Buying and older house question
 

My wife and I are seriously looking to buy a house in The Villages in the very near future. We have visited several times and have a couple of friends that have moved there, so we are fairly familiar with it.

We have come to the conclusion that we would like to be in the in an established area versus the new builds down in the southern part. We would prefer “between the sixes,” but have also looked at houses between Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs around Tierra Del Sol.

We have seen a couple of houses online recently that were completely renovated, but built in the late 90’s. I have read and heard about insurance difficulties regarding roof age and all of that, so we’re fairly informed about that. I also believe homes built after 2004(ish) had different building requirements such as hurricane clips. I know that it is preferable if a home built before that has these hurricane clips added later.

I am just curious if anyone has any other pros/cons or concerns for buying a home built in 1998-1999 or so versus something built in the 2000’s. I know that probably is a loaded question, but we have learned a lot from this site and just want to do our due diligence and look at all angles. Thank you in advance!

There are plenty of houses available that are less than 10 years old. To me, it would make no sense to buy a house that is 25 years old. I don't know what your budget is, but I would make sure that you buy a house that has garage space for 2 cars and a separate golf cart garage. A lot of older houses do not meet this requirement, but it is very important for function and resale.

Thank you. Our budget is around 700K. We have primarily looked at newer houses, but a couple have come up that are completely remodeled and look new. The age is the only thing that concerns us. I should’ve added we prefer a golf course or water view if possible. I know that limits the available inventory.

In that price range, a water view or golf course view is a must. But, unless the lot is magnificent, I don't think it will increase in value anywhere close to a newer house. The age will work against it.

I would suggest looking at Sunset Pointe. The houses there were built around 2005, when the housing bust started, so they have not appreciated as much as other Villages areas. But, there are some nice golf course and water views and large trees available. Good luck.

Between the sixes is a great choice. That is where we first bought. My advice would be to include the area just south of 466A. Hillsborough, Pinellas, etc.

4 yrs ago we purchased a house in the Spanish Springs area. Like you we preferred the older neighborhoods and mature landscaping. Our house was built in 2001 ( just before the hurricane wind mandate) and had a 2 year old roof. The inspections were good but the insurance company ( Progressive) questioned the wind mitigation and asked for an amendment to the inspection showing compliance. Knowing that the requirement was imminent the builder had already implemented the changes and the inspector showed that we were in compliance and the insurance company was satisfied.

So it's pretty easy to find out if an older home, you may be interested in, is in compliance or not.

I think you have already made up your mind. IMO, the homes North of Rt466 are an excellent choice for several reasons.
The bond is paid off
Established neighborhoods with comfortable seniors
Established and mature landscaping
Many more reasons, I'm sure.
Look for one that has had the roof replaced in the last few years
One that has had a new AC/HC replaced in the last few years
Once you have potentially decided on a place, have an inspection performed and any repairs made before closing.
Just my opinion, of course. The prices are down right now, but will start climbing again, IF/IF the interest rates drop on mortgages. I've seen home prices in the Villages drop up to $50K in just the last few months. Snatch one up now while the price is low. You can always move again later if you see something you like better. Most folks move at least twice or even three times before they finally find their "forever home" in the Villages.
IMO, in areas where there are very few homes for sale, probably means that folks love it there and have no intention of moving. That makes a nice neighborhood, IMO.

Personally I'd not go with a direct water view. In the Villages that usually means "view of a retention pond" and those can dry out or become very low during droughts, increasing mosquito activity and a view of dead fish on the banks. If you go with a golf course view, make sure your house won't be too close to the destination of a slice. Some homes have to put protective shields over their windows just for the purpose and you can see the dings on their siding from where balls have hit them.

Being in a neighborhood that HAS a water or golf view is awesome. You get to see it, but not have to live directly in line of the occasional unfortunate results of it.

If you go for an older home, getting it inspected is an absolute must. Also, you'll want to check with ARC on any exterior modifications, make sure they've been approved. Things like an unusual color of the house or shutters, any landscaping features, driveway expansions or surface paint, and similar. The last thing you need is to move into your gorgeous home, and some freak in the area submits a complaint that your entire sidewalk layout was never approved and you end up having to dig it up and rebuild a new one that complies with their restrictions.

For the area you're looking, you probably won't need to spend $700k. You could probably find a spacious, well-kept home in excellent condition for under $500k. Largo and Sabal Chase have quite a few options right now.

Agree
 

Totally agree. If you are watching the market, the indicators of a turning upward would be changes in inventory or mortgage rates both of which correlate. Just put a shortcut for Zillow Access to this page has been denied and Bankrate Current Mortgage Rates: Compare Today's Rates | Bankrate on your frequented device. Right now there is still the downward trend, but how low can it go?

Most of us are waiting for a couple of recession indicators before anyone can really say much else. The job market is numero uno.

Whatever you do hire a qualified home inspector, and walk the house and take notes during inspection.

