Moving multiple times
 

Howdy,

First time post. Been to TV 1x and plan on buying a house in the next year or so. Possibly resale, possible spec or build.

The question I have is a broad one but based on a reference to something I have heard repeated many times.
“The average villager moves ‘x’ number of times”.

Just wondering if it’s upgrading, downgrading, area, etc.

My wife and I are in our late 50’s and are ‘struggling’ with shopping for the right sized house.

Do most newbies upsize from a courtyard or patio or do they do a lateral? Do ppl regret the large designer purchase and are happy in a modest home?

I known this is an absurdly open ended question but perhaps I’m looking to spark a convo with others who changed their minds after living there a while.
Thanks

IMO that’s not true, yes, few move several times, in pass could make money buying new and selling couple years later? With market flooded with new and resales right now probably not good idea at this time? Sure you’re going get few that say they moved 4 or 5 times (some just can’t be satisfied or plan make money moving every few years), but IMO majority don’t unless they have too? Market saturated right no reason why you can’t find house new (southern part) or resale in area you want to be in.

#1 get a view lot, water, marsh, golf course, etc.. #2 if you now live in a large house get into a mid-sized designer. #3 this you can't choose but your neighbors are very, very important.

I often wondered if this is some trope thats been repeated over and over.. I've heard it said the average villager moves 3 times. 3??? That means people have moved 4 or 5? THATS NUTSO!!! And i dont believe it.

We started with a PV, then purchased as a vaca home, with both set of parents to use.
One house not enough so 3/2 cottage, that eventually was a long term rental.
Next house preowned 3/2 2car/golf cart garage. We did not fit in with 95% of the residents older than our parents. Sidewalks were rolled up 6pm.

This house due to unforeseen circumstances, we needed a 4/3 to accommodate aging dementia parents.

In 15+ years here are a few reasons residents multi move.
Garage/SF too small
Spouse dies selling larger SF downsize smaller.
Golf course/road view becomes no longer desirable.
Wife can’t live without grandkids, move, then return when no longer useful.
There are some who buy/sell every 2-3 years and pocket the profit

You can rent about any size home here so try that for a week then a month to get ideas of what your needs will be. Only you can answer your question based on your budget.

We were ready to build a new home in Moultrie Creek after our first visit. I am so thankful we waited and rented for a month, the following winter. We did this based on advice from TOTV. Renting for a month the second time, changed our entire perspective. Once you find your location fit, you will find the home that is right for you. Not throwing shade on Moultrie Creek, it's a great location.

We are closing on a home in the Village of DeSoto next week. We liked the Fenny area (nature and golf), the theme of the homes, and it's proximity to everything we wanted, without the busyness. Personal preference is different for everyone and there is a wide variety of options to choose from.

Also, make sure you get a sense of the value of the homes you are looking at. Most people pay cash for their homes so it doesn't have to go through the normal appraisal process required by the a mortgage lender. You can look at sold prices on Zillow to come up with your own comps. Also, good to call an insurance company and see how much they will cover the home for. We found that many of the pre-owned homes listed by the Villages were over priced, for the value.

Good luck.

Very expensive to move so suggest you rent for a month or more to explore and see what you would like and where.

The number one regret I hear is getting a house without a golf cart garage. Even from those that don't golf.
We don't get near the number of guests previously expected. After the first visit or two people decide there are other things in life for their vacations. You may not want to get stuck with an expansive house expecting to host non-existent guests. Depends on your situation.

We had ruled out courtyard villas, and new construction. We also ruled out pre-owned homes that were carpeted in all the rooms, because we'd need to rip them out and install plank flooring which would've been expensive and time-consuming. Then we ruled out anything over our budget. Then we discovered how bonds worked, and ruled out homes with large remaining bonds.

Then - looking at everything left over, we looked at properties we would WANT to be in, when we were 80 years old. Not the dwelling - the property as a whole. The real estate, the lot and neighborhood and proximity to things. We ruled out newER homes that we'd need to wait 5 or 10 years for the landscaping to become mature.

We ended up narrowing it down to the Historic Section. It has everything we needed, and nothing that was a deal-breaker. At some point, our house will need replacing. And then, we'll have our old house moved out and a new one put in. We love our neighborhood, our part of The Villages, and the proximity to everything we need, especially by golf cart.

