I don't think it is an issue with anyone Gracie. I think it is a matter of personal preference and there is no right or wrong direction. I think it depends on how flexible one is and what style house they are looking for, whether there are good deals on pre-owned. Clearly the type of house we are leaning toward, an Amarillo, can be purchased cheaper with many upgrades used vs. new, but another important issue for us is a central location, which dictates pre-owned. Each person has to decide what is important to them, there is no wrong or bad choice.

Isn't it wonderful that there are so many options available for home choice? I believe it to be a personal preference. Case in point, when we purchased we knew that our home would be used only part time. We first stayed in five different rentals, different locations, always choosing a different style of home. We then felt that location was our number one decision, followed by home style. Being part time we thought a villa would be the easiest to maintain. On our last rental visit we narrowed down the location, which for us was in an established area where homes were 5-6 years old. One day while driving around we found a ranch that fit everything we wanted and also the bond was paid. Once inside it appeared that no one had ever lived there. It was a clean slate, a few upgrades, landscaping established. We bought our sweet ranch last October and have never regretted the decision. Again, a personal preference.
Nan

We vacationed here for 6 years before buying so we had the advantage of buying what we wanted after experiencing all the villages has to offer. When we first came, we were sure we wanted to live as close as possible to the SS town Square. We wanted a home that backed to a road to watch all the folks go by everyday. We bought on the end of a loop 3 miles from the nearest town square. We wanted no more than 1400 square feet with 2 bed and two bath. We bought a 3 bed designer with 1900 Square Feet. We definitely wanted pre owned so we could have a lived in look with large trees. We bought new where the biggest tree is the palms we have put on the property. So if I could say anything to help it would be to rent and play for awhile to see what you REALLY want. We went to the square every night while visiting, now I am too busy to go to the square more than once or twice a month.

First let me say I mean no disrespect to your post and the reason for mine is so that new folks fully understand what "The Bond" means as far as basic math knowledge is concerned.

The cost of the bond on a new cottage home on Tamarind Grove Run is $21,677.03. It is prorated over 29 years at an annual cost of $1,708.22,that monthly equals $142.35. When I make my personal choice of a paying a bond or not, I take into account whether I'm going to live for the next 29 years. The $142.35 is only about $10 more than my recreation fee so to think that might dictate what neighborhood I was to live in, or whether I was to buy a new or used home is beyond my comprehension level.

Your purchase in The Villages is not just for a home, but for a life style. That life style is not the most economical available in the area, so there are other personal choices in Florida that are cheaper. I just don't want new people to think that "The Bond" is something that's bad or not affordable as it is an everyday thing like the roads and tunnels etc, we use all the time. Different strokes for different folks!

[QUOTE=Jim Straz; I just don't want new people to think that "The Bond" is something that's bad or not affordable as it is an everyday thing like the roads and tunnels etc, we use all the time. Different strokes for different folks![/QUOTE]

I agree that the bond is not inherently bad, but is simply a way to pass along the pro rata costs of infrastructure to the buyer. Had the developer instead borrowed the money from banks for the improvements, that would have been passed along in higher prices, rather than a bond payment. You are also correct to say that the bond in and of itself should not determine whether one buys new or used. The bond is just one consideration that one should weigh in buying a Villages home, and not the overriding one. A cottage home for sale for $200,000 with a $20,000 bond is, in essence, a $220,000 home. When I purchase a home in TV it will likely be a pre-owned home with a low bond, as I plan to live close to 466.

I tnink they mostly build homes after they are ordered which may fluctuate. There is much inventory of pre-owned. We purchased a premier pre-owned at a really good bargain. I liked tha idea that the house was "owner tested" and all bugs worked out

There are many Villages homes listed under pre-owned, and advertised as "never lived in" or "barely lived in". Many of the houses are in brand new Villages. Some are furnished and even have golf carts. I know illness can certainly play a role at our stage in life. But it makes you wonder what the back stories are.