We don’t mind our laminate countertops. It kept the price of our home very reasonable for a 4/3 veranda model. We were able to pay cash because of that, and can update it in the future. Ours is very pretty and looks just like granite. Also, our home that was built in 2022 came with blinds on all windows, and ceiling fans in all rooms including two in lanai. Too bad they stopped including these items.
Having retired from my job where I built a variety of laminate, solid surface and wood countertops in a variety of shapes and sizes, I can undestand some dislike for laminate countertops. There are a lot of new colors and textures available in laminate. And the cost difference begins with the materials. a 1/2" x 30" x 144" sheet of solid surface will cost approx $600 plus other material will well exceed the cost of a laminate top. And the is a lot more labor involved in solid surface, for example a 5' vanity top would take 3 hours to build but a the same size top in solid surface could take 5 hours.
@@classicsciencefictionhorro1665 You’re entitled to your opinion of course, but we moved from a home in Calif with gorgeous granite countertops, and we’ll change to that again (hate quartz), but in the meantime we’re quite happy with our current counters. So there, haha.
I sincerely appreciate what appears to be your fair-balanced review. It's important to have realistic expectations as we consider a move to The Villages. Your honesty will definitely lead to much less frustration on our part if we make that big decision.
Here’s my major gripe. NOISE! From contractors. Grass cutters. Landscapers. Pool contractors. It’s never-ending down here in the new sections south of Route 44 (Newell, Lake Denham, Dabney). Six days a week of noise, each and every week. It’s why I pray for rain, heavy rain, to keep these noisy contractors away. It’s no way to spend your retirement years, dealing with excessive noise every day but Sunday.
I agree with all your cons except that the architecture review committee has a stronghold over residents. If TV did not have standards, it would not be as beautiful as it is.
Great video. Thanks so much for offering a different perspective. It’s important to get a full rounded view when making a move anywhere. Enjoyed your post and have subscribed!
Thank you! I think it’s important to know different perspectives from people that actively live here. Again, I LOVE where I live, and appreciate you subscribing!
Do you live in The Villages? If so, are you part of the 20% under 55? The reason I ask is because some things you mentioned are not concerns to people buying their retirement home. Many people are looking to keep their expenses low, so that they have more money to travel or spend on other things. It doesn’t apply to me, but as a full time Villagers for 3 years, I know that there are people with different expectations than mine. Just wondered. Good luck to you in your business!
May I ask what items you felt were not that relevant? I appreciate the feedback and definitely want to show as many sides of living here as possible. Thank you for watching!
@TheVillagesHomestyle A lot of people are under the impression that they can’t afford to live here. Some people like the fact that they can buy homes with vinyl flooring or Formica countertops, if that’s an available lower end option. Many people are not looking for their retirement home to be their dream home. They may have already had that. I have met many people in different situations. The beauty of The Villages is that there’s something for everyone.
@@oceandreamer1958 I understand that perspective, and really appreciate you clarifying ! But you are absolutely right, there is something here for everyone! Thank you so much for sticking around and having this discussion 😊
Thanks for the video. We are considering moving there and visited recently. We were happy to see 18 holes pitch-&-putt courses, but the tees mats are very hard and rough on the arms and shoulders. Also, they book up very quickly and we always had to play with others. I’m wondering, is there a counsel of residents that meets regularly with the association to discuss concerns and suggestions?
The undersized squatty upper kitchen cabinets are flat out DREADFUL! The volume ceilings are outdated and do not appeal to younger retirees. Wish they offered tall flat ceilings that allows for ceiling crown molding. The volume ceilings along with the floating cheap looking kitchen cabinetry is a no-go.
@@geena331 - I was told by my Villages sales rep that only the premier series has flat ceilings. I would love for her to be wrong. Do you know of a designer series home that has flat ceilings?
