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It's really not that hot. Come on down! |
Well said.
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This thread has been a little uncomfortable for me and we haven't moved down there yet. Just because we are anonymous doesn't mean we can say anything. But I just want to say that you expressed my feelings perfectly. Thanks. Joaniesmom |
Whew ... sorry ...
While I would have to agree that the person whose email I posted has a “way with words” and expresses an opinion very strongly, I just want to apologize and say that it was not my intention to start a firestorm or to criticize anyone’s choice of new versus resale. I know from my experience over the years that there are many Villages wannabees on this site, and my intention was to point out to them the advantages of a resale, something that Villages salespeople don’t do, which I’ll explain.
As rubicon said in a post, “My previous post was to offer people who have not purchased a home here yet an opportunity to be more circumspect about this choice. I wish someone had offered me that opportunity. Please allow me my right of ‘free expression’.” Or villageshooter who wrote, “tell ur story and help others,,,,they have made billions off of unsepecting folks!” It’s up to us to educate ourselves and know exactly what the options are. Before I continue, I would like to quote again what rubicon said in another posting and I agree with: “So IMHO offering potential buyers the benefit of your point of view is the right thing to do. After all all you are doing is simply offering an opinion and then it is up to the potential buyers to decide.” However, I don’t agree that this has anything to do with politics or political correctness. We don’t need to politicize everything but rather need only to accept the statement on face value and learn, if we wish to, from the experiences of others. I agree with the poster who was selling a house and noticed that Villages real estate salespeople did little to promote selling a pre-owned home and instead rushed potential clients to buy new and spending far more time showing the latter. When I first came, I had the most honest and ethical salesman with whom remained friends until he left employment here, even though in the end I didn’t buy through him. I had made it clear to him that I wanted a resale and nothing else, and even so, he showed me resales but insisted on showing me new homes as well. I have heard it alleged that Villages salespeople must sell x number of new houses each year or lose their jobs; I was never able to document this, but I did hear it more than once. I have owned two resales in TV. The first was listed with TV; once the owner and I agreed to a price, he simply called the realty office and canceled his contract, and I bought directly. (TV has changed its policy since then, and this can no longer be done.) The original owners had done very little with the house itself (though they had very obviously spent a fortune on landscaping), resulting in an exceptionally reasonable sale price (with bond paid by them!) while leaving us a clean slate to do as I wished. When I moved within TV some years later, I had a very specific style house in mind, very few of which exist, and when one was on the market in my desired location, I jumped at it, and this was with an outside realty firm. Again, the price was very low in part because the original owners had done little in the parts of the house and property where I wanted to do my thing, and what they did was very well done AND didn’t get in the way of the vision I had for the house. Here the bond was not paid, but it was such a small amount that I just paid it off. As fromct says, “The best part of this thread is that in a couple of years it will be a moot point and everyone can concentrate on making the most of the decisions they made....” For sure, when there are no more new homes and only resales, the resales will be worth much more than they are now, when so many people (some because they know exactly what they want, and others possibly because they just don’t know, which is why I started this post) focus only on new homes that resales languish and drop in price. As far as amenities fees are concerned (unrelated to my original post), I too do not golf and wish that golf were a separate membership within TV, as I’ve seen in other communities, but it is what it is. I signed knowing that they were not separate and am willing to accept that everything cannot be my way. This is a wonderful place to live! As createquilts said, “I have a question about the older neighborhoods. Don't you think some of them will turn over, just like the neighborhood I live in up north is doing now?” Yes, of course, they’re all turning over all the time. I traveled through the village of Sanibel for the first time recently and already saw a for sale sign in a window (outside realtor). This means it’s a resale of a house that cannot be more than a couple of months old, and it struck me how sad this is. Life can change in a moment.... I live in a long established area where two house across the street sold just before we came, and the house next door and the house behind me sold since I’m here. Again I apologize if I came across as less than civil. This was certainly not what I intended but rather to share the resale experience with potential newcomers. |
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However there is an emotional component to buying new. For many Wrinklies, their home in TV will be their last opportunity to buy new. There is an excitement in choosing a lot and being part of the creative process; of making choices and feeling the satisfaction of seeing a vision come to life. |
Thank you Quixote for clarifying that, and we all have many different points of view based on our experiences! I do have to say that my particular sales person at TV did make a point of taking me to several resales explaining where in some cases I may be able to obtain what I want at a very good price. We went over several designs in the homes, what had been upgraded, etc. and I wanted to point that out. She showed me resales, spec homes, and just one lot which I purchased, then changed to another. Holy cow! I didn't intend on that actually, but in the end it was a good fit for me. There are many agents out there and I feel I had a very good experience with mine. We had a good connection and she listened to my wants and expectations. I am very happy to have had her in my corner and am sorry for anyone who felt otherwise. I hope those who are coming down to speak with an agent have an equally satisfying experience.
