[BackintheVillage]

Howdy,

First time post. Been to TV 1x and plan on buying a house in the next year or so. Possibly resale, possible spec or build.

The question I have is a broad one but based on a reference to something I have heard repeated many times.
“The average villager moves ‘x’ number of times”.

Just wondering if it’s upgrading, downgrading, area, etc.

My wife and I are in our late 50’s and are ‘struggling’ with shopping for the right sized house.

Do most newbies upsize from a courtyard or patio or do they do a lateral? Do ppl regret the large designer purchase and are happy in a modest home?

I known this is an absurdly open ended question but perhaps I’m looking to spark a convo with others who changed their minds after living there a while.
Thanks

[Topspinmo]

IMO that’s not true, yes, few move several times, in pass could make money buying new and selling couple years later? With market flooded with new and resales right now probably not good idea at this time? Sure you’re going get few that say they moved 4 or 5 times (some just can’t be satisfied or plan make money moving every few years), but IMO majority don’t unless they have too? Market saturated right no reason why you can’t find house new (southern part) or resale in area you want to be in.

[vintageogauge]

#1 get a view lot, water, marsh, golf course, etc.. #2 if you now live in a large house get into a mid-sized designer. #3 this you can't choose but your neighbors are very, very important.

[BackintheVillage]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

IMO that’s not true, yes, few move several times, in pass could make money buying new and selling couple years later? With market flooded with new and resales right now probably not good idea at this time? Sure you’re going get few that say they moved 4 or 5 times (some just can’t be satisfied or plan make money moving every few years), but IMO majority don’t unless they have too? Market saturated right know reason why you can’t find house new (sourthern part) or used in area you want to be in.

I often wondered if this is some trope thats been repeated over and over.. I've heard it said the average villager moves 3 times. 3??? That means people have moved 4 or 5? THATS NUTSO!!! And i dont believe it.

[asianthree]

We started with a PV, then purchased as a vaca home, with both set of parents to use.
One house not enough so 3/2 cottage, that eventually was a long term rental.
Next house preowned 3/2 2car/golf cart garage. We did not fit in with 95% of the residents older than our parents. Sidewalks were rolled up 6pm.

This house due to unforeseen circumstances, we needed a 4/3 to accommodate aging dementia parents.

In 15+ years here are a few reasons residents multi move.
Garage/SF too small
Spouse dies selling larger SF downsize smaller.
Golf course/road view becomes no longer desirable.
Wife can’t live without grandkids, move, then return when no longer useful.
There are some who buy/sell every 2-3 years and pocket the profit

[CarlR33]

You can rent about any size home here so try that for a week then a month to get ideas of what your needs will be. Only you can answer your question based on your budget.

[Coop63]

We were ready to build a new home in Moultrie Creek after our first visit. I am so thankful we waited and rented for a month, the following winter. We did this based on advice from TOTV. Renting for a month the second time, changed our entire perspective. Once you find your location fit, you will find the home that is right for you. Not throwing shade on Moultrie Creek, it's a great location.

We are closing on a home in the Village of DeSoto next week. We liked the Fenny area (nature and golf), the theme of the homes, and it's proximity to everything we wanted, without the busyness. Personal preference is different for everyone and there is a wide variety of options to choose from.

Also, make sure you get a sense of the value of the homes you are looking at. Most people pay cash for their homes so it doesn't have to go through the normal appraisal process required by the a mortgage lender. You can look at sold prices on Zillow to come up with your own comps. Also, good to call an insurance company and see how much they will cover the home for. We found that many of the pre-owned homes listed by the Villages were over priced, for the value.

Good luck.

[Stu from NYC]

Very expensive to move so suggest you rent for a month or more to explore and see what you would like and where.

[Arlington2]

The number one regret I hear is getting a house without a golf cart garage. Even from those that don't golf.
We don't get near the number of guests previously expected. After the first visit or two people decide there are other things in life for their vacations. You may not want to get stuck with an expansive house expecting to host non-existent guests. Depends on your situation.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We had ruled out courtyard villas, and new construction. We also ruled out pre-owned homes that were carpeted in all the rooms, because we'd need to rip them out and install plank flooring which would've been expensive and time-consuming. Then we ruled out anything over our budget. Then we discovered how bonds worked, and ruled out homes with large remaining bonds.

Then - looking at everything left over, we looked at properties we would WANT to be in, when we were 80 years old. Not the dwelling - the property as a whole. The real estate, the lot and neighborhood and proximity to things. We ruled out newER homes that we'd need to wait 5 or 10 years for the landscaping to become mature.

