[Righttime]

Looking for basic info before we make a house hunting trip to HSV. Noticed some homes been on the market awhile.

1. How are the lakes, Balboa/Desoto/etc. Sandy beaches, e.coli problems, swimmers itch?

2.How bad are the ticks/fire ants/termites/bugs in general.

3.What does your average monthly water bill run?

4. What does your average monthly electrical bill run?

5.Can I park my small aluminum boat in my driveway, if not, then where/how much?

6.How difficult is the POA and it's committees to deal with?

7.Any extra Fees you don't like? I know about golf/rec ctr/pools. Do they raise the fees yearly?

8.In general some Pros and cons about the village.

Thanks

[JeffAtkins]

Yes, some homes have been on the market a long time. I just took two off the market that had been listed for a year. It seems that many potential buyers cannot sell their homes where they currently live, and they aren't willing to buy here and carry two mortgages. In the "old days" people would move here with confidence they could sell their existing home in a reasonable time frame.

1. The lakes are used regularly for boating, skiing, and the beaches. I've never heard of any issues. Almost all of the watershed is within the Village, which is mostly forest.

2. ticks - not bad but you should always check if you've been in the woods. Fire ants & termites are not an issue. There are lots of spiders but almost no mosquitos. The biggest nusience is chiggers.

3. water / sewer / garbage / ambulance are less than $60/month. Furnished by the POA, billed bimonthly.

4. electric - depends on your house more than anything. I have a vacant 2000 sq ft home with the thermostat set on 78, the bill was $53 from June 16 to July 15 (and it was very hot). First Electric is the provider for Saline County and Entergy is the provider for Garland County.

5. boats and RVs cannot be left in driveways/yards for more than 72 hours. I pay $85/year for my 32 foot RV storage, just outside the West gate.

6. you will never have to deal with most committees. The POA itself is usually (but not always) accomodating.

7. Most fees have small increases each year. The budget process for 2013 is coming up soon, which is when the fees will be set. The optional car registration (window sticker) fee of $12.50 is annoying, it was $6 a few years ago.

8. Good golf at reasonable rates, beautiful scenery, safe and secure. Many love the lakes, trails, and other activities like Pickle Ball, Lawn Bowling, Tennis, and Bocce Ball. You can keep yourself busy with clubs/organizations/activites, or "do nothing". Current management is a little more 'aggressive' than past mangement (negative).