homes in the villages fl: Florida Furniture, Don’t Bring Yours from Up North! - 08/09/23 03:58 AM

My advice to those moving to The Villages, sell your furniture otherwise your big cherry hutch and heavy wood furniture could end up at one of the local used furniture or consignments shops.  Recently I went to visit my estate sale buddy about an upcoming sale he doing for my client.  In the dining room was a beautiful solid wood large table with 8 chairs, hutch and credenza.  It filled the formal dining room, it was the last day of the sale so everything was 50% off.  I noticed the price $1,000 which would be $500 on the last day, I … (14 comments)

homes in the villages fl: To my Chicago Friends, Yes Portillo’s is Coming! - 08/08/23 04:36 AM

Not being from Chicago but having many connections to the city the news that Potillo’s is opening a restaurant in Lady Lake is exciting news.  The unofficial “Unrivaled Chicago Street Food” is opening its new restaurant on U.S. 441 at the south end of what I call our Golden Mile.  Their story:
“In 1963, Dick Portillo invested $1,100 into a small trailer to open the first Portillo's hot dog stand in Villa Park, IL, which he called "The Dog House." Years later, Portillo's has become a brand synonymous with Chicago. In fact, we're kind of a big dill- people say it's not a … (12 comments)

homes in the villages fl: Single in The Villages Social Club - 08/07/23 04:37 AM

One of the largest social clubs in The Villages, Florida is the “Single in The Villages”.  I read an article the other day about the number of seniors living alone has increased over the years to an estimated 16 million people.  Many reasons but one is what they call “Gray Divorce”, getting divorced after years of marriage.  In the past two months, I have worked with at least 8 single households either coming or going from The Villages.  After reading the article I decide to check out “Single in The Villages” website. I love their motto “We may Live Alone, but … (8 comments)

homes in the villages fl: Latinos Y Mas in Ocala, Florida - 08/06/23 04:24 AM

For those not familiar with the area Ocala is 17 miles north of The Villages, Florida and depending where you live a short trip on I-75 or US 441.  We were in Ocala at 7:00 pm and needed a place to eat and one of our favorites is Latinos Y Mas which is a Contemporary Latin Fusion Cuisine with a Mediterranean Flair restaurant.
One change they have made since our last visit is menus on an iPad with pictures and full descriptions.  Makes great reading and looking at pictures while having your first margarita!  We had shrimp tacos and burritos which … (10 comments)

homes in the villages fl: Longhorn Steak House just Outside The Villages, Florida - 08/05/23 04:08 AM

I rarely eat or share about chain restaurants but wanted to share about Longhorn Steak House on 441 in Lady Lake.  After another crazy day of appointments, phone calls and hours of computer work came the usual evening thought “What’s for Dinner”.  We had two more errands to run and one of them was in the same shopping complex as Longhorn, Longhorn it will be!
Walked in seated right away, serve can by quickly and the drink order was placed.  When my beer came, I noticed it was a small draft and thought I ordered a tall one, no problem, two minutes … (14 comments)

homes in the villages fl: Do You Know How Big The Villages has Become? - 08/04/23 04:11 AM

Back in 1992 is when Orange Blossom Gardens a small manufactured home park changed the name and became The Villages.  An area between Leesburg and Ocala with 8,000 residents and 3 golf courses.  Times have quickly changed and the amazing growth of The Villages continues today.
According to a recently published article by A-Z Animals The Villages has grown to 145,000 residents and now is 80 square miles.  There is no sign of stopping as The Villages sold 1,555 new homes and villas in the first two quarters of 2023, this according to a market update I received in the mail.
Some more … (16 comments)

homes in the villages fl: Amerikanos Grille on the Spanish Springs Square in The Villages - 08/03/23 04:05 AM

