a file titled emergency overview at the top listing meds alergies pre existing conditions etc. When my husband had a cardiac problem the nurse took the drive plugged it into the computer and transfered the whole lot into a file with his name on it. No waiting for a link to the files from the doctor etc. Some doctors nurses will set the drive up for you for a fee. But there are two types one that is just a blank thumb with medical markings and the other has software with questions to answer included.

Just a thought

[2newyorkers]

Before doing any major landscaping, drive around established neighborhoods and get ideas on what you might want to plant. Watch what TV plants to get an idea on different flowers in different seasons.

[Mack184]

I notice that some here are saying that they receive phone calls from pushy vendors. My question is how did they get your new phone number? Especially if you have a cell phone? or do you have a land line which is posted somewhere?
Please share.
We have a land-line, but the ringers are turned off and we only use it for OUTGOING calls. We get anywhere from 8-15 calls a day on that line. Otherwise we have our cells and the only people with our cell number is the people we WANT to have it.

Also..the purchase of your home is Public Record Information and can be found in the appropriate county office and must be available to anybody who asks for it. Many of these companies employ people to sweep the public records for new home owner information.

Other ways they get your number..be VERY careful about filling out cards for things YOU WANT such as grocery store discount card a "My Lowes" card, a CVS or Walgreens discount card. All those companies sell off your number. They say that they won't or don't but if you CAREFULLY READ the fine print it says they won't sell your number but by accepting the card you do agree to allow them to share your information with their "related businesses". That means that anybody they want to "relate" to gets your number. In essence..they sell your number.

There is also an investigation going on over the US Postal Service's interesting little "Mail Forwarding Kit". If you notice it comes stuffed with advertisements. Apparently the USPS is sharing your information with these companies, and they are currently being investigated by the Feds over violation of your privacy.

Eternal Vigilence is the best way to keep the creeps off the phone and away from your door.

[tommy steam]

Watch out for the welcome wagon phone call. They are not from welcome wagon. They are people that want to test your water and get you to purchase a system from them.

I had this woman come to my home when I first moved in.she comes to your home with a big basket telling you she is the welcome lady from the villages. Before I asked her into my home I asked her if she was from the villages ,she said she was. She is not from the villages. When she started going into her talk I quickly understood where she was coming from and told her to leave . She was trying to push water testing and water installation , and other services . Take your time to do things around your new home, you have the rest of your life to get things done.

[tommy steam]

Let's do a thread with some advice for newbies, things to do and NOT to do when you first move here.

First I will say not to buy from the door pounders who come to you in the weeks right after you move in. Not because they are all unworthy contractors, but some of them are, and nothing, NOTHING has to be done at once. Take your time and wait for changes to water supply, adding pest treatments, painting driveways or even if you will add downspouts to the back of your home. Wait to see who your neighbors use for lawn maintainance.

Please jump in here and add your comments here everyone.

Great advice, one other thing, I used bright house for my phone service and they advised me to have my number unlisted. I did and I have not received phone calls from people looking to sell me anything.

[applesoffh]

Great advice, one other thing, I used bright house for my phone service and they advised me to have my number unlisted. I did and I have not received phone calls from people looking to sell me anything.

We have our land line with an unlisted number. Unfortunately, the number belonged to someone else before it was given to us a year ago. The guy is a deadbeat, and we've been getting calls for a year now from collection agencies looking for him!

[bigallis1]

All good advice here folks. Thank's......
My wife and I hope to be residents within the next year.
Got a home to sell in Rochester, NY first.

[Dafoe]

What is a water systems person? Is this like putting in a water softener that we use up north due to hard water??

[Bill-n-Brillo]

What is a water systems person? Is this like putting in a water softener that we use up north due to hard water??

Yep, someone trying to sell you a water softener.

Bill :)

[TVMayor]

We have our land line with an unlisted number. Unfortunately, the number belonged to someone else before it was given to us a year ago. The guy is a deadbeat, and we've been getting calls for a year now from collection agencies looking for him!

I wanted to try Magic Jack, as insurance I purchased it from Walmart so I could return it with to hassle if required. It was required, the number previously belonged to a Taxi Co. and to change it I would have to pay a fee. NO Most calls came after the bars closed.

[MSG@TV]

Let's do a thread with some advice for newbies, things to do and NOT to do when you first move here.

First I will say not to buy from the door pounders who come to you in the weeks right after you move in. Not because they are all unworthy contractors, but some of them are, and nothing, NOTHING has to be done at once. Take your time and wait for changes to water supply, adding pest treatments, painting driveways or even if you will add downspouts to the back of your home. Wait to see who your neighbors use for lawn maintainance.

Please jump in here and add your comments here everyone.

Thank you, thank you to Graciegirl who started this post and all others who offered such helpful advice. We will be newbies this summer, and this is the kind of information that we will benefit from when we get there. Thanks again everyone!!!!

[Cantwaittoarrive]

I'm surprised so many people have land lines. I wouldn't know what to do with a land line. I kept the same cell number I've had for 20+ years and don't give it out to anyone but family

[jhenefeld]

All this is really good info for someone who will be moving to TV in late summer or early fall. I have a question. How much time do I need to spend there when looking to buy a house? We would like to rent a house in July or Aug. but don't know if we need a whole month or just a couple of weeks. Any sugguestions?

[graciegirl]

All this is really good info for someone who will be moving to TV in late summer or early fall. I have a question. How much time do I need to spend there when looking to buy a house? We would like to rent a house in July or Aug. but don't know if we need a whole month or just a couple of weeks. Any sugguestions?

You should be preparing now as many of us have done, by trying to familiarize your self with all of the series of homes and areas and try to zero in on two or three models you like best. Try to decide if you want a resale or new and the approximate age of the resale if you want a resale. I had a spread sheet and a book full of plans. We came down just to see what we would like when the time came to buy. We were certainly not going to buy on our life style visit. We have always been very carefully planned about any large purchase. We were ready to ignore any zealous sales people.

We didn't have any pushy sales people from The Villages.

We went home after buying a new house that was not on our list of favorite models.

We loved that house for four years and last year sold it and built another home here.

So...the answer is...who knows?

I wish you well. We have never been happier.

[rjm1cc]

All this is really good info for someone who will be moving to TV in late summer or early fall. I have a question. How much time do I need to spend there when looking to buy a house? We would like to rent a house in July or Aug. but don't know if we need a whole month or just a couple of weeks. Any sugguestions?A big mistake would be to rush the buying decision. Rent as long as you can and look at a number of options of where to live. Don't buy on your first visit. The life style is what you are buying.

[justjim]

First, the biggest mistake you might make is waiting for the "just the right time" to purchase a lot and home in TV----if a "new home" is your passion and dream. Prices are quickly heading up and when lots/houses are released they go quickly. Resales too are heading north IMHO. It very well could cost you to procrastinate.
Second, and just as important, remember you are buying a lifestyle not just a home. For many the home is really secondary to the lifestyle we found in TV.

[MR&VAF]

Thank you, thank you to Graciegirl who started this post and all others who offered such helpful advice. We will be newbies this summer, and this is the kind of information that we will benefit from when we get there. Thanks again everyone!!!!

:agree: We close in 12 days, and this thread and forum has been very helpful.

[NotGolfer]

Ask a lot of questions with your agent re: anything you can think of re: living here.

When driving do NOT stop in the diamond paths to take or make a phone call or to check your map! Either pull into a post-office parking lot or take a side street. Saw this done on Morse Blvd today with ALL the traffic buzzing by.

Do NOT stop in a round-about "if" you're confused or lost....keep going!!! Also on this subject read about proper r.a.b. etiquette (how you navigate them here).

Use your signal lights whenever turning, Yield at the yield signs AND stop at the stop signs! Have seen too many near misses!!!

[gingersnap]

TOTV educated us so much prior to our move to TV last fall. I would encourage you to research TOTV for any questions you may have. I found my beautician, nail tech, landscaper and many other services right here thanks to all the nice folks who take time to answer the forum questions. Thanks all!

[asianthree]

we bought the first house because thats what fit in our budget, the second house because it fit in our budget, when we are full time i am sure it will be the home we love not due to our budget:$:

[kgentile1010]

Ya, that lady came to my house too. I said I was busy, but would take the basket and look through it. She said 'oh no, I have to help you review the information'. Don't let her in the house. Just say 'not interested, thank you'

[cquick]

Let's do a thread with some advice for newbies, things to do and NOT to do when you first move here.

First I will say not to buy from the door pounders who come to you in the weeks right after you move in. Not because they are all unworthy contractors, but some of them are, and nothing, NOTHING has to be done at once. Take your time and wait for changes to water supply, adding pest treatments, painting driveways or even if you will add downspouts to the back of your home. Wait to see who your neighbors use for lawn maintainance.

Please jump in here and add your comments here everyone.

I agree with this first post! Give yourself a little time before deciding on "stuff to do".

[graciegirl]

Do NOT believe rumors. We do rumors as well as a hundred thousand people with time on their hands can do. We excel at them. We jump, leap and catapault to conclusions and we are excellent at theories of all kinds.

If you want to know the truth, call Janet Tutts office, or the Daily Sun or send a PM to Village07. I have NEVER known her to post any incorrect information.

[striveforhealth]

This is a great post - thanks to Gracie and all who contributed!! Hope to be there in about a year!

[Trish Crocker]

Great advice, one other thing, I used bright house for my phone service and they advised me to have my number unlisted. I did and I have not received phone calls from people looking to sell me anything.

The only negative to having an unlisted number is the fact that you won't be in the Villages phone book.

[ugotme]

Thank you GG and to all who gave such great advice.

Posting this for two reasons:
1) Just bought in Hillsborough and will be up in a few months.
2) "Bumping" so others may give their advice !!!!

Keep the advice coming - it is REALLY HELPFUL !!

:BigApplause:

[ROCKETMAN]

Before you pick any service tell them NO money till job completed to your satisfaction. Landscapers are notorious for one half down.

[AriaGrandparents2013]

We just spent 2 weeks in our new Designer Home in the Village of Fernandina setting up media equipment, kitchen essentials, linens, bedrooms, etc......and am interested in Gracie's comment about waiting to add Gutters in rear of house at patio area..........as this was one of our concerns that we were going to address as a first priority. Seems gutters were installed in front only.

Also the model of home we purchased lends itself to screen enclosing the front area thus providing an ideal outdoor seating area that would catch morning sun. Was thinking an added attraction would be to open front door and lanai door to allow cross ventilation during cooler season.

Any thoughts about screening and/or adding gutters?

[graciegirl]

We just spent 2 weeks in our new Designer Home in the Village of Fernandina setting up media equipment, kitchen essentials, linens, bedrooms, etc......and am interested in Gracie's comment about waiting to add Gutters in rear of house at patio area..........as this was one of our concerns that we were going to address as a first priority. Seems gutters were installed in front only.

Also the model of home we purchased lends itself to screen enclosing the front area thus providing an ideal outdoor seating area that would catch morning sun. Was thinking an added attraction would be to open front door and lanai door to allow cross ventilation during cooler season.

Any thoughts about screening and/or adding gutters?

All homes here come with front gutters only. I believe that is because they REALLY aren't needed anywhere, other than when you emerge from the front of your home during a rain, the drip off would fall on your head. Up north most gutters are to direct the rain away from the foundation because there are so many basements. Many folks who install gutters will argue that you need to have that moisture away from your house so as not to breed termites. Well the base soil most everywhere around here is sand and sand really absorbs water and quickly wicks it everywhere. I know this because I taught kindergarten for thirty years and I have a graduate degree in sandbox. I think the termite thing is a bit of a scare tactic, but I could be wrong and frequently am. They treat a new house for termites and it should be protected for several years and most people buy the termite protection too.

AND we just got gutters installed for less than five hundred dollars and they did a terrific job and the only difference we can see is that now the water doesn't sheet off the back of the house but runs through gutters and comes out the spout. It disappears almost immediately both before and after the gutters and in five minutes, unless you have a low spot, you can't tell it rained.

I don't know why we had them installed now that we did.

[JoelJohnson]

As far as phone numbers are concerned, sign up for Gmail and then get a Google Voice phone number, it's free. You can give that number out and control it from Google. You can have forwarded to your regular number and it will tell you who is calling (it requires the person say a name before it forwards the call). I use it for my house that I am renting right now and it lets me screen out unwanted calls. You can also use it to make calls, so they can not "capture" your number.

[echo11]

Gracie-

((I taught kindergarten for thirty years and I have a graduate degree in sandbox.))

I loved your comment. I enjoy reading all your posts!
I also taught elementary school for 32 yrs- K to 6th grade.
Once we arrive in the villages, I hope we have the occasion to meet.
We are currently trying to sell our place in MA. Once sold, we'll rent a CYV and start the hunt to buy.

[CFrance]

Gutters across the back were the first thing we installed on our new home. This was because the rain was bouncing off the ground and splashing into the lanai. The gutters took care of that problem immediately.

Then we notice staining beginning on the driveway from water running off the garage roof. So up went gutters across the garage. we didn't gutter the sides or the front (other than what was there over the front porch) as we hope the rain will help water the landscaping.

We used the lanai for six months and bounced landscaping ideas back and forth. We finally came up with what we wanted most--something beautiful to look at when sitting back there. The front is landscaped too, but we really concentrated on the back, where we would see and enjoy it most.

One more thing--at the risk of starting another poop thread!--IF you bring a dog, keep it off of other people's property, pick up after it, and don't deposit bags of poop in the trash cans at the mailbox centers--PLEASE!

[Happinow]

Especially if you are building, get the "messy" things done before you move in, like the garage floor, crown moulding and painting. If you are changing counter tops or flooring try to get that done prior to moving in as well. It will save you from having to move furniture and avoid a mess throughout your home with stuff in it. The house is easier to work on and clean when empty. Also, if you are having multiple contractors in to do things, keep a calendar with who's coming and what time. It will get very confusing if you don't and you may miss an appointment. Lastly, when having contractors in your house, make sure you put away your purse, wallet and valuables.....you never know. Have fun with the whole experience!

[Midvale]

Yes I use Google Voice/Chat as well.
If you have a particularly annoying caller you can program it so if they call again they hear a "This number no longer in service" message. You can have custom voicemail messages for every different number if you wish.


As far as phone numbers are concerned, sign up for Gmail and then get a Google Voice phone number, it's free. You can give that number out and control it from Google. You can have forwarded to your regular number and it will tell you who is calling (it requires the person say a name before it forwards the call). I use it for my house that I am renting right now and it lets me screen out unwanted calls. You can also use it to make calls, so they can not "capture" your number.

[Big47moe]

All homes here come with front gutters only. I believe that is because they REALLY aren't needed anywhere, other than when you emerge from the front of your home during a rain, the drip off would fall on your head. Up north most gutters are to direct the rain away from the foundation because there are so many basements. Many folks who install gutters will argue that you need to have that moisture away from your house so as not to breed termites. Well the base soil most everywhere around here is sand and sand really absorbs water and quickly wicks it everywhere. I know this because I taught kindergarten for thirty years and I have a graduate degree in sandbox. I think the termite thing is a bit of a scare tactic, but I could be wrong and frequently am. They treat a new house for termites and it should be protected for several years and most people buy the termite protection too.

AND we just got gutters installed for less than five hundred dollars and they did a terrific job and the only difference we can see is that now the water doesn't sheet off the back of the house but runs through gutters and comes out the spout. It disappears almost immediately both before and after the gutters and in five minutes, unless you have a low spot, you can't tell it rained.

I don't know why we had them installed now that we did.

I purchased a cottage home a year ago and it did not include gutters. Told they were not needed. After a few rains had stains in the front and rear walkways and rain pouring in as you entered the house.
I called the warranty department and they recommended a village builder who cost less then $500 and $1,100 less than having the big box vendor install!

[janmcn]

As was mentioned in a pervious post, try to get together with your neighbors and hire the same lawn maintenance company, especially if you will be away for any extended period. It is easy for a company to skip one house once in awhile, but not easy to skip a whole neighborhood.

[tommy steam]

Watch out for the phony welcome to the villages lady! She will tell you she is from the villages just to get into your home . She has a basket full of little trinkets that are all linked to company's who are selling stuff and she also is trying to push a water softening company. Don't let her in the front door . I asked her to leave around 5 minutes into her act. You have lots of time to find the right contractors to get things done around here. You might want to use Angie's List to see what contractors are recomended in this area.

[tommy steam]

I purchased a cottage home a year ago and it did not include gutters. Told they were not needed. After a few rains had stains in the front and rear walkways and rain pouring in as you entered the house.
I called the warranty department and they recommended a village builder who cost less then $500 and $1,100 less than having the big box vendor install!

Just a bit of information, if you are looking to have these installed ,they range from 3 bucks a foot to 1 dollar a foot. Downspouts run 30 bucks and down installed. You can use the search box on here and find all the info you need about gutters.

[princesspat]

Gracie, we should have known you were a Kindergarten teacher! Remember the poster "Everything I Needed to Learn I Learned in Kindergarten"? It should also say ...and on TOTV!

[ugotme]

Just my 2 cents worth -

Came up for an LSV 2 weeks ago. Had a definite house in mind - Cottage home - Hammock! Even had an exact house/address.

Long story short - loved the house but not the lot. Everything is a give and take. Found a house - an Anchor. Not our ideal house but loved the lot so we bought it.

Not telling anyone to "settle" but unless you build your dream house you will eventually have to ascertain what features are important to you.

:wave:

[MSG@TV]

Gracie, we should have known you were a Kindergarten teacher! Remember the poster "Everything I Needed to Learn I Learned in Kindergarten"? It should also say ...and on TOTV!

Absolutely. I so agree. Gracie's warmth and diplomacy shine through. I thought she might have been a teacher or a therapist. Now that we know she taught kdg. it makes perfect sense.

[MSG@TV]

Just my 2 cents worth -

Came up for an LSV 2 weeks ago. Had a definite house in mind - Cottage home - Hammock! Even had an exact house/address.

Long story short - loved the house but not the lot. Everything is a give and take. Found a house - an Anchor. Not our ideal house but loved the lot so we bought it.

Not telling anyone to "settle" but unless you build your dream house you will eventually have to ascertain what features are important to you.

:wave:

Point well taken. I was unwilling to spend the money on the lot premium to build my originally anticipated house. Then again, even if my dream house existed, I probably couldn't afford it anyway. So, we all settle one way or the other, but I remind myself that it's the people that make TV special.

[PASteelers]

How does one access "Seniors vs Crime" ? We are moving to the Villages in October. We may need to add a few touches to the preowned home that was taken care of so well.

[obxgal]

Depending on what county you are in they are listed at this link for "Seniors vs Crime".
Office Locations (http://www.seniorsvscrime.com/offices.htm#Sumter_County)

[ivanhoe]

We just closed on our pre-owned courtyard villa in April after close to seven years of studying the situation in TV and religiously following this forum.

It was LOCATION-LOCATION-LOCATION up north and it is the same here... although for different reasons.

If I could offer any advise at all it would be to be doubly cautious of any units location to roads (lanai facing road/cart path) , pickle ball courts and lanais in close proximity to neighbors lanai.

Cart ride distance to groceries is important too.

Maybe it's just me but I think about getting a quart of milk when I'm 80!

Other than that you can hardly miss here.

We just started using cell phones exclusively...no issues.

No sales people of any kind have shown up at the front door...just great people with dinner for two newbies that were obviously worn out!

[mainlander]

Graciegirl... great idea for a thread. Thxs. I can only stress, having been a frequent reader here, that anyone with a concern or seeking advice may want to voice themselves here on TOTV. So many friendly and wise contributors.

[runnertom]

thinking about moveing to the villages what about the maintance fees

[ugotme]

thinking about moveing to the villages what about the maintance fees

Best bet - scroll down to the bottom of the main forum page to "Nuts and Bolts of The Villages."

Good 3 part post with a lot of information. (Don't know when it was updated last). Good reading.

[Barefoot]

A big mistake would be to rush the buying decision. Rent as long as you can and look at a number of options of where to live. Don't buy on your first visit. The life style is what you are buying.

We don't enjoy renting, so we did just the opposite of what rjm suggests. We decided we wanted to live in "central Villages", and bought on our first visit in 2007. We've never regretted our decision for a minute! We wanted to get to know our neighbors and not rent in a new area every year. We wanted to hang our clothes in the closet, buy a king size bed, and customize our home with solar tubes and a birdcage. We wanted to know that when we travel, we can return to our home in TV, and our bed that is reserved only for our use!

I'm not suggesting this is the right way to do things. Some peeps like to go slow and take their time. Others like to jump in and swim. It's all good.

[Goodwoman]

Thanks for the input......I think we may be trying to do too much. We are trying to get insight from someone who has been there. The hot garage has got to go.....😝
Pauline

[JPC55]

Be aware of the Palm tree door knockers too!! I'm not saying that the Palm trees they are trying to sell you are good or bad. I heard pros and cons so do your homework before purchasing.. Again, talk to neighbors. If it is to good to be true then it is.

[rubicon]

Best advice I got came from a bumper sticker I saw shortly after moving here. It said "we don't care how you did it up north".

The problem here is that usually an issue cuts as much as it kicks. for instance a repeated complaint has been he abuse of a land line. Up north in Minnesota as the population increased instead of recycling phone numbers the stat expand its area codes hence no one had a recycled phone. Like one poster we too were assigned a recycled number and that guy was also a dead beat and for about five years we had collection agencies calling at all hours.. We want a land line in he event of an emergency. Comcast solved our problem with ID caller and now we can dcide if we want to answer a call or not.....

[Cedwards38]

When you get here, drive around everywhere and observe the place. Find out where everything is located, and check out what everyone has done with landscaping, driveways, gutters, etc. It's a pretty fascinating place and you can learn a lot just by looking at what's here.

[Steve & Deanna]

Let's do a thread with some advice for newbies, things to do and NOT to do when you first move here.

First I will say not to buy from the door pounders who come to you in the weeks right after you move in. Not because they are all unworthy contractors, but some of them are, and nothing, NOTHING has to be done at once. Take your time and wait for changes to water supply, adding pest treatments, painting driveways or even if you will add downspouts to the back of your home. Wait to see who your neighbors use for lawn maintainance.

Please jump in here and add your comments here everyone.
ABSOLUTELY great advice and couldn't have put it better. We're retired. We have the time to scope things out, talk to neighbors etc. There is NO urgency to hurry anything.

[ugotme]

TO MOD:

Great idea to make this a sticky !!!!


:BigApplause: :BigApplause:

[Sanbo]

Our close date is July 2nd. Move in date July 9th. Thanks for all of the "newbie" advice. I like to have my eyes wide open!!!

[Biancarose]

Call Seniors vs Crimes first before you hire someone. I did exactly what your not suppose to do, I paid a tree trimmer Rob Williams of "Quality Tree" for work and he took off. I reported it to SVC and learned he did the same thing to at least 8 other people.

