[BigGuy]

Seems like this is the place to be:
Now if you had to do it again would you buy new or pre-owned...why?
If pre-owned...not older than how many years.
Hope this is our last winter in NJ!!

[GrayGoose]

You get sooooo much more in after market upgrades... Plus a mature enviornment. Lower bonds.... And cdd's

[F16 1UB]

Big Guy,

A lot of web sites to search. Check the one out by Champion 6.


Hoping for a move to The Villages

Here are some websites for local realtors who have access to the MLS. Each one also has some unique features that will help you learn more about TV.
http://www.lylesellsfla.com/
http://www.milfordleedy.com/
http://www.presprop.com/

Of course many homes are for sale by owner. Here is one FSBO site: http://www.thevillagesfsbo.com/ Google will find many more for you.

[JohnN]

we bought last year and bought new, I'd do it again the same way.
we wanted a lot of new neighbors and its' been easy to acclimate, also to design the house/upgrades just as we'd want 'em. I'm still of the opinion that a new is a better value in $$ too.


Important note, we really like our location too, that sealed the deal (Hemingway, south of LSL between Morse and Buena Vista)

we thought that new was the way to go. mostly for maintenance issues. having lived in a 55 year old house in penna, there was always something to replace after year 25: heater, windows, roof, siding, kitchen, bath, carpeting, flooring, and on and on.
the only thing that i really miss is mature landscaping. i want big trees and privacy from the neighbors.
and that's my two cents!
jeff

[katezbox]

Originally Posted by JohnN

we bought last year and bought new, I'd do it again the same way.
we wanted a lot of new neighbors and its' been easy to acclimate, also to design the house/upgrades just as we'd want 'em. I'm still of the opinion that a new is a better value in $$ too.


Important note, we really like our location too, that sealed the deal (Hemingway, south of LSL between Morse and Buena Vista)

I fully expected there to be better value in the resales - but like John, I wanted to be in a neighborhood where everyone is new. We were the first owner of the home we sold in Conn - all the neighbors were new at the same time - and we made many great friends that way.

It turned out that the resales with paid-off bonds added that to the price - so no bargain there. It also seemed that either very little was added in terms of extras or the house did not meet our key requirements. To be fair, there were very few resales available of the type of house we wanted. For models that are more popular, there may be better values out there.

We are in Bonita, not far from H'way and we also like this location. Turns out that about 4 of our new neighbors are from within TV - and they chose this location, too. A few are even peeps on this site!

K

[graciegirl]

We would choose new again. I am very persnickity about color on walls, additions and other upgrades and would prefer to choose them myself, since I don't think there will be a LOT more houses, lol. And I think that the resales are more expensive generally. I read the real estate section everyday and this is a great time to buy as everyone knows.

In six short months we have bonded with our new neigbors on Havana Trail, and like everyone else who lives in TV, we think our street and our village is the best.

[BigGuy]

Thx for the feedback we appreciate it.
Coming down in June, if we like it back again in July to buy.
We're coming from a 1500 ft condo 2 bed and 2 1/2 bath with a loft. Agent is directing us to a Tuckett inn? Says more sq ft for the same price.

[l2ridehd]

Looked at both new and resale and ended up buying resale. For lots of reasons, bond, location, landscaping, upgrades, etc. You need to look at both, do some qualitative analysis of both, what you get for your money, and make your decision. If your going to live there full time day 1 then new might be better as you can deal with he warranty and landscaping and upgrades. Plus get to meet your neighbors. If a snowbird you might want all that done for you. Each has there pro's and con's so you need to decide what best meets your goals.

[mommullr]

We just bought a 2 yr old resale with great upgrades in a new neighborhood. We looked both ways and found that the same home new is $20,000 more

[SteveFromNY]

Originally Posted by mommullr

We looked both ways

I agree with mommullr on this one - check out both and make your decision on the individual house, the individual deal.

[Carla B]

When shopping preowned, I think it's important to really analyze and account for the upgrades that have been done by the owner. Upgrades for those of us buying new seem to follow the same pattern: epoxy the garage floor, install a pull-down stairway, paint or pave the driveway ,sidewalk and maybe the lanai, dress up the front door, install new landscaping, crown moulding, plantation shutters, get rid of the *@^% wiring shelving in the closets, change the countertops, etc. etc. We bought new and, whish! thousands of $ went out the door in a few months. Now, to start on the yard, sigh.

[interested]

In PA we seal our driveway periodically but I have never heard of painting the driveway or sidewalk. Why would you?