Exploring TV
 

Friday night I checked into the Waterfront Inn, went to Sonny’s for dinner. The next morning started with Toojays for breakfast, from there I went on the trolley tour given by the sales office. Lasted about an hour. Arlene, our guide, was very nice.

Later I looked at some models with a salesperson. We looked at a few Premier houses and neighborhoods in the Brownwood section. Still quite a few lots available. Lot premiums seem to be all over the place and EVERY lot has a premium. On a bright note, TVs definition of a retention pond is different than what I lived near in Daytona. TVs retention ponds are large. Not the tiny snake infested, mosquito-ridden rp you see in Daytona or Orlando. However, when TV sales calls them “waterfront” – that’s a stretch in anyone’s book. Most of the homes we looked at were on postage stamp lots. Houses are VERY close together. Sadly, that is a trend nationwide.

I looked at a few homes in different stages of construction. They’re built a bit different in FL than other parts of the country. Not saying that in a bad way, just different. And there is definitely a take it or leave attitude with these homes. You would think they would accommodate any customization your checkbook allows, I guess not.

Today (Saturday) there was a big gathering with the FL Lottery at L. Sumter, not sure what that was all about. Got a haircut at Cal’s. Went to mass at St. Timothy’s, it’s a beautiful church. Dinner at Bravo’s. Drove over to Spanish Springs, it’s a nice square.

Tomorrow (Sunday) will go see friends in Ocala and Daytona.

Haven’t decided if I’m leaving Monday or Tuesday. I think I would like to see more of Brownwood on Monday. If you have any suggestions, please share.

Everyone I’ve encountered on this trip has been very friendly. I realize the sales people are “required” to be friendly but I think it was genuine.

Lastly. I now understand why so many here (TOTV) have said rent first. TV is just too big to get a feel for the area in a short visit. At a minimum, I think a one-month rental is necessary. I’m still 10 mons away from 55 and I’m told that may be a problem. Still not sure how they enforce that rule. Anyway, sometimes it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission.

I plan to return in couple months to look at more areas. Possibly will look at a few resales. Next time I’ll do the lifestyle package with the golf cart. I’m still in the window-shopping stage, but if I end up here, it will probably be Brownwood.

BTW, are golf cart’s exempt from stopping at stop signs? Saw that a whole bunch today.

Nope to the stop signs...and almost all of us are really, really friendly here if given a chance minus a normal human grumpy day now and then. To me, The Villages is like going back to life like it used to be when I was growing up and having lots of fun and friends.

Salespeople like waitresses should be helpful and nice or they are really bad at their jobs and working against their best interests. Talk to people who live here.

Go to the rec centers. Visit all three sizes. Get a copy of the rec news and check out the different clubs and activity. Go to one of the squares at 6pm. Dance.

Check out both Eisenhower and Rohan Rec centers.

Yes, it is much bigger than most people imagined. A month gives you more of the big picture and time, to decide if one wants to live here. I'm sure you can buy something, even if your not 55, as the 20%, (under 55 rule), is in effect.

I personally think you are buying the lifestyle and not so much of a home in terms of available land, etc. There are some homes in the surrounding areas that some people prefer, (more home for the money), but I see a lot of people from those areas come to TV for the entertainment.

I always say, TV can be "imitated but never duplicated". The lifestyle has been compared to "Disneyland", for seniors.Of course, it's your decision.

Some people view stop signs as suggestions and not the law, unless they are caught going through one. I may be wrong as I never got one, but the cost of the ticket, is close to $200.00.

You're wise to take your time in choosing a Villages residence, especially if you intend to stay in it for any length of time. New or pre-owned is a personal choice; some enjoy the beauty of a blank slate onto which they can put their own signature. We shopped both and opted for a lovely pre-owned with a great number of upgrades we would have had to install ourselves. Check out bond balances on pre-owned homes, which can often have been paid off or are significantly lower than new. Good luck!

I had to laugh when I saw your post. Mom and I were at our condo on St. Augustine Beach over the holidays in 2011 and decided to visit TV for three days. I contacted a realtor a friend had used and he showed us The Villages. On that visit, I put a deposit on a lot and went back to St. Augustine and put our condo on the market! I had a Design Team Meeting in February and they started building our home in March. Mom, my aunt and I had our Lifestyle Visit in April and we closed on our home in May! Talk about doing things backwards! I've never regretted that decsision. Unfortunately, I am still waiting to move to TV as Mom likes The Villages but prefers the four seasons in Michigan.

It strikes me funny that you say there are still a few lots available. It was only August of 2011 that the first finished home went on the market south of CR 466A. I know that because I walked through them. It was on Braddy Court in the Village of Sanibel, they had a set up similar to a Parade of Homes with about five furnished homes on a cul-de-sac. In that short time of just over four years, that area (Brownwood area) went from vast barren land with a few paved streets to over 10,000 homes, three 27 hole championship golf courses and six executive courses, a town square with a movie theater, rec centers, MVP gym, two shopping centers, so on.

I don’t blame ya. I wish I were in a position to commit now, but I’m still working full time. A few years ago congress raised our mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65. Technically I can still work another 11 years, but I don’t want to. I’ve “sort of” decided to retire in 2016. Still looking at places in AZ but I will say The Villages is the most active of what I’ve seen so far.
I may stay one more day to drive around Brownwood. Curious how far it is to Spanish Springs. Also, I might look at a resale or two.

Today I visited the Eisenhower Rec Center, it’s beautiful – looks more like a museum.

This is not timeshare. No one is selling you an overpriced dream "vacation".
If you take advantage of the golf, rec centers and clubs it is a dream lifestyle until you move or pass away [AKA frogs].
Take it or leave it. Nobody cares. There's more where you came from.

That's no nice...........

I definitely recommend renting several times before you decide. We came for the month of October in 2012 and were struck by how ACTIVE everyone is. No one seems to be sitting around waiting to die. People are up and moving at the crack of dawn and there is something in The Villages for everyone. My husband loves to play basketball and that's something that is not offered at most other retirement communities. In The Villages, he can play six days a week!

We bought our home just a year ago and though we are a few years from retiring, we can rent it during the high season and earn enough to pay all of its expenses for the year. We chose to purchase a preowned home, as south of 466A was too far south for us. We prefer a more central location. The first time we rented, it was in Springdale, in the northwest corner of TV. The next time we came, we rented in Bonita and LOVED it! So much easier to get around and lots of stuff close by. We ended up buying in Tamarind Grove and have 13 executive courses within a ten minute cart ride. Golf Nirvana!

Good luck to you in your search. As suggested, talk to the people. I ask everyone for their "Villages Story" whenever I run into them. I love hearing it all.

Thank you for being so kind and enlightening me that TV is not a timeshare.

My husband and I would welcome you into our home if you have the time. When I came here for the first time and had posted a while on this forum, I was disappointed that none of the frequent posters tried to meet with us.


We love it here and we are biased in THAT direction, only fair to warn you.

The squares and clubs are what interest me most. I will be looking at many areas before I make a decision.

I don’t think golf will play a factor for location since I don’t play. And I don’t think I’ll take it up in retirement either. I have a second home in Scottsdale Country Club and I’ve never stepped foot on the golf course. As for TV, I don’t want to be 40 mins by cart to a square - so I still have some homework.

Yesterday I looked at one Designer and several Premiers. The one thing I’m “fairly” certain about is that I need a Premier for the square footage.

That is very kind of you Gracie and I truly do appreciate the open hand. When I’m here next I may take you up on the offer. This trip has been too short and exhaustive. The more I drive around the more questions I have. Fortunately, my sales rep is willing to answer any technical questions I may have. Wow, my grammar is poor.

I hope your agent is making you aware that you can add stretches to a new build, if the lot accommodates them. I built a new home this past fall. The base model, an Iris, which is a Designer home, is about 1900 sq ft. I stretched it 3ft to the side on one side, 4 ft to the side on the other, 8 ft to the rear on the lanai, and 2 ft to the front. My sq footage under air is 23000 sq ft and 3400 sq ft all total. The cost of my house is $100-150k less than a premier, yet nearly as large. I'd be happy to show it to you if you PM me, so you can see the possibilities of a stretched Designer.

I would like to suggest to make a list of "must have" and a list of "would like to have". That would help you to focus on what you truly want and easier to decide what home is right for you.

I myself, had a million questions so I got the "paralysis of analysis". As some point, you will be comfortable with whatever, you decide.

I'm not in my Village home yet! I've been renting my home in The Village of Charlotte for the last three years in a long-term rental program. My 91 year old mother likes The Villages but likes the four seasons in Michigan more! We have to rent another home when we visit The Villages!


I love the Eisenhower Rec Center! So patriotic and makes me proud to be an American.

The first home I was shown was a stretched Designer. I need larger, my plan is to stretch a Premiere. Like you said, the lot has to be big enough to accommodate the larger home with the setbacks. I would like approx. 4000sf of living space, without spending a million dollars. The salesman said there are only one or two models where that is possible. He showed me his personal home, a stretched premiere. He had rooms added to both sides and stretched the back by 6 ft. In addition he had the roofline stretched 6 feet beyond an outside sidewall, on one side, to create a storage shed on the side of the house. Also had the lanai stretch all the way around the house, which made room for the pool and outdoor kitchen. The lanai floor is level with the interior floor, making it handicap accessible and he can add AC at a future date. He will have a beautiful home when construction is complete. Since it was his personal home I was uncomfortable asking what it cost. He did say the lot was $189k.

You are absolutely correct. I do have my “must have/like to have” list. In the end it will be budget that dictates. I can go crazy with this thing but I’ll end up eating Top Ramen for the next 10 years. I’ll do the best I can within my budget. Stuff like painted driveway, cameras, etc. can wait. Rooms and bathrooms, will not wait.

There is one village (Harmeswood?) in TV north of 466 that has very large lots from 2/3 acres up to about 2 acres, I think. There are also massive homes there, with 4000+ sf.

You are right, but somehow I am reading that this single commercial pilot who has been all over the world wants all up to date light fixtures and tile styles and perhaps the new paned glass doors instead of sliders and maybe three bathrooms and stainless everything and a wine bar.


I understand this. And he can choose, so I am guessing he is leaning toward new. The Premier Village on 466 and the one in Pennecamp are only four years old and have the newer stuff, but the newest ones have even more updated appliances.


Here is my bet, Retiring will end up south of 466A and will find wonderful, welcoming and fun folks there. Just like so many of us landed in the perfect spot. He is having fun looking and digesting, mulling over things like palms or no palms, three car garage or two and golf cart, what kind of golf cart. Where do I want the sun to hit my home in the evening. Do I want a corner lot. What kind of view out the back? A pool or no pool? What kind of screen enclosure, pillars or not?


He has worked his whole life to enjoy the process he is going through right now.


I enjoy his journey.

If you get a chance, next time you're in the Brownwood area. Drive along Pinellas Pl, that's the east-west road that goes from Morse all the way to the Winn Dixie Shopping Center. Take Buena Vista south and turn west on Pinellas towards the shopping center. Look for a left turn, Islesworth cicle. It's a completed area, but maybe a resale may come on the market. All those homes sold in the $800,000 to $1 million range. Some have a 5 car garage, one even has a 9 car garage. There is also a few streets a little further south in the Village of Lake Deaton, behind the fire station off Hillsborough. They have a similar area of large Premier Homes, I believe that area is finished but a realtor can find a possible resale.

Gracie, you know me well. I enjoy my smart house. Yes, I like the latest gadgets. I have the remote controlled lighting and blinds and fireplace and tankless water heater and some fancy push button stuff in the kitchen. A central vac with an auto dustpan. Wifi locks, etc etc. I’m able to be so dependent on electric, where I am now, because I can use a natural gas generator that kicks in for a power outage. The (new) homes I’ve seen so far in TV have all been electric. Salesman said all the new areas are electric. No way I can risk a smart house if I don’t have a natural gas generator in the event of a power outage. I don’t want to go down the propane tank route. I can live without (most) of the bells and whistles but I will need a minimum 3 car + golf cart garage. There are many reasons I’m leaning towards new. The obvious reasons and no less important, comprehensive sinkhole insurance. I plan to visit The Villages Insurance after lunch. All I know about sinkhole coverage is what I was told by the TV Real Estate agent.

