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VillageGeek
12-31-2013, 02:09 PM
Hey everyone. There seems to be a lot of people I run into who still feel The Villages will build for many years to come. Then I go to a customer appreciation party and speak to not only my sales rep but other reps who had been invited and they say approximately 24 more months of building and then it'll all be re-sales. The eternal optimists will say 'yeah, that's been said a hundred times but The Villages buys more land and keeps going. All that land south of Hwy. 44 is vast and expansive. They'll just jump 44 and go all the way to the turnpike.'

My question is this: does anyone KNOW if any property south of 44 is owned by The Villages?

When you look over the years The Villages has gotten away from certain aspects. For example, the Transportation Department is privately operated. So is Hometown Property Management, the furniture stores, a portion of Citizen's First Bank, The Insurance companies, country club restaurants. The Design Department has all but been eliminated since everything is back to spec homes (you can't reserve a lot and build.)

My thought is this. I would imagine paying a leasing company to make sure all the commercial property is occupied to me would seem to be less work than being intimately involved in the day to day operation of developing. This is a privately owned company so anything can happen on any given day. It could all stop tomorrow (although we know it won't) but how do the optimists 'KNOW' The Villages won't stop in 2 years?

Thanks.

Barefoot
12-31-2013, 02:45 PM
...... how do the optimists 'KNOW' The Villages won't stop in 2 years?

We don't have any optimists on TOTV, you'll have to ask somewhere else.

:throwtomatoes::throwtomatoes: Don't flame me, I'm kidding!

P.S. Welcome to the Forum!

batman911
12-31-2013, 02:46 PM
I doubt anyone outside the family knows that answer. There is always more land but prices around The Villages have become problematic to any builder looking to profit. The other problem is acquiring a large tract of land. Appears to be lots of small tracts next to TV property.

janmcn
12-31-2013, 03:06 PM
Batman is correct. Nobody outside of the family knows for sure, but the developer has been saying, ever since I arrived in TV in 2000, that they would not build south of SR44. Sometimes you just have to take them at their word.

The few things we know for sure is Gary Morse is 78-79 years old and has reportedly sailed off to another project in Barbados. Whether the next generations are interested in more building, nobody knows. It does appear that they are tying up loose ends by selling off many assets over the past few years.

Bonny
12-31-2013, 03:29 PM
Many years ago we went to one of the meetings and they were showing a large map that looked like property just about to Bushnell. Of course that doesn't mean they will use it to make the Villages larger.

Bizdoc
12-31-2013, 04:51 PM
I suspect that The Developer is getting out of businesses in preparation for build out. Thinks like furniture stores, media, and transportation are simply worth more while TV is expanding and it makes sense to sell them while they are still "growth" companies rather than waiting for the to peak and decline.

I seem to recall hearing that The Developer would *never* *ever* build in Lake County again. Unless I'm mistaken, Fruitland Park is in Lake County.

I think that The Developer (including all of the younger generations) will keep building as long as there is demand and there is land available at the right price. There is clearly a reason for the agreement to provide the land for a Turnpike interchange as is planned. The Morse family may be nice people, but I don't see them making investments which won't pay off. Ditto renovation of Church on the Square and expansion of the hospital. How many folks are going to say "Gosh - all those extra seats in the Church on the Square. I think that I will buy a house in The Villages..."

That having been said, I doubt that Disney will sell their property to them, so there is a southern limit near Kissimmee. However, I am hoping that they move east to Cape Kennedy soon so that I can look at models in orbit.

Have a safe New Year's.

mulligan
12-31-2013, 05:28 PM
Batman is correct. Nobody outside of the family knows for sure, but the developer has been saying, ever since I arrived in TV in 2000, that they would not build south of SR44. Sometimes you just have to take them at their word.

The few things we know for sure is Gary Morse is 78-79 years old and has reportedly sailed off to another project in Barbados. Whether the next generations are interested in more building, nobody knows. It does appear that they are tying up loose ends by selling off many assets over the past few years.

"tying up loose ends" is not the motivation for selling assets. They try to maintain a maximum number of employees. When that number is exceeded, they sell off a business. The number is 2,500. Impressive, and hard to handle.

