[hotrodgirl]

Nice post GeeWhiz. It will certainly help many who have questions regarding purchasing here. If you are in Ch-town on the 27th, a group of us is getting together at The Ram in Rosemont! I think at 6:00 if you'd like to join us. Just let me know, or PM Schaumburger who just left TV today! She's in charge!

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Geewiz

LOCATION
13. Not in sinkhole-likely neighborhoods (Belvedere)

I'm really curious as to why you focused on Belvedere Village as a "sinkhole-likely" neighborhood? I've heard of sinkholes in many different Villages, including a large one in a pond in the Village of Ashland. Is there a reason you picked Belvedere Village?

[quirky3]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I'm really curious as to why you focused on Belvedere Village as a "sinkhole-likely" neighborhood? I've heard of sinkholes in many different Villages, including a large one in a pond in the Village of Ashland. Is there a reason you picked Belvedere Village?

Barefoot, I wrote the original list and the first village I heard about with sinkholes was in Belvedere. I added that to my list, and just had not added other examples over time. Never expected the list I was putting together for myself to be posted for general comment. It is in no way all inclusive, just a collection of notes over time.

[gomoho]

So Geewiz all I can say is we have been in TV 5 months and now are in the mountains of Georgia now with not another living soul in site. Only crickets and some other strange sounds out there and the radio. I think you may also need this respite occassionaly so this may work to both of our advantages. Just saying.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Originally Posted by cbg150

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

Here's info on SECO's surge protection, directly from their web site:

Protect your equipment from lightning with SECO Energy's Surge Protection System

Bill

[Geewiz]

Quirky - I apologize if I violated a trust. I just found it useful...though I debated whether to credit you...I didn't want to take credit for your work...but, I also didn't want you to get grief. It's my post...my responsibility...and everyone remember, this post was quite "qualified"....meaning, it is not saying "this is what you should do"...it's just ideas to consider. And if it upsets anyone...blame me.

[Schaumburger]

Geewiz, Good items for consideration for TV wannabees/gonnabees when it is time to start looking for their home. Thank you for posting this. And if you want to join the Chicago area TOTV members on Saturday, 10/27 at the Ram Restaurant in Rosemont, just send me a PM.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I'm really curious as to why you focused on Belvedere Village as a "sinkhole-likely" neighborhood? I've heard of sinkholes in many different Villages, including a large one in a pond in the Village of Ashland, and a couple of sinkholes in Liberty Park. Is there a reason you picked Belvedere Village?

Originally Posted by quirky3

Barefoot, I wrote the original list and the first village I heard about with sinkholes was in Belvedere. I added that to my list, and just had not added other examples over time. Never expected the list I was putting together for myself to be posted for general comment. It is in no way all inclusive, just a collection of notes over time.

Originally Posted by Geewiz

Quirky - I apologize if I violated a trust. It's my post...my responsibility...and everyone remember, this post was quite "qualified"....meaning, it is not saying "this is what you should do"...it's just ideas to consider.

Geewiz, I understand that you had really good intentions and that you were trying to be helpful when you posted this information, stating "these tidbits may be of help to newbies". And you did say "read it closely". In my humble opinion, it is really wrong to disparage a neighbourhood without proper investigation. Some of the information you posted can needlessly alarm newbies about certain neighbourhoods.

LOCATION
12. Not within smelling distance of any landfill or water treatment facilities (Alhambra, Liberty Park, Sanibel, Bonifay, Pimlico)
As Happinow pointed out, she lives in Sanibel and there are no bad smells at her house!

13. Not in sinkhole-likely neighborhoods (Belvedere)
Many Villages have had sinkhold activity. It is wrong to tar Belvedere with this brush.

[Geewiz]

I'll delete the buying suggestion list from the post.

[quirky3]

Originally Posted by Geewiz

I'll delete the buying suggestion list from the post.

Gee,

Taking a phrase from your auto-signature, I think it's time to "turn pro"! The going is getting weird! And remember everyone, you get what you pay for!

It is interactions like this that discourage well-meaning people from sharing helpful information.

[jannd228]

Originally Posted by quirky3

Gee,

Taking a phrase from your auto-signature, I think it's time to "turn pro"! The going is getting weird! And remember everyone, you get what you pay for!

It is interactions like this that discourage well-meaning people from sharing helpful information.

[jimbo2012]

I don't think Geewiz has thin skin, chill.............

All posts are someones opinion.

[jackz]

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.

Have used Appliance Direct in Orlando to purchase appliances for a rental property and was very happy with their service and products.

Not using them this time based on the fact they do not carry Samsung Appliances, so chose Best Buy which beat Lowes in their prices.

Good luck.

[Geewiz]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

I don't think Geewiz has thin skin, chill.............

All posts are someones opinion.

I just felt bad because someone was taking heat for information that I elected to share.

BTW - public info on sinkholes is on the web and do a google search and you will see specific Villages are mentioned.

Also, I didn't tell this part of the story - but, when I obtained sinkhole insurance, some new homes did not automatically qualify...the broker had to call the underwriter and provide the address. It turns out I'm good.

Insurance folks and I bet the developer know which areas are more sinkhole prone - though in Fla...sinkholes are possible almost anywhere.

Lastly, even if you don't smell it today, tomorrow never knows (thx Ringo). Once there is an infrastructure for waste water treatment you never know what changes are possible as conditions/needs change.

In Chicago, I lived by large granite quarries nearing the end of their productive life. We were very aware that the Sanitary District eyed those quarries as waste water spill over areas. Sorry to sound Nimby; but I lived next to a very tony burb where lots of connected folks had homes. The waste water plan was shelved the day after it was first floated (sunk so to speak)...welcome to the grandeur of Illinois politics.

[tommy steam]

Originally Posted by 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!

thanks for the information..Tommy