Did the Home Show tour south of 44!
 

Lots of beautiful new homes in Linden and Marsh Bend. pleasant Villages employees and sales agents. Learned from sales agents there are no plans for any Premier homes south of 44. Just stretched and heavily optioned designer homes. Toured a Bridgeport model, large lanai and pool priced at $829,000............................but. Rear property line abuts the parking lot, with Parking spaces for Edna’s directly behind the pool and lanai, food truck cooking smell and noise from the area makes you wonder what were they thinking? The rest of the homes along that side of Lowlands were very nice, land costs alone for these homes were about $200k-$240k.

So far what they were thinking has been very successful. AND SELLS.

Where did the sales rep say they WILL build Premiers??

There was an Ivy in Marsh Bend for $823,000 with no pool and a golf car path right off the lanai. This is why the original designers on good water front lots that sold in the low $400,000's 30 months ago are going in the $600,000 range today

I have to agree with you. It will be interesting to see how long this property remains on the market.

The Bridgeport is a great floorplan and even nicer than many of the premier houses, but what you have described sounds like some pretty poor site planning for such an expensive house regardless of what the upgrades are.

Confused by the land cost, more than what we paid for our home a little under 5 years ago? We bought our home, modest but very nice, land included for less than $200 K. Our home is on a nice piece of land, it's on a road with very little traffic, in a great location, and our home abuts a nature preserve so we have a very nice private back yard (which we built a beautiful pool/birdcage on). How can land alone be worth what's stated above unless it is a huge lot with total privacy and is on a lake or Championship golf course (which is currently impossible south of 44)? That certainly can not be the price of land that abuts a parking lot with food trucks operating out of it?

If it sells, it IS the price of land that "abuts a parking lot with food trucks operating out of it."

This country is in a really good economic position right now due to a lot of factors. Homes in The Villages are greatly sought after and selling well. A home is worth what it sold for. New homes are very, very much desired here.

It appears we all made a wise business decision to buy here. A rising tide lifts all ships.

It's the high road. A bonnie place to be. Some folks will be in McClure afore ye.

We also did the tour yesterday.

One of those lots was actually a $299k upcharge.

The Bridgeport is now even nicer. They got rid of the entire wall between the living room and the kitchen. So the huge kitchen is now completely open to the living area. They also now have what looks like a 12 person rectangular breakfast bar/ island. Very dramatic.

Ohiobuckeye
 

I really don’t see why all the concern about what TV build south of 44. It there problem what they build & sell. They’re the ones putting up the money to build TV what it is today! To me Premier homes just means higher taxes. But interesting comment to see what TV residents say!

There was an brochure in one of the homes stating there are more than 1,000 requests for rentals than inventory available.

Obviously they can help manage investment property.

The topic is the model new home tour going on right now in villages south of 44.

One post started in on the "Fenney bashing" and many followed to support or defend that position. These posts were removed as off topic.

Moderator

Probably true for DEC thru MAR.

In the brochure they handed out they said be prepared to be "wowed" by the display homes in Marsh Bend. As pointed out the back lanais had a nice view and half had pools. The interior did not wow me. Most of the bedrooms had carpet, the closets were not that large and only a few had a custom organization system. I did not see any with plantation shutters or crown molding.

:bigbow::bigbow:

As a friend in the auto industry once told me, there is a butt for every seat. Wife took the tour today and found some new features that impressed, the butler pantry and one of the pools. Since we aren't moving I wasn't totally tuned in to her comments but she did like most of the floor plans.

True, a lot of the extra bedrooms had only 1/2 wall closets, some of the masters also had minimal closet space. The plantation shutters and crown molding appear to be a thing of the past and they are not seen in most of the models. We always had the moldings but when we bought down here it just didn't seem like it added anything to the interior as most of these are a tad on the contemporary side. My two favorites in Marsh Bend were the Linden and Ivy models. In the Ivy they moved the counter back closer to the appliances and eliminated the island giving more room to the living area but a lot less room and working space in the kitchen, I would prefer more room in the kitchen.

Wife and I went today. I would say the vast majority of people who buy will be focused on the more affordable homes that were in the Linden area. These homes show there are still some reasonably priced homes with some nice features as long as your lot price isn’t too crazy. The homes in Marsh Bend had some really nice lanai features and many upgrades in the homes. But that is probably a small segment of buyers for those homes.

Very nice event to showcase the the community. Much better design choices than some of the inventory homes.

No one was able to answer what "smart home" ready means. I noticed ports above the kitchen cabinets and an access point box in the ceiling.

I was a little surprised how most didn't have at least one bathtub. Could be a bit challenging when younger grandkids visits or dog wash time.

You're right, no tubs and also no televisions. In Marsh Bend I think there was only one home that had a spot for a TV.

I don't think it is wise to trust the sales agents regarding plans to not build premiers. I think they say honestly what they've been told by management, but judging by what has happened in the past, management is not being upfront. I'm thinking about the number of times that we've been told the Villages will be at capacity, and then they go ahead and build out further. Premiers south of 44? - Maybe, maybe not.

Only one house, the last one on Spurlock (Marsh Bend area), had crown molding. Surprising since cm is high on my list of home improvements for our DeSoto home.

Overall, the tour was very well organized & executed. Walk at your own pace through the beautiful (mostly) decorated homes, board a return trolley at your leisure, take pictures & notes as you wish, talk with sales reps at length. A very relaxing, no pressure environment to see the newest homes ideas of The Villages. Thanks for the opportunity.

Several items are slowly going away. Square tile, crown molding, bathtubs, granite, 2-level islands, summer kitchens, and entertainment centers. I also noticed that open tile showers in the masters are being replaced with glass. A lot of new decorating ideas or is it just plain cheaper to do???

That does not surprise me at all. Never enough rentals for high season. However, will they rent off season? I doubt they rent as well as north of 44 high season. But you lose money if you pay the Villages management company their 20% to manage it....

Most of the stuff you mention was not typical in homes north of 44 so not sure what your point is. If anything these houses have nicer finishes an features than the new homes I looked at in Hillsborough, Dunedin, and Lake Deaton 5 years ago. The outsides DEFINITELY look higher end. Why do some people always need to bash the developer or imply they are lowering their standards? I have to tell you, my wife and I were discussing how amazing our 5 year old Jasmine looks after having probably 30 different renters in it... We have had no problems and the darn thing still looks new -and it is rented 10 months a year.... amazing.

I am planning my move to TV Dec 2020
I’m having a real problem with seeing so many homes built on the water. I’m wondering how aggressive alligators are, and I understand they travel from one body of water to the next. I have dogs, and it’s impossible to not go outside after dark during winter months. Would a taser deter an alligator, or some type of mace spray??

I was replying to a post that noted there was no crown molding, I'm not bashing, I like the new styles. We live in a designer down here and have no problem with it.

IMHO a water view is an attractive nuisance. When the water level is high, the view is pretty. When it’s low or cluttered with algae, not so pretty. It’s also an established fact that stagnant water breeds mosquitoes. There are also water moccasins and other water snakes that might be more aggressive than the occasional alligator. BTW, we encountered a 6-8 alligator walking across the green on Bacall and it paid absolutely no attention to us. Dogs, however might be what they’re looking for.

We have been on water for 0ver 2-1/2 years, it is not a nuisance, the view is always good, the first year we had to make calls to take care of algae, now our's in on a program and they spray if from shore as well as in a little power boat. The alligators don't bother anyone, I have never seen a snake, it's really enjoyable watching the fishing birds and ducks, especially the ones that dive. You don't have to worry about your dog as they have to be on a leash when off your property and your property never goes all the way to the water. The lawn area around the ponds is also well maintained.

The inversion oxygenation systems also help keep the lakes healthy.

Lake Bottom Aeration: Revives Lake Ecosystems

Thank you for the feedback. Did anyone take any photos, especially around Marsh Bend and Avidon \ Spurlock.

I read the debates of North verus South with interest along with the questions of why someone will pay $200k for a lot premium, and others that state some will. Well as one of the ones who has I will tell you why.

I have looked at Chataux in France, Sea resorts in Spain, Villas in Disney and TV. All in the same price range. France scores hands down is a 10 hour drive, but will with in excess of 10 acreas of land, and some with 2/3 hectres, do I really want the worry in my twilight years? Spain is dusty, and lacks the views. Finally Europe is cold in winter which defeats the whole reason for spending 6 months a year in a different location. TV has golf carts, activities, you speak the same - OK not the same as UK English but a similar language to us :-) Europe is indeed closer with more transport options (car, plane, coach and train), BUT as we (I) voted to leave EC for closer alignment with US there is little difference, eg. currency, passports, VISA's etc. etc.

So why TV and why a lot premium?

The selling point is the ease of getting around in golf carts and bikes. Not living in the US we don't want the hassle of a car that will spend most of its life parked in a garage un-used. We are long distance runners so having places to run safely is a must, and the people from TV Running club really made us welcome. We aren't golfers, but are learning, and are looking forward to taking part in all the other sports available - hence Marsh Bend seemed a great location to us, for us. I want a view, and that's the price we have to pay.

Why new verus old? We saw our perfect home for $ 550k earlier in the year in the north. lovely view, pool etc. etc. I see some now in hte $600k region, but they are 10+ years old. We won't be moving out for a few years, just a 2 week vacation in the early years. So you could say its an investment, but what is an investment? Are we buying at the top of the market? maybe, but then to counter any falls is the fact there are no shops and restaurants yet so you have to have a car.... longer term though when they are built prices will rise.... Again what is an investment? Its a money pit when you buy, it gives you a feel good factor when you see your neighbours houses sell for more, but you only see a profit (hopefully) when you sell. So why South? we hope and believe all connections and shops will be in place by the time we come out full time (well 6 months a year).

