homes in central florida: Golf Cart Heaters
- 12/18/23 05:28 PM
The Villages is golf cart crazy, don’t believe me just go to one of the squares in the evening. Golf carts pull into the curb so they can line the street with more carts. Problem what do you do here when temps fall to the 50’s and 60’s on those cold winter nights? You put the sides down or some golf carts they have installed doors and you have a golf cart heater. The last thing you want to have to do is put on long pants, sissy!
The two most popular golf cart heaters are the Performance Plus which Amazon sells … (7 comments)
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homes in central florida: The Villages Convertible Club
- 12/18/23 04:25 AM
The Villages Convertible Club also known as the best "topsdown" club in The Villages, was founded in 2009 by now president emeritus, Jim Judd. The club is open to any resident of The Villages who owns a convertible. Yes, I am writing about convertibles just before Christmas, temperature expected to be mid 70’s for Christmas, perfect convertible weather. From their website:
For the convertible to qualify, it must be identified as a convertible in the manufacturer's specifications, be any make, model, color, or year, and must have a fully removable or retractable top AND the vehicle must be located in The Villages.
The Villages Convertible … (12 comments)
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homes in central florida: Use of Electric Bikes on the Rise in The Villages, FL
- 12/17/23 01:11 PM
We are seeing more E-bikes running around in The Villages, Florida and wanted to learn more about them. I don’t see one in my future I’m good with cruising around in my golf cart. So, what about the E-bikes, looking online I see them from $500 to over $1,500 with speeds up to 28 mph with ranges from 25 miles to 70 miles.
E-bikes are great for exercise, as they will improve your leg muscles and your cardiovascular system. They are more environmentally friendly, too, as they emit less CO2 than cars, and don't require the maintenance that cars require.
Here in … (12 comments)
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homes in central florida: Social Media and the Storm Hitting Florida This Weekend
- 12/16/23 05:16 AM
We do have a storm hitting Florida this weekend and social media is creating some humorous post. “Florida will be closed for Pressure Washing and Blow Drying until Monday”, “When it starts to rain in Florida this weekend, please stay home! Y’all can’t even drive in the sunshine”.
Yes, we will be impacted with heavy rain, high winds, slight risk of tornadoes this weekend but we will be fine. I give The Villages credit for having a great storm water management plan. We have plenty of ponds here, on golf courses and remember we have about 750 holes of golf so plenty … (26 comments)
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homes in central florida: Update on The Villages Building Homes in Leesburg
- 12/14/23 07:11 PM
Last week I wrote about the land The Villages bought which is in Sumter County that they planned to build 3,700 homes. Recently they purchased land in Leesburg in Lake County and are presenting to the Leesburg Zoning Commission a plan to build 6,800 homes on that tract of land.
Monday I was on a Groome shuttle headed to Orlando airport and when we left The Brownwood Hotel we got on the turnpike in Wildwood. I was amazed at the miles and miles of clearing land, building golf courses and infrastructure between Wildwood and where the turnpike goes over Route 27 south … (10 comments)
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homes in central florida: Many of Us Floridians Travel North for The Holidays
- 12/13/23 07:14 PM
We are two of them and it is getting easier. Our trip started being dropped off at Lake Sumter Bus Depot so Groome got us to Orlando Airport, $40 a person. Next I use a credit card associated with American Airlines so used points and cost us $22 for the tickets to DCA in Washington DC. Next Uber to our hotel two blocks from the White House and yes used points for hotel, spend time with son and family in Arlington, VA again Uber. Next Amtrak to Philadelphia, $50 a person, transferred to SEPTA train and for $8 made it to … (18 comments)
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homes in central florida: Two Santacon Groups in The Villages, FL
- 12/08/23 01:31 PM
To my surprise, we have two Santacon Groups in The Villages, Florida. We have Santacon South which has 837 members on their Facebook group which they are celebrating Saturday December 9th starting at Sawgrass. This from their FB group:
Dress as Santas! Decorate your golf cart! We’re giving prizes for the best Santa and best decorated golf cart! We’ll hang out at Sawgrass for cart and costume judging and some special Entertainment! We’ll then parade to Edna’s and then on to take over the Square at Brownwood. Not sure on start time as not mentioned on FB group, if you know please share.
