Planning A Home In The Villages

When building a new home in The Villages, there is a very detailed process that must be followed. In today's video, Jerry and Linda visit with Mike and Donna as they share their experience with the design team. From selecting a lot in Chitty Chatty, to their scheduled closing, hear all about the amazing, streamlined process.
We would like to thank everyone for watching our videos.
“See you when you get here!”
Mailing address:
Villages Newcomers
P.O.Box 888
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
All information and opinions in our videos are ours alone and not guaranteed as accurate. We are not endorsed by nor paid by The Villages, Florida. We are just trying to share answers to questions we had when we were trying to decide if moving here was for us.

[@_dakota_298]

I hope they let us see the house when it's done in December .

[@harryp1665]

This was very educational and informative. I would like to see a follow up as to the build and after closing. Would be nice to see there dream home. Congratulations to Donna & Mike

[@tenderheart7530]

Wonderful & informative guests.

[@barbaraebner5889]

Jerry and Linda very informative video. Your guests were very "on spot" with everything from soup to nuts. I wish them well in their new home. I thought so nice he thought about her and the art space.

[@davidshkoler4126]

Totally enjoyed this interview!

[@rescuelady4678]

This is a great informative video. Thanks for sharing the pros and cons of building your own home in the villages. Best tip was the one about the flooring . Hope everyone is feeling well and staying safe. Take care.🌺🐾

[@jim-uu2db]

great interview, enjoyed it so much.

[@terrie1226]

Great info...thanks Linda & Jerry.......hope to see Donna & Mike home when it is done......thanks for sharing.

[@johntamulonis4626]

Great info, thank you for sharing.

[@gayleolson3566]

Yes, I hope to see their new home and some of Donna's art work!

[@karensnook7419]

THANK YOU for doing this!! Its great to hear the experience of others to help us prepare. The advice is greatly appreciated!

[@tomcowle6211]

It was all good good questions and so many details....Thankyou BOTH

[@jimhunt7634]

Great information guys. Thanks for sharing and a Big Congratulations to Mike and Donna.

[@donnaheard4185]

INVALUABLE info.! Thank you Mike and Donna! As always, GREAT video Jerry & Linda! TFS!!! Until next time... take care and stay well! :-)

[@dorebea1]

Very informative video. One of my favorites. Appreciate them sharing their experience as well as some details of what they choose and why. Hope we get to see the finished house!

[@Reader760]

Excellent. Thanks for revealing the process. Nice job!

[@peterboggi9690]

Great interview... Very informative. Thanks Jerry & Linda.. Mike & Donna

[@billybelcher3611]

Another awesome episode! Very informative thanks Jerry & Linda!

[@msdove61]

Very informative video, I'm excited for Mike and Donna home we get to see the finished home.

[@susannicola406]

This particular video was very helpful! Thanks for doing what you do. We are really enjoying following your channel 😀

[@Dawngeee]

Loved all the info. Thx to everyone

[@CynthiaMUrban]

Good seeing the two of you....thought maybe you were out of town. Take care and God bless.

[@dianesanders2455]

GREAT question and answer session Linda and Jerry! This video will definitely go to my “save” section!

[@mrsarmie3808]

We're going to build a designer home when we get to the Villages, so this was great information! Thanks to all four of you!!

[@joannefoster9145]

Yay! My husband and I were missing you two! Another great vlog from Jerry and Linda! Very informative, how exciting for Mike and Donna hope you catch up with them in December! Stay safe

[@emmylou-y4b]

Great video with so much new information. Thanks so much; lovely couple.

[@carolapostolos8929]

Thank you Mike and Donna for all the information you so generously provided. This will help us with our decision making when we move to TV next year!

[@juleebailey3046]

Most excellent video! We plan to build a Designer Home and this was very informative, thank you to you and your guests!

[@mkulseth52]

Good info for all. Thanks

[@texasproud8822]

Hope to see the finished home.

[@rebeccamartin4267]

Sweet couple and good information! And of course you guys are great!!

[@patblough7574]

Congratulations Mike and Donna. And thank you Jerry and Linda for a great interview on selecting through a design team.

[@iamdivinelyguided]

Fantastic video - very informative .... Thank you everyone

[@grandpa_eric]

Wow!! Super amazing content from Mike & Donna. That “northern light” for her art studio will be ideal. Donna must be a traditional artist from Connecticut, where world renowned artists originate. They certainly put a lot of thought into their design choices. Best wishes and happiness. Thank you Jerry & Linda for another fine, informative video.

