I visited the villages two times on a day trip. I booked life style visit through the Villages for 4 days. Played golf two days in row, visited three squares and heard some good music and great people watching. I also scheduled time with Robyn. You definitely need two Realtors VLS and MLS. Four days was not enough I recommend at least a week. We felt rushed trying to cram in all the sightseeing and activities in four days. We ended up at the last day finding a house via Robyn that we didn’t even know it was on the MLS. We enjoyed Robyn and her knowledge and finding our home at the price we wanted to pay. So happy we made the trip to Florida. Thanks Robyn Patricia and Doug
Our Lifestyle visit experience was really good. Obviously you can't beat the rate. We were worried about getting beat up by a sales agent and haunted forever after we left. That never happened. We spent maybe 90 minutes on our first full day with the agent showing us the ropes but not too far away so we didn't feel lost. We had plenty of material and maps. A free live musical was entertaining. We received an occasional call or email maybe 5 months later. For MLS homes get with Robyn. She is really good and knows the area.
We just finished a lifestyle visit and they put us up in the Atwood village just across the road from Brownwood. We're still a couple years away from retirement but it was a great chance to explore the area and see where we may eventually want to settle. No pressure to buy or even look at homes for sale which we did not.
My Lifestyle visit was 3 weeks ago by Brownwood. There was no pressure by my agent. Enjoyed it many times over. Liked that area. Keep up the good work and info.
Great information. We opted to go the airbnb route and it worked for us. We booked for 1 week. The host arranged for us to to have visitor passes so we could frequent the pools/rec centers etc. I made sure to book with a host that offered a golf cart (highly recommend). We looked at both new and resale homes on our own, though I am sure we could have taken advantage of the VLS agent services when we picked up our passes on day-1. We stayed in the Spanish Springs area. I do recommend visiting before buying regardless. The Villages is a unique experience. It may not be right for everyone. TFS
It was great info on the Lifestyle visit. I had mine 2 years ago and it was worth every penny. I agree with you about exploring and seeing all The Villages and even outside The Villages. Keep up the great content.
If you want to experience living in the Lake Sumter, Spanish Springs or another area of preowned homes vs living in the new neighborhoods south of 44, Robyn is correct that you will need to go through Airbnb, VRBO or another home rental site. The Lifestyle Preview homes are mainly in the new neighborhoods south of 44. Most of the Lifestyle homes next to Brownwood Paddock Square have been sold. I don't know if Lifestyle visitors can still request a home near Brownwood or not.
Robyn, thank you for this video, extremely helpful. That's exactly what, I would do Explore !!! I don't like rushing , I like to take my time and figure it out .
How long do you suggest buying a house before you move down to the villages if you suggest it at all? I’m 45 and have about 10 years until retirement, I can financially afford a starter home in the villages. Would it make sense renting it out for 10 years to recoup some of the price, or do you suggest investing the money and buying a year or so before a move? Just curious on your thoughts….
I would also agree with Robyn to rely more on your car than golf cart for extensive exploration of The Villages because of the size of The Villages. If you have the time, book a Lifestyle Preview Visit, then book an Airbnb visit for several days to start right after your Lifestyle visit ends. If you can experience The Villages for 11 to 14 days total versus 4 to 7 days, that might give you a better idea if The Villages is really for you or not. And The Villages sales reps are not pushy about selling you a home during the Lifestyle visit. I did tell the sales rep assigned to me that at the time I was not ready to buy, and we only spent about 3 hours looking at homes during my Lifestyle visit. I believe the rates for Lifestyle visits vary based on the time of year...summer is cheaper than winter.
I'm glad you posted this video. I knew a lifestyle visit just wasn't right for me. Would the Spa hotel in the Brownwood town Center area be the half way point between SawGrass Grove and, say, the Spanish Springs area? Hope to meet you soon.
Thanks for your content Robyn. My wife and I are planning a visit in the spring. We see a lot of homes for sale that have a standard two-car garage. Where do these homeowners park their carts?
Typically you will find homeowners with 1 car and a cart or 2 carts which should fit in a standard 2 car garage. If you have 2 cars then you will have to leave one in the driveway.
Robyn, I know we are going to try to come down next Spring or early Summer and we will have to set up a meet and greet. I know the new areas have started focusing on separate walking trails, but do you know if there are still plenty in the older sections say from Lake Sumpter to Brownwood.
Im glad I did the lifestyle. it showed me ai didnt want to live in Stepford. I met some very nice people, but the whole thing seemed very contrived and the place is beautiful, but it all seems very plastic and fake. Its so obvious its a planned community, its like a fantasy or movie set. I wouldnt be comfortable in a place like that. I prefer reality, warts and all
I visited the villages two times on a day trip. I booked life style visit through the Villages for 4 days. Played golf two days in row, visited three squares and heard some good music and great people watching. I also scheduled time with Robyn. You definitely need two Realtors VLS and MLS. Four days was not enough I recommend at least a week. We felt rushed trying to cram in all the sightseeing and activities in four days. We ended up at the last day finding a house via Robyn that we didn’t even know it was on the MLS. We enjoyed Robyn and her knowledge and finding our home at the price we wanted to pay. So happy we made the trip to Florida. Thanks Robyn
Patricia and Doug
Thanks :) Happy we had success. Closing day is just around the corner
Our Lifestyle visit experience was really good. Obviously you can't beat the rate. We were worried about getting beat up by a sales agent and haunted forever after we left. That never happened. We spent maybe 90 minutes on our first full day with the agent showing us the ropes but not too far away so we didn't feel lost. We had plenty of material and maps. A free live musical was entertaining. We received an occasional call or email maybe 5 months later.
For MLS homes get with Robyn. She is really good and knows the area.
Thanks for the recommendation 😎
We just finished a lifestyle visit and they put us up in the Atwood village just across the road from Brownwood. We're still a couple years away from retirement but it was a great chance to explore the area and see where we may eventually want to settle. No pressure to buy or even look at homes for sale which we did not.
Happy to hear you enjoyed it
My Lifestyle visit was 3 weeks ago by Brownwood. There was no pressure by my agent. Enjoyed it many times over. Liked that area. Keep up the good work and info.
Thanks for sharing!
I golf carted all the way from the top of where it all started to the bottom of saw grass during my visit stayed 7 days.
Great tips! Thanks!
Great information. We opted to go the airbnb route and it worked for us. We booked for 1 week. The host arranged for us to to have visitor passes so we could frequent the pools/rec centers etc. I made sure to book with a host that offered a golf cart (highly recommend). We looked at both new and resale homes on our own, though I am sure we could have taken advantage of the VLS agent services when we picked up our passes on day-1. We stayed in the Spanish Springs area. I do recommend visiting before buying regardless. The Villages is a unique experience. It may not be right for everyone. TFS
True. Thanks for sharing
Agree, spend time exploring especially in your car not a golf cart. There's a large area to explore.
We loved our LS visit! We are planning our second one this month. I think the LS visit is a great opportunity to explore TV and have a sales rep.
Good info!
Thanks Chief.
It was great info on the Lifestyle visit. I had mine 2 years ago and it was worth every penny. I agree with you about exploring and seeing all The Villages and even outside The Villages. Keep up the great content.
Thanks for sharing!
If you want to experience living in the Lake Sumter, Spanish Springs or another area of preowned homes vs living in the new neighborhoods south of 44, Robyn is correct that you will need to go through Airbnb, VRBO or another home rental site. The Lifestyle Preview homes are mainly in the new neighborhoods south of 44. Most of the Lifestyle homes next to Brownwood Paddock Square have been sold. I don't know if Lifestyle visitors can still request a home near Brownwood or not.
They are selling the lifestyle homes near Brownwood. New lifestyle visit homes are in DeLuna and Citrus Grove
Robyn, thank you for this video, extremely helpful.
That's exactly what, I would do Explore !!!
I don't like rushing , I like to take my time and figure it out .
Glad it was helpful!
Hey Robyn. Great info...thanks! Do you charge for TV area tour you offer?
No I do not :) If you are interested in what I call a "Campus Tour" visit my website to book a time. robyncavallaro.com
👍
How long do you suggest buying a house before you move down to the villages if you suggest it at all? I’m 45 and have about 10 years until retirement, I can financially afford a starter home in the villages. Would it make sense renting it out for 10 years to recoup some of the price, or do you suggest investing the money and buying a year or so before a move? Just curious on your thoughts….
I would also agree with Robyn to rely more on your car than golf cart for extensive exploration of The Villages because of the size of The Villages. If you have the time, book a Lifestyle Preview Visit, then book an Airbnb visit for several days to start right after your Lifestyle visit ends. If you can experience The Villages for 11 to 14 days total versus 4 to 7 days, that might give you a better idea if The Villages is really for you or not. And The Villages sales reps are not pushy about selling you a home during the Lifestyle visit. I did tell the sales rep assigned to me that at the time I was not ready to buy, and we only spent about 3 hours looking at homes during my Lifestyle visit. I believe the rates for Lifestyle visits vary based on the time of year...summer is cheaper than winter.
Thanks for sharing
I'm glad you posted this video. I knew a lifestyle visit just wasn't right for me. Would the Spa hotel in the Brownwood town Center area be the half way point between SawGrass Grove and, say, the Spanish Springs area? Hope to meet you soon.
Hmmm. Kind of.
Thanks for your content Robyn. My wife and I are planning a visit in the spring. We see a lot of homes for sale that have a standard two-car garage. Where do these homeowners park their carts?
Typically you will find homeowners with 1 car and a cart or 2 carts which should fit in a standard 2 car garage. If you have 2 cars then you will have to leave one in the driveway.
Robyn, I know we are going to try to come down next Spring or early Summer and we will have to set up a meet and greet. I know the new areas have started focusing on separate walking trails, but do you know if there are still plenty in the older sections say from Lake Sumpter to Brownwood.
You will find more walking trails in the Southern areas than in the North
Im glad I did the lifestyle. it showed me ai didnt want to live in Stepford. I met some very nice people, but the whole thing seemed very contrived and the place is beautiful, but it all seems very plastic and fake. Its so obvious its a planned community, its like a fantasy or movie set. I wouldnt be comfortable in a place like that. I prefer reality, warts and all
This community is not for everyone.
Robyn this was very informative and I appreciate you for that. If you have a favorite VLS agent can you email it?
Don’t need it anytime soon 😊. Curious more than anything.
Yes I can
@@Robyncavallaro Great to know 😃
You have the most prettiest smile 😃
Thank you
Where are the bake people
Great info.
Thanks