Started to buy new way down south, but ended up between SS and SL in preowned. Why? No bond, established landscape, huge beautiful trees canopying the street everywhere and close to both locations. You automatically know who your neighbors are.

We visited the home during the morning, evening and late at night about ten times over a two week period. Watching and listening for issues like a little rat dog barking in a lanai constantly. Talked with several neighbors who have lived there for at least 5 or more years. House backed up to preserve. Purchased and don't see a reason to move unless someone moves in that irritates me, but that should be 10-15 years given age of neighbors and by then my hearing probably will be gone.

I only have met a handful of people that moved more than once. It was to downsize to no landscape type home (villa) or to upgrade to a better location with a view.

One thing I found that I didn't think about at the time but it worked out. At least a 2 car garage and a driveway that is wide enough to park 2 cars side by side. I keep daily car in garage and can easily drive out past other car. Golf cart can shoot in-between the two when both cars parked. Glad I don't have to shuffle vehicles around.

I agree you should rent a couple of times in different areas. I rented in the northern part twice. I liked it and decided to buy new. They took me to St Catherines and it was jarring having just spent time in the well established areas. I was looking at Patio villas. I quickly said no….. and left. Then I went online and started looking more. I decided I wanted a courtyard villa because I’m private and I have a dog. So, I bought new, in the undeveloped area without even seeing it in person because they were selling so fast. I LOVE my house and this area. I’d never leave here for another home within TV. I think I’ve been north of Lake Sumter Landing twice in 4 years.

My personal experience is as follows as I’m buying my 3rd home on Tuesday
1) We liked The Villages the first day we saw it, but were tentative if we would really like living there so bought a small home to “try it out” as snowbirds. We also have a dog so purchased a Courtyard Villa for the fenced yard.
2) We absolutely loved the lifestyle! We decided the home was a bit too small for us and we wanted a pool so we “upsized” to a spec designer that had a lot that would accommodate a pool. We realized that the fenced yard was not important as our dog is small so we could never let him outside to run around as there are way too many hawks and other critters. He also loves his daily golf cart ride to the dog park so the fence is not really necessary for us.
3) We are building a new home in Eastport close to the square with a larger kitchen and dedicated office space as my husband is still working.
As this is a second home for us moving is pretty easy as we don’t have “stuff” and we are young and have the energy to do it.
A friend who is on their second veranda home moved for a larger yard for her dogs and her husband wanted a larger garage.
A second friend moved from a courtyard Villa to a larger veranda home with more room for dedicated his/her office/craft spaces while still having a guest bedroom.
A third friend moved from a large premier home to a courtyard Villa as they are older and didn’t want the maintenance of a large home any longer.
A fourth friend moved from a courtyard Villa to a larger designer with golf course views and room for a pool.
A fifth friend moved from the north to the south and is now moving back to the north to be walking distance to stores and close to their network of friends following some health issues.
So, yes, Villagers move often but the reasons are all over the map and due to personal circumstance.

I'm in my third here (and last). First was brand new villa...too small. Second was pre-owned villa...pretty place, lousy neighbors. Now I'm in a house which I love and the neighborhood is great. It takes some time to settle in and find what works for you.

We are in our 2nd home. Moved because we wanted a lot that was private and backed to a preserve. Now, we love the privacy and wildlife. Don't think we will move again. Take the lot into consideration when choosing to build a home or buy a a preexisting one. It's more important than you might think in a community where homes are very close together.

We purchased a mid-sized designer 9 years ago between the 6's. I recall talking with friends on the driveway about a year after moving in. I said to my wife, "we were really behind the power curve. Most Villagers were already looking for their second or third home by now." She looked at me with those steely eyes that she sometimes uses, and said, "look, our next move is to Forest Lawn Cemetary. I'm not moving!" Guess that ended the discussion for us.

Do you remember this song?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txTEhgReZUA

Something to consider first off is whether or not you need a fenced yard,. If you have a dog and don’t want to be out walking him 4 times a day, you will need to narrow your choices to either a courtyard villa or veranda, since you can’t erect your own fence here.

I found my ideal water view home with my first purchase. I rented for 2 years before that, so I knew what I wanted. Hopefully it sticks for life in my case!

