Help Me Plan My LSV!

[LeeM]

I am planning to schedule a lifestyle visit in the fall for 5 nights.
I am wondering if it is best to come on the weekend?
Do I need to make golf and/or dinner reservations etc.? Any tips for a great visit?

Also after our visit to the Villages, we want to drive to another part of Florida for a few days. Any suggestions as to where to go?

[chachacha]

doesn't make a big difference here whether it's the weekend as we have fun every day and night...i would suggest if you will be here on a monday night to call Katie Belle's and reserve for the show and dinner...it is very good. 352-750-9411 between 11-4. another favorite of mine is Tierra del Sol on thursday nights for the duo Tommaura if you like to dance and see a crowd of fun loving folks...as for nearby trips afterwards, everyone loves St Augustine, the oldest city in the US,complete with old spanish fort, oldest house, oldest school etc...have a wonderful time!

[graciegirl]

Take the trolley ride. Eat at Glenview. Or Bonifay. Or Evans Prarie. Or Cane Garden. Or Mallory. Or Lighthouse

Visit the following Rec centers; Lake Miona Regional, SeaBreeze Regional. Colony Regional. and stop in at Bogart.

Drive your car from the bottom at 44A to the top at Orange Blossom Hills.

Talk to everyone at the squares. Just say ...I'm new here, do you live here? What do you think of this place?

If you want to see inside of someone's home, PM me. We live about in the center. Give me five minutes to pick up.

Welcome.

I don't work for the developer. I love it here. I am old. But not that old.
My grandchildren are amazing.

[eweissenbach]

Take the trolley ride. Eat at Glenview. Or Bonifay. Or Evans Prarie. Or Cane Garden. Or Mallory.

Visit the following Rec centers; Lake Miona Regional, SeaBreeze Regional. Colony Regional. and stop in at Bogart.

Drive your car from the bottom at 44A to the top at Orange Blossom Hills.

Talk to everyone at the squares. Just say ...I'm new here, do you live here? What do you think of this place?

If you want to see inside of someone's home, PM me. We live about in the center. Give me five minutes to pick up.

Welcome.

I don't work for the developer. I love it here. I am old. But not that old.
My grandchildren are amazing.

Gracie is exaggerating as usual - it won't take her five minutes to pick up, maybe thirty seconds! Otherwise her advice is spot-on as expected. Cha x 3 makes another excellent suggestion. If I were going only one other place in Florida, it would definitely be St. Augustine - history, beauty, shopping, World Golf HOF, and nice beaches. I would also suggest you book more than five days for the LSP, you will wish you had more time if you don't.

[Duvalboomer]

I would add the following to whats already been said. If you are planning a LSV and haven't booked you might want to check with the sales office they book up quick and when you want to come might already be booked. I would also consider renting a golf cart from someone like Grandpa and Grandma Village Buggies and not using the cart provided during the LSV, the LSV carts are not high speed and all you do is hold up traffic. Instead of driving your car from 44A the length of TV I would drive a cart as long as you rent one that is fast, I think you see more of TV and get a better feel for what traveling in TV is like. Go to Cody's to eat

[LeeM]

Thank you all - this is fabulous info!

[Schaumburger]

Fitbabe, If you haven't already called the TV sales office to schedule your LSV for the fall, I would do so soon, because the sales office started taking reservations for October about 1 month ago; I know because I made my LSV reservation for mid-October about 1 month ago. The suggestions from the previous posters as far as what you should do during the LSV are great. Don't hesitate to ask questions of residents; most people are happy to answer questions about living in The Villages. And in October I will be driving the slow golf cart that comes with the LSV home because the Bank of Laura is about tapped out (I'm having a dental implant next week, and those are expensive :$: )

[LeeM]

Fitbabe, If you haven't already called the TV sales office to schedule your LSV for the fall, I would do so soon, because the sales office started taking reservations for October about 1 month ago; I know because I made my LSV reservation for mid-October about 1 month ago. The suggestions from the previous posters as far as what you should do during the LSV are great. Don't hesitate to ask questions of residents; most people are happy to answer questions about living in The Villages. And in October I will be driving the slow golf cart that comes with the LSV home because the Bank of Laura is about tapped out (I'm having a dental implant next week, and those are expensive :$: )


Ooh thanks for letting me know.

[LeeM]

So I am thinking we arrive at Orlando International Airport - is that the closest commercial airport? And spend 4 nights at the Villages and then spend 3 nights in Orlando at Disney.
Or should I do 5 and 2 - suggestions?

[Schaumburger]

So I am thinking we arrive at Orlando International Airport - is that the closest commercial airport? And spend 4 nights at the Villages and then spend 3 nights in Orlando at Disney.
Or should I do 5 and 2 - suggestions?

LeeM, I apologize for using the wrong avatar in my previous post -- I was having a pre-senior moment. Yes, the closest airport to The Villages is MCO - Orlando International Airport. There is an airport in Sanford, but I don't know which airlines serve the Sanford airport. It is approximately 69 miles from MCO to The Villages -- nice drive -- but there are some tolls, so be sure to stay to the right if you will be paying cash on Florida State Road 528 (aka Beachline Expressway) and the Florida Turnpike to get to The Villages.

I would spend 5 days in The Villages and 2 days in Disney World, but that is just me. I love WDW, but as a TV wannabee who can only come to The Villages a couple of times a year, I try to maximize my time in The Villages. You will have no problem finding things to occupy your time in The Villages, especially if you are a golfer. I am not a golfer, and my time in The Villages always flies by. :wave:

[LeeM]

LeeM, I apologize for using the wrong avatar in my previous post -- I was having a pre-senior moment. Yes, the closest airport to The Villages is MCO - Orlando International Airport. There is an airport in Sanford, but I don't know which airlines serve the Sanford airport. It is approximately 69 miles from MCO to The Villages -- nice drive -- but there are some tolls, so be sure to stay to the right if you will be paying cash on Florida State Road 528 (aka Beachline Expressway) and the Florida Turnpike to get to The Villages.

I would spend 5 days in The Villages and 2 days in Disney World, but that is just me. I love WDW, but as a TV wannabee who can only come to The Villages a couple of times a year, I try to maximize my time in The Villages. You will have no problem finding things to occupy your time in The Villages, especially if you are a golfer. I am not a golfer, and my time in The Villages always flies by. :wave:

I just sent you a PM.
Also I called and it looks like they have some flexibility so I will discuss with hubby and then book.

Just curious though, I thought only one LSV was an option? Sounds like you have been multiple times?

Do you recommend selecting a realtor in advance of going with what they line me up with? I doubt if we buy this trip.

[ssmith]

See the statues at Brownwood, Georgous.

See the inside of sales offices in Brownwood and LSL.

Eat outside at City Fire at Brownwood.

Walk the boardwalk at LSL.

Sit on the Porch at Panera and enjoy a drink or food.

Eat on the porch at the Lighthouse.

Get coffee at Starbucks at LSL and sit on the porch at the sales office there and read the paper.

Talk to anyone and everyone.

Take a class.

Watch and or participate with the dancers on the squares.

See Scooter the DJ (so funny) See Rocky and the Rollers.

Talk to people at the pool closest to you.

See the entrance to Glenbrook.

Take time to rest....you get worn out just going and going.

An absolute must is renting a golf cart...and seeing my husband smile and enjoy himself....all the stress of his everyday life melts away.

Well these are few of our favorite things. When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad....I simply remember....ok too corny hahahahha

[Schaumburger]

I just sent you a PM.
Also I called and it looks like they have some flexibility so I will discuss with hubby and then book.

Just curious though, I thought only one LSV was an option? Sounds like you have been multiple times?

Do you recommend selecting a realtor in advance of going with what they line me up with? I doubt if we buy this trip.

I answered your PM, but this wlll be my first LSV through The Villages sales office. When I have rented in the past, it has been through rentals I found on thevillages4rent.com and through a rental I found on TOTV.

I was assigned a very pleasant agent based on my first trip to The Villages in 2010 when I accompanied a friend who has since bought a home in The Villages. I don't know how much I will see this agent in October, but I have heard a few good comments about him from other people on TOTV.

[Schaumburger]

See the statues at Brownwood, Georgous.

See the inside of sales offices in Brownwood and LSL.

Eat outside at City Fire at Brownwood.

Walk the boardwalk at LSL.

Sit on the Porch at Panera and enjoy a drink or food.

Eat on the porch at the Lighthouse.

Get coffee at Starbucks at LSL and sit on the porch at the sales office there and read the paper.

Talk to anyone and everyone.

Take a class.

Watch and or participate with the dancers on the squares.

See Scooter the DJ (so funny) See Rocky and the Rollers.

Talk to people at the pool closest to you.

See the entrance to Glenbrook.

Take time to rest....you get worn out just going and going.

An absolute must is renting a golf cart...and seeing my husband smile and enjoy himself....all the stress of his everyday life melts away.

Well these are few of our favorite things. When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad....I simply remember....ok too corny hahahahha

ssmith, Great post - excellent suggestions! :agree:

[Bizdoc]

Oh yeah... look at some houses. Unless you know exactly what you want, try to tell your sales rep what is important to you in a house. That way they can zoom in faster on what to show you.

If you look at some of the existing threads here, you will see reasons to be in an pre-owned vs new, villa vs cottage, cottage vs designer vs premier. When you first talk with your TV sales rep, turn off your conventional "dealing with a realtor" thinking. They will work cooperatively with you and the more you tell them about your situation, wants, needs, etc, the faster they can zero in on exactly what you want. And be honest about the price point you want. They won't try to convince you to spend more (they will show you homes in that range).

I was amazed at how fast our sales rep (after showing us several homes), figured out exactly what we wanted. The house we bought was 8th or 9th. He took us out to look at some others at around the same price point and features, but was quite happy when we stuck with our first impression of what is now our home.

Other than that, have fun. Jump in your cart and just drive around. Go to each Town Square (try to do at least one on its market night) and see what vendors are there.

[LeeM]

I pretty much know I would like a pre build home preferably a new spec but older is ok to. Most important to me is that it is easy to get to things (I really dislike driving) but not noisy. Does that exist?

[The Buckeyes]

After reading all the wonderful suggestions I would only add 1 thing....BRING YOUR CHECKBOOK!

[Bay Kid]

My parents looked every winter for 3 years...in a car.... I came down last January, rented a cart and really got the feel of TV. Never got in a car again until we left. Stay as LONG as you can, but it will take years to do it all!

[eweissenbach]

Oh yeah... look at some houses. Unless you know exactly what you want, try to tell your sales rep what is important to you in a house. That way they can zoom in faster on what to show you.

If you look at some of the existing threads here, you will see reasons to be in an pre-owned vs new, villa vs cottage, cottage vs designer vs premier. When you first talk with your TV sales rep, turn off your conventional "dealing with a realtor" thinking. They will work cooperatively with you and the more you tell them about your situation, wants, needs, etc, the faster they can zero in on exactly what you want. And be honest about the price point you want. They won't try to convince you to spend more (they will show you homes in that range).

I was amazed at how fast our sales rep (after showing us several homes), figured out exactly what we wanted. The house we bought was 8th or 9th. He took us out to look at some others at around the same price point and features, but was quite happy when we stuck with our first impression of what is now our home.

Other than that, have fun. Jump in your cart and just drive around. Go to each Town Square (try to do at least one on its market night) and see what vendors are there.

Most of the Villages real estate salespeople are pretty low-key, I am sure part of their training. The one problem I have had with some of them, which is likely also a by-product of their training, is their insistence that the bond is "no big deal" or "you'll hardly notice it"! The bond is an add on to the sales price, and used to pay for the community improvements and amenities. On a new or newer home it is twenty thousand dollars or more. If you pay it off, you may have difficulty recouping the outlay if and when you sell. If you don't pay it off you will pay higher interest than a typical mortgage, and it is not legitimately, tax deductible. The bond is not a bad thing necessarily, but you should understand how it works, and for a salesperson to allege it is almost not worth talking about is borderline malpractice.

[LeeM]

My parents looked every winter for 3 years...in a car.... I came down last January, rented a cart and really got the feel of TV. Never got in a car again until we left. Stay as LONG as you can, but it will take years to do it all!

This sounds awesome...so you could get everywhere in a cart?

