I was just at Sunset Ridge helping my Mom budget her money after Dad just passed. She was really worried as Dad took care of all their financials. Your channel will help a lot of people understand how far, or not far, their money will go.
So glad I live in a 1991 Designer in an older section. I’ve completely remodeled (shhh). No bond. Garbage is in my taxes. No irrigation. No district maintenance fee. I can pay around $125 for my all electric home. I rarely use heat, but my hot tub is always on. My amenities fee remains under $175 (started at $145). I’m never moving.
Great info all around. Love the reminder that this development spreads across several counties and things are a little different from county to county, The fact that you are wanting to buy and stay there says a lot. Thank you!
First of all Michael and Tiffany, I love your videos! I started researching The Villages months ago from here in California by watching UA-cam videos by various vloggers and ugh to most of them but I’ve really become kinda addicted to watching the two of you. You’re both a delight and it’s been amazing to follow your journey. I really love your honesty and transparency on everything. It’s also nice to see people that live there that don’t look old which can be depressing to see in other videos( even though I’m 61 I feel like I can’t relate to old folks! I guess it’s called denial when you actually are old😂) anyway, I’m going to be in Florida for a wedding next month and I’m determined to drive to the Villages and see all I can see in 24 hours staying at The Waterfront Inn. Any suggestions on what to see really fast on a Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon 12/9-10? I’ll be there with my boyfriend. Thanks again for the awesome videos , we will be watching your journey 😊 Yvonne - Skygirl313
I love the cost comparison. I own a condo in Phoenix. Not in a retirement community but rather in walking distance to Costco, Whole foods, gyms and numerous exercise facilities. I've toured some of the over 45 communities but I'm not ready yet. I own a 900sq foot 2/2 first floor with patio in a gated community. About $350k to purchase. I keep a detailed spreadsheet with all costs to own my condo. I do not have a mortgage. The last 12 months floating are $8,270 includes things like HOA, Insurance, Taxes, Cable, Wifi, and electric. I've owned here for 14 years and the HOA has not quite doubled but insurance has more than doubled. I like that there is not a profit center so my costs don't increase much.
We have a 1705 square foot Avondale model courtyard villa built in 2022 in St. Johns, and we keep the temp at 72-73 in the hot months and our highest electric bill was this past August which was $200. This may have to do with our home being poured concrete, plus it faces east and our front is pretty shielded from the sun so we really only get direct sun in the back in the afternoon and we keep our blinds closed. We don't use our oven much so our gas bill even in the winter when we heat is around $45. Our bond total was $32,500 at purchase with a 3.75% interest rate making our annual bond payment $1840. With homestead exemption, and a small veteran exemption our total tax bill which includes bond that we just paid was $6500. We relocated from R.I. where everything in that state is much higher in cost compared to our expenses in The Villages, so I guesstimate we are saving +/- $15k/ year. And the bulk of that savings reflects that we had pretty high property taxes and utility costs in R.I., plus we were state taxed % of our Social Security benefits, and all our other retirement incomes streams including my FERS pension was taxed as regular income. Bottom line, if you are coming from a high COL state The Villages will be a less expensive place to live. If you are coming from a low COL state The Villages home prices and expenses for some will be for some people significantly higher. But, one does not need the newest and biggest house to enjoy living in The Villages. And if you ask most who live in older homes in the historic section which many of those residents can afford newer and bigger homes, they will not sell and move because they love their neighborhood and neighbors and that is what is most important when the fairy dust wears off.
Glad you are enjoying your place and that things are working out well. Here, the cost of living is not as high as the Villages (we understand the weather is a big draw there). We live in a modest condo style house and travel to warmer climate in the winter. World renowned doctors and hospitals are near our home which is so important to us. Our summers are short (4 months including Sept), but divine. We experience lake activities, golfing and everything in-between. We enjoy freshly grown vegetables, berries, and fruit. I bought 125 lbs. of fresh blueberries and I'm still eating them; I haven't turned blue, yet. :) This year Oct. was warm. Our winters start in December and we seem to get the heaviest snow fall in Jan. and Feb. There are many grocery and health food stores, community events, and gym facilities. We enjoy our professional and college teams, too. Our friends and family are here as well. We are fortunate to watch our nephew play hockey and in the fall next year, we will be seeing him play at the University level. For us, the trade off is well worth it. It's not perfect, but it's close to being perfect for us. Please continue to enjoy your home and beautiful weather Florida has to offer. It sounds wonderful. :)
@Anthony-ko3ep agree with you. If you have great, helpful & agreeable neighbors, does it matter if you're in a brand new neighborhood or a neighborhood where the homes are 30+ years old. Just my 2 cents.
We live in Village of Woodbury near Nancy Lopez. Our house is all gas. Gas stove, hot water heater and dryer. We paid no bond we have 3 bedroom 2 bath 1400 sq feet. Lots our bigger and streets are wider. Our house was completely redone. New kitchen, bathrooms were gutted and tiled with new cabinets and commodes. Established land scape. We bought October 2023. We are in Marion County. We think our taxes are high $4700 a year we just filed for Homestead. We are hoping that tax bill next year will be $4100. Our home is not big but we bought here for lifestyle not the house.
