[Normal]

Originally Posted by Byte1

Buy now, before the interest rates drop and the home prices rise again.

Inflation is on the rise and is on its third straight month of increases, it was at almost 3% December. Wishing for interest rates to fall is a moot dream right now. The FED won’t cut rates with inflation raising.

[J1ceasar]

While many people find The villages wonderful it is about 100% more expensive per square foot than the other six or 10 Senior communities in the same area.
If golfing is not a major concern, you consider other places, Arlington ridge, Pennbroke Fairways, mission inn.

As an example you can get a 2000 ft home with no bond for $250,000 in Pennbrooke Fairways, yes these communities are much smaller but that's what makes them a better value and much more comfortable for people to find friendship.

[crc19188]

I have a home in Orange Blossom Gardens for sale. It is below what you quoted you want to pay. You can contact me at crc19188.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

I think one important thing to note from your question is that nearly every village has something in your price point ( though resales in newer villages may not have the bond paid off). Almost every village is built with a mix of housing "series" and price points - meaning you will find Patio Villas (under $300,000) and Designers (over $700,000) in almost every village. Find the area that you want to be in and don't worry about the name of the village.

[SHIBUMI]

Find the location which is the closest to what you like to do and food shopping.........then look for a house..stay away from highway and squares for noise level

Find a Village that is 1 way in and 1 way out........smaller is better

then worry about the house.........you have time smart to start now and have a realtor
stay on top of what you want and if it comes open, buy it, don't hesitate.....or you will regret it

Originally Posted by MNViking

First of all, let me express my thanks for the responses I am hopeful I will receive. There is a ton of information on this forum, just not the easiest to navigate when seeking specifics. I am sure each of the Villages has a specific tone and tenor to what is liked/disliked and valued so all thoughts are welcomed.

First, what my lovely wife and I would seek in a potential move is fairly simplistic as we will be also living in MN for at least 7-10 more years but would like to have a place down here and then transition into this as our retirement home. My wife is a little younger than I am, so she will more than likely still be working and will seek to get into HR in the area. Let's not get the horse before the cart on that I guess.

Our interest would be in something under the $300K mark with Bond already paid, that is something we would be comfortable with, by no means are we rich and we do not want to be house-poor. Just rather be comfortable. As my earnings slow, it is a practical thing as I would rather go on cruises than have a larger home. I am rather social, my wife is more of an introvert unless there is a good comfortable vibe for her. Then she will blossom a bit with some commonalities with people. So the social aspect of a Village is about a 6/7 out of 10. So some proximity to a rec area/town square is a need. (More for me than her, but she is always happy to tag along).

Relatively quiet neighborhoods from traffic noise as that will be bothersome to her. I am learning the areas, but have no clue about the general roads and how loud the traffic can be vs the highway being nearby. So guidance on that is fantastic.

Also, if you don't mind and I get I am asking a lot. (If your Village is in my price range.). I would love to hear why you value or love our Village with some supporting information, neighbors, community, proximity, dining, etc. Followed by: Would you pick that location again, or would you select another Village. I dislike moving, so once I/we get there that I am very hopeful would be the place.

This is a start, and I may ask questions again based on responses, but would really like to iron out some of our thoughts on locations to become more actively focused in searching. Right now, I look all over the place. I have nothing truly against manufactured homes, but that would not be a preference based on storms from my general knowledge of how we handle tornadoes up here vs wind storms/hurricanes down there.

I appreciate you taking the valuable time to respond, and look forward to a more centralized place for me to learn a bit more and share with my wife.

FTR: We watch youtube videos, read the websites, look at Zillow, Redfin, etc for listings. So we are trying to do our best on our own, but doggone it people living in the area are certainly just as valuable if not more!

Also, even though the Vikings lost last night I am always accepting others to jump on whatever Viking train that will be available in the next several years! We all know Purple looks great on guys and gals! (Not Green and Gold!).

[retfc2@yahoo.com]

Suggest making a visit. The Villages has a program for potential buyers. 3-night stay. Tour of all the Villages. Contact Gail Evans at 352-874-1504. We have bought 2 houses with her help.

[Mrfriendly]

I would rent a home between the 6’s that has a golf cart and explore. I would buy something sooner than later because prices will never go down. Financially speaking maybe put your new money into mortgage rather than fund your IRA or 401k any further to get a jump on paying down your new home. Consider a turnkey so you won’t have to rack your brain with designing the interior of your new home right away. A turnkey also gives you a lesser cost to prepare your home for rental if that’s your plan. Good luck in your search down here and sorry the true Sam Darnold showed up last game.

[opinionist]

Some manufactured homes are better constructed than others. There have been hurricanes that have passed overhead with no rash of homes destroyed. Being in central Florida means that storms will lose much of their energy when they make landfall, and the risk is much lower than in a coastal location.

I live in Orange Blossom Gardens, which has a mix of manufactured homes, stick-built homes, and a couple of blockhouses. The village has friendly people, but I suspect that is true for most villages. I am not far from the main highway, but the road noise is not a problem. Once in a while, the music from the square can carry over into the village. You have access to a myriad of activities from almost everywhere in the villages. I like the greenery in the northern end and the short walk to Paradise Park.

I have a view of Paradise Lake, but there are other locations with views of golf courses. I like the feeling of being in nature even if the house next door is 15 feet away. I don't care for a backyard view of someone else's backyard. For your price range, you are looking at a manufactured home or maybe a stick-built one. If you have enough space for your needs, a smaller house is not a problem.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by FloridaGuy66

I saw some new homes listed in the low $300's in the paper this week.

