[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by buggyone

I would say that might be a good idea but check with a financial advisor.

I bought a re-sale home 3 years ago and it had every extra in it that I could imagine plus a golf course view. The price was negotiable with the owner since he needed money to buy his new place. No construction going on around me. Mature landscaping. Instead of $20,000 bond, it had $1500 left on the bond. Re-sales are always worth checking out before buying a lot in a new section.

I am not sure where you bought but on the north side the bonds were reasonable. Mine was about $6000 when I bought new in 2001.

So it you had $1500 left, it must have been a low bond to begin with.

[2 Oldcrabs]

Originally Posted by buggyone

I would say that might be a good idea but check with a financial advisor.

I bought a re-sale home 3 years ago and it had every extra in it that I could imagine plus a golf course view. The price was negotiable with the owner since he needed money to buy his new place. No construction going on around me. Mature landscaping. Instead of $20,000 bond, it had $1500 left on the bond. Re-sales are always worth checking out before buying a lot in a new section.

I look at resales for 2 years but could not find one that met our needs and was less expensive than new. (including the bond cost in the total cost) If you can find one, that is the way to go! IMHO, if you are going to stay in your home 10-11 years, than pay off the bond. If you think you may be changing houses in a couple of years than do not pay off.

[buggyone]

Originally Posted by zcaveman

I am not sure where you bought but on the north side the bonds were reasonable. Mine was about $6000 when I bought new in 2001.

So it you had $1500 left, it must have been a low bond to begin with.

I am in Glenbrook on Talley Ridge Drive. My house was built in 2002 so I assume the bond was quite low at that time.

[jgbama]

Originally Posted by janmcn

Annual maintenance assessments are often a lot less in established neighborhoods also.

We are closing next month on a home in Rio Grande. The bond is paid off. Plus we were advised that since Rio Grande doesn't have a rec. center, the annual maintenance fee will be around $265. So, yes, being in an established neighborhood has it's advantages, plus we have a nice shady oak tree in the front and side yard.