WE live on Amelia Island Florida, on the Ocean.. I don't care how much it costs to live here (which is 3X + that of The Villages). Living in Paradise is worth every penny, we are not on earth forever folks.. Just walked the puppy on the beach, 75 Degrees, wonderful - Positive thinking people. We are here 16 years , and Never want to go to Westchester County NY again.. Never knew how wonderful live could be. Visited friends in TV last February. Great for some folks, but I need to be near the Ocean. TV has so many activities, which people love. We are more "nature" folks and love the Salt Marshes, Ocean and Lush trees.
Thank you for this awesome, helpful video! We close on our condo on 12/5 and are hightailing it to The Villages before the ink dries. Plan to rent for a month while we look at homes. Your content has been key to our decision-making process. Thank you!
If you do not like hot humid weather, why do you want to live there? I personally love tropical weather, without ac. Lived in Panama, Puerto Rico, Honduras... Miss it all, almost never used ac.😊 Go Army!!
@@professionalinspectionserv9468 its not the same... i lived in Hawaii for 20 years no AC, no problems. Florida doesn't have the cross winds and is overrun with insects, for starters. just a different environment IMO
Love the video as usual 😀 my friend Colleen and I are coming up 11/14-11/17 we are coming for a girls trip to see the Glow light party at Sumter landing on the 15th last time we were there we saw you filming in the Enclave. If we see you thus trip I will DEFINITELY 💯 stop and say Hello 👋
Moving to TV next year. Wondering if you have a video or could do one about maintaining a home and vehicle in a hot humid climate for us northerners. How often does a house need to be repainted? Pressure washing? I hear a roof only lasts 10-15 years 😮 do 30 year shingles mean anything down there? Bug control protocols? Dehumidifier or just AC? Do cars rust fast in central FL? Anything else I wouldn’t know before living there? Thanks. Love your show!
Coming down this June, my friend just bought a house in the Lake Denham area, he's got a bigger lot because he wanted an in ground pool, looking forward to seeing this place.
I think you should have included the total percentage difference from the original estimate you were given as well, as the difference is quite a significant percentage. Good info all around! ☺️
I’ll trade your electric bill with ours…. $540 for just electricity up here in CT…. It is nowhere near as hot here as it is down there in FL. Your water and sewer bills , though, are higher than ours. Very informative video. 👍
We have a Providence(which is basically a stretched seabreeze) on the water. Our bond was only $17,000. Will never move if i can help it. The new bonds just amaze me. Better off looking for a used home with a paid off bond or much lower bond. New is not always better. Costs will only go up, never down.🤔
I was also surprised that my Amenity Fee went up by the month I put a deposit my lot (March) not when we closed on our home (November). Just doesn't make sense since I really didn't own it until I closed.
Could you have negotiated that as part of your purchase agreement? Example - I will begin paying Amenity Fees beginning one day after my closing/purchase date?
@@kal7049we didn't start paying the amenity fee until after we closed. But it goes up annually and our increase month for that is March not November. Which means four months after we closed our amenity fee went up. BTW, nothing is negotiable with The Villages developers.
Are you paying a sewer fee for the water that is used for watering your landscape or filling a pool? That water isn’t going into the sewer system. Or is there a separate meter for the sprinkler system? I’ve seen people pay a water truck company to fill their pool initially to save on the sewer costs.
Yes. Great points that I forgot to mention but will make sure to discuss in a future budget update video. Separate meters and water types/supplies for our potable water we use for our house vs our irrigation for our lawn. Sewer is directly related to how much regular potable water you use. Thanks!
Another awesome, awesome budget comparison! Very helpful in assessing the monthly housing costs in The Villages. Michael, is your occupation in media? You're sure have a great camera presence.
Glad the video is helpful! Thanks so much for the awesome, awesome compliment. Great question! I used to be in broadcast media a long, long, long time ago. Will save that story for a future Q&A video (soonish). Thanks!
Thanks for the great information as always! I currently live near Phoenix so high electric bills don’t scare me 😮. But I keep the temp quite a bit higher than you during the day. We have very low humidity here. Anyway, looking forward to moving to TV in 2025. Cheers, Cindy
Thanks! So glad it was helpful. We have been to Phoenix and Tucson several times during the months of January - April. Love it there that time of year. You will definitely have to adjust to the humidity here in FL during the summer months. Good luck with your move in 25! Keep us posted!
Yeah, the humidity in Florida is a bit scary, but I have spoken to folks from California (where I am from orginally) and other lower humidity states who say you can adjust. At least the we won't get 100 days in a row of temperatures over 100 degrees in TV like we did in Phoenix this year! Take care.
It is used in a lot of developments. I had it back in 1987 in another state but it was also minimal. That said, I don't like it since I think it's a sneaky way of advertising a home costing one amount when it really costs a lot more. Basically like buying a home with an included second mortgage. I've heard some people don't mind it since they feel they will move before it's paid off and can let someone else worry about it, but that isn't true since it often becomes a negotiable item in a resale. In the world of realtors that bond amount, if any, typically isn't stated in a listing. I think that's bad practice.
