Robyn, are you a Floridian or did you migrate to Florida? Some comments below speak to the quality of the homes in the Villages. There are many controlled "Gated" communities near the Villages with much more Home for the money. People should spend the time to look around the area and not just run to the crowded Villages because they have retired. Lots of newcomers to Florida drinking the kool-aid. There are many great homes in the area without a large $ bond attached.
I moved to Florida 1 year ago . I agree with you regarding the home prices in The Villages And that you can find more home in over 55 communities outside of the area. We need to keep in mind is when you move to the villages you are not only buying a home but a lifestyle. And with that lifestyle you incur additional costs.
I briefly visited the Villages for 2 days and have a scheduled lifestyle visit this coming November. I am totally turned off by the elderly residents, I’m only 57 yrs old and didn’t see anyone in my age group.
Let me show you the MLS side of homes during your visit. South of 44 you will find a younger demographic. Send me an email and we can chat about what you’re interested in seeing during your visit
Amazing video Robyn, very professional and VERY informative. Watched many of your videos and really considering moving to The Villages. Love all your tips and suggestion, keep up the great work!
Robyn,hello,If I were having a home built,can I pay extra to have a METAL ROOF,installed ?,I have seen NONE ! BTW did you say there was a COSTCO,IN OCALA ? Thanks, 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Hey Robin! Great video and editing. Curious, what software do you use? I would like to add something like that to beef up my instructional videos at work! Btw, we just purchase a home in the Villages! Hope to meet you when we get there! :)
Linda Donewar That video I used a combination of software for stuff Doodley for the drawing Canva or some of the images those are both premium software. For the editing picture in picture I used iMovie on my phone and the remainder of the video I edited and movie maker on my desktop. Once I get a little bit more proficient I think I will try adobe premiere Pro
I think the longer you have to visit and research the area is best. The Villages can be a bit overwhelming for a short visit. Also, if you are not sure about this area you can explore other over 55 communities or developments in Florida before you make your decision.
The Villages sales associates may only sell new construction and pre-owned homes in the VLS. MLS Realtors are licensed to sell in the entire state of Florida
@@Robyncavallaro thanks for responding. Hmm, so it sounds like if I found an MLS listing I wanted to see the Villages realtor could not show me that and I'd need to contact you. Is it OK to work with two Realtors in a situation like this?
I would look at resale homes. I want that lived in look with mature landscaping. I love Dunedin and Spanish Springs (I think that’s the name). Then there’s Fenney. It’s all good.
Interesting summary video. What.are the costs of selling through VLS verses MLS ? What does a realtor do (I’m not a US citizen - hence the stupid question) What other professionals are needed & what disbursements need to be considered on a sale?
The home cost is the same regardless of VLS (The Villages) or MLS realtor . A licensed realtor facilitates the buying transaction, research of available property, views the property with the buyer, putting together offer letter, sales contract, and most importantly offers expertise in the home search area and buying or selling process. I always suggest and attorney to review any agreements. Other professionals: inspector, mortgage broker or bank if you will requrie a loan. Not sure what you mean by disbursements. You will need downpayment money, you may to pre-pay taxes, insurance etc, that will be lender and time specific. Are you looking to purchase a home in Florida?
@@Robyncavallaro Hi Robyn. No I already have a home in Floride (well 2 actually - except the 1st one never got built as I bought from a con-man who ripped off 695 homebuyers, failed to build a single property and lost $23m in deposits...He remortgaged the land and the banks now own it. The developer is now in prison for fraud as he offered upgrades for more money just before his accountant reported him to authorities. The land remains undeveloped 16 years later). I was wondering what it costs to SELL a home. In the UK I would expect around $1,000 (online sale), OR $ 3,750 sales fees if a broker is used (realtor\estate Agent - doing everything you mention above), and $ 1,000 for legal's on a $500k property. The buyer also pays around $1k for lawyers + disbursements (search fees with Land Registry, local authorities to check title). Interested to know the comparison. (probably should have asked this BEFORE I bought a property!)
