[Geewiz]

I close on the 30th and I'm really excited. These tidbits might be of help to newbies.

1. When getting a Realtor (and you'll want one from TV and MLS)....send them e-mails detailing what you are looking for. A person on TOTV sent me her "want" list - which I modified. I had extensive e-mail exchanges with my TV Realtor who challenged me on "is this a want or a deal-breaker”. I was totally sure I was going pre-owned....I ended up buying new and it was the first home I looked at. I never do things like this...but, Gary from TV totally figured out what I wanted and found it (a CYV 3/2 with a $7g builder incentive). So , instead of keeping money to re-roof or update the AC - I've got cash for a big birdcage and hot tub.
2. One of the advantages of buying new is that it is possible to get sinkhole insurance – which folks say is worth it. Heck if I know...but for the cost of a meal...I'm getting it.
3. Whether you move most of your money into Citizens or not....opening a checking account there makes life easier...unless you are fond of driving to get cashier's checks...plus now, I've got Chase really paranoid about keeping my business. I love it when “too big to fail” gets nervous.
4. Whole home surge protectors seem to make sense and they only cost a couple buck a month with an unlimited warranty or you can buy your own for $347..but, the warranty is only 10 years.
5. I don't know if Appliance Direct offers the best deals...but, the guy on the ads is a winner and I'll probably get my washer and dryer from them...unless someone comes up with a good reason not to.
6. People are really nice here. Ignore differences in age, origin, economic class and politics...this place is filled with folks who have figured out that kindness, connections, and fun are the keys to a great retirement.
7. Still, it's not a nirvana....there are some jackasses...ignore them.
8. Check out the prices from MCO to London, the Keys, Nola, NYC and the islands.....you're retired...fly in the offseason...you're retired....good theater in London and NYC is a great short adventure.


Last, Anthony Sciacchitano from Citizen's Mortgage and Gary Lazdowski from TV are the bomb. Good guys.

Best of luck to those considering a move here. Remember – no one has all the answers. This is just sharing my experience. Do what's best for you and listen to lots of folks.

Cheers!

[CaptJohn]

Thanks for posting this useful information. And thanks to Quicky3 also.

[Happinow]

Thanks for sharing you list with everyone. It will give others a lot to think about and something to spring board off from. As for your list of stinky neighborhoods, I live in the village of Sanibel and there's no stink here!! We live north of Bonifay cc so may be far enough away from the treatment plant. don't want to scare anyone away from Sanibel. It is beautiful here......we are on the golf course. You are right about there being a lot of really nice people here but there also some jerks. Just ignore them because they are the minority. Most everyone is here because they want to be and are living the life of an active retired person....no grass growing under their feet! Glad everything worked out for you with your purchase. Welcome to TV!

[bkcunningham1]

Congratulations, Geewhiz. I'm glad you found what you wanted and I sincerely hope it is paradise for you here. I enjoyed your list and completely agree with numbers 6 and 7 on your list. Such is life. Peace.

[Bogie Shooter]

Very informative post....good job.
Regarding Appliance Direct.
5. I don't know if Appliance Direct offers the best deals...but, the guy on the ads is a winner and I'll probably get my washer and dryer from them...unless someone comes up with a good reason not to.

We replaced a washer & dryer from them. At the time we bought they would match any price at Lowe's or Home Depot(they look up their ads right in the store) and even gave us an additional $50 off each piece. What we bought was advertised "brand new out of the box". The use independent contracters for installation....our guy was great. And of course like other sellers the warranty is handled by the manufacturer. I would go back if I had a need.

[Geewiz]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Very informative post....good job.
Regarding Appliance Direct.
5. I don't know if Appliance Direct offers the best deals...but, the guy on the ads is a winner and I'll probably get my washer and dryer from them...unless someone comes up with a good reason not to.

We replaced a washer & dryer from them. At the time we bought they would match any price at Lowe's or Home Depot(they look up their ads right in the store) and even gave us an additional $50 off each piece. What we bought was advertised "brand new out of the box". The use independent contracters for installation....our guy was great. And of course like other sellers the warranty is handled by the manufacturer. I would go back if I had a need.

Thx! I'm going to try to arrange for delivery the afternoon after the close...I figure a washer/dryer would be handy after the drive down from Chicago.

[Yorio]

What a wonderful post. All the points are well taken. Did you put in direction of the sun to hit where, when? If you did, I missed it but definitely a great post for the would be buyers.

[Geewiz]

My understanding that a south or east view for the lanai is optimum...I'm southeast. The drawback to CYV's is the walls cut down on the breeze. I figure that when throwing parties I'll pull out large freestanding fans and put blocks of ice in front of them. That was AC in the 20's and 30's...it worked for John Dillenger (though it got him killed....ah, details) so it'll probably work for me.

[cbg150]

Very good list, I think that our pre-owned DH meets most of your criteria! (We are closing in a few days!) Please say more about Whole home surge protectors...is this something that I should get? Who would install it?

[Geewiz]

Originally Posted by cbg150

Very good list, I think that our pre-owned DH meets most of your criteria! (We are closing in a few days!) Please say more about Whole home surge protectors...is this something that I should get? Who would install it?

When you arrange for the electricity transferred to you, ask SECO about it. They will do the install at the meter (you don't need to be there). The install is free if you either lease or purchase it from them.

[cbg150]

Geewiz, will SECO guarantee all of our appliances and electronics against a power surge for about $2 a month?

[Geewiz]

Originally Posted by cbg150

Geewiz, will SECO guarantee all of our appliances and electronics against a power surge for about $2 a month?

I'm not sure about the guarantee and given the amount of high end electronics I run I might spring for additional protection...plus direct connected surge suppressors. Redundancy helps avoid regret...plus back-up data to the cloud.

[quirky3]

One more item that I have since added to the list - Not bordering on privately owned land that could be sold or re-zoned

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by Yorio

Did you put in direction of the sun to hit where, when?

Originally Posted by Geewiz

My understanding that a south or east view for the lanai is optimum...I'm southeast.

About 150-165 degrees for the direction on the lanai, that will give a nice warmth factor for the winter, you can go a bit more east for summer escape of heat. 130-150

[Geewiz]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

About 150-165 degrees for the direction on the lanai, that will give a nice warmth factor for the winter, you can go a bit more east for summer escape of heat. 130-150

lol - very good!

! assume you are referring to summer heat...if you are talking about direction....never mind....