[graciegirl]

You have your address posted so I looked at your lot on Sumterpa.com and it shows a very, very large side yard. I can see why you are disappointed. I am surprised how close some lanai's go to the edge of the easement.

I too hope that there was no deception and wonder how we can learn from this. The ARC has the power to say what can be built. Can people ask them before they close?

I feel bad for you.

[2BNTV]

I had the same problem when I thought I wanted a larger lanai area. Contacted the building dept. and they said I could only extend 5.5 ' onto the side of my home that sits on a corner lot. It didn't make sense to me as I have a lot of room before getting to the curb but, it is, what it is.

The choice was to move to get what I wanted or realize I really didn't spend much time outside socializing. I decided to stay.

My sympathy for your not realizing this was going to be a problem but you can always sell your home and buy a home that suits your needs better.

It is very disappointing, as some people don't like to move. I'm a one and done, type of person.

[Challenger]

Originally Posted by dddave

Bought a home here two years ago...thought we were in paradise...The Village Reality realtor knew we wanted to build a lanai on the side of our corner lot...he suggest a surveyor...survey came back that the easement left 15' from the house for the lanai...great...last month asked for bids...first contractor said immediately we could not built because easement leaves only 5' to build. Checked with Sumter County...sure enough - 10' from the curb for the county...then 20' by the developer!! for ????....asked about an easement appeal - The Villages haven't granted an easement appeal since the Morris' bought their first acre...I finally realized what the homes in The Villages reminded me of - a senior citizens' Levitt Town.

Things that I have learned after 50 years in Community Banking.

Never take the word of a real estate salesman. They are too financially involved in the transaction and are many times ignorant of the pertinent RE law and regs. Use an attorney(Real Estate Specialist-with malpractice ins) . All attorneys are not the same. -- Read the Docs. Easements are fully described there.

Do not know the facts of this case but am continually amazed. how casually people treat the review and consideration of the (normally) largest purchase
they will ever make.

[Retiring]

Originally Posted by Challenger

Things that I have learned after 50 years in Community Banking.

Never take the word of a real estate salesman. They are too financially involved in the transaction and are many times ignorant of the pertinent RE law and regs. Use an attorney(Real Estate Specialist-with malpractice ins) . All attorneys are not the same. -- Read the Docs. Easements are fully described there.

Do not know the facts of this case but am continually amazed. how casually people treat the review and consideration of the (normally) largest purchase
they will ever make.

Amen.

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by dddave

Bought a home here two years ago...thought we were in paradise...The Village Reality realtor knew we wanted to build a lanai on the side of our corner lot...he suggest a surveyor...survey came back that the easement left 15' from the house for the lanai...great...last month asked for bids...first contractor said immediately we could not built because easement leaves only 5' to build. Checked with Sumter County...sure enough - 10' from the curb for the county...then 20' by the developer!! for ????....asked about an easement appeal - The Villages haven't granted an easement appeal since the Morris' bought their first acre...I finally realized what the homes in The Villages reminded me of - a senior citizens' Levitt Town.

dddave: First, "thought we were in paradise" is not a conducive element when conducting business.

Second "The Village reality, realtor apparently didn't place your interests ahead of his and I would let him and those above him know it. you stated he knew you wanted to build a lanai. He should have checked that out for you to determine the legality and the feasibility.

Third: Now that you know of this restriction should you decide to sell this home you may want to know the legal implications of disclosure concerning this restriction.

It is a bummer that you had to endure this otherwise unnecessary disappointment .

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by rubicon

dddave: First, "thought we were in paradise" is not a conducive element when conducting business.



Second "The Village reality, realtor apparently didn't place your interests ahead of his and I would let him and those above him know it. you stated he knew you wanted to build a lanai. He should have checked that out for you to determine the legality and the feasibility.



Third: Now that you know of this restriction should you decide to sell this home you may want to know the legal implications of disclosure concerning this restriction.



It is a bummer that you had to endure this otherwise unnecessary disappointment .

