[CoachKandSportsguy]

Originally Posted by Lolabird

We have chosen a model (Anhinga), and will most likely choose a site near Waters Edge.

I would appreciate any suggestions as to what I should ask when we meet with the staff.

Lora from RI

Rent a home for a month, to get a feel for the house prior to any purchases.

Then start going through advertisements of new and used homes on the villages web sites to see what houses have and how they are designed or furnished, etc.

brain reprogramming reminder

You are coming from an area of the country with a traditional colonial design "look and feel"

You are heading to an area of the country which is hot, very sandy/beachy, and flat. This area does not have the same "look and feel"

So beware that bringing traditional look and feel might be comforting, but also out of place for the area. .

good luck. .

another New Englander snowbird at the moment

[kburr]

Originally Posted by Lolabird

Wow! You are all so helpful!

Keep 'em coming! I'm taking notes.....

Everybody I know that buys a new home here has to spend $50,000. to remodel it before they can move in. It will have carpet and Formica countertops. The quality of construction won't be as good as the homes further north who already have stores and restaurants. Get a MLS agent.

[TVTVTV]

Originally Posted by Lolabird

This is incredible, everyone!

So much that I did not know.
I am realizing the the Bond is a major consideration. Is that paid separately, or as part of the financing package? Is there a time limit to pay it off?

We plan on being snowbirds, and living in the Villages Dec-April.

I was considering an east facing house, since the sun would set in the back
lanai when it would be warmest in the winter months. Does that sound logical?

Again, thank you all so very much. I knew I came to the right place to have my questions answered !

Lora

Welcome! This forum has wonderful recommendations, opinions, jokesters, and some snarksters. The majority of posters are genuinely friendly and helpful. The replies offered to your post are wonderful suggestions, as many of us have been in your position.

However, as excited as you are about living in TV, it sounds like you have not been here physically. I would HIGHLY recommend that you rent somewhere in TV for a minimum of a week. You need to get a feel for this massive area, and form your own wishes. Don't be in a hurry to sign a contract for any house until you visit. Don't be pressured by the Villages salesperson or a MLS realtor. They all work on commission, and want your $$$ quickly. Rent, visit areas, and go to some open houses, both new and pre-owned. Houses are plentiful- and you will eventually find what you want. Everything is extra exciting when you first get here, but then folks find their niche of activities, stop going to the squares as often, etc. and develop a routine. There is always lots to do, but it's nice to enjoy your new home, too. Building a new home on a dirt lot with your choices is exciting, but you could end up with a house behind you or across the street that looks hideous because you don't like the color your future neighbors chose, but it is a personal eyesore to you. Good luck, take your time, and make a personal visit first. I did a lot of research prior to picking a home, but nothing compares to renting for a week to a month, or doing a Villages Lifestyle Visit. Good luck!

[Jim1mack]

Buy an existing home for the multi due of reasons mentioned here. We’re between 44A and 466A. Bought new 10 years ago. Could not be happier with the location and all it offers. Shopping, golf, real squares, regional and neighbor rec centers, sports pools. Don’t buy south of 44A again for the reasons mentioned here to avoid that area.

[Brynnie]

Originally Posted by Lolabird

Hello everyone,

My name is Lora. My husband Mark and I are headed to your beautiful community in February for the first time. We have been excited about our home buying / building process, and are planning on getting started when we arrive.

We have never built a home before, and I would appreciate any suggestions from those who know so much more than we do.

We have chosen a model (Anhinga), and will most likely choose a site near Waters Edge.

I would appreciate any suggestions as to what I should ask when we meet with the staff.

Such as:

1) types of finishes (flooring, cabinetry, countertops, roof, etc.)

2) insulation

3) gas vs electric

4) making changes or additions to the model - remove a wall, put washer / dryer in garage'
additional outlets

5) what does it mean exactly to "stretch" a floorplan?

6) location of lot to choose - noise level (I hear many people comment on this)

7) What does it mean when a floorplan has a C or F after its name?

Building vs. purchasing an existing home in other areas of the Villages.

Thank you all so much for your time and expertise. I have been perusing the forums, and you are all such a wealth of information. I look forward to your guidance!

Lora from RI

We built in the Laurel Manor area in 2005. (Probably sounds like a long time ago to you.) We live in Winifred and love it here! A hop, skip, and a jump to 466, with lots of restaurants, supermarkets, banks, golf courses, and mature landscaping. Several large recreation centers within close distance, too--Laurel Manor (very close), Colony, and Lake Miona. If you're golfers, Palmer Championship Course is right here, as well as numerous Executive Courses. Well developed area with tons of amenities!

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Bond is paid with your taxes. It’s a yearly amount. You can pay off full balance at any time. We have never paid off a bond, because our investments far exceed the interest and balance each year. Each house the new buyer assumes the balance.

First house lanai faced west, not a fan, 2nd house east, winter was chilly, 3 house lanai faced south. Could only use very early and late at night, hot as a match.

This house lanai and pool faces north/east. Summers lanai is perfect. January we have a fire table, which makes our time enjoyable.

If you are building, You can choose Gas stove and gas dryer, or electric. No choice you get tankless heater, south of 44.

After living between the 6’s from 2007-2022, you will notice one big issue. Lack of police presence for speeding on all streets.

South of 44 you get Wildwood PD. Speeding tickets are issued, and you will see their cars not only during the day but several all night long. I would travel between our two houses moving light stuff between 2a-4a. officer at Meggison and 44. I would wave, as I travelled by, and every night he drove past the house while I was unloading. I always thank WPD for patrolling the neighborhoods, when I see them at outings, for patrolling and actually writing tickets.

So for us extra taxes, actual police presence worth every dime.

I will "2nd that emotion" on about the 5th paragraph about not enough Police presence to stop speeding on the residential streets.

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

I will "2nd that emotion" on about the 5th paragraph about not enough Police presence to stop speeding on the residential streets.

Its one of the main reasons we left between the 6’s. UPS, FedEx, and the lawn guys, it was just dangerous to be anywhere in the neighborhoods. Our neighbors sent a letter of concern to sheriff department. A digital speed Sign 3 house down sat for 3 weeks. Neighborhood took Pics of 45-50 in a 30 clearly on the sign. Close to 60 pics from neighbors.

Sheriff’s response to try and curb speeding, an empty patrol car sat on the side of the road next to the mail station for 3 weeks. That worked well…. soon as building started south of 44 we built. The week we moved in tickets were abound on Meggison. Yesterday two patrol cars sat off Meggison with Live people inside. 3 am this morning waved at patrol cars when I went to get the paper. He stopped chatted for a few minutes, then off he went. yep we more little more in taxes but so worth it

[psjordan]

Apparently I posted my reponse below to the wrong thread! Here's a cut and paste:

I’ve done a lot of woodworking in my life and the question most often posed to me is “what type or specific equipment should I buy”? And I have found throughout the years that by far the best answer is “it depends on who you are and what you’re up to”.

Same applies here. All the responses so far (and most responses on any forum) are sincere and done in the context of what that particular person is “up to”. Your current station in life may (probably) differs from some/many posting here. Just sift through the responses and take whatever nuggets you can, then do your due diligence in researching those topics.

And while I hate to answer questions with more questions, I think if you answer the items below your situation will be clearer:

Is a large bond frightening to you? I don’t know, but I’d urge you to do the research into what it is, how it might affect your budget and how much or little it matters to you in the long run.

Do you care if you drive 2 minutes, 7 minutes or 12 minutes to the grocery store? If that difference will drive you batty, look for something close.

Do you want to be a five-minute golf cart* ride to the closest square? Do you want to be “golf cart distance*” to your favorite restaurant?

Will it bother you to hear the noise from a square? Traffic? Pickleball? The High School? Etc.

