[2rts2tv]

We did a closing by mail on our new Begonia in Collier a few days ago..whoo hoo...we're finally Villagers!!

We won't physically be there until 12/20 and need some advice on a couple of things...
1. Is there anyway we can get blinds without being there or at least get them ordered?
2. Do we need to have lawn care done before we get there?
3. Do we need someone to look after the home before we arrive...it's completely empty at this time?

Anything else we need to be concerned about before we arrive?

You all are so very helpful with your advice...thanks for holding our hands through this very overwhelming process!!

[baustgen]

Just bought a Begonia. Suggest you wait until you get here to do anything. Get more than one quote. Blinds can cost over $4000. Many lawn care companies. Check the ads on the left and in the Daily Sun. Grass cutters generally do not treat with chemicals. Would suggest a grass cutter that uses walk behind mowers rather than riders. Easier on the sprinkler heads. Some are not reliable. The grass will probably not need cutting until you get here. If the home is empty, chance for a breakin is slim. Nothing to steal. Lots of homes look like yours. Welcome.

[PaPaLarry]

Originally Posted by 2rts2tv

We did a closing by mail on our new Begonia in Collier a few days ago..whoo hoo...we're finally Villagers!!

We won't physically be there until 12/20 and need some advice on a couple of things...
1. Is there anyway we can get blinds without being there or at least get them ordered?
2. Do we need to have lawn care done before we get there?
3. Do we need someone to look after the home before we arrive...it's completely empty at this time?

Anything else we need to be concerned about before we arrive?

You all are so very helpful with your advice...thanks for holding our hands through this very overwhelming process!!

You will not have to worry about lawn till you get here!! It will not have to be cut till you get here, and even then, will not need much cutting (if any) The grass stops growing this time of year. Being that home is empty, your ok. Just have a safe trip to The Villages, so you can enjoy, seniors wonderful "Disney World" Good Luck

[boomerbaby]

I agree with the above you will not have to worry about the lawn now but if you want the blinds put in before you get here you should call your realtor and ask him/her what the window sizes are for you home and if they could recommend someone. They may even be able to let them in for you to have the work done. My agent was so helpful so when we got here he took care of things for us. Good luck and you will love it here.

[redwitch]

You can also call Home Warranty and they'll have the size of the windows for you, but most blind companies are going to insist on coming in to measure to be totally accurate.

One thing to make sure of is that you don't void your warranty on your sprinklers -- they should be checked within 30 days of closing but sometimes you can get that waived until you arrive. Have your agent see what can be done about this.

Congrats on your purchase!

[Villageshooter]

Enjoy your trip down, The before warn you will have people coming to your door calling you on the phone wanting to sell you everything under the sun.. Talk to your neighbor they can give you the best advice we all were in the same boat at one time or another, A lots of shysters out there be careful. Welcome to paradise you will have more life changing events here when you had the previous 20 years of your life

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Villageshooter

Enjoy your trip down, The before warn you will have people coming to your door calling you on the phone wanting to sell you everything under the sun.. Talk to your neighbor they can give you the best advice we all were in the same boat at one time or another, A lots of shysters out there be careful. Welcome to paradise you will have more life changing events here when you had the previous 20 years of your life

Put your new phone number on the "do not call" list, ASAP, and let your answering machine pick-up all calls. The process takes at least thirty days, for it to take effect!! I found, this avoided all the calls I received, as they were constantly calling me up to 9 PM at night and on weekends. I might have answered one call and politely told them. I didn't want their services.

It is overwhelming, but you will get through it. Just make a list of things to do . Prioritize the list and work through it. Remember, everything doesn't have to be done in a week. A lot of people do the one week thing, thinking they have to get it all done, and stress themselves out. Just decide to do one major project a day, and have some fun!!!!!!

There is an old joke where a person asks, "How do you eat an elephant".

The answer is, "one bite at a time".

We all want things to go back to normal as soon as possible, but one needs to be mindful of there are so many hours in a day and plan accordingly.

You'll get through it and will feel much better, if you take the relaxed approach.

[butterfly sue]

We found a temporary blind at either Lowe's or Home Depot. We put it on the bedroom with only one window and slept in there until we had our blinds installed. That worked out great for us. Suggest taking your time for everything. It is the one mistake we made. Take your time decorating, landscaping and finding contractors. Best advice I can give yo!

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by butterfly sue

We found a temporary blind at either Lowe's or Home Depot. We put it on the bedroom with only one window and slept in there until we had our blinds installed. That worked out great for us. Suggest taking your time for everything. It is the one mistake we made. Take your time decorating, landscaping and finding contractors. Best advice I can give yo!

I am the type that needs to mull over decorating ideas, and just not buy anything for the sake of getting it done, doesn't work for me.

I won't drive myself crazy with, "it has to be done today".

[2rts2tv]

Great tips and advice from everyone...thank you so much!

Ok, we won't worry about the lawn...didn't know about the sprinkler warranty...will check with our sales agent to see if he checked those on the walk through with the builder. Won't stress out about the blinds either...if all else fails we'll get some temp blinds as suggested. Good advice to deal with everything one step at a time...that's how we got this far! We will concentrate on getting down there safely first!!

Anything else we need to know? Can't wait to meet you all!