[@kathleenn9665]

Another great video, keep them coming. Best wishes to Mike and Donna.

[@brendathompson2503]

Congrats Mike & Donna, you’re going to love FL retirement living. Thanks for another great video Jerry & Linda. Take care & stay safe 😘

[@jilllily8177]

This was an awesome video and has me dreaming of designing my own home. . . I probably won't do it but it is fun to think about. Thank you so much! And what a lovely couple!

[@ashleysmith6884]

Why not? Its a great experience. See my comment above about the process starting with a base plan and personalizing it. You do need a week with the designer but the process is very thorough. We had breaks - we even sneaked off to Daytona Beach one afternoon - Oh and we changed lots and villages in the middle of our design week !!!!! but we got everything sorted in the 5 days we were in the US.

[@RHoDS713]

This was very informative, thanks!

[@krisleland9606]

Hello Donna and Mike welcome to the Chitty Chatty neighborhood! We met you a few weeks ago and are excited to be neighbors.

[@youtubecritic5781]

We can relate. Great info

[@ellelorraine3540]

Awesome, awesome interview! Lots of valuable information!👋👋👋👋

[@susan1831]

Great info! Thanks for sharing!

[@sheri4c2]

Their house sounds so nice...and love the idea of a pool in the backyard. Interesting video..Thumbs up...(happy for the social distancing) Stay safe and Be Well

[@sandramowry81]

Very informative. This was helpful. I am looking forward to planning my dream home soon. Good luck with your new house 🏠.

[@dennisgauger7844]

THAT WAS A GREAT VIDEO, !!!!

[@joemoore8054]

Good info !! good luck in your new home.

[@mr.cheez-its1732]

Great video!! Thanks Jerry and Linda. Grandpa Cheez-its!!

[@ElliottNest39]

Your best video so far. I learned a lot regarding the design center and would enjoy seeing additional videos with buyers going thru the design process.

[@debsym62]

Really enjoyed that thank you.

[@bevmcc1240]

Great information! Thanks 😃

[@arthurthompson4017]

Another good video! As usual we look forward to your videos and miss them when you are not posting for a few days. You both are a welcome daily event in our lives. Thank You Both!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Arthur!

[@lorijones564]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@cynthiaamitrano8915]

We’d love a tour during the holidays. Well done. Welcome to your new neighbors. Very nice couple.

[@ggbice]

Welcome to the SUNSHINE STATE🙂. We vacationed in FL for many years, I remember returning home one Winter and we literally were unable to get into the front door as it was hidden behind the snow. My Dad said, that's it. We left Long Island and joined family in South Florida in 1969. We had three custom homes built, each were experiences, but well worth it. Patience goes a long way!

[@kareng9686]

Hope we get to see it when it's finished!

[@Miguel195211]

This interview with future homeowners is invaluable as so much information was given by this couple. Thank you to the Brown's.

[@alisonmontazeme8711]

Now the best part to look forward to, buying furniture and decorating!

[@ashleysmith6884]

Hi Mike and Donna. Looking forward to meeting you both when you move in. Jerry & Linda another great video, exactly our process. To help in the design process for your viewers. You can start with a Villages base plan of a home then move things around. For example, we started with a Mossy Oak. We added 8' sideways stretches and 2' of rear stretches. We moved the layout of the utility room to give a bigger central living area. We changed entry door locations, the kitchen layout, and master bedroom layout (huge thanks to Mike and Mary for their tips). The TV design centre\your realtor can give you base build costs of each model home before you start the process, and if you contact other people who have been through the process they will be happy to tell you their costs (its public record stuff). From what I can see, and a good budget to work from, allow $ 160-$170 per square foot (excluding LOT premium, and based on the air-conditioned area) for a good standard finish (that includes stone worktops throughout, tiled floor, premium-grade carpets in the bedroom, fully fitted kitchen with appliances. If you can't see your house being built in person then you can hire Don (kzbin.info/door/O71zHFZfPJpXT2iHgzjS-g) Oh yes - they do always finish on time... Even with Covid-19, we had 12 electricians on site one day - no social distancing was occurring which wasn't so good for the workers. The whole process is so simple and stress-free, especially if you are not in the area right through to closing. You don't have to be in TV to close you can do this remotely via the internet and email. TOP TIP - When your house is finished get TV to take and send you some photo's - they use a professional photographer and the photos are amazing.

