Here is your answer to building new homes....

[frostola]

The Villages website has changed - no longer do you find "New Neigborhoods" but now you see New "Home and Villa's Neighborhoods". And when you click on the home gallery the home prices are not listed anymore. So I guess it is all Spec homes for awhile if not forever. I guess we will have to change our plan and hope for the best!

[ilovetv]

There's not one thing wrong with spec homes here in TV. Other threads about slow-down in custom building or lot sales make it sound like people who bought spec homes here live in Shantytown.....which is far, far from reality.

If a person cannot find an already-built villa, designer or premier home here that is to their liking, then I'd say TV overall is going to be beneath their level, too.

[Buckeyephan]

I had the neighborhood map site bookmarked to check how lots were selling. Gilchrist 209 and 210 now have all empty lots "unavailable" and colored white. In the past, this always indicated spec homes. It will be nice to have grass instead of mud and sand around us.

[tghoul]

Every vacant lot for sale yesterday like you indicated is now unavailable. On a recent thread there were a few posters who said that would never happen but it has. I talked to a salesman who said their design team can design all of the homes in an Unit in a week. If they work with buyers one designer can spend from 4 hours to 2 days with one client.

[frostola]

There's not one thing wrong with spec homes here in TV. Other threads about slow-down in custom building or lot sales make it sound like people who bought spec homes here live in Shantytown.....which is far, far from reality.

If a person cannot find an already-built villa, designer or premier home here that is to their liking, then I'd say TV overall is going to be beneath their level, too.

I personally think that the Spec homes are very nice and that is what we will be looking at now, and that is not the issue. It's just that people are different and have different priorities, for example we would rather put our money into a bigger lanai than spend it on granite-you don't get that choice with a Spec. I look forward to living in the Villages in the near future.

[patfla06]

Gilchrist 212 no longer has lots available either (went white-spec homes being built).

We bought a spec here and love it.

It's too bad though that there won't be enough lots where people can still build their own - which is always nice.

After building our custom house here in Tampa (took 14 months!), I couldn't
Get my DH to do it again (even in T.V.!). ;)

[DeanFL]

All this is 100% correct. How do I know? My Villages Sales Rep called me an hour ago - after their big meeting - no more 'custom homes' - only Spec. And that I was the LAST customer to get a Custom build - was in the LSL Sales office at 4pm today to work the contract and choose our lot - was dark green on the map, now SOLD.
Of course there is nothing wrong with Spec homes, only that Closing is 30 days from buying. Appears my Design meeting will be in early Nov and home completion/Closing in mid Feb '14. Getting the Holly in Gilchrist 209.
Very happy of course, but sorry for those folks that were waiting a while to buy a lot and build to suit.
Personally for me, it's....phew.....

[frostola]

All this is 100% correct. How do I know? My Villages Sales Rep called me an hour ago - after their big meeting - no more 'custom homes' - only Spec. And that I was the LAST customer to get a Custom build - was in the LSL Sales office at 4pm today to work the contract and choose our lot - was dark green on the map, now SOLD.
Of course there is nothing wrong with Spec homes, only that Closing is 30 days from buying. Appears my Design meeting will be in early Nov and home completion/Closing in mid Feb '14. Getting the Holly in Glichrist.
Very happy of course, but sorry for those folks that were waiting a while to buy a lot and build to suit.
Personally for me, it's....phew.....

Congratulations!!!

[The Buckeyes]

I'm sure there is nothing wrong with a spec home except for a few things. If you like a lot you are locked into the spec home that is on it or if you like the spec home you are locked in on the lot it is built on. We now consider ourselves VERY LUCKY that we found a model we liked, found a lot with three gorgeous oaks and a number of palms to look at and, most important, would allow us to bump out the garage forward 4', the front bedroom 4', the entire side 2', the back of the house 2', the lanai 4' and the back of the golf cart garage 7'. Try doing that with a spec home on a pre-determined lot. Bottom line.........spec homes are not for everyone! At least before this a potential new owner had option which seems to now have been taken away.

[billethkid]

I defy anybody to drive around and point out which homes are "spec" homes and which were customer built.
Forget it one cannot.