@@kjisnot Sounds like a shakedown down or under the table tax. Does not appear to be legal only that the buyer agrees to it...and the builders get away with it.
You two are adorable, and very compatible. How is the comparison of your bills to when you were in your home years ago? Did you always have a budget for expenses? Very interesting video, and very helpful for others who are planning on moving there.👏
Awww… 😊🥰 Thank you so much! Great question. Yes we have always had some type of budget tracker for our previous home or when we were full time RVers. We will share more of that info in a future video.
You have a very nice home and the area is awesome but I'm so glad I bought land and built a home free from HOA money pits. After buying a Tesla and adding solar my bills are less than $300 a month not including food.
Thanks so much for sharing your info. Good points for everyone to consider. One of the things we forgot about to mention that even though our electric bills are higher since we have an electric car and golf cart… we actually spend very little on gasoline for our second car/suv. Will probably sell that in the next couple of months and go all electric for our all our vehicles.
That's crazy for property tax. I had a 2000 sqft on an acre in Citrus County and my taxes were 700 a yr. Your electric is average for those months. You might look into a bigger unit.
Great video as usual! Thank you! In Ohio, there is a website that we use to be able to choose the best price for both electric supply and gas supply. They call it "Apples to Apples." Does Florida have a similar program?
Good video! This truly helps to get perspective on the actual cost to live. 4 years and counting before our exodus from the snow belt. I was initially surprised by the electric - but I realized that you charge vehicles instead of purchasing gasoline, so the numbers likely equal out. (There is no free lunch) Between you and the 'newcomers we are researching our future life! Thank you for the open and honest content.
No those costs are all extra. We spend about $150 per month on our internet and UA-cam TV streaming service per month. Plus we have extra costs for Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. We will share all of those additional costs in our next budget update video. Thanks!
Not all of the north is purely electric. There is gas on the Lopez side. Simply telling you this because you are searching for a new home. If gas is your preference, it is available in many older homes.
Neither of us are in accounting. 🤫 Don’t tell anyone but we may have used a calculator to figure out the percentages before we started recording the video. Thanks!
Thank you for the helpful information. I do not see how they can charge you for services water, sewer and irrigation not used. Sounds like a ransom. Plus typically across the US water and sewer are one bill. You use the water, it goes down to the sewer... Sounds like double billing. Is there a meter on sewage? I am interested in Florida but it is no longer app3ars cost or retiree affordable. Unless you come from $$$. The last thing, do 55 plus folks only want to hang out with old folks? I like diversity, 55 + may not be my thing? Thanks again. 😊 Go Army!!
do you actually send out a payment for these things monthly or, are they just pulled from an account that you have for these costs? or do you get a quarterly invoice?
Great question! We get all of our bills electronically (monthly for all of our utilities and amenity fee) and we have everything set up for automatic bill pay. Will make sure to discuss that in a future update video. Thanks!
Just wondering, did you lose or make $ on your driving camper? I don’t need to know the amount of $. I feel your very thoughtful on your channel and others know you both are still employed full-time.
So my aunt and uncle bought their home in Amelia years ago (maybe about 20ish) and my uncle used to brag all the time how much money they were saving in FL vs. western NY. But in the last couple of years he's complained about how much everything especially insurance has gone through the roof. Do you guys find it's more or less affordable then Charlotte NC? I get the impression FL has become so expensive since covid with so many ppl flocking there. I used to live in Tampa and Orlando, rented and thought it was stupid expensive...and that was before covid haha. I would love to live in TV some day. But the budget is pretty scary.
@@MichaelTiffanyTVE great..our neighbors just closed in a new home on Karen Gardner way in the new section in shady brook I believe it is. Thanks for all of the great information in your videos!
That is an excellent point and question! Yes we also have a gas SUV as our second car that we may be selling soon. We spend a lot less on gasoline now. Will make sure to mention that in a future video. Thanks!
Great point! We spend very little on gasoline for our second car/suv. We will factor that in and make sure to share in our next budget update video. Thanks!
over budget ! Our considers sewer and water together , $30.00 ( 2 people ) , trash $40.00 a month every 2 months, Power $120.00. Our HOA $110.00 a years it will be less when they sell rest of homes. Now the homes starts at $560K - $670K ( I am ONLY speaking about our subdivision. Our home is 17 years old and paid off . Other Subdivisions $600K - 1 Million Dollars+. We like it here and our neighbors are All ages , but you hardly see the children. Weather in the 50's day , 40's night !!!! brr
We have seco in a courtyard and paid $133 for October. Now we keep it at 77 all day and 71 overnight when we go to bed. Gas was $37 from Leesburg. Btw we’re in Moultrie
Hi great informative video...I agree ,gas , electricity and taxes high where ever you live..We have to run our gas heat high for my partner in the winter months in Toronto.. As there are so many resales currently in the villages you may find a real nice deal.. On the flip side , I wonder if you worry about selling your house in the current market ? You two are infectiously positive, engaging folks!! Cheers..
