the betts team: Leathered Granite and Quartz
- 02/11/26 06:27 PM
Few weeks ago, I was showing a high-end home here in The Villages and they had leathered granite all through the home. Kitchen, separate bar area, both bathrooms, and laundry room and what a great touch in countertops. I was involved in a flip a few months ago and after a trip to the granite yard the owner decided on the leathered quartz. I believe if we were to redo our kitchen I would look seriously at the leathered quartz.
Leathered quartz and granite countertops feature a matte textured surface created by wire brushing the material resulting in a low sheen, durable and … (5 comments)
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the betts team: Quilting in The Villages, Florida
- 02/11/26 05:03 PM
I often write articles about subjects I have clue about until I Google it. Recently I worked with a client whose hobby is quilting. After I dropped them off I decided to check the VCDD list of clubs and learn what quilting was all about. First it looks like The Villages has four quilting clubs, so I looked which rec center hosted the quilters. Next what is quilting, this is what I learned.
Quilting is the art of stitching three layers—a decorated top, batting, and backing—together, traditionally forming functional, decorative bed covers or textile art. Essential steps include designing, cutting, piecing, basting, and … (2 comments)
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the betts team: This Week in The Villages, Sawgrass Tavern
- 02/11/26 01:15 PM
Been there and done that, that being Sawgrass Tavern! I had the Bangers and Mash and maybe a beer, no I am sure I had a beer. Fun place to gather before or after something happening at Sawgrass. This from their website: www.SawgrassTavern.com
Located in the heart of Sawgrass Grove, Sawgrass Tavern features a spacious indoor-outdoor bar, inviting patio seating, and a beautifully designed dining room that accommodates gatherings of all sizes. Immerse yourself in the charm of Celtic-inspired decor, complete with warm wood accents that create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Sawgrass Tavern is your new favorite destination for great food, … (6 comments)
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the betts team: This Week in The Villages, Recap 2/4 to 2/10
- 02/10/26 01:40 PM
Our Winter Weather is OVER, I hope! Looking at the two week forecast highs in the upper 70’s to 80º with the lowest temperature being 49º all other nights mid 50’s. Yes Florida weather finally, the squares, golf courses, pickleball courts, and pools should be packed! Feel like I have been wearing long pants for months and it is time for shorts again.
Interesting week as far as the top three articles and videos, didn’t have a record-breaking article this week but interesting results. Coming in at Number three again wasn’t a 14-platform entry it just was on Facebook, “For Those Attending … (6 comments)
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the betts team: TooJay’s Deli Lake Sumter and Brownwood
- 02/09/26 06:19 PM
Disclaimer I was born and raised in rural South-Central Pennsylvania, meaning I am not a connoisseur of New York Style Delis. I know what I like and TooJay’s has some of my favorites like their hot dogs, Reubens and pastrami. This from their website: https://www.toojays.com/locations/lake-sumter-landing
TooJay’s began with a single location on the island of Palm Beach in 1981. The brand was born out of the passion for creating classic recipes and flavors of an authentic deli served with lots of love and amazing hospitality. Now, with locations across Florida, our focus is still the same – serving hearty portions of homemade … (3 comments)
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the betts team: Tap House Social, The Villages, Florida
- 02/09/26 05:57 PM
Here is a great place to gather and enjoy sports bar food the Tap House Social on the west side of The Villages. We have met friends there, dined and always enjoyed our time and meals. I suggest you visit their website and watch the video as it does a great job showing all about the place: www.SocialTheVillages.com
This is a fun place with great food, again it is a sports bar and if you go on game day it tends to be noisy so might not be the best place for a romantic date night! Great specials seven days a week … (2 comments)
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the betts team: Solar Panels are They Worth it?
- 02/07/26 05:34 AM
I saw somebody ask about installing solar panels and if it increases home value. I still have the article “Cost and Value Report,” I looked it up and Return on Investment (ROI) when selling a home was 30%. My article the other day the ROI on a front door was 216% so the answer is no. Many times, the solar panels are financed and the new owner assumes the payments. I did sell a home the panels were paid for and it did help but was not the deciding factor in purchasing the home.
