On Top of the World Ocala FL

On Top of the World entry sign

On Top of the World Ocala Florida

On Top of the World is a huge 55 plus retirement community located in SW Ocala Florida.  Sidney Colen, a visionary Florida builder, purchased the 12,872 acre Circle Square Ranch in 1975 and began to develop On Top of the World in 1982. His son is still building new homes here today.

On Top of the World is unique in Ocala real estate for a couple of reasons. This is a leasehold property which is unusual for our area. This means that you own the house but the lot is leased for 99 years from the time of the first sale.  A buyer also can’t finance more than 80% of the purchase price of their home. Unlike most Ocala 55+ communities all outside maintenance is part of the HOA fees.

In addition to new homes there are quite a few resales here.  Older homes are often attached in groups of 4 to 6 and of concrete block and stucco construction. The newer homes are single detached and also CBS. Sizes range from 1,000 to about 2400 sq ft of living area.

HOA fees for attached Villas and detached single family at On Top of the World include all outside maintenance including lawns, painting and roof repair but not replacement as well as property insurance on the building but not the contents or interior.

Amenities include the Arbor Club with indoor and outdoor pools and tennis, the Health and Rec Center with a fitness center, racketball, steam room ect. and a craft building with a complete woodworking shop, The Spa Ranch and Fitness Center, a library, a dog park, a bus service for shopping  and the Circle Square Cultural Center. There are 2 golf courses, the Tortoise and Hare and The Links.  Golf, the Ranch Spa and Fitness and the Cultural Center all have fees above and beyond your HOA fee. There is also great adult education and cultural opportunities at Master The Possibilities which is also open to the public.

On Top of the World is also a golf cart community which means you can drive your cart down the street. You can even access a Publix grocery store, small shops and a few restaurants with your golf cart.

Update March 2015. If you are interested in OTOTW the resales are selling for a significant discount over new homes.

Update 3/16 HOA fees for single family homes are $324- to $332- month. The Villas are $404- month.

Update 3/18 HOA fees on single family homes are from $332 to $353 per month. Villas are now $417 month.

Update 2/25/18 HOA fees on single detached homes are from $337 to $358 per month depending on the neighborhood. Villas are now $424 month.

Update 3/2/2020 HOA fees on Villas have gone down since they no longer include water and sewer. HOA fees vary by the neighborhood and range from $350-$362 a month for both Villas and single family homes.

Update 3/4/2021 HOA fees have gone up. They vary by the neighborhood and range from $355- to $375- per month.

If you would like a list of homes for sale in On Top of the World fill out my Dream Home Finder, call me or send me an email.

Arbor Club on left and indoor pool under glass roof on right

Arbor Club with indoor pool

inside look at Indoor Pool with glass roof

Indoor Pool

looking at Outdoor Pool from under Pergola

Arbor Club Outdoor Pool

Health and Recreation Center up on hill with flag in front

OTOTW Health and Recreation Center

picture of wood shop with work tables and shop equipment

Wood Shop

Miniature Golf Course

Miniature Golf Course

front of Ranch Fitness Center an orange color building

Ranch Fitness Center

Street Scene Older Area with Villa style homes

Street Scene showing Villas

 

116 replies
      • Kim says:

        I’m a little bit confused about the whole lease holder thing and the 99 year thing. What happens to the property after 99 years? Basically I‘d just like to know what happens to the owners of the house or condo once the 99 year mark comes around.

        Reply
  1. Gary says:

    Joe,

    Who finances most of the homes in On Top of The World? Do they have their own mortgage company or do they just leave that up to the buyer???

    Thanks

    Gary

    Reply
  2. Harry Bharose says:

    Can you tell me about the model airplane RC club. Is there any additional fees if you are a resident for using this facility. Can you send me a layout map showing the main entrance, the housing layout and where the RC field is located relative to the homes. Thanks Harry

    Reply
  3. Ed Locke says:

    Are the HOA fee’s the same regardless of the size property?

    I’ve seen some properties listed that were built in the late 90’s. How are these aging?

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      Morning Ed

      HOA fees vary. The Villas which are attached in rows of 6-8 have higher fees of $380- month. Single detached homes are $300- month. The villas include water.

      Homes date back to around 1980. Condition varies by owner.

      Reply
  4. Judy and Jeff says:

    Hello,

    What does the HOA fee include for a single family home in the On Top of the World Community?

