[Pamela1130]

I don't know what CYV is?

[Pamela1130]

Yeah, I realize that about the high season but we have things we planned over a year ago and December is the only time. I'm hoping to be able to rent in the high months but probably won't be able to.

[Pamela1130]

Thank you. I have been watching You Tube actually, lol. I will check out the ones you mentioned and some I have watched. You tube videos have been the inspiration for me actually. Thanks for your uplifting reply. I could buy sight unseen too I bet and love it but DH wouldn't do that.

[Pamela1130]

Thanks yes because I think they would be pushing the new construction and that area isn't what I think I would be interested in, so thanks for that advice.

[Jcicales]

Originally Posted by Pamela1130

Oh, that's a great idea. I am interested in a Courtyard Villa pre-owned. I like to be where it's busy so thinking between 466 and 466A. Not interested in new construction down south. (never know if it could end up as famous last words, lol).

Do visit new construction. We felt the same as you. We bought new. Great walking/biking paths south of 44- you may be surprised. Check out all areas. Do your homework!!!

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Pamela1130

I don't know what CYV is?

Court Yard Villa

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by asianthree

So from the OP original post, she would like to plan a fun filled trip to convince spouse to buy a winter home. First she needs to find activities that he will enjoy, places to eat that he would enjoy, visit town squares to see how much activity and interaction residents have.

Doubt one week will convince him to buy, but you never know.

So Op scout the restaurant menus, buy the newspaper to see all the town square entertainment you might enjoy. Go south, and enjoy the walking trails, stop by a few pools and relax. Don’t get discouraged if he isn’t won over this visit. But if he doesn’t want to return than regroup and try again in a year.

However explain to him if you did buy, you could rent out during high season, and recoup every dollar, except for all of your mortgage. Sometimes profit wins those on the fence over

How will they recoup every dollar in high season when she said they’d be buying it for their winter home? High season is winter.

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by RICH1

You will love The Villages… the key is to find your neighborhood…. The only suggestion is to Stay Away from the Turnpike..

Unless you prefer a brand new home, which can only be found closer to the turnpike than the older villages. We want new, so we are okay with a little bit of turnpike noise. It’s no different than our home here in SoCal. What we won’t do is buy where power lines are visible. Thankfully there are many areas south of 44 with no visible power lines.

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by Gullwing

[QUOTPamela1130;2130619]I have been looking extensively into the Villages for quite a while now and really want to visit and feel it is a great place for retirees. My DH has agreed to do a lifestyle visit. Because I really want to buy a winter home there, I want to make our lifestyle visit interesting and fun so I can get him onboard. All I have read about LS visits is people driving around in a golf cart trying to figure out the lay of the land and visiting the different areas and rec centers, etc. I am wondering if I can set up things beforehand or even when we get there. We don't golf but my husband goes to the gym 6 days a week so would like to visit a state of the art gym. He loves music, so I am sure the nightly concerts would be great. He especially likes doo wop music if that makes a difference. I would be interested in trying out pickle ball. We have never played but are in good shape but I don't know how you go about it. Do you make reservations? I heard that it is very competitive but are there just pickup games for beginners? He's not a swimmer but I love water aerobics. Bocce sounds fun too. Bike riding sounds great also. I know there are many clubs but with only a one week visit, probably not doable or practical. We are coming in early December if that makes a difference in the activities. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and answer my post and I am looking forward to visiting the Villages and ultimately buying a home there.

We have all experienced the time share and other gimmicks. When your village’s sales agent says call me for whatever. They are not going to call and harass you.
We had friends doing the life styles visit and after three days of not being contacted, they called. Wanting the sales agent to come and answer questions.[/QUOTE]

This wasn’t our experience in June. Ours was much more hands on, and contacted us frequently. She was new though, so obviously eager to please. We liked her a lot, and spent a full day down south with her, plus a few hours in the morning on the day we left. When we arrived very late the first night we found our fridge stocked with all kinds of foods we needed for a late dinner we hadn’t had yet, plus breakfast foods for the whole week (she had asked us about our food preferences before we arrived). She really impressed us, and we’re still in close contact with her while we’re here in SoCal selling our home.