We bought a 2005 build back in August in Winifred (between 466 and Palmer). Absolutely love the area. Got it for a great price and we are in the middle of doing renovations. We feel central to pretty much everything that we want. Just can't beat the location. My advice, if it needs some updating (and many do), just make sure you get it at the right price and allow for reno. If you can find one already recently upgraded, so much the better. Best of luck.

Our last house was built in 1960 and I can tell you that it was MUCH better in quality and workmanship than our home here that was built in the early 2000s. We also have a motorhome and the common advice there is to buy a used one that has all the kinks worked out.

IMO, be careful with a golf course view.
If you are on an executive, you will have a parade of golf carts every 7 minutes, all day. I would especially avoid the area around a tee box or the green.
On a championship, you’ll have less traffic after 12:00 , so it’s not as bad.

I think between 466 and 44 is the sweet spot now, for pre owned. 466A to 44 are newer, have upgrades done and many have bond paid off.

Our home was built in 1995 and has hurricane wind mitigation. This is just south of Spanish Springs. I believe you get more for your money with an older home. Landscaping, home upgrades, renovations, and stable neighborhood, and generally better construction than the newer homes

Can you define "better construction"? That is not my experience in The Villages. Also, be careful about a house that has extensive landscaping that requires a lot of maintenance. Many people want a smaller lot with less landscaping.

Old house vs new house, whether a house is old or new there are always problems that have to be work out. In the past 40 years I live in four different new houses that we contracted to build and there were some problems that we didn't prep for. But at the end of the day if I'm going to face a problem, I want it to be of my own making.

just be aware....the houses further into the northern areas have lots of oak trees. Yes, good shade in the summer, BUT creates a mess from about Oct thru March with all the leaves and acorns dropping. You will be out there almost every day raking if you want your lawn looking nice. They also block the sunlight, so grass does not grow in that area. Believe me, I know. had my oak taken down, couldn't do it anymore. Much happier now.

I agree about oak trees, but I'm surprised you were allowed to cut it down. Or did you do it without asking?

As someone who just went through this, my best advice would be to buy as new as possible. We couldn't get insurance on older homes and anything before 2006 will have higher rates due to building codes. Keep in mind that most of the time insurance rates go up each year or you may be dropped by your company and find yourself scrambling to secure insurance. We moved from Southern Florida due to insurance issues. I'm not trying to scare you but until/if this gets fixed, I would only buy as new as you can. That will offer you ten years of worry -free insurance renewals.

Location is number one deciding factor in real estate. We bought courtyard villa directly outside of Brownwood we can walk or one minute golf cart ride into Brownwood or Publix and of course Dunkin first thing in the morning. Although now the resales are much higher due to neighborhood location than courtyard villa down south. We have two car garage but wish it also had golf cart garage. Courtyard villa minimal landscaping. Richmond / Alden / Atwood / Atrim Dells great locations.

Florida hurricane wind mandate came into effect in 2001.. So most house built in 2002 on have hurricane clips and other items needed to meet code. Have a wind mediation and 4 point inspection done on your prospective house prior to closing. Our inspection saved us over $900 a year on insurance.

Also make sure your prospective home has double pane windows and doors that seal.. Our tropical climate without proper insolation will suck down the electric trying to keep your home cool in the summer.

We bought 4 years ago, in Belvedere. House was 20 years old and recently painted (inside) with new LVP flooring and new roof. House is vinyl sided (stick built) and is in great shape. Since then, I have replaced the HVAC and added a Mini Split to the lanai. Also replaced the water heater. House had wind mitigation "upgrade" already. This was a "location, location, location" sale for me (us)! Close enough for shopping, entertainment and sports (triple crown exec courses right around the corner). Racket, water and softball activities within a 5 minute golf cart ride. We do not has "kissing lanai" but (for me) water and/or golf view are over rated. My enclosed lanai (like most I assume) is used as a another living room.
I last comment- you may concern yourself with the direction you house faces. The afternoon sun (summer) can be a factor.

Beware of Largo
 

[/QUOTE]]Personally I'd not go with a direct water vthe area you're looking, you probably won't need to spend $700k. You could probably find a spacious, well-kept home in excellent condition for under $500k. Largo and Sabal Chase have quite a few options right now.[/QUOTE]

Largo is downwind from the water treatment facility and often has a stench hanging over it. Golfers on Bacall or Bogart get a good whiff from time to time.
Even driving through Largo yesterday, you could smell it.

Largo east of Canal
 

]Personally I'd not go with a direct water vthe area you're looking, you probably won't need to spend $700k. You could probably find a spacious, well-kept home in excellent condition for under $500k. Largo and Sabal Chase have quite a few options right now.[/QUOTE]

Largo is downwind from the water treatment facility and often has a stench hanging over it. Golfers on Bacall or Bogart get a good whiff from time to time.
Even driving through Largo yesterday, you could smell it.[/QUOTE]

We live in Largo east of Canal, no stench in over 3 years living here.