[bonrich]

Be aware about leaving your garage door open when just moving in. Car in the driveway, garage packed full of boxes and all your stuff from your former home. It's an open invitation to the "Village Street Cruisers", looking for the new one moving in, deals, one time offers, trees, driveway, lightning rods, lawn & shrubs, pine mulch, stones, water softners, etc, etc.
Yee Gods, Our first weeks of residency just passed before my eyes..........

[TrudyM]

Duplicate post sorry

[sharonga]

I had a real welcome wagon lady and she was very nice. Left lots of stuff.

[BARBDAVE454]

Let's do a thread with some advice for newbies, things to do and NOT to do when you first move here.

First I will say not to buy from the door pounders who come to you in the weeks right after you move in. Not because they are all unworthy contractors, but some of them are, and nothing, NOTHING has to be done at once. Take your time and wait for changes to water supply, adding pest treatments, painting driveways or even if you will add downspouts to the back of your home. Wait to see who your neighbors use for lawn maintainance.

Please jump in here and add your comments here everyone.

Do you know anything about a mosquito problem in any of The Villages?

[longball32159]

For those looking for new bedding.

Make sure everything is in writting when dealing with Mattress Barn.

What they tell you and what they do are two different things

[golfnut@play]

Scammed Newbie,

New Fernandina Villager. Got a paver contractor name and number from The Village classified. Took our money and never heard from him. He went under Premiere Pavers name Tim Connell - so beware!

Hope others will be more careful who they choose, I know we will from now on.

thanks for the post,

[graciegirl]

Do you know anything about a mosquito problem in any of The Villages?


Once in awhile we will see a mosquito or two. And there are seasons where there are houseflies. But not tons of them. One is too many.

I think that they spray for them at night.

[FloridaShrimp]

I heard that this is the Friendliest Hometown- but not my street. After a year here, I still haven't met my neighbors. Most have been here for a few years and already have their friends and "groups." So- don't wait for your neighbors to knock on your door, give yourself a moving party and invite your neighbors, form your own groups, try different clubs. Go to your pool. It is hard moving into an established neighborhood- good luck.

[Foruhun]

Does anyone know how hard the water is? Moderate, hard or very hard? Does most everyone get their water softened? Has anyone had hot water only softened? Thanks for all the hints to newcomers!

[My Tee Time]

Wish I had known about Talk of The Villages before I bought a water system. Not saying I am not happy with it, but every comment I read happen to me. Need to slow down & enjoy my neighbors & new lifestyle.

[RalHal]

:agree: We close in 12 days, and this thread and forum has been very helpful.

At the closing on our house (just after we had signed all the papers and payments had changed hands), we asked the previous owners who they used for lawn maintenance, pest control, landscaping, etc and received some really good information. It was really helpful, especially since we were going to rent it for a couple years before we could finally move in for good. If you are meeting the sellers face-to-face at the closing, it's a good time to get some good info.

[RalHal]

Scammed Newbie,

New Fernandina Villager. Got a paver contractor name and number from The Village classified. Took our money and never heard from him. He went under Premiere Pavers name Tim Connell - so beware!

Hope others will be more careful who they choose, I know we will from now on.

thanks for the post,

Call 911 and get a police report. They love to go after these scammers.

[kirker]

Yes, check with Seniors vs Crime for most everything. I really got burned on a dentist. There had been numerous complaints about Colony Modern Dentistry but I didn't take the time to research. Unfortunately, I suffered the consequences.

[dotti105]

Good to know!!

[Kirsten Lee]

We purchased in May and spent a week in July at our future retirement home. I walked up and down the block, knocked on doors and invited people to our home the next day for snacks and drinks mid afternoon. The neighbors were happy to point out who was around so I did not knock at empty doors. All but one person came. It was a great way to meet lots of people right away. When we needed a plumber later in the week, we had lots of resources. Neighbors lent us their golf carts. They were very nice to my teenage sons. They were very welcoming! My home watch person now knows my neighbors names. When our property is not rented (and we hope it will be rented part of the time) we will be there during school vacations.

[davecork]

thanks all sound helpful. we are new owners and will begin the process of furnishing in sept. we plan on being snownbirds for at least a few years. We are from Buffalo andwould like to change domicile to FLA. and helpful hints?

[CFrance]

thanks all sound helpful. we are new owners and will begin the process of furnishing in sept. we plan on being snownbirds for at least a few years. We are from Buffalo andwould like to change domicile to FLA. and helpful hints?

Make sure you don't loose your "release of lien" letter to your paid-off car. Staple it to the car's title. It will save having to go back to the lender (which, in our case, existed no longer) and possibly pony up some dollars to get a copy of it from another entity so you can get your car registered in FL.

[Sunnybon]

My retired husband and I enjoy commuting back and forth to our pre-owned home in The Villages. One suggestion that gave us additional peace of mind came from our Fla. neighbor. He suggested that we have all the locks on the house changed as the previous owners had given out the keys to house cleaners, dog sitters and renters. We called "A-1" lock smiths who came the same day and also recommended a "Charlie Bar" for the patio doors to secure the back when we are away for months. We have found our Villages neighbors to be so kind and helpful, e-mailing if there was a storm and power glitch or who to call for maintence etc. They are like a second family and greet us with hugs and welcome cards when we return. We are still in transition as many others have written about leaving family and dealing with feelings of being selfish. Skype and calls are not the same, but we are learning to find a church home and community wherever we are. Thanks for the great advice and wisdom from others who have pioneered before us.

[Diveda]

I even had a phone call at 7:50am from one of the water sales people that I was bombarded from.

[Fentongirl]

Let's do a thread with some advice for newbies, things to do and NOT to do when you first move here.

First I will say not to buy from the door pounders who come to you in the weeks right after you move in. Not because they are all unworthy contractors, but some of them are, and nothing, NOTHING has to be done at once. Take your time and wait for changes to water supply, adding pest treatments, painting driveways or even if you will add downspouts to the back of your home. Wait to see who your neighbors use for lawn maintainance.

Please jump in here and add your comments here everyone.

I did not want my Missouri house in Florida so I agree on the furniture comments - take only the precious pieces and leave the rest behind or sell it all.


The other thing to remember is to bring as much personal documentation as possible - I was married twice and needed to have every marriage certificate including divorce decree for Florida licenses thanks to the Patriot Act - beware and be prepared.

[Dgreenbucks]

READ your how to drive in the circles and golf course handbooks!

Door to door salespersons are not allowed in The Villages please report them.

Don't think you are allowed to drive drunk even if it is a golf cart.

Read your deed restrictions!!!

[mulligan]

Sign up for the Good Golf School

[Dgreenbucks]

:bowdown::BigApplause:

[Kahuna32162]

All this is really good info for someone who will be moving to TV in late summer or early fall. I have a question. How much time do I need to spend there when looking to buy a house? We would like to rent a house in July or Aug. but don't know if we need a whole month or just a couple of weeks. Any sugguestions?

Contrary to some advice, we came down to TV just to "look" and found the perfect home with all the extras we were looking for, including a pool!. We had an offer accepted before we flew back north on Sunday. I'm sure this is not the typical senerio, but are thrilled and close the 1st week of Sept and will be moving just after the holidays. Can't wait!

[twiceis]

Just want to let the villagers in the south that just because a gas golf cart is "recommended" we have an electric Star golf cart & it goes at least 30 or 40 miles on a charge. We regularly go from Gilchrist to Spanish Springs or Walmart with no problem. Their customer service is fabulous...we lost keys and they deliver them to us no problem. So if you want electric, don't be afraid. Go Star!

[BigB46]

We are renting in January and are looking for the home of our future. Any advice as to the "best" Village?

[ivanhoe]

We are renting in January and are looking for the home of our future. Any advice as to the "best" Village?

Oh...oh...now you've done it.

[Count'n the days]

Your chances of having a pickle ball injury is huge. Don't take a break from unpacking to play what appears to be an easy game. You may end up visiting the ER and not being able to enjoy the TV's Lifestyle as soon as you had planned. I can't stress this enough!

[Barefoot]

Contrary to some advice, we came down to TV just to "look" and found the perfect home .... We had an offer accepted before we flew back north on Sunday. I'm sure this is not the typical senerio .....

Actually, it's quite common to come to TV "just to look", and end up buying a home. I think it has something to do with the chip they implant in your neck as you enter TV.

[CFrance]

Actually, it's quite common to come to TV "just to look", and end up buying a home. I think it has something to do with the chip they implant in your neck as you enter TV.

Yours is in your neck, Bare? Mine's somewhere else. They must have snuck up on me.

I keep sitting on it and reactivating it.

[BigB46]

Any specific advice? Or, just enjoy until they put pressure on you?

[mrdarcy]

I recommend getting the grout in the tile sealed before furniture is moved in, though I've heard and I knew it might void the warranty on the tile. Almost no one would wait out the year for the warranty to expire, then expend the energy to move all their furniture and get the grout sealed. The more likely scenario is you'd worry about voiding the warranty and never seal the grout. The result is eventual filthy grout and blueberry, coffee, etc stains you can't easily remove. You can search TOTV for good grout contractors.

I also recommend tying to decide before you move furniture in whether you want to change out the builder's carpet, or replace with wood, laminate, or the new up-scale vinyl flooring. Once furniture is in, the disruption to your lives to change flooring, can be miserable. Before I moved in I thought a lot about the flooring and decided I still wanted carpet in the bedrooms, but i wanted better carpeting. So, I had Mohawk Silkstrand carpet installed with a moisture-proof underpad. I thank myself every morning when my feet hit the floor that I made that decision.

[fltbuff71]

I have heard a rumor from a Villager that you will not be able to go to a Villages Doctor's office unless you live in the "zone" that that Doctor is in. Any truth to this rumor?

[chalpm]

Thanks for all of your posts. We're moving into a new build in 3 weeks and need all the advice we can get. Hired a landscaper for 3 months to look after place till we get there hoping that will give us time to talk to other residents before we make a permanent decision. So glad to hear your comments re: furniture. We are only bringing bedroom set and tv. :) not using moving co but renting a truck, towing one car, driving the other. Tell me it gets better...so much to do!!

[chalpm]

We're moving in 3 weeks from Angola, NY. Perhaps we can meet up? Craig & Paula

[Atlantacracker]

thanks for the advice we are moving to the village of marion sept 26 my wife me and the two dogs thanks atlantagracker

[graciegirl]

I have heard a rumor from a Villager that you will not be able to go to a Villages Doctor's office unless you live in the "zone" that that Doctor is in. Any truth to this rumor?

I guess you are talking about the centers that the villages are building to provide health care. I understood that once all are finished, you can go to any of them.

[Mudder]

You can go to anyone of them as soon as it opens. That may apply only to United Health Care and Prefered Care Partners.

[Maschutt]

We just moved to our home the first week of August. The door pounders were unrelenting. Especially the water system folks. We did select a pest prevention company and used TOTV to help us make that call. We, however, did jump right in on the furniture purchase and believe we could have done more shopping to control costs more but when you come with nothing you don't have the luxury to wait too long.
We are evaluating still the golf packages and companies for solar panels and landscaping. Not everything can be done in a couple of months.

[JoJoMac]

Beware the clever and sneaky water system salespeople! They will phone and mail solicitations under all sorts of fake identities, but when you question and press, they'll finally fess up to being water system sales. And they are relentless in their persistence. My father recently bought a house and he has been bombarded for two months now, despite repeatedly telling the phone soliciters 'No thanks', and throwing away the mail disguised as all sorts of government and official looking important papers. Geez, what an irritating group they are!

We've been in the Villages for 4 weeks and are constantly harassed by the water system salespeople. Nice to know that it's not necessary. Thanks for the info.