Well. Michael, My wife and I are in our 70's! I have told my wife I do not want to buy or own another house when I am 72 years Old! Of course statistics have tracked and said that I will meet my Lord long before my wife will! So, do I push to move to a warmer place and leave our 3 sons and 4 granchildren up in the North East Ohio Area?
@@davidoverholt251 My story. 7 years ago I moved to Columbus to be close to my son & grandchild. Then my other son moved here. I’m in my 70’s and it is wonderful that they are only 10 minutes away when I have a medical issue. My parents lived in Barefoot Bay near Melbourne and when they were hospitalized it was a struggle to get there. I had to move my mother back north at 84 because she could no longer live alone. My thoughts are take vacations when that lake snow falls and stay close to family.
Hi David! Thanks for sharing! Great points that we all must take in to consideration. We only have one son and no grandchildren yet. But… if/when we do we will have a hard decision to make. Tiffany and I are both only children and both of my parents have passed. Tiffany’s parents live in FL just a couple of hours south of us. We are trying to convince our son to move to FL so we can all be closer together. He is coming for an extended visit for the holidays very soon.
Every new development has a Bond ! The bond is the cost of installing the roads, retention, sewer and water. I some states, that cost is just added as part of the home price.
I was just at Sunset Ridge helping my Mom budget her money after Dad just passed. She was really worried as Dad took care of all their financials. Your channel will help a lot of people understand how far, or not far, their money will go.
So glad I live in a 1991 Designer in an older section. I’ve completely remodeled (shhh). No bond. Garbage is in my taxes. No irrigation. No district maintenance fee. I can pay around $125 for my all electric home. I rarely use heat, but my hot tub is always on. My amenities fee remains under $175 (started at $145). I’m never moving.
Nice video. Very informative. Tiffany love your smile! Thank you for tracking and sharing
Thanks so much! Glad you found it helpful.
Great content - keep up the good work!
Thank you!
Great info all around. Love the reminder that this development spreads across several counties and things are a little different from county to county, The fact that you are wanting to buy and stay there says a lot. Thank you!
We're glad you found it helpful! We really love living here!
First of all Michael and Tiffany, I love your videos! I started researching The Villages months ago from here in California by watching UA-cam videos by various vloggers and ugh to most of them but I’ve really become kinda addicted to watching the two of you. You’re both a delight and it’s been amazing to follow your journey. I really love your honesty and transparency on everything. It’s also nice to see people that live there that don’t look old which can be depressing to see in other videos( even though I’m 61 I feel like I can’t relate to old folks! I guess it’s called denial when you actually are old😂) anyway, I’m going to be in Florida for a wedding next month and I’m determined to drive to the Villages and see all I can see in 24 hours staying at The Waterfront Inn. Any suggestions on what to see really fast on a Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon 12/9-10? I’ll be there with my boyfriend. Thanks again for the awesome videos , we will be watching your journey 😊
Yvonne - Skygirl313
Tiffany and Michael! I love this channel..... but particularly grateful for this in-depth analysis of the cost of living in The Villages. Thanks!!!!
Awesomeness! We are so glad you enjoyed it! We are always looking for ways to help our awesome, awesome community! Thanks!
I love the cost comparison. I own a condo in Phoenix. Not in a retirement community but rather in walking distance to Costco, Whole foods, gyms and numerous exercise facilities. I've toured some of the over 45 communities but I'm not ready yet. I own a 900sq foot 2/2 first floor with patio in a gated community. About $350k to purchase. I keep a detailed spreadsheet with all costs to own my condo. I do not have a mortgage. The last 12 months floating are $8,270 includes things like HOA, Insurance, Taxes, Cable, Wifi, and electric. I've owned here for 14 years and the HOA has not quite doubled but insurance has more than doubled. I like that there is not a profit center so my costs don't increase much.
Love the video the transparency it really helps
Awesomeness! Glad it is helpful! Thanks for letting us know.
We can't wait to live there. Great video
We have a 1705 square foot Avondale model courtyard villa built in 2022 in St. Johns, and we keep the temp at 72-73 in the hot months and our highest electric bill was this past August which was $200. This may have to do with our home being poured concrete, plus it faces east and our front is pretty shielded from the sun so we really only get direct sun in the back in the afternoon and we keep our blinds closed. We don't use our oven much so our gas bill even in the winter when we heat is around $45. Our bond total was $32,500 at purchase with a 3.75% interest rate making our annual bond payment $1840. With homestead exemption, and a small veteran exemption our total tax bill which includes bond that we just paid was $6500. We relocated from R.I. where everything in that state is much higher in cost compared to our expenses in The Villages, so I guesstimate we are saving +/- $15k/ year. And the bulk of that savings reflects that we had pretty high property taxes and utility costs in R.I., plus we were state taxed % of our Social Security benefits, and all our other retirement incomes streams including my FERS pension was taxed as regular income. Bottom line, if you are coming from a high COL state The Villages will be a less expensive place to live. If you are coming from a low COL state The Villages home prices and expenses for some will be for some people significantly higher. But, one does not need the newest and biggest house to enjoy living in The Villages. And if you ask most who live in older homes in the historic section which many of those residents can afford newer and bigger homes, they will not sell and move because they love their neighborhood and neighbors and that is what is most important when the fairy dust wears off.
