No new lots available?

[dotti105]

We were there the last week of May and put a deposit on our lot the week we returned home.

Since then, I have noticed that there have been no new lots made available for sale.

I mentioned this to our Sales Agent and was told that they have really ramped up the construction of Specs and that no new lots have been released.

Apparently the sales staff is waiting for a sales executive to return and give them the official update. But it looks as if we got in just under the wire. I am so thankful that we will be able to design our own home instead of limited to picking a spec.

I guess they really are getting ready for the build out.......

[A-4 Skyhawk]

We were there the last week of May and put a deposit on our lot the week we returned home.

Since then, I have noticed that there have been no new lots made available for sale.

I mentioned this to our Sales Agent and was told that they have really ramped up the construction of Specs and that no new lots have been released.

Apparently the sales staff is waiting for a sales executive to return and give them the official update. But it looks as if we got in just under the wire. I am so thankful that we will be able to design our own home instead of limited to picking a spec.

I guess they really are getting ready for the build out.......

Here is a quote I got from our sales rep a week ago:
"We are not releasing any new neighborhoods for site reservations (and haven't for 3 months). The remaining sites are disappearing quickly--I heard thru the grapevine that end of August will be the last chance to choose a site. After that, they will put spec homes on all remaining. "

[3puttharry]

Here is a quote I got from our sales rep a week ago:
"We are not releasing any new neighborhoods for site reservations (and haven't for 3 months). The remaining sites are disappearing quickly--I heard thru the grapevine that end of August will be the last chance to choose a site. After that, they will put spec homes on all remaining. "

Is the life style preview plan still being offered?

[Schaumburger]

Is the life style preview plan still being offered?

I am doing a life style preview visit in October for 7 days. The rate is $125 per night. As far as LSV's being available past October, I don't know. The TV sales office should be able to tell interested parties if the life style preview visits will be available after October.

[Hopeful2]

We have received differing responses from different sales reps just this week. Some have said that only specs will be available soon. Others have said that lots will be released...but they just don't know when.

Has anyone else heard anything either way?

[SALYBOW]

My friends bought here about 7-8 years ago. At that time there were only spec homes available also. I have heard from a plummer that they will be building tons of spec homes because of new tax laws. It changes based on the economy.

[billethkid]

the actions described are indicative of a very healthy demand.
They will continue to build and control costs more efficiently than even before. Then release completed homes to the sales force who will in turn contact a prioritized buyers list with what is available, giving a very specific time (a couple of days/maybe) before going to the next one on the list.

This is exactly how TV did business in 2005 and 2006. Some folks were given 24 hours to decide yes or no.

In one respect it is foretellong of the pent up demand foe housing in TV. A very beneficial side effect is home values will definitely rise. Resales will be very active.

All predicted to happen as build out nears. The demand for residency in TV will continue to be fueled by the every growing baby boomer wave that is just starting.

btk

[dotti105]

So glad we came when we did. We came just to "check it out" and mark it off our list as a possibility for retirement. We both thought it was all too good to be true!

We were very fortunate with our timing. We were able to choose our fantastic view lot and build the Designer home WE design. I count myself among the very fortunate.

We almost cancelled the LSV and considered a cruise instead, as we needed a quiet getaway and didn't want to be hassled with some high pressure sales. I am so glad we didn't!! We fell in love with TV immediately and have a fantastic Sales Rep, Julia Powell, who is anything but high pressure. More like a tour guide, a pleasure to be with and a wealth of information.

We did not realize that a place like this could actually live up to the hype. Our visit surpassed all our expectations and dispelled all the strange rumors we heard.

Can't wait for our design visit in late Nov!!

[graciegirl]

The spec homes will be just wonderful and many, many choices. When we bought our first home in TV in 2008, only spec homes were offered and they weren't just cookie cutter, they were all different, with many expansions and different kinds of interiors, some offered with washer and dryer and some not, some with granite and some not, some with blinds and some not. Some on view lots and some with kissing lanais.

We found one we loved for four years until a poster on TOTV talked us into selling it to them.

And we decided to live here full time and built a home. One experience was no better than the other. Both just lovely.

[A-4 Skyhawk]

Is the life style preview plan still being offered?

Sales rep says LSVs are their bread and butter so they will just expose people to the specs if people are interested. Our designer told us that they put a lot of time into picking good finishes in the specs.

[tghoul]

Unit 213 in Gilchrist went on sale about 4-5 months ago and were all Spec. About 5-6 weeks ago Unit 223 in Collier opened with about 40% home sites and 60% Specs. About 2 weeks ago Unit 222 in Collier opened with all Specs. They are currently building in Unit 230 in Collier near the new Regional Rec Center. I'm not certain but it also appears to be all Specs.

[jimbo2012]

there lots for sale on the site

The Villages Vmail - July 2013 - Build Your Dream Home (http://www.thevillages.com/newsletter/201307j44Q6g/home-neighborhoods.htm)

Someone don't know the what they are saying, maybe a rumor

[DianeM]

Does it really matter if a house turns out to be a spec home?

