[cats12470]

Think we have to be IN the Villages.... riding around on the golf cart with everyone else.... I think the Villages has some bank owned....but not sure how to find out.... we are still looking for a Villa with 2 car garage.... would be perfect for us.... know of any? I am sure we will find one... someone told us not to buy a Villa since we don't smoke... said people sit outside and smoke and it comes to your patio.... maybe we will get lucky and have non smoking neighbors...

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by GypsySooners

There is certainly something to be said for being actual residents in either The Villages, or as someone mentioned here, On Top Of the World.

But, the initial price and the HOA fees can be intimidating too. And, the HOA fees can go up so much.

We recently sold a home in an adult HOA community, (no need to mention which), because of the uncertainty of the cost of fees in the future. Hey, we recently totally retired!

In looking we found a housing addition within 10 miles to The Villages with brand new (bank owned) 3/2 with two car garages for well under half the prices of The Villages and no HOA fees.

Just something you might check into. Keep in mind though that you can enjoy the shopping and some of the activities, but not all.

What activities can you participate in?

[kfierle]

Originally Posted by cats12470

Think we have to be IN the Villages.... riding around on the golf cart with everyone else.... I think the Villages has some bank owned....but not sure how to find out.... we are still looking for a Villa with 2 car garage.... would be perfect for us.... know of any? I am sure we will find one... someone told us not to buy a Villa since we don't smoke... said people sit outside and smoke and it comes to your patio.... maybe we will get lucky and have non smoking neighbors...

I do not think there are may villas with 2 car garages. There is one for sale in Bonita with a 2 car garage. It is listed with The Villages and here is the link: http://www.thevillages.com/homes/vls...asp?vls=207314

I agree that being in The Villages is the place to be. I own a villa and have never had a problem with the neighbors smoking. Maybe I am just lucky.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by cats12470

WOW... all your posts are wonderful.... we are so ready to move...I am a Realtor in SC...I just finished writing an offer from hell.... sorry... but this lady read EVERY word... (I had sent her a copy before so she could read it before she came, she did not)...THEN...she low balled the offer and I am not expecting the seller to even respond.... it was the worse offer I have ever written... and she wants to be under contract by Friday to get the $6500 tax credit....DUH....she had 7 family members come and check out the houses and she wanted to write 4 offers at once and take the best one.... we DON'T do that in SC.... I can't wait to retire....

Be kind to your Realtor.... we work hard....

the FSBO seems the most over priced to me in the Villages... and the outside listings seem higher than the inside listings.... but how do you get rid of an inside agent if you just don't "click".... they lock you in to a Realtor and that seems to be "it".... she does not even answer my emails... so makes me want to use outside agents... we did find an outside agent who is very nice... she helped us understand several things.... it was good to get the info... we stayed at the Waterfront INN...we are staying there again... nice hotel... the restaurant is not the best but you can walk everywhere... we are going to rent a cart this time.... thanks to you that gave your .2 cents about the working and the homes and everything... we can't thank you enough.... keep the posts coming... we will read them each night... Ann and Bob

Hi Cats,
The best bet when buying in TV is to use both a Villages Sales Agent and out outside Realtor since they don't share listings. Villas are a great choice, especially if you have a family dog. If a pet is not a factor and a two-car garage is really important, you might find a better value in a ranch or cottage home. Just some thoughts.

Best of luck in your search. I know you will love living in TV!

[cats12470]

We don't have dogs....BUT....we have 3 cats.... 2 Ragdolls and one tabby...they have never been outside (no claws) and we are thinking a Villa they could go out in the fresh air and play.... they are like our children... and we need the 2 car garage as my husband works on building dollhouses.... keep your eyes out for one.... again, don't really want to use a Villages Rep as we don't know how to get rid of the one they assigned to us...who is of no help to us.... so outside agent would be best.... love this group.... Night all

[Rag Bagger]

I think you said you have two cats. The restrictions may only allow two pets per home site depending on the location.

[cats12470]

We don't have a dog.... we have cats... inside.... no claws.... we was thinking with a Villa they might be able to be in the yard once in awhile....something they have never done....I am sure the trip down will be something else with them....but they will be ok once we get settled in.... we do need the two car garage for my husband to work on dollhouses.... he is soooooo good at this.. and loves doing it.... he has to be busy...
We did see the Villa that the Villages has listed but we don't like the agent they gave us.... so we can't deal with them..... she will not return our emails and we just ask a simple question..... we did find a good "outside" agent... she is keeping her eyes open for us.... we sure hope to find something soon and then hope our house sells soon here.... everyone say a little prayer... we want to be part of the Villages.....