@@TheHoppeslMy daughter lives in Middleton and she has tall flat ceilings and tall doors and windows to go with those high ceilings. The model is Home Run. Her home is featured on the Street of Dreams where you can tour it furnished in person. The Villages is offering newer model homes now. There are also several other models that offer the same. BTW--I don't have all flat ceilings, they vary per room but most are standard 10' and I have crowne molding in my foyer and living room. Hope this helps you!
Part of the over crowding of various activities in The Villages are one, poor planning by the management and design staff. But added to that is outsiders can come in and use many of the areas perks, aka shopping, eating and live shows. This open door policy destroys the original idea of the 55 and old retirement community. I believe the open door policy is simply greed on the parts of The Villages owners. Also letting developers who buy homes and condos to use as renters, brings in people who do not fit into the 55 and old community vibe. New home buyers not being able to purchase a home from a floor plan and help customize their new home, I think is because the home builders are only interested in pumping out track homes as quickly as they can with little regard to class or quality. I hope the owners of The Villages get their act together before this wonderful adult Disneyland become just a memory.
The new homes are built with low-grade products, so sad. Then you, out of pocket, pay for what should be included in your home price. You're better off seeking out homes people are selling.❤ Don't seek out new❤
The builder hasn't been using rolled vinyl flooring for a long time. The flooring is most often found now is laminate vinyl plank which is great. It can also be easily removed if someone wants to change it. It's better not to have the cheap, boring ceiling fans pre-installed by the builder, that way buyers can select the ceiling fans they prefer and can be easily installed.
I do have to disagree about the flooring, it’s in a fair amount of the homes found around the Sawgrass area which was built between 2021-2022. But I appreciate your comment and input about fans!
@@Mar712-hz5uz I see your point, I have buyers looking on the resale market for homes built recently, when they see the rolled vinyl, they typically are disappointed.
Really don’t like these new homes not having fans. You can say they are easy to install but not when you have any kind of physical disability like arthritis. So besides buying fans, you need to pay someone to install them. Gets to be an expensive proposition.I would think most retired. People would want to have that stuff taken care of by the builder.
All legitimate issues. Finding the answers to them seems to be much more difficult for the developer. I especially don’t like the idea of paying the amenity fee and being shut out of virtually everything you try to attend.
People need to volunteer to conduct activities/classes in the new area. Instructors aren’t paid (except in the Enrichment Academy) so unless new residents step up there will never be enough classes. As for stores, having spent my career in retail, I can tell you the stores only come after the buildout. They have to be assured they can be profitable.
Your concerns about new homes are true everywhere and not unique to TV. I bought a newly built condo up north as a snowbird and it did not have lights or blinds . . . had to add post-closing. Also, a lot of people moving to TV are downsizing and simplifying life so they do not want a lot of upgrades and cost especially if it is just a southern snow bird home.
791 Fenwick Loop, by Bonifay Country Club & Sarasota Executive Golf Course. This home is currently for sale 😊 There is another video on my page, titled Million Dollar View in The Villages that features this home.
According to the ex president our economy is terrible but yet you’re complaining about flat wall paint and noise…thank you to all of us retired carpenters / construction workers who have been listening to this kind of talk all of our working lives. Maybe we should go back to 2005 ish era when a person couldn’t find a job even at McDonald’s!
It sounds like the planning could have been better. I would not want to have to line up early to be able to participate in an activity. I also don’t like the idea of impatient drivers. If you’re retired, you should be able to relax a little and be more considerate and patient, rather than being a hazard on the road that leaves people agitated and unhappy.
If only the worst issue the world faced was, "oh, I so wish our lovely little village was ONLY for 55 and older. How dare they allow outsiders to spend money here." 🙄Meanwhile, I'm over here fighting to save the lives of people like you (and even actually some of you) so you can go back home to complain about me grabbing some Piesano's on my way home, and how offended you are that the realtor looks too young to be living there. Some people need some perspective and a remedial class in manners.
Well, keeping the general public out of these venues, would make a huge difference. The retirees are paying for these venues and yet the public is able to walk in for free and take up a lot of the spaces being literally paid for by the residents.
It is funded by tax payers as well, just like the roads in TV. If we had fully private gates then the roads would be privately funded and more likely that the maintenance or bond payments would increase significantly to cover that difference.
I enjoyed this video; thanks for posting a truthful video. We lived there for 5yr. If you’re a golfer, great ! But this place is so false and verges on embarrassing. You ARE controlled even if you don’t think you are; I hated this. It’s a place that wants you to join in actually stop thinking as an adult. It’s the Truman Show, Stepford and Cocoon all rolled into one. Glad we moved out and started to live again as normal humans.
We don’t mind our laminate countertops. It kept the price of our home very reasonable for a 4/3 veranda model. We were able to pay cash because of that, and can update it in the future. Ours is very pretty and looks just like granite. Also, our home that was built in 2022 came with blinds on all windows, and ceiling fans in all rooms including two in lanai. Too bad they stopped including these items.
Having retired from my job where I built a variety of laminate, solid surface and wood countertops in a variety of shapes and sizes, I can undestand some dislike for laminate countertops. There are a lot of new colors and textures available in laminate. And the cost difference begins with the materials. a 1/2" x 30" x 144" sheet of solid surface will cost approx $600 plus other material will well exceed the cost of a laminate top. And the is a lot more labor involved in solid surface, for example a 5' vanity top would take 3 hours to build but a the same size top in solid surface could take 5 hours.
FYI, design secret: any material made to look like a more expensive material is cheap and tacky.
@@classicsciencefictionhorro1665 You’re entitled to your opinion of course, but we moved from a home in Calif with gorgeous granite countertops, and we’ll change to that again (hate quartz), but in the meantime we’re quite happy with our current counters. So there, haha.
*All great suggestions.* Most sound like they have reasonable solutions! Very informative. Thank you for being so concise! I'm subscribing!
Thank you! Glad to have you around!
I sincerely appreciate what appears to be your fair-balanced review. It's important to have realistic expectations as we consider a move to The Villages. Your honesty will definitely lead to much less frustration on our part if we make that big decision.
Here’s my major gripe. NOISE! From contractors. Grass cutters. Landscapers. Pool contractors. It’s never-ending down here in the new sections south of Route 44 (Newell, Lake Denham, Dabney). Six days a week of noise, each and every week. It’s why I pray for rain, heavy rain, to keep these noisy contractors away. It’s no way to spend your retirement years, dealing with excessive noise every day but Sunday.
I agree with all your cons except that the architecture review committee has a stronghold over residents. If TV did not have standards, it would not be as beautiful as it is.
Great video. Thanks so much for offering a different perspective. It’s important to get a full rounded view when making a move anywhere. Enjoyed your post and have subscribed!
Thank you! I think it’s important to know different perspectives from people that actively live here. Again, I LOVE where I live, and appreciate you subscribing!
I'm glad you mentioned about the rock landscaping restriction. We are interested in buying a Villa and wanted to do this to avoid lawn maintenance.
Right now, as far as I know it’s only against the patio villas - but you will need full ARC approval before adding stone outside. 😊
@@FloridaHomestyle Thanks for the quick reply!
Great job on your videos!
You are spot on about a new construction home in TV is an expensive FLIP! So true.
Love these informative, longer style videos. Keep em coming!
Thank you! If there are any topics that you would like me to cover, let me know.
Do you live in The Villages? If so, are you part of the 20% under 55? The reason I ask is because some things you mentioned are not concerns to people buying their retirement home. Many people are looking to keep their expenses low, so that they have more money to travel or spend on other things. It doesn’t apply to me, but as a full time Villagers for 3 years, I know that there are people with different expectations than mine. Just wondered. Good luck to you in your business!
May I ask what items you felt were not that relevant? I appreciate the feedback and definitely want to show as many sides of living here as possible.
Thank you for watching!
@oceandreamer1958 I'm still waiting for the answers to your first and second questions.
