[pklein9747]

Hubby and I are hoping to move down to TV sometime next year...the sooner the better!! We've been looking at resale and we like some of the homes but are dismayed about the lack of privacy in the back. Plus one of my requirements for our dream house is having palm trees on the property. With the deed restrictions, do we need permission to plant trees/bushes in the front and/or in the back for privacy?

Thanks. I love this forum and am looking forward to meeting so many of you once we move down.

Pat

[Pturner]

Hi Pat,
Since you are looking for resales, be sure to look north of 466. There are many homes available on the north side that already have large palms and mature landscaping. In many neighborhoods, the homes are further apart and have well-screened, private back yards.

Are you working with an MLS Realtor and TV sales agent? I would if I were you, as it doesn't cost you any more. (Buyers and sellers agents split the commission.) That way, you can tell your agent(s) your criteria, including price-range, and let them help you find something that fits the bill. Get a written buyer's agent agreement from your MLS Realtor.

Best of luck in your search. I feel confident you will be able to find what you are looking for.

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by pklein9747

Hubby and I are hoping to move down to TV sometime next year...the sooner the better!! We've been looking at resale and we like some of the homes but are dismayed about the lack of privacy in the back. Plus one of my requirements for our dream house is having palm trees on the property. With the deed restrictions, do we need permission to plant trees/bushes in the front and/or in the back for privacy?

Thanks. I love this forum and am looking forward to meeting so many of you once we move down.

Pat

There are certain restrictions, none that I am aware of are onerous, so I would advise presenting any plans to Architectural Review. Pturner's advice is also a good option.

Be careful about planting trees too close to the house and driveway. Tree roots can do a lot of damage. Talk to a nurseryman about palm trees. Our Queen Palms and some others took a beating last winter. There are a number of palms that do well here but remember, we are not South Florida.

Most of our lots are small so it is easy to overwhelm them with trees, hedges, and shrubs. As a matter of fact, mine have overwhelmed me. I am not able to trim and prune like I did in the past but I enjoy what I am able to do.

One more caveat. If you are snowbirding be conservative until you are here year 'round. Vegetation grows rapidly here in the summer. Keeping it under control in your absence can prove costly.

I have privacy in the back but I know a lot of people who don't and it doesn't seem to be an issue with them. Maybe some of them will make some comments here.

Hope this helps and good luck.

[misky]

I bought a wonderful home in Woodbury this June. Among other things, I wanted privacy in the back and palm trees. I found both for my new home. I created a list of "must haves" and "wants" that I gave to the realtor (actually both the MLS and VLS realtors)before I came down to buy. They had no problem showing me multiple locations that had back privacy and palm trees. I aslo agree that noth of 466 will off er the best mature landscaping.

[Taj44]

We planted palms, ligustrums, and other shrubs in the back when we moved in back in 2006. It is lovely now, like a jungle, and very private. I can barely see the house behind us. We have a small backyard, and did up a plan which we submitted to the Architectural Review Committee. No big deal. If I recall, we had to plant things within the easement lines. I can't imagine sitting on a lanai where I would be looking at my neighbors sitting on their lanai. Not my cup of tea - I'm glad we did the plantings.

[pklein9747]

Thanks for all your input and suggestions. We are considering south of 466 as I love to swim and the multitude of pools in those areas guarantees that I will not only find a neighborhood pool that I love but also the availability of a sport pool.

We're considering the Villages of Ashland, Winifred, Tall Trees, and that area. Any pros or cons??
Pat

[Taj44]

Great area. You have the nice sports pool at Laurel Manor, in addition to neighborhood pools. And you'd be close to Southern Trace which has great shopping and restaurants. A quick golf cart ride to Lake Sumter town square, and close to many golf courses.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by pklein9747

We're considering the Villages of Ashland, Winifred, Tall Trees, and that area. Any pros or cons?? Pat

Lovely area. We live in Belvedere and love the proximity to Southern Trace, and just a short golf cart ride to LSL.

[macintyreblades]

I am closing on my home in Woodbury next week. Maybe we could meet sometime.

[BowleesCreekYachtClub]

Be aware that palm trees are not indigenous to Florida and many do not tolerate cold weather. Last winter we had a lot of frost and hundreds of palms died and had to be removed.