It seems complicated to be happy and satisfied.
👍 Thanks for sharing your detailed budget breakdown! It's great to see how different home types, lifestyle choices and locations impact costs.
Your last sentence says it all.
Glad you are enjoying your place and that things are working out well. Here, the cost of living is not as high as the Villages (we understand the weather is a big draw there). We live in a modest condo style house and travel to warmer climate in the winter. World renowned doctors and hospitals are near our home which is so important to us. Our summers are short (4 months including Sept), but divine. We experience lake activities, golfing and everything in-between. We enjoy freshly grown vegetables, berries, and fruit. I bought 125 lbs. of fresh blueberries and I'm still eating them; I haven't turned blue, yet. :) This year Oct. was warm. Our winters start in December and we seem to get the heaviest snow fall in Jan. and Feb. There are many grocery and health food stores, community events, and gym facilities. We enjoy our professional and college teams, too. Our friends and family are here as well. We are fortunate to watch our nephew play hockey and in the fall next year, we will be seeing him play at the University level. For us, the trade off is well worth it. It's not perfect, but it's close to being perfect for us. Please continue to enjoy your home and beautiful weather Florida has to offer. It sounds wonderful. :)
@Anthony-ko3ep agree with you. If you have great, helpful & agreeable neighbors, does it matter if you're in a brand new neighborhood or a neighborhood where the homes are 30+ years old. Just my 2 cents.
Thank You both for the very important information. It helps anyone thinking about moving there.
You’re welcome! We are so glad it was helpful! Thanks!
Thanks for your videos! You are appreciated. I’m planning to retire to The Villages in 3-5 years ❤
Absolutely! Thanks so much! We are so glad you enjoyed the video and find it helpful. Good luck with your move in the next few years. Keep us updated!
We live in Village of Woodbury near Nancy Lopez. Our house is all gas. Gas stove, hot water heater and dryer. We paid no bond we have 3 bedroom 2 bath 1400 sq feet. Lots our bigger and streets are wider. Our house was completely redone. New kitchen, bathrooms were gutted and tiled with new cabinets and commodes. Established land scape. We bought October 2023. We are in Marion County. We think our taxes are high $4700 a year we just filed for Homestead. We are hoping that tax bill next year will be $4100. Our home is not big but we bought here for lifestyle not the house.
👍 Thanks for sharing your experience, expenses and info with us! We just ate at Nancy Lopez Legacy for dinner the other night.
WE live on Amelia Island Florida, on the Ocean.. I don't care how much it costs to live here (which is 3X + that of The Villages). Living in Paradise is worth every penny, we are not on earth forever folks.. Just walked the puppy on the beach, 75 Degrees, wonderful - Positive thinking people. We are here 16 years , and Never want to go to Westchester County NY again.. Never knew how wonderful live could be. Visited friends in TV last February. Great for some folks, but I need to be near the Ocean.
TV has so many activities, which people love. We are more "nature" folks and love the Salt Marshes, Ocean and Lush trees.
I’m in a SC beach town. Love it, but I just die a lifestyle visit to Villages and I would rather be there.
Thank you for this awesome, helpful video! We close on our condo on 12/5 and are hightailing it to The Villages before the ink dries. Plan to rent for a month while we look at homes. Your content has been key to our decision-making process. Thank you!
Congratulations and we are so glad the video helped! Best of luck with the move! Keep us posted! Thanks!
Great update. We just bought a home in the Atwood Villas. All electric. And no bond!
Awesomeness! Congrats on your new home! 👍 Good luck with your move!
If you do not like hot humid weather, why do you want to live there? I personally love tropical weather, without ac. Lived in Panama, Puerto Rico, Honduras... Miss it all, almost never used ac.😊 Go Army!!
@@professionalinspectionserv9468 its not the same... i lived in Hawaii for 20 years no AC, no problems. Florida doesn't have the cross winds and is overrun with insects, for starters. just a different environment IMO
I wouldn't doubt that you are over budget! Can't wait to watch and find out. Love, love love your videos!!!!
Great guess! 👍 Glad you love our videos! Thanks!
Great break down, as a person who is looking forward to moving to the Villages in the next 4 years your video's are very informative.
Awesomeness! We’re so glad it’s helpful! Thanks!
Moultrie creek is $30000 bond
Very well done 👏 ✔️ 👍
Great video you two xx
Thanks so much! We’re glad you liked it!
Thanks for the show. Love your decor.
So informative for someone wanting to move to TVs. Thank you.
So glad that it is helpful! Great seeing you again at the 5K and our first official Meetup last weekend! Thanks!
Love the video as usual 😀 my friend Colleen and I are coming up 11/14-11/17 we are coming for a girls trip to see the Glow light party at Sumter landing on the 15th last time we were there we saw you filming in the Enclave. If we see you thus trip I will DEFINITELY 💯 stop and say Hello 👋
So glad you enjoyed the video! That sounds like a fun trip! Definitely say hello if you see us out and about. Thanks!
