Twice as many pre-owned sold
 

After hearing this five times from people who work for the Villages, I thought I would share.
This past month, twice as many pre-owned homes sold than new homes. I imagine this is because of the bond and in some cases location.
I repeat that this was told to me by people working in the sales office.

makes sense to me since many times one can find homes that have already added on the upgrades that buyers would be looking for and because such a home is virtually move-in ready and the buyer does not have to wait for a new build!

Our original plan was to purchase a pre-owned home but the sale of our home up north fell through in June and we had to spend our time in an empty house all summer and didn't pass papers until October. It completely wore us out so we took the easy route and bought a new courtyard villa. No regrets and love our new neighborhood and friends.

The bond is defintely one big difference between a new home and a re-sale home. I purchased my Designer Lantana home 2 years ago and only had a $2,300 bond as compared to at least $20,000 for a new Designer home. The Premier homes on 466 (Bridgeport at Laurel Valley) have a bond of $50,000.

Makes sense to me also as the number of pre-owned homes that are available must be much greater than the number of new homes being built. I would imagine no or little bond, location, upgrades, landscaping and move-in ready are attractive options for some people.

Wow - I've been following sales data in TV since we bought in 2006 - usually from afar - just casually, no spread sheets or anything, but I believe this is the first time I know about when resales topped new home sales - and usually it was by a margin of about 4-1 or 3-1.

Maybe until Brownwood is up and going it will be like this? I just found this kind of surprising.

I don't find it at all surprising, for all the reasons previously mentioned, plus the fact that many pre-owned homes are for sale for less than the owners paid for them, not to mention much less than new + bond. I know of one home for sale at 215K that was purchased four years ago for 267K.

Looking at homes in your neighborhood on zillow.com can be quite an eye-opener

shows all sales prices, so if your neighbor has sold recently you can compare what they got with what they paid

lots of big "losses" these past few years

yes, but there have been price cuts on new homes
 

I am still surprised at this stat, if it is true. Don't know if this has been a gradual thing or not, but every time I've asked in the past 4 years, there have always been way more new home sales than resales.

You can say all you want about resale being a better deal, lower or no bond, upgrades, etc., but many many people will still only buy new, especially if they view this retirement home as their last purchase.

Just had never heard this before. I wonder if new home sales are slowing that much or if sales in general are just picking way up? Does anyone know the actual numbers? Plus you have to add in the MLS resales.

Check on info
 

Ohiogirl,
Since I heard it from so many sources that work for The Villaages, I think it is true.
Why don't you call The Sales office and see what they say- if you doubt it.
I really don't care.

Be interesting to see if this is a continuing trend. Properties of The Villages ad in the Daily Sun this morning reads 2,212 new homes sold and 1.336 pre owned homes sold in the past 12 months.

George

I think last month was rare so that's why people are talking about it. I also think they are still selling a great deal of new homes. It will be interesting to see if that trend continues. I don't think they count any resales except from their realtors. There are quite a few through MLS and by owners etc.

Also, a lot of pre-owned homes come with golf carts, lush landscaping, solar tubes, furniture, birdcages, pools, summer kitchens, and lots of other goodies. And the biggest plus is that you can live in a central area.

I know some people prefer a new home and I totally get that. New homes are pristine and untouched and I think that appeals to us all. I just think that financially, you get a much better deal with a pre-owned home.

home sales -
 

As stated previously there are many very nice pre-owned homes on the market today. My thought would be that because of the current economic conditions some people may be selling either because of their own financial concerns or they may be trying to help their children/family. Also health issues may force people to want to be closer to family. I know of a couple who have been here for about ten years. They are going to rent their home for the season and go north to help a family member temporarily.

There are many beautiful already developed areas and sometimes when someone is considering buying, a little imagination and willingness to take the time to 'remodel' would produce a very nice home.

New Homes
 

Don't forget to add the IMPACT fees on top of your purchase of a new home. Approximately $3k depending on county. Re-sales don't have them as they have been paid previously. We have been here 8 yrs and 5 yrs ago we bought a new home in Sumter County the impact fee was nearly $3500. The bond was $23000.