[Robnlaura]

Originally Posted by Randall55

Some insurance companies will not insure homes built before 2003. They will quickly send you on your way. You may need to shop around.

If you are thinking about purchasing an older home, call several insurance companies to get rates before you agree to purchase the home.The roof is one factor. There can be more. Each insurance company has their own criteria. Buyer Beware!

that new construction be able to withstand hurricane-force winds and feature shutters or impact-resistant glass in all opening

[Joe C.]

Florida upgraded the home construction requirements in the early 2000's. As I understand it, the Villages had already upgraded their construction requirements several years prior to the state doing so. The big thing is the binding of the roof to the concrete block ....how it is constructed. That's why insurance companies want photographic proof of your house when you apply for insurance. They call it "wind mitigation".

[NoMoSno]

Originally Posted by Robnlaura

that new construction be able to withstand hurricane-force winds and feature shutters or impact-resistant glass in all opening

Impact-resistant glass is a requirement in the Miami-Dade hurricane code. We are in a different risk zone and it is not required.
miami dade hurricane code - Google Search

Are hurricane windows required in Florida?

[Villagesgal]

Such rubbish. Our home was built in late 2000. The Villages were already using the new 2000 standards required by the State. We have never had a problem getting house insurance and are paying less than most and have full coverage. Roofs are a concern for everyone with a roof older than 15 years. Find a home you like, have it inspected, no matter brand new or not, and buy it. There is no problem getting insurance for an older site built home here.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

In my opinion, with all of the newer pre-owned and brand new houses available to buy, it makes no sense to buy a house that is more than 20 years old, especially for a retirement home. Lots of things can go wrong, some of which you may not even anticipate. Almost nothing in a new house is designed to last more than 20 years.

Well, there just might be few that can afford or don’t want to buy 400K plus outrageous bond, so they look for pre-own for 100K plus less.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

Well, there just might be few that can afford or don’t want to buy 400K plus outrageous bond, so they look for pre-own for 100K plus less.

The lowest priced house on The Villages website is a manufactured house listed for $209,900.

[wolfie]

we bought a 2000 Latana and had insurance through USAA because of the roof design. They actually took $300 off. They stated by a satellite picture of the roof it's more resistant to hurricane. I don't know if it's true or not but I was happy to get mine 300.

[ldj1938]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

In my opinion, with all of the newer pre-owned and brand new houses available to buy, it makes no sense to buy a house that is more than 20 years old, especially for a retirement home. Lots of things can go wrong, some of which you may not even anticipate. Almost nothing in a new house is designed to last more than 20 years.

Our home in Santo Domingo was built in 2000. We are the second owner and everything you can think of has been updated. We put on a new roof. Structure was up to code. Just put in all new windows.$11,500. New garage/cart doors. New driveway. New hot water system. New hurricane shutters. etc... Painted,...
Beautiful location on 5th hole of The Palms. Wouldn't you take care of this home?