According to AI Florida requires larger systems than … (3 comments)
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the betts team: Mardi Pup March & Mardi Gras Festival
- 02/06/26 07:09 AM
All the fun begins at 3:00 pm on February 13th, 2026, at Lake Sumter Landing. The Mardi Pup March benefits the Humane Society of Sumter County. This is a great event to support the work our local Humane Society does locally. Registration is $20 and $10 for each additional dog, humans are free you can find more information on The Villages Entertainment website. Want to see what it is all about, while surfing the web Google the pictures for the event.
The Mardi Gras Festival which starts at 4:00 at Lake Sumter has plenty to see and enjoy. On the main stage … (3 comments)
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the betts team: 2025 Cost vs Value Report
- 02/05/26 05:48 AM
The other day Erin The Betts Team admin shared a link from “The Journal of Light Construction” and said you might want to read this. It compares the average cost of 28 remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale in 119 U.S. Markets. I read the list and either agreed or disagreed when it came to homes in The Villages, Florida. Let’s start with number one and two on the list.
Garage door replacement was number one based on cost recoup, average job cost $4,872, resale value $12,507, cost recoup 268%. I was surprised with garage door being number … (3 comments)
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the betts team: Boosters Bar & Grill
- 02/04/26 05:10 PM
We head to the south end of The Villages to Boosters Bar & Grill located at Shallow Creek Championship Golf Club. For you not familiar here is the address, 8003 Landstone Blvd, The Villages, FL 34762 for your GPS. Full disclosure I have not made it there yet, on my list but with probably about 150 places to eat in The Villages it is hard to visit each one! Here is their website:
www.boostersbarandgrill.com
In exploring the website, I am greeted with Raise a Toast to the New Game in Town. They are fairly new and am sure those living in the south … (5 comments)
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the betts team: Darts in The Villages, Florida
- 02/04/26 08:23 AM
How about seventeen different dart groups in The Villages, Florida. Couples Darts, English Darts, Basic Darts, Blind Draw Darts, CC Darts whatever that is, Doubles Darts, Dart Clubs, Ladies Darts, Mixed Doubles Darts, and Darts of Hazards. I am sure I missed some and some I don’t know what they are talking about not being a dart player.
Playing darts is an excellent, low-impact hobby for seniors that boosts cognitive function, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction. It helps maintain mental sharpness through math and focus while providing a fun, accessible, and competitive, or recreational, outlet that can be enjoyed well into later life.
To … (4 comments)
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the betts team: Luma Mediterranean Kitchen
- 02/04/26 05:32 AM
Luma Mediterranean Kitchen at Sawgrass Grove offers a different type of menu many find interesting and appealing. From build your own bowls to pitas, Dips & Cheese to my favorite Gyros. Great thing a Mediterranean Diet is good for you, I asked AI: The Mediterranean diet offers numerous benefits, primarily boosting heart health by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and stroke risk, and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and cognitive decline, leading to better brain function and potentially longer life.
From their website: www.LumaMedKitchen.com
LUMA is a fast-casual Mediterranean kitchen serving bold, bright flavors inspired by the sun-soaked coasts of … (3 comments)
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the betts team: This Week in The Villages, Wednesday Recap 1/28 to 2/3
- 02/03/26 02:17 PM
Hey locals are you tired of these temperatures? I know I am but there is sunshine and warm temperatures in our future! The warmup is happening at just the right time. This Friday at Lake Sumter Landing is the Electric Light Party, temps will be a high of 61º and 45º for a low. Next is the Super Bowl Party at our house Sunday with high of 73º and low of 44º.
Top three for the week and wow what a week, we hit a record for the most views with this week number one. Remember I have posted over 1,300 articles … (2 comments)
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the betts team: Why So Many Different Floorings?