JP
12-31-2013, 05:36 PM
I really don't have any clue what the developer is up to but certainly hope he continues building south of 44R. To have the developer 'present' I feel is good for all of us current villagers.

tkret
12-31-2013, 05:44 PM
We don't have any optimists on TOTV, you'll have to ask somewhere else.

:throwtomatoes::throwtomatoes: Don't flame me, I'm kidding!

P.S. Welcome to the Forum!
Oh, barefoot, you Canadians are always good for a chuckle. That's why TV is always more fun when you Canucks are in town.

graciegirl
12-31-2013, 05:53 PM
Oh, barefoot, you Canadians are always good for a chuckle. That's why TV is always more fun when you Canucks are in town.



Plus they all seem to be nice looking, eh?


Sweetie thinks they will continue building, I think they won't, but wish they would. I feel good when they are at the helm.

tommy steam
12-31-2013, 05:55 PM
My thoughts are the powers to be will keep it going for as long as they can. As long as they can put together land deals it should keep going. Why stop a good thing?

Bonanza
01-01-2014, 12:28 AM
Well, the word I just heard is that Morse just bought about 2,000 acres in Fruitland Park. Where exactly? I don't know, but nothing should surprise anyone.

Last year I heard that Morse purchased a large tract of land just east of Ocala. I've also heard that it's for his use for "canned hunts." I hope that's not true because that is horribly inhumane and unfair.

asianthree
01-01-2014, 09:18 AM
like GG and her husband we are split yes done no not done...but if i knew for sure i would also have the next lottery numbers

e-flyer
01-01-2014, 11:38 AM
Then I go to a customer appreciation party and speak to not only my sales rep but other reps who had been invited


Hummm, I wasn't invited :MOJE_whot:

JourneyOfLife
01-01-2014, 01:07 PM
Often developers look at a development as a project with a beginning and end. Some do not intend to become the perpetual operator of facilities.

If it were me, once the development stopped I would sell off any assets related to the project and cash out. If I intended to stay in the development business, I would already have identified my next project... probably be in the planning stages of it.


I am not sure there is a lot to gain from staying an owner of those facilities other than headaches.

JP
01-01-2014, 01:33 PM
I think if I was the developer and worth about 15 billion, I would just keep the easiest and most profitable businesses with the fewest employees and headaches.

billethkid
01-01-2014, 02:43 PM
I think as long as select land that provides adequate continuity to TV becomes available the developer will continue to make aquisitions.

A good example is the old horse farm on SR 472/ Rainey Trail.
When the price was right the seller was happy to sell (multi-million dollars) and the developer was happy to pay it because it fit his parameters.

Bridgeport at Miona Shores isn't exactly contiguous to TV but they made it worl adequately......all Premier big price tag homes.

I predict the same target of aquisition will continue to occur in the future.

Cedwards38
01-01-2014, 02:58 PM
Well now friend, we been a prospecting this hear goldmine for nigh on 40 yars, and we keep on a gettin more an more gold outa hit, and hit's made me and my family rich for generations to come, and thar's no sign a any letup as them thar baby boomers is retiring at a purty fair clip, but I reckon we got enough money, and them future generations a Morses don't need nuthin to do, so I think we'll jest shut her down and not mine another nugget a gold, even though there is no end in sight to the potential to this here rich and productive mine.

What? You think?:shrug:

billethkid
01-01-2014, 03:53 PM
Well now friend, we been a prospecting this hear goldmine for nigh on 40 yars, and we keep on a gettin more an more gold outa hit, and hit's made me and my family rich for generations to come, and thar's no sign a any letup as them thar baby boomers is retiring at a purty fair clip, but I reckon we got enough money, and them future generations a Morses don't need nuthin to do, so I think we'll jest shut her down and not mine another nugget a gold, even though there is no end in sight to the potential to this here rich and productive mine.

What? You think?:shrug:

One can NEVER have too much gold. Methinks they keep a minin' it.

tommy steam
01-07-2014, 11:56 PM
Warren Buffett is one of the richest men in America. Why is he still at it making money? Because that's his thing.

2BNTV
01-08-2014, 08:41 AM
Only Gary Morse knows what is going to happen. Whether he will continue to acquire more land, or will his family carry on the tradition.

