[TerryCamlin]

Originally Posted by Normal

Keep in mind when making your decision, we may be heading into an increase in prices and an economy where the housing market starts to heat up. It will be a seller’s market, we might even be in one now?

Don't think with the higher interest rates and the abundance of homes for sales that it will be a Sellers market anytime soon. It is an investors market for rentals so you may have different neighbors every week if you move too far south.

[Marsha11]

Pushing styles big time always

[Lisanp@aol.com]

Originally Posted by Berferful

My wife and I will be renting a CYV Jan-Mar for the second year in a row. We were hoping that that in 2024 , while we were down there, we would bite the bullet and buy. We would like new, but I’ve noticed that all the listings on the Villages app are sorely lacking any, or very few CYV. Is this really the case, or is the Villages purposely just pushing other styles?

There absolutely are CYVs being constructed in Dabney, and Lake Denham they just haven’t been released for sale yet, and when they do get released the best floor plans and lot locations go immediately. The villages is also now building a Cottage Villa series you might want to add for consideration - Frame homes with privacy walls. CYCs and Verandas are block (or tilt wall) construction with privacy walls.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Agree - for CV or PV, you want a two-car garage. Those that have 1.5 I’ve talked to regret it.

Yes, the garages in the older CYV are small, the driveways are curved, and hard to maneuver the cars. Also, some have the washer and dryers located in the garage. I have owned/rented quite a few. For me, the garage has been the only setback.

The upside of an older CYV is that the yards are bigger and most have concrete sidewalks on the sides of the home as well as a large concrete pad for grilling or lounging. Also, makes it easier to put in a birdcage which most past homeowners have already done. Pools or hot tubs can be added as there is lots of space. The bonds are tens of thousands less (most have been paid in full by previous homeowners) and the property taxes are the lowest since you do not have to pay the Wildwood or Leesburg city taxes. Additional cost for Landscaping is not necessary since most yards are maintenance-free. The location is great! Everything you need is nearby. No need to waste time traveling to stores, restaurants, golf courses, doctors, etc. If you are interested in a view some will take your breath away.

Will you have to fix up an older CYV? Depends. Some owners keep their homes pristine and have remodeled them beautifully. Others, not so much. But if you find one with a glass-enclosed lanai, birdcage, and a low-maintenance yard the cost for flooring, counters, and paint is mute. In the newer models, you will have to put in the concrete, birdcage, landscaping, gutters, and glass-enclosed lanai. And, don't forget, when all is said and done your property tax bill will be thousands more in a newly constructed home. An added yearly expense that never goes away. And, one that will increase year after year. Location makes a big difference. Is an extra two feet in a garage worth the added yearly expense? Only you can be the judge.

[Dusty_Star]

Originally Posted by Berferful

My wife and I will be renting a CYV Jan-Mar for the second year in a row. We were hoping that that in 2024 , while we were down there, we would bite the bullet and buy. We would like new, but I’ve noticed that all the listings on the Villages app are sorely lacking any, or very few CYV. Is this really the case, or is the Villages purposely just pushing other styles?

I just counted and on The Villages sale site, today July 28th at noon, there were 63 Courtyard Villas for sale, both new & used. But this doesn't help you if you are planning to purchase in 2024. The survey will have to be taken then. I didn't check MLS, there are probably more used CYVs for sale there too.

[Karmanng]

Originally Posted by Kelevision

Just an added bit of info about the “ noise”. I’m not right on the turnpike but it’s fairly close me. There’s no way I could possibly hear it from inside, I can only barely hear it outside and only during certain times when the wind is blowing or rain, whatever the case, you have to listen pretty hard for it. 99%of the complainers about south of 44 don’t live down here and only go by hearsay. (It’s the worst to bash something you don’t know about first hand) Next, it’s true that Lake Co. has higher taxes but I’m not sure the difference so also don’t let that deter you until you see what the difference is. As for the electric lines, they are also bothersome to me so i chose Hawkins where I back up to an old oak tree.

I agree I too am fromwhat some would say close to the freeway BUT i have about 2 streets of homes that are in its way. I never ever heard it when I bought the home never ever heard it when I went for a visit after purchasing......I was told depends on the wind and then even then its not all that noticeable.........glad to hear about the property taxes being higher.....I wont by new then.......I too am thinking of a veranda and selling my Courtyard villa

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by Dusty_Star

I just counted and on The Villages sale site, today July 28th at noon, there were 63 Courtyard Villas for sale, both new & used. But this doesn't help you if you are planning to purchase in 2024. The survey will have to be taken then. I didn't check MLS, there are probably more used CYVs for sale there too.

