Hijacking a minute... you must be very excited right about now, Meddick! We are stuck between two MSU/U of M friends. :undecided:

Okay, carry on.

I chose and built a Lantana on the largest lot I could get, stretched as much as possible and added a third bathroom to the front bedroom making that a "guest suite". I am very private on the back side which was important to me, and added every extra I could think of within budget. I also made a spreadsheet with my priorities listed and the not so essentials, and went based on that. In the end, I was able to accommodate just about every wish on the list! The designers are helpful and I urge you to use their abilities to help you. We all find different decisions easy or difficult and their knowledge will help you work thru the process. Congrats and best of luck!!

bump

I love my Zinnia because it already comes with three full bathrooms. So helpful when entertaining kids and grandkids !

Not always. We went with a lot that doesn't accommodate stretches but we don't have anyone behind us plus we have a great view!

The game starts on Tuesday morning here in India. I will have to follow it on the internet.

We have looked at them all and a Zinnia would definitely be our choice with the two bedroom suites. I would get a corner lot that would accomodate either a three car or golf car garage and stretch everything they allow.

Do it quick
 

Find your lot and design as quickly as possible because you may not be able to do that in the near future. Yep, just a rumor but......heard it from more than one sales rep. You will know the house you want after you see the models. Usually it jumps out at you! I would recommend to choose your lot first----then you will know how much house to buy. Good luck and enjoy!

We went with the stretch iris.

Make room!! I'm comin' over!!!! :wave:

The lot you pick will also determine what model you will be able to build. The standard lot will allow you most plans but limited stretches. If you select a Begonia you can stretch the front 3' for the bay window, add 3' more for a closest, side stretch 2', garage 4 ' side stretch, 2' foot stretch front of the garage & 4' lanai stretch. Now all you have to do is find a lot big enough and in a location that you like.

We just built an Ivy - open floor plan - 3 car garage for additional space

What To Do?
 

We are moving to the Villages next year (2014) and now we are debating the new vs pre-owned home. I have been reading a great deal about people building the home which suits them, with additions, etc. We are bringing my Mother-in-Law with us so we want to have a comfortable space for her with a walk in shower of course. We lilke the layout of the Zinnia because it offers a bit of privacy with the larger bedrooms seperated. We are going to buy a three bedroom and three baths would be perfect.
We came earlier this year and rented while going on a tour of the Villages. I knew immediately that there was far too much to see. However the people were lovely and we can't wait to join you all.
Just letting off a little steam from hours of research.

We bought a spec Ivy and couldn't be happier.
The only compromise we made is no golf cart garage but
they added a side bump of 4'.
The lanai on the Ivy seems to always be the extended version
which is 13 feet by 31 feet.
The selling point was being on a lake - the view is fantastic.

I have bought (but not yet moved into yet) a Gardenia which I think is truly nice. The master and guest rooms are separated so guests have privacy. I was fortunate in that the 3rd bedroom had been bumped out already so it has a closet so not a den. The lanai is 28' by 9' and seems perfect to me. I love the master being in the back of the house. I love that there is a nook in the kitchen to put a table into so that toast and coffee in the morning is not at the dining room table. I know you'll find your dream. Happy Hunting !!