I personally would NEVER buy used in TV. Much better experience to move into an area at the same time as all of your neighbors. Plus the new areas, the average age is closer to 50, not 80 like Spanish Springs.

The Spanish Springs area has PLENTY of residents in their 60's. Do not base your move on a myth. Choose an area you like and scout the neighborhood. You may find residents much older, a neighborhood full of part timers, a mecca of rental homes, loud barking dogs, etc. There is NO PERFECT village. You will have to explore and find a neighborhood that suits your needs.

Under 300K homes will be small patio homes and Courtyard Villas. Most can be found in the northern area where original owners paid MUCH LESS than homes in the newer areas. In the early 2000s, home prices were in the $70,000 to $350,000 range. With $350,000 being a premiere home. The heirs to these homes have plenty of leeway. Those who want to rid themselves of the property quickly will usually accept a low offer. Again, these homes can be found in the northern areas. The price of homes in the newer area will be much higher.

[Stu from NYC]

Before we knew this was the place for us we rented for a month in June which has lower cost rentals.

Explored the area saw what was here and decided it was for us. 5 years and counting and enjoying this place greatly.

Talk to lots of people and learn the true costs of living here to see if you can swing it.

[Normal]

Don’t forget to have a favorable contract written before you put a deposit down on a place. There are some out there that are greedy for deposit money. Make sure there is a home inspection clause written favorably for you if you wish to pull out of a buy. At the very least get a a home insurability clause tended for 10 days or less.

[MNViking]

Originally Posted by Mrfriendly

I would rent a home between the 6’s that has a golf cart and explore. I would buy something sooner than later because prices will never go down. Financially speaking maybe put your new money into mortgage rather than fund your IRA or 401k any further to get a jump on paying down your new home. Consider a turnkey so you won’t have to rack your brain with designing the interior of your new home right away. A turnkey also gives you a lesser cost to prepare your home for rental if that’s your plan. Good luck in your search down here and sorry the true Sam Darnold showed up last game.

So am I! JJ Mcarthy time!

[Daddymac]

Originally Posted by Altavia

One place to start is with The Villages App.
The Villages(R) App on the App Store

Select:

• Homes & Villas
• Search
• Set filters to: New + Pre-approval and price under 300K
  
• Set any other criteria filters you have.
  
• Select Apply and homes appear.

I WOULD NOT USE THE VILLAGERS REAL ESTATE.. THEY WILL TRY TO SELL YOU IN THE SOUTH END.. THATS WHERE THEY ARE TOLD TO PUSH.. just my 2 cent…

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I would be very cautious of the Court Yard Villa (CYV), if you are looking at these make sure you understand the property lines versus the ACCESS arrangement, as well as how close the houses are to each other. We looked at these and immediately said NO. We wanted some space, ended up with a very nice Designer.
I am not sure if you have considered the monthly bills, CDD fees, cable (or equal) access, power (possible gas), taxes, etc. There are some areas that are "in the villages" as well as in a city (Wildwood, Leesburg, Fruitland Park, etc.) which typically means additional taxes. We live between 466a and 44 and love the area, however from what I have seen these will be outside your budget.
Also, carefully review the age of the roof, HVAC, water heater, etc, as the insurance companies have been denying coverage or requiring replacements. In general FL home insurance is becoming challenging.
Yes, July and August and September can be hot, but I have figured out how to avoid most of the heat, golf is typically out, other indoor activities are in.

It is VERY difficult to avoid the Florida summer heat and the hotter Florida SUN. Besides golf being difficult to play, there is also softball, tennis, outdoor volleyball, and everyone's favorite - Pickle ball. If you have a dark color car and you park it in the sun, you can literally BURN your hand on the door handle. The same goes for the steering wheel. It needs to have a WHITE cover or use WHITE tape over it. This was NOT the case 10 years ago, but things have changed since then. Basically, ALL outside activities are DIFFICULT for 4 or more months in the summer. So, if a Florida visit is made, make it for August to get a REAL FLORIDA experience.
......July 10th 2024 was the hottest day on record. And climate scientists know that each year will keep getting hotter and setting more RECORDS. So, in 7 to 10 years things will change a lot and NOT for the better.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by opinionist

Some manufactured homes are better constructed than others. There have been hurricanes that have passed overhead with no rash of homes destroyed. Being in central Florida means that storms will lose much of their energy when they make landfall, and the risk is much lower than in a coastal location.

I live in Orange Blossom Gardens, which has a mix of manufactured homes, stick-built homes, and a couple of blockhouses. The village has friendly people, but I suspect that is true for most villages. I am not far from the main highway, but the road noise is not a problem. Once in a while, the music from the square can carry over into the village. You have access to a myriad of activities from almost everywhere in the villages. I like the greenery in the northern end and the short walk to Paradise Park.

I have a view of Paradise Lake, but there are other locations with views of golf courses. I like the feeling of being in nature even if the house next door is 15 feet away. I don't care for a backyard view of someone else's backyard. For your price range, you are looking at a manufactured home or maybe a stick-built one. If you have enough space for your needs, a smaller house is not a problem.

That WAS true about hurricanes in the past. However, in the last 5 years the whole Earth has warmed to record levels. July 10th, 2024 was an all time record. The Gulf of Mexico gets to NEW RECORDS each passing summer. So, it is likely only a matter of time before a LARGE hurricane comes through The Villages. Also, we have had tornadoes spin off from hurricanes in the past. So, it is better to be up North during the summers. Look up a graph of the increasing Earth's temperature for the last 5 years. It is ALL there for just a few Google clicks. I am NOT making this stuff up.