Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

After the fifth one that day, I called the agent. It so happened a train went by while I was talking to him. He swore he knew nothing about it.

Then, later that day, he called back and said that he had told us about it. Funny thing.


What is the name of this 'agent?'

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Yes, what is that agents' name? It would be good for all to know. That would be a GREAT public service.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I really doubt that Jan will share this guy's name. -- as much as he would probably like to and as much as we would all love to know. That would just end up being a can of worms.

But the real advice here is simply CYA because nobody else is going to do that like you can do that for yourself. And no matter how charming, how lovely, how completely wonderful that TV agent may be, and many really are, never forget that you, the potential buyer, have a price on your head. So do your homework and don't tip your hand.

Or just do what works for you because that's all it ever boils down to anyway.

I said on here one other time that from the time I started talking my mother kept telling me that I could ask more questions than a Philadelphia lawyer. I never figured out why the lawyer was always in Philadelphia, but I am still asking lots of questions. But some people don't like to ask questions.

btw, gf, I know you did your homework bc I read your stuff. And I had to laugh one time when you wrote about a bunch of stuff you did that even I had not thought of. :bow:

Boomer

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I really hesitate to post the name of this agent. It could escalate into an endless exchange of claims and denials. There would be no winner. I think it is better to warn everybody to be careful all real estate sales agents wether here or elsewhere. There is a fair amount of truth to the claim that we did not do our homework on this. We, too, were caught up in the excitement of The Villages and the threat that if we didn't buy now, there were lots of other people waiting to grab this piece of property. Our biggest mistake was believing. How sad. I think the thing that galls me the most is that we were charged an extra $50,000 because it was a "premium" lot. $50,000? We all know how long we have to work to have that kind of money.

FOLKS, THE VILLAGES IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE. JUST BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE TOLD AND WHAT YOU BELIEVE. REMEMBER, THE DEVELOPER HAS MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. IT ALL CAME FROM PEOPLE LIKE US WHO WORKED HARD ALL OUR LIVES TO ENJOY PEACE AND QUIT IN OUR FINAL YEARS. BE MORE CAUTIOUS THAN WE WERE. WE'LL HAVE MANY MORE YEARS TO REGRET OUR SNAP DECISION.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I have been known to be a royal Pain in the --- when I get in the question asking/research mode.* But ya gotta love doing it.*
I have to be really careful and be twice as diligent when I emotionally want something.* A few months after we emotionally bought a condo in the mountains of NC, we visited TV.* My wife and I prepared a 40 item list of weighted good and bad features important to us about our NC condo and general area versus TV houses and general area.* TV came out ahead that night in TV Holiday Inn.* We didn't want to believe it.* We were in denial, and not the one in Egypt.* So over the next 2 years we reworded and retook our survey 3 or 4 more times until we finally decided the survey result wasn't a fluke - this past December.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Real Estate agents are interested in one thing : there commision"
drd

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Hey gf, about that royal pain stuff -- I know a builder pretty well who told me that sometimes he just can't help it and he adds on a PITA tax. So sometimes I like to act like I am a bubblehead for awhile. Timing can mean a lot when it comes to questions. ;) And sometimes I just like to listen. But we questioning types will get them all worked in one way or another.

We do that list thing, too. We probably never get as high as 40 things on any decision. I like that method a lot. The pros and the cons. -- Doin' the Ben Franklin.

And believe it or not, I don't let myself get into analysis paralysis either. Do a little work up front. Make the decision. And then do everything possible to make it work.

Next step: I have to try to comprehend sinkholes. Totally foreign stuff to a Buckeye.

Boomer

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Doesn't the state of Florida have a disclosure rule for all sales new and resales?

I mean they are common in the Northeast.

In some cases the seller has had to buy back the house at the price sold or higher.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Where is the sewer plant?

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I don't know if the Villages sales agents are licensed real estate agents. If they are not, then they may not be governed by the law. I don't know for sure. Maybe somebody else does.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Peggy

I'm not sure if this is where the sewer plant is located or not but I can tell you that it smells near here. Across from the new shopping center on 466A is a huge hill that I think is the landfill. All I know is that there are times when we drive past there that it smells awful.

I'm sure someone else here in TOTV will know where the sewer plant is if this is not the place.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Brightspot,

Where is "here"?

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Peggy

Kitty corner from the new shopping center on 466A, just off Morse.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I know for a fact that very few of the "sales" representatives are real estate agents.
This is one more reason to be cautious. Salesmen will tell you anything and there is nothing you can do if they outright lie. If they were realtors, there would be laws to protect you.

Best thing to get as much information from others as you can and DON"t be afraid to knock on doors and ask questions of your soon to be neighbors.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Frangyomory, Our Villages Sales Rep told us that each of the 200+ sales agents were required to be licensed real estate agents. Can you sell real estate in Fl if you're not licensed? According to FREC, http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/re/index.html

http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/re/doc...alFAQs0108.pdf

you can't.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

BUC:

I don't believe Jan lives in the TV historic side. He lives in the NW area of TV. The historic side is the NE area about 5 miles from where Jan lives.

But you still need to pay attention when you buy.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Sorry but I have to throw in my two cents worth. A few posts back someone said that "real estate agents are only interested in one thing, their commission". I am a realtor and of course commissions are important--we all have to make a living--but I have to say that I know many agents both in and out of our agency and the honorable and dedicated agents far outnumber the very few bad apples (who usually lose their licenses anyway). We DO care about our clients (and customers) and the majority of us would be straight shooters regardless if we were governed by the strict laws and rules of the National Association of Realtors and various state laws or not. One final comment, if all we cared about were commissions we would not spend hours and hours driving people around who are "just looking" and "just thinking about buying or selling two or three years from now. We would give them a couple of hours and then move on. I love what I do, and hate to see everyone tarred with the same brush. Okay, now I'll climb off my soapbox!

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

:agree: I was a real estate salesperson and I too felt I needed to be upfront with the people I was selling to. I represtented the seller but that did not mean I cheated or lied to the buyers. I think most people are honest and caring.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Thanks for your comments hope2be. I appreciate hearing from you.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

It's just like us teachers....everyone expects us to be perfect.

We strive to be the best in our field and cover all bases.

We invest a lot of time, exert a lot of energy, and gather a lot of information and use that to help and teach others. However, being humans, we might miss the mark occasionally.

Like some parents who believe that all learning takes place in the classroom...you need to be responsible and take it beyond the classroom. In other words, we all need to be held accountable for what effects us. Don't blame others for lack of effort or research on your part.

I believe that most real estate agents do the best they can because their reputation is on the line. They are human, like us teachers, and shouldn't be held totally and completely responsible for every and all things.

Just think....in your career life, were you 100% on every issue?

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Good advice Fran

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Agents or not TV has a responsibility to the consumer. You don't need to be a sales agent to be held liable if Florida has a disclosure law. Even a John Doe sell by owner can be held responsible for not telling the buyer about house issues, such as leaks, electrical, plumbing, association fees, rules and regulations, etc. If it was disclosed and you signed agreeing to the fact the train existed then tough luck and move on.

It must have in my thinking ever since so many seniors were defrauded in the past few years on people selling swamp land. Florida came in and put it to a stop and put many in prisons.

My suggestion is to immediately find a Real Estate attorney who is familiar with the Florida disclosure laws and go at it.

Good Luck.

:2cool:

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

John maybe you could give me and example of the add you will use when it comes time for you to sell your home. Will the train sound be a primary addition to to your amenities?? Will it be on top or after the pool etc

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

We're kinda stuck aren't we? If I ever try to sell the house, I guess I am going to have to make a disclosure that is with-in the law. I just wish we had been given the same consideration.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

As a real estate broker for 20 years, I agree with Hope and Ouma. There are a few bad apples, but for the most part, real estate agents are professional and ethical. And BTW, Village agents are licensed real estate agents! They don't belong to the "Multiple Listing Service", but they are licensed.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I think you are wrong about no sympathy. There is positive spin on what is being sold by tv not to have known facts mentioned is cazy. That is why the law states known issues must be disclosed. People visiting can't be aware of things the developer knows. Now if the developer is unaware that's different!

I;m with you Talk host

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I think it has been established that this is not a material defect and was not 'required' to be disclosed by TV agents. The debate then went on to the opinion that they 'should' disclose anyway.

To me the fault lies somewhere in between. Should TH have seen the tracks? (we know he can see them because the video is from his lanai). Maybe. Should TH have heard the trains? Maybe but they were less frequent when he first bought. Should TV have disclosed the tracks? Maybe but again there was no legal obligation (and we know that since no legal action was brought or successful against them for the noise).

This debate has opened my eyes for my purchase in TV. Even then I may be fooled by something that we just couldn't see or hear at the time of purchase.

Again, just my thoughts.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

IMHO TH's venting on TOTV has provided a service to every wannabee and potential buyer of TV property. Opppsssssss....... I can't speak for everyone, so I'll say it has definitely opened my eyes to consider many factors when deciding exactly where in TV I should invest.

I'm sensitive to unwelcomed noise and I really feel bad just thinking about how TH described his first night in the new house, and the train noise.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I know when buying my 2nd home in TV, I will take time to do research about the village with regards to location of water treatment facilities, trains, sex offenders and other crimes in the area, pool upkeep, rampant rodents and anything else that might effect my quality of living. Talk Host opened my eyes to the fact that we all need to do our own leg work and look out for ourselves cause no one else will.

Thank you Jan and others!

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Where is the video of the train noise?

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

It is right here. Please click on the start button.

[gvideo=400,326]5457051141839200382[/gvideo]

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

OMG........ talk host ....... I feel your pain :'( :'( :'(

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Hello,

If you lived in Michigan the disclosure law would apply and the developer would be held responsible. The situation would be remedied at the developers expense.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

OMG! Jan, your home looks beautiful, but I could not handle that! I can't believe nothing can be done. :dontknow:

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I :agree: Since I am a light sleeper I am curious about my rental which I think is in Chatham on Horshoe lane I am very unfamailiar with locations in TV so could you clue me in? and could you also help me pull up a map to familiarize myself ? I am able to do earth goggle but does TV have something I can turn to to locate certain neighborhoods Thanks LAG

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Oh Jan -
I remember when you first mentioned this situation last year.
Seeing that video just blows me away.

I can definitely understand - it's not like some have mentioned before, "It's soothing to hear a train whistle in the distance"!

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I turned down the sound a little on my computer and it was still loud. That really is a shame because your pool looks fantastic and the view from your back yard looks great too.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

to quote Meatloaf, two outa three ain't bad

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Real Estate Agents are licensed in Florida. The sales people from the villages have real estate licenses. I would suggest that you contact the Florida Licensing board with your complaint. Also Real Estate Agents carry what is referred to as Errors & Omissions Insurance. Suggest that you ask that agent to report this incident to his or her insurance company. You should contact a good attorney to handle this . Sounds like you have valid
issue. I have seen these issues before. The homewowner ususally wins, providing there was nothing in writing from the realtor. Of Course while the sales people from the Villages have real estate licenses, They are not REALTORS, there is a big difference.

Best of Luck

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

My guess is that TV developers, and by extension, their agents know the FLA real estate disclosure laws VERY well. TV management doesn't look like they do very much by the seat of their pants! If they didn't disclose it is, more than likely, not required. Let's remember that it isn't just Jan's house that is in question. He has many neighbors (maybe hundreds?) who are almost as inconvenienced. How far away is bothersome that they would have to disclose, 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile etc? I think it is a moot point to consider any legal action. heck, we all have sympathy for the situation but that is about all we can offer. Anyone here a RE lawyer who could share some actual (FLA) law with us?