[asianthree]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I am sorry that I must correct you.

The bond is NOT nearly that high except for Premier Homes. The bond on designers and cottage homes is around $25,000 and CAN be paid off at once if you so wish. The bond is figured into home pricing, whether it is paid off or not. Older homes are escalating in price here just like newer ones. I do NOT sell real estate. I just enjoy watching this market.

The bonds in the SS are, or will be close to paid off, due to the age of homes, so should not be in the mix.

What is special about the homes in SS area is the detail of the homes, in the architecture. They are special usable nooks, contour to the walls, that you don’t find in the newer builds. It’s details, that you find in older homes anywhere that makes you fall in love with a home.

We would have no problem buying in the older areas, if it was the space that would work for us. I love the original premier homes, that you notice the special touch when you walk into a room. Problem for us is we want a 3 car garage which is few and far between

[SIRE1]

I think the big draw is the proximity to shopping and restaurants. Until the area on 466a and Powell Rd started getting shopping and some restaurants, everyone from the southern section of The Villages had to come up to 441 for department stores, home improvement stores, and most of the restaurants. In fact, many of the complaints here on TOTV is the absence of shopping and restaurants south of 44. That, of course will eventually change, but for now being someplace where you don't have to drive more than 30 - 40 minutes to get to these destinations is worth something.

[La lamy]

From my research the homes north of 441 in Orange Blossom are definitely cheaper than newer ones down south. There is a charm to the old district that can't be found in newer areas. I love the feel of the historic side where it's much more relaxed and a real 'village' feel. And the more mature landscape is truly beautiful.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by LuvtheVillages

A BIG advantage of the older homes around Spanish Springs is that their bond is either paid off or nearly so.

When you purchase a newly built home, it comes with a bond that you are obligated to pay, in annual installments added to your property tax bill. The bond amount is around $40,000 or so, and is additional to the price of the home.

With pre-owned homes, annual payments were being made. The older the home, the more payments that were made. Some homes may have even paid off the bond. So when you purchase an older home, your bond obligation is reduced or eliminated. In the historic section, there is no bond.

The Spanish Springs area is in Lady Lake, Lake County. Bonds are prohibited by either county or municipal law. There have never been bonds on those homes.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by La lamy

From my research the homes north of 441 in Orange Blossom are definitely cheaper than newer ones down south. There is a charm to the old district that can't be found in newer areas. I love the feel of the historic side where it's much more relaxed and a real 'village' feel. And the more mature landscape is truly beautiful.

I live in Silver Lake. When people from other villages visit, they often comment that it's quiet here.

[M2inOR]

One other factor to consider for older homes: condition of roofs, HVAC systems, and water heaters. When we considered older homes, we saw many that needed work or replacement. Seller may not even be aware of work that's needed.

A home inspection should be recent and report offered by the seller.

[Joe C.]

Many, actually most of the homes in Spanish Springs are in Sumter County. One advantage is that it isn't a town, it's an unincorporated area of Sumter County, so there is only a county tax that we pay. No town tax here, so we pay less tax.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by La lamy

From my research the homes north of 441 in Orange Blossom are definitely cheaper than newer ones down south. There is a charm to the old district that can't be found in newer areas. I love the feel of the historic side where it's much more relaxed and a real 'village' feel. And the more mature landscape is truly beautiful.

The more relaxed deed restrictions in that area allow for a much more varied feel than the more cookie cutter homogeneous look in the newer areas.

[justjim]

OP, as I’m sure you found out if you want a new construction home they are south of State Rt 44. The only exception would be in the Historical section (east of 441). Those on TOTV who live there can report if that is still being done. Frankly it’s been several months since I visited the Historical side of The Villages. A year or two ago the Developer was buying up older mobile homes and building a number of site built homes in that area of The Villages. The area you speak about near Spanish Springs is a mix of site built homes, some Villas, some condos.and some manufacture homes. Some prefer them because they generally have fewer deed restrictions. Some of these homes have been updated and some haven’t. Lots of choices of various homes in The Villages. Something for everyone and generally in every price category.

[npwalters]

Our experience was that we could get more much more house for the money in the Spanish Springs or Sumter Landing area. We also like the fully developed landscaping and huge trees. Our house is 4 miles from SS and 5 from Sumter Landing - about 10 minutes by golf cart. We also have cart access to several grocery stores, many restaraunts, drug stores, Lowes, you name it.

The flip side is that our house is 20 years old with all the normal issues associated with a house that old. Residents tend to be older too but that is changing as they (literally) die off and younger folks move in. My cul de sac is about half and half original residents and new.

Another downside is that the developer has decided to build apartments in the existing residential areas where it is feasible. This has been vehemently opposed by the residents to no avail.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by La lamy

From my research the homes north of 441 in Orange Blossom are definitely cheaper than newer ones down south. There is a charm to the old district that can't be found in newer areas. I love the feel of the historic side where it's much more relaxed and a real 'village' feel. And the more mature landscape is truly beautiful.

Further research, its East, for the record....

U.S. Route 441 (US 441) in Florida is a north–south United States Highway. It runs 433 miles (697 km) from Miami in South Florida northwest to the Georgia border north of the Lake City area.

[graciegirl]

The attraction to the historic part is the same as anywhere in The Villages. There are lovely homes for sale there. Here is one of them; P.S. I do not nor have I ever sold real estate. I just love it here.

Take a gander at this nice home in the historic area;

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale

[kkingston57]

We bought in 2017 and are about 1/2 mile from Spanish Springs. House did need updating. We liked the fact that the neighborhoods do have old/mature foliage. Most of the new homes are too close together. Could have bought new home with land behind us. Realtor could not tell us how long we would have a good view and we would have had to pay a premium(with no guarantees) We are less than 1 mile from 2 Publixes and numerous chain restaurants, less than 2 miles from a Lowes and a Home Depot.

[jebartle]

Originally Posted by LuvtheVillages

A BIG advantage of the older homes around Spanish Springs is that their bond is either paid off or nearly so.

When you purchase a newly built home, it comes with a bond that you are obligated to pay, in annual installments added to your property tax bill. The bond amount is around $40,000 or so, and is additional to the price of the home.

With pre-owned homes, annual payments were being made. The older the home, the more payments that were made. Some homes may have even paid off the bond. So when you purchase an older home, your bond obligation is reduced or eliminated. In the historic section, there is no bond.

No bond in lake County also.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by LuvtheVillages

A BIG advantage of the older homes around Spanish Springs is that their bond is either paid off or nearly so.

That can be true any where in The Villages. I'm South of 466a and mine is paid off.