[@carolapostolos8929]

Wow... lots of good information. Thank you Ashley!

[@ashleysmith6884]

@@carolapostolos8929 we have crossed paths on onther threads. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly [e-mail]

[@mrsarmie3808]

Thank you for this info. We are going to build a designer house when we get there.

[@kristenschnese698]

Very informative!

[@Muffin192213]

Hey Jerry & Linda this has got to be one of your best interview videos, so much essential info for soon to be buyers it has helped me prepare & understand whats involved, thank you so much and promise to do a followup in Dec when Mike & Donna move in.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Robert!

[@judyann1953]

Very informative. Thx

[@Tommy3Putts]

Jerry and Linda, while you have done a ton of great videos, this is probably my favorite. This was very useful information on the new home building process in TV, especially the discussion on building a pool. Great stuff. Hopefully you’ll be able to follow up with your guests as the process proceeds? Thanks for all you do! Cheers! ! Tom W

[@Jabo__Jabo]

Wow. They are a very bright and impressive couple. They make a great team. Definitely learned lots from him, especially the bit about recording the meetings (and being sure to ask in advance if recording is agreeable) ... that was extremely helpful. Thank you for all the helpful information you put together for your viewers. Hi to Gizmo!

[@lindadrewl]

So happy for them 😃

[@bcamper5301]

Good to see y'all Jerry and Linda! Nice video. Are things opening up again in the villages yet? We want to visit again but want to be able to go places and do things. Thanks!

[@melvinehrlich4659]

Have missed you Guys! Hope you are Both Well.🥰Linda

[@randywombacher]

Very informative video as we've been contemplating building a home in the Villages. It's intimidating to think we'll have to spend 5 days in the Design Center to make it happen.

[@worldmom2942]

My husband and I bought a year ago and watch your videos. Loved to meet up and chat.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

When the virus is under control, reach out!

[@dongodwin2144]

To the couple buying , if you are looking for a place to stay in the fall before December closing, look into Belle Parc RV Resort in Brooksville, Florida, about an hour south of the villages. We stayed there the last two years before buying our home at Del Web, great RV resort. PS from Massachusetts

[@patrickmooney4135]

Laurel Oak with pool! That's my goal! An added Art Studio? Nice! I hope we get to see the finished version. This video has great information. I was thinking I would have to contract out the pool work separately. So that's really good news. Now, please head on over to Golden Wing Nut and have your property filmed during construction. :-) Thanks, everybody (Jerry, Linda, Mike and Donna).

[@ronseguin7289]

Granite now were talking a cooks kitchen, very nice!

[@zzzzipy12]

You well need to have a tour after their home is completed!

[@golfnut2599]

great video, we bought our home from one of their spec home inventory and have been happy for 15 years, cbs 1,800 sf $192,000, we wonder what the prices are these days

[@Ellenllee]

I think that I just saw a new blooper reel segment at the end lol! On a serious note, this was more informative than any other video that I have seen on the planning of a new home in The Villages. Thank you guys once again for a timely topic with some fun sprinkled in :).

[@elizabethchamberlain6893]

Excellent video! The tips they gave are useful for anyone going through the process. It sounds like an overwhelming experience but, The Villages design team seems to make it manageable. Thanks for the interview. Best of luck to Mike and Donna. It would be awesome to have them show the house once it is completed.

[@zag1964]

Great video..lots of good information. If you do get the opportunity, it would be great to see a similar video but instead of a designing a home, how about the buying process of a spec or pre-built new home. How is the process for that.

[@donturno8092]

Hope we can see the finial product This was great

[@fredasman04]

Great video and glad to know that you both have a “tab” going. Wondering what I can buy and put on your tab...🤪

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

The only Tab we have is a diet cola. 😁

[@barber8368]

Wow that’s a long closing date! We had our design appointments in Sept and closed mid Nov. Must be the pool delaying things. Great video for prospective buyers.

[@ashleysmith6884]

Covid and delays with the design center being closed resulting in more home working of the design staff resulted in delayed appointments, this is the main reason for the longer than normal builds (per our designer). We tried to get our build delayed but I think TV wanted to ensure that all the builders were kept in employment. We finalized designs the first week of March, and our home was built to the planned time scale. We were amazed\horrified that while we were in home lockdown watching our home being built courtesy of the superb videos produced by Goldwingnuts that there were up to 12 electricians on site one day... no social distancing.