- 02/03/26 10:31 AM
Without me saying a word I showed a home with five different floors, a pet peeve of mine. I am okay with two, maybe three if counting bathroom, but when three touch each other that is a problem! The buyer commented why would somebody do this? The floors were a big turnoff as the buyer said first thing they would have to rip up all the flooring. I understand you might have bought a home that has a common floor throughout living area and had carpet in the bedrooms. Carpet looks worn so LVP, no problem it will look better!
Few years … (4 comments)
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the betts team: This Week in The Villages Country Club Recap
- 02/02/26 03:59 PM
We covered the eleven currently opened country clubs for dining choices which brings us to number twelve. Best I can find I saw a picture on the building “Woodlands Bar & Grill,” location is 1480 Craig Street which I showed about where it is on the map I included. I am sure there are things happening behind the scenes to get another country club restaurant up and running. While working on this project I do believe there could be three or more country clubs on the horizon.
In recapping the eleven I covered, remember open to the public, secondly dress is “Resort … (2 comments)
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the betts team: Should I Paint Before I Sell?
- 02/02/26 04:29 AM
YES, in most cases! According to studies only 10% of homebuyers can look beyond what they see when they tour a home. One article I read said freshly painted rooms in a home can make buyers to feel the home has been well maintained. Some more facts from AI:
Improves first impressions: Buyers often form opinions before entering; a clean, fresh look is crucial. Increases perceived value: Makes the home feel newer and move-in ready, justifying a higher price. Highlights features: Creates visual continuity and makes rooms appear larger and brighter. Cost-effective ROI: It's one of the most affordable renovations with a high return on investment.
What to … (5 comments)
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the betts team: The Villages Accordion Players
- 01/29/26 01:51 PM
The other day I was visiting with a past client and he mentioned he took accordion lessons as a young adult. I was surprised and asked him if he still played he said no but found it interesting. You can guess what I did, I found The Villages Accordion Players Social Club. I had no idea there was a club for accordion players but sure enough there is one. I called him and left him know he could continue his career as an accordionist. He didn’t seem that interested but you never know that urge to play the squeeze box could … (4 comments)
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the betts team: Harry and The Natives, The Villages, Florida
- 01/28/26 05:05 PM
The Villages, Florida has a place you might want to check out, Harry and The Natives. Many of my friends have tried and all say it was a great experience. This from their website: www.NativesVillages.com
Step into a lakeside escape where the tiki vibe meets fresh, scratch-made dining. At Harry and The Natives at The Villages, we don't believe in shortcuts — there's no freezer here, only fresh ingredients prepared daily with care. From our Shrimp & Grits and Tuna Poke to classics like burgers, pulled pork, and coastal-inspired handhelds, every plate delivers bold flavor with an Old Florida flair. Join us under the tiki hut and discover … (2 comments)
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the betts team: Happy Groundhog Day 2026, Want Some History?
- 01/28/26 02:48 PM
Curious minds want to know, thanks to AI just ask and now you know! Here we go: Groundhog Day, held annually on February 2nd, originated from German settlers in Pennsylvania (18th-19th century) merging European weather folklore with the Christian holiday of Candlemas. It stems from the belief that if a hibernating animal (originally a badger/hedgehog) sees its shadow on this mid-winter point, winter lasts six more weeks.
The custom is rooted in ancient European lore, where hedgehogs or bears were used to predict the end of winter. It is closely related to Candlemas, where clear skies signified a longer, colder winter, and cloudy … (6 comments)
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the betts team: More Golf Coming South of the Turnpike
- 01/28/26 01:36 PM
Recently I shared we had 800 holes of golf in The Villages, Florida and soon was corrected as another course was opened. Until I see in print the total number of holes I will just give updates on what is coming. South of the turnpike we have four new executive 9-hole courses and a 27-hole championship course being built.
Two coming soon executive course are Beautyberry and Honeysuckle which are close to Eastport. These will be off Bexley Trail just north of Marsh Bend Trail. What I read which was in the past few weeks opening soon.
The other two executive course are … (5 comments)
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