[McP1605]

I will move into my home in Poinciana in ten days! Can't wait!!! Although I am not there yet, I can give a bit of advice on Homeowners Insurance. SHOP AROUND! I got lots of quotes. I know a lot of people go through TV insurance, but I certainly did not get the best quote from them. But, again... shop around and ask lots of questions! In my humble opinion, it is very important to make sure you are insured with an "A" rated AMBEST company. If you need more information on AMBEST ratings, private message me. An AMBEST "A" rated company will have the financial backing to cover a large catastrophe (such as a hurricane).

Second suggestion... keep notes about all of the great references you find here on TOTV! I have an entire computer file of landscapers, repairmen, warranties, tv installation, golf cart info, etc. Your recommendations have been a HUGE resource to this newbie!

THANK YOU ALL... especially Gracie for starting this thread!

[gtgalb01]

We will be furnishing a home in TV in the next two weeks and am wondering how to dispose of the big cardboard appliance boxes and all the other packing materials/boxes that will be generated from household goods? Is there a recycling center where I can dispose of these items? What would you recommend...Thanks.

[rockyisle]

All great advice. We bought a pre-owned home so our neighbors were a wealth of information on who to use and who not to use. Happy to share our plumber - Mike Scott Plumbing (fabulous customer service). We use the Villages Health Care System for our primary care doctors and have been impressed with the level of care. We left all our furniture up north. We bought a good mattress and then started haunting the consignment shops for the rest of our furniture. We bought both our golf carts through the Villages Golf Cart Store - great customer service again. And, I have always found great advice right here on TOTV. When in doubt - ask here and you will get a great variety of opinions and advice...

[Lovey2]

We will be furnishing a home in TV in the next two weeks and am wondering how to dispose of the big cardboard appliance boxes and all the other packing materials/boxes that will be generated from household goods? Is there a recycling center where I can dispose of these items? What would you recommend...Thanks.

We just put all our boxes out with the trash! They were kind enough to pick them all up. Some we broke down, but most we just put inside of each other with all the wrapping paper also inside.

[NicknRo]

Who are you using for lawncare?

[Steve & Deanna]

Great advice from Gracie Girl regarding lawn care to see who your neighbors use. A few years ago, we met a gentleman who was doing lawns, he was fair and kept our place up while we were gone. He ended up selling his business to KDR Lawn Mowing & Landscape Maintenance (352 205 6237) We are quite pleased with the work that he does and he, also, seems to be quite fair.

[gurnee_steve]

Has anyone tried a sign on their front door that says, "No Solicitors"?

[mikeandnancy1112]

Don't ever prepay for any services rendered and always get references.

[JaniceOhio]

Question... I am closing on a model in January. Do I need to bring my own independent inspector with me? People have noted that I have no representation... Price is right. Loan is right...and with the home warranty .. does anyone ever hire an independent? Inspection is morning of closing.

Grateful for any response..:wave:

[DougB]

Question... I am closing on a model in January. Do I need to bring my own independent inspector with me? People have noted that I have no representation... Price is right. Loan is right...and with the home warranty .. does anyone ever hire an independent? Inspection is morning of closing.

Grateful for any response..:wave:

Call Frank at 352-250-7818 or e-mail him at Frank@dangeloinspections.com

[graciegirl]

Question... I am closing on a model in January. Do I need to bring my own independent inspector with me? People have noted that I have no representation... Price is right. Loan is right...and with the home warranty .. does anyone ever hire an independent? Inspection is morning of closing.

Grateful for any response..:wave:



I personally haven't heard of many here who have had outside inspectors for new homes before closing. I don't feel the need. We bought two new homes here and felt the warranty covered anything that came up and not much did. We had a private inspector near the end of the first year when warranty was going to end on most items and frankly, I don't know if I would do it again. It mostly was pages and pages of so many truly tiny things that I had to look hard to see.

[dcammel]

They always claim they have been trying to contact you...but no record of your phone number when you ask what number they were calling. SCAMS...the public water supply seems to be good.

[Pturner]

Do not pay for any service in advance. There may be a few exceptions to this "rule" but until you are really settled in and know who's who it is best not to make payments in advance.

Agree except I don't think there are any exceptions to this rule! I always check on TOTV before hiring a contractor. There's a lot of good information from fellow posters on who was great and why and who do stay away from!

[bovelsky]

I had a home inspector when I closed.
i used House Masters
352-243-4553 . The reason I had an inspection was because I was out of town and I intended to rip the place apart ( new floors, new countertops, new appliances, new backsplash) shortly after I settled. I did not want finger pointing between vendor and the builder so
i felt it was a good idea to have a documented baseline at settlement. If you plan major renovations as I did I think an inspector is a good idea.

[VillageGeek]

As it pertains to NEW homes, and having personal knowledge of particular industries in the area, somehow some of them are getting the 'closing schedule.' Therefore, they know when your closing date is and what time it is. They are familiar with how long the new home orientation lasts and how soon after that the official closing takes place. Then they wait down the street and watch you return to your new home excited and ready to start enjoying The Villages' lifestyle. It's not ironic you get the door knockers shortly after you start unloading your vehicle.

Also, they drive the neighborhoods waiting to pounce as you're in your yard. Keep in mind, because The Villages builds so many homes per year, these guys/gals have lots of practice in their sales pitch.

What I would recommend doing is driving areas which have RECENTLY been completed and finding landscaping, driveway decoration, etc. that you like and YOU knocking the door. Trust me, Villagers (for the most part) will welcome you in so they can show off what they have. Then ask them who they used and what kind of experience they had. This is a good way to identify which companies are reliable and dependable.

I hope this helps.

[sparky261]

Having just purchased a home in the Villages I appreciate the advice. People were stopping by the house every day trying to sell a product or service. Neighbors are the best to use when you need something done. Thanks to all who helped us in the 2 weeks we were in our new house.

[Diveda]

I had gotten calls before 8am in the morning! Those water people really ticked me off.

[Diveda]

I wonder why, when the common areas are sprayed, a little sign is not put up? I have a dog and do not want her walking soon after spraying. There were two trucks. One sprayed the trees and right behind the grass was heavily sprayed. They are in and out quickly. But why does my yard need a sign but not the common areas?

[ronsroni]

Once I discovered TOTV, I felt remarkably more informed. Generally speaking, the folks HERE watch out for one another and if Gracie says it; bet the house on it for honesty and integrity. The water people are despicable as are the folks checking the air conditioning units. They will tell you "Oh. You have MOLD near the unit... I cleaned it, though. And so goes the $3K 'fix' of that problem that never existed in the first place. DON'T FALL FOR THOSE WHO PREY ON THE POPULATION.
We are Villagers... hear us roar. Lean back and smile upon exhale.

[BonnieF]

We are brand new to the villages, 3 weeks, have pushed to get so many things done. I think one of the most important tips is, take a breath, slow down, it will happen. I am so anxious to get everything perfect and to make our house feel like home, I just have to stop a moment and realize, we are here for good. Time is on our side! I really appreciate all the advice. Hoping there are newcomers in Pinellas wanting to be friends and get something social started so we can all meet one another.

[Bonanza]

[COLOR="SeaGreen"][/CWhen were newbies, we received all those solicitation calls. After about 2 months we decided to change cable companies because we were having a few issues which related mostly to our Internet service. Tight after we changed our cable/Internet we began to get those calls again. It appears that the cable companies are selling our information to these telephone solicitors.COLOR]

[Kahuna32162]

We have now been Villagers for 2 weeks! the 2 most important lessens we've learned so far, don't bring too much stuff and get a Garmin, or some other kind of GPS. We have found it to be invaluable as we try to find different rec centers and the town squares. I'm sure, after time, it will get easier to get where you're going, but for right now, all I have to do is hit the "Go Home" button and follow the directions.

[graciegirl]

We have now been Villagers for 2 weeks! the 2 most important lessens we've learned so far, don't bring too much stuff and get a Garmin, or some other kind of GPS. We have found it to be invaluable as we try to find different rec centers and the town squares. I'm sure, after time, it will get easier to get where you're going, but for right now, all I have to do is hit the "Go Home" button and follow the directions.



I truly understand. We bought here seven years ago and it took me then many months to find my way around all of the area and the different navigation for the golf cart. I am pretty good with directionality. Now we have a lot more area. It is a daunting task initially.

[jackcis]

I will talk to you, just don't know how to do it. Jack

[hoopsterdad]

i wish this was available when we moved in. a lot of good info, most of the mistakes we made are listed, very helpful, if we keep it that way.

[mneumann02]

We hope to be buying a home in the next few months so here are some questions:
Why are homes less expensive in northern part? Would you suggest buying south of 466? Opinions on buying new versus preowned are solicited. Any difference in pricing on The Villages listed homes vs. those listed by an MLS realtor? Any advice you would like to give is appreciated.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I would suggest getting an unlisted phone # if you are getting phone service.

[Dafoe]

We hope to be buying a home in the next few months so here are some questions:
Why are homes less expensive in northern part? Would you suggest buying south of 466? Opinions on buying new versus preowned are solicited. Any difference in pricing on The Villages listed homes vs. those listed by an MLS realtor? Any advice you would like to give is appreciated.

Those are some great questions you ask! I'm not sure about the price difference except many south of 466A have options of larger garages and some have more "open concept" home designs, so that might be one of the reasons driving the higher cost. Also an older home will begin to have some upkeep needs that keep the cost down since you will probably have to do some fixing up of the place.

Living south or north really depends on the types of activities you are interested in and where their hub is located. Archery and woodworking are up north and the south ball fields are more in the north, so if you are running up there every day, consider living north. I've been told that the southern neighborhoods are newer, so people are all working at developing new friendships and getting acquainted. You tend to find people reaching out a bit more than in the established neighborhoods.

My experience is the MLS / VL are two different competing entities-- (emphasis on competing). They will steer you different homes found in their listing program. They say they can show you the other companies homes, but they will definitely try to keep you in their own system. Note that the VL will have first notice of new homes to hit the market and have the inside scoop on that type of home. So if you are thinking of going south of 466A, I'd stick with a VL realtor. We used Brian.Arango@thevillages.com and found him to be professional, not pushy, and very knowledgeable.

Good luck!:welcome:

[TrudyM]

We hope to be buying a home in the next few months so here are some questions:
Why are homes less expensive in northern part? Would you suggest buying south of 466? Opinions on buying new versus preowned are solicited. Any difference in pricing on The Villages listed homes vs. those listed by an MLS realtor? Any advice you would like to give is appreciated.

If you search home buying you will find many threads but in a nutshell from my research and notes from those threads.
First Age -
North of 466 along Buena Vista was built from the late 90's though 2000 aprox. Over in De la Vista and Tierra Del Sol its 1993 through 99
Just south is Palmers etc is around 2004-06 and they get newer as you go south and when you cross 466A they are all built recently (last year or so and all new construction). So the furnace and air etc will have less life on them in the older homes but may have been replaced so check and add or subtract from price accordingly.
Access to listings-
New homes are not negotiable. Preowned are. In order to see all homes you need to use both an MLS real estate agent and a villages agent. Search on this site for recommendations for Villages agents as they now employ over 200 sales people I was told and a lot of them don't know much. (by the way I was told some have real estate licences and some don't but none work with the MLS) Most current listings south of 466 are with the villages but not all I would check both.
Pre owned v New -
Pre owned may have upgrades and the bond is paid down or off. Add the amount of the bond to the purchase price so you are comparing apples to apples.
Location- Is totally a personal choice. Be close to what you love, favorite rec center or golf course. If golf course lot is important I would say look at the older ones as the villages has gone nuts with the premium on the golf course lots in my opinion.