We are 55 & 70 in Ohio. Are there homes without a bond, that are fairly new? (within 12 yr old). Also, is the amenity fee per person or per household? We are looking for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, own pool, no bond, 12 yr. Old or younger ~ pool & no bond is most important! Any office jobs near there?
To answer your quesstions: 1 Very few new homes have a bond that is paid in full. 2 Very few homes 2/2 have a pool. The newer 2/2 are patio villas without access behind the home. I would suggest concentrating your search in the older sections near Spanish Springs. To install a pool can cost 50-75,000 3 No idea about office jobs. The job market is wide open. I would suggest searching Indeed for positions. Hope this helps
That home with the stone front "lawn"...I thought that was 'illegal" in the Villages. How did they get away with that? I know courtyard villas can have a grassless front, but that home looked bigger than a courtyard. To your comment about used homes being "blinged out" and more expensive than a new home...I think they might represent a better value than a new home, assuming the upgrades are important to you, because the homeowner usually doesn't get all the cost back in the sale for the upgrade.
@@Robyncavallaro our family used to vacation in southern NJ (Stone Harbor) in the 70's and most of the homes there had decorative stones for the yard. Didn't think about it as a child but, as an adult that has spent too much of my life mowing, maintaining and paying for the associated costs of grass, decorative stone lawns really appeal to me. You could make an argument it is the "greener" option too...no watering, no fertilizers, no pesticides, no emissions from lawn mowers, trimmers and the associated noise pollution (and the cost for those services) that goes with them. Years ago, probably around 2005 or '06, when the Villages was booming with new construction, somebody filed a lawsuit that stopped construction for a little while because they were concerned about where all the water was going to come from to service all the planned building. I suggested in writing to the Villages, they should start building grassless home lots to conserve water. I also suggested putting gutters and downspouts on all the homes (gutters and downspouts were an option when we built here in 2001) that would feed a large storage tank buried in the yard to capture rainwater...to be used for watering shrubs and flowers around the home. I said the homes could be marketed as "greener" and they could charge a premium to people that care about the environment for minimal costs on their end. Of course, they ignored me.
David ahead of your time. My son-in-law has an intricate system where they catch the rainwater and it irrigate their big garden and yard it’s an amazing operation I may film that so people can see exactly what he’s done it’s pretty impressive
Hopefully the owner of the home with the stone front yard got approval from the Architectural Review Committee. If someone complains, and ARC says the owner is not in compliance, guess what happens?
Robyn one question, is there any community in the villages with townhomes.? I prefer a townhouse instead of a single house . what is the monthly payment or the fee for each house?
There are a townshomes in The Villages, some near Spanish Springs and Glen View CC. Also newly built apartments/Lofts at Brownwood Paddock Square. The townhomes are in short supply so if you are interested I'd be happy to set up an appointment
@@Robyncavallaro I guess I never realized, since I haven't rented in years. My mortgage and condo association fee combined is less than the rent anywhere I've seen. In addition it hasn't gone up since 2005 when I purchased my condo. 😭😭 Guess I'll have to stay here.
As a 56-year-old in the Villages, how does it feel to be the youngest hottest chick in a town of 125,000? Just curious. Do you have to beat these older guys off with a stick? Just kidding. Seriously, love your videos. Very professionally done. One day I will move down. More of a tennis player than a golfer or a pickleball player but maybe one day the knees will give out and I will have to downgrade. I'm a Pennsylvania person (Philly home, Palmerton/Lehighton summer cottage) as well. I'm with you on the no grass yard. I saw Ira Miller show one yesterday. Couple of suggestions for future videos: 1) does purchasing AWAY from retention ponds limit your chances for sinkholes? 2) Are the Villages Hurricane-proof?