Just speculating here ....... but for some rich people, it stops becoming about the money, but the thrill of the game. We all know Warren Buffett has more money than he can possibly use or spend, and it's the thrill of the game. He has lived a modest lifestyle, and looks forward to getting up and making more money for himself, and his investors. I suspect Gary Morse does like to play the game for thrills, as he doesn't need more money.

It affects us, in that after build-out, is over...... whenever that may be, the price of resales will go up dramatically. If he continues building, the price of resales is going up, but maybe not as fast. Either way, we will win by having moved here.

The sooner, the better. IMHO

rayschic
01-08-2014, 10:04 AM
I think that the building will go on for quite some time. Gary Morse has three chrildren, Mark Morse, Jennifer Parr and Tracy Matthews. They all have jobs with several Villages companies. They, and many other family members are making their money from the Villages. I can't see Gary Morse making any abrupt stop and leaving most of his family without jobs. Just click on their names on the link below to see what Villages companies they all hold positions in. I think the family will continue to buy up land. Just my opinion.
Mark Morse - President for Morse-Sembler Villages #5, Inc. (http://www.corporationwiki.com/Florida/The-Villages/mark-g-morse-P4210329.aspx)

ricklowe
01-09-2014, 08:45 PM
They are currently building 542 new homes off of 301 and 466 in Oxford. To be clear it's not actually part of the Villages but intended to support the growing labor force and their housing needs. There are thousands of acres available very cheaply that they can continue to purchase and build if sales go well! it will also help with the build out of buffalo ridge for commercial purposes.

Skip
01-10-2014, 12:43 AM
The answer is December 19, 2016.

Skip

Cisco Kid
01-10-2014, 06:51 AM
The answer is December 19, 2016.

Skip

Thanks
Retirement date set
December 18 2016
I do not want to miss the party

Dr Winston O Boogie jr
01-10-2014, 07:59 AM
All that land south of Hwy. 44 is vast and expansive. They'll just jump 44 and go all the way to the turnpike.'

At Buena Vista it's only about a mile from 44 to the turnpike. "All the way to the turnpike" is not a very big jump.

There is a vast amount of land south of 44 and I don't know why they would stop building if they think they can sell houses.

Dr Winston O Boogie jr
01-10-2014, 08:04 AM
I think that the building will go on for quite some time. Gary Morse has three chrildren, Mark Morse, Jennifer Parr and Tracy Matthews. They all have jobs with several Villages companies. They, and many other family members are making their money from the Villages. I can't see Gary Morse making any abrupt stop and leaving most of his family without jobs. Just click on their names on the link below to see what Villages companies they all hold positions in. I think the family will continue to buy up land. Just my opinion.
Mark Morse - President for Morse-Sembler Villages #5, Inc. (http://www.corporationwiki.com/Florida/The-Villages/mark-g-morse-P4210329.aspx)

Except that these people don't really need jobs. I suspect that these are people who are simply driven to keep working, creating and building, much like Donald Trump. The Donald and his family don;t really need jobs. They do what they do because of who they are. If it were me, I'd be traveling the world laying on beaches and having a great time. It always perplexes me why these people want all the headaches. Some people just need to keep going and so are just driven.

maureenod
01-10-2014, 09:03 AM
I think that if they stop building, someone else will take over. Hey, they can still come to the squares, pay for golf, and use the shopping, all the restaurants. They would have all the crews that the villages laid off and would build the same houses for less $. The bubble would burst. JMH

Skip
01-11-2014, 01:12 PM
I think that if they stop building, someone else will take over. Hey, they can still come to the squares, pay for golf, and use the shopping, all the restaurants. They would have all the crews that the villages laid off and would build the same houses for less $. The bubble would burst. JMH

Not possible to have another builder continue on. Remember, Janet Tutt, District Manager works for The Villages of Lake-Sumter not us. She would not allow an extension without the Morse's OK. Which just won't happen.

Skip

graciegirl
01-11-2014, 02:09 PM
The answer is December 19, 2016.

Skip


I don't know WHO you are, Skip, or HOW you get your information but I have learned to trust it.

maureenod
01-11-2014, 04:45 PM
What I meant was that another developer will buy land and they will build. Lots of land for sale around TV.

coolkayaker1
03-10-2014, 10:32 AM
It affects us, in that after build-out, is over...... whenever that may be, the price of resales will go up dramatically. If he continues building, the price of resales is going up, but maybe not as fast. Either way, we will win by having moved here.