Opinion: buy between the “sixes” as you called it. Air conditioners, water heaters and roofs all age. You can expect to replace them every 15 years. The roof obviously depends on your insurance carrier. They seem to like the 15 year point. I live in Pennecamp so we are at that 15 year mark and insurance carriers are already questioning the roof in consideration for renewals. Considering when those three items were replaced might be good to include in your decision when you price compare homes for sale. Hands down, the more recent the build you can probably expect to see better construction so, again betwixt 466 and 466a good choice

Don't let anyone talk you out of a golf course and water view. We have lived in our designer championship golf course front home with a beautiful water view now for 24 years. Homes built in 2001 have the hurricane clips. Every day that we open our blinds/curtains we are still in awe of the view.
Every single day. Most of our neighbors on our side of the street have sold only when they moved to assisted living or passed away. Homes on our side very rarely go up for sale and sell immediately in the $600,000 plus range.
Buy what you love the first time and there's no need to ever move.
By the way, construction quality on the Designer and Premier homes built in the early 2000's, is far superior to newer homes, we have friends who moved here and bought new down south, they have lots of problems due to poorer build quality. Have a structural engineer do your home inspection either way. You will never regret having a beautiful golf front/water view, but you will regret not having one everytime you open your windows and see your neighbors house directly behind you.

COINCIDENTALLY
this reply is actually inline with our reasoning when my wife and I moved into our home last year between Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing .

ESTABLISHED
is Most Definitely the KEY word, and …

… moving in right next to the “Mayor Couple of the Neighborhood” turned out to Truly be a Blessing in Disguise !!

They Quickly helped us to Navigate around the Modal Roads in our Buggy (not golfers - yet), pointed out tons of hot spots to Shop, Eat, Explore Nature and the Enjoy the History surrounding The Villages.

have heard some negativity about the newer southern areas, and while house shopping ourselves felt very disconnected from from the cheerful hustle bustle of the SR 441 Corridor as well as the excitement of the The Village Squares …

… the newer neighborhoods just seemed way too isolated as the business buildup will most likely take quite a few years to come to life

My opinion, if I had friends who already live here, I would buy somewhere near them.

Caution: that golf course or water view should be behind the house or else you will be looking at traffic on the road zooming past your view. Additionally if the rear of your house is facing the road you can expect both foot and car/golf cart traffic to have a nice view of your lanai, living room area. Be Also when looking at a water view make sure it’s not a view of a swamp breeding mosquitoes. Given your budget you should be able to find a great home in a great location. Suggest you just drive around all the villages in the area of interest to you and then charge your realtor to find you a home that meets your specs. No rush. Plenty on the market and probably more to come soon.

I have seen land for sale on the VLS where the old home was torn down and now they are offering the land for sale. If you have a home without a loan and cannot get insurance then bank the money for future roof? The comments above about the newer homes being of lower construction quality are misleading. Why would the developer even consider doing that and risk the reputation of the community? My home did not collapse during Milton and I was in it the whole time.

Avoid bond areas!!!
 

50,000 dollars for a bond and a lifetime of annual GUARANTEED CITY TAXES! No thanks.

Avoid new areas and their bonds like the plague. The money you save moving to a more northern area can buy A LOT of upgrades. Additional city taxes on a new home run north of 1000 per year on almost any house south of 44. Besides, most upgrades like a driveway or granite are already done in a preowned home. Heck, half the time the furniture is included too.

So true. Also any limbs hanging over your home are a liability in hurricanes. Additionally they are an avenue for squirrels, rats & raccoons to your roof

So you’re supporting the ‘disposable community ‘ theory? Use it while it’s shiny then throw it away.

It ok there are thousands who have zero issues with a bond, and truly living proof there is life and the pursuit of happiness south of 44. Especially if you are in your 40s and 50s, who only want to move once to a forever home. Buying a Forty year old house when you are only 50, will be in need of a great deal of maintenance for 20-30-40 plus years.

Then again those who choose to have newer seem to take bond and taxes with less stress than residents in their 70s-90s. Change can be very difficult as one ages

Enjoy
 

Enjoy :)

I guess some are fine with throwing away cash. Avoid Newell and Dabney though, the Lake County and Leesburg tax man is hungry and upping the ante again.

My home was built in 1998 and we have hurricane clips and passed an inspection that confirmed we met the building code. It lowered our insurance costs. I have also replaced the roof and have a newer hot water heater. What you might find in a resell is that a lot of improvements and enhancements have been designed into, or added to the home, that may come as a bonus in a purchase. You will find some very good homes available that meet your criteria, and I support your decision to look in established areas. Should you find something to your liking, have and inspection done to make sure all is to your satisfaction. It's just a matter of what makes you happy with the decision.

I can move out as quickly as I moved in which most my age will not consider. Pay on a bond or put that same money toward the headache of renovating or fixing the stuff that someone DIY’d incorrectly. I guess to each their own.

Not all homes south of 44 are that expensive, I bought a 1900sf 3 bedroom villa and the city tax is less than $800 and my bond was $17,000!

You also get a bigger yard. I would advise visiting in the summer.

Basically, maple trees are better than oak trees.