MY ADVICE STAY AWAY FROM THE VILLAGES! JUST MY OPINION, IT SEEMS A BIT SNOBBISH. I LIVE WAY SOUTH OF THERE & I WOULDN'T TRADE THIS PERFECT LITTLE TOWN FOR ANY OTHER PLACE.
Can I use a Villages Sales Agent to access the VLS properties AND a Real Estate Agent to access the MLS properties? What is the best way of seeing ALL (VLS and MLS) that might fit my criteria?
If you would send me an email with your contact information I can put you in touch with someone that can help you that works for the villages and I can help you with the MLS listings.
Great video Robyn!
I like the outtakes.
Thanks a lot for the links to Gold Wingnut. He's the best or TV information.
Carol Apostolos He does a great job everything is well put together, informative with beautiful scenery
As a fellow Realtor in Georgia and a property owner in TV, i think you've done a great job! Really authentic video!
Thank you and thanks for watching
Thank you for an excellent video, the map of the area and highway was simple and clear! Loved it!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent work, Robyn! Your videos are so helpful and you have a great smile!
Robyn, are you a Floridian or did you migrate to Florida? Some comments below speak to the quality of the homes in the Villages. There are many controlled "Gated" communities near the Villages with much more Home for the money. People should spend the time to look around the area and not just run to the crowded Villages because they have retired. Lots of newcomers to Florida drinking the kool-aid. There are many great homes in the area without a large $ bond attached.
I moved to Florida 1 year ago . I agree with you regarding the home prices in The Villages And that you can find more home in over 55 communities outside of the area. We need to keep in mind is when you move to the villages you are not only buying a home but a lifestyle. And with that lifestyle you incur additional costs.
@@Robyncavallaro Agreed.
Unless you live and have experienced the villages lifestyle you should not comment. Been here 16 years in Bonnybrook...wonderful retirement.
Very informational for a person just starting to look at retirement in Florida. Great job.
Thank you. Happy to hear the information was helpful
Wow, you are doing a very good job. you gave a lot of details that everyone wanted to know before buy a property in the Villages. great job. congrats.
So nice of you
Such a helpful video! Thanks so much.
Glad it was helpful!
I briefly visited the Villages for 2 days and have a scheduled lifestyle visit this coming November. I am totally turned off by the elderly residents, I’m only 57 yrs old and didn’t see anyone in my age group.
Let me show you the MLS side of homes during your visit. South of 44 you will find a younger demographic. Send me an email and we can chat about what you’re interested in seeing during your visit
Awesome video of the Villages and what it has to offer. Where else can u live for the minimal amenity fee??? NO WHERE!!!!
Is the "amenity fee" per person or per household?
Per household
Very informative. Much success in your new endeavor.
Your video “popped up” so I watched. Great job - I won’t say never, but doubt I’d move to FLA - just wanted to give you props!
Thank you!!
Thanks for explaining the 466 reference, I see it in all ads for items and homes for sale.
Amazing video Robyn, very professional and VERY informative. Watched many of your videos and really considering moving to The Villages. Love all your tips and suggestion, keep up the great work!
Awesome video. We are just starting to research. Have subscribed and will definitely watch more of your videos.
How to contact you Robin?
Thank you. Really enjoy your videos. Please keep them coming 😊
Robyn,hello,If I were having a home built,can I pay extra to have a METAL ROOF,installed ?,I have seen NONE ! BTW did you say there was a COSTCO,IN OCALA ? Thanks, 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
No metal roof. Costco is in Orlando
Nice video for info about The Villages. Added to our Florida playlist.
55+ Communities Thank you
I am 64 from NH and I am coming down by myself for a Life Style visit in October.
I’d love to meet up and tour MLS options. Shoot me an email with your contact information. Robyn@robyncavallaro.com
I watched a few of your videos and decided to subscribe, just moved here not too long ago, great advice thanks
Very helpful. Thank you so much, Robyn.