I also think the amenity fees are extremely reasonable. I have another place in Florida (a smaller neighborhood) where our HOA fees are more than double those in TV. We have 2 pools, and lawn care. That is the extent of what we get for our money other than paying a fee to a management company for mailings and meetings. Personally, I do not golf either, but hope to at least take some lessons. I apologize in advance to anyone I may encounter on the golf course!! I am sure the golfers also don't use some of the other amenities, so it kind of evens out. Even though golf is a bit more expensive? OK-maybe it's a TAD uneven, but all the amenities are available to each of us... Anyways, choosing a home is personal. What is good for one is not for another and we each have the right to choose what is best for ourselves. |
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Truly this thread is fun. While it may not be political it runs in that manner because predictable someonewill ineventfully tell you "love it or leave it." The entire point of my posts were to simply state as another posters described so well "some residents intolerance" to anything perceived to be negative about TV. As I keep saying no one needs to protect The Villages nor the Developer. In fact as the Developer is richer than God, I expect he get a good laugh at the suggestion.
While some of you got it, my purpose in suggesting that "amenitiy use" move from a flat fee to a user fee ,was for illustrative purposes only because it was a way to show people a way to measure how much usage they would derive and also the need for that amenity. As I clearly pointed out it was to caution prospective buyers to be circumspect about the "Lifestyle" issue and as was predictable the same PC residents strike back with "love it or leave it". And boy, do I hate and refuse to deal with absolutes, except the one that we all go to that big golf course in the sky. If you recall I never address a pro or con concerning the housing here it was all about the "Lifestyle" vis a vis economic principles Finally and again I have and continue to accept the responsibilities of my decisions my entire life. I opine others can decide |
There is something to be said about lifestyle in a new home area. All of us Fernandinians will be kindergarten kids together! Easier to build relationships with other newbies when we aren't in classes or clubs yet, or know very many people. We have never had a brand new home before - so this is kinda fun!
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Rubicon, you are an honorable man.
But. I have met a couple people with a tons of money and they still have feelings and pride. And they too were honorable men. |
:agree: I don't play golf but definitely don't mind paying the amenity free. There are so many other things to enjoy in The Villages other than golf and the fees pay for them all.
Joaniesmom |
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Neither of them ever used such a colorful way to describe one of the new homes, to be fair. Keep 'em coming Quixote! We learn from each other here and that is the reason I love this forum and this wonderful place. |
While I agree "each to his own", I recently purchased a resale in Hacienda East and agree completly with the writers assessment of the older neighborhoods...especially this one. I have always thought you get soooo much more for your money with a resale! Most older homes have been well maintaned and everything has been done, leaving me to just enjoy a glass of wine on the birdcage. Two things I love most about resale...mature lush landscapeing and in my case...NO bond. Big savings all around. All that being said, its wonderful living here, whatever you choose. Come on down.
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Resale vs New
When we first started looking, I was sure we would buy a resale. I did not like the idea of the bond on new homes. Looked at many resales thru TV & MLS. Resales that met our needs were higher than having the the house built including the bond cost. Many of the resales had ugly wallpaper and "dated" colors Never made an Offer on a resale, because they did not meet our needs. But I am sure I could have gotten a "good deal". I custom built my last home using many upgrades and energy effiecent HVAC that builders do not offer. New TV homes are"track housing" not custom built, but certainly not a POS ! Everybody's wants and needs are different. "DO the math" and buy what you want. :crap2:
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rubicon - who pays for the executive courses? Residents do. How do they pay? With the amenities fees. If you know of another way they are paid for, let me know. The fees also pay for all of the upkeep, squares entertainment, as well as improvements.
Don |
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Could it be the builder is using more "cost effective" materials when building now?? I did see some cottage style homes where the bathrooms appeared cheaply made. Just like food prices, prices go up, the quanity went down. What used to be a box of cereal for $2.99 is now 1/2 a box of cereal for $3.50. It would NOt surprise me if the quality of workmanship is poorer as the population has grown and they probably just want to build out and get it over with. I know my style home changed through the years When I bought you got Three windows in kitchen, then they went to two windows in kitchen, from a cathedral ceiling to a regular low ceiling. I would agree the homes have changed. Resales are probably doing very well considering you could find something nice in a great location for a lower bond.
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As stated before to each their own.For those on a tighter budget you can do much better on a resale.Today I saw a house in springdale listed for 189,000 bond bal 4500.maint 400 a yr.That new model would cost you 210,000 bond 23,000 and maint. about 1,000yr.Assuming you could buy for 180,000 that's almost 50k difference.Point being that those wanting a house they can't afford maybe you can.Also taxes are going to be a lot cheaper.
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Quixote, Post 71 was nicely written. Very good explanations and points made.
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Don |
Way to go, Trish. Hurry on down. We need more folks just like you!
Joaniesmom |
Wrinklies
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Wrinklie Joaniesmom |
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Opinions ...
Could I please clarify that my original #1 post, except for the first two lines, was a QUOTE. I thought that was clear. I guess it wasn’t.
Could I also please clarify (not that I feel it makes much difference...), that the person I quoted, in describing some of the new construction in such a “charming” way, used a phrase whose initials would be “POC” rather than “POS.” Same number of letters, so four ****. Please remember that that was one person’s opinion and that I was quoting. That is not my view, though I felt the whole passage was worth sharing for, as others have said in postings, expressing one person’s opinion and conveying info that would not ordinarily be told to prospective buyers here. A friend of a friend tells the story of taking his golf cart on CR-466 to Morse Blvd., passing the villas being constructed on the south side of 466 near Morse. He was going to Staples to pick up something. On his way there he saw the builders beginning to hoist roof trusses with a piece of heavy equipment for one of the houses. By the time he bought the item he needed and was on his way back, not only were the trusses completed, the entire roof was already enclosed in plywood sheathing. He estimated that from one observation to the next took about 45 minutes at the most. For what it’s worth.... Here are two opposing viewpoints, and both are valid depending on one’s needs and feelings (and both phrased, I admit, a whole lot less "vivid" than my original quote which at that point was all I had to make the point): eweissenbach: Well said barefoot. Another point I would mention is that while many resales are clearly less expensive than new, not all resales meet that criteria.A lot depends on the location, as is always the case in real estate. We were tempted in March to pull the trigger on a brand new Wisteria in Sanabel that was fully furnished with Southern Lifestyles furniture that was exactly what we would pick for ourselves.The Price was reduced to $194k - you would not likely find an equivalent home furnished in the sames way (and the furniture would be used) for a better price on the resale market. As in all real estate situations you have to do your homework and not be overly influenced by trivial things - then make an educated choice that will best fit your needs and pocketbook for the long term. hdh1470: As stated before to each their own. For those on a tighter budget you can do much better on a resale. Today I saw a house in springdale listed for 189,000 bond bal 4500.maint 400 a yr. That new model would cost you 210,000 bond 23,000 and maint. about 1,000yr. Assuming you could buy for 180,000 that's almost 50k difference. Point being that those wanting a house they can't afford maybe you can. Also taxes are going to be a lot cheaper. |
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This discussion came about by the original poster stating that someone purchased......
