[Vinny]

I think I lost my last post so I will try again. We are closng on a new CYV in June an a new section in Pennecamp. Only a few people there now and the remaining homes are still under construction. I have a few questions that we would like to have answered by experiencded Villagers.

1. Do you recommend installing a Burlar Alarm? We are not snow birds and spend more time home than away but as with most of us, we have to go back to our home states for family matters and will be away from the home maybe for a week at the most whenever events dictate it.

2. For various equipment needs, one being medical, would you advise purchasing a generator and if so should it be a whole house one or portable? Any estimate of costs?

3. We have several xmas lawn decorations, nothing tacky or religious. Are we allowed to display them around xmas time?

4. Based on your experience and knowledge, what additions or changes would you recommend we make to a new CYV home and why?

5. How do you deal with owning two cars and having a one car/golf cart driveway and garage? We have no choice due to having two car leases for the next few years.

6. Why a golf cart instead of a small used car to get around the Villages? As outsiders who have visited the Villages several times we have seen the really cool lookng golf carts and special parking spots but as non golfers we cannot wrap our minds around the benefits of a golf cart which goes slow, probably a pain in the neck when it suddenly rains, more likely to get you killed if hit by a car, etc.. Assuming cost is not an issue, what are the benefits of one for a couple in their late 50's aside from the obvious two car, one garage problem?

7. Anything else a purchaser of a new CYV should know? I do plan on getting a surge protector from the electric company.

Thank you in advance.

[pooh]

I can't answer all of your questions, Vinny, but here's my response to some. You can put up holiday decorations in TV. There is a 30 day limit for each seasonal theme. Actually some for Christmas go up in November and stay up till after the holiday.

Even if you aren't a golfer, golf carts are a good way to get around in the community. There are many trails for walkers, those on bicycles and golf carts as well as golf cart driving areas on roads throughout the community. It's easy just to hop into your cart to head to the mailbox, the pool, the grocery store and just to drive around and view the community. Guests, grandkids and even people's dogs love to ride around in the carts. It's like having a convertible but you drive slower... When you get here, you can rent a cart for a short period of time to see if it's something that you'll enjoy. I have friends who don't golf, but they do have their cart. Also have friends who have decided they don't want a cart. In the summer, when it's hot and humid, I prefer the car, but there are still lots of people driving around in all sorts of golf carts.

I have a portable generator. We've not had to use it in our four years here. If you need one to run medical equipment, maybe that's something you should discuss with a health care professional and someone from the electric company.

Living here is different than so many other parts of the country and I mean that in a good way. You'll actually have to LIVE here to understand what I'm saying.

June will come quickly and you'll be driving around (bring a Villages map with you) getting the lay of the land, heading to the nursery to buy plants, over to the hardware store to get things and enjoying all the different species of birds, the anoles, the clean air, the sunshine, the new friends and new activities your new home town has to offer.

[kfierle]

I purchased a new CYV in 2008 and the first night I used it it rained. The sound of the rain coming off the roof and hitting the patio was VERY loud. I decided at that time I needed to install gutters and downspouts around the entire house. I used Hills to do the job. They were very reasonable, reliable, efficient, and had the job done in about 1 1/2 hours. They often run an ad in the Daily Sun for a 10% discount.

I realize this item was not on your list of questions, but I highly recommend gutters.

Welcome! Enjoy your new CYV and the lifestyle of The Villages!

[teachnmo]

We used Hill's also for gutters and were very pleased with the job!

[Army Guy]

Vinny,

1st, Golf Cart is a must have even if not a Golfer. It is what being a Villager is all about. It is easy to park, especailly at the squares during events. You my not think at first, but now I prefer my Golf Car over our Honda!

2nd, we have a CYV, a Beaureguard (sp?). Intsll a solar tube in Kitchen, it will make it so bright and cheery. Epoxy garage floor, no more dust and clean-up is a snap. Install pull down attack stairs. Lots of storage space up there. Install outside garage door keypad, it makes it so easy when you are out for a walk or golf cart ride to get in. Suggest getting a half glass door made by Entry Point to front door to let more light in. CYVs tend to be dark, but between the solar tube and half glass door, our's is now full of light.
Tile the lanai, looks better, less dust, easy clean. We also tiled the entire inside but that is a personal choice. Master closet have Abisher come and redo to give more space. Our Master Closet is now huge versus the single rack. Install the heavy duty sliding glass door locks, they can move nor lift with them. They have a Kiosk at Market of Marion.

3rd Alarm, we are getting one cause it lowers insurance and for the fire alarm.

Hope this all helps! Army Guy

[NJblue]

Security System: Depends on your own emotions about security. TV is not immune from break-ins but it is quite safe. I don't have a CYV so I'm not sure about what access a potential burglar would have to your back yard. However, if there is a gate which can be locked then I would think that a CYV would not be a tempting target for a thief since access to your house would be mainly from the front which is too visible to neighbors. There are plenty of other houses in TV that have unrestricted access from the rear that provide easier targets.

Golf Cart: If you are not golfers and have no intention to take it up, then a golf cart becomes more of an optional toy. Some people would never be here without that option and love going EVERYWHERE in their golf carts. I have found however that more often than not I opt for my car - it is cool in the summer, warm in the winter, dry year around and gets me to where I want to go much faster. However, it is very fun to be able to go around on drives around TV and to the town squares in your golf cart. It definitely adds another dimension of fun to life in TV.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Vinny

5. How do you deal with owning two cars and having a one car/golf cart driveway and garage? We have no choice due to having two car leases for the next few years.

