[buggyone]

I, also, am on a championship course. The cartpath is in back of my house. No bother at all. In fact, the crew comes through at 6:10 and I know all is right with the world and I am home in The Villages, smile, and go back to sleep.

[jebartle]

Bond on new homes can run anywhere from $20K to $50K....Lake County has NO bond.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by buggyone

I, also, am on a championship course. The cartpath is in back of my house. No bother at all. In fact, the crew comes through at 6:10 and I know all is right with the world and I am home in The Villages, smile, and go back to sleep.

We are also on a championship course and with golf cart path and tee box right behind us. Never a problem, in fact we love to sit and watch people tee off. The black tees are our direct view and we've seen some great golfers come through.

So, in answer to your question - location, location, location. Size of lot.

[Jim 9922]

Consider garage size as important too. If the two of you are active; 2 golf carts and at least one car, maybe 2 cars, and storage of all your extra stuff (remember, no basements and very hot attics in Florida).

[Rickg]

Originally Posted by buggyone

I would opt for a lot with an unobstructed view from the lanai.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by jrdonn

We like the preowned homes to some extent. They have mature landscaping, upgrades etc. I have been searching the internet for homes for sale. I am finding that the homes are not quite what we are looking for in that they have things we want but not everything. The prices on a 10 to 15 year home are more than that of a newly built home. We originally thought we wanted a preowned home but now are leaning heavily towards new construction. I like the idea that we will be new as well as most of our new neighbors as opposed to an established neighborhood. We worked with a TV realtor last year at this time to get an idea of what is available.
After we see what he has to offer we might be interested in looking a preowned home if it is relatively new. We are not interested in a 10 year old home.
I am also considering having only one car as my lease expires soon after we move to TV.
We are not golfers (yet) but we like to exercise regularly.
Any thoughts, advise or ideas?
Thank you all very much in advance. You posts have educated me immensely so far.

We would like our new home to have;
Extended lanai with a birdcage.
Pool.
East facing lanai.
Golf cart garage. Or large garage.
Private lanai
Dark kitchen cabinets
Nice laundry room with cabinets
Open floor plan
Walk-in closets
Roman shower
Woman’s vanity
A closet in the 3rd bedroom
Wood floors or carpet.
$300K to 370K range.

I would refine your list to "must haves", and "like to have". The list is too long to get everything. One must decide what is absolutely essential, and plan on making your home into your taste.

I would work with a VLS agent as well as a MLS agent. Present the list to them and let them do the heavy lifting. If you notice they are showing you homes that don't match your criteria, I would then mention it to them, and if ignored, get another agent.

You must add the bond amount, if you are set on buying a new home.

It's a personal decision you must make so keep thinking about what is most important to you. Some people like new, as there are newer neighborhoods with people of similar ages. Some people may want to be near an exercise facility.

Most people would like to be near shopping, doctors and be able to get there by golf cart. Most people don't go to the squares after being here for several months but again, that may be important criteria for you.

Almost everyone likes, the village they live in. Best wishes with your decisions.

[buggyone]

I take exception about not going to the squares after being here for several months. I have been here over 4 years and we still go to Spanish Springs or Lake Sumter Landing a couple times a week. Lots of fun!

Bond on new homes is from around $23,000 to $50,000. Bond on resales will be lower depending when they were built.

Prices on resales are NEGOTIABLE but not on new homes.

Good luck and you will enjoy The Villages whatever you decide to buy.

[PennBF]

Go to the area and park for awhile to see what the community is like. Go at night and see the area. Make sure no railroad tracks and no noise from a
railroad track. Drive to the nearest stores by golf cart and see if you are located close enough to make it comfortably. Have a good independent home inspector and follow his recommendations. Call the Home Warranty of The Villages and ask them to tell you what shingles you have on the roof. If they are Owen's Corning "Oakridge" call Scott Roofers and have then checked out to be sure they are not the "bad" ones. I am sure there are many other suggestions. These are just few that come to mind. Good luck.