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by Pamela1130

Yes, seems like many are suggest two lifestyle visits. I really didn't know you could do that, but it sounds like a good idea. Thanks!

You can do more than one, but only the first one will they give you free tickets to a concert, free golf, etc. No perks the 2nd time and beyond, but you still get the golf cart, bikes, guest pass, etc.

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by Pamela1130

I thought there might be some Christmas events happening. Don't want to go too close to Christmas but plan the beginning of December because that will be the best for our schedule so maybe we will be there for that. Thank you!

The golf cart Christmas parade at the polo fields is Dec 10th. There’s a four day model railroad show at one of the regional Rec centers in early December too. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, and trains of varying sizes (gauges) will be running in different rooms. It’s amazing! Every regional Rec center decorates for Christmas according to their theme with a gorgeous Christmas tree at each one, plus big Christmas trees at every square. Villagers really decorate their homes beautifully too.

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by Pamela1130

Thanks yes because I think they would be pushing the new construction and that area isn't what I think I would be interested in, so thanks for that advice.

Just a tip… if you tap reply and not quick reply it’ll quote the comment you’re replying to above your reply. That way we can tell what comment you’re replying to. 🙃😄

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by Nana2Teddy

How will they recoup every dollar in high season when she said they’d be buying it for their winter home? High season is winter.

Statement is Could rent out high season… it’s an option…OP doesn’t say if they are fully retired

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Statement is Could rent out high season… it’s an option…OP doesn’t say if they are fully retired

Okay, good point. 👍🏻

[TerryCamlin]

Originally Posted by Pamela1130

I have been looking extensively into the Villages for quite a while now and really want to visit and feel it is a great place for retirees. My DH has agreed to do a lifestyle visit. Because I really want to buy a winter home there, I want to make our lifestyle visit interesting and fun so I can get him onboard. All I have read about LS visits is people driving around in a golf cart trying to figure out the lay of the land and visiting the different areas and rec centers, etc. I am wondering if I can set up things beforehand or even when we get there. We don't golf but my husband goes to the gym 6 days a week so would like to visit a state of the art gym. He loves music, so I am sure the nightly concerts would be great. He especially likes doo wop music if that makes a difference. I would be interested in trying out pickle ball. We have never played but are in good shape but I don't know how you go about it. Do you make reservations? I heard that it is very competitive but are there just pickup games for beginners? He's not a swimmer but I love water aerobics. Bocce sounds fun too. Bike riding sounds great also. I know there are many clubs but with only a one week visit, probably not doable or practical. We are coming in early December if that makes a difference in the activities. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and answer my post and I am looking forward to visiting the Villages and ultimately buying a home there.

Newbies beware. The lifestyle is reasonable and yes you get a brand new house. However, the goal of the Village Realtors is to sell you a new home. Right now they are pushing DeLuna but they will show you resale homes if you ask. I did this when I first arrived for my initial visit but ended up buying a for sale by owner property. My first visit I was put in the Atrium right next to Brownwood. It took 2 minutes to get to the square with shopping about the same distance. I have biked DeLuna it is far from all of the main activities. South of 44 is nice but you certainly do not have the amenities we have North of 44. For instance I have 5 pools, two Rec Centers in the Village of Gilchrist West within 2 miles. If I want to swim laps I have three sports pools within a mile. There is only one at Ezel for all of the homes in the southern area. Next you have one shopping center Magnolia for all of the South. I have 4 Publix's within 2 miles and most of my other shopping within 5 miles. You will have quite a distance to go to get to a Sam's Club or BJ's where most of the Shopping Centers are located. Same with Golf the mass of courses are in the Northern areas. Another caveat is to really see homes realize the Village Realtors will not show you any MLS listed homes (homes for sale by other Realtors) and Realtors cannot show you Village Owned listings. Many do not realize this when they come to buy. I now own 2 homes. My second I bought from the Villages in Duval. I use it as a rental. It is beautiful and is located where all of the action is complete with bikes, chairs for the square, golf cart etc. A week is really not enough time to even touch the surface of the homes available for sale here. Do your homework and you will find what is perfect for you. I enjoy the activities too much to want to be in the South. Good luck.