Spec home is really a misnomer here. Most contractors build spec homes to fill in low sales and keep a basic working crew viable, until things pick up.

That is not the case here in TV. As we approach build out, with demand increasing, there is no need to market as when there was more property to sell.

The demand for homes in TV continues to grow. It becomes much more efficient for the developer to build homes and then offer them to the market.
They have years and years of design and spec experience and are building these homes to equal to or better than most people would choose.

For those who were not here during the "boom" years of late 2004 through 2006 (500 - 600 homes per month!!!) you are in for an education. TV will release homes as sections are complete. Prospective buyers will have their name put on a list by type of home wanted. When a number of new homes are completed the prospective buyer will be contacted and told what the house is like, that is most like or better than they were looking to build/buy. They will be told the price and where it is located and will be given a finite time limit to say yes or no. During the "boom" days some as little as 24 hours.

Every home offered will sell very quickly after notification. Yes you can turn it down and ...wait. But your name goes to the bottom of the list.

There is not one single negative aspect to this method of controlled building/selling (like it or not). Nice new completed neighborhood without any construction and contractor traffic. All new happy as a clam owners who I am sure will in no way refer to "their" new home as a spec home......that is not what it is.

As the new homes build out the demand for resales will become even more active than it is now. The baby boomers will continue to want to be in TV....and when built out there will be a finite avaialability.....with increasing demand = increasing prices. Another plus for buying in TV.

Day dreaming? Just watch.

btk

[DianeM]

I thank goodness I was able to buy my pre-built gardenia when my house in Orlando sold in 7 days. The house had been bumped out already and the lanai is almost the width of the house. Do I have granite counters? No but I can do that when I wish. Spec isn't a bad thing. Any house can be modified on the inside to whatever anyone wishes.

[JP]

I think when TV builds spec neighborhoods they look really great. When the neighborhoods are built by individual home owners that get to pick colors and house styles that a lot of times make the neighborhoods look very disjointed. I think TV is finishing build out with spec homes so they can create neighborhoods as they have envisioned them and they think will ultimately sell better and faster and have higher sale values.

[The Buckeyes]

I have absolutely nothing against spec homes.....my only point is how do you bump out a spec home?

[asianthree]

i will just buy someones bumped out stretched preowned

[frostola]

:agree:I have absolutely nothing against spec homes.....my only point is how do you bump out a spec home?

[SpicyCajunPugs]

There will be quite a few disappointed folks out there, but I think most will still go through with a purchase if they really made up there mind already to move here. I for one did not want to settle and did not feel like spending a fortune and also rip out a fortune in already in place upgrades such as granite, cabinets etc. I had a certain style, color, model and lot in mind, as well as stretches, so I for one am glad we got a lot and built and closed already in Gilchrist.

[SouthOfTheBorder]

I have absolutely nothing against spec homes.....my only point is how do you bump out a spec home?

Not practical, to your point, but we have seen many spec homes that are built already bumped out.

We closed on our spec Gardenia three months ago. Among it's many upgrades it was bumped out 2 feet on LR, 2nd-3rd bedroom side and 2 feet to the rear.

It has several other popular upgrades. Not all that we wanted but very close so we chose to purchase rather than build.

Our experience was that some spec homes are being built with many, if not most, of the typical custom upgrades buyers want. You may have to look daily on the TV website to find them as they get released for sale. It will require visiting the homes to determine all it's features as the TV website can be vague in it's specifics.

Of course if you are already working with an agent they should be on top of this for you.

I am offering these comments for anyone who is now looking or may be looking soon. If no custom builds are currently available don't get too discouraged.

Don
:)

[graciegirl]

There will be quite a few disappointed folks out there, but I think most will still go through with a purchase if they really made up there mind already to move here. I for one did not want to settle and did not feel like spending a fortune and also rip out a fortune in already in place upgrades such as granite, cabinets etc. I had a certain style, color, model and lot in mind, as well as stretches, so I for one am glad we got a lot and built and closed already in Gilchrist.