He doesn't have to reveal any restrictions since they are common to all of us. Don't scare the crap out of this guy. Geeeez

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by RickeyD

He doesn't have to reveal any restrictions since they are common to all of us. Don't scare the crap out of this guy. Geeeez

My intent was to be helpful and supportive given this guy's dilemma . I am not a lawyer or in the real estate business. I would ask such a question if it were me and I have always made full disclosure on all matters concerning my homes whether I was legally obligated to or not because in all cases I made the necessary corrections/repairs. If they bought my house I left bottle of champagne with two glasses on the counter

If what you say is true concerning restrictions then concealing such information appears at minimum underhanded and at best unethical, especially if the potential buyer asks the question which he did in this case

Personal Best Regards:

[Nucky]

I can't speak to the setback dilemma but in the last 24 hours I was questioned twice why I was going to use a lawyer. One agent said the people in the Northeast rob each other constantly and that's why we want to be represented when we do business in Florida. I really hear what you said about being complacent. Its is happening to us now. We are bumping into walls because we are over extending ourselves. Packing is one thing, getting the repairs done in NJ is tough. Usually getting a licensed contractor to do a job is a piece of cake but not this time of the year. Closing my wifes business is stressful. Dealing with two realtors in Florida is a damn sin. One is a slug the other is a conscientious individual who is a hustler but today I had to tell him G>T>F>P. Get to the @%&ing point with the subject at hand. Just frustrated rite now. Even a lawyer to get on the line is a problem. God Bless I'm glad they are busy but how about a little common courtesy. I really hope you get your situation straightened out. I am grateful you posted this it is a definite wake up call for me to not let any detail slide because I'm tired and beat up. Take Care.

[kstew43]

The Village Reality realtor knew we wanted to build a lanai on the side of our corner lot..
he suggest a surveyor
...survey came back that the easement left 15' from the house for the lanai...great...

So as a Florida "Realtor"...inactive, I must abide by the laws of the State of Florida rules governed by the DBPR. Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations.

Villages sales people are licensed threw the state of Florida although they are not considered "Realtors", to be a "Realtor"...you must be a member of your local board of realtors, this gives them benefits and also access to the MLS. The villages salespeople don't need MLS access so they don't have to be members and save on the fees and they are substantial......

BUT in order to practice real estate in Florida you must have a license which the Villages sales people do have. and are required to follow the DBPR.....rules....and they are strict and many. But you get a pretty R pin your can display on your suit if your a board Realtor..

Anyway....most Broward "Realtors" concerned with there license carry malpractice insurance for just this type of issue....

So long story short....if you have a copy of the survey and you can prove the salesperson knowingly provided false information due to incompetence or deliberate...call the state DBPR in Tallahassee and see what they say.....this matter may have been time sensitive....but you never know. Best of Luck...

Licensure Information

[ColdNoMore]

For those who have their knees hit the underside of their chins every time even an implied criticism of the developer or their employees is mentioned, the OP has acknowledged that he simply trusted too much and it is basically his fault for doing so.

It still sucks any way you look at it.

Originally Posted by kstew43

The Village Reality realtor knew we wanted to build a lanai on the side of our corner lot..
he suggest a surveyor
...survey came back that the easement left 15' from the house for the lanai...great...

So as a Florida "Realtor"...inactive, I must abide by the laws of the State of Florida rules governed by the DBPR. Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations.

Villages sales people are licensed threw the state of Florida although they are not considered "Realtors", to be a "Realtor"...you must be a member of your local board of realtors, this gives them benefits and also access to the MLS. The villages salespeople don't need MLS access so they don't have to be members and save on the fees and they are substantial......

BUT in order to practice real estate in Florida you must have a license which the Villages sales people do have. and are required to follow the DBPR.....rules....and they are strict and many. But you get a pretty R pin your can display on your suit if your a board Realtor..

Anyway....most Broward "Realtors" concerned with there license carry malpractice insurance for just this type of issue....

So long story short....if you have a copy of the survey and you can prove the salesperson knowingly provided false information due to incompetence or deliberate...call the state DBPR in Tallahassee and see what they say.....this matter may have been time sensitive....but you never know. Best of Luck...

Licensure Information

Thank you kstew43 for giving him some great advice and maybe a path by which the OP can mitigate, what would definitely be a major disappointment in finding out that The Villages do not employee actual real estate agents in the true sense of the word.

They are simply sales people.

Good luck dddave.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by kstew43

The Village Reality realtor knew we wanted to build a lanai on the side of our corner lot..
he suggest a surveyor
...survey came back that the easement left 15' from the house for the lanai...great...

So as a Florida "Realtor"...inactive, I must abide by the laws of the State of Florida rules governed by the DBPR. Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations.

Villages sales people are licensed threw the state of Florida although they are not considered "Realtors", to be a "Realtor"...you must be a member of your local board of realtors, this gives them benefits and also access to the MLS. The villages salespeople don't need MLS access so they don't have to be members and save on the fees and they are substantial......