The other night had some friends ask if we had plans for dinner, of course not been running all day.  They came over and we started the what are you hungry for?  BBQ? Nope one of them had that.  Sushi? Nope want more than that.  Italian or Mexican?  Nope, so I said Greek?  That sounds good plus Amerikanos is exactly one mile from our house!  I will tell you about the food in a minute but first the atmosphere, outside dining and a bar on the Spanish Springs Square.  Band was playing in the square, plenty of people and golf carts … (10 comments)

homes in the villages fl: Cutting the Wires and Cable, Welcome to 2023! - 08/02/23 03:16 AM

We bought a home built in the 1990’s in The Villages, Florida and you ask why when there are new homes.  Location, convenience, mature landscaping and the list goes on and each person needs to decide what is best.  I tell you this because I want to share a story, on wires and cables.  When we bought this place, we dropped 5 walls plus much more but want to talk about what we found in the walls, telephone wires to most rooms.  Removed them, even when painting the house removed the outside box and threw it away, no need. 
Next, we … (10 comments)

homes in the villages fl: I have a “Guy for that” List, Summary - 08/01/23 04:09 AM

The past 4 articles I hope I helped some of you with services you need, disclaimer some of the people I listed are my 2nd or 3rd person I have used and maybe in a year my list will change.  I had a great handyman and one day he packed up and left for South Florida, I had a painter that disappeared after a crappy job leaving me to fix it.  If you have a tradesman that is responsive, fair with charges and delivers what they promise take care of them, give them a tip now and then, if it’s the … (14 comments)

homes in the villages fl: I have a “Guy for that” List, Part 4 - 07/31/23 04:04 AM

I started this list 3 days ago, from first article:  After a 10-year remodel of our own home, helping investors with more than a dozen properties, working with flippers and needing repairs made for clients new to the area I have a Guy for that list.  You can use the magnifying glass on this page and search for whatever guy you might need.  I tell these guys I am putting my reputation on the line along with theirs.  When I use them I remind them I pay the same as others and do not want anything special other than take care … (8 comments)

homes in the villages fl: I have a “Guy for that” List, Part 3 - 07/30/23 04:09 AM

I started this list 2 days ago, from Part 1 article:  After a 10-year remodel of our own home, helping investors with more than a dozen properties, working with flippers and needing repairs made for clients new to the area I have a Guy for that list.  You can use the magnifying glass on this page and search for whatever guy you might need.  I tell these guys I am putting my reputation on the line along with theirs.  When I use them I remind them I pay the same as others and do not want anything special other than take … (9 comments)

homes in the villages fl: I have a “Guy for that” List, Part 2 - 07/29/23 04:14 AM

I started this list yesterday, from yesterday’s article:  After a 10-year remodel of our own home, helping investors with more than a dozen properties, working with flippers and needing repairs made for clients new to the area I have a Guy for that list.  You can use the magnifying glass on this page and search for whatever guy you might need.  I tell these guys I am putting my reputation on the line along with theirs.  When I use them I remind them I pay the same as others and do not want anything special other than take care of those … (11 comments)

homes in the villages fl: I have a “Guy for that” List, Part 1 - 07/28/23 04:03 AM

After a 10-year remodel of our own home, helping investors with more than a dozen properties, working with flippers and needing repairs made for clients new to the area I have a Guy for that list.  You can use the magnifying glass on this page and search for whatever guy you might need.  I tell these guys I am putting my reputation on the line along with theirs.  When I use them I remind them I pay the same as others and do not want anything special other than take care of those I send you.  
Handyman Guy, his name is … (9 comments)

homes in the villages fl: Buyer Beware, Who do You Trust - 07/27/23 04:09 AM

Yesterday was a disappointing day for dealing with contractors here in The Villages, Florida.  I have warned in the past about some of the people offering services here, there is a good reason we have four Seniors VS Crime offices in The Villages.  Most contractors are honest hardworking people but even some of the honest ones need to learn not to over promise and under deliver.
I personally had two disappointments yesterday, first have an electrician who has promise to be here Monday, didn’t show, promised Tuesday, didn’t show, promised Wednesday, didn’t show, let’s see if he comes today.  My other … (18 comments)

homes in the villages fl: Taco Tuesday at Ranchito The Villages - 07/26/23 05:16 AM

