Questions from New Buyer
 

Back in March my wife and I were on vacation in Florida when we decided to take a ride to TV. We met with a sales rep and by the end of the day had signed for a lot in Fernandina. I know; not the smartest decision to make but I had researched TV online for awhile and liked what I saw. We went back a few days later to experience the nightly activites in the town squares and again were impressed. We rented a house for a week this coming November to get more of a feel for the area.

We priced out a Begonia on an interior off-set lot and stretched the Lanai 4' and the garage and front bedroom by 2'. We took the upgrades to either the top or second highest on the list. As far as a new build is concerned I think we did fairly well on the house.

Since our visit I have done even more research and visited places like this forum for insight. While I don't have "buyers remorse" on buying in TV I do have some questions. I would appreciate an info and opinions on the following:

1) Lot selection - the houses are pretty close together and I was wondering if I would be better served with a corner, back to a road or wall location for more privacy. I can't see going 100K more for a golf course lot.

2) New build vs resale - since it seems that so many residents move 1-2 times while in TV would it be better to buy a resale, which has upgrades already done, than to build and have to then get the extras like landscaping, molding, shutters, etc. From what I hear the builder doesn't make any modifications beyond what is in their upgrade list.

3) Actual costs - While TV gives you the estimated $1,000 per month cost of living in TV (exclusive of mortgage which I won't have) I know this is unrealistic. I would guess that it is more like $1,500 to $2,000 once you add in more than basic cable, internet, pest control, lawn maintenance, additional insurances, etc. Can anyone give me a ballpark figure?

4) Home improvements - How about things like water filters, drip irrigation, skylights, lightning rods, etc. Needed or not?

5) Design team - when you meet with a designer do you get to actually see what you are buying in a showroom setting. Things like kitchen cabinets (really surprised I didn't see any 42" cabinets in models), light fixtures, granite, faucets, etc.

I really appreciate anyone who has read this posting to this point. Actually, I could probably think of even more to ask. I will REALLY appreciate anyone that can help with some of the questions.

Rich

We just had our Design Meeting last Thursday. When you pick out some samples of flooring, cabinets. countertops etc., the designer then takes you to models that have those choices in them. As far as privacy, yes the interior lots are close but seeing the home of a friend already living there most people put some bushes behind the home for privacy. We asked our rep about lightning rods and he said he doesn't think they are neccessary. He said there has never been a home struck by lightning in the Villages but many salspeople will try to sell you on them. We are building a Lilac with the 4 ft stretched Lanai, I think that will give plenty of light as well as the bedroom having 4 windows. Being from the Northeast this is a big improvement for me so I don't think I will need skylights. I'm not living there yet so I am not sure about expenses but as I've already said the Northeast (NY) is quite expensive so we will probably find the Villages less so.

You might want to do some research on this forum about that!

Here is one for starters:
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...ghtning-53321/

Rich..

Our circumstances preclude me from being able to answer all of your questions but I'll take a shot at a couple.

Expenses. Not including county, school and other local taxes, $1,000/mo is not too far off. We pay around $600 per month for electricity, all water, sewage, garbage, Amenity Fee, homeowners insurance, basic TV, Internet, termite service and lawn chemicals. This doesn't include Bond Payment or other non ad-valorem assessments that your sales agent can pin down for you. We do our own bug control, lawn mowing, general maintenance and use an OOMA for phone service. We do not have any Country Club expenses other than occasional meals.

Home Improvements. I don't think any are really necessary but you will find that some will be useful to make your life better. "Improvements" defines them well. After purchasing our new home, we installed roll-out shelves in some kitchen cabinets, added many more shelves in out bedroom closets, added a Sears water filter/softener, garage attic pull-down steps, had the garage floor painted with epoxy, lanai sunshade and a few other little things. Overall, about $7,000 worth. Don't forget a golf cart.

Hope this helps.

Mark

Thank you for the reply. Being from NJ I can also relate that costs will be much less expensive in FL.

Mark:

Can things like the roll-out shelves, closet organizers, recessed lights, garage stairs and painted floors be done by the builder? Regarding the golf cart, which is one of my favorite thngs at TV, the only thing to decide is gas or electric. Maybe one of each is the answer.

Rich

I don't agree
 

A 6 person hot tub..colored LEDS...under a big birdcage will run me between 10 -12K....that doesn't include the cost of chemicals plus the blond and Merlot.....can I suggest the attic stairs can wait? Of course - we all have our priorities. Cheers! G (closing 10/30)

Great, which area?

Not following are you now building or not yet?






The builder will do almost anything you can dream

Re-sales are not a bargain in many way, but many here believe otherwise.
So that's a decision you need to make your selves.

I don't have the numbers at hand but under $1,000 I believe.


Water filter sure but don't sucked into high priced units, $200-$500, irrigation included, skylights ....don't see any but I'm sure you can, lightning rods, I'm putting them in but not mandatory, a whole house surge protector is good.

Home improvements?

Make you lanai and the outside concrete pad bigger.

Have a golf cart garage

Outside faucet on each corner of the house

Stairs to garage attic (aftermarket purchase)

Light-tube into kitchen area (also aftermarket)

More phone jacks, more cable-tv outlets

Welcome to Fernandina! We are in Bokeelia villas as we will be part timers. Everything we were told by Eric Nolan, our rep., was accurate.

My opinion would be have a wall in the back as it does give privace. Sunlights in kitchen AND bathrooms for sure and attic stairs for sure. Also the extra outside faucet.

Good luck and maybe we will see you sometime.

Jane and Jim Garrison:mornincoffee:

good suggestion

Thanks for the input

>>Outside faucet on each corner of the house
>>why all the hose bibs

You will want to spot water an area of the lawn that does not get hit by the in-ground sprinkler system.

When you get your landscaping put in, you will want to water each tree for a half an hour every day for a month.

When you put in your own flowers, you will want to water them well every day.

When you want to hose off your lanai/concrete pad, driveway, etc.

Way easier if you don't have to drag a 75 foot hose around every time you need to do something like the above. Trust me on this. I do the 75-foot hose drag and a pain in the neck it is, too.

I keep hearing these same things over and over. I know the builder is trying to keep costs down, but some things really need to be included.
I think the lanai and outside concrete pad can't be big enough - Florida is about outside living and wish the builder would understand this.

Golf cart garage is a no brainer for just about everyone.

Stairs to the garage - get rid of the junk and not necessary

Light tubes are huge 'cause we don't have side windows (because we are so close) and have the lanai or whatever blocking the light from the back. Include some skylights or solar tubes cause we don't want to live in the dark.

I don't have a landline so can't relate to phone outlets and there are cable outlets everywhere - except the wall I chose to put the TV on, but that wasn't a killer.

So these are my thoughts and why I bought a resale rather than new because many of these items were already in place. I have to believe the builder can make these adjustments without much of a price increase and would be delivering a superior product. But then again how many after market suppliers would he put out of business. So.....