[tghoul]

there lots for sale on the site

The Villages Vmail - July 2013 - Build Your Dream Home (http://www.thevillages.com/newsletter/201307j44Q6g/home-neighborhoods.htm)

Someone don't know the what they are saying, maybe a rumor

There still are lots for sale but the trend is to build specs. Within the past several months there have been 3 units released for sale. There were approximately 500 lots of which roughly 400 were specs and 100 lot sales.

[jimbo2012]

there R only 270 specs avail, that's not many for TV.

Last summer they held off on new units too after June.

Then in the fall they went full steam, these folks have their pulse on the market.

[patfla06]

We bought a spec in Gilchrist and I couldn't have done
a better job then whoever designed it.
Loved all the finishes - I would not have changed a thing!

[maddie101]

The design team designs the specs. Same team that sees what buyers like use popular choices and colors. That is why there is something fir everyone

[dotti105]

I agree the Spec homes are great.
Just surprised that they are limiting the number of lots for custom Designer homes to be built.
I guess it is just the time of year. Maybe they will ramp it up when the busy season arrives. Or perhaps it is a way to sell/close quicker.
We have 6 months from deposit date to design date. If a spec is purchased the time frame is very compressed. All the design choices are already made and deposit to closing is much shorter. Which equals more closings in less time.
Good for business!
I am just glad that I have the option to make my own design mistakes, Haha!

[gmcneill]

Does it really matter if a house turns out to be a spec home?

No, not overly so.

From my view point, the main issue wi a spec home is that one doesn't have the opportunity to customize the home based on personal tastes, wants, and needs. Buyers who have that ability to customize a new build home might- note: might- design a home that ultimately increases in value more quickly.

A village resident looking to "build" a new ome would want the ability to add, delete, or revise features in that home based on what their live-in experiences in their current home. A first time buyer (who has never rented in TV) wouldn't have that frame of reference. Consequently, those buyers won't miss what they never had.

[jimbo2012]

You can always modify any home more than you might think.

Also spec homes on larger lots give you even more possibilities

[tghoul]

Unit 230 in Collier just opened. It also appears to be all specs

[gomoho]

All I can say is if any of this is true I'm sitting here in a 5 year old designer hearing cha-ching, cha-ching. It is a welcome sound after taking a beating in the last real estate transaction. Will any of this cha-ching benefit me??? only psychologically 'cause I believe I am recouping some of my prior loss and have no plans on going anywhere. After all it's all paper wealth isn't it??? real estate, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, even cold hard cash 'cause I suppose at any moment the dollar could be seriously devalued.

[DianeM]

No, not overly so.

From my view point, the main issue wi a spec home is that one doesn't have the opportunity to customize the home based on personal tastes, wants, and needs. Buyers who have that ability to customize a new build home might- note: might- design a home that ultimately increases in value more quickly.

A village resident looking to "build" a new ome would want the ability to add, delete, or revise features in that home based on what their live-in experiences in their current home. A first time buyer (who has never rented in TV) wouldn't have that frame of reference. Consequently, those buyers won't miss what they never had.


Makes sense. Personally I was happy to find a house I liked that was already standing when my last house sold in 7 days. Would I like to get ridof the carpet - sure and I will at some point. Beyond that I'm a happy camper.

[TheCollierCpl]

No new lots going up as yet. There is still a good mixture of lots in the first Collier section. They will be going all spec fairly soon (we understand). Contact a sale person asap if you want to build.

[SMills]

I spoke with our agent yesterday (7/30) and he pretty much assured me that there will be further build lots released in the not too distant future. The Build Program has not ended, new lots will be released.

[SpicyCajunPugs]

I would not count on anything at all unless it is in an iron clad contract with very specific clauses that can have no ambiguous interpretations. There was a new post tonight that just said she had until December, but her rep said they have cut design appointments to just Monday and Tuesdays and they will only be releasing specs. The lots available now may be all you have left to choose from, and only for a short time or specs will be built on them also. I learned the hard way when we were promised many things by a sales rep who left the Villages real estate shortly after our design appointment quite mysteriously....most of his "promises" and "guarantees" were not fulfilled. I am concerned that SMills (my friend Sharon) keeps getting verbal but not written guarantees from her rep (quote: he pretty much assured me), etc...Please don't count on anything at this point, as the Villages will do or change whatever is in their best interests like any other profitable business, so make plans and dreams accordingly

[dotti105]

Good advice!!!!
If you want to design your home. You better get your name on a contract ASAP!

[SpicyCajunPugs]

I spoke with our agent yesterday (7/30) and he pretty much assured me that there will be further build lots released in the not too distant future. The Build Program has not ended, new lots will be released.

Bruce and I hope that works out for you, but I wouldn't wait that long to pick a lot from what I have heard...good luck

[Lahaja]

If you take a drive down 44 heading east out of Brownwood, it is about 5 miles (I hit my odometer) of cleared land waiting for construction. All belonging to the Villages, because there is a Village sign facing you when heading west toward the community. There will be many more houses by the looks of it....anyone hear the scuttlebutt on that area? We are new to Gilchrist....still getting lost around here!