CYVs all have visitor parking lots, but residents aren't allowed to use them for overflow parking. Community Watch monitors the parking lots.

We lived in a CYV for three years. We were lucky as our next door neighbours live in New York and only visit TV a few weeks every year. We were welcome to use their driveway for overflow parking. Many CYV owners are seasonal residents or haven't retired yet. Once you get to know your neighbours, you may be offered the use of a driveway!

I think the biggest negative of owning a CYV is that very few have double garages. We have a motorcycle and bikes and golf clubs and gardening stuff, as well as a golf cart and SUV. The limited parking was one reason we sold our CYV and purchased a house with an oversized garage. (But we also wanted more interior space).

[MargaretR]

Not on your list, but I think a GPS is great. It not only helped us get here from the Northeast but it's a great help getting around TV (never would have found the Post Office here without it). And it will be great to have once we start exploring Florida.

Margaret

[swrinfla]

Vinny:

A thought or two, hopefully in the order in which you asked them.

1. I see no need for a burglar alarm. On t'other hand, it would seem a minor expense if it gives you peace of mind.

2. Since all power is underground in TV, your only likelihood of power outages is damage to some substation elsewhere. The only way I would see a need for a generator is if either of you is dependent upon power, especially at night. So, if you're on oxygen or a CPAP device, you may want to consider a generator. But, I don't have one and have used a CPAP since 2006.

3. Seasonal outdoor decorations, including lawn ornaments, etc., are allowed for "30 days." But, I don't think they'll come around and tear them down on Day 31!

4. Not a CYV owner, so no opinion.

5. Unless you're both working "off campus," or even a long way from home, I really fail to understand why anyone needs 2 cars here. I've met several Villagers who've given up their auromobiles entirely. On the other hand, you do probably need 2 modes of transportation. Suggestion: two golf carts, one automobile!

6. Sure, you could have a small second-hand car for local travel, or even a Smartfortwo car. Still, I cannot see why any one would NOT want a golf cart! You might note, if you pay close attention to various media stories, that many times the term "golf car" is used rather than "golf cart." I think that tells you a lot.

7. Again, I'm not a CYV owner, so don't have an opinion.

Hope these answers help you!

SWR

[pooh]

One more thing....be sure to get a weather radio. If you can't program it, take it to one of the local fire stations and the firemen will do it for you.

[barb1191]

Another important point re golf cart vs second car. A second car can be more expensive to put on the road and maintain, considering it must be insured and registered. A golf cart needs no insurance or registration and with the electric ones, you can eliminate the cost of gas to run it. It also has very little maintenance expense that a car has.

We are not golfers, yet love our electric golf cart and it sure saves from having additional mileage and gas consumption on the registered car.

Go for it; you'll love the savings as well as the fun of riding in the golf cart!!

barb1191

[Pturner]

Hi Vinny,
If I remember correctly from another thread, you and your wife will both be working (outside TV?) and therefore need two cars. It is ok to park one of the cars in your driveway.

[nussbaum]

We live in a CYV and in the 2 yrs we have owned it we have:
Installed attic stairs, storm door on front entry ( for light and air), enclosed the lanai, added rock and landscaping, intalled ourselves a closet system from Lowes in our master closet, a solar attic fan, gutters and downspouts,sun control film on windows, painted most rooms, added backsplash below upper kitchen cabinets. Many are personal preference. Our villa is very light except for bathrooms, so have not done the solar lights yet, probably will.
We have 2 cars and a golf cart. I work, so a second car is needed. Spouse likes the car for longer trips north of 466. We just downsized his car so that it fits more comforatably in the garage and mine is in the driveway. We also have snowbird neighbors that let us park in their driveway when they are gone. They also use our driveway when we are gone. Get to know your neighbors, they come in handy. We also keep an eye on each other's homes.
Don't do everything at once. You will decide what you really need or want.
I could care less about the golf cart as I am always wanting to get somewhere quickly, safely and comfortably since work interfers with my spare time. Good luck!

[scs1224]

Hi Vinny and congratulations on the purchase of your cyv...I love driving around in a golf car because you can really get to see and appreciate the beauty of TV..If you see something that grabs your attention all you have to do is take your foot off the gas pedal and you stop immediately..If you get lost and need help with directions other people in golf cars stop and quickly help you. It's a great way to travel around TV. Whatever you decide will be the right choice for you, just enjoy...

[rabonkmontage@msn.com]

Army Guy I to have a Beaureguard also. I like the idea of the solar tubes in the kitchen. Can you recommend some one to do the job. thanks

Originally Posted by Army Guy

Vinny,

1st, Golf Cart is a must have even if not a Golfer. It is what being a Villager is all about. It is easy to park, especailly at the squares during events. You my not think at first, but now I prefer my Golf Car over our Honda!

2nd, we have a CYV, a Beaureguard (sp?). Intsll a solar tube in Kitchen, it will make it so bright and cheery. Epoxy garage floor, no more dust and clean-up is a snap. Install pull down attack stairs. Lots of storage space up there. Install outside garage door keypad, it makes it so easy when you are out for a walk or golf cart ride to get in. Suggest getting a half glass door made by Entry Point to front door to let more light in. CYVs tend to be dark, but between the solar tube and half glass door, our's is now full of light.
Tile the lanai, looks better, less dust, easy clean. We also tiled the entire inside but that is a personal choice. Master closet have Abisher come and redo to give more space. Our Master Closet is now huge versus the single rack. Install the heavy duty sliding glass door locks, they can move nor lift with them. They have a Kiosk at Market of Marion.

3rd Alarm, we are getting one cause it lowers insurance and for the fire alarm.

Hope this all helps! Army Guy