BUT in order to practice real estate in Florida you must have a license which the Villages sales people do have. and are required to follow the DBPR.....rules....and they are strict and many. But you get a pretty R pin your can display on your suit if your a board Realtor..

Anyway....most Broward "Realtors" concerned with there license carry malpractice insurance for just this type of issue....

So long story short....if you have a copy of the survey and you can prove the salesperson knowingly provided false information due to incompetence or deliberate...call the state DBPR in Tallahassee and see what they say.....this matter may have been time sensitive....but you never know. Best of Luck...

Licensure Information

KStew, I remember you told us you live in a development "down the road" but you own and rent out a house here. I have always thought you are missing all of the fun.

[dddave]

To those who commented on my thread with sympathy, advice, and, yes, even finger pointing (sincere critiques speaks well of the critiquer), I say thank you. Your words have warmed my heart and that of my wife. I know that I am the prime (but not only) cause of my problem. I do tend to be too trusting, but it does get my knickers in a knot when someone takes advantage of that trust. When I was growing up, words and handshakes were far more binding than ink on paper.

As for where I will take it from here, your words have solidified a question that had been vaguely rummaging around in the back of my mind – am I Villager material? My view has always been that too much freedom leads to chaos, and too many rules and too much order leads to a boring similarity. Through reason and compromise I have tried to live in the road between chaos and boredom. I fear that “The Village Experience” is based on the latter, and that it will never accept my appeals to reason and compromise.

This is not a criticism of “The Villages Lifestyle”. I have observed many people (but not all) at the town centers, at the club restaurants, on bocce courts who are truly enjoying their life and life style. I truly enjoy watching their enjoyment. However, I also don’t criticize nor condemn those who live a non-conformist lifestyle (and I cite LGBT’s). I have observed them (not all of them) enjoy their lives just as much. To me the bottom line is - If you find your happiness, embrace it and revel in it.

Returning to my “boring similarity” quote, I will suggest two experiments for you to prove my point.

First, drive down any Village road at speed for a quarter of a mile. I would challenge you to cite with certainty which house is an “Iris”, which is a “Lily”, which is a “Gardenia”.

Second, find a fairly straight street in The Villages; in the evening stand behind one of the lighted house identification poles (you know the ones that say you are a golfer or a fisherman or a politician (okay, no politicians). I will bet that you will see a straight line, any pole of which does not deviate more than an inch from that line.

As always I take full responsibility for not observing, while house hunting, the sociological and architectural realities of The Villages.

I would seem that I should be putting a "For Sale" sign on my lawn (sorry, in the window), and a sticker on my car "Moving to Arizona." Yet, surprisingly, in my mind, the question is still sitting on my table – Am I a Villager? It is still there because of a second reading of all your words and sentiments. I saw how replete they were with your individuality! That revelation has left me grappling with the following - apparently you have learned to “compromise” (a little) your individualism, and with that been able to ignore the peevish and capricious rules piled up around you and embrace the personal and higher personality aspects of The Villages. So, I am thinking, if you could, maybe I could, and, if I can, maybe I am a Villager.

The jury is in deliberation.

Thank you all again.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by dddave

To those who commented on my thread with sympathy, advice, and, yes, even finger pointing (sincere critiques speaks well of the critiquer), I say thank you. Your words have warmed my heart and that of my wife. I know that I am the prime (but not only) cause of my problem. I do tend to be too trusting, but it does get my knickers in a knot when someone takes advantage of that trust. When I was growing up, words and handshakes were far more binding than ink on paper.

As for where I will take it from here, your words have solidified a question that had been vaguely rummaging around in the back of my mind – am I Villager material? My view has always been that too much freedom leads to chaos, and too many rules and too much order leads to a boring similarity. Through reason and compromise I have tried to live in the road between chaos and boredom. I fear that “The Village Experience” is based on the latter, and that it will never accept my appeals to reason and compromise.

This is not a criticism of “The Villages Lifestyle”. I have observed many people (but not all) at the town centers, at the club restaurants, on bocce courts who are truly enjoying their life and life style. I truly enjoy watching their enjoyment. However, I also don’t criticize nor condemn those who live a non-conformist lifestyle (and I cite LGBT’s). I have observed them (not all of them) enjoy their lives just as much. To me the bottom line is - If you find your happiness, embrace it and revel in it.

Returning to my “boring similarity” quote, I will suggest two experiments for you to prove my point.

First, drive down any Village road at speed for a quarter of a mile. I would challenge you to cite with certainty which house is an “Iris”, which is a “Lily”, which is a “Gardenia”.