IMHO

Or, when (not if) the Morses cease building, the most profitable "public" property (which is, in fact, owned by the single developer) is sold (to various strip mall owners, investors, etc.), fragmenting the long-term goals for The Villages (which is now quite unified: happy residents, money for developer), and public spaces (with little profitable value, e.g. town squares) are transferred back to current residents to manage and maintain (upkeep, insurance, etc.), then taxes and infrastructure fees to current residents climb, and home prices fall. Another realistic possibility.

billethkid
03-10-2014, 10:41 AM
The biggest future risk I see is if there ever becomes a time where the residents in some governing form become responsible for "managing" the daily goings on of TV.

Like it or not the developer has a goal and manages a consistency that for the most part we all accept. And also for the most part very little we as residents can do or say to sway the direction the developer has set.

When/if the residents take over is when special interests, politics, etc creep into the system thus departing from the overall state of TV. Eventually the goals of managing TV result in changing priorities that depart from the good of the whole.

So let's hope for the involvement of the developer in some fashion continues well into the future.

coolkayaker1
04-08-2014, 10:28 AM
True, billethkid.

graciegirl
04-08-2014, 10:30 AM
The biggest future risk I see is if there ever becomes a time where the residents in some governing form become responsible for "managing" the daily goings on of TV.

Like it or not the developer has a goal and manages a consistency that for the most part we all accept. And also for the most part very little we as residents can do or say to sway the direction the developer has set.

When/if the residents take over is when special interests, politics, etc creep into the system thus departing from the overall state of TV. Eventually the goals of managing TV result in changing priorities that depart from the good of the whole.

So let's hope for the involvement of the developer in some fashion continues well into the future.



Amen

samhass
04-08-2014, 10:57 AM
The biggest future risk I see is if there ever becomes a time where the residents in some governing form become responsible for "managing" the daily goings on of TV.

Like it or not the developer has a goal and manages a consistency that for the most part we all accept. And also for the most part very little we as residents can do or say to sway the direction the developer has set.

When/if the residents take over is when special interests, politics, etc creep into the system thus departing from the overall state of TV. Eventually the goals of managing TV result in changing priorities that depart from the good of the whole.

So let's hope for the involvement of the developer in some fashion continues well into the future.

:agree:

Bonny
04-08-2014, 11:03 AM
The biggest future risk I see is if there ever becomes a time where the residents in some governing form become responsible for "managing" the daily goings on of TV.

Like it or not the developer has a goal and manages a consistency that for the most part we all accept. And also for the most part very little we as residents can do or say to sway the direction the developer has set.

When/if the residents take over is when special interests, politics, etc creep into the system thus departing from the overall state of TV. Eventually the goals of managing TV result in changing priorities that depart from the good of the whole.

So let's hope for the involvement of the developer in some fashion continues well into the future.
:agree: :bigbow:

mulligan
04-08-2014, 01:37 PM
The residents have already taken over some of the northern districts, and the mechanism is in place for that to happen all the way down to district #10. The fee/taxing system, and the administrative systems are in place to maintain the quality we now enjoy. All seem to be working fine.. Educate yourselves, folks. Learn about your government.

jblum315
04-08-2014, 02:30 PM
My answer is that none of us will live long enough to see the "final buildout." Not Gary Morse and not any of us on TOTV.

Bogie Shooter
04-08-2014, 02:34 PM
The biggest future risk I see is if there ever becomes a time where the residents in some governing form become responsible for "managing" the daily goings on of TV.

Like it or not the developer has a goal and manages a consistency that for the most part we all accept. And also for the most part very little we as residents can do or say to sway the direction the developer has set.

When/if the residents take over is when special interests, politics, etc creep into the system thus departing from the overall state of TV. Eventually the goals of managing TV result in changing priorities that depart from the good of the whole.

So let's hope for the involvement of the developer in some fashion continues well into the future.

So true, Obi-wan.

Chi-Town
04-08-2014, 02:58 PM
Using the recent flower planting discussion as an example of a worse case scenario involving the residents takeover would go like this:

Changing the flowers three times a year instead of four is more desirable both esthetically and economically.