[LeeM]

Most of the Villages real estate salespeople are pretty low-key, I am sure part of their training. The one problem I have had with some of them, which is likely also a by-product of their training, is their insistence that the bond is "no big deal" or "you'll hardly notice it"! The bond is an add on to the sales price, and used to pay for the community improvements and amenities. On a new or newer home it is twenty thousand dollars or more. If you pay it off, you may have difficulty recouping the outlay if and when you sell. If you don't pay it off you will pay higher interest than a typical mortgage, and it is not legitimately, tax deductible. The bond is not a bad thing necessarily, but you should understand how it works, and for a salesperson to allege it is almost not worth talking about is borderline malpractice.

I wondered about the bond. Is this paid off then in some of the older homes but not newer ones? How is the amount determined?

[eweissenbach]

Many pre-owned homes have the bond paid off. The remaining bond on many homes that are ten years old and older are less than $5,000. There was never a bond on homes in Lake County, so it varies. In most parts of the country the infrastructure costs are included in the price of the home, so the home buyer still pays the freight, but it is then included in the mortgage, if any, and the interest is tax deductible. Then, when one goes to sell, the purchase price that is recorded includes the infrastructure cost, whereas with the bond system the recorded purchase price does not include that amount. The bond is not an overcharge, or unfair, but one should be aware of the consequences, and it should definitely be considered as a part of the purchase price.

[LeeM]

Just made our reservation. We will be visiting the week of October 14th.

Thanks for all the tips!

[Whit53]

We are coming down Labor Day Weekend. Crazy as it is we already have a pending contract on a home in Poinciana. We have 24 hours after arrival to proceed. Crazy thing about it is we've never even visited The Villages:loco:

We know its exactly what we are looking for. An active friendly community.

If anyone can offer any opinions about the Village of Poinciana it would be greatly appreciated.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

If you're interested in investigating some of the clubs, I believe that most of them meet during the week.

[LeeM]

We are coming down Labor Day Weekend. Crazy as it is we already have a pending contract on a home in Poinciana. We have 24 hours after arrival to proceed. Crazy thing about it is we've never even visited The Villages:loco:

We know its exactly what we are looking for. An active friendly community.

If anyone can offer any opinions about the Village of Poinciana it would be greatly appreciated.

Wow! How did you go about picking a home you have not seen?

[Whit53]

I know how crazy it sounds. We loved the photos. So, we have a contract pending on viewing. We will spend the day touring other homes new and preowned then make a decision if the one we saw online is THE ONE for us. The only thing we know is we like what The Villages has to offer.

[LeeM]

That is neat that they will hold it for you that long!

Where will you be moving from?

[herbaru]

LeeM, be sure to work with an outside realtor too. You may already know this but to see all the pre owned homes you must work with both a TV sales rep and an MLS realtor as one can not show the other type of listing. There is also for sale by owner. Enjoy our visit!

[Rosiecruiser]

As a "newbie" to TV, (moved in April), I would just add this. We visited TV over a period of 10 years, staying from 5 nights to 3-4 weeks at a time. When we were "visiting", we tended to spend a lot of time at the restaurants on the squares and hanging around down there. What we should have done is spend more time in the neighborhoods visiting with the people about how most villagers REALLY live! In our neighborhood, Fernandina, most of us participate in events in and around our Village.

Our neighbors are GREAT. Yes, we have been out to many restaurants, learned the surrounding areas, driven miles & miles in our golf cart but the one thing we have NOT done is visited LSL square once at night since we moved here!!!! We are not into dancing but rather golf and bike riding, so we stay more in our neighborhoods. There are plenty of driveway parties and rec center rmeet & greet functions. And lot's of luncheons and fun clubs within the neighborhood.

I wish we had spent more time visiting with neighbors in the country clubs and stopping people on their streets and visiting about the different neighborhoods. It REALLY makes the move decision so much easier. We DID do that, but we still had a lot to learn when we moved in. Unless you are into the dancing and square party atmosphere, I would think otherwise.

TV is amazing and we love it here, but whoever posted to "bring your checkbook" is absolutely right, mine has been screaming for 4 months!!!! LOL

Just a newbie's opinion. Welcome.

[Whit53]

That is neat that they will hold it for you that long!

Where will you be moving from?

Moving from a suburb from Chicago. It will be a part time home for awhile. Really excited!!!

[bfdretired]

we will be first time renters dec and jan.....and suggestions posted are much appreciated.....i have copied many of them and added to our things to do file....the one worry i have is..."bring your checkbook"......if my wife likes TV as much as all of you......it might just happen!!......................thanks again