Why is same house being used for model tour, but with different prices

[senior citizen]

..........

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Any feedback from us TOTV folks will be "educated guesses". The most accurate feedback will come from a sales rep. Too many nuances involved which can affect the house prices.

Bill :)

[George Bieniaszek]

I agree with Bill. You have to talk with a sales rep. and have him describe the differences or upgrades that are included in the homes. Bump-outs, tile floors, granite countertops, upgraded appliances all affect the purchase price of the home. The biggest influence in home price is going to be the price of the lot.

An interior lot with back-to-back lanai's is going to be the least expensive. Go to a corner lot that generally is larger, up goes the price. Go to a view lot or pick a golf front lot on a cul-de-sac that has because of it's pie-shape size with a large frontage on the golf course and you are looking at spending $150,000 or more for the lot. So that Begonia on an interior lot you mentioned is $256K. Put that same lot on an attractive golf front lot and you are over $400K.

Take your time, look at lots and lots of homes, new and pre-owned and determine what will work for you and your wallet.

[tucson]

I would rent for a mo. or so and look everywhere (I mean even outside of TV) and compare w/TV, you'll be surprised ! We lived in TV since 2005 and moved out recently to another GC comm. 5 min./4mi. from TV , so we still use the convenience of shopping/dining/etc. in & near TV but best of all, we have a better house for less$ and taxes, insurance etc,etc. We moved b/c .(for us) TV is getting too big,crowded,noisy,etc.

[skip0358]

If you look at a model tour of a new house for sale it's a tour of the MODEL Home in the Model Home section. If there are snap shots listedof the new house for sale that will be pictures of the house for sale. If it's a used house and there's a caption that says virtual tour that will be a tour of the used house for sale.

[graciegirl]

Question for those in the know.......
Usually, I've been looking at "resales" of designer pool homes as we were not sure we'd want to go the route of building "from afar".....not knowing exactly how it would turn out.......been there, done that. We've done a lot of additions, building and remodeling in our lifetime. Owned many homes.

Plus, there are many excellent , gently used, resales in The Villages.

However, yesterday, I came across a newly built cement/stucco home in the Village of Gilchrist........today I came across the same exact house in the Village of Fernandina. Same model tour.

The "model tours" are exactly the very same house visually.

Both say corner lot. Both have HUGE lanai and look to be on golf course.
Spa. No pool.

However, I doubt the first one would be only $265,931. marked down to $256,995. Its a Begonia on Dafoe Terrace, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,910 sq. ft. golf cart garage, etc..........it shows a HUGE LANAI and a spa.

The second one, just found this morning, is the exact same house, but it is $317,382. marked down to $305,995. Same house as the one yesterday. This model is on Mockingbird in Fernandina.

They look like they are on a golf course.....but something tells me NOT.

The one on Dafoe says it has carpeting.

The one on Mockingbird says it has tile everywhere but bedrooms.

The MODEL TOUR shows beautiful dark wood floors throughout.

My husband thinks they are using one generic photo for all???????????

How much more would it cost to build the Begonia but with hardwood floors throughout, even in the kitchen?

Also, I wonder if these "models" are "bumped out" like the one we stayed in which was very generously sized and bumped out, as told to me by the owner. Our kids even liked the Begonia. The lanai was good sized with a birdcaged pool off of it......for great outdoor living.....

How many have traveled down thinking what they saw online was still around and it was either sold or not quite the same?

When we looked at some models, the realtor told us that the Iris was supposedly the shrunken something or other that we were staying in for our Lifestyle Visit at Creekside Landing. I can honestly say it did not look anything like the model we were staying in.........

Can anyone divulge the "extra amount of $$" to get the average new construction house to look like the model???? Cost to bump out here and there? Cost for a few upgrades. Cost for larger lanai?

I know the realtor could tell us. Just wondering if anyone could help us out as we "think it over"..........first.

Thanks in advance, as always, for the wonderful input everyone shares along with the wonderful insight of having been there and already done it.

Also, who is happy with their resale?
Who is happier with their brand new home?
Obviously there are good points to both.

We would want to make the lanai and birdcaged area a great outdoor living area with summer kitchen..........so that's another fee on top of a pool.

Thankyou!!

Anyway, we are planning.........

