Quite right! The value of anything is what a buyer is willing to pay. Next time I will buy pre owned now that I know what it really costs for a new home, decent landscaping, decor, paint, draperies, yadda yadda add another 30k minimum. I spent much more. If I had it to do over... Aaah However I have the best neighbors ever and they are worth millions to me.

The Villages has the obvious advantages, such as activities, safety, resturants, shopping, etc.......but as far as housing goes, I think the very biggest advantage to buying in the Villages is that it is a guaranteed investment. If you keep it until you go to your heavenly home, your children will have no trouble selling. Nowhere else in florida are the sales so consistent. In most of the state, the sales are quite stagnant, but if you can afford to buy here in TV, you will always get your investment back.

The increases in prices are attracting a more upscale buyer. notice the increases In prices on several of the new Country Club Restaurants. Havana has also become more upscale. The Villages is now attracting buyers able to afford the higher prices. This process has been evolving since construction started south of 466. Another factor of course is the LOwer mortgage rates. The same monthly payment is possible with a higher priced home. Do the Math.

After looking at a bunch of preowned homes that people finished to their taste we bought a spec home in Hillsborough because it was more bang for our buck, and very well appointed. Do you think who you are insulting befor you post? Homes in Hillsborough have sold quite well, and by the way, they rent VERY well.

I have an engineering degree and have owned many homes over the years. I have also supervised the building of commercial structures. The concrete and stucco home I bought here is very good construction. It appears the builders have learned how to build a good home for the climate and area. I felt I got a very well built home at a good price which is why I bought. I was especially impressed with the HVAC and hot water setup. The only complaint is not enough switched outlets in the bedrooms! I think some people have a very negative attitude and should take it back to the Northeast. Btw, it is rented next year already for a very nice price.

After Market Upgrades
 

I had a good friend tell me the same before we purchased our first home in TV. By the way, we are moving soon into our 4th. As a general rule, upgrades are cheaper after market rather than purchasing them thru the builder. :coolsmiley:

Perhaps I'm getting somewhat off the subject of this thread, but here goes. I mean no disrespect to you Packer Fan (Go Pack - I too am a member of the Packer Nation) or to the quality of the homes being built in The Villages, but I'm intrigued by the above quote. You have an engineering degree and commercial construction experience in what I assume is Wisconsin, and I have plumbing contractor, master plumber, and journeyman plumber licenses in Minnesota, and a journeyman plumber license in Wisconsin (I was born and raised in Racine, WI). I have experience in residential, commercial and light industrial construction, but obviously my expertise is in plumbing. Over the years of visiting The Villages I've visited numerous jobsites during different phases of construction. I like their choices of Kohler elongated comfort height toilets and Kohler/Sterling fixtures, and Delta faucets. But I question the use of primer/glue cpvc (as opposed to pex) water piping under the slab, plastic push on supply stops, etc. I think the quality of the homes is good but not extraordinary. Like anywhere else in the country, the developer and the construction companies cut costs wherever they can. Unfortunately it's sometimes to the detriment of the homeowner. Just my opinion...

Bonanza has not answered the question of whether or not she lives in TV.

How so? explain exactly what you saw please

crowded
 

Windows for one. TV homes are too close together. I'd not buy a TV home with a hand shake neighbor on both sides, a street in front and a neighbor so close behind you can share a grill.

that can be resolved, get a bigger lot.

pick a lot w/o kissing lanai's

there are plenty of both

I'd have to agree with you on the windows. The windows here don't seem very soundproof compared to the windows we had up north. And everyone would agree that the homes are too close together. Not everyone wants to spend the huge premiums that private larger lots command. That said, we made the compromise because the Villages offers things that other retirement communities don't. It was a tradeoff for us. We are fortunate that our neighbors all enclosed their lanai's. We planted a lot of landscaping in the back and have privacy visually and sound wise. Our neighbors next door are quiet, and we live on a quiet street. You can make it work, but its the luck of the draw on the neighbors.

I like the windows, and I like the attitude and mindset of the majority of the people who live here. The ones who like The Daily Sun. The ones like back home, The ones that made this great country what it is today. Ordinary, hard working, saving people who are careful with their money and generous with their hearts and their time. Sneaky people who do good things without broadcasting them. Folks who really don't want big yards to care for anymore and like homes all on one floor.

Yep. I am pretty crazy about the windows and I like the quality of the workmanship. And this isn't my first new home in my life. We like new, but used are nice too. But new ones and used ones cost the same

Good morning everyone. It is a coolish day in The Villages, but the sun will shine just as soon as it comes up..

How can windows be sound proof?


They are double glazed standard windows?

The sun is like clockwork Gracie