It’s refreshing to hear people say they’re going to live to be 110. 😎😎😎
Very helpful! Thx for all your efforts!
We are so glad you found it helpful! Thanks!
Moving to TV next year. Wondering if you have a video or could do one about maintaining a home and vehicle in a hot humid climate for us northerners. How often does a house need to be repainted? Pressure washing? I hear a roof only lasts 10-15 years 😮 do 30 year shingles mean anything down there? Bug control protocols? Dehumidifier or just AC? Do cars rust fast in central FL? Anything else I wouldn’t know before living there? Thanks. Love your show!
Pressure washing about 3-4 years Painting you will know but figure 12-15 years Roofs around 15-20 years average. No problems with cars
Coming down this June, my friend just bought a house in the Lake Denham area, he's got a bigger lot because he wanted an in ground pool, looking forward to seeing this place.
Awesome Awesome video guys!! Thanks for the info.
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!
Another great video! Thanks for sharing.
Awesomeness! Glad it was helpful! Thanks!
Always enjoy your vlogs..❤
Well said. Great comment
Thanks! 👍
I think you should have included the total percentage difference from the original estimate you were given as well, as the difference is quite a significant percentage. Good info all around! ☺️
I’ll trade your electric bill with ours…. $540 for just electricity up here in CT…. It is nowhere near as hot here as it is down there in FL. Your water and sewer bills , though, are higher than ours. Very informative video. 👍
Awesome awesome - love love love this video!!! It really does give us an idea if we will go for early early retirement!!!
We’re so glad this video was helpful for you! Good luck with your early retirement goals! Keep us posted! Thanks!
Absolutely will !
I been looking for your Rv videos didn’t realize y’all stop. Did you guys sell your rv? Good luck with this channel. I will be watching.
Awesomeness! So glad you found our new channel. Yes, we sold our RV a few months ago and also one of our 2 RV lots. Thanks so much for reaching out!
Thank you for great info and all your fun videos! We are about a year out from moving there.
Awesome! Glad you found it helpful! Good luck with your move in the next year! Keep us posted!
We have a Providence(which is basically a stretched seabreeze) on the water. Our bond was only $17,000. Will never move if i can help it. The new bonds just amaze me. Better off looking for a used home with a paid off bond or much lower bond. New is not always better. Costs will only go up, never down.🤔
I was also surprised that my Amenity Fee went up by the month I put a deposit my lot (March) not when we closed on our home (November). Just doesn't make sense since I really didn't own it until I closed.
Could you have negotiated that as part of your purchase agreement? Example - I will begin paying Amenity Fees beginning one day after my closing/purchase date?
Us too! Not that big of a an increase this year but something for everyone to consider. Thanks!
@@kal7049we didn't start paying the amenity fee until after we closed. But it goes up annually and our increase month for that is March not November. Which means four months after we closed our amenity fee went up. BTW, nothing is negotiable with The Villages developers.
Thank you for sharing your awesome budget!!!!
Absolutely! Our pleasure! Good to hear from you! Thanks!
How about putting the numbers up on a white board as you go along
very informative and helpful. Thanks for your openess
Awesomeness! We’re so glad you found it helpful! Thanks!
Are you paying a sewer fee for the water that is used for watering your landscape or filling a pool? That water isn’t going into the sewer system. Or is there a separate meter for the sprinkler system? I’ve seen people pay a water truck company to fill their pool initially to save on the sewer costs.
Yes. Great points that I forgot to mention but will make sure to discuss in a future budget update video. Separate meters and water types/supplies for our potable water we use for our house vs our irrigation for our lawn. Sewer is directly related to how much regular potable water you use. Thanks!
Thanks great to meet you guys
Thanks! Great meeting you too!
Another awesome, awesome budget comparison! Very helpful in assessing the monthly housing costs in The Villages. Michael, is your occupation in media? You're sure have a great camera presence.
Glad the video is helpful! Thanks so much for the awesome, awesome compliment. Great question! I used to be in broadcast media a long, long, long time ago. Will save that story for a future Q&A video (soonish). Thanks!
@@MichaelTiffanyTVE I look forward to your videos. Great, a Q&A would be greatly appreciated by your subscribers.
Thanks for the great information as always! I currently live near Phoenix so high electric bills don’t scare me 😮. But I keep the temp quite a bit higher than you during the day. We have very low humidity here. Anyway, looking forward to moving to TV in 2025. Cheers, Cindy
Thanks! So glad it was helpful. We have been to Phoenix and Tucson several times during the months of January - April. Love it there that time of year. You will definitely have to adjust to the humidity here in FL during the summer months. Good luck with your move in 25! Keep us posted!
Yeah, the humidity in Florida is a bit scary, but I have spoken to folks from California (where I am from orginally) and other lower humidity states who say you can adjust. At least the we won't get 100 days in a row of temperatures over 100 degrees in TV like we did in Phoenix this year! Take care.
Tiffany you look so pretty today.
🥰 Thank you!
Question, why is the builder not paying for the bond? Typically done accross the US. Thanks for the information.
It is used in a lot of developments. I had it back in 1987 in another state but it was also minimal. That said, I don't like it since I think it's a sneaky way of advertising a home costing one amount when it really costs a lot more. Basically like buying a home with an included second mortgage. I've heard some people don't mind it since they feel they will move before it's paid off and can let someone else worry about it, but that isn't true since it often becomes a negotiable item in a resale. In the world of realtors that bond amount, if any, typically isn't stated in a listing. I think that's bad practice.
@@kjisnot Sounds like a shakedown down or under the table tax. Does not appear to be legal only that the buyer agrees to it...and the builders get away with it.
Thank You Both
Absolutely! Our pleasure! Thanks!
You two are adorable, and very compatible. How is the comparison of your bills to when you were in your home years ago? Did you always have a budget for expenses? Very interesting video, and very helpful for others who are planning on moving there.👏
Awww… 😊🥰 Thank you so much! Great question. Yes we have always had some type of budget tracker for our previous home or when we were full time RVers. We will share more of that info in a future video.
Thanks for the info.
Our pleasure! Thanks!
😂We have a 1450 Sq ft cottage in Lady Lake on Duke Power my October electric bill was $80.53 we enjoy our A/C and our home is totally electric.
You have a very nice home and the area is awesome but I'm so glad I bought land and built a home free from HOA money pits. After buying a Tesla and adding solar my bills are less than $300 a month not including food.
Thanks so much for sharing your info. Good points for everyone to consider. One of the things we forgot about to mention that even though our electric bills are higher since we have an electric car and golf cart… we actually spend very little on gasoline for our second car/suv. Will probably sell that in the next couple of months and go all electric for our all our vehicles.
That's crazy for property tax. I had a 2000 sqft on an acre in Citrus County and my taxes were 700 a yr.
Your electric is average for those months. You might look into a bigger unit.
Great video as usual! Thank you! In Ohio, there is a website that we use to be able to choose the best price for both electric supply and gas supply. They call it "Apples to Apples." Does Florida have a similar program?
Thanks for the info! Not sure about FL but we will look into it and find out and make sure to share in a future video.
Good video! This truly helps to get perspective on the actual cost to live. 4 years and counting before our exodus from the snow belt. I was initially surprised by the electric - but I realized that you charge vehicles instead of purchasing gasoline, so the numbers likely equal out. (There is no free lunch) Between you and the 'newcomers we are researching our future life! Thank you for the open and honest content.
Love the video. The Villages are on are radar for retirement house. Would love tracker.
What is the cost of cable tv and internet. Are they part of your HOA fees since you don’t mention it.
No those costs are all extra. We spend about $150 per month on our internet and UA-cam TV streaming service per month. Plus we have extra costs for Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.
We will share all of those additional costs in our next budget update video. Thanks!
Not all of the north is purely electric. There is gas on the Lopez side. Simply telling you this because you are searching for a new home. If gas is your preference, it is available in many older homes.
Good to know! We will keep that in mind as we search for our next home. Thanks!
I asked you about the vinyl siding months ago. No concerns on your vinyl siding . Not much protection when the winds come howling!!!!
No issues for us, so far.
Hi folks! What about cost of landscaping/lawn care?
We pay about $50 per month. We will include that in our 1 year Total Cost review video. Thanks!
Tiffany, the way you quickly figure the percentage difference on each item you must be in accounting or math.
Neither of us are in accounting. 🤫 Don’t tell anyone but we may have used a calculator to figure out the percentages before we started recording the video. Thanks!
Very informative video, since patio villas are in my price range. Which company do you have for your homeowner's insurance?
Thanks for sharing a breakdown? Do you have a solar panel roof to help subsidize your electricity usage?
I think ill stay in SE Missouri!!!!
you should stay in MO... and freeze your A off too.
Thanks for the update. What do you estimate for charging the Tesla?
Thank you for the helpful information. I do not see how they can charge you for services water, sewer and irrigation not used. Sounds like a ransom. Plus typically across the US water and sewer are one bill. You use the water, it goes down to the sewer... Sounds like double billing. Is there a meter on sewage? I am interested in Florida but it is no longer app3ars cost or retiree affordable. Unless you come from $$$. The last thing, do 55 plus folks only want to hang out with old folks? I like diversity, 55 + may not be my thing? Thanks again. 😊 Go Army!!
do you actually send out a payment for these things monthly or, are they just pulled from an account that you have for these costs? or do you get a quarterly invoice?
Great question! We get all of our bills electronically (monthly for all of our utilities and amenity fee) and we have everything set up for automatic bill pay. Will make sure to discuss that in a future update video. Thanks!
We looked at homes this summer as the bond is really jumping up on new homes.
The bonds are getting very, very expensive for the new homes. Hopefully that will level off or come down in the future.
We are building a premier home in shady brook. Bond is 45K
Congratulations! Good luck with your build process. Keep us updated! Thanks!
I would never live in a place that has so many restrictions. That's it!
Just wondering, did you lose or make $ on your driving camper? I don’t need to know the amount of $. I feel your very thoughtful on your channel and others know you both are still employed full-time.