Second, find a fairly straight street in The Villages; in the evening stand behind one of the lighted house identification poles (you know the ones that say you are a golfer or a fisherman or a politician (okay, no politicians). I will bet that you will see a straight line, any pole of which does not deviate more than an inch from that line.

As always I take full responsibility for not observing, while house hunting, the sociological and architectural realities of The Villages.

I would seem that I should be putting a "For Sale" sign on my lawn (sorry, in the window), and a sticker on my car "Moving to Arizona." Yet, surprisingly, in my mind, the question is still sitting on my table – Am I a Villager? It is still there because of a second reading of all your words and sentiments. I saw how replete they were with your individuality! That revelation has left me grappling with the following - apparently you have learned to “compromise” (a little) your individualism, and with that been able to ignore the peevish and capricious rules piled up around you and embrace the personal and higher personality aspects of The Villages. So, I am thinking, if you could, maybe I could, and, if I can, maybe I am a Villager.

The jury is in deliberation.

Thank you all again.

I hope you are able to discern what is most important to you and move (or not) from there. Is it friendships, sports, hobbies, or is it the ability to live up to your individuality in such a place as The Villages. I never thought I would, as a city girl, ever live in suburbia, and yet here I am. I would go back to my city in a heartbeat if it were warm year round. But it isn't, and I don't want to sit in a cold house and have to scrounge around to find indoor pickle ball courts (pickle ball as a synecdoche).

So I try not to guess which is the Gardenia, or notice the lamp posts in a row, or the sea of rooftops looking north on 466A, in favor of the warmth and the sports and activities. If my dog doesn't like something, he turns his head. If he can't see it, it's not there, and he continues on. I've adopted his approach somewhat.

We travel a lot, and that breaks up the sameness. I don't know if I'll ever feel the same sense of ownership I did in my home town, but the longer I'm here,the more things I do, the more I feel like staying. I may never be a real "Villager," but it's getting more comfortable as I go along. Good luck to you in whatever you decide, dddave. I hope you don't let a birdcage make your decision for you. It happened to my neighbor, so they simply built again with what they had learned about setbacks. But maybe you are looking for more than just a bigger birdcage.

[Polar Bear]

Maybe TV just isn't for you. I don't believe TV has any more restrictions or sameness than found in most residential subdivisions anywhere. And I assure you that I...and I'll go out a limb and say most Villagers...have not sacrificed any (not even a little) individualism to live here. Choosing to live in a community of subdivisions and picking one of dozens of models of homes does not constitute giving up one's individualism.

It sounds to me like you have your own way of evaluating and placing value on a community. And that is of course fine. But using terms like "boring similarity", "sociological and architectural realities", and "peevish and capricious rules" is, in my opinion, insulting to Villagers. And it's very presumptuous on your part to think those terms describe anything but your opinion and also to assume that that opinion might be shared by most Villagers.

I truly hope you find what you are looking for, whatever and wherever that might be.

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by CFrance

I hope you are able to discern what is most important to you and move (or not) from there. Is it friendships, sports, hobbies, or is it the ability to live up to your individuality in such a place as The Villages. I never thought I would, as a city girl, ever live in suburbia, and yet here I am. I would go back to my city in a heartbeat if it were warm year round. But it isn't, and I don't want to sit in a cold house and have to scrounge around to find indoor pickle ball courts (pickle ball as a synecdoche).

So I try not to guess which is the Gardenia, or notice the lamp posts in a row, or the sea of rooftops looking north on 466A, in favor of the warmth and the sports and activities. If my dog doesn't like something, he turns his head. If he can't see it, it's not there, and he continues on. I've adopted his approach somewhat.

We travel a lot, and that breaks up the sameness. I don't know if I'll ever feel the same sense of ownership I did in my home town, but the longer I'm here,the more things I do, the more I feel like staying. I may never be a real "Villager," but it's getting more comfortable as I go along. Good luck to you in whatever you decide, dddave. I hope you don't let a birdcage make your decision for you. It happened to my neighbor, so they simply built again with what they had learned about setbacks. But maybe you are looking for more than just a bigger birdcage.

CFrances Well done. We agree except for the concept of "a villager". I prefer to think in terms of " a good neighbor" because of the size and continued expansion of The Villages the term "a village" doesn't seem as quaint any longer.

Like you I too miss the city life and the Minneapolis area fit my lifestyle best. It wasn't so much the weather that drove me away, it was the taxes; albeit going back to snow gets difficult with each passing day.

We adapt and I am fortunate that my neighbors are all really good neighbors friendly, non-judgmental, lively.

Personal Best Regards: