On Top of the World, Ocala fl | Florida Retirement Community Tour

[@loveslesmiles]

We have been living in OTOW since Dec. We bought a Villa and remodeled it. Best decision we have ever made.

[@susanv5684]

Yes, I do appreciate seeing the tour of a few available preowned homes for sale, to see how the values compare. I know it’s general, and only a snapshot in time, but it helps. Thanks.

[@rickderoven1316]

Just came back from a 1 week visit to compare OTOTW and Del Webb Stone Creek ( right next door). SC was nice, but no comparison to OTOTW. We LOVED everything about OTOTW and signed a contract to build a new home in Weybourne Landing. Can’t wait to get down there from Detroit. Only bad news is 9 months to build- the demand is so high they’re having a hard time keeping up. Oh and by the way, we previously owned a house in The Villages for 2 years. HATED IT! Way too congested, major traffic on roads( cars and golf carts) and restaurants, very hard to get tee times for golf. And no security- anyone can come and go at any time- all the roads are public. OTOTW has 3 roads in and out- all gated with manned security guards- open only to residents and their guests. Much preferred and I’m sure I’ll sleep better at night.

[@ams3344]

How much are the fees?

[@alsabogal4275]

Great insights on all 3...much appreciated!

[@rameye]

Liked it---gimmee more! Those quick home walk thrus were cool too!

[@ProCharged50th]

Nice job, you too are naturals in front of the camera.

[@darrylmiller7327]

Hey guys once again fantastic just watched on top of the world visit thanks as I stated earlier going down in June can't wait truly hope this will be our retirement community I want you to know I really appreciate and love your videos you guys are getting better and better thanks.

[@Explore55Plus]

Thank you ❤️❤️ looking forward to it!

[@sandyphillips5961]

Thank you for taking the time and making a very informative video! I’ve been looking at The Villages, OTOW and Daytona Margaritaville. Please continue to provide your honest perspective!!

[@BrittMFH]

This is very helpful, thank you.

[@angeladecresenzo8437]

Thanks great video; love seeing the houses

[@Explore55Plus]

❤️

[@TexasGirl1633]

Great overview....loved seeing the homes. It would be great if you could include how many bedrooms/baths they have.Thank you!

[@Explore55Plus]

Thanks for the feedback! We will improve this section of the video in the future.

[@floridaadvantagerealtygroup]

Elizabeth, the average home is 2 bed 2 bath with a den. The larger homes will have 3 beds and 2+ baths with 2+ garages

[@sweetnsassy4329]

Nice video....smaller scale of the Villages, Florida but no comparison to the amenities available living in The Villages, Fl.

[@jak9483]

I think it's a great idea to show the houses, thanks 😊

[@sandraalexander4120]

We really liked this video! Thanks for showing the RV storage and other unique things like archery and RC track. The quick peeks at homes was great! It might be nice to have quick peeks at a couple of comparable new (models) ones too for the sake of compare/contrast. Keep up the great work!

[@Explore55Plus]

Great idea. Thank you ❤️

[@nicholasglade4572]

I'm impressed, great video. I am planning to retire in a couple years and looking into places.

[@triciaallen3200]

Glad I found your channel. Yes liked the part showing homes. Would like to hear if communities allow fencing, which types, for dogs & what HOA'/CDD/Bonds could run as well. Thank you :)

[@Explore55Plus]

Great suggestion! We will incorporate this in future videos ❤️

[@floridaadvantagerealtygroup]

Tricia, Pet fences are allowed in the community... limited to 48" high and white vinyl or chain link. Dogs are welcome and no strict guidelines on breed or size. No bonds, no CCD's, HOA averages $280 to $360

[@TomBTerrific]

@@floridaadvantagerealtygroup wondering what amenities come with the HOA fees? Trash, cable, internet kind of thing.

[@georgiakolster4143]

Loved watching your video, soon yo be retired and Florida is top of our list to move to. So such good information and I always love seeking the different types of houses available! Thanks so much! New subscriber 😊

[@Explore55Plus]

Thanks for watching, Georgia!

[@jws3925]

I do like that section of reviewing homes for sale over a broad price range. In fact, I thought it might be the best part of the video!! You all tend to "step on each other's toes" on your videos and in this one you used the word "cool" quite a bit.

[@Explore55Plus]

Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@valpro99]

We just checked out TOTW last week. We loved it but it's good to see the inside of the older homes as we have not made up our minds if we want to go old or new.

[@Explore55Plus]

Plenty of options to choose from. Let us know if we can help with anything!

[@smcpp50]

Loved the listing info section. Thanks for sharing!

[@penelopepitstop762]

That’s kind of a turn off not to own the land your house is on. I don’t see a positive to that. What happens when you pay off your house? Are you still making payments (rent) on the land that you’ll die before it’s paid off? And the monthly amenity fees seem much higher than the Villages, which are only $168 a month. Informative video, thank you.

[@ThatLVCguy]

Love the addition of the home examples in your videos. Keep up the great work

[@Explore55Plus]

More to come! ❤️

[@danielterry382]

Yes, the Florida real estate market in communities 55+ is cray hot, as my relatives in Venice had a couple knock of their door last week, making them a cash offer, and the house is not for sale !

[@lucretia3606]

Loved seeing the houses!

[@alanthompson4912]

This was great, I would like to see more of the house section in the future, very cool

[@Explore55Plus]

Thanks for watching, Alan!

[@pattyc301]

Loved seeing the houses!! Could you please show the master bath? I am 52 and looking to move to a55 plus community.

[@Explore55Plus]

Definitely! I think we are going to extend that portion of the video! We got a ton of good feedback :)

[@laurarahz12]

i like this video AND that these home are affordable!! thank you so much!!

[@kevinshannon2902]

Love the tour of the homes for sale. Great channel.

[@pathoulf1415]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@Explore55Plus]

Thank you for watching, Pat!

[@matt51402]

I just found on this video,where you answered my questions,however, the key word is found! Apparently I don’t get all your videos because I found some today that haven’t seen before. I’m not sure why I’m not getting all of them or responses!

[@livingthedream799]

Thanks guys for doing this video. Lots of good information! More please on this community and also The Villages.

[@Explore55Plus]

More to come! ❤️

[@KenFehner]

Thanks for showing the homes.

[@jeanneengebretsen9262]

Yes all the info as possible.

[@jmanonmakes]

Best video on On Top of the World I’ve seen. I love that you included some homes. Thanks so much for another great video.

[@Explore55Plus]

Wow, thank you! ❤️

[@joyfullylivinglife7114]

Loved it! So much info!!!

[@Explore55Plus]

❤️

[@florida83]

Awesome videos

[@michaelevans9521]

It’s great how you two get along, envy your relationship 😁.

[@Explore55Plus]

Thank you. We enjoy working together!

[@annisaz7129]

Enjoyed the addition of seeing some of the homes. Wondering if pools can be built on the resales?

[@henryjohn972]

Yes...Pools must be installed after homes are sold by OTW....OTW does not install pools on new homes...

[@Explore55Plus]

Thanks Henry!

[@budramkissoon7938]

Great information thanks

[@Explore55Plus]

❤️

[@rebeccacheshire7183]

Thanks for another great video!

[@elizabethholden5138]

Loved seeing the homes with prices

[@blwilson8]

Found the brief examples of resales to be very helpful. Would suggest that you expand this feature in future videos.

[@Explore55Plus]

Great suggestion! Thanks ❤️

[@Tim964]

Great to see some homes. Would be great if you also include number of beds & baths.

[@Explore55Plus]

Great idea. We may expand that portion, people seemed to really enjoy that.

[@floridaadvantagerealtygroup]

Tim, the average home is 2 bed 2 bath with a den. The larger homes will have 3 beds and 2+ baths with 2+ garages

[@dawnsmith961]

Would like to hear the room count of each home. Bed/bath especially

[@floridaadvantagerealtygroup]

Dawn, the average home is 2 bed 2 bath with a den. The larger homes will have 3 beds and 2+ baths with 2+ garages

[@richardlaws3335]

Great information and appreciate a peak at some of the homes available. Any chance of you exploring what’s available on the east coast, ie. Boynton Beach, Delray?

[@Explore55Plus]

Any specific communities you want to see?

[@richardlaws3335]

@@Explore55Plus -I’m not familiar with east coast communities in and or about Boynton Beach & Delray. We have family living in the area, but they don’t know 55+ communities in their area.

[@darleneyost8146]

And one more thing OTOW allows electric golf carts only.. There's no water, and no alligators

[@rosarodgers7539]

Really enjoy your channel. If I could only add one suggestion, and that is to not to have the background music / sounds playing while talking. Not sure if it's only me buy.but..- whewww...it's distracting from your content being presented

[@Explore55Plus]

Thanks for the tip! ❤️

[@rosarodgers7539]

@@Explore55Plus - I'll continue to watch your channel- it's very helpful and well-presented 👌. I may just put the volume on mute with Closed Caption- giggle 😄

[@linda.p.8540]

I have spent a lot of time in Ocala. I am glad there is lots to do in OTOTW because there is not much ion Ocala. If you have been to the square, that is it. I find it IS an economical place to live. Groceries and real estate are cheaper.

[@terriadragna3690]

Great video. Enjoyed seeing the amenities and some homes. I'd love to see a new home model(s) also. If possible, is like to know if there are any additional charges for the amenities (I know of one community that charges for the fitness center).

[@kentbowen2731]

Staying in The Villages, OTOW, and Villages of Citrus Hills this September to find a great fit. Looking forward to it!

[@alsabogal4275]

what were the results?

[@MrWagner528]

nice job guys

[@rosaliehandoga8628]

Would love to see some new models as well

[@Explore55Plus]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Raja08thirty]

Nice place for sure. Being that they don’t accept VA loans, what communities do in surrounding areas?

[@WendyWilliamsLiving]

Excellent information and visuals on OTW, which we're very interested in. Thank you!

[@Explore55Plus]

Thank you! ❤️

[@henryjohn972]

Great job...

[@Explore55Plus]

Thank you!

[@dustonburnett1970]

Great video guys. Glad you showed some of the resale homes to compare to new on the website. Also, OTOW has several fitness centers that is included that The Villages does not.

[@Explore55Plus]

Thanks for sharing!! ❤️

[@dwayneholman3428]

Hello new to your channel and loving it! The ideal of seeing some of the homes is a plus, please keep that in the mix.. But does this 55+ community allow private pools? Also do both husband and wife have to be 55?

[@Explore55Plus]

Hi Dwayne! Thank you so much for watching! It is possible to have your own pool as long as the lot is deemed large enough and you have the plans approved by the HOA. Only one person on the deed needs to be 55 or better. Hope this helps! 😀

[@Explore55Plus]

Hi Dwayne! Thank you so much for watching! It is possible to have your own pool as long as the lot is deemed large enough and you have the plans approved by the HOA. Only one person on the deed needs to be 55 or better. Hope this helps! 😀

[@dossiem7285]

Yes. More please!

[@Explore55Plus]

❤️

[@Michaelthearcheangel]

Looking to move there BUT houses are are 100k PLUS MORE than this showed last year.

[@jameswatkins2531]

I’m thinking of moving to OTOW in a few years. I have a Utv which is a 4 wheeler with a bench seat and a roof. Can I use this to drive around OTOW in loo of a golf cart?

[@m.r.rodriguez141]

9:07 that is called Exclusivity above the Others 🤗.

[@vivfaydonahue687]

Any rental apts that are a " new building section" within TOTW?

[@sylvain65]

Good mix of amenities and quick view of the homes. 🐔

[@Explore55Plus]

❤️🐔

[@davidbridges8402]

How does the cost to live there compare to the cost in the villages.thats if I come in with no mortgage? In. $300000 home

[@doracellini1894]

You’re wrong they don’t do everything landscaping die they don’t replace it, but if you’re the owner you plant new landscaping you are responsible and painting the house is every seven years, the roofs are expensive, HOA Basic cable not worth it maintenance of the grass not worth it I know because I live here. The amenities are too small for the amount of houses everything is very crowded

[@Explore55Plus]

Thanks for the comment, If your ever looking to move to a different community that better suites you we would love to help!

[@dogcrazy25]

I enjoy seeing homes but would like to hear a few ideas as I look at 55+ homes: average age, is it closer to 70 plus or uounger, some pros and cons - what others say. Safety in surrounding area, adopting, and medical also distance to airports.

[@dogcrazy25]

Adopting was suppose to be shopping.

[@Explore55Plus]

Thats good to discuss with an expert in the area you looking in. Feel free to visit www.explore55plus.com to connect with someone.

[@carolyngetchman4437]

hate that there are only dog parks, would like to see a community where you can get a fence to let the dog have a yard, the company of your dog is important

[@nf2885]

If you purchase a maintenance free home, do you pay for property or school tax and home insurance?

[@nf2885]

Hi. Enjoy your videos. My question to you regarding OTOW maintenance free homes, since you are leasing this type of prop, would you be entitled to the homestead exemption and would the 100 year lease be transferable to your heirs? Do you recommend having a realtor represent you when buying a home in this community?

[@genevaparsley-dillon3811]

Loved the views of homes for sale-great video!

[@Explore55Plus]

❤️

[@melindacaves6848]

Would love to see duplex.