Since I don’t drink, never have, I will use the wine bar space for something else :)

John, I’m taking notes. I will look at that area on my next visit, since I’m leaving in the morning. My concern is comprehensive sinkhole insurance on a resale. I’ll know more today when I talk to TV Insurance. Ultimately I’ll have to stay around $850k, which eliminates anything with a 9-car garage.

I would not let sinkhole insurance coverage drive my purchase decision. ALL homeowner policies in Florida have catastrophic collapse insurance, which covers sinkholes that threaten the house. It goes into effect once a house is deemed uninhabitable/unsafe. The "sinkhole" insurance covers sinkholes that appear on your lot, but does not affect home safety. At least, this is my understanding.

I’m a big believer in insurance. It has saved many from bankruptcy. I spoke to The Villages Ins. and there is quite a bit to what the comprehensive sinkhole insurance covers.

The insurance agent is going to email the zip codes I need to avoid. There are zip codes where I cannot get comprehensive sinkhole insurance on any resale period. BTW, anyone have any concern that insurance companies, who are in the business of making money, will not insure certain zip codes? I may have to narrow my search to 32163, but the agent has not emailed me yet. Apparently that zip code is ok. However, there are insurance companies that will insure anyone for anything at any location, for a price. But I don’t want to pay the equivalent of a mortgage payment for insurance. Also, I’m not a rich man. I cannot risk an investment of this size just because I like the squares and the Eisenhower rec center. If the insurance companies find my home too risky to insure, I’ll find something in AZ.

This TV trip was more about getting an overall feel for the community, which I love. I only spent 1.5 days looking at houses. I picked up a 2016 detailed street map the sales office was selling. Now, when I talk to the RE agent I’ll be able to see the exact location he’s talking about. My next TV visit will be more focused on real estate. I’ll get detailed insurance info once I find a village I want to build in or a resale that fits my needs. Stuff for the next trip.

I want to thank you and the others here on TOTV. If it weren’t for the support I’ve received here, I would have taken a pass after the first program I watched about central FL sinkholes. After watching the second (frightening) program on central FL sinkholes I was ready to run from TV. TOTV has showed me that people spend many years here without any indication of any sh problem. But if I get to the point where an insurance company tells me I wouldn’t insure that home at any price, please don’t fault me for wanting to go elsewhere.

I also believe insurance is a necessary evil.

Being from the northeast where severe weather doesn't happen too often except for snow and some ice storms. I can say that one initially gets afraid when they hear stories of sinkholes, thunderstorms, etc. It has been a subject on TOTV many times and has affected only a few people out of thousands. To me, sinkholes are a very rare occurrance, IMHO. I was shaken to my boots after arriving and hearing of a house that burned down after a thunderstorm.

After awhile, you become immuned to it, as all areas of the country have their weather related problems. I would say the lifestyle here greatly out weighs the very small risk of getting a sinkhole. One should be somewhat concerned but hearing all of the war stories, will not help you. I wouldn't let something like that be the deciding factor but that's me.

your age not a problem.
 

The Fair Housing Act is no different. The Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) is an exception that allows communities to operate as “55 or over” housing. To qualify for this exemption, the following criteria must be met:

At least 80% of the units must be occupied by at least one resident over the age of 55;
The community must publish and adhere to policies and procedures demonstrating an intent by the housing provider (the association) to provide housing for persons 55 years of age or older; and
The housing provider must engage in appropriate age verification procedures that includes a community census from time to time.
Ok – at least one person 55 or older must reside in at least 80% of the occupied units. What do you do with the other 20%? On April 1, 1999 the United States Department of House and Urban Development (“HUD “) published Federal Regulations implementing the Housing For Older Persons Act of 1995 (“HOPA”). Basically, HUD does not care how a community handles the 20% “cushion” as reflected below: