[Reefer]

We have been researching for a few years now ~ reading post and posting questions. It looks like we may be getting more serious even though retiring may be a few years away yet.
I do have some more questions...
My wife will be turning 55 in September and I next April. Eligible to retire in 3 1/2 years. Interest rates are low and it looks like a good time to start looking. Can we do a tour in August even though we are not at the 55 year mark yet?
Also, we are thinking of a Courtyard Villa. They seem to have some backyard privacy and we would be buying but not living there year round yet. Most likely do our vacations there and in the future snowbird. Anyone out there have a CV and do you find them fairly quiet and more private? Searching homes ~ the lanai seems so close to the others in Premier Homes etc.
Also, can the CV be rented out...is there a rental program at TV?
One last thing, because we would not be there year round, are there businesses that maintain landscape etc?
We appreciate your help and most likely will be asking more questions as we go along. Even though we've been looking on TOTV site for awhile, it's all new to us and would like to know where to start.
Thanks in advance,
Joe & Ann

[rosygail]

We are in a situation much like yours, 2 years until retirement! We purchased a Valparaiso Courtyard Villa on 12-31-11 after a lifestyle visit. We spent a vacation in April there and got it all set up. We hired a property manager who watches the house, takes furniture deliveries, etc. and also takes care of keys etc for renters. We will be renting it out for as much of the next 2 years as possible then snowbirding after that.
We hired a lawn and pest service (Stellar ad on this website) and property manager (H&H) so we are all set. There are services in TV to help you manage your property almost any way you want! Don't wait too long! Prices have gone up twice since we purchased pn 12-31-11!

[cathyw]

agree with everything that rosiegail said. Also, yes you can do the preview before. age 55. My husband and I purchased 6 years ago. Neither of us was 55. Bought a ranch and rented it unfurnished ( through TV) Did great-- rented almost year round. We recently moved to a CYV for the privacy and LOVE it.

[Reefer]

Two great responses ~ thanks!

[CaptJohn]

There are a number of previous threads dealing in depth with the subjects you are asking about. You'll have to do a search with certain keywords to find them but many offer detailed suggestions and recommendations as who to use and not use. Good luck.

[Schaumburger]

Reefer, If you go on the web site The Villages 4 Rent, Rentals in The Villages, you will see probably hundreds of homes that people rent in TV. I rented in TV twice last year, and I am renting in TV again in a few days and then again in October. All of the people I have rented from actually live full time in The Villages, but it seems from reading on TOTV that there are lots of people who rent out their TV homes for a few/several yrs. before actually making the move to TV.

Good luck in your search!