Changing the flowers twice a year is more economic.

Changing to year round ground cover works.

Mulch only.

buzzy
04-08-2014, 03:19 PM
Using the recent flower planting discussion as an example of a worse case scenario involving the residents takeover would go like this:

Changing the flowers three times a year instead of four is more desirable both esthetically and economically.

Changing the flowers twice a year is more economic.

Changing to year round ground cover works.

Mulch only.

Similar progression at our South FL condo. All the islands in the parking lot became gray mulch. The Board even took out the perennials so nothing had to be watered. I was on the Board, but not retired yet. My vote was useless against the cheapskates.

jojo
04-08-2014, 03:44 PM
The biggest future risk I see is if there ever becomes a time where the residents in some governing form become responsible for "managing" the daily goings on of TV.

Like it or not the developer has a goal and manages a consistency that for the most part we all accept. And also for the most part very little we as residents can do or say to sway the direction the developer has set.

When/if the residents take over is when special interests, politics, etc creep into the system thus departing from the overall state of TV. Eventually the goals of managing TV result in changing priorities that depart from the good of the whole.

So let's hope for the involvement of the developer in some fashion continues well into the future.

We can only hope.

CFrance
04-08-2014, 05:11 PM
We don't have any optimists on TOTV, you'll have to ask somewhere else.

:throwtomatoes::throwtomatoes: Don't flame me, I'm kidding!

P.S. Welcome to the Forum!
:1rotfl::1rotfl:

Barefoot
04-08-2014, 05:50 PM
The biggest future risk I see is if there ever becomes a time where the residents in some governing form become responsible for "managing" the daily goings on of TV. Like it or not the developer has a goal and manages a consistency that for the most part we all accept. And also for the most part very little we as residents can do or say to sway the direction the developer has set.

When/if the residents take over is when special interests, politics, etc creep into the system thus departing from the overall state of TV. Eventually the goals of managing TV result in changing priorities that depart from the good of the whole. So let's hope for the involvement of the developer in some fashion continues well into the future.

Well said BTK. :agree:

dgammon6
04-08-2014, 06:27 PM
At the VHA meeting 2 years ago, Mark Morse spoke and in his talk indicated they would not build South of 44. The next VHA meeting that he will be speaking again is. May 14. Perhaps he will say if that has changed.

champion6
04-09-2014, 07:39 PM
Using the recent flower planting discussion as an example of a worse case scenario involving the residents takeover would go like this:
Changing the flowers three times a year instead of four is more desirable both esthetically and economically.
Changing the flowers twice a year is more economic.
Changing to year round ground cover works.
Mulch only.
Similar progression at our South FL condo. All the islands in the parking lot became gray mulch. The Board even took out the perennials so nothing had to be watered. I was on the Board, but not retired yet. My vote was useless against the cheapskates.Chi-Town's example is completely hypothetical. Buzzy's example is real. Are either of these in an area governed/funded by a CDD? Probably not.

justjim
04-09-2014, 09:04 PM
Bottom line TV will be fine following build out----and it will build out someday. When, is only speculation. The Developer still has houses to build and commercial properties to build and either sell or lease. 2016 sounds about right to me.

Meanwhile----ENJOY! In the words of that great philosopher "That's all I've got to say about that". Forrest

Cedwards38
04-10-2014, 06:47 AM
Villages Homeowner's Association meeting, May 14. "An Evening With The Developer."

Free admission, but you have to get a ticket through the Villages Box Office. Go and hear for yourself, straight from the horse's mouth. I've got mine already. :-)

slipcovers
04-10-2014, 07:49 AM
At the VHA meeting 2 years ago, Mark Morse spoke and in his talk indicated they would not build South of 44. The next VHA meeting that he will be speaking again is. May 14. Perhaps he will say if that has changed.

Did the developer talk about purchasing the Fruitland Park land at this meeting? No one will know about any land purchase until its a done deal. I for one believe he will keep going as long as he can buy at the right price. They didn't build the Brownwood sales office for nothing. Now they are building a exit off the turnpike, hmmm.

Dr Winston O Boogie jr
04-10-2014, 08:24 AM
Build Out is a myth.

Barefoot
04-10-2014, 09:18 AM
Villages Homeowner's Association meeting, May 14. "An Evening With The Developer."