[@ds6114]

What about new construction?

[@Explore55Plus]

They weren’t super thrilled to let us film 🥴 If you want more info we can help get it!

[@ds6114]

@@Explore55Plus wonder why? It’s all about promotion. Did it seem active there?

[@vicwilder2524]

Just found your channel...I am enjoying dreaming of living somewhere like these communities but I don't want to own or have astronomical rent. Is that possible.?I'm single is why.

[@ds6114]

Did you happen to see age of folks? We are young 60’s. Thanks

[@Explore55Plus]

Responded to this in our last video!

[@jwlindem1]

Are there any shooting ranges in the villages?

[@matt51402]

Is there a cap on the maintenance fee? This was the area I thought I was interested in,however didn’t know about the hundred year lease.

[@Explore55Plus]

No, it will increase annually typically for the cost of living since they have to pay employees.

[@floridaadvantagerealtygroup]

HI Matt, the maintenance fee is capped each year but will likely increase annually. This normally reflects "cost of living" increases. In the past 10 years the average has increased $50... so an increase of $5 annually. The 100 year lease can be an advantage... you don't own the land so you aren't responsible for upkeep, taxes or insurance.

[@mariadasilva1053]

Great presentation! Would you know if they have properties to rent? Thnaks

[@milantoombs9352]

I like having the video of the homes for sale.

[@ChillRetiree]

A+

[@charmaineszostek3346]

Can you fence your backyard?

[@Explore55Plus]

In most cases yes! There are some exceptions like golf courses.

[@lbreiter9838]

Love seeing resale options!

[@Explore55Plus]

❤️

[@speederz1]

what happens when a huriicane wipes out ur house,,,does that contractor replace ur house??? and the house Insurance is insane ...like 6500.00 a year

[@stihlmike57]

We would like more info for on top of the world! Who do we call?

[@Explore55Plus]

Hey there! Feel free to give us a call/text us at 407-970-0958 or email us at [e-mail]. We'd love to help!

[@joyfullylivinglife7114]

Do you know if there is fishing within this specific community?

[@henryjohn972]

Its a pretty dry community...Not a whole of lot ponds...They planned it that way....Plenty of places to fish outside of OTW..

[@Explore55Plus]

Henry is right! OTW doesn't have any but Stone Creek has catch and release with in the community & there is a ton of good fishing in surrounding areas.

[@anncampbell4547]

Love seeing the actual homes. Would be great to know the taxes.

[@Explore55Plus]

great idea!

[@ds6114]

See more homes at otow

[@Explore55Plus]

❤️

[@lauralampe1664]

Great presentation. Good idea to go inside the homes at various price points. Maybe do the same thing in The Villages....visit a manufactured home, patio villa, courtyard villa, cottage home and designer home. From what I have heard, On Top of The World is a true gated community with private roads. The Villages is a community with gates, as most of the roads in The Villages are publicly owned. There is a hat for every head as you have said.

[@Explore55Plus]

Yes, definitely! thanks for the comment ❤️

[@cynthiaamitrano8915]

In Duluth Minnesota we call buying the home, but not owning the land a “land trust”. It’s a good deal for many reasons including property taxes, insurance and the list just goes on. You save about 25 to 33% when you purchase a land trust home.The fact of the matter is, nobody really owns land.

[@Explore55Plus]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nf2885]

Do you live in OTOW? How do you know this information?

[@henryjohn972]

Which homes that you showed were land leases ? Which were land owned?

[@Explore55Plus]

They were actually all in the OTW subdivision, so they were all on leased lots.

[@mpmunger1225]

Yes you don’t own the land

[@jennifergraham612]

Too much time spent on the amenities and chit chat, it's more important to see the house or condo, you want to see where you may live.

[@johnhoward1570]

Good job. Hopefully one day we may become a resident🏳️‍🌈

[@Explore55Plus]

❤️

[@ds6114]

Would love more on otow!!!

[@Explore55Plus]

❤️

[@louis20122]

Probably over $300,000 by now 😆

[@michaelvitale4029]

I love y’all’s videos, but good Lord, I’m looking for homes, homes, homes !!! Y’all are discussing everything except showing homes !!! Videos, photos, price points !!! I don’t really care about pickle ball 😂

[@ChillRetiree]

He is hotter than HOT!!!

[@ChillRetiree]

Nice

[@jeanneengebretsen9262]

Most of the time I hear Florida ALLIGATORS AND VERY HORRIBLE LARGE SNACKS. ?????

[@allanimalsintl]

What a joke