[@diananeal9645]

@@ashleysmith6884 working people can't social distance

[@ashleysmith6884]

@@diananeal9645 so true. My point was that whilst I am honoured that so many people were working on the construction of my home, Health and Safety must ALWAYS come first, and during Covid period I would not have objected if less workers were on site and the completion date extended. Nothing would be worse than one or more of those workers becoming ill.

[@diananeal9645]

If you are looking for an RV park to stay in, I highly recommend Homosassa river RV resort, it's an hour from the villages but it's a great place to unwind. We have full 50 amp hookups and Wi-Fi and cable TV are included, and were in old Homosassa where there's great waterfront dining and a state park within walking distance. Im the manager and will take great care of you.

[@lindapearl3844]

Interesting topic, and recording the sessions is invaluable for sure. It sure seems like a dream home for sure ! I’m assuming that when you build, the price is the price but, I’d love to see a video about buying a preowned homes. Do homes sell very quickly? Are prices negotiable or, are there a bidding wars? Thanks for all you do for us watching your videos.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Yes, they sell quickly. I don't know about bidding wars.

[@Mike-ji8ez]

Nice show guys!! Jerry.....you do a really nice interview! ESPN could use your skill set.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

I will be ready if they call!😁😁

[@vols3307]

Would love to see the home they built!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Maybe we will get a chance to show you.

[@maryannjohn5919]

We're from Connecticut also and just bought a pre-owned home in the Brownwood area. We'll be there in August. See you around town! Good luck on your new home! Thanks Jerry & Linda!

[@tammirfowler1216]

Thank you for an informative video. I am learning a lot thru the 2 of you. We visited friends in June and now my husband is ready to move there! When you are building a home, can you bring your own interior designer to the design center to help you pick things out?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

I would assume so, but we haven't heard of it.

[@stuartmckenna835]

Thank you Mike and Donna. I am from Connecticut too. I bet you will not have any "tax complaints" in Florida. Just so people know, Connecticut taxes are high! And in reference to Mike's elephant comment, an elephant's pregnancy lasts 22 months!!!!!!! I am glad your planning did not take that long! Think about it...how many prenatal classes does an elephant have to take??? And, hey, I think that photo on the wall above Mike in this video looks like a young Jerry...just saying. All the best to Mike and Donna and their new home...congratulations!

[@toddandcecile2855]

What a great program! We will be scheduling a Lifestyle visit from Indianapolis as soon as life gets back to normal. One question we have is can you bring your own homeplan? We built a villa 7 years ago that we think is perfect for us (except the weather!) Is a custom plan even an option?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank you, Todd.. We don't think so, but have heard that you can customise the existing plans. Just call and ask The Villages design center.

[@eileenashe4775]

Would love to know how big a garage they have....my husband has a '72 camaro and a motorcycle

[@tominator3]

How come the comments are disabled on the other videos? Reading the comments adds value. Keep up the great videos

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We want a feel good channel. There were too many inappropriate comments.

[@michaelf.m2047]

Hey Jerry/Linda - you showcased Mike and Donna from Connecticut on their designer home. They were targeted for a December 2020 settlement and it is now nearly the end of July 2021. So, any update on how they did on their "Street of Dreams" adventure? What were their good selection points and what would they have done differently?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Not sure... will check.

[@cheried9390]

Awesome video, great information sharing. Thanks for doing this! Would love to see the finished house. Question- how many lots does the Villages have? Just curious because we’re not retired yet, but couple more years and we will be. Just wondering if all the lots would be gone.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Lots and lots of lots!!!

[@carolapostolos8929]

The developer keeps purchasing more acres in a southward direction. I can't predict the future but if your retirement isn't too far off ( within 10 years) I think there would still be lots available.

[@lauralampe1664]

@@carolapostolos8929 I agree. I think the developer will be building new homes for at least 8 or 9 years, maybe longer. Buildout is a long way off.

[@cydneystephen2814]

When your working with the team, are they able to show you on the layout, staging etc on the computer like Johnathan and Drew Scott on the Property Brothers?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Not sure... probably. Some local furniture stores do that.

