[cherylncliff]

We are eagerly anticipating our second lifestyle visit Jan. 23rd - we will be staying 6 days (twice as long as last time!) and want to both look at lts, pre-built new homes and re-sales as well as getting into more of the resident activities, so I have several questions:

1. Does anyone have any recommendations for mls agents? (We have one from TV but also want to look at those homes not listed with TV)
2. We love to dance and have taken ballroom lessons for 5 years - besides the squares and Katie Bell's, where is there to dance in TV? Is there a group we could visit during our week there?
3. I would really like to try out some of the exercise classes (again, I've taken classes for a number of years - let's not say how long!) I really like yoga - do I need a mat and I think permission to do the intermediate class at one of the rec centers?
4. We have never played pickleball but my hubby would like to try - do we just show up during free play time? - I really don't want to be a drag to others and I am somewhat of a klutz!
5. We have heard that we should visit Jupiter Springs - how far is it?

We are probably overbooking ourselves but are really counting the days! DH plans to retire at the end of 2011 and we will be so OUT OF HERE when he does! (The kids still don't understand)

Thanks for any answers anyone has. I lurk every day but rarely get brave enough to even think of saying anything!

[graciegirl]

Welcome Cheryl and Cliff.

Our exercise class at Odell is traditionally VERY full in January. (I am way up North right now so...I am guessing.) Check the Recreation News free at any rec center and it will tell you the times. Good advice is to arrive a least 1/2 ahead of time.

You can check for ballroom activities there too, (in the rec news) and even if you can't join, I am sure you can observe. I know that is true of Art Studio.

We didn't look at resales but I have heard that LYLE GANT who advertises on here is good. He certainly has the most information on his web site. I recommend Jim McLaughlin who is a rep for The Villages, but he couldn't be assigned to our friends who came down last year. I don't know how that works.

As for Jupiter Springs, we have never made side trips off campus, once we found TV. I had been most everywhere else in Florida at one time or another and wasn't crazy about any place...until we visited friends in Poinciana less than two years ago. I fell in love with the The Villages. We bought a Camellia in Hadley last June.

I certainly hope the weather is better for your visit.

I take it you aren't golfers. Where are you from?

Hope you have a lovely time.
Gracie

[mscomish]

Sally Love and Cindy Wise were fantastic. Altho we ended up buying new they were the best agents I have had anywhere They actually listened! And their web page is very good. Give them a try.

[Talk Host]

There are several advertisers here on Talk of The Villages who are MLS agents.

Their ads appear at the top of the page.

JLK

Originally Posted by cherylncliff

We are eagerly anticipating our second lifestyle visit Jan. 23rd - we will be staying 6 days (twice as long as last time!) and want to both look at lts, pre-built new homes and re-sales as well as getting into more of the resident activities, so I have several questions:

1. Does anyone have any recommendations for mls agents? (We have one from TV but also want to look at those homes not listed with TV)
2. We love to dance and have taken ballroom lessons for 5 years - besides the squares and Katie Bell's, where is there to dance in TV? Is there a group we could visit during our week there?
3. I would really like to try out some of the exercise classes (again, I've taken classes for a number of years - let's not say how long!) I really like yoga - do I need a mat and I think permission to do the intermediate class at one of the rec centers?
4. We have never played pickleball but my hubby would like to try - do we just show up during free play time? - I really don't want to be a drag to others and I am somewhat of a klutz!
5. We have heard that we should visit Jupiter Springs - how far is it?

We are probably overbooking ourselves but are really counting the days! DH plans to retire at the end of 2011 and we will be so OUT OF HERE when he does! (The kids still don't understand)

Thanks for any answers anyone has. I lurk every day but rarely get brave enough to even think of saying anything!

[Mallory]

There is a ballroom dance event tonight (1/8) at LaHacienda Rec Center, which is near Spanish Springs, starting at 7. Bring your own snacks and beverages. Rec Dept or LaHacienda probably have details.

