[CoachKandSportsguy]

First, your question about how most posters here who own their houses are dealing with it, I would say we are taking very good care of the house, enjoying the area, as we aren't really looking to move again.

Now, housing prices do not go up at this rate forever, they go up more than they go down, but there will be opportunities. I recommend still renting and watching and working with a broker who knows your situation and will help you get what you are able to afford. Knowing what you can afford is the key, and you might not be able to get what you want at the moment, but work for what you can afford. . . . or negotiate a really affordable long term lease and save your money while waiting for the market to cool off a bit.

The only reason we bought 2 1/2 years ago, is that I did not buy a house in a similar situation with a new development in the early 80s, and then just watched the home prices continue to go up and up. . . so I had learned that sometimes taking an early risk is worth it. But then again, my wife bought our current house in 2004 and the house (not mortgage) was underwater for about 15-16 years. . . always, always, always is the future is uncertain. best also work with a CFP to help figure out how to re arrange your finances to help you maximize your situation. . .

good luck

[Toymeister]

Practically speaking, there is one and only one way that you can get a home below market value and the chances of that are extremely slim.

The first buyer of a new home cannot sell the home in less than a year for more than the purchase price plus improvements.

If this happens it isn't likely that the home listing will ever leave the real estate office, either a real estate agent will buy it or they will feed the listing to a lucky customer.

That said it does happen, this is how we purchased our home. In our case the home was on the higher end (fewer buyers at higher price points) so it did make it to the open market. We have experienced 50.3% appreciation in 18 months.

I was the poster that said the peak birth year for baby boomer was 1958. Statistically, it is only slightly lower each consecutive year. Demand will remain high for 55+ communities especially while their perceived wealth from the equity in their primary home has skyrocketed with any mutual funds based on the stock market.

[daniel200]

Much of the pricing has to do with record low interest rates. The majority of home buyers are taking out a mortgage. Low interest rates makes buying a home more affordable for more people. This increases demand and prices.
IF interest rates were to rise and drive mortgage interest back to 4 or 5 or 6%, there would be far fewer buyers for $500,000 homes. Prices would drop.
I have no idea if interest rates will rise in the near future. However, interest rates can not drop much lower as the 10 year US treasury is today at 1.4%

[Garywt]

I have not looked for a month or 2 but there were a good number of Villas in the $200,000+/- range just as there were 2 years ago. We bought a Villa 2 years ago and love it. Our house up north was $215000 26 years ago, $450,000 2-3 years ago and about $750000 now so prices are crazy everywhere. If we could sell up north we would be in great shape but we can’t. With building materials up so much who knows if prices will ever come down.

[Laker14]

IMO, you shouldn't worry about what has happened to prices in the last year, or two, or three. What you should consider is can you afford it? Do you want to live in TV enough to pay the price?
What if the value goes down a bit? Does that matter? Are you buying as a monetary investment, or as an investment in the quality of life for you over the next decade or two?

[Papa_lecki]

Prices won’t improve. Here’s why, more people will retire over the next 3 to 5 years and more people close to retirement realized over the last year work from home can mean working from The Villages. You sell your house at home at a HUGE profit, making a house in the Villages a bargain.

[Penglobal]

Originally Posted by Laker14

IMO, you shouldn't worry about what has happened to prices in the last year, or two, or three. What you should consider is can you afford it? Do you want to live in TV enough to pay the price?
What if the value goes down a bit? Does that matter? Are you buying as a monetary investment, or as an investment in the quality of life for you over the next decade or two?

Hello and thanks, but I disagree with your point of view in that most of us are ARE buying a home as a monetary investment and just because I can afford the current high home prices, it doesn't make it any easier to pay these outrageous prices. I worked and saved all my life NOT to throw money away.

[RICH1]

By the time you scroll down to read this, the houses have appreciated 5%... seriously if housing is appreciating in the rest of the country , why would it not here in TV? The Low prime interest rate should fuel the flames!

[Rwirish]

Don’t move, stay where you are.

[Girlcopper]

Originally Posted by Mortal1

Blah, blah, blah...no one actually knows...if they did they would invest and make zillions. When it comes to many things in life(most everything)then nothing is certain...you throws the dice you take your chances. No guarantees. Such is life.

Exactly right! Bubble or no bubble, the prices will continue to rise and then level off. They will not decrease. So, if you can afford it, buy whenever you want. If you cant, stay put where you are. Simple

[Girlcopper]

Originally Posted by Penglobal

Hello and thanks, but I disagree with your point of view in that most of us are ARE buying a home as a monetary investment and just because I can afford the current high home prices, it doesn't make it any easier to pay these outrageous prices. I worked and saved all my life NOT to throw money away.

Then dont throw it away and dont buy if you feel you cant afford it

[l2ridehd]

Real Estate prices always have been cyclical. But have also always been on an upward slope. This peak is higher then the last peak and the next drop will not be as low as the last drop. The down side of buying in a peak is very limited selection. That will change when we get past this peak and prices stabilize. Selection will be much better but I doubt prices will be much lower. So if you can find what you want in this crazy market, buy it. I would not settle for something just to buy now. Availability will improve a lot over time, prices not so much. So if you can’t find pretty close to what you want, rent and wait it out.

[thevillagernie]

then don't buy....this is america

[Bay Kid]

The value of the dollar has been beaten up this year. Like the home prices in TVs the value will not get any better. Buy now if looking.

[Flgagg]

The housing market is crazy everywhere not just in The Villages. I was lucky and purchased in April right before the inventory of homes dried up. I wanted a resale to avoid paying a bond. I have several friends who haven’t been that lucky. On couple sold their home, went to SC to buy and found they can’t find one in their price range. The prices have gotten too high. They are living in a RV now. Another friend sold their home, went to NC, and have ended up buying a piece of land and are building because although materials are expensive, it is cheaper. Plan ahead…….