Free admission, but you have to get a ticket through the Villages Box Office. Go and hear for yourself, straight from the horse's mouth. I've got mine already. :-)

I wonder why they don't schedule the meeting in "High" season.
Most Seasonal Residents have left by mid May.
Perhaps they find that Frogs are in a better mood after the Snowbirds have left. :evil6:

perrjojo
04-10-2014, 07:34 PM
I wonder why they don't schedule the meeting in "High" season.
Most Seasonal Residents have left by mid May.
Perhaps they find that Frogs are in a better mood after the Snowbirds have left. :evil6:

I think you may be on to something.

Bonanza
04-10-2014, 10:25 PM
I wonder why they don't schedule the meeting in "High" season.
Most Seasonal Residents have left by mid May.
Perhaps they find that Frogs are in a better mood after the Snowbirds have left. :evil6:

No big surprise, Barefoot.
I've seen this happen elsewhere.
The "powers that be" are looking for the path of least resistence.
The fewer people, the merrier, or in a nutshell,
they will be backed into a corner by fewer people.

dotti105
04-11-2014, 01:23 AM
Lots more questions than answers re the build out.
Some of the questions I have are:

1. Why was Brownwood built on the southernmost point of TV?
The other town squares are bordered by villages on all sides.
There was plenty of land south of 466A in which to locate the 3rd
town square and have it centrally located.
*Was it built at 44 because there are potential opportunities for acquiring
Land to develop below 44?
Just pondering.....
2. The massive build out of all inventory homes seems to be a bit of a stumbling block.
Many people seem to miss the ability to design "their dream home" and we see
What seems like miles and miles, hundreds and hundreds of finished, unsold, unoccupied homes just sitting.

I know the number of homes sold in 2013 was 300+ new homes a month. Without "custom design" as an option, I can't help but wonder if the number is lower for 2014.

I do think that it makes sense that they would have continued "custom design" if they were going to continue to acquire land and build as they have in the past.

But the Brownwood location sort of baffles me. One nice little tunnel under 44 like the tunnel under 466A would open up that entire area for new villages.

I guess we can speculate all we want.... I'm just glad we got in under the wire
For "custom design" and I hope any future decisions the developer makes will be as sound as the ones made up to this point.

We are very fortunate to be in such a fabulous place! No place else like it !!!

debzaranti
04-11-2014, 05:11 AM
Good one Barefoot....I'm still ROTLMAO!

ssmith
04-11-2014, 07:14 AM
I know this just may be "the party line" but a Villagers Realtor told me yesterday that (a Morse daughter?) met with them, drew a circle around the map and said, " this is it folks there will be no more Villages". The realtor indicated that this was done to dispell rumors....Perhaps the Morse's read TOTV :-)


There will be a few parcels of land...they intend to sell at higher prices to doctors etc ( I was told that Designers in these areas will start at $500,000) and there will be a few "family" villages for the workers developed.

She said something about the kind of land available meaning something like....Marsh lands or wetlands etc that had to be protected etc.

Also she did admit that on occasion a local land owner decides to sell their land to TV and, of course, they gobble that up and develop it...

Just thought I would add what I have been told....take it for what it is worth...

GaryW
04-11-2014, 07:28 AM
There is alot of land south of 44. Most of which is owned by the Baily's.. There has been talk about Disney and another place like Celebration. But that has been going around for about 5 years now or longer. You never know until it happens. I know there are plans for alot of thing south of 44 and around the The Villages turnpike interchange. For the most part will not be called The Villages as we know it. Mid Florida Properties is coming up alot. They develop all the Family sections of The Villages,,,
Over time all will come out.

slipcovers
04-11-2014, 11:22 AM
Disney does, in fact ,own a large parcel of land south of 44, purchased several years ago. That fact has been discussed on TOTV along with a newspaper link to the story.
What also baffles me is that today on thevillages.com realestate there are 450 new designer homes and 208 pre-owned. Total 658 designer homes for sale, NOT counting those listed with MLS. Why build more? Talk about supply and demand. Custom build homes are a nightmare for builders, constant changes and complaints just to mention just a few.
I, too, am confused about Brownwood at the "edge" of TV and why would they need another sales office?