@@gonebyrv9748yes I do live and work here 😊
@TheVillagesHomestyle
A lot of people are under the impression that they can’t afford to live here. Some people like the fact that they can buy homes with vinyl flooring or Formica countertops, if that’s an available lower end option. Many people are not looking for their retirement home to be their dream home. They may have already had that. I have met many people in different situations. The beauty of The Villages is that there’s something for everyone.
@@oceandreamer1958 I understand that perspective, and really appreciate you clarifying ! But you are absolutely right, there is something here for everyone! Thank you so much for sticking around and having this discussion 😊
Thanks for the video. We are considering moving there and visited recently. We were happy to see 18 holes pitch-&-putt courses, but the tees mats are very hard and rough on the arms and shoulders. Also, they book up very quickly and we always had to play with others. I’m wondering, is there a counsel of residents that meets regularly with the association to discuss concerns and suggestions?
What about the bond that is added? It’s like having double property taxes. Much to consider for those on fixed incomes.
Very informative! Thank you!!!
flat textured paint is THE easiest paint to touch-up
The undersized squatty upper kitchen cabinets are flat out DREADFUL! The volume ceilings are outdated and do not appeal to younger retirees. Wish they offered tall flat ceilings that allows for ceiling crown molding. The volume ceilings along with the floating cheap looking kitchen cabinetry is a no-go.
The newer homes do offer tall flat ceilings! Look South of 44 and you'll find more modern designed homes
@@geena331 - I was told by my Villages sales rep that only the premier series has flat ceilings. I would love for her to be wrong. Do you know of a designer series home that has flat ceilings?
@@TheHoppeslMy daughter lives in Middleton and she has tall flat ceilings and tall doors and windows to go with those high ceilings. The model is Home Run. Her home is featured on the Street of Dreams where you can tour it furnished in person. The Villages is offering newer model homes now. There are also several other models that offer the same. BTW--I don't have all flat ceilings, they vary per room but most are standard 10' and I have crowne molding in my foyer and living room. Hope this helps you!
Part of the over crowding of various activities in The Villages are one, poor planning by the management and design staff. But added to that is outsiders can come in and use many of the areas perks, aka shopping, eating and live shows. This open door policy destroys the original idea of the 55 and old retirement community. I believe the open door policy is simply greed on the parts of The Villages owners. Also letting developers who buy homes and condos to use as renters, brings in people who do not fit into the 55 and old community vibe. New home buyers not being able to purchase a home from a floor plan and help customize their new home, I think is because the home builders are only interested in pumping out track homes as quickly as they can with little regard to class or quality. I hope the owners of The Villages get their act together before this wonderful adult Disneyland become just a memory.
The numerous roundabouts would have made my list
The new homes are built with low-grade products, so sad. Then you, out of pocket, pay for what should be included in your home price. You're better off seeking out homes people are selling.❤ Don't seek out new❤
The builder hasn't been using rolled vinyl flooring for a long time. The flooring is most often found now is laminate vinyl plank which is great. It can also be easily removed if someone wants to change it. It's better not to have the cheap, boring ceiling fans pre-installed by the builder, that way buyers can select the ceiling fans they prefer and can be easily installed.
I do have to disagree about the flooring, it’s in a fair amount of the homes found around the Sawgrass area which was built between 2021-2022.
But I appreciate your comment and input about fans!
2022 was quite awhile ago. No longer using "rolled vinyl", your info is not current@@FloridaHomestyle
@@Mar712-hz5uz I see your point, I have buyers looking on the resale market for homes built recently, when they see the rolled vinyl, they typically are disappointed.
Really don’t like these new homes not having fans. You can say they are easy to install but not when you have any kind of physical disability like arthritis. So besides buying fans, you need to pay someone to install them. Gets to be an expensive proposition.I would think most retired. People would want to have that stuff taken care of by the builder.
