Buying a Home in The Villages
Matched to the right village by how you want to live, with bonds and fees explained in plain English.
Start With How You Want to Live
Buying a home in The Villages is two decisions, and most people make them in the wrong order. They start with houses. We start with how you want to live, because in a community this big, the village you choose shapes your days more than the floor plan does.
Golf most mornings? Grandkids visiting for the winter? Five minutes from a town square, or a quiet street away from golf-cart traffic? Single-story living with room to age in place? Answer those first and the list of homes worth seeing gets a lot shorter.
"I just want someone who will tell me what we'd regret, not just what we'd love." That's how Lili Whittington works. She has more than 20 years in Florida real estate, has worked in The Villages since 2016, and has sold more than 450 homes, in English or Spanish.
Know the Full Cost Before You Shop
The biggest mistake buyers make is falling in love with a home before they know what it will cost to buy and to live in. Here, the price is only part of it:
- The bond. A separate charge that funded the roads, utilities and recreation centers. It may be paid off or still owed. Always ask.
- The amenity fee. Monthly and ongoing, for the recreation centers, pools and more.
- Taxes and homestead. Florida's homestead exemption can lower taxes on a primary residence.
- Insurance. Quote it early. Roof and A/C age affect the price.
If you're financing, get pre-approved, not only pre-qualified, before you tour. If you're paying cash, which is common here, have proof of funds ready, because sellers will ask.
Choosing the Right Home Type
You'll see four main types of homes, and each solves a different problem. A patio or courtyard villa costs less and needs the least exterior upkeep. A cottage or ranch home is a mid-range single-family home. A designer home gives you more space and more finish options. A premier home is the top tier, with the largest lots and highest-end finishes.
You'll also choose between new construction and resale. New gives you a builder warranty and your pick of finishes, but a longer wait. Resale lets you see exactly what you're getting and often move faster. Our new construction vs. resale page walks through the math, including the bond.
From Short List to Closing Day
We build a short list of three to six homes from what you've told us, not a scavenger hunt of twenty. Tour at different times of day if you can, and bring the same written questions to every home: bond status, amenity fee, community rules, and the age of the roof and A/C.
When you find the one, we pull recent comparable sales so your offer is grounded in the actual market. Your offer includes more than price: closing date, financing terms and contingencies all affect how strong and how protected it is. Then we inspect, new or resale, review the district documents, and use the due-diligence period fully, so it doesn't pass by accident. The full buying plan is on how we help you buy.
We'll be at the final walkthrough and the closing table, and we're still here after you have the keys.
Buying in the Areas We Serve
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get pre-approved before touring homes in The Villages?
Yes, if you're financing. A pre-approval letter shows sellers you're serious and tells you your real budget. If you're paying cash, have proof of funds ready.
What costs come on top of the price of a Villages home?
The bond, if it isn't paid off, the monthly amenity fee, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any district assessments.
How many homes should I tour?
A short list of three to six, chosen from your must-haves, works better than touring twenty in a blur.
Keep exploring
Ready to make your move with The Lili Whittington Group?