Renting for a while is good advice. How are you going to use your home?
1) If you are still working, do you need an office?
2) How many vehicles will you have? Most people that have 2 car + golf cart garage are pretty happy.
3) How much storage do you think you need? Use the attic space above the garage for only the most heat tolerant items. I would suggest the no mercy clean out approach in viewing what you really need to bring here.
4) Be honest and ask yourself how much do you plan to cook going forward. For us, we are cooks so the kitchen design is important.
5) Will you want your own pool or will the local pool work for you?
6) Do you have a hobby that will need a room? My wife is an ardent scrap booker/card maker so we have a dedicated room for her.

We are in our second home - this one we had built and then modified to meet our needs. If I had been more thorough in thinking about the questions above, I would have saved some money. However, we are happy in our present home.

"There are some who buy/sell every 2-3 years and pocket the profit."

Not sure how you calculate, but with real estate commission, closing costs, taxes, moving expenses, all kinds of upgrades and customizing you will desire, fix stuff you didn't know needing fixed, , ,
You probably just blew $10 grand or more easily. $20 $30 ?

I'd suggest coming here many times, and renting for a month or so each time.

Thanks for the chuckle!
 

"Purchased and don't see a reason to move unless someone moves in that irritates me, but that should be 10-15 years given age of neighbors and by then my hearing probably will be gone."

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

The biggest downside we see to the historic section whenever we’re up there is the condition of the streets. They’re in terrible shape and never seem to be repaired where needed, or repaved. That would be a huge deal breaker for us despite the natural beauty up there.

Very smart! We love that area and would choose it now after living here 2.5 yrs. Thankfully we can get there pretty fast by cart, and even faster by car, so we enjoy it often. Best of luck on your closing, and enjoy your beautiful location!

TV is probably the cheapest movers we have found in any state. Five moves, the least $475 from PV, in 2010. The highest $900 in 2022, 2300sf Designer.

End profit from $120,000 -$350,000 and higher every 2-9 years has everything to do with model, and view. There are many who sell by owner, or in conjunction with agent with 2-3% commissions.

We personally know a few couples the buy/sell, has fully funded their retirement.
Not sure if 2025 will be as profitable, but most can afford to just sit awhile if it’s not. We have always bought then sold houses after moving

There are many reasons residents move. This is an aging population. With that comes death of a spouse, illness, responsible for the care of elderly parents, home too large to maintain due to older age, divorce, needs have changed, child (over age 19) moves in to help their aging parent, or child moves in because they need assistance, (In both cases, a larger home may be needed), downsizing, moving closer to relatives/friends, need to be closer to medical facilities...the list goes on and on.

After 17 yrs in the same home in the Villlages, we moved because many of the homes in the neighborhood became rentals. Dealing with strangers (renters) day in and day out became too much for us.

Moved once and done
 

The lot is very important as you'll have that view for a long time. Take your time, we took years while our kids grew up. We got lucky, the realtor called just as our youngest turned 18 with a lot on a championship golf course with a beautiful water view. We then built the house we had been making changes to the floorplan for 4 years. Been here over 20 years now and love the house, the view and the location. Neighbors come and go, location, view and house are forever.
Take your time and you'll be one and done too.

Upon reading thru nearly all of the
comments, I am Feeling as though

my Wife and I are Quite
Blessed to have “HIT GOLD”
with our pre-owned 22 yr old 3/2/2 modest Cypress Designer Model in Piedmont Village …

… that is after spending quite a few months bouncing around with a few RE Agents seeing dozens of homes.

Our Next door Neighbors were one of
the the First Home Built on the Block,
and are an absolute pleasure with Hospitality, Tips Galore, and Even Riding Shotgun with the Wife in her Golf Cart to Get Nearly Everywhere necessary.

AND Turned out to be a Fantastic Location as we can easily make a 10-15 minute trip to Mulberry Grove Shopping Center, Spanish Plaines Shopping Center, and 5 mins further to Spanish Springs.

Needless to Mention that All Major Shopping and Chain Restaurants are conveniently Lined Up Right Past Spanish Planes on 441.

Our other Favorite Hot Spot, Lake Sumpter Landing is a mere 10 min car Ride or a very enjoyable 25-30 min Buggy Ride.

