the betts team: Harvest Restaurant and Bar, The Villages, Florida - 03/30/23 04:16 AM

Had a friend from out of the area visit for a few days so decided to try Harvest Restaurant and Bar here in The Villages, Florida for dinner.  The goal was to experience the three squares in The Villages so off to Brownwood Paddock Square.  Brownwood is best described as an old cattle town here in Florida, yep cattle, cowboys the wild west but in Florida.  Harvest Restaurant is right in the square so as usual the entire area buzzing with activities.   About Harvest Restaurant, this from their website:
“HARVEST, marks a new chapter in modern cuisine in The Villages, FL. Surrounded … (8 comments)

the betts team: 4-Point Inspection in Florida - 03/29/23 04:12 AM

Buying a home soon in Florida?  Get ready to hear the term “4-Point Inspection” so you might as well learn about it now.  Insurance companies require a 4-Point Inspection to be able to get homeowners insurance and to get a mortgage you need homeowner’s insurance.  When I am working with investors they favor homes that will not pass a 4-Point Inspection because you can’t insurance so the home can be a cash sale only in most cases.  The biggest culprit is the roof, today insurance companies look at age of roof and I hear of companies wanting a roof after 15 … (6 comments)

the betts team: Lady Lake, Florida and Post 347 - 03/28/23 05:05 AM

Before I write about American Legion Post 347, the largest post in the world I want those not familiar with the area to understand the geography of Lady Lake.  Lady Lake founded as a railroad town in 1887 and is where The Villages began in the 1980’s as Orange Blossom Gardens a small mobile home park.  Today a section of The Villages is located in Lady Lake and the 32159 zip code can be either Lady Lake or The Villages, it all has to do with the postal service as part of Sumter County uses the Lady Lake post office.  If … (10 comments)

the betts team: Two Great Open Houses This Week in The Villages - 03/27/23 08:03 AM

The Betts Team works with a premier remodeler in The Villages, Florida and we have homes available.  With his own crew, they purchase homes in The Villages that need maybe new roofs, HVAC, new appliances and updating.  When finished they homes are practically new with redesigned kitchens and baths, flooring, lighting just new name a few things done to the home.  We recently sold two of the homes but the good news is we still have three at different stages including one finished at 210 Palermo Place here in The Villages.
Tuesday March 28th from 11:00 until 2:00 we will be hosting … (6 comments)

the betts team: Evans Prairie Country Club, The Villages, Florida - 03/27/23 04:09 AM

The country clubs in The Villages, Florida all have a theme and Evans Prairie is no exception.  As an extension of Brownwood Town Square the western flair is very apparent, the rustic décor is a welcome change to the other country clubs in The Villages.  Here is the description from their website:
“This comfortable neighborhood restaurant brings a new American cuisine stimulated by our interpretation of Florida flavors, with a focus on fresh, clean, and local products. An eclectic menu filled with delicious fare and handcrafted cocktails made from scratch will be sure to delight the palate, while staying reasonably priced. We … (4 comments)

the betts team: Kissing Lanais - 03/26/23 04:12 AM

When I first moved to Florida I learned screened in porches up north were called Lanais here in Florida.  When I start working with a new client from the north and I hear screened in porch on the back of the house and smile, yep that’s what I called them 15 years ago.  Then I had to learn a new term here in The Villages, Florida, kissing lanais which means two lanais back to back only a few feet off the property line.  This means even having a conversation with inside voice your neighbors can hear everything you say.  Oh, and … (12 comments)

the betts team: The Villages, Florida Continues to Grow! - 03/25/23 04:29 AM

It was announced yesterday The Villages, Florida purchased 900 acres in Lake County for 7 million dollars.  The property is located to the southeast of the current areas being developed currently by The Villages in the Mascotte, Florida.  The Villages currently is estimated to be 57 square miles or 36,480 acres with the additional property The Villages will be close to 60 square miles.
To give you an idea of how big The Villages is if you drove from the northern most point of The Villages to where they just purchased land it would be a 45-minute drive or 32 miles.  It … (6 comments)