Definitely over!
Great guess! 👍 Thanks!
solar and powerwalls may help.
So my aunt and uncle bought their home in Amelia years ago (maybe about 20ish) and my uncle used to brag all the time how much money they were saving in FL vs. western NY. But in the last couple of years he's complained about how much everything especially insurance has gone through the roof. Do you guys find it's more or less affordable then Charlotte NC? I get the impression FL has become so expensive since covid with so many ppl flocking there. I used to live in Tampa and Orlando, rented and thought it was stupid expensive...and that was before covid haha. I would love to live in TV some day. But the budget is pretty scary.
So costs in NY have not gone up? Cost have gone up everywhere. Just living in Western NY is a nightmare in the 6 months of winter !
Why buy when you can rent for 3-4 months for same $13,000 a year , dec-mar
What is the spread sheet you use
Google Sheets. We use that because it is free for everyone to use and we can share it easily. You just have to have a Google account. Thanks!
Are you allowed to install solar panels?
Great question! Yes. We don’t have solar but we have seen several houses with solar panels. Thanks!
@@MichaelTiffanyTVE great..our neighbors just closed in a new home on Karen Gardner way in the new section in shady brook I believe it is. Thanks for all of the great information in your videos!
Electric increased. You have a EV car and golf cart. Did your gasoline costs decrease?
That is an excellent point and question! Yes we also have a gas SUV as our second car that we may be selling soon. We spend a lot less on gasoline now. Will make sure to mention that in a future video. Thanks!
Wow!! No state income tax but the developer sure knows how to raise and tax everything else. What exactly does your taxes include???
Over!!
Great guess! 👍 Thanks!
Solar?
You use more electricity because of car and cart, but you're saving some not purchasing gas
Great point! We spend very little on gasoline for our second car/suv. We will factor that in and make sure to share in our next budget update video. Thanks!
over budget !
Our considers sewer and water together , $30.00 ( 2 people ) ,
trash $40.00 a month every 2 months, Power $120.00. Our HOA $110.00 a years it will be less when they sell rest of homes.
Now the homes starts at $560K - $670K ( I am ONLY speaking about our subdivision. Our home is 17 years old and paid off .
Other Subdivisions $600K - 1 Million Dollars+. We like it here and our neighbors are All ages , but you hardly see the children.
Weather in the 50's day , 40's night !!!! brr
👍 Very good guess! Thanks for sharing your info with us!
I will take a north home. New construction is overrated.
We have seco in a courtyard and paid $133 for October. Now we keep it at 77 all day and 71 overnight when we go to bed. Gas was $37 from Leesburg. Btw we’re in Moultrie
That’s great to know! Thanks so much for sharing your information.
I would think a designer of veranda budget of $2k a month would be a good start. I doubt $1481. is a realistic #.
Thanks! We will make sure to track and share our expenses when we move to our next home type here at TV.
Chitty Chatty has Duke as the electric company.
You have such a nice home in a nice area, why do you want to move?
Good question! Will share more info in future videos. Thanks!
Hi great informative video...I agree ,gas , electricity and taxes high where ever you live..We have to run our gas heat high for my partner in the winter months in Toronto.. As there are so many resales currently in the villages you may find a real nice deal.. On the flip side , I wonder if you worry about selling your house in the current market ? You two are infectiously positive, engaging folks!! Cheers..
Wow, you are paying $1452 a year for your Patio Villa? It might be time to shop around. I am paying less than that for a designer home.
Over priced houses...in a swamp...i dont think so
Lucky us! We are comfortable with AC at 82 deg. That way, most evenings we turn off the AC and open the patio door.
Well. Michael, My wife and I are in our 70's! I have told my wife I do not want to buy or own another house when I am 72 years Old! Of course statistics have tracked and said that I will meet my Lord long before my wife will! So, do I push to move to a warmer place and leave our 3 sons and 4 granchildren up in the North East Ohio Area?
@@davidoverholt251 My story. 7 years ago I moved to Columbus to be close to my son & grandchild. Then my other son moved here. I’m in my 70’s and it is wonderful that they are only 10 minutes away when I have a medical issue. My parents lived in Barefoot Bay near Melbourne and when they were hospitalized it was a struggle to get there. I had to move my mother back north at 84 because she could no longer live alone. My thoughts are take vacations when that lake snow falls and stay close to family.
Hi David! Thanks for sharing! Great points that we all must take in to consideration. We only have one son and no grandchildren yet. But… if/when we do we will have a hard decision to make. Tiffany and I are both only children and both of my parents have passed. Tiffany’s parents live in FL just a couple of hours south of us. We are trying to convince our son to move to FL so we can all be closer together. He is coming for an extended visit for the holidays very soon.
No, just travel w all of the family to FL a few times a year. I’d never leave our children......especially grandkids.
Over budget is my guess before viewing the video
Great guess! 👍 Thanks!
Over?
Great guess! 👍 Thanks!
The bond is the reason I didn’t buy in the villages.
Every new development has a Bond ! The bond is the cost of installing the roads, retention, sewer and water. I some states, that cost is just added as part of the home price.