The end result is that the property will be brand new, so we shouldn't need to worry about repairs = less stress for the next 10 years.

Oh and last point, why pay the lot premium? that's the cost. Supply and demand. TV can sell and enough people are buying at the price - therefore that is the market price for now for the views we are buying.

But the REAL REASON we picked TV is all of you. You are such a friendly bunch of people, welcoming, and every bar and shop we went into when we were over made us feel at home, respected, part of the family. No amount of money can buy you friendships & comradery. True you don't get on with everyone, but there are enough people in a small area that we will find friends somewhere. HAPPY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL - for 2020 we will be coming out to join you all.

Plenty of contractors here that do the little things like CM. Not everyone likes it, had a resale close to us that had it and when they sold it the buyers had the CM removed. Also, this is a retirement community and most retirees don't use bathtubs. Again, if you want to add one you can if you want to build for visitors. As for dogs, most of our neighbors have a separate portable tub and wash them outside or take them to a groomer. I assume the developer will also modify what you want to buy. They have a vested interest in some of the contractors.

Do you mean no spot for a TV in the main living area? How can they build a home without a spot for a TV? I can't wait to see these models. We are going to the home show in two days.

The last home show I went to in The Villages featured one level kitchen islands. Seems the two level islands are becoming a thing of the past in this community. I much prefer the two level island. I would miss the area to place items against the "step up" part such as salt and pepper shaker, napkin holder and other stuff. Also, the "step up" part has electrical outlets which I would surely miss.

I remember years ago, HGTV stressed that if you have an open concept kitchen, a two level kitchen counter is an absolute must. The step up section hides a lot of the "mess" when preparing meals, especially when you are entertaining. That surely is the case in my kitchen!

I use my two level island kitchen counter also as a bar when entertaining. I like to keep my "bar" equipment and liquor separated from the seating area and the two step island serves that purpose perfectly.

The two level kitchen counters may be old fashioned but I honestly think they are much more functional than the new single level counters.

We toured today.. Actually, every living room has a wall for a large TV. In the models, there are typically large paintings where the TV would go .. Doesn;t take much imagination to figure where they will go.. In addition to new floor plans, you can get plenty of decorating ideas for all rooms.. It was a good way to kill a few hours on a Saturday morning. As usual, the Villages did a great job w organization of trolleys etc.

Totally agree, also safer for those sitting at the island if there is an accidental spill.

Agree with your post. One level looks nice until you want to use it. I can't understand why builders are going with this concept.

I totally agree. My wife and I both thought the kitchens in the new models were terrible.

The kitchens in the new models, including the Laurel Oak, were very small. If one person opened the refrigerator, the dishwasher, or the oven, the other person could not get by. Since my wife and I are often in the kitchen moving around at the same time, the new kitchens would not work for us.

Heck, we had more space in the kitchen when we rented a patio villa.

I watch lots of HGTV and I can't remember when I last saw anyone remodel a kitchen with a two level island or peninsula. I am in the process of getting quotes to cut my cabinets down to one level and install new counters. I took pics of a couple one-level, C-shaped peninsulas today so I can show my husband what our kitchen will look like. I think one level looks so much nicer AND is more comfortable to sit at, especially for those of us who are height-challenged.

As for the 800k+ homes in the tour, some of the views/pools were amazing but even when you were fairly far down the block you could still hear noise/music coming from the nearby rec center and food trucks. Will the food trucks disappear when there are finally real restaurants down there?

kathy

You are absolutely correct about that. I did say it was years ago when HGTV stressed that a two level kitchen counter was a must to hide the mess when entertaining. I believe that way of thinking holds true today although, as you said, no one remodels a kitchen these days on HGTV with a two level counter.

I remodeled our kitchen a couple of years ago with all new cabinets, counter tops and backsplash. I would not have a one level counter top in my kitchen for the reasons I mentioned earlier. It may not be the latest updated look but it most certainly is more functional.

I agree counter height bar stools are easier to navigate but I haven't had anyone have difficulty getting on our bar stools. I'm all of 5'1" and I have no problem hopping on the stool. All the bars I have been to always have bar height stools and the bars around here are always busy. LOL!!!

Where do they put electrical outlets for single level counters?

My kitchen island has four outlets on the "step up" portion of my two level countertop. I also have one outlet on the wall which supports the counter top. The location of that outlet is the standard height from the floor. I'm going to the home show this morning so will certainly look to see where the outlets are placed on the single level counters in a kitchen island.

The only place I would imagine would be just under the overhang of the counter top on the wall which supports the counter top (the wall which the cabinets are attached to). In my humble opinion, plugging an appliance into an outlet in that location is an accident waiting to happen, not to mention unsightly. But that's just me. I use my outlets all the time on my island and don't know what I would do without them.