the betts team: Line Dancing in The Villages, Florida - 03/24/23 05:02 AM

If you go to one of the squares in The Villages, Florida to listen to the band don’t be surprised to see a group of line dancers already there dancing in unison.  Most of the time the core group are students of the many line dancing classes held regularly in The Villages.  One of my first visits to Spanish Springs Town Square around 2009 I heard for the first-time Bryson Bernard’s Cupid Shuffle and watch about 100 people take to the dance floor and line dance.  I was amazed and had to ask and that is when I first learned about … (8 comments)

the betts team: Bonifay Country Club, The Villages, Florida - 03/23/23 04:26 AM

Moving through The Villages, Florida and trying to help people just starting to look here, this place is huge so I broke The Villages down into five areas.  I have the break down on my website, Bonifay is just south of 466a which is my area 4 which goes to State Road 44.  When I think Bonifay, I think seafood with eight great seafood entrees on the menu, Salmon, Butterfish, Shrimp and Haddock prepared in different ways.  Here is how Bonifay Country Club describes itself on their website:
“We infuse Florida inspired cuisine with the relaxing and open atmosphere of a beach … (8 comments)

the betts team: Villagers for Veterans, The Villages, Florida - 03/22/23 04:04 AM

I see Villagers for Veterans promoting activities regularly on social media and other ways and decided to see what they are all about, wow, what a great group to be involved with!  This group gives you faith in humanity, here is their Mission Statement:
 
“Villagers for Veterans is 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) organization founded for the sole purpose of helping severely wounded veterans. We help veterans directly with much-needed funding or additional resources, or by providing grants to other organizations that provide services for veterans. Either way, we are here to help wounded veterans transition into civilian life with as much support as … (4 comments)

the betts team: Orange Blossom Hills Country Club, The Villages, Florida - 03/18/23 05:45 AM

Welcome to the first county club in The Villages, Florida, before the squares, before the growth crossing U.S. 441 into Sumter and Marion Counties there was the original Orange Blossom Gardens with 400 mobile homes.  Orange Blossom Gardens would become today The Villages.  From Orange Blossom Hills Country Club website:
“Some think that it’s not easy to find a historic restaurant in “everything is new” Villages, but if you look to the hill, you’ll find a newly redesigned historic site that will give you a true taste of what the Villages is all about! Since 1985, OB Hills has helped define the … (10 comments)

the betts team: The Beauty of Ocala, Florida - 03/17/23 04:24 AM

When I first moved to Florida 15 years ago I called Ocala, Florida home for 3 years and what a great place to start my calling Florida my home state.  I quickly fell in love with the community, the people and of course the weather moving to Ocala from Maryland in November, yes winter and gray skies were already setting, the day I moved it was 38 degrees and misting rain and clouds at tree tops.
Ocala, Florida has so much to offer being the heart and soul of Marion County. The beauty of Equestrian Real Estate and ranches, The World Equestrian … (8 comments)

the betts team: Two New Listings in Ocala, Florida - 03/16/23 07:42 AM

When I first moved to Florida 15 years ago I called Ocala, Florida home for 3 years.  I quickly fell in love with the community, the people and of course the weather moving to Ocala from Maryland in November, yes winter and gray skies were already setting in.
Ocala, Florida has so much to offer being the heart and soul of Marion County. The beauty of Equestrian Real Estate and ranches, The World Equestrian Center, shopping, dining and culture of the city.  The historic square is a great place to sit on the benches in the park like setting, the square also … (8 comments)

the betts team: St Patrick’s Day Festival, The Villages, Florida - 03/16/23 04:14 AM

If there is one thing The Villages, Florida is good at it is throwing a party!  Have a holiday if not make one up and plan a party.  Now if the official holiday is Mardi Gras and in this case Saint Patrick’s Day watch out!  This year The Villages’ official Saint Patrick’s Day Festival is being held in Spanish Springs which is one mile from my home.
The Villages has planned six hours of merriment this Friday starting with a parade at 3:15 with plenty of groups marching and golf carts decorated for the occasion.  Next from 4:00 until 9:00 The Byrne … (14 comments)

the betts team: The Unique Town of Mount Dora, Florida - 03/15/23 04:24 AM

A short 22-mile trip from The Villages, Florida is a unique and historic town of Mount Dora.  I love Mount Dora and when I have folks looking at relocating or spending time in The Villages I always recommend a day trip to Mount Dora.  The downtown area has been preserved and reminds me of the downtowns of the 50’s and 60’s.  Bustling stores and shops and some of the best dining in the area along with the view of Lake Dora.  This from The Chamber of Commerce:
“Mount Dora offers a unique downtown overlooking Lake Dora where you can take a leisurely … (13 comments)

the betts team: Entertainment at The Squares in The Villages, Florida - 03/14/23 04:18 AM

One of the many draws to The Villages is the nightly live entertainment at the four venues, the three squares and the new Sawgrass Grove.  Live music with really great bands echo through the squares 365 days a year from 5:00 until 9:00.  Seating is provided so you just need to show up and there are adult beverages available at each square with “Happy Hour” from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm.
Some of the Villagers follow certain performers from venue to venue which could also include country clubs, restaurants and the squares.  Many performers have Facebook pages and post their schedule monthly, … (10 comments)

the betts team: Open House Wednesday 3/15 10 -1 210 Palermo PL, The Villages, FL - 03/13/23 06:41 PM

Location Location Location
210 Palermo Place
The Villages, FL 32159
MLS #5063575
 
This pristine home offers you a blank canvas to add your personal touch and make it yours. Boasting an array of sleek finishes and a thoughtful open floor plan. You’ll find tasteful updates throughout this recently renovated home, featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. Stunning polished porcelain floors, custom LED lighting, and a whole house sound system. 
The kitchen features all-new stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, and a waterfall counter on the island. The perfect spot to have your morning coffee! 
The master bedroom and ensuite offer the perfect getaway with 2 custom rainforest … (12 comments)

the betts team: Havana Country Club in The Villages, Florida - 03/13/23 05:26 AM

One of the many country clubs open to the public here in The Villages, Florida is Havana Country Club.  Great food and a very lively atmosphere and plenty of regulars frequent the bar area.  This from the website:
“At Havana, we pride ourselves on offering the best dining experience The Villages has to offer. Our menu features fine steaks & cuts, fresh seafood, and inspired pasta dishes. 
It would be our pleasure to serve you in our spacious dining room, or on our temperature controlled veranda.”
 
Havana Country Club is known for their nightly specials and are very popular.  Monday is Lobster, Tuesday Greek … (6 comments)

the betts team: The Reef Rovers Club of The Villages, Florida - 03/12/23 03:58 AM
 
So, are you busy the 4th Tuesday of every month except November?  If not want to go to a different beach each month?  Looks like two buses a month head to Florida beaches for the day.  Before you decide here is the club’s Mission Statement:
​“The Reef Rovers Club was created several years ago with the purpose of allowing residents of The Villages to enjoy Florida beaches while forming new friendships. We are more than a travel service-we are a group of people with similar interests that enjoy spending time together with the sand and surf. Our hope is that all will … (8 comments)

the betts team: Asian Cultural Performers, The Villages, Florida - 03/11/23 04:10 AM

 The Villages, Florida with it’s over 2,900 social clubs combines hobbies, crafts, art and culture, have an interest?  There is probably a club for that if not start your own!  I came across this club today the “Asian Culture Performers”. What a unique club here in The Villages.  This from their website:  
“Asian Cultural Performers Club provide a variety of popular entertainment throughout the community.  Available to perform at meetings and social gatherings in and around The Villages.  The team performs dances & songs of China, India, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.”
Looks like they perform a few times a … (12 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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