WE bought in 2008 when ONLY spec homes were available. We bought a great house and there were many to chose from of the same model with different views, different upgrades and additions and stretches. In case someone can't do the math. 2008 was only five years ago. So lots of people bought homes that they still love and they were spec homes.

I have had both and I don't think there is anything inferior to a spec home and on the plus side, you see right there what you are getting and it can be yours immediately.

[skip0358]

Wife and I took a ride the other day to look at the Spec Homes that were available. We found 4 homes we could move right into. All were stretched, 1 had Corrion, 2 granite and others Formica. Nice lots. There is nothing wrong with a Spec. The homes are selling very quickly and TV can't wait for people to get design appointments and pick out what they want. Design is backed up big time. Anybody want a Spec in Collier selling for almost 700K look on line it's there.

[shcisamax]

Anybody want a Spec in Collier selling for almost 700K look on line it's there.

Are you referring to this? With a view but it backs to a wall? I wonder why it is priced at $766?

Was: $785,613 Now: $765,995

3250 TRITON CT
3 BED, 2 BATH
2219 Sq. Ft.
VNH#: 223029
Model: Gardenia
Construction Type: Concrete w/Cement Finish
County: Sumter

Village of Collier

Features

Homesite: Backs to Wall, View Site
Exterior Features: Architectural Shingles, Gutter and Downspout at Entry, Irrigation System, Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning: Central Air Conditioning
Garage: Attic Access w/Attic Trusses, Garage Door Opener w/Transmitter(s), 3 Car Garage
Stretches Bedroom-2/Bedroom-3/Living Room Stretch, Bedroom-3 Stretch
Additional Rooms: Den With Closet
Interior Layout: Open Kitchen
Master Bath Features: Walk In Shower - Master Bath
Cabinetry: Maple Cabinetry
Counters/Backsplash: Granite Countertops
Appliances: Garbage Disposal, Microwave/Spacesaver - Built in, Range - Electric
Floor Coverings: Floor Tile - Everywhere but Bedrooms
Other: Hand Trowelled Ceilings, Tray/Coffered Ceilings, Vol/Vaulted Ceiling (Main Liv)

[Birdie Dreamer]

Are you referring to this? With a view but it backs to a wall? I wonder why it is priced at $766?

Was: $785,613 Now: $765,995

3250 TRITON CT
3 BED, 2 BATH
2219 Sq. Ft.
VNH#: 223029
Model: Gardenia
Construction Type: Concrete w/Cement Finish
County: Sumter

Village of Collier

Features

Homesite: Backs to Wall, View Site
Exterior Features: Architectural Shingles, Gutter and Downspout at Entry, Irrigation System, Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning: Central Air Conditioning
Garage: Attic Access w/Attic Trusses, Garage Door Opener w/Transmitter(s), 3 Car Garage
Stretches Bedroom-2/Bedroom-3/Living Room Stretch, Bedroom-3 Stretch
Additional Rooms: Den With Closet
Interior Layout: Open Kitchen
Master Bath Features: Walk In Shower - Master Bath
Cabinetry: Maple Cabinetry
Counters/Backsplash: Granite Countertops
Appliances: Garbage Disposal, Microwave/Spacesaver - Built in, Range - Electric
Floor Coverings: Floor Tile - Everywhere but Bedrooms
Other: Hand Trowelled Ceilings, Tray/Coffered Ceilings, Vol/Vaulted Ceiling (Main Liv)

Very large lot, large swimming pool area. Great view of the wetlands with an incredible sunset view. But one is paying quite a bit of a premium for the view given the wall separates the house from Buena Vista Blvd.

[keithwand]

Seriously?

[shcisamax]

Yes seriously.

[keithwand]

That is a huge lot but backs up to Buena Vista. So the lot price is how much compared to a Gardenia with similar upgrades?
Not bad if you like wildlife knocking on your back door.

[shcisamax]

I am assuming the cost of the pool area must be significant as well.

[DianeM]

WE bought in 2008 when ONLY spec homes were available. We bought a great house and there were many to chose from of the same model with different views, different upgrades and additions and stretches. In case someone can't do the math. 2008 was only five years ago. So lots of people bought homes that they still love and they were spec homes.

I have had both and I don't think there is anything inferior to a spec home and on the plus side, you see right there what you are getting and it can be yours immediately.

AMEN!! I knew exactly what I was getting and closed in 35 days. I can make any improvements I wish as time goes by and my house was bumped out.

[SpicyCajunPugs]

I also think that many spec homes or existing homes will suit the needs of most. But for many improvements will not be feasable if you have to pay for but then rip out and re-do floors, granite, cabinets, walls, etc...I believe that is why many, including us, wanted to start with a clean slate as it is much more economical and feasable.

[Birdie Dreamer]

That is a huge lot but backs up to Buena Vista. So the lot price is how much compared to a Gardenia with similar upgrades?
Not bad if you like wildlife knocking on your back door.

Having just built a similar ( but not identical Gardenia ) my best guess is that the pool and lot premium have added about $425K to the cost plus or minus a couple of thousand.

[justjim]

We built a custom Designer and moved in 19 months ago. It is not our first custom home. Bottom line-----there is no such thing as a "perfect" house-----after moving in you will always find something you would do differently. On the other hand, if I was in the market for a Premier home and was going to spend $750,000-850,000, I would like some say in its design and I think you should IMHO.

[SpicyCajunPugs]

We built a custom Designer and moved in 19 months ago. It is not our first custom home. Bottom line-----there is no such thing as a "perfect" house-----after moving in you will always find something you would do differently. On the other hand, if I was in the market for a Premier home and was going to spend $750,000-850,000, I would like some say in its design and I think you should IMHO.

:agree::agree::agree::bigbow:

[e-flyer]

We built a custom Designer and moved in 19 months ago. It is not our first custom home. Bottom line-----there is no such thing as a "perfect" house-----after moving in you will always find something you would do differently. On the other hand, if I was in the market for a Premier home and was going to spend $750,000-850,000, I would like some say in its design and I think you should IMHO.

:agree: but, the logic also applies to lower priced home owners as well, not just Premiers..... i.e. Manufactured Home Owner may feel the same if they were looking to spend $225K-300K on a Designer. they would like some say in it's design as well.

[njbchbum]

We built a custom Designer and moved in 19 months ago. It is not our first custom home. Bottom line-----there is no such thing as a "perfect" house-----after moving in you will always find something you would do differently. On the other hand, if I was in the market for a Premier home and was going to spend $750,000-850,000, I would like some say in its design and I think you should IMHO.

:agree: but, the logic also applies to lower priced home owners as well, not just Premiers..... i.e. Manufactured Home Owner may feel the same if they were looking to spend $225K-300K on a Designer. they would like some say in it's design as well.

to each his own! i have watched my friends and family go through the trials and tribulations of building their custom homes and would NEVER embark on such a project myself!

my husband and i have bought a number of homes and each time we went looking we adhered to our 3D plan - death, divorce or destitution. we always purchased the house that gave us the greatest bang for our buck at the time - knowing full well that we could 'make it our own' over time.

it has worked out well for us to be able to purchase properties where others had done the work and we had only had to tweak. with each house we bought we held our open house for friends the same day we moved in, set the furniture in place and hung up our clothes and toothbrushes! easy peasy!

more power to those who have the stamina to start from the ground and go up!

[dewilson58]

All this is 100% correct. How do I know? My Villages Sales Rep called me an hour ago - after their big meeting - no more 'custom homes' - only Spec. And that I was the LAST customer to get a Custom build - was in the LSL Sales office at 4pm today to work the contract and choose our lot - was dark green on the map, now SOLD.
Of course there is nothing wrong with Spec homes, only that Closing is 30 days from buying. Appears my Design meeting will be in early Nov and home completion/Closing in mid Feb '14. Getting the Holly in Gilchrist 209.
Very happy of course, but sorry for those folks that were waiting a while to buy a lot and build to suit.
Personally for me, it's....phew.....
Just purchased a Custom home in May 2013......Closing next month........there was life after December 2012.

[cquick]

There's not one thing wrong with spec homes here in TV. Other threads about slow-down in custom building or lot sales make it sound like people who bought spec homes here live in Shantytown.....which is far, far from reality.

If a person cannot find an already-built villa, designer or premier home here that is to their liking, then I'd say TV overall is going to be beneath their level, too.

I agree. Our first house in Winter Springs was a "spec". We loved it! We added a pool and lived there for 2 years til we moved to Hunters Creek.

[cquick]

I do see a problem for anyone who has any kind of disability.....I guess they'll either have to buy a preowned home and tear out the inside to accommodate or live somewhere else.

[batman911]

The local contractors will love this. Lots of changes to be made after purchase. I believe when you buy a new home you should get what you want. We could not find that in any of the spec homes we visited so we went custom and do not regret it. Move in ready and no after purchase renovations or changes.

[alanmcdonald]

We just closed on our "spec" Begonia on Tuesday. We had almost 25 Begonias to choose from and got just about everything we would have done ourselves except for the Mohawk carpet (I work for Shaw!) and no french door refrigerator. The house is on a corner lot, stretched side and back.

I have built from scratch 3 times and swore I would never do that again. We fully expected to buy a resale, but after finding the selection of new "specs" we realized we could have a new home without the hassle. We could not be happier!

[llaran]

How About 3 hours, that is what we had at the end of 2005!!!!

[elizabeth52]

With a spec house, does that mean a pool and/or birdcage would have to be added after closing? Or could that still be added before?

[mulligan]

Usually, when they say "spec", it's move in ready.

[Ragman]

With a spec house, does that mean a pool and/or birdcage would have to be added after closing? Or could that still be added before?

No changes at all are allowed before closing. What you see is what you get at the price quoted, period.

We found a gem if a house online a couple of years ago and had 2 hours to decide the next morning. Our agent said afterward they could have sold the house four or five times that day.

Bottom line be ready to act when you find what you want with a 20% payment ready. Sleeping on it a few days or needing to line up the money isn't an option if you want a desirable house.

[jimbo2012]

With a spec house, does that mean a pool and/or birdcage would have to be added after closing? Or could that still be added before?

After

[gomoho]

Some will be built with pools and bird cages.

[alanmcdonald]

The one thing you can add to a "spec" house before closing, if it does not have them already, is blinds. We did that and they were installed between our signing the contract and closing.

I think you can also add a washer/dryer but the deals at Lowe's are better than the available options.

[graciegirl]

The one thing you can add to a "spec" house before closing, if it does not have them already, is blinds. We did that and they were installed between our signing the contract and closing.

I think you can also add a washer/dryer but the deals at Lowe's are better than the available options.

Some spec homes come with blinds and a washer and dryer. Some come without.

It was so interesting the different kinds of upgrades or lack of them that were in the same models available when we were house looking in 2007 when only specs were available and no building to suit was going on..

Our neighbors bought a spec Lantana on the golf course in 2008, with a HUGE back yard and linoleum, not tile in the kitchen and entry for $325.

We bought a new spec Camellia with a refrigerator with no icemaker and asked to trade up and pay for an upgrade. No deal.

That is when I learned that the developer does business a LITTLE differently than this old girl is used to.

I have seen many spec homes that are gorgeous. After all decorators are the people who choose the details that complete them with an eye to beauty and price and spec homes offer a wide variety of choices.

I do sound like I work for the developer don't I?

I DON'T.

[MSG@TV]

I think when TV builds spec neighborhoods they look really great. When the neighborhoods are built by individual home owners that get to pick colors and house styles that a lot of times make the neighborhoods look very disjointed. I think TV is finishing build out with spec homes so they can create neighborhoods as they have envisioned them and they think will ultimately sell better and faster and have higher sale values.

I agree with you. Although I valued the experience of choosing what I wanted for each feature of my home, it was a lengthy process for the TV designer. If houses are so in demand, they can sell them and make a greater profit on eliminating that design meeting. And, I've noticed that with all the building taking place in my neighborhood, there is a nice diversity of homes, colors, etc. They really do seem to know how to meet the needs of the buyers. The other advantage for those of us living in these areas is that we have plenty of dust now, but in a short while, there will be none. Golly, is it busy around here, and this is not one of the newest villages!!!:agree: