the betts team: This Week in The Villages, Ronda Hennessy Lender - 05/11/25 12:51 PM

Today I am interviewing Ronda Hennessy who owns Hennessy Mortgage.  If you follow my articles I often talk about Ronda who is my lender guy who is not a guy!  The topic today is Preapproval and Prequalifying and what is the difference, she also discusses the importance of your credit score.  Ronda has a program to help you raise your credit score which in turn can help you get a better interest rate on your mortgage.  Remember a lower interest rate will help bring down your monthly mortgage payment.
If you are planning on shopping for a home remember we need either … (1 comments)

the betts team: Tour Day Last Week - 05/07/25 04:55 PM

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Julie and David, Julie has been following my Facebook Page for a while and we have been communicating on Messenger.  They were very excited to make their first trip to The Villages, Florida to learn more about this place.  They were staying in the south end of The Villages and spend the first 3 days of their stay no further north than Brownwood.  We agree I would show them the entire Villages, we started at Dunkin Donuts in Brownwood.  If you follow me you know I love “Tour Day”, Lake Sumter, Spanish Springs, … (2 comments)

the betts team: Two Opportunities to See a Great Home! - 05/07/25 02:53 PM

Thursday May 8th 10:00 until 1:00
Friday May 9th 1:00 until 3:00
BOND PAID! Imagine peacefully living in the fantastic Village of Santo Domingo, ideally located just a few miles from all the exciting restaurants, shopping, and entertainment at Spanish Springs Square. Conveniently close to the VA Clinic and the Hwy 27/441 shopping corridor, you’ll find everything you need easily within reach. Invite your family and friends to gather on your Backyard Patio Oasis, beautifully accented with palm trees and landscaping that completely ensures your Privacy. No Neighbors Behind You. This exceptionally beautiful Gardenia model home has been thoroughly Updated in 2023, making … (3 comments)

the betts team: Introducing Videos about The Villages, Florida - 05/06/25 12:58 PM

“This Week in The Villages” is now live and we have big plans for getting the word out about The Villages.  Call it Podcast, a Reel or a YouTube Video doesn’t matter, the videos will be about 5 or 6 minutes long, simple format not a lot of fluff.  We will be doing interviews with Villagers, some new to the area and their experience deciding on moving here and how it is going.  Also, I will be interviewing folks directly connected to buying or owning in The Villages.  People like lenders, home inspectors, insurance people, title companies and service providers.
Let’s not … (2 comments)

the betts team: Villages Camaro Club - 05/05/25 05:11 PM

Need something to do, want to meet people that share the same interest as you?  Visit The Villages Community Development Districts Residents Lifestyle Volunteer Groups www.districtgov.org/recreation/clubs  With over 3,100 groups you will surely find a group that matches your interest.  That is where I found the Villages Camaro Club and here is their story:
Our History - Villages Camaro Club was founded in June of 2014 by Ray Shaffer.  We currently have 61 members with 39 Camaros.
Our Mission - Our mission is to celebrate and preserve the history of the Chevrolet Camaro as well as provide opportunities for its members to meet, … (3 comments)

the betts team: Squirrels and Coffee, I asked AI - 05/05/25 05:00 PM

First I want to say my articles are not written by AI, I do let AI do some of my research with caution but today is a first, AI Generated picture.  We had a problem with squirrels climbing our screens on our lanai so I Googled what is a natural squirrel repellent, don’t want to harm them just keep them off my screens.  Google search came back with options and coffee grounds was one of them.  Next question to Google “is coffee grounds a repellent to squirrels?”  Here is the AI answer:
Yes, coffee grounds can act as a natural repellent for … (9 comments)

the betts team: Looking for a Quick Day Trip in Central Florida? - 05/05/25 02:28 PM

Looking for a Quick Day Trip in Central Florida?
 
This article provided by Jodi Nelson, Realtor a member of The Betts Team.  Jodi is available to help with your buying and selling needs in The Villages and surrounding areas.
 