[TheCollierCpl]

There seem to be many questions about design meetings, custom construction, etc.
FYI: We learned today, definitively, that there are openings for design meetings as early as October 22.

[frostola]

Did you notice that the model home prices didn't go up on the 1st of the month, this is the first time in 6 months that they have not increased.

[keithwand]

1 Premier lot available.

[SpicyCajunPugs]

There seem to be many questions about design meetings, custom construction, etc.
FYI: We learned today, definitively, that there are openings for design meetings as early as October 22.

Yes, you can get a design appointment if you have reserved one of the available lots. It is the future of new lots opening up that is the big question that seems up in the air.

[champion6]

If you take a drive down 44 heading east out of Brownwood, it is about 5 miles (I hit my odometer) of cleared land waiting for construction. All belonging to the Villages, because there is a Village sign facing you when heading west toward the community. There will be many more houses by the looks of it....anyone hear the scuttlebutt on that area?There is no scuttlebutt... it's already planned. Buy a 2013 $5 map and see for yourself.

[tghoul]

1 Premier lot available.

The Villages map shows 1 more Premier neighborhood, Osceola Hills at Lake Deaton. It will be off Morse Blvd. east of Lake Deaton. It show roughly 95 lots.

[tghoul]

If you take a drive down 44 heading east out of Brownwood, it is about 5 miles (I hit my odometer) of cleared land waiting for construction. All belonging to the Villages, because there is a Village sign facing you when heading west toward the community. There will be many more houses by the looks of it....anyone hear the scuttlebutt on that area? We are new to Gilchrist....still getting lost around here!

The land being cleared is near where Morse Blvd will intersect with Hwy 44. The last Regional Recreation Center, Cypress Glen, will be built at this intersection. Also some of the cleared land you see will be the site of the last championship golf course, Belle Glade. Naturally there will be plenty of homes built along the Morse Blvd. corridor.

[tghoul]

Unit 231 in Collier opened last week. Again all spec homes. I talked to two salesman today who said other than the last Premier section there will no longer be any lots sold. There are still a few lots remaining in Collier, Gilchrist and Pinellas but that is about it for available lots.

[jimbo2012]

I don't believe those two salesmen, keep asking around, if you really want to know email Jenn Parr, her emails are answered.

[Hopeful2]

Have plans/development (future lot releases) always been a "top secret" around here?

[graciegirl]

Have plans/development (future lot releases) always been a "top secret" around here?


Yes. The developers play very close to the vest on everything. If you want rumors, speculation and preview information that is not valid...just log on to this forum.

[jblum315]

When I bought my spec house in 2009, my sales rep told me that the designers get ideas from the sales reps who listen to what people want and what they would like to change. I know my house was expanded in every possible way and has closets to die for. I loved it then and I still love it.

[Bosoxfan]

I have a hard time believing there won' be lots opening up when they continue down Morse. There's still a lot of neighborhood s in the future.

[SpicyCajunPugs]

I have a hard time believing there won' be lots opening up when they continue down Morse. There's still a lot of neighborhood s in the future.

I believe what the sales reps have been saying is that most if not all future lots will only be available with a pre-built spec home, but not available to custom buid a model on.

[Bosoxfan]

I believe what the sales reps have been saying is that most if not all future lots will only be available with a pre-built spec home, but not available to custom buid a model on.

That's a lot of spec homes. ?..... Let's just agree to disagree. I personally don't think the build out is in the near future.

[dotti105]

Maybe they are just gearing up for a super busy winter season. Having homes turn key ready should increase their closings numbers! Then maybe when traffic gets slower they will go back to customs. Who knows what their strategy is, it just seems to always work for them!!

[graciegirl]

Maybe they are just gearing up for a super busy winter season. Having homes turn key ready should increase their closings numbers! Then maybe when traffic gets slower they will go back to customs. Who knows what their strategy is, it just seems to always work for them!!

Your mother raised very smart kids!:spoken:

[mulligan]

And, according to today's paper, they want to expand district 10 to include the parcel under construction East of Buena Vista, and 1/2 of the acreage west of powell road at 44. That would all be residential.

[tghoul]

I have a hard time believing there won' be lots opening up when they continue down Morse. There's still a lot of neighborhood s in the future.

See the attached link regarding "no more lot sales"

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/here-your-answer-building-new-homes-85233/

[batman911]

All the remaining lots in Gilchrist 209 have just been removed from open sales to spec homes.

[shcisamax]

Here is my guess: They can't build them fast enough right now to keep up with demand and the design service, as we have discussed, is laborious, time consuming and non essential piece to selling these houses. They have incorporated some of the classic design changes that people have asked for so have made the product more enticing.

I agree that the build out is in two years is not a real event. It was, like most of their plans, a well thought out strategy to build a buying frenzy. Just like getting in before the 4% discount was dropped which had people driving from Ohio in the middle of the night to pick their lot and get going. They have built a significant momentum and winter should be a real boon for the developer.

They can always change their plans as they have done in the past. Maybe go back to allowing custom homes if they are at the Premier level...it should be interesting to see what they will be doing in another year. We won't know until it happens...as Gracie said...only the shadow knows!