AND BEST of ALL for us, is that the Savannah Center is literally a stone throw buggy ride - which gives us the opportunity to see Gifted Cover Bands Constantly (Sometimes 2 or 3 times a week).

Honestly, at first the lack of a Back Yard in nearly all neighborhoods struck us at first, but after Decorating our “Home” just Right and Realizing that nearly 9 Months out of the Year the Heat and Humidity can be quite Uncomfortable, we have adapted to the Charming Shared Landscape with our rear yard neighbors.

DEFINITELY NOT GOING
ANYWHERE ELSE SOON

I don't know which streets you're referring to. My area was repaved last year and the year before (it was repaved in a few different phases). There was one section near the pond down on Silver Oak that got washed out by flooding, and had to be dug out, filled back in, and then repaved. It took awhile but it's fine now.

I went through the entire Historic Section between late February, March, and April via golf cart and on foot, and found nothing unusual. A couple of bumps in the road on Tarrson but if you're going the speed limit or lower, it wouldn't have any affect on your progress down the street.

Magnolia and "the flower" streets is all fine, so are all the "golf course" streets off St. Andrews.

These roads are maintained by the city of Lady Lake, in Lake County.

Moving
 

We bought PV and moved due to mentally unstable neighbors and close proximity. #2 designer mid sized with more property between. #3 downsized to courtyard for health reasons so cheaper but a privacy not had in PV.

Another consideration… If you live near a Pickleball court, the noise can drive you crazy.

I am late 50s and wife is in her 40s. We’ve been here less than two years and love it. We are looking to change houses (maybe).and if I could do it again, I would have bought a small villa and then would have upgraded after we got to know “the ways of TV”. I don’t think anyone else can tell you what to settle on for your house, but I wish I would have been more aware of the lifestyle and how we fit into that lifestyle before buying a “forever” house.i think flipping in/out of a villa is easier and therefore, we would have been better off buying “small” and upgrading later. But that’s just us. Your decisions may be different.

24 years same house. Neighbors have changed...not necessarily for better. Now in our 70s. Lack of privacy on Lani not enjoyable. If medical circumstances were different we would move.

Multiple moves isn’t always about bad choices in house. Sometimes your life changes, death, divorce, in home care. Neighbors drives you crazy (yes that really happens)
Or you realize your only storage is the garage, the deal on that vintage corvette isn’t going to fit in your 1.5 garage.

With each move it was about starter vaca homes we were never going to live full time. So glad we didn’t buy what was thought as a forever home, that would have been 15+ years old before we retired

In my view, the bolded above is important. People want different things but, I've always been a location buyer. I want to be near-enough to the things I like to regularly do. Then, I find a house in that general area. Have bought 5 homes, over decades, in various states of the Eastern USA and that approach has always succeeded for me. A super great house in a location that doesn't work well for me will never be appealing.

It would be very helpful for any prospective buyer to give real thought to how they are likely to spend their time. That could have a big impact on where you decide to buy. As a friend of mine says, "You can always change the house but, you can't change where it's located." (Note: In TV, you will have some limitations on how you can change the house. Such as keeping additions within lots lines, exteriors colors and various other things.)

If you are planning to live here year-around then you need to visit in August to see if you can stand the heat and how to deal with hurricanes. Florida gets hotter every year and people get older every year - so it is harder to handle the heat.

Sidewalks?
 

I noticed you mentioned "sidewalks rolled up at 6 pm" - which neighborhood in TV have sidewalks? I have a realtor sending me listings and I've never seen sidewalks. (We have a small dog).

He or she was likely referring to the Squares and Rec Centers. Just using a "turn of phrase".

Correct, I have seen no sidewalks outside those areas ^^^ either. But, you can walk on the multi-modal paths (with black asphalt) as well as visit a variety of parks to walk your dog.

We bought here eight years ago. We took our time knew what we wanted and we are never moving again if you take your time and do your research there is no reason to move and waste the money for a realtor,closing costs, etc..

No one here can answer your question. You have to be honest with yourself and do the numbers. People who brag about constant moves and making a fortune probably do not do the proper math taking into account sales costs, moving fees, etc. There may be many reasons for selling a house, hopefully you can find something that works for you and age in place. I have found that one thing realtors say is always true, location, location, location. You can change the house but not where it is.