The … (9 comments)
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homes in central florida: The Villages Model Railroad Club
- 12/08/23 01:05 PM
Christmas and model trains go together as a kid many of us had model trains and at Christmas it was part of what went under the tree. I had a Lionel Train Set and it went around the tree for years along with little houses and other items to make a village. In my small Pennsylvania town, we had two trains that made local deliveries I believe they were The Pennsylvania Railroad and Western Maryland, if wrong let me know. I lived 100 yards from the tracks and grew up hearing and seeing the trains. Ever put a penny on the … (11 comments)
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homes in central florida: Door was Here
- 12/08/23 04:10 AM
Some of you know our story, bought a home 10 years ago we didn’t like but loved the lot and location. The lot is on a cul-de-sac so 14,000 sf plenty of room to make it our own. Dropped 5 walls, gutted the kitchen, pulled up the floors, got rid of the popcorn ceiling and a bunch of other stuff and started putting it back together.
Recently we added 1,060 sf to the rear of the home and converted a bedroom into a closet, hallway and more room for the future master bath. See the attached picture, that was the entrance to … (10 comments)
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homes in central florida: Yesterday’s Article About The Villages Florida Growing
- 12/07/23 04:49 AM
I think yesterday’s article “3,700 More New Homes to be Built in The Villages, Florida” set a record for comments, shares and likes. I post my articles not only on my Facebook page but 10 other platforms with national exposure which lead to questions and comments throughout North America. Many didn’t realize the area The Villages cover when I wrote top to bottom about 31 miles it was a real eye opener.
Most of us Villagers have our own turf or area. Many times, our golf carts help us decide our area. Some of you know I live just north of 466 … (7 comments)
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homes in central florida: 3,700 More New Homes to be Built in The Villages, FL
- 12/06/23 04:19 AM
It was announced today The Villages had plans approved by a magistrate for 3,700 new homes to be built on 1,483 acres. The tract of land is north of Middleton, east of County Road 470 and stops at the Sumter Lake County line. This area is included in the Wildwood Planning and Zoning Board coverage area.
Two things in the news release stood out to me, Wildwood has authorized the construction of 50,000 homes south of State Road 44 which is twice the size of the number home in The Villages north of 44. They also shared The Villages eventually will reach … (22 comments)
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homes in central florida: New Listing Completely Remodeled and Updated
- 12/05/23 04:10 PM
8338 SE 178th Deveaux Lane
The Villages, FL 32162
G5075653 $399,000
The perfect home in The Villages this exceptional property is strategically situated near the Mulberry Grove shopping district, VA Center, and a wealth of amenities, ensuring your daily convenience. Enjoy immediate access to numerous pools right in your neighborhood. Nestled between the renowned Glenview Champion Golf Country Club and the Nancy Lopez Legacy Country Club, the Village of Piedmont offers a prime location for golf enthusiasts. Step inside this beautifully completely updated home completely redone by one of the leading remodelers servicing The Villages this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, where an open floor plan … (12 comments)
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homes in central florida: Update on Interest Rates
- 12/05/23 04:24 AM
Three days ago, I shared about interest rates and the possibility rates would be coming down. On December 2nd, I wrote rates were 7.22% today working with a client I called Ronda my lender guy, she’s not a guy, anyway 6.875%. Ronda told me rates are changing hourly and actually dropped a little more from when we spoke at 4:00 until 5:00.
Just so you can understand the difference between a 7.22% mortgage and 6.875% mortgage. You purchase a $400,000 home and put 20% down so financing $320,000 at 7.22% the amount of principle and Interest would be $2,176 a month at … (8 comments)
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homes in central florida: Great Evening at Christmas Pajama Movie Night
- 12/04/23 06:21 AM
All day of weather watching, nervous, making up a Plan “B” which is moving inside and watching radar. Looked like clearing in time for the party so put the 10’ projection screen together in the garage. By 4:30 rain was done and start setting up equipment outside. 5:30 all set up Christmas Carols playing and wintery scenes projected on screen, time to put on my pajamas. Glad we switched from Ugly Sweater to pajamas this year as the temperatures were in the mid 70’s all evening.
Shortly after 6:00 the people and golf carts started arriving, area for chairs and drive-in movie … (10 comments)
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homes in central florida: Reminder Christmas Pajama Party Movie Tonight
- 12/02/23 08:09 PM
Tonight, is the night, you don’t want to miss it! We started a Holiday Tradition about 12 years ago hosting a Christmas Movie Night which we have hosted annually even during Covid when people stayed in their golf carts like a drive-in movie. Few years ago, we added The Ugly Sweater to the movie night and this year we have added Christmas Pajamas to the program. If by chance you already bought your Ugly Christmas Sweater, no problem just pick up a pair of Christmas Pajama Pants.
Over the years, we have added more equipment for this event, a 10’ screen, on … (12 comments)
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homes in central florida: Interest Rates a Double Edge Sword
- 12/02/23 05:23 AM
I am not an economist, I don’t have a crystal ball but yet I am asked regularly about the market and interest rates. My experience comes from buying and financing my first home about 45 years ago and being in the real estate industry for 23 years. I do know when interest rates drop home prices go up the key is to hit that sweet spot and try to figure out when that is.
The National Association of Realtors has a team of economist with some having the word doctor before their name that do research and share opinions and this came … (14 comments)
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homes in central florida: New Member of The Betts Team
- 12/01/23 07:15 AM
I am proud to announce a new addition to The Betts Team, David Anderson who has been a Realtor for 20 years in Canada and currently manages a Real Estate Brokerage with 200 agents in two separate provinces, Ontario and Nova Scotia.
This from David:
I’m absolutely thrilled to share the exciting news that I’m embarking on my Florida Real Estate journey with the incredible “Betts Team” in The Villages. It was a top priority for me to join forces with a dynamic team of real estate agents who truly get the ins and outs of Buying and Selling in The Villages.
Bringing almost … (8 comments)
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homes in central florida: Let’s Talk Christmas Celebrations Happening This Weekend
- 11/30/23 08:27 AM
Busy weekend to help get you get in the Christmas Spirit starting today Friday December 1st at Brownwood Paddock Square Tree Lighting starting at 4:00 pm. If you missed the celebration at the other two squares don’t miss this one. Apparently, the parade at Spanish Springs was a big hit Wednesday as I saw pictures and videos, sorry I missed it!
How about a “Christmas in Space” Parade? Yep, Saturday December 2nd starting at 10:00 am Lady Lake, Florida is hosting an extraterrestrial Christmas spectacle! Get ready to embark on a cosmic journey this holiday season, as the annual Lady Lake Christmas … (5 comments)
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homes in central florida: Lake Eustis Waterfront Grille
- 11/29/23 04:15 PM
We were meeting friends from Orlando and needed a place convenient for them and us. We started looking around about the halfway point and remembered we attended a function a few months ago at Lake Eustis Waterfront Grille. Perfect we only had drinks and appetizers there so decided this would be a chance to try a meal and we were not disappointed.
We were seated with a great view of the lake at sunset, great service and good food. I almost decided on “Not Your Mama's Bologna Sandwich” which is smoked thick sliced bologna topped with pimento cheese, an egg sunny side … (10 comments)
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homes in central florida: Not from Here? The Villages are Big!
- 11/28/23 06:17 PM
Few years ago, when I was traveling the country regularly someone would ask if I knew their friend that moved to The Villages, Florida. Back then I would tell them The Villages was 120,000 people, about 155,000 today and they would be shocked thinking this was a little village not a good size city. Yesterday was a perfect example of the size of this place.
Yesterday I had three real estate appointments, I left home about 10:30 in the morning, drove about 40 miles and never left The Villages and got back home around 4:00. The amazing fact I wasn’t even at … (8 comments)
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