Talk of The Villages Florida - Snowbird Expense Question

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There are so many elements here that no one can really give you an answer that would apply. Just do your own math. Most of the expenses are fixed. If you do not want the responsibility of owning, rent.

We own one house in Wisconsin and one in the Villages....cost is approximately $1,000/month year round. (Excluding food, gas, fun activities/trips).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilyclub (Post 2202775)

A range of $10,000 to $15,000 depending on the bond, taxes, lawn service, internet. Does not include a mortage or furnishing the house.

I would agree, if anything I overestimated my expenses a bit - I was quoting my annual expenses and I don’t rent out when I’m up north. I did say “shop around” property insurance alone can be double if you don’t.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 2202859)

Oh, I knew I was forgetting something. Insurance is getting to be more than the property tax.

A moderate home 2b/2b with no mortgage about $14,000 a year for all expenses for the home including taxes, insurance, landscaping, electric, cable, HOA fees which include sewer, water and trash.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael G. (Post 2202513)

Can anyone offer up an expense (ballpark figure) on being a snowbird?

I know it Very's with property values etc., but we had my sister visit last week (just retired) and her daughter, (a doctor) from Wisconsin and the subject was talked about.

1st off what is a snowbird? Are they renters, part time owners, or friends or family moving into a Villagers home.

We bought a villa and put 20% down and our mortgage covers principal, interest, taxes, insurance and bond, that cost is $1450 a month.

We then pay water, electric, amenities, lawn care and bug care which runs us $450 a month.

We get down to the Villages about 4 weeks a year. The eventual plan is 6 months in Florida but we can’t do that yet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by toeser (Post 2202718)

It can be done on a lot less than you are spending.

there are a lot of variables,
yes, it can but also owning being vacant for 6-7 months requires
other expenses. . . its about remote ownership versus
on site ownership. .

which has savings on smaller items ie gas and water, and more other stuff as a remote owner:

home watch which means you need professional or some good neighbors which takes time to develop, people don't jump to take care of other people's houses.
yard service which with the number of houses and local services, hard to get reliable and costs are rising
insurance rates are going up at $1,000 year right now so insurance is a large variable

so to keep expectations realistic, ie, especially when I don't know the wealth level of the inquirer, and if they can easily afford this level, then they can think about it seriously.

i know lots of people jump at appealing spending numbers, and then get irritated when reality is different. . seen it over 30 years. . . being slightly conservative, higher estimates, results in better results to the inrequirer on expections of a large amount of spending