We have a Mexican Restaurant a mile and half golf cart ride from home.  It is our “Fast Food” place.  In a hurry but want a sit-down meal you eat with utensils?  Yep Ranchitos, plus they have 2 for 1 margaritas!  From their website:
Only Fresh Ingredients
We're committed to giving you the delicious taste of Mexican cuisine. We invest in quality ingredients into family recipes. We believe that you deserve the best and want you to have a fantastic experience. Thank you for choosing us, we want to bring you the great taste of Mexican dishes you will love.
Made with Love
At Ranchito … (2 comments)

homes in the villages fl: Rose Plantation in Fruitland Park a Special Dining Experience! - 07/25/23 05:09 AM

There is a special place 1.5 miles east of The Villages, Florida just off 466a you should find the time to visit, The Rose Plantation.  Does a dress code, eclectic china, fine silverware, stemware, and linen tablecloths enhancing the setting for the Americana-style food and wine interest you?  Looking for a break from the new constructed restaurants?  Miss that place that has been there forever place?  Read this from their website:
“Newspaper publisher William Dwight of Holyoke, Massachusetts built the estate in 1917 as a winter retreat. The Dwights were the "Gatsbys" of Fruitland Park. All through the Roaring ’20s, the Dwights hosted … (2 comments)

homes in the villages fl: Nothing Bundt Cakes, You Need to Visit Them! - 07/24/23 04:12 AM

Ever need something different to bring as a gift or to a social function you have been invited to attend?  I know I have and very happy to have this store a mile from my home.  I will let them tell their story:
“Let us sweeten your day! The The Villages - Lady Lake, FL Nothing Bundt Cakes located at 988 Bichara Blvd in Lady Lake is the perfect stop for all your cake needs! Choose from many delicious flavors made from the finest ingredients and crowned with our signature cream cheese frosting. To elevate your occasion, select from more than sixty … (12 comments)

homes in the villages fl: What was Your Biggest Surprise Moving to The Villages, Florida - 07/23/23 03:39 PM

If you belong to any of the Facebook Groups that discuss The Villages you see the same question time after time “Which villages has the youngest residents?”  After about 150 comments you know about as much as when the question was asked, everybody has an opinion but there are no facts to back it up.  There are 75 year olds buying new and I have sold homes to people in their 40’s buying preowned north of 466.
This brings me to the title of this article, biggest surprise.  I have asked several people and my own experience what was the biggest surprise, … (8 comments)

homes in the villages fl: Kroger Grocery Delivery in The Villages, Florida - 07/22/23 04:08 AM

We are a DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub household and yesterday we added Kroger Delivery to our list of home delivery.  DoorDash does offer pickup at stores which I have used at Total Wine and Spirits but haven’t used Instacart or Walmart grocery delivery.  We see Kroger trucks all over The Villages so we decided to download the app, set up an account and try them out, very easy process and very convenient.  What I like is you use the last bit of mayo you can put on the app until you have your order together, decide what you want to … (8 comments)

homes in the villages fl: Russel Stover Candy Store in Wildwood, Florida - 07/21/23 04:23 AM

Yesterday I had business on State Route 44 a few miles west of The Villages and I heard the Russel Stover Candy Store calling my name as I rode by.  The store is big and well stocked plus they had the old-style candy cases you could pick what you wanted.  Large selection of fudge, hand dipped ice cream and plenty of gifts which were about 50% off of retail.  All holidays and occasions were on the shelves and thought it would be great to stock up for those last-minute gifts…. Probably not a good idea having a pantry full of candy!
The … (18 comments)

 
Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida (TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)

Dick Betts

REALTOR® The Villages, Florida

The Villages, FL

More about me…

TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE

Address: 601 Lisbon Lane, The Villages, FL, 32159

Office: (717) 860-3107



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