If you golf, you are likely going to load up the cart at home and drive the cart to/on/home from the course. Do you care if the courses you like to play are 8 minutes away, 38 minutes away or 45 minutes away?

If you end up being a “one car, one cart” couple, can your conflicting activities be met with one taking the car and one taking the cart? If you are a “two car, one cart” couple, plan your garage situation accordingly.

Is the average age of the residents in your neighborhood important to you? This one is always hard to discern beforehand, but if it’s important to you, gather any and all information you can about prospective locations/sites. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut about “what the typical age may be in this neighborhood”. Some people care about neighborhood “average age”, some do not. Your call on how you feel about it.

Are you buying so that you can be “comfortable and mostly satisfied” immediately upon move-in? Or would you sacrifice “growing pains” (like a dusty, partially built neighborhood and minimal landscaping) to have your ultimate setup when everything around (your new build) is established in 2+ years, including mature landscaping?

Do you want to know exactly what type of houses are in your neighborhood - next door and across the street for instance, or can you live in a new-build while other houses (who knows what models) start to be built around you?

After looking over all floor plans that might fit your needs, are there any design “pet peeves” within certain designs that you wish to avoid?

Is budget (both initial and ongoing) an overriding concern, or do you have a lot of flexibility?

If you bought and then decided say after a year that you wanted to move, would it be fantastically devastating to you to potentially lose money when you sell?

My experience says you can find 90% or more of whatever you are looking for in pretty much any area of TV. Unless you are dead set on new construction, then the area choices are more limited. It all depends on who you are and what you’re up to.

* My note about golf carts - they are not all the same. If you are planning on a newer cart with plush(er) seats, a 45+ minute ride likely will not be that big of a deal (if you don’t mind that kind of thing). If you are planning on an older cart with the stock hard(er) seats and suspension, a 25 minute ride might be torture.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Its one of the main reasons we left between the 6’s. UPS, FedEx, and the lawn guys, it was just dangerous to be anywhere in the neighborhoods. Our neighbors sent a letter of concern to sheriff department. A digital speed Sign 3 house down sat for 3 weeks. Neighborhood took Pics of 45-50 in a 30 clearly on the sign. Close to 60 pics from neighbors.

Sheriff’s response to try and curb speeding, an empty patrol car sat on the side of the road next to the mail station for 3 weeks. That worked well…. soon as building started south of 44 we built. The week we moved in tickets were abound on Meggison. Yesterday two patrol cars sat off Meggison with Live people inside. 3 am this morning waved at patrol cars when I went to get the paper. He stopped chatted for a few minutes, then off he went. yep we more little more in taxes but so worth it

Same thing will happen in your "new neighborhood" if you keep ordering everything on-line... And don't they have "lawn guys" down there as well?

How many UPS, FedEx and Amazon deliveries are you responsible for on a weekly basis?

[FloridaGuy66]

Before moving to TV I kept hearing "move near Spanish Springs for the great shopping and restaurants!" thinking Lady Lake was some mecca of shopping on par with Sawgrass Mills or some other top 20 Florida shopping destinations. I was surprised when it turned out to be quite the opposite. Not even on par with Gainesville or Ocala for shopping and restaurants even.

[Lolabird]

Yes indeed! We will be arriving for a week in February! I am looking forward to having a first hand experience. I agree that one should spend time there and explore the different areas. I am looking to get as much info as I can before we arrive. Thank you all for your time and expertise. What a wonderful introduction you all have given me to the Villages!

Lora

[Lolabird]

Originally Posted by psjordan

Apparently I posted my reponse below to the wrong thread! Here's a cut and paste:

I’ve done a lot of woodworking in my life and the question most often posed to me is “what type or specific equipment should I buy”? And I have found throughout the years that by far the best answer is “it depends on who you are and what you’re up to”.

Same applies here. All the responses so far (and most responses on any forum) are sincere and done in the context of what that particular person is “up to”. Your current station in life may (probably) differs from some/many posting here. Just sift through the responses and take whatever nuggets you can, then do your due diligence in researching those topics.

And while I hate to answer questions with more questions, I think if you answer the items below your situation will be clearer:

Is a large bond frightening to you? I don’t know, but I’d urge you to do the research into what it is, how it might affect your budget and how much or little it matters to you in the long run.

Do you care if you drive 2 minutes, 7 minutes or 12 minutes to the grocery store? If that difference will drive you batty, look for something close.

Do you want to be a five-minute golf cart* ride to the closest square? Do you want to be “golf cart distance*” to your favorite restaurant?

Will it bother you to hear the noise from a square? Traffic? Pickleball? The High School? Etc.

If you golf, you are likely going to load up the cart at home and drive the cart to/on/home from the course. Do you care if the courses you like to play are 8 minutes away, 38 minutes away or 45 minutes away?

If you end up being a “one car, one cart” couple, can your conflicting activities be met with one taking the car and one taking the cart? If you are a “two car, one cart” couple, plan your garage situation accordingly.

Is the average age of the residents in your neighborhood important to you? This one is always hard to discern beforehand, but if it’s important to you, gather any and all information you can about prospective locations/sites. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut about “what the typical age may be in this neighborhood”. Some people care about neighborhood “average age”, some do not. Your call on how you feel about it.

Are you buying so that you can be “comfortable and mostly satisfied” immediately upon move-in? Or would you sacrifice “growing pains” (like a dusty, partially built neighborhood and minimal landscaping) to have your ultimate setup when everything around (your new build) is established in 2+ years, including mature landscaping?

Do you want to know exactly what type of houses are in your neighborhood - next door and across the street for instance, or can you live in a new-build while other houses (who knows what models) start to be built around you?

After looking over all floor plans that might fit your needs, are there any design “pet peeves” within certain designs that you wish to avoid?

Is budget (both initial and ongoing) an overriding concern, or do you have a lot of flexibility?

If you bought and then decided say after a year that you wanted to move, would it be fantastically devastating to you to potentially lose money when you sell?

My experience says you can find 90% or more of whatever you are looking for in pretty much any area of TV. Unless you are dead set on new construction, then the area choices are more limited. It all depends on who you are and what you’re up to.

* My note about golf carts - they are not all the same. If you are planning on a newer cart with plush(er) seats, a 45+ minute ride likely will not be that big of a deal (if you don’t mind that kind of thing). If you are planning on an older cart with the stock hard(er) seats and suspension, a 25 minute ride might be torture.

Thank you for giving me perspective! This was great!

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by Lolabird

Thank you for giving me perspective! This was great!

There's lots outside the bubble for restaurants and shopping within 20-45 minutes:

E.g.: Claremont, Mt Dora, Traveres, Winter Garden, Orlando, Ocala, Tampa/Wesley Chapel

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by kburr

Everybody I know that buys a new home here has to spend $50,000. to remodel it before they can move in. It will have carpet and Formica countertops. The quality of construction won't be as good as the homes further north who already have stores and restaurants. Get a MLS agent.

Not even close to accurate.

[beckylou152]

We moved into a new home south of 44 four years ago and couldn’t be happier. I have no idea why your questions would prompt advice to buy a preowned home. I think you will love building. Some advice not in the order you asked although do what makes you happy:
1. LVP or tile flooring. Quartz counters
2. Gas is what most people prefer. I have electric and it is fine.
3. Stretch (expand) everything, including garage. For resale you need at least a 2 car plus golf cart garage. Everything is better stretched.
4. Consider your lanai - I wish my lanai was larger and had more overs space ( with roof). If you have room, expand it.
5. Avoid gray cabinets etc. as it looks dated.
6. I have neighbors right behind me and with our landscaping it is not an issue. If I had unlimited money I’d have a preserve or pond view. With that huge lanai.
7. I’m a cook, so I love my huge island and tons of drawers. Kitchens are important because they are $$ to upgrade later. Think about quality there.

Good luck on your new build! Welcome to the villages!