All legitimate issues. Finding the answers to them seems to be much more difficult for the developer. I especially don’t like the idea of paying the amenity fee and being shut out of virtually everything you try to attend.
do you live in the villages? you seem to young
I do 😊
You have many good points
People need to volunteer to conduct activities/classes in the new area. Instructors aren’t paid (except in the Enrichment Academy) so unless new residents step up there will never be enough classes. As for stores, having spent my career in retail, I can tell you the stores only come after the buildout. They have to be assured they can be profitable.
Please add timestamps
The villagers 55 and over I’m thinking this pretty lady is a daughter of a resident 🤗🥰 thanks for the video 👍
I live here 😉
Do you live with someone that is 55 or over or are you in the family section?
@@laurarahz12 neither live in New York on Long Island
@@brianmadigan3052So, it isn't a retirement community. 😮
Your concerns about new homes are true everywhere and not unique to TV. I bought a newly built condo up north as a snowbird and it did not have lights or blinds . . . had to add post-closing. Also, a lot of people moving to TV are downsizing and simplifying life so they do not want a lot of upgrades and cost especially if it is just a southern snow bird home.
Interesting for sure
What location are you filming from?
791 Fenwick Loop, by Bonifay Country Club & Sarasota Executive Golf Course.
This home is currently for sale 😊
There is another video on my page, titled Million Dollar View in The Villages that features this home.
It is beautiful. I own a house near Lake Sumter.
@@FloridaHomestyle
OMG. People know about these before they buy. Don’t like it. Don’t buy there.
And exactly how would they know??
This! 1000 times THIS!
According to the ex president our economy is terrible but yet you’re complaining about flat wall paint and noise…thank you to all of us retired carpenters / construction workers who have been listening to this kind of talk all of our working lives. Maybe we should go back to 2005 ish era when a person couldn’t find a job even at McDonald’s!
It sounds like the planning could have been better. I would not want to have to line up early to be able to participate in an activity. I also don’t like the idea of impatient drivers. If you’re retired, you should be able to relax a little and be more considerate and patient, rather than being a hazard on the road that leaves people agitated and unhappy.
Not sure why you’re living in The Villages…??You’d fit in nicely in Tampa or Miami….so much more to do for young people!
I love living here - Miami and Tampa is nice to visit, but I prefer the energy here 🤍
@@FloridaHomestyle MAGA energy is through the roof. The downside: you must live among stupid Trump supporters.
If only the worst issue the world faced was, "oh, I so wish our lovely little village was ONLY for 55 and older. How dare they allow outsiders to spend money here." 🙄Meanwhile, I'm over here fighting to save the lives of people like you (and even actually some of you) so you can go back home to complain about me grabbing some Piesano's on my way home, and how offended you are that the realtor looks too young to be living there. Some people need some perspective and a remedial class in manners.
Well, keeping the general public out of these venues, would make a huge difference. The retirees are paying for these venues and yet the public is able to walk in for free and take up a lot of the spaces being literally paid for by the residents.
It is funded by tax payers as well, just like the roads in TV. If we had fully private gates then the roads would be privately funded and more likely that the maintenance or bond payments would increase significantly to cover that difference.
Go live on an island, outsiders bring money into those businesses
It’s a test to see just how greedy they can be and still sell houses.
I enjoyed this video; thanks for posting a truthful video. We lived there for 5yr. If you’re a golfer, great ! But this place is so false and verges on embarrassing. You ARE controlled even if you don’t think you are; I hated this. It’s a place that wants you to join in actually stop thinking as an adult. It’s the Truman Show, Stepford and Cocoon all rolled into one. Glad we moved out and started to live again as normal humans.
How about the alligators swimming behind you?
We know better than to swim in those waters haha
@@FloridaHomestyle no kidding, I’m talking about them crawling up on the grass
It's not a retirement community if you be 19+ to live there!!!😮
You look 30 something. The villages are for old folks.
You can buy a house that’s is for sale by an owner and not be 55
@@Jennifer-zy6bjyes, that's my complaint 😮
If your that dissatisfied living in the Villages there is one major solutions. MOVE