[Stu from NYC]

IMHO people come for a week and immediately buy a house without really understanding this place and what they want to be near.

We rented for a month and could have taken longer before buying.

[dewcrews]

Bought a courtyard villa that met all our wish list check offs. Discovered the garage was an issue with our larger SUV. Considered a move, but given the lush landscaping and the beautiful Fenney Village, we decided, instead to buy a smaller car. Working out well, so we'll stay put in our oasis.

[Marathon Man]

We purchased our new home because we fell in love with the look of the southern area. And as it grows, we become even more happy with our decision.

[TooColdinIdaho]

Originally Posted by NotGolfer

.... I see you, the OP, are making your first post so wondering why this particular question for your 1st time??!!!

This is the first question I wasn't able to find a good answer to by using the search function or by reading the forums.
(I've been reading TOTV for many years but just recently decided to sign up.)

I'm 63 and still working 60+ hours a week but will be retiring in 2-3 years, so it's time to get serious about it and plan a few trips.
The Villages is on my very short list.

[TooColdinIdaho]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

I love my house, neighbors, location. What I don't love is the oak tree standing on my property that causes all sorts of cleanup about 5-6 months of the year. Acorns, leaves are a constant, and if you want to keep your landscape looking nice, you must be out there almost everyday raking. It's much worse the further north you go, there are many, many more oak trees there. It seems the further south you go, the less there are, especially south of 44. I guess big brother realized the oak tree is more a problem than a pleasure.

Thanks, these are the kinds of things that I wouldn't think of, but would make a huge difference.
I prefer a low maintenance yard and a tree like that would be problematic for me.
I really don't want to pay a gardener to rake leaves ever other day if I'm not around to do it...

I've always bought new houses in new developments and the trees never got big enough to be a bother before I moved on.

[PersonOfInterest]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

The point is, But you are still out the commissions paid.

So you'd be unwilling to give away $36,000 to pocket $120,000 free, clear and non-taxable?

[Normal]

Originally Posted by TooColdinIdaho

Thanks, these are the kinds of things that I wouldn't think of, but would make a huge difference.
I prefer a low maintenance yard and a tree like that would be problematic for me.
I really don't want to pay a gardener to rake leaves ever other day if I'm not around to do it...

I've always bought new houses in new developments and the trees never got big enough to be a bother before I moved on.

Avoid deciduous trees at all costs especially, oaks, maples and magnolias.

[JRcorvette]

Originally Posted by TooColdinIdaho

I read a post here saying that the average person moves to a different house three times after buying in The Villages.
I'm sure that number is a bit exaggerated, but I’m also sure some people do move after realizing the house/location/something else didn’t work for them.

Did you move after buying, and if so, why?

What would be your suggestions on things to consider for making it a “One-and-Done” buy?

That is what I thought too… Well we are on house #4 but I don’t think thee will be another move. At lease in the Villages.

[Villagesgal]

Originally Posted by TooColdinIdaho

I read a post here saying that the average person moves to a different house three times after buying in The Villages.
I'm sure that number is a bit exaggerated, but I’m also sure some people do move after realizing the house/location/something else didn’t work for them.

Did you move after buying, and if so, why?

What would be your suggestions on things to consider for making it a “One-and-Done” buy?

Had our house here built to order 22 years ago on a beautiful championship golf course with a lake view. We went over the plans for several days making changes here and there. I would say the lot you pick is even more important than the house you build, you can make changes to the house, but not the lot. Everyday when we open the back blinds we are still in awe of our view and still love it. The only thing we would have changed on the house itself would have been to extend the garage 4 feet forward. We came from a city house with a 1 car garage so our 2 car garage here seemed huge, but otherwise we wouldn’t change a thing.
I would say, build your home and choose your lot and view wisely and you'll be a very happy one and done.

[bsloan1960]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I don't agree that money paid to a real estate agent is given away. I expect the agent to earn the commission by using their marketing plan to get a higher price in less time for the house. When buying a house, I won't even look at FSBOs because they are usually overpriced and it is too much of a hassle to deal with most FSBO sellers.

By zeroing in on my wording you missed my point. I wasn't debating the worthiness of an agent to get paid- I was asking about the wisdom of paying the huge cost of numerous changes to locations

[Velvet]

My thing is the psychological cost, packing up, moving, unpacking. New neighbors. New routines. Things get misplaced, things get broken. You are out that period in your life. How much money is it worth for you to go through that? Then you find that you have to customize your new home etc etc. I’ve moved a lot in my life time from the time I was born. An unwilling traveler most of the time. So I’m careful with my first choice.

[Heartnsoul]

3 to 4 homes. Loved them all

[Timeweaver1]

Originally Posted by TooColdinIdaho

I read a post here saying that the average person moves to a different house three times after buying in The Villages.
I'm sure that number is a bit exaggerated, but I’m also sure some people do move after realizing the house/location/something else didn’t work for them.

Did you move after buying, and if so, why?

What would be your suggestions on things to consider for making it a “One-and-Done” buy?

My mother is in her 4th home. Lifestyle changes played a large role. At one time, they were snowbirds as they changed to FROGS. Garage space was a major determining factor and age.

[Chi-Town]

Had a checklist of must haves for our house here. Achieved 85 % of that list which is really good for an existing home (it was very particular). Didn't want move again,, but have people in the neighborhood who have moved two or three times. Some for size, some for location, and some just for change.