"this hideous brand new piece of **** for more money when she could have had this gorgeous Designer." How can ANYONE else decide what is a POS? I'm sure that many of you have entered someone else's home as a guest and were floored by their furniture, their taste, their mess, etc, etc. Its THERE'S....not YOURS, so why would you think that they should have something else? I just purchased a home in the Villages. I could have gotten it for about $30-40,000 less in a different neighborhood. Or, I could have purchased a resale for around $60,000 less. But that's not what I wanted. I wanted new and I wanted it where I bought it. That's not right OR wrong......it's not anyone else's decision, it's mine. I might think your car or your furniture is all a POS, but I wouldn't tell you that.....it's yours not mine. There are a few closed minded people here on TOTV. |
Quixote.
I too thought that the POS part was from you. I am relieved. I must admit it wrankled me. Another valid point for buying a resale is to avoid what Happinow is facing that someone will build or plant something behind you that you may not like. But to get back to Quixote. Quixote himself did not say the words that many of us took issue to in the very first post. That part was a quote from someone else. This is where paying attention to little details pay off or misleads...however you want to read it. Quixote is INNOCENT. |
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It's a lot to pay for a lifestyle. And yes the bonds are nasty on new homes. Especially when you can put that bond money into a home. We were looking at resale but are currently looking at other retirement communities after being here in the villages a year. After all...you can go to LSL or SS without living here. Golf courses are no biggie and you have similar amenties, bigger homes, less cost in these other communities. Even a neighbor said they had wished they hadn't jumped and bought but spent the time to look around like us. But to each their own.
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Ouixote, the original poster was only quoting someone else on the Pos part.
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Its really how deep a person is willing to dig in their pocket books and what they want. And the level of living you want. Whether you want to pay for amenities or put the money into where you live. Our neighbor made the comment one day he's just been leaving his wallet on the dresser. Nothing left in it. Not saying the villages aren't a great place, but they are the 1000lb gorilla in the room. Everyone is going to compare everyplace else to it. Like I said to each their own. But folks should know there are other options out there. We didn't when we first moved here. We gave it some time. Will be giving it a little more till the lease runs out. Could still buy a resale here but it would have to fit the bill, but leaning the other way at the moment. Love our current neighbors and they wish we weren't going to move (to another home here or there). |
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Betty |
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I've been to Timber Pines many times and chose The Villages and just finished our first year anniversary here. Places like Timber Pines offer nothing inside the gate. You have a golf cart, but where can you drive it, to the club house, to the course, that's it. Everything else is on Hwy 19 in Spring Hill. Go check it out, and I bet you'll be back here rightaway. It's only an hours drive, go down I-75 exit Route 50 to Brooksville and continue to Hwy 19 turn south and you'll see it about 5 miles on the left across from Walmart. |
I can certainly understand folks wanting a different retirement community. I drove through many, but they seemed lonely...I don't know what else to call it. I know there are a lot of folks that want a relaxing, quiet home...a guiet lifestyle, home meals, etc. I don't think there's anything wrong with that and to boot...they'll save money on their homes. But for me personally...I want people, conversation, lots of resturants, bars, shopping, activities, and a safe place where I can walk my dog and meet other people.
Everyone needs to decide what's important to them. I'm not there yet, but I have spent a great deal of time in TV. Who knows.....maybe in a few years I'll be saying....I need a quieter life.....I don't think that will happen, but who knows?? So, keep us posted on what you find and what's out there. |
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Glad you still have your options open to move if you want to. |
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