Hi JimJoe,
Item number one, the Amenities Fee, is paid monthly rather than annually.

That's probably what you meant to say, but the keyboard didn't cooperate.
:posting:

thanks for the correction
 

Thanks you for the correction.
JJ

Yes, this is correct. That's because the annual non-ad valorem assessment from TV on your property tax bill comes in two parts.

One part is the one-time bond on your home. That bond pays the initial capital cost of installing the infrastructure in your neighborhood (divided by the number of properties). There is an option every year, in July, to pay this off in full. Otherwise, it is paid over a 30-year period, with interest and an administrative fee.

The second part is to pay the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) budget for your Community Development District.

So, if you pay your bond in full, then your annual non-ad valorem assessment includes only your share of your district's O&M expenses.

You must be thoroughly confused by now, grr rex.

Q: What is the CDD Maint annual fee I read about?
A: This fee is for maintenance of common areas. It appears on the annual tax bill as a separate line item. I might add it is money well spent. Landscaping is very well kept.

Q: Is it the same as the amenity fee?
A: No. The amenity fee is billed monthly. It pays for all of the amenities including executive golf, swimming pools, rec center use, and literally dozens, maybe hundreds, of other activities. It is also a bargain.

graciegirl's comment is worth noting "The estimates on cost of living given by The Villages itself is pretty reliable".

Thank you all for your helping me better understand these fees. I'm trying desperately to ensure I can afford to live comfortably in the Villages by building my retirement budget. The bond and amenity fees are making that more challenging but the things they pay for are exactly what I find so attractive. Specifically, the cleanliness and beauty of the property. Not to mention the friendliness of the people !!!

I'll find the money. :D

Cal

Finding this very helpful. We are buying our house through an outside real estate company that does not do much in The Villages, so I've been wondering who to ask about how everything gets started when we move in. We went to the Thursday morning orientation regarding the CDD's. That was great, but the actual nuts and bolts weren't answered. Like...who do I write the check to, and when?

If I got this right, our amenities will come along with water/sewer/irrig. on our monthly bill. So, when we sign up for the service, that's when we become "Villagers"??? Our bond and maintenance will come on our tax bill. I got that! (I already understand taxes. LOL)

We will be closing from out of the country. Do I need to make a trip to be there for actual closing day to get this set up? Seems like such an elementary question, but I just don't know how to go about getting the services in our name other than to walk into the offices and do it.

When/where do we get out ID's? I guess I really need to make a call to The Villages customer service, or is there a different office that would be better?

Thanks for all the answers.

Your agent should be able to help you get your services started, even if they do not do that much business in TV. It all would be a lot easier if you were dealing with an agent familiar with the workings of TV.
Customer Service will either have the answers to your questions or direct you to someone who will. 352-753-4508