[@cydneystephen2814]

THE VILLAGES FLORIDA NEWCOMERS thank you

[@ashleysmith6884]

The realtor will take you to finished homes with similar fittings and furniture while you are out there. TV has a huge stock of pre-built homes that are for sale, and they also have a number of show homes that are fitted out and with furniture. In our case, I designed our home myself in 3D using Sketchup (free CAD software) prior to having our 1st design appointment. So when we went out for our design meetings we already had printed A0 base plans to work from. It was then simply a case of picking out finishes (paint colors, doors, tiles, skirting boards, etc.). When we wanted to look at certain finishes the designer was able to pull up photos of completed homes so we could see what certain finishes and color combinations did look like. When we had finished we then went to look at completed homes to double-check, we changed the front style of our home 3 times that week having looked at other completed homes!!!! The TV design Centre has all the options to choose from and at the end of the week gave us samples of all the finishes so we can double-check when we see our completed home. They really do have a VERY slick operation but to answer your question, no they don't have a computer version of your home while you are there. They do updates while your out and these are ready for you generally the next day... I have suggested that they consider Sketchup for the future for this very reason. Its an easy programmen to learn, like i said its free and there are loads of You Tube free tutorials to help you learn how to at least design your home in 3D, and to add finishes and furniture.

[@cydneystephen2814]

ashley smith thank you so much. 20 yrs ago I built my home in the Poconos. Everything was on paper. I figured everything was computerized with the builders now. Again. Much appreciated.

[@mrsarmie3808]

@@ashleysmith6884 Thanks!

[@mrsarmie3808]

I'd love to get an idea of how much extra it costs to turn a 2+1 garage (2-car + 1-golf cart) into a 4-car garage.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Not sure, but it would not be cheap.

[@mrsarmie3808]

That's what I'm afraid of.....

[@wegmans247]

Our experience was a bit different. Due to Covid, we had to do our design week virtually, from Upstate NY. Our sales rep in The Villages is awesome, and helped us tremendously; however our designer (from the Street of Dreams) was not as available to us during our design week, as we had hoped. His day off on Thursday seemed much more important. Turned out to be a stressful week for us.

[@ashleysmith6884]

Hi Diane, Are you moving to Chitty Chatty? If so please join the Residents Facebook Group where your new neighbors are waiting to meet you. Sorry to hear that your week was stressful. Our experience was great, in the first week of March, and our home was built so quickly - too quickly in fact !!!!

[@wegmans247]

ashley smith Hi Ashley. We are building in DeLuna, but thanks, and I’m glad you had a great experience! Our home will be ready in October. Can’t wait to see it!!! We love The Villages.

[@victoriachanel2493]

Great video, How long in advance did you start the process of - Saying we want to move to the villages ? Do you recommend selling your house first where ever you live before starting this process?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We did not get our home ready, list it or anything, until we found a house in The Villages. The problem doing it that way is that pre-owned homes don't tend to last long on the market, so you need to be able to put a down payment on a home when you find it or you may have it sold out from under you.

[@victoriachanel2493]

@@JERRYANDLINDA thank you, may I ask how much they would charge for the pool with installation and it would be fiberglass..😁

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We don't know. but they can get pricy.... friends bought a home and included a big pool, waterfall , bird cage, etc... $90Kish?

[@victoriachanel2493]

@@JERRYANDLINDA 💜

[@donturno8092]

J and L maybe you can go and film the build

[@craiglange4852]

(21:58) JERRY! BEHAVE!!!!!!! 😉

[@diananeal9645]

Makes you wonder what he was doing under the table

[@barbaraebner5889]

Jerry and Linda what Village did they choose?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Chitty Chatty

[@BC-xu9xd]

Jeez Louise! Think about cleaning your lenses, folks.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Bill!

[@richardc488]

Wow guys, saw in the news up north that the villages people are getting into fights over what party they support! Tell me it is not so.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Three people out of 123,000 acted badly. You know, don't you, that good behavior doesn't make for sensational news. We would like however, to keep our channel free of politics please. Thank you.

[@johnferrier2803]

I was put off by the divisive political controversy shown recently in the news. I would hesitate living in a community where tolerance and acceptance of different political views can cause such strong demonstrations of community disharmony.

[@barbaraebner5889]

Where in America, unfortunately, is that intolerable behavior not happening. One bad apple never spoils a bunch of anything or someone.

[@jonstrumel8327]

If you are not a Republican, keep away from The Villages. That simple.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

John, you're a loyal viewer and we appreciate it. We would like to keep our channel free of politics please. Thank you.

[@barbaraebner5889]

Linda and Jerry sorry for adding to that dialogue. I know better. It wont happen again. The comment just hit a nerve. Have a good night.