Conservation, Water(Retention Pond) or Neither? Pulte Del Webb Lakewood Ranch (Orlando: HOA fees, attorney)

[lovetotravel15]

Been looking at ..
Having a tough time deciding between Water Lots(which are retention ponds), conservation(Wet Lands).
Concerned about mosquitos and growth of native vegetation like cattails growing in the retention pond.
Have been told that Wet Lands in the rear of house would less likely breed mosquitos.
Any thoughts or warnings for those that have either?
Have been told that the Retention Ponds would be treated by the HOA. We could call South West Florida Water Management Division(SWFWMD).
We lived the Orlando area for a bit and saw some retention ponds which had growth exotic species in them and didn't like the lots. Why pay a premium for a lot like that!
Thanks for any input!

[Marysa Butzke]

Don't buy any house in a subdivision with a huge "pond" or lake in the Common Areas.


You HOA will screw every house owner in complying with its "maintenance", e.g. algae control, aerating devices, veggie control etc.


Houses backing up to a "wetland" is cart of a different colour. Make sure the wetland is actually documented as a state certified "wetland" and NOT a part of the Common Areas as described in the HOA detailed documents.


READ THE DOCUMENTS, hire an attorney if necessary.


If it's a true wetland, the maintenance and care rests upon the State/County/Township I believe, and not a financial responsibility in toto of the adjacent parcel owners.


WATCH OUT.


Also, don't EVER pay a "premium" for a damn water/ditch/retention pond lot - it's not navigable water.


Always buy the cheapest lot in the development, and let other fools think they are getting a value-added over time......NOT.


Good luck.

[Marysa Butzke]

In short, find a house (older maybe) with no HOA, no new "pond", new "lake" etc. ...maybe just a house "on the street".

[lovetotravel15]

@marysa butzke..thanks for your insight!!

[Sunshine Rules]

My community has a lake / retention pond. Our HOA pays a lake maintenance company to come in once a week to monitor for issues, exotic plants, etc. Very inexpensive.


As to buying the cheapest lot in a community -- you get what you pay for. Meaning, it's going to be a lot without any notable features and therefore less resale value later on should you wish to leave. Most buyers (initial and resale) are looking for desirable views and features in the lots they select, especially when you reach a certain price point.


As to mosquitoes, they breed in standing water. Any standing water is a possibility -- bird baths, ditch water, potted plants, etc. Wetlands will have standing water during the rainy season. If you want specifics about mosquitoes in our area, try the Manatee County Mosquito Control at:
Home Page @ Manatee County Mosquito Control

[Marysa Butzke]

Originally Posted by lovetotravel15

@marysa butzke..thanks for your insight!!

As I said, I don't know everything, but I'll say this AGAIN, never buy the most expensive lot in a new subdivision, only an idiot would do that....and based on a salesperson's selfish interest! in the long run, the premium YOU pay is rarely recovered on a re-sale, rarely....True waterfront?? well that's different !...on a lousy pond, lake, ditch, stream to nowhere? NEVER or almost never. Don't do it !


Remember, "inexpensive" NEVER remains inexpensive...costs ALWAYS go UP in maintaining a lousy pond or lake. If someone tells you that the costs remain low, they are LYING to you. HOA fees NEVER decrease, and ponds don't get better, they always get WORSE over time.



Look into a house no where near these ponds of "liability", the costs never go away....wetlands?? again that's another story.


Don't listen to the BS ! read the docs, read them again, and stay the hell away.

[lovetotravel15]

@Sunshinerules..Thank you for your post.
We have lived in many HOA communities, all up north and if run properly we feel that it keeps up the value of the community, common areas, amenities, etc, Many don't like adhering to the rules, which is fine and choose to live in a non HOA community.
As for the retention pond, so many communities here have the retention ponds throughout the community that it makes it difficult to choose a lot that isn't on one. We like the privacy it gives from the rear of the home, instead of staring at another home from a lanai. Our only hesitation is will the upkeep of the retention ponds continue

[Sunshine Rules]

Originally Posted by lovetotravel15

@Sunshinerules..Thank you for your post.
We have lived in many HOA communities, all up north and if run properly we feel that it keeps up the value of the community, common areas, amenities, etc, Many don't like adhering to the rules, which is fine and choose to live in a non HOA community.

As for the retention pond, so many communities here have the retention ponds throughout the community that it makes it difficult to choose a lot that isn't on one. We like the privacy it gives from the rear of the home, instead of staring at another home from a lanai. Our only hesitation is will the upkeep of the retention ponds continue

Do you have pets? That would actually be my main concern about buying on a retention pond or lake as most HOAs have specific rules regarding fencing for lots backing up to water. Either you cannot fence along the water at all or you are limited to a specific height and style of fencing that may not provide adequate protection for your pets (especially from alligators that may move into those retention ponds).

[SarahHapner]

Gators, insects, black runners, geese, cranes etc etc are other reasons not to buy a house or development with a retention water so-called lake.

Then there are more subtle reasons to avoid them, such as noise easily transmitted across the nasty lake - so bad sometimes, you can hear conversations clear across the retention pond.

Don't believe me? listen to the squawking of birds as well.

[lovetotravel15]

No pets here..that would be an issue!