I am not certain if verandas are solely located in Sumter County. I believe they are all located in Wildwood. Not certain, check with a realtor. Either way, the taxes are much cheaper than Lake County/Leesburg. Your realtor can discuss that with you. If you find a veranda with the bond paid, better yet.

[rogerk]

I don’t agree fully; the majority of preowned homes, all styles, are listed by the Villages. The exception might be in the area north of CR466.

It’s probably best to work with a Villages Rep to get the best understanding of the new and preowned market. Then check out other licensed salespeople; just know they all may not know the community and the government as well as a licensed Village representative.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

I am not certain if verandas are solely located in Sumter County. I believe they are all located in Wildwood. Not certain, check with a realtor. Either way, the taxes are much cheaper than Lake County/Leesburg. Your realtor can discuss that with you. If you find a veranda with the bond paid, better yet.

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

When you are interested in purchasing a new home location and property taxes are top priority. Just sharing what I have learned. I was grateful when someone shared this information with me.

Like all real estate, I'll agree with location, location, LOCATION. However, property taxes and bond are at the bottom of the list. It's just part of the overall cost of ownership, so if $1-2,000 in property taxes is make or break, I'd be looking at a different community than TV. I would think floorplan, neighbors, proximity to services one utilizes, and view all far outrank "property tax".

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Like all real estate, I'll agree with location, location, LOCATION. However, property taxes and bond are at the bottom of the list. It's just part of the overall cost of ownership, so if $1-2,000 in property taxes is make or break, I'd be looking at a different community than TV. I would think floorplan, neighbors, proximity to services one utilizes, and view all far outrank "property tax".

The villages has been making the same floor plans for 20+ years. Now that Middleton is here, they finally added new styles. The only difference is in the northern areas. Some of the models are no longer built.

It is far more than 1 to 2 thousand. The bonds alone are 25,000- 40,000. The millage rate in Lake Co Leesburg is ridicously high. Don't believe it? Please check that information with a realtor like I did. I'm telling you, it is an eye opener! Bonds are priced differently. An identical model can be 1.5 - 2 times higher. A realtor told me it is dependent on how many homes are in the subdivision.

Why would anyone pay higher property taxes and bond for the same model? If anything, wait until the developer/builders are building once again in Sumter County. Waiting for the right moment will save you quite a sum of money and will reduce your tax bill significantly. Just relax and wait! When you go to resell, home buyers will be looking at the cost that you forgot to research. Resells with lower/no bonds and lower taxes sell quickly. ( I have experienced this. I missed out on several great resells, bond paid, low taxes, because they were only on the market for 1-5 days. As I stated, I have been looking for a new home for 6 months)

Sidenote: All villages are designed in the same format. Each gets a postal and rec center. And the area gets a regional rec center. The layout for all the rec centers is identical. Only the interior decor is different. The executive golf courses cut throughout one village are pretty much the same as in other villages. The developer is keen on making everything nearly identical in each village so not to upset those who have already purchased.

The biggest difference is location. Some homes are close to restaurants, shops, doctors, squares etc. Some, much, much further away.

If your primary focus is floor plans. You have come to the wrong place! The homes here are cookie cutter identical.

As for neighbors, can you REALLY tell if you are going to get along for years and years just by checking out the neighborhood? You will meet friends at clubs and social events. Neighbors will come and go. Sadly, so will the friends you have met along the way.

I forgot to mention. Even though you are interested in buying a new home, talk/work with an outside realtor. If you only work with a Village realtor you will be given the hype they are taught to say. If I was given a dollar for each time I heard "I was so lucky! Everyone wanted the new home that I bought. My realtor pulled strings for me," I would be rich. Hype, hype, more hype. Don't be an emotional buyer. Fact check: hundreds more of the model you were "so lucky'" to get will be built within months.

An outside realtor who works for a different real estate company will tell you things a Village Realtor will not. Don't be sold on a well-fabricated sales pitch. Do your own research.

Last of all, be careful when watching overly cheerful YouTubers who talk about the Villages. They are making those videos to earn money. (even though they say differently) Take what they say with a grain of salt. Not everything is wonderful, cheery, and bright in the Villages. It is a place just like all others that just happens to have an elderly population. Do your own research! Don't be sold on the plentiful hype around here.