[bluedog103]

We spent a day with Lyle Gant, who advertises on TOTV. He picked us up at our Creekside Cabanas villa and showed us homes that are not listed with TV agents.
Lyle is extremely knowledgeable. He used to live in TV but now is in Spruce Creek, I think. He's extremely low key, no pressure at all. You'll feel the you have a friend showing you around.
Before you travel to TV, contact Kyle and he'll prepare a custom itinerary that will meet your needs.
We didn't buy with Kyle but chose to go with a new build, but if we had chosen Kyle, I'm confident that we would have been pleased.

[uujudy]

Originally Posted by cherylncliff

We are eagerly anticipating our second lifestyle visit Jan. 23rd
3. I would really like to try out some of the exercise classes (again, I've taken classes for a number of years - let's not say how long!) I really like yoga - do I need a mat and I think permission to do the intermediate class at one of the rec centers?
4. We have never played pickleball but my hubby would like to try - do we just show up during free play time? - I really don't want to be a drag to others and I am somewhat of a klutz!


Thanks for any answers anyone has. I lurk every day but rarely get brave enough to even think of saying anything!

Be sure to get yourself a copy of the Recreation Guide. It comes in the Thursday Daily Sun, or you can pick up one at the regional recreation centers. Most of the activities have a contact person and a phone number, in case you have questions. You can call the yoga instructor to find out what you need, and if the class is full.

I think you need to sign up for the beginning/basic pickleball classes before you show up during free play time. The scoring is totally different from tennis, and the court is different, too. It's 'grabby', so your regular tennis shoes probably won't work. You need smooth shoes without a lot of traction, or you can fall easily. The instructors spend a lot of time talking about pickleball safety at the beginner lessons.

Enjoy your visit! There's no place like The Villages.

[GeorgeIII]

I would like to echo the recommendation of Lyle Gant. He was very generous with his time and knowledge, showing us a number of the MLS listings in TV.
Enjoy your second lifestyle preview. We had three before buying a resale in 2009 on our fourth visit to TV.
George

[gump1]

How do you get more than one Lifestyle Preview? We were told we were limited to one.

[njbchbum]

Here are some websites that helped us in our decision to buy in the villages this past march:

lyle gant website:
http://www.lylesellsfla.com/index.shtml

online version of the villages daily newspaper:
http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/

website for recreation activities schedule:
http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/sections/#secD

website put up by the neighbors of virginia trace neighborhood with oodles of info:
http://www.virginiatrace.com/

hope this helps!

[moongirl]

We had three preview visits between 1997 and 2000. We finally reserved a lot and built in 2003. Back then it was up to the rep to allow you more than one visit. If they thought you were close to buying but still unsure they would offer you more visits/perks. They could make exceptions to make the sell.

[bluedog103]

Originally Posted by gump1

How do you get more than one Lifestyle Preview? We were told we were limited to one.

On our first Lifestyle Visit we were told you could only get one visit. Then some time later, I don't remember if it was weeks or months, we got a call from TV offering another visit. I told them the we had been told there was only one visit per customer. I was told that rule had been changed. I don't know if there is a limit but I've heard of several people having three visits.

[Kelsie52]

We have had 2 within a year --the second one they didnt offer meals --only movie,golf and some discounts. Think they will allow 3 --the salesperson has a lot to do with it ----
If they think you are serious they will allow you the stay --

Good Luck

[cherylncliff]

Thanks so much to evyone who replied. We will contact Lyle before we come down. While it may be chilly down there - up here in Kalamazoo MI. it is a frigid 17 this afternoon - with a wind chill of 3. Fortunately, we have sunshine today - that blue hue to the sky is MOST unusual and welcome up here! (a rare occurance in Michigan at any time of year!)

All of you are always so helpful! We can't wait to get down there whether we need our jackets and gloves or not! At least you can SEE the grass! We have had snow on the gorund since early December and at this rate will have it till April...

In reference to a second lifestyle visit, I agree with moongirl and bluedog- think it needs to be pre-approved by the sales person we met with on our first visit.

Less than 2 weeks till we visit again

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by cherylncliff

Less than 2 weeks till we visit again

for you!