We will be there May 15-18...YEA..... Ann and Bob... SC Via IN

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by cats12470

We did see the Villa that the Villages has listed but we don't like the agent they gave us.... so we can't deal with them..... she will not return our emails and we just ask a simple question.....

Outside agent won't be able to sell you a Villages listed home (new or used). Try Pat White or Sandy Aiken. They always return my e-mail or call promptly.

[TrudyM]

[QUOTE=
We did see the Villa that the Villages has listed but we don't like the agent they gave us.... so we can't deal with them..... she will not return our emails and we just ask a simple question..... we did find a good "outside" agent... she is keeping her eyes open for us.... we sure hope to find something soon and then hope our house sells soon here.... everyone say a little prayer... we want to be part of the Villages.....

We will be there May 15-18...YEA..... Ann and Bob... SC Via IN[/QUOTE]

None of my business,but I wouldn't let a bad sales person limit my access to whats available. Couldn't you call the 1-800-245-1081 number and ask to speak to the sales manager. If they can't connect you ask for the persons name and number. I would tell that person of your expierience and request a change of sales rep. Tell them you will absolutly not purchase through that person. Maybe you could ask for one of the ones recomended by people on this site.

Just a thought. I feel when you are spending good money you should get service not the bums rush.

[BobKat1]

Good advice. No need to pass up a house that might be right for you because of an agent that isn't...

It's probably not uncommon for potential buyers to request a different agent...

[wharbison]

My wife and I will be visiting TV this summer. We are going to be looking to either rent initially or if we can find just what we are looking for to purchase in TV. What websites would you recommend we look at? It seems based on the posts in this thread that there are a variety of ways to find a home in TV (Inside, Outside, FISBO, etc).

Thank you!

Bill

[cats12470]

When I have called the Villages the lady that answers the phone said we have been "assigned" an agent... at any rate... it will all work out... we are going to look again with the "outside" agent and see if she finds what we are looking for... I gave her the Villages MLS number so she can "see" what we want... I KNOW she can't sell us that one...but I am sure there are plenty of Villas that will be for sale... it's the 2 car garage that we MUST have....

And your correct... we only have 2 cats... someone else told me that too.. I don't know why it would make a difference if they stay "inside"...but rules are rules and we are not looking to break the rules... that is why we like the Villages because they have the rules...

Again, if you hear of anyone with a Villa and 2 car garage send them our way.. not quit ready but hope to be soon...

See you all May 15.... this is my birthday present... going to the Villages... YEA.... my husband is the BEST.... Ann

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by cats12470

When I have called the Villages the lady that answers the phone said we have been "assigned" an agent... at any rate... it will all work out... we are going to look again with the "outside" agent and see if she finds what we are looking for... I gave her the Villages MLS number so she can "see" what we want... I KNOW she can't sell us that one...but I am sure there are plenty of Villas that will be for sale... it's the 2 car garage that we MUST have....

And your correct... we only have 2 cats... someone else told me that too.. I don't know why it would make a difference if they stay "inside"...but rules are rules and we are not looking to break the rules... that is why we like the Villages because they have the rules...

Again, if you hear of anyone with a Villa and 2 car garage send them our way.. not quit ready but hope to be soon...

See you all May 15.... this is my birthday present... going to the Villages... YEA.... my husband is the BEST.... Ann

Two car garage on a villa is about the rarest house to find in TV. Good Luck.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by GypsySooners

There is certainly something to be said for being actual residents in either The Villages, or as someone mentioned here, On Top Of the World.

But, the initial price and the HOA fees can be intimidating too. And, the HOA fees can go up so much.

We recently sold a home in an adult HOA community, (no need to mention which), because of the uncertainty of the cost of fees in the future. Hey, we recently totally retired!

In looking we found a housing addition within 10 miles to The Villages with brand new (bank owned) 3/2 with two car garages for well under half the prices of The Villages and no HOA fees.

Just something you might check into. Keep in mind though that you can enjoy the shopping and some of the activities, but not all.

Still wondering what activities that you say you can enjoy????

[cats12470]

We do understand there are not many of this kind of Villa...but then we only want to buy one.... we would not rule out other things... it's just our "want" in a home...

I have a friend that is thinking of buying a home for a rental until they retire.. do homes rent well in the Villages? We are meeting for lunch Thur and this is one of the things he ask about... he and his wife have visited the Villages and love it like us....but they won't retire for a few years....

I really love this site....