Your husband is right. They are using the same generic model of each design on the MODEL TOUR part but the photo is of the actual home being sold. (So all Gardenias listed for instance will show the same model tour, but the actual photo in the listing is of the house for sale.) The same for Wisterias, Lantanas etc.etc. This of course would be under NEW homes. They do change the model tour part from time to time as they change and sell decorated models. I love to look at the home tours for that reason. They have GREAT decorators.

A Gardenia, for example, as a spec home, can be any number of prices depending on how many extras are added to it and on what kind of lot it is on, whether it has a view or a kissing lanai, has a golf cart garage, a pool or added kicks etc.etc.

[TrudyM]

I have been looking online for awhile. You can pick a lot and build or buy one they have built already on spec. or buy a re-sale (owned by someone other than the developer at least for awhile) I have noticed that all pull up the same model tour or the one that was used six months ago. Some say house similar to this some don't have that disclaimer but I have been told none of them are the actual house for sale. If you are looking at a resale listed in the MLS it usually has a tour of the real house but sometimes it also has a tour of the model with a note house is similar to this model but the still shots show the actual house. I would think that if you narrow it down to a few the cost of the airfare would be worth it to take a look. If the model is expanded it usually says so in the listing and the floor plan on the site is for the unexpanded. Lyle grants list of floor plans is invaluable for re-sales as they have changed the names of the models over time for the same plan. (I got an adobe file with links off this site in a post of his some place it is not on his website but I bet he would email it to you he seems nice and helpful) We are going to take the advice of the TOTV people and try to rent in three areas two months each so we are sure 100% were we want to be then be bide our time to find the right house. I hate to say it but in an over 55 community I would think there will always be units for sale as people decide to move near their kids or a spouse dies etc.

[ilovetv]

We are going to take the advice of the TOTV people and try to rent in three areas two months each so we are sure 100% were we want to be then be bide our time to find the right house.

It's true: The biggest regret people have is that they did not buy/move here sooner. Nobody is getting younger and our days are numbered.

Renting first is a good idea, but it doesn't take 2 months to know if you like an area or not. Two to four weeks and you'd know if you would count that area out or in. Why be stuck for 2 months in a house or an area you did not like in the first week? I met a couple last week who are renting a place they dislike terribly because of the furnishings and decor being old and shabby. But they're stuck with it thru April.

[graciegirl]

It's true: The biggest regret people have is that they did not buy/move here sooner. Nobody is getting younger and our days are numbered.

Renting first is a good idea, but it doesn't take 2 months to know if you like an area or not. Two to four weeks and you'd know if you would count that area out or in. Why be stuck for 2 months in a house or an area you did not like in the first week? I met a couple last week who are renting a place they dislike terribly because of the furnishings and decor being old and shabby. But they're stuck with it thru April.


I have heard THAT scenario from people more than once. You are right ilovetv.

[Cisco Kid]

Your husband is right. They are using the same generic model of each design on the MODEL TOUR part but the photo is of the actual home being sold. (So all Gardenias listed for instance will show the same model tour, but the actual photo in the listing is of the house for sale.) The same for Wisterias, Lantanas etc.etc. This of course would be under NEW homes. They do change the model tour part from time to time as they change and sell decorated models. I love to look at the home tours for that reason. They have GREAT decorators.

A Gardenia, for example, as a spec home, can be any number of prices depending on how many extras are added to it and on what kind of lot it is on, whether it has a view or a kissing lanai, has a golf cart garage, a pool or added kicks etc.etc.

That is something you do not ever hear.

Your husband is RIGHT :BigApplause:


Play it again Gracie

[senior citizen]

...........

[senior citizen]

...........

[SMills]

Yes, I've come to the same conclusion that The Villages "Search New Homes and Villas for Sale in The Villages, Florida" is using the same EXACT "model tour" down to the exact furniture and the exact lanai (oversized with spa on a golf course).......for the $$256,995 BEGONIA at 3135 Dafoe Terrace in the Village of Gilchrist as it is using for the $305,995 BEGONIA at 1327 Mockingbird Lane in the Village of Fernandina. Same exact tour.

Both homes were slightly discounted. The less expensive home has laminate countertops while the other one has granite countertops.

This is listed on the print out under FEATURES....but the model tour photos are exactly the same, totally identical in both homes....as I discovered this morning.

The lesser priced home has carpeting and the higher one has tile.
The photos show beautiful dark hardwood or laminate floors.

My husband thought it looked to be a good price for being on a golf course according to the photo..........but we soon figured out they were just using the same "video" or model tour for both homes............and neither was probably on a golf course......but both did say "corner lot"; one said oversized garage which we would like.

He said he would have flown down to look........but we haven't even listed our home yet........so have plenty of time. We do understand that to get a larger home we have to pay for all the "bumping out" etc.........however,I just thought that the photos of said NEW HOMES would be accurate......it was confusing at first, but now I do "get it" and totally understand.

Thanks to all who responded. The prices seemed too low for the size of the LANAI.....and the location of the LOT in the photo.

We were spoiled being in our rental home which was on the Nancy Lopez golf course. Nice to have that out back.

In our married life, we've had hardwood floors, carpeting, tile, etc.
I think for the next house, I'd like the wood floors throughout; that's why the first "model tour" jumped out at me.

During our visit we got to explore exactly where all the villages were and saw some model homes..........and open houses..........it was all overwhelming............at least the next time we will be much more familiar with where everything is.

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO RESPONDED. APPRECIATE IT.

My significant other and I just bought a lot in Gilchrist and plan on building this summer/fall. We were told by our agent that you aren't going to be able to buy a lot and build out within the next six months. As new areas are opening up they are going to be filled with spec homses. So if you are planning to build, I would come down sooner rather than later. Good luck with your search, we like so many others, love The Villages.

[Heartnsoul]

I would rent for a mo. or so and look everywhere (I mean even outside of TV) and compare w/TV, you'll be surprised ! We lived in TV since 2005 and moved out recently to another GC comm. 5 min./4mi. from TV , so we still use the convenience of shopping/dining/etc. in & near TV but best of all, we have a better house for less$ and taxes, insurance etc,etc. We moved b/c .(for us) TV is getting too big,crowded,noisy,etc.

where did you move to?? i can understand the villages is getting too big for some so what do you love about your community??

[jimlocke]

Actually, my house was used for multiple locations up to 10 days after I closed on it.

[barb1191]

I spent a day with a TV salesperson where I was shown all newly-built homes. This was back in 2002 when TV did not sell resales.

I was somewhat disenchanted with the newly-built homes to buy as most options seemed quite costly.

I then purchased the Daily Sun and circled three private sales listed in the classifieds. The very first home I saw I loved and bought it then and there. The owners had it on the market as they were building an upgrade. I love my home and have never regretted buying it as it had all of the options I wanted at a very reasonable price; it was built in 2001 and immaculate with lovely landscaping.

My choice: Buy resale!!

[graciegirl]

Actually, my house was used for multiple locations up to 10 days after I closed on it.

I have read this post four times and I still don't understand it.

[justjim]

I would rent for a mo. or so and look everywhere (I mean even outside of TV) and compare w/TV, you'll be surprised ! We lived in TV since 2005 and moved out recently to another GC comm. 5 min./4mi. from TV , so we still use the convenience of shopping/dining/etc. in & near TV but best of all, we have a better house for less$ and taxes, insurance etc,etc. We moved b/c .(for us) TV is getting too big,crowded,noisy,etc.

I agree renting for a couple of months is a good idea if you are planning a big investment in a new or resale home. This is true Wheather in TV or another retirement community. TV you pay for the lifestyle and all the convenience. Is it worth it? Most of us think so and over time the "value" of your investment has increased when compared to other retirement communities. The proof as they say is in the pudding---in sales of new and resale homes in recent months----TV is the leader in Florida and the country. :thumbup:

[John_W]

We moved into our new CYV in Tamarind Grove in July 2011, the entire villa community sold out in about 4 months and we were one of the last to move in. The home next door was sold the same time but we didn't meet the neighbors until about three months later. They were both 7 years from retirement and we would see them every three months when they traveled down from Connecticut. They bought a 2 BR Marathon model that was furnished, it was a display model.

When they came they always did some improvement. Last time was a $10,000 landscaping job from Mansfield. Another time it was to get glass in their front door, another was to buy a golf cart and a TV. Last week they came and decided a 2 BR wasn't big enough. They listed their home for sale with the Villages RE and bought a new CYV 3 BR Arlington in Sanibel. Before they left they had a buyer and sold their old home. So in one week they bought and sold a CYV.

[senior citizen]

......

[senior citizen]

................

[senior citizen]

..............

[senior citizen]

...........

[senior citizen]

......

[a1b2c3d4]

Becareful there may be sink holes in the area, this has been known

[janmcn]

Becareful there may be sink holes in the area, this has been known

What area is that?

[perrjojo]

It seems clear to me that the photos of the model are exactly that...photos of "the current model home". The home you are looking at is NOT "the model" but an entirely different home with the features listed. The floor plan is the basic floor plan and not necessarily the exact plan of the home you are viewing. You must compare square footage.

[jagdl]

I am not a realtor nor do I work for the Villages. Just learned things for our purchases. Each model has a base price. You start there. Each model has a designated name. "iris" "begonia" If an upgrade is made to a particular floorplan (say trey ceilings) the developer may change the name (and usually raise the base price). The old name will be shelved.

Now you have to pick the land. Each model comes with a base price for a lot. If you pick a house on your standard lot there is no add on. OR if you pick a standard lot and build on it there is no add on. If your lot is oversized, or has a golf course "view" (from even across the busy street), or is on the golf course, or is on a preserve, there are add ons. A nice lot on a golf course could add as much as $50,0000 to your house price.

Now you have to pay for what you or they put in the house. Low end package is laminite, carpet, enamel appliances. If you go with a stainless steel package, granite countertops, high end tile on the diagonal. Add on Add on Add on.

Now the structural add ons. Golf cart garage? Add on. Stretch the garage? Add on, Stretch one side of the house to give more living room and bedroom? Add on.

Pool or spa? add on.

Some of the models are sold with furniture package. add on.

Now you know why two models of the same house can have a vastly different bottom line.

Hope that helps.



Question for those in the know.......
Usually, I've been looking at "resales" of designer pool homes as we were not sure we'd want to go the route of building "from afar".....not knowing exactly how it would turn out.......been there, done that. We've done a lot of additions, building and remodeling in our lifetime. Owned many homes.

Plus, there are many excellent , gently used, resales in The Villages.

However, yesterday, I came across a newly built cement/stucco home in the Village of Gilchrist........today I came across the same exact house in the Village of Fernandina. Same model tour.

The "model tours" are exactly the very same house visually.

Both say corner lot. Both have HUGE lanai and look to be on golf course.
Spa. No pool.

However, I doubt the first one would be only $265,931. marked down to $256,995. Its a Begonia on Dafoe Terrace, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,910 sq. ft. golf cart garage, etc..........it shows a HUGE LANAI and a spa.

The second one, just found this morning, is the exact same house, but it is $317,382. marked down to $305,995. Same house as the one yesterday. This model is on Mockingbird in Fernandina.

They look like they are on a golf course.....but something tells me NOT.

The one on Dafoe says it has carpeting.

The one on Mockingbird says it has tile everywhere but bedrooms.

The MODEL TOUR shows beautiful dark wood floors throughout.

My husband thinks they are using one generic photo for all???????????

How much more would it cost to build the Begonia but with hardwood floors throughout, even in the kitchen?

Also, I wonder if these "models" are "bumped out" like the one we stayed in which was very generously sized and bumped out, as told to me by the owner. Our kids even liked the Begonia. The lanai was good sized with a birdcaged pool off of it......for great outdoor living.....

How many have traveled down thinking what they saw online was still around and it was either sold or not quite the same?

When we looked at some models, the realtor told us that the Iris was supposedly the shrunken something or other that we were staying in for our Lifestyle Visit at Creekside Landing. I can honestly say it did not look anything like the model we were staying in.........

Can anyone divulge the "extra amount of $$" to get the average new construction house to look like the model???? Cost to bump out here and there? Cost for a few upgrades. Cost for larger lanai?

I know the realtor could tell us. Just wondering if anyone could help us out as we "think it over"..........first.

Thanks in advance, as always, for the wonderful input everyone shares along with the wonderful insight of having been there and already done it.

Also, who is happy with their resale?
Who is happier with their brand new home?
Obviously there are good points to both.

We would want to make the lanai and birdcaged area a great outdoor living area with summer kitchen..........so that's another fee on top of a pool.

Thankyou!!

Anyway, we are planning.........