[pauld315]

If you buy a resale, be sure you contact the contractors that deliver your mail to make sure they know to reassign the mailbox to you. I thought this was taken care of by The Villages but they don't do that. Orientation never mentioned this was necessary. If you need the phone number for your area, call the CDD office.

[windylou]

Mail is toss-able ... but if someone is coming to your door, PLEASE call the Warranty Office or VCDD office and give them names and other information .
Solicitation is not acceptable here

[PennBF]

One of the best pieces of advise you will receive is before you hire a contractor, landscaper, dentist, etc.etc. call Seniors vs Crime to see if they have any records of the Company,practice, etc. Don't ever give any money up front, if it is a knock on the door remember door to door is not allowed in the Villages. If a Landscaper says they are "Licensed" unless they are also a contractor Florida does not license landscapers. Make sure you have a contract for work to be done and end date. There are a lot of good Companies in the Villages but there are also some not so good. Seniors vs Crime can at least give you some leads who is good and who is or may be bad!!!

[WMSmith]

I think one of the best resources are our neighbors, many have been here awhile and mine have been very helpful. Everything doesn't have to be done in 5 minutes, but somethings, like getting good lawn care is something that needs immediate decisions. So get to know your neighbors.

[mellincf]

I'm moving to TV about April and will purchase a resale. Is there a book/internet site with the rules, HOA regulations, etc? For example, I may put in a pool and would need to know the process for approval. Where do I get information about utilities? It's entirely possible that I won't go through the official Villages real estate company, and I don't know what I don't know, lol.

[pqrstar]

Originally Posted by mellincf

I'm moving to TV about April and will purchase a resale. Is there a book/internet site with the rules, HOA regulations, etc? For example, I may put in a pool and would need to know the process for approval. Where do I get information about utilities? It's entirely possible that I won't go through the official Villages real estate company, and I don't know what I don't know, lol.

Try these

Community standards
VCDD Community Standards

Informational Publications
Forms and Publications

Deed restrictions
VCDD Deed Compliance - Sumter County

Architectural Review
VCDD Architectural Review


And the general website for our district government.
Village Community Development Districts

[Kazmi]

Originally Posted by mellincf

I'm moving to TV about April and will purchase a resale. Is there a book/internet site with the rules, HOA regulations, etc? For example, I may put in a pool and would need to know the process for approval. Where do I get information about utilities? It's entirely possible that I won't go through the official Villages real estate company, and I don't know what I don't know, lol.

Lots of regulations and approval process info at w w w.^districtgov^.org (not sure if this link is legal here so just remove the spaces and the ^ when you enter it into your browser).

Within that site look for Community Standards. Some approvals are based on the district you are interested in buying in. Info regarding utilities can also be found there.

[Shbullet]

Originally Posted by Lpierleo

I also agree solar tubes were one of our best after market investments. I also recommend you use this forum for many of your questions, particulary for numerous contractors you may want in the future. Also, ask away on this forum, you will receive great advise. Most of all, enjoy!

What is the approximate cost of solar tubes?

[mellincf]

Thanks. Will try it.

[mellincf]

Originally Posted by Kazmi

Lots of regulations and approval process info at w w w.^districtgov^.org (not sure if this link is legal here so just remove the spaces and the ^ when you enter it into your browser).

Within that site look for Community Standards. Some approvals are based on the district you are interested in buying in. Info regarding utilities can also be found there.

Thanks, found it on the internet. Whew. I think I will wing it with common sense and courtesy towards my neighbors, and try not to do anything rash or stupid

[Jmmullen25]

Watch out for lawn services that want to give you a good rate for a 1 yr contract. Neighbor got caught in this trap and since they are snowbirds are getting skipped over consistently. We are watching the house and need to keep contacting the owners. Company they are dealing with are very unprofessional but we keep seeing them around doing more work.

[Bog99]

Originally Posted by laceylady

In addition, just because a company is an advertiser on TOTV, does not mean they provide good customer service. I can probably guess who gerryann is talking about. Also check with Seniors vs, Crime before hiring anyone for anything. The best source is your neighbors-- don't rush into landscaping like I did, and get royally ripped off.

Hello Laceylady,

Sorry to hear about the bad landscaping experience.

TOTV is a good forum for sharing this good and bad information, but I would think YELP.COM would be too.

If a landscaper ripped you off, why not share that on YELP. YELP is a an "all business" site whereas here it's also "social" where people are naturally reluctant to lay into a bad contractor by name, but you can to that at Yelp.

Also, may I ask, what is "Seniors vs. Crime"?

[Allegiance]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Let's do a thread with some advice for newbies, things to do and NOT to do when you first move here.

First I will say not to buy from the door pounders who come to you in the weeks right after you move in. Not because they are all unworthy contractors, but some of them are, and nothing, NOTHING has to be done at once. Take your time and wait for changes to water supply, adding pest treatments, painting driveways or even if you will add downspouts to the back of your home. Wait to see who your neighbors use for lawn maintainance.

Please jump in here and add your comments here everyone.

Another warning, do not respond to other totv members asking you for private information in a private message. It could be a Trojan horse.

Also don't give out personal information in the public forum either.

[Wiotte]

Originally Posted by Allegiance

...Also don't give out personal information in the public forum either.

I agree. Such information would make a person vulnerable to trolls and constant harassment.




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[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Lpierleo
I also agree solar tubes were one of our best after market investments.
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We have five sun tunnels in our home.
We think they are wonderful, a great after-market investment.