[cabo35]

The "spirit of the law" vs the "letter of the law" debate is possibly applicable once again. Could it be that the issue of school age children in the household is the real test for selectively "permitting" purchases by those under 55? It would seem to be a plausible but unspoken rational for establishing an arbitrary age of 55.

[Skybo]

Is it possible that the conflicting information is simply a matter of some people (realtors, village reps, etc.) just not knowing what they’re talking about?

I’m in the process of closing on my home so that we can move to TV. I’ve been amazed (and angered) at how much incorrect information I’ve been given (at my current home, not in TV). I’ve gotten completely opposite answers from different reps from the USPS, the cable company, and PODS.

With regard to the 80/20 rule, I currently live in a 55+ community. When a potential buyer who was slightly under 55 expressed interest in my house, the HOA management company said no. When I asked about the 80/20 rule, they said they had never heard of it. Now I realize that the 20% is up to each individual HOA, but for a (national) management company to be completely unaware of a Federal housing law? That makes no sense. As it turned out, all I had to do was get a waiver signed by the HOA Board of Directors, and I was able to sell my house to those folks. But the management company almost cost me that sale. If I hadn’t pursued the issue, I’d still be sitting here hosting open houses.

I guess my point is, you just have to be diligent in digging for the information and you shouldn’t necessarily take a representative’s word on something without verifying it with another source.

[John]

T.V. would not have to check up on you. Neighbors will do it for them at no charge, and call The Villages to let them know. All neighbors? No, but be assured it would be the buzz of the street. Regarding purchasing is your parent's name, and then just moving in and occupying, the rule that would be quoted is the 30 day guest pass rule. As for the 20% real estate rule, that states that the developer MAY have up to 20% under 55, not that they MUST have 20%. Just an FYI. I hope this helped.

[Trish Crocker]

When selling a home, it is against the federal law to discriminate against anyone based on age...the exception is when it is a senior community. In order to keep this exception viable they must keep the population of 'senior' home owners at 80% or more. If the number of senior owners drops below 80% the exception would be lost...and the community could be sued for violating federal housing laws. I'm not sure, but I'm guessing that this is why there is additional paperwork for purchasers under the age of 55 in order for the community leaders to keep track and to keep the over/under ratio at a legal level.

[Deerfly]

My understanding is that some loans like FHA, etc can only be made if the community is non-discriminating and restricting the age to be more than 55 is discriminatory. Apparently there is a percentage of the population that would have to be less than 55. May not be correct but sorta makes some sense.

[JeffAVEWS]

Still processing that "Trophy Wife" info!

[Figmo Bohica]

I have a "Trophy Wife" same one that I have had since before rocks turned into dirt.

[Taltarzac725]

With the number of cougars in the Villages, I suppose there are some "trophy husbands" around too.

[2-crazy]

Here is a portion from an article in the Tampa Bay Times from a year ago.

“The primary reason for Congress to create the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995, HR 660, was to allow an exemption from age discrimination laws for such communities. It modifies the Fair Housing Act to allow age limits for those communities that comply with the adult community laws. It says that the community can limit residents under the age of 18. If your documents say 16, federal laws would take priority and your lower age for a resident would be 18. One of the requirements is that the board must take a census every two years that requires one person 55 or older in each home to register and show proof of age. In Florida, the board must register with the state Commission On Human Relations (fchr.state.fl.us) every two years. If the board does not follow the federal and state laws, it cannot limit any resident because of age.”

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by 2-crazy

Here is a portion from an article in the Tampa Bay Times from a year ago.“The primary reason for Congress to create the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995, HR 660, was to allow an exemption from age discrimination laws for such communities. It modifies the Fair Housing Act to allow age limits for those communities that comply with the adult community laws. It says that the community can limit residents under the age of 18. If your documents say 16, federal laws would take priority and your lower age for a resident would be 18. One of the requirements is that the board must take a census every two years that requires one person 55 or older in each home to register and show proof of age. In Florida, the board must register with the state Commission On Human Relations (fchr.state.fl.us) every two years. If the board does not follow the federal and state laws, it cannot limit any resident because of age.”

A year ago, thats about the time this thread was started.
I guess the above 39 posts would not change in a year.

[Schaumburger]

I'm just a wannabee, and I'm over 50 but under 55 with no kids. I have been to quite a few open houses (both new and preowned) during my four visits to TV.

Buying a new homes through TV: TV sales reps. said that being between 50 and 55 with no kids -- I would have to get "permission/approval" from TV sales management to buy new construction but probably not an issue especially since I have no kids.

Buying a pre-owned home through a TV agent or an MLS agent: No problem since I am buying from a previous owner and not directly through TV. All agents have told me that TV is not at the 20% mark for the under 55 age group -- hopefully they are correct on that.

This is just what I have been told. Unless I win the lottery soon, I will be 55 or older when I purchase.