[asianthree]

Originally Posted by murray607

I have been looking at whole home packages for two bedroom homes and even though they start in the $8,000 range, I think for better quality we would realisitcally be in the $12,000-16,000 range as well.

We realize that if we get a pre-owned unfurnished property in the mid-$130,000's with the cost of furnishing it would be about the same cost as a new furnished home.

So, looking at the cost of a new patio villa at $143,000, a fully furnished home for $149,000 seems to be a real bargain, with only $6,000 added to pay for furnishings! Or am I missing something?

You still need kitchen. ..bath...tv and some lanai...and golf cart. About 2 to 3 thousand for that and linens cleaning snd stuff

[murray607]

Originally Posted by murray607

Our Villages Agent is going to show us some pre-owned homes as well as new.

As we only have a short (18 day) visit this time, we know there would not be enough time to close a purchase and furnish a property in that short window.

We are going to rent it over the summer and early fall as we won't be moving down for the winter until December 2013- April 2014.

My wife retires in November, so we want to have the home bought now and not in December, so we can move right inwhen we arrive in December.

With buying a furnished home, it would mean we don't need to be here for closing and I beleive the Villages Rentals people will make sure everything is ready to go for rentals, after closing.

Just one more question. Should we elect to buy a pre-owned furnished property, how quickly is it possible to close on a cash purchase? Could it happen in 2 weeks or less? We have had a three week closing in the past.
I realise not all closings are the same, but as it is being handled through Villages sales, on a Villages property, I assume all of the history is well known.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by murray607

Just one more question. Should we elect to buy a pre-owned furnished property, how quickly is it possible to close on a cash purchase? Could it happen in 2 weeks or less? We have had a three week closing in the past.
I realise not all closings are the same, but as it is being handled through Villages sales, on a Villages property, I assume all of the history is well known.

A resale is not the same as new. The sellers may have a closing date in mind.

I know this because I am an avid fan of House Hunters on HGTV.

[TednRobin]

Does anyone know if Southern Lifestyles and Showcase direct have "package deals" that can be chosen to furnish your entire home.

[murray607]

Originally Posted by TednRobin

Does anyone know if Southern Lifestyles and Showcase direct have "package deals" that can be chosen to furnish your entire home.

I have checked out some companies:

Hudson's Vacation Interiors | Turnkey Furniture Packages | Complete Condo Furnishing | Florida Villa Furnishings | Rental Property Furniture Packages in Altamonte Springs. They quote $12,000 for a complete two bedroom 2 bathroom turnkey

Furniture packages - Florida. in Kissimmee. They only show a 3 bedroom for $13,000 but they will quote on a 2 bedroom, probably $2,000 less

Florida Furniture Packages in Championsgate no prices on the web site

Welcome to Florida Home Furnishings in Orlando. They have 3 bedroom packages starting at $14,000 so 2 bedroom should be $2,000 less

[chrismmail]

RE: Service company to furnish new home in the Villages:

I recently furnished a home in the Villages with gently used furnishing from listings on TOTV, estate sales, and consignment shops in the area. But before choosing that route I checked out other options.

One company, Furniture Packages USA http://www.furniturepackagesusa.com/designideas.php says they can handle all the details to furnish a home (new furnishings) in the Villages if the homeowner is not able to be there. They have a web site with furniture links, and supposenly all can be done online/phone. When I called to find out about their services I was told that you pick out what you want- and they can paint, deliver and even put artwork on the walls for you. I do not know anything about their quality or reputation, as I decided to take some time and do it myself, so this is NOT an recommendation. It is just being offered to give you an option to check out if this type of service is what you are looking for. Good Luck.

[TednRobin]

Thanks for your responses. We will have to decide if it is worth bringing our furniture(I would rather not)buy new or gently loved.

[Kirsten Lee]

In January 2013 hubby and I spent 2 hours at Target to scan all the other items needed for a furnished, not turnkey home. Bedding (1 king and 1 queen), towels, all kitchen items including small appliances totaled $1,620.

[GilchristCruisers]

Originally Posted by TednRobin

Does anyone know if Southern Lifestyles and Showcase direct have "package deals" that can be chosen to furnish your entire home.

Simple answer: Yes.

They are generally very reasonable in their prices. We chose to furnish our CYV on our own. Purchased 95% of the furnishing from Southern Lifestyles. They delivered it for free and set it all up. They gave us a list of what is required for rentals as far as the other stuff goes. We had the time and purchased it all after got down here.

Unless you can't help yourself, DO NOT PAY TO HAVE FURNITURE SHIPPED DOWN HERE. You can furnish any home for about the same price as shipping -- maybe even less.

[janmcn]

Originally Posted by TednRobin

Thanks for your responses. We will have to decide if it is worth bringing our furniture(I would rather not)buy new or gently loved.

Roomstogo.com is a good resource to check out moderately priced furniture. Their ad says "order it online today and have it delivered tomorrow", and they are constantly having sales. The closest store is in Ocala.

[murray607]

We have bought! Closing tomorrow on 3063 Nutwood Ave in Pinellas at Cedar Grove (Perdido Villas)
This is a furnished Patio Villa 2/2. As for the extras, we are going to be close to $3,000. $850.00 for washer and dryer. $650.00 for 3 TV's (1x39" and 2x24") and dvd player all linens, kitchen tools, pots pans etc are about $1,200.
Patio set $300.

This moved a lot faster than we anticipated, which is great as we get to stay in our new place for a few days before heading back north to the snow arrrgh!

My wife retires at the end if December, then we head back for the winter, January until end of April. But we will have some family usage in the meantime. As well we will be renting it out until the end of December.

Do all of the rental management companies have the same strict and expensive
contracts as The Villages Hometown Properties? We really don't want to have to pay 20% of rental cost to stay in our own property, especially In January through April ($550 a month)

[Rickg]

Where is your summer address?