Birdie Dreamer
04-11-2014, 11:41 AM
[QUOTE=slipcovers;860349]
What also baffles me is that today on thevillages.com realestate there are 450 new designer homes and 208 pre-owned. Total 658 designer homes for sale, NOT counting those listed with MLS. Why build more?[QUOTE]

Probably because they are selling over 300 new homes a month. A month and a half of inventory is not very much.

CFrance
04-11-2014, 11:48 AM
Also, they are not building anymore custom homes--only specs. So they no longer have to deal with the constant changes and complaints.

GaryW
04-11-2014, 11:48 AM
They have actually slowed way down on building,,, while they have inventory homes,,, not building real fast,,, about 175 a month,,,, And alot of that is due to Antrim Dells Unit 966. that is accounting for about 100 inventory homes...

MikeV
04-11-2014, 12:42 PM
Build Out is a myth.

:agree::bigbow:

Dr Winston O Boogie jr
04-11-2014, 12:44 PM
Dot's point about the location of Brownwood speaks volumes. It makes absolutely no sense to locate that town square on the edge of the Villages. Town Squares by their very nature are meant to be centrally located.

Spanish Spring to LSL = 3 Miles

LSL to Brownwood = 8 Miles.

slipcovers
04-11-2014, 01:01 PM
[QUOTE=slipcovers;860349]
What also baffles me is that today on thevillages.com realestate there are 450 new designer homes and 208 pre-owned. Total 658 designer homes for sale, NOT counting those listed with MLS. Why build more?[QUOTE]

Probably because they are selling over 300 new homes a month. A month and a half of inventory is not very much.

I was referring to DESIGNER homes only, they are not selling fast. Many new ones have been on the market for over a year. The villas seem more desirable to snowbirds and sell faster. So why not build more villas instead of more designer? Doesn't that make more cense?

Cedwards38
04-11-2014, 06:01 PM
I just attended the Villages Community Development District's Resident Academy this month. One of our featured speakers was Janet Tutt, an impressive person who obviously loves The Villages. One of the first questions to her was, "What happens when the Developer is no longer involved with The Villages"? Her response was, (paraphrased) Take a look at everything north of 466. The Developer has not been involved there for years. It's all managed by the VCDD. That's what the rest of The Villages will be when the Developer is gone. Maybe I'm naive, but I found that very reassuring.

I still believe the Developer (Morse Family) will continue to develop for as long as land and retirees are available, but I plan to attend the VHA meeting on May 14, ("An Evening With The Developer"), to hear it myself. I'm guessing that topic will be addressed. Horse's Mouth. It's free, but you have to get a ticket from The Villages Box Office.

billethkid
04-11-2014, 06:23 PM
Some things to keep in perspective or try.
Whether TV is building/selling/closing 300 per month or has "slowed down" to 175 per month have no bearing. Most developers would love to have TV slow season.

Homes in inventory is not a negative thing....they will sell. Building with no buyers gives TV the option to build now with materials at today's prices and sell later when materials are higher and home prices much higher. TV cannot lose by building into inventory.

I also once upon a time stated the term prospect home is really not accurate for what TV is doing. After all the experience in working with design criteria for years, TV has a good notion of what features to include in building houses. They build complete neighborhoods in the most efficient manner possible and then when everything is complete release the neighborhood for sale. TV cost to build a home is improved by doing business this way.
I think a more appropriate terminology is planned building, because that is what they are doing.

The other issue TV is dealing with is to maintain an offering price range that still is attractive to a large cross section of prospective buyers. Designer homes pricing for example is approaching $400-$500,000. Much different than 2-4 years ago.

For current residents the news is the best. The value of our homes continues to rise. And we haven't even had the benefit of the boomer bubble that is evolving.

All of the above are my conclusions and opinions.

Nothing but sunshine and good news here!

buzzy
04-11-2014, 06:46 PM
Dot's point about the location of Brownwood speaks volumes. It makes absolutely no sense to locate that town square on the edge of the Villages. Town Squares by their very nature are meant to be centrally located.

Spanish Spring to LSL = 3 Miles

LSL to Brownwood = 8 Miles.

I think he wanted it adjacent to rte 44, to bring in more customers for the Brownwood businesses & restaurants. That might level off the seasonal changes within The Villages.