[loveinthesun]

Had that welcome wagon call, then mid conversation, they said they were from GE then they had a gift card to outback or home depot then came there true identity. Funny thing is they tried to lie about other companies and then when I actually went to the welcome wagon site, this company was not even a member. So my view is if someone has to say bad things about other companies and lie about who they really are just to get into your house, then do they really have my best interest at heart to begin with??? BTW the company wound up finally telling me there real name..... is was TAS something I think the welcome wagon needs to do something about these companies using there good company name to deceive the public.

[784caroline]

When we bought I specifically asked he agent to show me what was newer (S of 466) compared to pre owed (N of 466). The differences were for the most part immediate.

In our case, Location to Lake Sumter Landing was a big thing, plus the houses had more modern upgrades such as Roman Showers, choice of appliances, hard surface/granite counter tops etc. Houses were simply newer and more modern. Choice selection of lots whether it be golf course cul-de sac or whatever seemer more prevelant in the south. The developer started to really plan out The Villages South of 466 with 2 -4 lane roads going North and South. Golf cart paths on main roads were separated from cars and even on feeder roads they were wider than up north NO way did we want to be driving our golf cart every day on Morse Blvd North of 466 so that area was out regardless of price. For us at least, South of 466 was just more central to everything....still holds true today!

[Barefoot]

Opinions on buying new versus pre-owned are solicited.

We think that buyers get way more "bang for their buck" when buying pre-owned, especially if the lower bonds are taken into consideration. There are many pre-owned homes with considerable expensive upgrades: birdcages, pools, summer kitchens, sun tunnels, landscaping, etc.

We wanted a lot backing on a pond. The new homes seems to have huge premiums associated with these lots. We also wanted to be located centrally, just south of CR 466, rather than far north, or far south. I like renovating and redecorating, so resale was perfect for us.

For emotional reasons, many people want to buy a brand-new home. Money is not the most important factor. Many purchasers feel that it will be the last home they ever own. They want it to be pristine and special. I can understand that; it's an important consideration. They don't want the hassle of renovating or redecorating - and prefer to move into an "unspoiled" home.

In general the further south you go, the younger the population. Although lots of younger retirees also buy resales. So each village ends up having a mix of newbies and oldies.

Whatever decision you make, you'll probably end up thinking your village is the best village. We all do. The Villages is a happy place.

[MN2FL]

The rules for parking your golf cart at the squares on the street in the lined spots is the same if you had a car. Do Not Park past the line if a car is in that spot. I have seen it so many times, and wonder how that car owner was able to get out of their spot, but even more so-wondering how the cart driver could be so inconsiderate. Wish some of the areas were designated for cars only. There has been a lot of discussion about having carts licensed, and here is another reason why.

[2BNTV]

We think that buyers get way more "bang for their buck" when buying pre-owned, especially if the lower bonds are taken into consideration. There are many pre-owned homes with considerable expensive upgrades: birdcages, pools, summer kitchens, sun tunnels, landscaping, etc.

We wanted a lot backing on a pond. The new homes seems to have huge premiums associated with these lots. We also wanted to be located centrally, just south of CR 466, rather than far north, or far south. I like renovating and redecorating, so resale was perfect for us.

For emotional reasons, many people want to buy a brand-new home. Money is not the most important factor. Many purchasers feel that it will be the last home they ever own. They want it to be pristine and special. I can understand that; it's an important consideration. They don't want the hassle of renovating or redecorating - and prefer to move into an "unspoiled" home.

In general the further south you go, the younger the population. Although lots of younger retirees also buy resales. So each village ends up having a mix of newbies and oldies.

Whatever decision you make, you'll probably end up thinking your village is the best village. We all do. The Villages is a happy place.

Spot on!!! :bigbow: :bigbow: :bigbow:

[2BNTV]

To all:

I would like you to cosider parking your golf carts at the later half of the parking spot, and taking only half of it.

I've been in parking lots where golf carts are pulled all the way in a space and cars are thinking the space is empty. If a driver tries to whip it in there, surprise, surprise!!!!

BOY Howdy!!! Were talking about carts!!!!

[plh32162]

I have had a bad experience with a lady named "Judy" who comes to your home to provide exercise supervision, that's what her "company" does... What a rip -off! She talks about her clients from one to the next and has her phone during your session. Very unpleasant experience. She's very expensive and offers no refunds for her unused time as well as other really odd rules... BUYER BEWARE! Go to the gym at the rec center of MVP, this person is not reputable in my book.

[NewGal]

thank you for the tip about the welcome wagon - brand new here and it just happened to me!

[Steve & Deanna]

There can be a false sense of urgency and patience in buying anything is the key. We had removed a tree (OK'd by VCDD) as a sense of urgency and lived to regret it. We planted another tree...that's a different story... Take your time with your decisions and purchases and always remember, it's your money and nobody watches your money as you do. We advise that when you go out and purchase something, do not get side tracked as 'tunnel vision' is a good thing in those cases.

[TimeForChange]

Before buying a golf cart (new) be sure you have the warranty you are being told you have. Yamaha says they build golf carts to go 15 miles per hour. The companies that sell Yamaha (Carts and Clubs in Ocala) and The Villages golf carts are authorized dealers. They buy the carts from Yamaha and then modify them with high speed gears and larger tires to go 20 MPH. Yamaha says this voids their warranty and they will not cover certain parts if they fail such as the clutch and belts. You will not be notified of this by the dealer when buying the cart. You are led to believe the cart that you see on the floor comes directly from Yamaha with all the options already on the cart and it is made to go 20 MPH. That is not the case. It has been modified and in most cases with after market parts.

[Annie01]

WOW...I MUST BE BLESSED...MOVED HERE LAST JUNE...NEVER HAD A DOOR SALESPERSON HERE AT ALL...... lucky hu???? love the villages and the people....

[meltonbeat]

I live in Tulsa and would like to live in TV 6 mths out of the year. Have my Real Estate Licenses and would like to help people sale their home here, meet them in TV help same people find a home there. Anyone else doing this?

[dillywho]

Let's do a thread with some advice for newbies, things to do and NOT to do when you first move here.

First I will say not to buy from the door pounders who come to you in the weeks right after you move in. Not because they are all unworthy contractors, but some of them are, and nothing, NOTHING has to be done at once. Take your time and wait for changes to water supply, adding pest treatments, painting driveways or even if you will add downspouts to the back of your home. Wait to see who your neighbors use for lawn maintainance.

Please jump in here and add your comments here everyone.

Excellent advice! Thanks for starting this. Many of us "oldies" have learned some things the hard way.

[danielshea]

Be careful about furniture store in the villages (city furniture). Waited three days, all day long for a knob that broke the first time I tried to open a cabinet door. They never showed up after promising each time they would deliver the part. Chair leg almost fell off, loose screws, fixed myself. Three weeks and still no new knob and no calls from them. Poor quality furniture and just about no customer service. Even spoke to manager, still no help. Be careful where you shop, even in the villages.

[Dennis and Rose]

Little confused ( nothing new for me ) I was under the impression that the residential areas were gated. How do these sales people and ripoff artists keep getting in?

[lovsthosebigdogs]

TV is a community with gates, not a gated community.

[dotti105]

I think the gates basically help to control the car traffic and golf cart traffic.
The lowering of the gates gives the golf carts a chance to cross. They also help to keep speeds down.
But, alas, they are not "security gates". Some gates are manned, most are not. I, personally, like having them, in spite of the fact that it is not a "gated community" in the traditional sense.

[Barefoot]

Little confused ( nothing new for me ) I was under the impression that the residential areas were gated. How do these sales people and ripoff artists keep getting in?

Join the club ... many of us thought we were buying into a gated community.
However as Roz stated, The Villages is a community with gates, not a gated community. Big difference.

Almost all of the streets are publicly owned. Therefore access cannot be denied to joe public.
If the streets were owned by The Villages, our Amenities would be much higher, because residents would be responsible for maintaining the streets.

I do think there is a deterrent factor for "nuisance" sales people who don't know "the ropes".
The gatehouses and the access cards do give the appearance of a controlled, gated community.

[notebook28]

The Villages are a really nice place to live and there are many good businesses and many good people. However, there are also many Vultures, so buyer beware, especially in the Medical and Especially in the DENTAL businesses. Most are awful, so please get references first. As beautiful as Florida is, SADLY it is rated dead last in both medical and DENTAL CARE. It is rated worst than 90 % of Third World Nations. This is no secret, just the facts, look it up. After living here for almost five years, this is my worst complaint. You cannot trust most of them. If You need Medical or Dental Care, Please look at Medical tourism outside of the US. One fraction the cost and far superior in almost every other area. Just get references and referrals because as in the US, there are good and bad ones. Here, I have found out, esp, The lousy dentist in florida will take every dime from You and they are so secretive and deceptive. Good Luck.

[Challenger]

The Villages are a really nice place to live and there are many good businesses and many good people. However, there are also many Vultures, so buyer beware, especially in the Medical and Especially in the DENTAL businesses. Most are awful, so please get references first. As beautiful as Florida is, SADLY it is rated dead last in both medical and DENTAL CARE. It is rated worst than 90 % of Third World Nations. This is no secret, just the facts, look it up. After living here for almost five years, this is my worst complaint. You cannot trust most of them. If You need Medical or Dental Care, Please look at Medical tourism outside of the US. One fraction the cost and far superior in almost every other area. Just get references and referrals because as in the US, there are good and bad ones. Here, I have found out, esp, The lousy dentist in florida will take every dime from You and they are so secretive and deceptive. Good Luck.

Hmmm!! We are from Baltimore where we were served by a Johns Hopkins HMO like practice. Our main concern upon moving here was whether we could access health care at a quality level that we were comfortable with.
Our experience(over three years ) has been outstanding. We use the following specialties and find them all to be as good as our previous caregivers.
Dermatology
Family Practice
Cardiology
Urology
Opthamology.
All have offices in TV

Our dentist is particularly outstanding. Both my wife and I have had extensive dental work over or lifetime, and find Dr Marie Luong (Serenity Dental Spa) and her associates to be top notch. Great care. modern equipment and methods, fair charges along with nice personalities. Dr Luong is a former US Navy dentist.

No one here needs to go to foreign countries to find competent health care.
With some research (TOTV being a good place to start) anyone can get competent care. All of our caregivers were from recomendations found on this site. We then did further research.

I agree that there are charletins out there, but they are everywhere, even at medical tourism venues.

[John_W]

Hmmm!! We are from Baltimore where we were served by a Johns Hopkins...


Not to hijack the thread, we must of arrived just before you. We also came from Baltimore (Abingdon to be exact) and also moved into Tamarind Grove. Southern Star Villas and Montbrook Villas were being offered then, and we took one of the last units in Southern Star due to some great deals. :wave:

We also have received good medical care in the TV. We love Baylee Dental (http://www.bayleedental.com/) up on 27/441 just north of Stonecrest on the left in Baylee Plaza. The first dentist my wife went to, wanted to perform $18,000 in work. I won't say her name, but it's on CR101 in the Streetrods shopping center. At Baylee she only needed one crown replaced and a new denture made, all total under $2,000 over a two year period. The one thing that was unusual was my wife wanted an acrylic denture like she had before, and Baylee only uses metal dentures.

Medical she uses Premier which is at LSL on Old Camp Road and she has been pleased with their care. If you have a problem on the weekend or at night, Premier has their own walk-in clinic near TV Hospital on Santa Barbara. I use the VA and we have a large clinic that was just built in 2010, and a major hospital just over an hour away in Gainesville. So far I've had good care with the VA.

[cromlich]

Also, please have seatbelts put in your golf carts. It is so very important. As a golf cart accident victim I can testify that this is the first thing you should upgrade your cart with. Also, acquire a PCP immediately. A doctor in The Villages is as important as anything you can do. Check with neighbors and fellow Villages as to who they use. There are bad providers in any community.

[donna lee]

I'm looking for a very good handyman who is reasonable. Any one have someone to refer me to?

[Lonnyward]

how 'bout almost newbies?.....we are selling house in New Hampshire and moving there ASAP.....what is the work market for a 64 yr old male there?....are there bartending jobs available?.....hope to see and meet you all soon.....LON

[graciegirl]

how 'bout almost newbies?.....we are selling house in New Hampshire and moving there ASAP.....what is the work market for a 64 yr old male there?....are there bartending jobs available?.....hope to see and meet you all soon.....LON

I would find work before coming here if you need to have the income. Wages are lower than where you are coming from, but I am told the property taxes are lower too.

[Dominic Paravano]

Do not go to the new Vet in Colony. I took my beloved dog of 14 years there and they said they had to take him in the back to get him ready when they brought him out his leg was shaved and they had an IV port in him, they said this is how it was supposed to be done. Then they began the process which was supposed to make her just sleepy and then they put the meds in for her to go to heaven and couldn't get it in right, making her SUFFER. I HAVE NEVER had such a barbaric experience and I will never get over it.

[Nurse Linda]

Let's do a thread with some advice for newbies, things to do and NOT to do when you first move here.

First I will say not to buy from the door pounders who come to you in the weeks right after you move in. Not because they are all unworthy contractors, but some of them are, and nothing, NOTHING has to be done at once. Take your time and wait for changes to water supply, adding pest treatments, painting driveways or even if you will add downspouts to the back of your home. Wait to see who your neighbors use for lawn maintainance.

Please jump in here and add your comments here everyone.
Do you have a contact number for seniors against crimes ...a group here in TV? Thanks

[need2no]

Beware the clever and sneaky water system salespeople! They will phone and mail solicitations under all sorts of fake identities, but when you question and press, they'll finally fess up to being water system sales. And they are relentless in their persistence. My father recently bought a house and he has been bombarded for two months now, despite repeatedly telling the phone soliciters 'No thanks', and throwing away the mail disguised as all sorts of government and official looking important papers. Geez, what an irritating group they are!
also beware of the lack of info;
am sure this will cause some debates but have had some "strange" experiences (being polite) dealing with several different realtors representing several firms.. have put together the below tidbits of "some" of the events. draw your own conclusions from questions I have asked.




while viewing a property I observed a crew working on the adjacent pond that went dry (later learned it was one of several) causing me to ask the realtor -

Q - are there any sinkholes in the villages?

A- "not in this neighborhood"







Q2- why do a lot of properties have the washer/dryer in the garage?

A- yes, this gives you more living space in the house. (duh, but now I have less space in the garage)




Q3- noticed a musty odor from the garage appliances.

A- you wont even notice at after a while ( I must be a idiot for having these visions of mold and mildew all over me)




Q-4- are the water rates high here?

A- oh, there pretty uniform everywhere. (hey dingbat, answer the question I asked)




Q-5 what home models give me the most storage space? (ready for this?)

A1 - what do you mean by "model?"

A2 - "that's hard to say, a lot of realtors don't list the model names" (guess it's a secret)

A3 - "not a problem, just get/install some closet storage modules from home depot" (great now I have someplace to put my 12volt air compressor)




Q-6 gee, aren't those trees kinda close to the house?

A - your going to love the lower electric bill because of the shade.

(yup, also going to love the lack of grass, the full gutters, dirty roof shingles, the constant costly pruning or the cancelled home insurance policy)




again, these are only some of my experiences from those whom have my best interest at heart, one of which bestowed the fact of being the top sales person in the office (via gross proceeds) their secret, - they approached sellers, advising them they could list their property for "10,000" more if listing with them. this from a wizard who was driving me around showing their listings ! sometimes the discloser is worst than the non-discloser-ouch!




not looking for someone with the integrity of the pope, just a non-cult realtor who plays fair.




fyi. when viewing mls photos, ask yourself why there are few listings depicting the rear view from the inside out.

[Sophie11]

Stay away from Home Depot! We bought a water heater there yesterday with them installing it and they charged for the install $760!!!!

[Curinga]

When picking furniture Measure your doorways. We just moved and a sleeper sofa we thought would go in the den (there is room inside the Den for it) in our Gardenia will not fit through the doors to get in the room. Now have two couches in LR, LR chairs in Den and are looking to sell sleeper and get a smaller length sleeper for den.

[SheilaO]

I'm surprised so many people have land lines. I wouldn't know what to do with a land line. I kept the same cell number I've had for 20+ years and don't give it out to anyone but family

I have been told by a couple cable companies that it is cheaper if you get a land line and bundle it with TV and internet….I, too, have not had a land line for many years, but if it's cheaper… What cable and internet do you have? Thanks!

[Chatbrat]

After viewing several posts about Tire Choice-Total Car Care,
It is my belief they are the biggest rip-off in the Villages

Charging a customer $2450.00 for changing fluids, an oil change & a wheel alignment , is beyond all belief.

Put the wrong size tires on a performance car is dangerous.

Word to the wise avoid all 3 locations in There Villages

[MoeVonB61]

NEWBIES:...GENERAL RULE OF THUMB.....Massey will "pound" on your door and aggressively try to get you to use their pest control, etc services....especially if your neighbors are using them.......ALSO!!!...this is a BIG ONE!!....For ANY product you use or are looking to purchase, for example, new A/C, landscaping resdesign, kitchen appliances....SHOP AROUND in Ocala, off Villages property for the MOST competitive prices....We bought our flooring from Lumber Liquidators in Orlando and saved so much $$ the gas was worth the trip....For appliances, try HHGregg in Ocala, Kane's in Ocala for furniture....BEST pricing and BEST warranty comes with their furniture sales!! ENJOY all the free activities the Recreation Centers have to offer!!......AND MOST OF ALL!!....Do a SEARCH on "Talk of the Villages" and the Better Business Bureau to be sure your potential Contractor is reputable and honest!! :)

[Cedwards38]

Give some serious thought to installing a security system, just for peace of mind.

[ddogg]

Can you tell me how to post a new thread on here?

[wdonze]

Our home in NE Ohio sold within a couple of days of listing in March 2012 so we had only a month to find a new home in TV, pack up and move. We found our new house online and bought sight unseen and then came down to look at it a week later. So here's my tip to new buyers. Take a floor plan with you to your new home and verify the room dimensions. How wide are the door openings? How long is each wall? Eg, that short section of wall between the door and the corner of the room where you think your favorite piece may fit. Also, mark where all of the outlets, phone and TV connections are located. When we got back up North, I measured all the furniture and stuff we thought we might take. I then handed all this info to the wife and she did her magic with the floor plan and little cutouts of all the stuff. When the moving van arrived in TV everything fit where we planned. Quite an effort, but well worth it. In our case, we sold our living room and family room furniture and bought new here. Our stuff was old and we wanted a new beginning that fit the style here.

I agree whole heartedly with previous posters who say be patient and prioritize what needs to be done; you have plenty of time. We bought new cottage home so our first thing was window treatments. I measured the windows, went to Home Depot, and in one day we had the needed privacy.

And lastly regarding vendors. I don't think we have done business with anyone who came to our door unsolicited. Know what you want, check TOTV and neighbors, do online research, then you contact the vendors and get estimates. Beware of vendors who don't have their business name on their vehicle. Don't buy a great big palm from a guy in a black pickup who says it was left over from the job he did that day and he'll plant it for you for $50 or $100. He'll plant it alright, but the next morning you'll see a hole in your yard where it used to be and he'll be off to his next sucker.

[OldManTime]

Let's do a thread with some advice for newbies, things to do and NOT to do when you first move here.

First I will say not to buy from the door pounders who come to you in the weeks right after you move in. Not because they are all unworthy contractors, but some of them are, and nothing, NOTHING has to be done at once. Take your time and wait for changes to water supply, adding pest treatments, painting driveways or even if you will add downspouts to the back of your home. Wait to see who your neighbors use for lawn maintainance.

Please jump in here and add your comments here everyone.






:gc:
The best advice i have is: "STOP" signs are not just a suggestion, it means STOP for golf carts too!
:gc:

[OldManTime]

Read your Deed Restrictions on line! All that your salesman won't tell you.

[Snowdancer]

I am a newbie and looking for a good, clean, inexpensive place to get a pedicure.

Thank you for your help.

:pray:

[Barefoot]

I am a newbie and looking for a good, clean, inexpensive place to get a pedicure. Thank you for your help.

There is a search button at the top of the page.
If you do a search on pedicures, you'll find lots of good suggestions.
I like Angela's shop in Palm Ridge Plaza, CR 101, north of Bonefish. 352-350-2932.

[hdandydon]

:pepper2::pepper2:Is there homeowners in the villages who have a problem with there new installed hardwood floors that are turning black on the top of the wood. This will happen after some 6 to 12 months. The installer will advise that the glue to secure the flooring will act as a sealer (it will not). No one wants to take the blame for this and your home owners insurance does not cover the loss.

So far there are several complaints on this subject , we need to address this problem as the Villages warranty department has washed their hands and claims no responsibility . Let me hear from you. Thanks

[Snowdancer]

Does anyone have anything good or bad to say about Southern Palms Landscaping company?

Need help sorting thru all these landscapers....

Thank you

[JoMar]

They really don't apply pressure......we rented for 4 years and looked all over this place and were never pressured.....not even a phone call. We purchased this year. The choice to be here is about the lifestyle and not the property so it really doesn't matter where you buy. I guess another reason they don't pressure is because there doesn't seem to be a shortage of people that want to live here.

[greenvlvteyes]

I would like some advice for new singles at the Villages. Is there any normal men in here? Gentleman with morals and ethics? I need advice where to go to meet them.:gc:

[observer]

While this place is nothing like living in a major city, we do have people who would rather take what u have than work.. Anyone that's pressures u to buy today or lose the opportunity. Run down t walk away. Prices go up when the snowbirds get here,after Christmas,seems too b the jump in prices. Grass needs cut every 2weeks summer every week. Water is fine a the most water softener helped with hardness,put my own system in under 500. Soon older drivers are doing there best,cut them a break. Aggressive drivers regardless of age should not b tolerated, call the police if u have relevant information, they are pretty good around here. If u have any doubts about anyone in the villages call community watch they will help u or request someone that will,good guys. If u run into someone that isn't happy here avoid them they are the minority. Welcome to the villages.

[Bogie Shooter]

I would like some advice for new singles at the Villages. Is there any normal men in here? Gentleman with morals and ethics? I need advice where to go to meet them.:gc:

Single Boomers South 2ndW@6:30PM
Eisenhower
Geri Manus 582 Burnside Place (352) 633-2348

Single Golfers LastTH @6PM SeaBreeze Robert (Bob) Miotke 1439
Crestwood Lane
(352) 396-0654

Single Sports Social Women 3rdW @7PM
Canal
Joan Bulmer 8513 S E 177th
Bartram Loop
(352) 751-3748

Singles Baby Boomers 1stTH @6:30PM
SeaBreeze
Marie Nappi 1443 Duncan Drive (352) 350-6182

Singles Ballroom Dance Club 1,3,5 F@2
pm Odell
Joyce Brinson 524 Rainbow Blvd (352) 561-4984

Singles Dance Club 2&4thF@2PM La
Hacienda
Joyce Brinson 524 Rainbow Blvd (352) 561-4984

Singles Discussion Group 2ndF @3:30PM
SeaBreeze
Cyndi Feeney 1773 Hallandale
Lane
(352) 753-0182

Singles Hiking & More q1st SU@6PM
Allamanda
Lawrence Cohen 1235 Eagle Ridge
Dr
(352) 259-5109

Singles Lets Talk 1stSU X6-9 @1PM
Mulberry
Vera Coulson 2813 Larranaga Dr (352) 259-3707

Singles Sumter 2nd&4thSUN@2:30PM
Lake Miona
Gene McConville 2409 Pomeroy
Terr
(352) 753-2669

Singles Villages 1st&3rdM@6PM La
Hacienda
Robert Palmer 16868 Se 94th
Sunnybrook Circle
(352) 753-0690

[gpirate]

Thanks for all the good information. We will be coming to TV as soon as our home sells. We were bringing our furniture but now may not. While looking for a home in TV we will also walk the neighborhood hoping to meet some people who can answer our questions about the district we are looking at. Keep up the good work in sharing.

[Pietrina1]

Speaking of the Welcome Wagon Water Sales folks - has anyone bought from them?
Your experience please?

[DAN48]

We have lived in The Villages for four years and currently own three golf cars including a 2014 Yamaha. a 2014 E-Z-GO, and a 2011 Star (all electrics). We also previously owned a 2012 Yamaha gas.

Gas vs. Electric:
There is no emotional right or wrong here and don't listen to the golf car salesman. The key questions are where do you live and what is the farthest you expect to drive your golf car in a day. If you live at the extreme North or South end of The Villages, and regularly travel to the opposite end, I would definitely own gas. It will make your life less worrisome. If you live nearer to the North-South center, as we do, the options are much more complicated.

Gas car comments:
You will have extreme useable range-easily 200 miles on a tank of gas. Figure on 40-45 miles per gallon. They are somewhat noisy, especially with all of the enclosures down in the winter. You will need one annual maintenance visit for an oil change and miscellaneous maintenance. If you want to add a heater, you will be limited to propane as the only really functional choice.
As to smell, I did not find my gas car to be a problem as most of the fumes are from others and are mainly in the tunnels.
I personally believe Yamaha builds the best gas car by far. Good performance and ride.

Electric car comments:
The quiet is really nice, but battery configuration really matters here. If you buy a car with 4 12 volt or 6 8 volt batteries, don't expect a lot more than 20-25 miles on 50% of your charge. If you regularly discharge the batteries any more, you shorten the life (an occasional longer trip does not matter). If you want to go 30-40 miles on a 50% discharge, I would opt for 8 6 volt batteries or buy 6 8 volts and plan on spending $1,000 to install 6 Trojan Ranger 160's as I did.
AC drive is superior to DC. Currently, E-Z-GO has AC with Yamaha introducing it in December. It is an option on ParCar. AC has far superior acceleration and better efficiency and you will actually be able to accelerate quickly going up a grade.
I feel the costs to own an electric or gas car are quite comparable (excluding depreciation), but you will pay it differently. The gas car cost is more of a straight line, while the monthly electric cost is cheaper, until you have to replace the batteries, the charger, or both. Depreciation is definitely higher on an electric car.

General recommendations:
Pay for an upgraded seat. You will spend a lot of time in your car and the standard seats are truly awful. An upgraded seat will be more comfortable and, with Sunbrella inserts, will be cooler. If one of you is shorter, an adjustable seat may be needed.
Consider a speedometer. It's fun to see how far you travel and know your speed. You will need a good gas gauge if you buy gas, or a good voltmeter if you buy electric. A 12 volt socket is a nice option. Add a fan, if you will golf in the warm months. I also think added LED lights are a fun option and will improve visibility (especially for the front turn signals). Finally, if you want to store a few things out of sight, add locking glove boxes and a cooler. Install seat belts and use them Most injuries are due to ejection of the occupants.
I would suggest avoiding large wheels with low profile tires. They will detract from a smooth ride.
Buy cart insurance with uninsured motorists coverage added. You would be surprised how many golf cars have NO liability insurance.
Stick with one of the big four brands-Yamaha, E-Z-GO, ClubCar, or ParCar. Our Star has been just fine, but we still have it because it just isn't worth much anymore. It has four person capacity when the grandchildren visit.
Drive them all to see what fits your price range and comfort level.

While the above are all my own opinions, I hope they will be helpful to the first time golf car buyer.

[Tonky]

I received a post card "Water Alert, sorry we couldn't reach you by phone (no messages!) Please call us within 48 hours V.F.W." Is this legit? A gentleman at my mailbox said it may be a sales... Has anyone received anything like this before ?

[pbkmaine]

I believe the "water alert" is an attempt to sell you a water softener system.

[rrman77]

Bless you for starting this thread. So much to remember/consider. Instinct is to make your nest as soon as possible....but I know we should slow down and take time to assess our new surroundings. Anxious to hear more suggestions.

Village’s buyer beware.

We have lived in The Villages for 3 years and truly love it. But we have known of two cases so far where the owners of a property had terrible lawns, and have tried to work with the original builders to correct their problems with the yard, to be told that the warranty for the grass is only 30 days.

So any future buyer should make sure that if you grass does not look good you should upon your inspection and or prior to buying said property put in a complaint. I would even suggest that you put this in writing so you have verification of your timely complaint.

I would hope that if this is the policy in T V that the realtors are told to explain this to potential buyers, we have been to two closing and no one told us about this condition.

[graciegirl]

Village’s buyer beware.

We have lived in The Villages for 3 years and truly love it. But we have known of two cases so far where the owners of a property had terrible lawns, and have tried to work with the original builders to correct their problems with the yard, to be told that the warranty for the grass is only 30 days.

So any future buyer should make sure that if you grass does not look good you should upon your inspection and or prior to buying said property put in a complaint. I would even suggest that you put this in writing so you have verification of your timely complaint.

I would hope that if this is the policy in T V that the realtors are told to explain this to potential buyers, we have been to two closing and no one told us about this condition.


Well, been here for a while and I think that the answer to new sod is WATER.

You are allowed to water more in establishing new lawns and new shrubs without penalty.

We have had two new homes the last just turned three years, and two decent lawns, but others have underwatered and their lawns showed the lack of it.

It is also the responsibility of the homeowner to fertilize and to debug. The sod. It is layed on a mostly sandy base and needs to be fed and cared for.

[bbbbbb]

This is probably easy to remember, If someone approaches you to sell or make an offer,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, be careful it is very likely to be a scam.
Why else would they approach you if they did not want something from you?
Also, on most everything,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, get a price in writing and do not back down on a written guarantee relating to service!

[sto11]

My grandson who lives in Tampa visited this week-end and we discovered that he had a leak in one of his tire. I have had 4 leaks repaired in my own tires in the 8 years I have been living in TV and have not paid for a single one. The repairs have been thru Sams, Tire Kingdom, an auto dealer and Walmart. I assumed there would be no charge from Tire Choice at Colony especially since he ordered an oil change as well. I assumed wrong! When we went to pick-up the car they charged him $30 plus tax! His total bill was $71.18! BEWARE of this company and warn your friends and neighbors as well!!!

[cattywampus]

.

REMEMBER THIS....Florida State Law.

When you use your Windshield WIPERS....
............................You MUST turn on your HEADLIGHTS.

OR..think this way
..When it is RAINING...You Must TURN ON HEADLIGHTS.
...when you are stopped or driving on a Public Road.

Can Not believe how many people who do not know this Law.
Most dangerous when the vehicle blends in with color of roadway.

In My Humble Opinion.....
ALL Grey Vehicles should ALWAYS run with lights on Rain or no rain.

Too many "borderline legally-blind" people are driving around The Villages.
Just saw MR MAGOO with his Coke Bottle Glasses pull out in Front of a BIG truck on CR-466.
BIG AZZ white truck and the truck had his headlights on.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Get a golf cart as soon as possible and drive around going nowhere. Get lost a few times and find your way home.

[Sweetp-7]

Just to add...I am getting so many calls to " Clean my air ducts and do maintenance checks on my furnace and AC ". I now simply reply "When I need this work done, I will contact who I want. As for you, bothering me and making me run in from my lanai, I am placing you on my DO NOT CALL LIST! Fight back! We pay for these phones so WE can use them!

[irmajean]

We went to closing on November 18th and the "Welcome Wagon" showed on the very next day as well as lawn maintenance people. They appear to be waiting just like vultures! On the other hand, I researched blinds on TOTV and decided to use 48 Hr. Blinds! They were wonderful. They worked with me before closing and had everything arranged so that we had blinds up the day after closing. Their crew was very professional and prompt. We have a Gardenia and they completed the whole house in 17 minutes! The price was very reasonable. We are very pleased with their services.

[tfa4755]

We bought on our first visit and are very happy. Prices went up significantly after our purchase.

[cms36]

I'm the opposite. I get a Vonage, MagicJack type service for my home phone. I keep the ringer turned off. I'll then configure it to email any voice-mails and then listen to the voice-mails on my smartphone or computer. This is the number I give out to contractors or whenever you have to leave a phone number when filling out forms, applications, etc.

My cell to just the friends and family.

Kinda the same when it comes to my door. If I hear the door bell I wont answer unless I'm expecting someone.

[virginiap]

As billiethekid said, think about buying new furniture here instead of paying so much to ship tired, outdated furniture.

The consignment shops here are full of things that are in good shape but extremely dated, and much of it cost the owner a bundle to ship it here and then it did not fit or did not do justice to a sparkling, fresh new or pre-owned home here.

"If anyone finds this, I love you Remember that song? That's what this feels like...New furniture is only one thing that is needed... I want to move here so I am looking for roommates to share expenses. Is there a place to post to look for roommates?

[xcaligirl]

We are newbies and I will say to not believe everything even on TOTV! I hired a 'well-known landscaping company' who stated to be very 'stellar' and was not a professional job at all. I have a couple of dead plants that I am replacing today, the stated they would trim and they did not, they were suppose to trim a couple of branches off the roof ~ they trimmed ONE branch on the opposite side of the tree...they left a lot of roots exposed from the plants they pulled out ~ just be very careful and get everything in writing before they start and before you give them any money.
After 3 months, we still haven't had any door knockers and hoping it stays that way! :-)
I think the most important thing to do is your HOMEWORK!!! Don't trust the ads on any websites. I'm staring at one to my left as I'm typing that was a major fiasco. All is good and the most important thing is that I absolutely love the Villages!

[ssmith]

After moving in, I put up a NO SOLICTING note on the front door and everyone selling things left me alone

[mikeandnancy1112]

Don't pay up front to any service people unless you know them or are referred by someone you know.

[virginiap]

Let's do a thread with some advice for newbies, things to do and NOT to do when you first move here.

First I will say not to buy from the door pounders who come to you in the weeks right after you move in. Not because they are all unworthy contractors, but some of them are, and nothing, NOTHING has to be done at once. Take your time and wait for changes to water supply, adding pest treatments, painting driveways or even if you will add downspouts to the back of your home. Wait to see who your neighbors use for lawn maintainance.

Please jump in here and add your comments here everyone.



Gracie, You seem to be "a gal about town"!
I am moving to TV in April and need 1 possibly 2 roommates.
How does one go about finding possible roommates?

[kleeh]

I'm surprised so many people have land lines. I wouldn't know what to do with a land line. I kept the same cell number I've had for 20+ years and don't give it out to anyone but family

how do you not give your cell number non-family like medical, insurance, tax guy, financial, bank, pizza order, etc and so forth? This TV wannabe is Very interested to learn your secret.

[CFrance]

how do you not give your cell number non-family like medical, insurance, tax guy, financial, bank, pizza order, etc and so forth? This TV wannabe is Very interested to learn your secret.
Not only that, no matter where we have lived or visited, the sound quality on the land line far exceeds that of our cells.

Our land line is a Magic Jac. I much prefer it, and we don't get any scam or solicitation calls on it, as opposed to on our cells, where we do get a few despite being on the do-not-call list. Very few people have that number, and I actually give out my cell for the people you mentioned.

[asianthree]

I now have a burner phone to use while in TV.

[queasy27]

Hello and welcome!

I'd like you to know that this is not Shangri-La. There are people here who break traffic laws. Gasp! They drink and drive. They run red lights and may not understand or care about learning how to navigate the roundabouts. Some may not pick up after their dogs. They don't shower before using the pools. It's possible you could be given the finger, or jostled in a grocery store aisle. Passers-by can make unkind comments about the decorations on your lanai. Some of us are entitled, smug, rude, stingy, or close-minded. Your neighbors may not wish to socialize with you.

Therefore? The Villages is just like every other town in the world, with citizens of varying temperaments and outlooks. A lot of residents believe there is a much smaller percentage of meanies inside the bubble, but I haven't personally conducted the research.

Human nature exists in The Villages and you should by all means adjust your expectations accordingly. I only mention this because it seems as though a handful of arrivals continue to be dismayed/surprised/shocked/hurt/appalled about it.

[Angler]

We are new and getting many door knockers. Any used KCCI for general contracting?

[tekcormn]

where are the consignment shops for furniture located ?

[Tea42]

We had a water filtration man come in (with promise of a $25. dinner card that never received if he could test the quality of our water ) who used bible quotes to try to :ohdear:sell the system. After saying we couldn't afford the original quote for system, he just happened to have the same system for half the price, since the box was opened for a trade show. We again declined, saying we weren't financially ready. He proceeded to tell us that we were wrecking our health by drinking unpure water and that according to the bible, we would suffer damnation and purgatory for doing so. We politely told him we would just have to take our chances. He left really ticked off.

[dbussone]

We had a water filtration man come in (with promise of a $25. dinner card that never received if he could test the quality of our water ) who used bible quotes to try to :ohdear:sell the system. After saying we couldn't afford the original quote for system, he just happened to have the same system for half the price, since the box was opened for a trade show. We again declined, saying we weren't financially ready. He proceeded to tell us that we were wrecking our health by drinking unpure water and that according to the bible, we would suffer damnation and purgatory for doing so. We politely told him we would just have to take our chances. He left really ticked off.

I presume you have not seen any fire and brimstone yet either?

[dbussone]

We are new and getting many door knockers. Any used KCCI for general contracting?

Don't use anyone who comes knocking on your door. And if you think you might like to try a company, call Seniors vs Crime to check the company out.

[cjwollborg]

Thanks for this thread! We are taking our time making choices, but have had many people pounding on our door. There is a woman who essentially poses as a welcome wagon pushing a free dinner at one of the country clubs, who works for Pegasus Water Systems. The one who wins for being the most aggressive has been Service Smart, beginning the day I was waiting for the moving truck. They came 6 times in 8 days. I called Community Standards and complained, without much satisfaction. I was told there isn't much they can do about it, since the roads are public. I guess I have to get a "No Solicitation" sign for my front door.

[ALR5ALR]

check with Seniors vs Crime ,Lake,Sumter,or Marion county,give them a name /company of the vendor your thinking about hiring and they'll tell you if there's any complaints on them,Sumter office is open 3 days a week 10-2.

[Barefoot]

how do you not give your cell number non-family like medical, insurance, tax guy, financial, bank, pizza order, etc and so forth? This TV wannabe is Very interested to learn your secret.

I don't have a cell phone. :eek:
I ask people to communicate with me via email, which I check several times a day.

[Fraugoofy]

I have never had a land line. What is it?

[rexxfan]

Greetings all, we came to TV in January to rent for 3 months and to possibly buy a retirement home here if we found the right one. To make a long story short, we did! We're closing in a couple of weeks but will be heading back north for the Summer in early April. So, we've got only a short time to arrange for the property to be taken care of. Minimally it seems to me we need someone to mow the lawn. Reading TOTV I see folks talking about a lot of other services (such as home watch, pest control, irrigation maintenance and on and on). Worse, it sees there's no one company that can do it all. What do I really need to arrange for before leaving and what can wait until we return in October and can you recommend specific providers? We're going to be located in Winifred. Many thanks for your help.
--
bc

[NavyNJ]

rlcronin: Greetings all, we came to TV in January to rent for 3 months and to possibly buy a retirement home here if we found the right one. To make a long story short, we did! We're closing in a couple of weeks but will be heading back north for the Summer in early April. So, we've got only a short time to arrange for the property to be taken care of. Minimally it seems to me we need someone to mow the lawn. Reading TOTV I see folks talking about a lot of other services (such as home watch, pest control, irrigation maintenance and on and on). Worse, it sees there's no one company that can do it all. What do I really need to arrange for before leaving and what can wait until we return in October and can you recommend specific providers? We're going to be located in Winifred. Many thanks for your help.
--
bc


bc: Check your pvt msgs. Sent you some info.

[deestatham]

We are moving to TV in September from Maryland and have decided to sell EVERYTHING. Had a moving man come to give us an estimate to move and store the furniture and came to the conclusion that it wasn't worth it. Have friends who just moved there 2 years ago and they wish they had done the same thing. Said there are lots of good consignment stores there to purchase what you need. Have also decided to rent a furnished house for a year before deciding to buy. Just seems like the best thing for us.

[paulat585]

Hi, I am brand new, closing on a house on Thursday. Won't see what services the seller has in place until then.

I'm getting the idea that pest control and termite control are 2 different things. Is that right? If so, does one company do both or do you need to hire 2 different entities? Thanks! Paula

[Shimpy]

This post started 2 years ago, but I guess nothing has changed.

[Barefoot]

Hi, I am brand new, closing on a house on Thursday.

:welcome: When I was new to TOTV, I didn't know about the Search Button so I like to tell newbies about it.
You can do a search on any subject, and you will find tons of previous threads on the topic.
It's a great asset - I still use it all the time when I need to remember info on a particular subject.

[Boothbaygal]

I do not recommend Babette's Furniture in Leesburg.

[paulat585]

Greetings all, we came to TV in January to rent for 3 months and to possibly buy a retirement home here if we found the right one. To make a long story short, we did! We're closing in a couple of weeks but will be heading back north for the Summer in early April. So, we've got only a short time to arrange for the property to be taken care of. Minimally it seems to me we need someone to mow the lawn. Reading TOTV I see folks talking about a lot of other services (such as home watch, pest control, irrigation maintenance and on and on). Worse, it sees there's no one company that can do it all. What do I really need to arrange for before leaving and what can wait until we return in October and can you recommend specific providers? We're going to be located in Winifred. Many thanks for your help.
--
bc
We also came in January, closed on a new home on 3/19 & find ourselves at a loss to sort through what services we need to put in place before we leave. Would appreciate any advice! Thank you! Paula and John

[CFrance]

I do not recommend Babette's Furniture in Leesburg.
Why not?

[Bogie Shooter]

I do not recommend Babette's Furniture in Leesburg.

I like Babette's.

[Bogie Shooter]

We also came in January, closed on a new home on 3/19 & find ourselves at a loss to sort through what services we need to put in place before we leave. Would appreciate any advice! Thank you! Paula and John

What about your sales rep?

[hulahips]

Don't over landscape. A small $5.00 palm can turn out gorgeous with patience

[NavyNJ]

We also came in January, closed on a new home on 3/19 & find ourselves at a loss to sort through what services we need to put in place before we leave. Would appreciate any advice! Thank you! Paula and John


Paula & John: Welcome to TV!! Went thru some of the same stuff you're trying to figure out a few months ago. Got LOTS of good info about services, options and companies to use by searching here on TOTV as others have advised. I've also sent you a PM (Pvt Msg) with some details, so check your Inbox. Good luck!! We're headed down for a week on Tues. and can't wait!! Ciao!

[paulat585]

Paula & John: Welcome to TV!! Went thru some of the same stuff you're trying to figure out a few months ago. Got LOTS of good info about services, options and companies to use by searching here on TOTV as others have advised. I've also sent you a PM (Pvt Msg) with some details, so check your Inbox. Good luck!! We're headed down for a week on Tues. and can't wait!! Ciao!

Thank you so much, NavyJ! We got your PM. Will check out your recs. Paula & John

[NavyNJ]

Thank you so much, NavyJ! We got your PM. Will check out your recs. Paula & John

Hey - saw you had NE Ohio listed in your signature block on msgs. Where exactly? I grew up in Warren, had relatives in Youngstown/Boardman area and cousin now in Port Huron.

[paulat585]

Hey - saw you had NE Ohio listed in your signature block on msgs. Where exactly? I grew up in Warren, had relatives in Youngstown/Boardman area and cousin now in Port Huron.

We are from the Akron area. Currently live in Tallmadge, but spent lots of time in Cuyahoga Falls. I had some relatives who lived in Canfield in the 60s, but nobody in Youngstown.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Memorize this. If you need to, write it down and study it every day.

"When approaching a round about, if you intend to take the FIRST EXIT, you MUST use the RIGHT HAND LANE.

If you are going straight though by taking the SECOND EXIT, you may use EITHER LANE. (If you are in the left hand lane, be very careful of people on your right who may not know the next rule.)

If you intend to take the THIRD EXIT, you MUST use the LEFT HAND LANE.

And at all times, especially in a round about, keep your head on a swivel. Be aware of everything and everyone around you.

[paulat585]

Memorize this. If you need to, write it down and study it every day.

"When approaching a round about, if you intend to take the FIRST EXIT, you MUST use the RIGHT HAND LANE.

If you are going straight though by taking the SECOND EXIT, you may use EITHER LANE. (If you are in the left hand lane, be very careful of people on your right who may not know the next rule.)

If you intend to take the THIRD EXIT, you MUST use the LEFT HAND LANE.

And at all times, especially in a round about, keep your head on a swivel. Be aware of everything and everyone around you.

Thank you!

[Frank101]

Hello, I just joined your site today and until I get used to searching the questions I will be having, I could use some help.
I will be coming to TV in April or May to look for a home. Is it better to use the Villages realtor office or go to local Weichert or etc?
If you could tell me which forums to look up, it would be appreciated.
Thank you.

[pbkmaine]

You should have both a Villages sales agent and a realtor. The Villages has its own listing service, called VLS, and Villages sales agents can show you those houses. The new houses are all VLS. A realtor from a firm like Weichert can show you the MLS houses. Then there are the FSBO houses, and a website called, I believe, VillagesFSBO has some of those.

[NancyF]

I would say do nothing in terms of upgrades for the first year. You jump into doing things because you're excited and or perhaps of friendly competition with your neighbors (look what the Jones' are doing). You may realize that after a year you do not like your street, or do not like your neighbors or you may want to move. Drive around to other sections and see what people have done to their homes. Get quotes first and sit on them.

[ScorpioSquared]

Thanks for all the great advice. We're newbies and appreciate the experienced opinions.:bowdown:

[GolfinIrishLass]

Your best investment will be a NO SOLICITING sign to post prominently in your front door window. That stopped the pesky solicitors who lie about who they represent and what they sell. The "Welcome Wagon" lady was really a water treatment saleswoman who wisely did't make her pitch when I spoke about my desire to draw and quarter all the solicitors who were bothering me. One of the "landscapers" was just arrested for grand larceny after he ripped off lots of my neighbors in Dunedin who got a group together to implore the Sheriff's Office to take action. Beware of new construction in your neighborhood. The Villages Management does give a damn about all the flat tires on cars and golf carts that result from aluminum screws and nails left in public roads by building contractors. Not to mention dust and dirt and lots of noise.