Florida is known for its beaches, but did you know that Florida has a whopping 175 state parks?  A complete list of the parks can be found https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Florida_state_parks   Silver Springs State Park 5656 E Silver Springs, Blvd, Silver Springs FL 34488 is a beautiful destination that I highly recommend.  It is about an hour from the Villages, FL.   If you park at the … (5 comments)

the betts team: Pool Construction in The Villages - 05/02/25 12:31 PM

This article provided by Kindal Glasgow, Realtor a member of The Betts Team.  Kindal is available to help with your buying and selling needs in The Villages and surrounding areas.
 
If you haven’t found your pool dream home, try looking for a dream home with room for a pool.  This is what we did and could not be happier with the outcome!  Here are some things to consider when installing a pool to your existing home in The Villages:
 
     Pick a reputable company:  Ensure you choose a company that understands the permitting process.  Approval is required from both the ARC … (4 comments)

the betts team: What Builders are Putting in New Homes - 04/30/25 11:40 AM

I have been sharing what homebuyers want in a home, there is also a list of what builders are putting in a new home.  Some developments the builder pre-builds homes and maybe make them model homes which can be bought or give the buyer ideas, normally upscale ideas.  Here are a few of the adds a builder incorporates into a home to help sell the new homes.
Open concept, some call it a great room, combining the kitchen, living room (or family room) and dining room.  Many homes in The Villages, Florida were built that way.  Many times, a flipper will make … (8 comments)

the betts team: Down to the Last Three of Essentials and Desirables - 04/30/25 05:37 AM

I have been sharing top essential and desirable features in your new home listed by The National Association of Home Builders.  We are down to eleven to thirteen of the lists, not to worry I have more material from the article.  Coming in at number 12 is landscaping, I believe that number is higher in The Villages, Florida.
Many times, when showing homes in The Villages the prospective buyers comment about the landscaping.  It either nice or it needs attention affecting the value to the home.  Ride around and look so many homes have great landscaping if the home doesn’t it stands … (9 comments)

the betts team: Home Technology Essential and Desirable - 04/29/25 07:45 AM

Have you noticed how we have been adding technology to our homes and not kicking and screaming about it.  Maybe because we started slow with what we thought we couldn’t live without, WIFI.  In the beginning it was our computers, then smartphones, smart TV’s and needs keep growing.  When showing homes, I warn buyers watch what you say before ever getting to the front door, video doorbells.  I have seen cameras inside the home with the green light on, security cameras on the outside of the home, save your comments until we get in the car.
According to AI 90% of the … (7 comments)

the betts team: New Listing, Open House 1222 Camero Drive, The Villages, Florida - 04/29/25 07:36 AM

BOND PAID! Imagine peacefully living in the fantastic Village of Santo Domingo, ideally located just a few miles from all the exciting restaurants, shopping, and entertainment at Spanish Springs Square. Conveniently close to the VA Clinic and the Hwy 27/441 shopping corridor, you’ll find everything you need easily within reach. Invite your family and friends to gather on your Backyard Patio Oasis, beautifully accented with palm trees and landscaping that completely ensures your Privacy. No Neighbors Behind You. This exceptionally beautiful Gardenia model home has been thoroughly Updated in 2023, making it feel practically brand new! Upgraded Luxury Vinyl Flooring flows … (6 comments)

the betts team: How many Places do You Need to Eat in Your Home? - 04/28/25 04:07 PM

Today I am finishing up the 13 new home buyers consider essential and desirable according to the National Association of Home Builders.  Table Space in the kitchen number 13 and Walk-in Pantry number 11.  The other day while showing homes the buyers said how places in your home do you need to eat?  The home we were in had three which most homes do, kitchen counter with bar stools, table in the kitchen and a dining room table.  We walked into the Florida room another table and four chairs and the bird cage had a table and four chairs.  That’s five … (12 comments)

the betts team: Southern Villages Fun Girls - 04/27/25 01:40 PM

One of the many great things about The Villages, Florida is the social clubs.  With over 3,100 plus clubs you have plenty to choose from.  If you have an interest there is a very good chance there is a social club already started if not start your own.  I enjoy exploring the different clubs and sharing, here is a fun club, check out their website:  www.southernvillagesfungirls.com
We are a fabulously FUN group of ladies who get together a few times monthly in the Southern section of The Villages and lots of fun bus trips! Our events are focused on YOU-niquely wonderful activities … (5 comments)

the betts team: Bathrooms and Appliances Numbers 9 and 10 - 04/26/25 05:07 AM

I have been referencing the 13 features new home buyers say are essential and desirable released by the National Association of Home Builders.  I have tried to customize them a little to fit into The Villages, Florida style of homes.  Number 9 is Full Bath on Main Level, in The Villages 99% of the homes only have a main level.  Bathrooms is where people spend a lot of money, many showers are a work of art, Rainforest shower heads, body jets, hand wands maybe even a waterfall.  Glass doors, a bench and some are big!  High end vanities with quartz, LED … (2 comments)

the betts team: Hardwood Flooring, Hmmm - 04/26/25 03:44 AM

I have been sharing top essential and desirable features in your new home listed by The National Association of Home Builders and hardwood flooring came in at number eight.  We don’t see a lot of hardwood flooring in The Villages, Florida, mostly ceramic tile, and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP).  Here is what I have shared in the past:
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is very popular right now and cost effective, my handyman does LVP and recommends going to Lowe’s or Home Depot pick something about $3.50 a foot, not the $1.00 or the $4 to $5 stuff and get it installed … (5 comments)

the betts team: This is Florida, Natural Light is Important - 04/25/25 12:49 PM

When I travel north between November and April I quickly remember why I love Florida, the weather.  Not just the temperatures but the sunshine.  The gray skies that seem to last five or six months, clouds at treetops, cold misting rain and of course snow.  Here plenty of sunshine so why not let it in your home!  Last week I talked about windows being number three on the new home essential and desirable list, well window treatments should be up there as well.  Why have a window and cover it with swags and jabots?
Last week I met my guys from Blinds4Less … (6 comments)

the betts team: Front Porch Comes in at Number 7 - 04/25/25 11:46 AM

I have been sharing top essential and desirable features in your new home listed by The National Association of Home Builders and number 7 front porch.  You know where I am going with this, Knee Walls!  This survey is from around the country and yes many new home developments have homes with front porches.  The homes in The Villages really aren’t designed with front porches, but there is a solution, knee walls.  Yes I know this is about the fourth article about knee walls I have shared but I am just going down the list!
Many Village homes have the front walkway … (7 comments)

the betts team: Garage Storage Number 6 on the List - 04/24/25 04:38 AM

I have been sharing top essential and desirable features in your new home listed by The National Association of Home Builders and garage storage is number 6.  If you ever saw my garage you would this guy needs professional help!  It is a mess!  There are people that do help you with it but here are a few suggestions.  Shelving and cabinets are a good start, get it up off the floor.  Had a client hire one of my handymen to put shelving all around the garage about two feet down from the ceiling.  Some homes have built in cabinets taking … (6 comments)

the betts team: Villages Aviation Club - 04/24/25 03:29 AM

Have you ever sat outside and hear and see small planes flying around and wonder who these people are.  There is a chance they are members of The Villages Aviation Club, yep another club!  This from their website including contact info: www.villagesaviation.weebly.com
What We Do
The club brings together active pilots (owners and renters) and aviation enthusiasts who are interested in learning more about aviation, pursuing flying and aviation-related activities such as renting airplanes together to share the costs and flying time, and group flying to various locations in or out of Florida.  
Membership
Membership is open to all Villages residents and renters with Villages ID. Annual dues … (6 comments)

 
Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader (Dick Betts National Speaker)

Dick Betts

Realtor, Team Leader

The Villages, FL

More about me…

Dick Betts National Speaker

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

Office: (717) 860-3107



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