Thank You We need gas For cooking. 3 bedroom 2 - 3 Bath , pool
Send me a text or email with your contact information robyn@robyncavallaro.com
This is great info! Thank you! We're are looking into both new and re-sale homes. If we go with re-sale, we'll be in touch with you!
Mrs Armie great news. Let me know how I can help
Hey Robin! Great video and editing. Curious, what software do you use? I would like to add something like that to beef up my instructional videos at work! Btw, we just purchase a home in the Villages! Hope to meet you when we get there! :)
Linda Donewar That video I used a combination of software for stuff Doodley for the drawing Canva or some of the images those are both premium software. For the editing picture in picture I used iMovie on my phone and the remainder of the video I edited and movie maker on my desktop. Once I get a little bit more proficient I think I will try adobe premiere Pro
Linda Donewar Also all of the video was taken on either my iPhone or a Samsung galaxy eight and I use DJI Osmo 3gimbal
Do you recommend doing a lifestyle visit for a week or staying for a month or more in a rental? My sister did that before she moved down there.
I think the longer you have to visit and research the area is best. The Villages can be a bit overwhelming for a short visit. Also, if you are not sure about this area you can explore other over 55 communities or developments in Florida before you make your decision.
@@Robyncavallaro Thank you so much.
Hi Robyn - do any of the public pools allow you to have floats. Also are you allowed to own a hot tub in your backyard.
Yes to floats and yes to hot tub You would have to get permission for the hot tub
Thank you. We are five years away from retirement, but starting to look and dream.
Are there courtyard villas and verandas in the mid section by Lake Sumter or just in the new areas in the south?
There are courtyards throughout TV Verandas are primarily in the South
I am curious about one thing. My son has Autism and will always need some support. Would I be allowed to live there with him after I am 55?
If he is over 19 yes
Thanks for this video. Can The Villages realtors sell the MLS and Vls listings, or only VLS listings?
The Villages sales associates may only sell new construction and pre-owned homes in the VLS. MLS Realtors are licensed to sell in the entire state of Florida
@@Robyncavallaro thanks for responding. Hmm, so it sounds like if I found an MLS listing I wanted to see the Villages realtor could not show me that and I'd need to contact you. Is it OK to work with two Realtors in a situation like this?
Yes. You need 2 in The Villages to make sure you see all homes available. Check out my video MLS vs VLS what is the difference
I would look at resale homes. I want that lived in look with mature landscaping. I love Dunedin and Spanish Springs (I think that’s the name). Then there’s Fenney. It’s all good.
Interesting summary video.
What.are the costs of selling through VLS verses MLS ?
What does a realtor do (I’m not a US citizen - hence the stupid question)
What other professionals are needed & what disbursements need to be considered on a sale?
The home cost is the same regardless of VLS (The Villages) or MLS realtor . A licensed realtor facilitates the buying transaction, research of available property, views the property with the buyer, putting together offer letter, sales contract, and most importantly offers expertise in the home search area and buying or selling process. I always suggest and attorney to review any agreements. Other professionals: inspector, mortgage broker or bank if you will requrie a loan. Not sure what you mean by disbursements. You will need downpayment money, you may to pre-pay taxes, insurance etc, that will be lender and time specific. Are you looking to purchase a home in Florida?
@@Robyncavallaro Hi Robyn. No I already have a home in Floride (well 2 actually - except the 1st one never got built as I bought from a con-man who ripped off 695 homebuyers, failed to build a single property and lost $23m in deposits...He remortgaged the land and the banks now own it. The developer is now in prison for fraud as he offered upgrades for more money just before his accountant reported him to authorities. The land remains undeveloped 16 years later). I was wondering what it costs to SELL a home. In the UK I would expect around $1,000 (online sale), OR $ 3,750 sales fees if a broker is used (realtor\estate Agent - doing everything you mention above), and $ 1,000 for legal's on a $500k property. The buyer also pays around $1k for lawyers + disbursements (search fees with Land Registry, local authorities to check title). Interested to know the comparison. (probably should have asked this BEFORE I bought a property!)
We are 55 & 70 in Ohio. Are there homes without a bond, that are fairly new? (within 12 yr old).
Also, is the amenity fee per person or per household?
We are looking for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, own pool, no bond, 12 yr. Old or younger ~ pool & no bond is most important!
Any office jobs near there?
To answer your quesstions:
1 Very few new homes have a bond that is paid in full.
2 Very few homes 2/2 have a pool. The newer 2/2 are patio villas without access behind the home. I would suggest concentrating your search in the older sections near Spanish Springs. To install a pool can cost 50-75,000
3 No idea about office jobs. The job market is wide open. I would suggest searching Indeed for positions.
Hope this helps
I just found a 2/2 with a pool. It will not last. Not sure if you’re ready to buy?
@@Robyncavallaro what year was it built? & how much are they asking?
@@Robyncavallaro is it updated?
Thanks!
Thank you for such a wonderful video. We are Veterans and our plans are to move to Orlando area.
Let me know how I can help!
Thank you for the Super Thanks!!
That home with the stone front "lawn"...I thought that was 'illegal" in the Villages. How did they get away with that? I know courtyard villas can have a grassless front, but that home looked bigger than a courtyard. To your comment about used homes being "blinged out" and more expensive than a new home...I think they might represent a better value than a new home, assuming the upgrades are important to you, because the homeowner usually doesn't get all the cost back in the sale for the upgrade.
Very true about upgrades. It’s all what you’re looking for. I’m going some research about grass less yard. I believe it depends on the “Village”
@@Robyncavallaro our family used to vacation in southern NJ (Stone Harbor) in the 70's and most of the homes there had decorative stones for the yard. Didn't think about it as a child but, as an adult that has spent too much of my life mowing, maintaining and paying for the associated costs of grass, decorative stone lawns really appeal to me. You could make an argument it is the "greener" option too...no watering, no fertilizers, no pesticides, no emissions from lawn mowers, trimmers and the associated noise pollution (and the cost for those services) that goes with them.
Years ago, probably around 2005 or '06, when the Villages was booming with new construction, somebody filed a lawsuit that stopped construction for a little while because they were concerned about where all the water was going to come from to service all the planned building. I suggested in writing to the Villages, they should start building grassless home lots to conserve water. I also suggested putting gutters and downspouts on all the homes (gutters and downspouts were an option when we built here in 2001) that would feed a large storage tank buried in the yard to capture rainwater...to be used for watering shrubs and flowers around the home. I said the homes could be marketed as "greener" and they could charge a premium to people that care about the environment for minimal costs on their end. Of course, they ignored me.
David ahead of your time. My son-in-law has an intricate system where they catch the rainwater and it irrigate their big garden and yard it’s an amazing operation I may film that so people can see exactly what he’s done it’s pretty impressive
Hopefully the owner of the home with the stone front yard got approval from the Architectural Review Committee. If someone complains, and ARC says the owner is not in compliance, guess what happens?
Robyn one question, is there any community in the villages with townhomes.? I prefer a townhouse instead of a single house . what is the monthly payment or the fee for each house?
There are a townshomes in The Villages, some near Spanish Springs and Glen View CC. Also newly built apartments/Lofts at Brownwood Paddock Square. The townhomes are in short supply so if you are interested I'd be happy to set up an appointment
@@Robyncavallaro rent is $$$$$$$$$$
@@bettyb1581 rent is expensive everywhere in Florida
@@Robyncavallaro I guess I never realized, since I haven't rented in years. My mortgage and condo association fee combined is less than the rent anywhere I've seen. In addition it hasn't gone up since 2005 when I purchased my condo. 😭😭 Guess I'll have to stay here.
@@bettyb1581 I agree. Just outside of The Villages renting for 1200-1500 and does not include the amenities we have
Great info, thank you! 😀🇺🇸😀
I'd look for you , if I was moving there . Keep smiling and good luck.
Sweet thanks 😎
Love your videos !
Glad you like them!
Great video!
Victoria Chanel glad you enjoyed it
Would want as a second home. Can the homes be used as vacation rental properties?
Many "Villages" residents own multiple homes that are used as rental properties.
Thanks
Thanks for the ride.
very helpful video. i love it!!
Any problems with alligators and snakes? How does that affect living there?
Luckily I have not had any in my yard. Saw a gator or 2 in the retention pond. It’s part of life here in the tropics.
Excellent. Ty.
If you purchase a new home how long does it take to pay the Bond?
Around 30 years or so.
Typically it is paid off like a mortgage unless you choose to pay off early.
Helpful video, thank you. PS - you remind me of Tony Soprano’s wife. 😊
Too funny. I am Italian, not from NJ but grew up in NY
Nice video... thanks
Hi Robyn great video my wife and I are planning to come down in September. I will like to contact you before we come down . Talk then
Awesome
Hello looking to move from New Jersey just above the villages or around the villages looking to buy soon three to six months
nick guido I’d be happy to send you properties to get and idea of what’s available. Email me if your interested. robyn@robyncavallaro.com
Do any of the models have great rooms?
Yes they do
Any homes in the Villages come with 4BR and 2.5BA?
Yes you would be looking for a Premier Home. Currently 2 on the market. I'd be happy to show your them.
As a 56-year-old in the Villages, how does it feel to be the youngest hottest chick in a town of 125,000? Just curious. Do you have to beat these older guys off with a stick? Just kidding. Seriously, love your videos. Very professionally done. One day I will move down. More of a tennis player than a golfer or a pickleball player but maybe one day the knees will give out and I will have to downgrade. I'm a Pennsylvania person (Philly home, Palmerton/Lehighton summer cottage) as well. I'm with you on the no grass yard. I saw Ira Miller show one yesterday. Couple of suggestions for future videos: 1) does purchasing AWAY from retention ponds limit your chances for sinkholes? 2) Are the Villages Hurricane-proof?
Mike Gibson Thank you for the kind words and the suggestions I will put those on my to do list. I spent the past 27 years in the Lehigh Valley
Are there no zoning restrictions in the Villages? I have never seen so many ugly houses in one place!!
they can't get out.....they have been in Lockdown the last 3 months...
No we ha e not...store restaurant to and golf courses open....churches
Are you a realtor
Elie Mounsef yes I am :)
Contact number?
Elie Mounsef 352901838
Your missing a number lol
Elie Mounsef Sorry I’m in my car. 352-901-0838
The lots are so tiny and the houses are cookie cutter. Why? Why love in an ugly house??
MY ADVICE STAY AWAY FROM THE VILLAGES! JUST MY OPINION, IT SEEMS A BIT SNOBBISH. I LIVE WAY SOUTH OF THERE & I WOULDN'T TRADE THIS PERFECT LITTLE TOWN FOR ANY OTHER PLACE.
Where are you living? Not sure if you realize but all CAPS = yelling
@@Robyncavallaro ALL CAPS IS MY WAY OF EXPRESSING MYSELF, IF THAT'S AN ISSUE FOR YOU, DON'T READ IT! HAVE A NICE DAY IN THE VILLAGES 🏡
Linda G Smith not an issue no need to be angry. Some people do not realize the all caps.
Been here 16 years...I am not a snob...I live in a modest home. There are snobs everywhere if you look for them. But mostly freindly
Carolyn Picken I agree.
Can I use a Villages Sales Agent to access the VLS properties AND a Real Estate Agent to access the MLS properties? What is the best way of seeing ALL (VLS and MLS) that might fit my criteria?
If you would send me an email with your contact information I can put you in touch with someone that can help you that works for the villages and I can help you with the MLS listings.