We ended up narrowing it down to the Historic Section. It has everything we needed, and nothing that was a deal-breaker. At some point, our house will need replacing. And then, we'll have our old house moved out and a new one put in. We love our neighborhood, our part of The Villages, and the proximity to everything we need, especially by golf cart.

[Babbs1957]

Started to buy new way down south, but ended up between SS and SL in preowned. Why? No bond, established landscape, huge beautiful trees canopying the street everywhere and close to both locations. You automatically know who your neighbors are.

We visited the home during the morning, evening and late at night about ten times over a two week period. Watching and listening for issues like a little rat dog barking in a lanai constantly. Talked with several neighbors who have lived there for at least 5 or more years. House backed up to preserve. Purchased and don't see a reason to move unless someone moves in that irritates me, but that should be 10-15 years given age of neighbors and by then my hearing probably will be gone.

I only have met a handful of people that moved more than once. It was to downsize to no landscape type home (villa) or to upgrade to a better location with a view.

One thing I found that I didn't think about at the time but it worked out. At least a 2 car garage and a driveway that is wide enough to park 2 cars side by side. I keep daily car in garage and can easily drive out past other car. Golf cart can shoot in-between the two when both cars parked. Glad I don't have to shuffle vehicles around.

[Kelevision]

Originally Posted by BackintheVillage

Howdy,

First time post. Been to TV 1x and plan on buying a house in the next year or so. Possibly resale, possible spec or build.

The question I have is a broad one but based on a reference to something I have heard repeated many times.
“The average villager moves ‘x’ number of times”.

Just wondering if it’s upgrading, downgrading, area, etc.

My wife and I are in our late 50’s and are ‘struggling’ with shopping for the right sized house.

Do most newbies upsize from a courtyard or patio or do they do a lateral? Do ppl regret the large designer purchase and are happy in a modest home?

I known this is an absurdly open ended question but perhaps I’m looking to spark a convo with others who changed their minds after living there a while.
Thanks

I agree you should rent a couple of times in different areas. I rented in the northern part twice. I liked it and decided to buy new. They took me to St Catherines and it was jarring having just spent time in the well established areas. I was looking at Patio villas. I quickly said no….. and left. Then I went online and started looking more. I decided I wanted a courtyard villa because I’m private and I have a dog. So, I bought new, in the undeveloped area without even seeing it in person because they were selling so fast. I LOVE my house and this area. I’d never leave here for another home within TV. I think I’ve been north of Lake Sumter Landing twice in 4 years.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

My personal experience is as follows as I’m buying my 3rd home on Tuesday
1) We liked The Villages the first day we saw it, but were tentative if we would really like living there so bought a small home to “try it out” as snowbirds. We also have a dog so purchased a Courtyard Villa for the fenced yard.
2) We absolutely loved the lifestyle! We decided the home was a bit too small for us and we wanted a pool so we “upsized” to a spec designer that had a lot that would accommodate a pool. We realized that the fenced yard was not important as our dog is small so we could never let him outside to run around as there are way too many hawks and other critters. He also loves his daily golf cart ride to the dog park so the fence is not really necessary for us.
3) We are building a new home in Eastport close to the square with a larger kitchen and dedicated office space as my husband is still working.
As this is a second home for us moving is pretty easy as we don’t have “stuff” and we are young and have the energy to do it.
A friend who is on their second veranda home moved for a larger yard for her dogs and her husband wanted a larger garage.
A second friend moved from a courtyard Villa to a larger veranda home with more room for dedicated his/her office/craft spaces while still having a guest bedroom.
A third friend moved from a large premier home to a courtyard Villa as they are older and didn’t want the maintenance of a large home any longer.
A fourth friend moved from a courtyard Villa to a larger designer with golf course views and room for a pool.
A fifth friend moved from the north to the south and is now moving back to the north to be walking distance to stores and close to their network of friends following some health issues.
So, yes, Villagers move often but the reasons are all over the map and due to personal circumstance.

[jerseyjoy]

I'm in my third here (and last). First was brand new villa...too small. Second was pre-owned villa...pretty place, lousy neighbors. Now I'm in a house which I love and the neighborhood is great. It takes some time to settle in and find what works for you.

[Veracity]

We are in our 2nd home. Moved because we wanted a lot that was private and backed to a preserve. Now, we love the privacy and wildlife. Don't think we will move again. Take the lot into consideration when choosing to build a home or buy a a preexisting one. It's more important than you might think in a community where homes are very close together.