    Thanks,

    Jeff and Judy

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      HOA fees for single detached homes in OTOTW include :
      basic cable TV (very basic)
      trash (not door to door pickup) there are trash centers
      risk insurance on the building (not the interior or contents)
      lawn care
      use of amenities (golf costs extra)
      common area maint., guards at the gates, management srvices

      Reply
      • Maura Hodits says:

        I am confused – exactly what is included in HOA fees for the Villas? trash pick up is door to door?, outside water only? lawn care? Roof maintenance *what about roof replacement?*.outside paint? landscape trimming etc? I noticed on several listings gutters were full of leaves etc. Does outside maintenance include that or is that the homeowner’s responsibility? Most listing show a HOA of $404 – any special assessments been assessed?
        Thank you We are researching the area to retire in about a year. 2bd/2bath/2car garage – 60k-100k (1200 sq feet up)
        Maura (mhodits@sbcglobal.net)

        Reply
        • Joe Dallorso says:

          Hi

          Trash is not door to door there are centrally located dumpsters.
          The same with mail centrally located mail stops
          Lawn mowing, trimming, fertilizing, lawn pest control is part of the HOA fee
          Roof replacement is not part of the HOA fee
          I assume gutter cleaning is part of the HOA fee but the owner would have to call
          Exterior painting is included in the HOA fee
          No special assessments
          Water is part of the HOA fee
          The building is also insured you need a special policy for the interior and contents
          Many homes under $100K will have a 1 car garage

          Reply
          • Joe Dallorso says:

            Sorry I don’t know. I imagine it varies a lot since the largest Villas can be twice the size of the smallest ones.

          • Kim says:

            Not sure if you’ve updated this yet, as I have not read through all the comments. But starting in March 2020 the villas are going to be paying for their water also, so does that mean they’re actually fees will be going down also?

          • Joe Dallorso says:

            Haven’t gotten around to updating the fees. Don’t take effect until March. Yes Villa fees are going down. Exact amount depends on area but new Villa fees will be in the $350- to $370 range

  5. Mike Gormiller says:

    A friend of mine has a small business investing. Is this type of business allowed to be operated from your home?

    Reply
  6. Dennis and Wei says:

    What happens when the 99 yr lease is over at that time?

    Will we be forced to buy or rent at a high unnegiociated rate fee?

    Can a prospective buyer see the details of the HOA managment of the money spent?

    Can any voting on Homeowner Issues be done?

    What can be done by Homeowners to control future fees of HOA?

    I was told that is not a real HOA but under total control of the LandOwner?

    IS this true?

    What powers do homeowners Have?

    I want to buy there soon buy I’m afraid of the 99yr lease and no HOA.

    Thanks, Dennis and Wei

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      Hi Dennis and Wei

      What happens when the 99 yr lease is over at that time?
      Will we be forced to buy or rent at a high unnegiociated rate fee?
      the oldest houses are around 1980 ……don’y worry you want be alive in 2080

      Can a prospective buyer see the details of the HOA managment of the money spent?
      I’ve never had a buyer ask for financials so I’m not sure

      Can any voting on Homeowner Issues be done?
      What can be done by Homeowners to control future fees of HOA?
      I was told that is not a real HOA but under total control of the LandOwner?
      IS this true?……………YES
      OTOTW pretty much runs things

      What powers do homeowners Have?
      Not much

      I want to buy there soon buy I’m afraid of the 99yr lease and no HOA.
      The land lease is odd and the only one in this area. A lot of buyers avoid OTOTW for that reason. But like I said neither of us will be here in 80+ years.

      Reply
      • Mark says:

        Yeah, but your heirs will. And they will have nothing bc the Colen’s will get everything. So, effectively, in a land lease you are NOT an owner…just badically a renter.

        Reply
        • Joe Dallorso says:

          Some buyers don’t like the land lease. That’s why OTOW builds in Candler Hills and Indigo East which are traditional fee simple communities. No one knows how things will be handled when the first leases expire and most of us won’t be still alive any way to find out.

          Reply
      • Louis Granata says:

        I am sick and tired of seeing and hearing that our patio homes are condominiums…They are not. A condo has up to 4 stories ,a common yard and a common garage. Our homes are single family homes, with a private yard and a private garage. Someone needs to correct this and call it what it is. We have patio homes…Not condominiums. According to the VA, this is a very important difference. Please correct this ASAP.It’s very important to me and others. Respectfully,

        Reply
        • Joe Dallorso says:

          Hello Louis
          I really don’t know what you are talking about. No where in this blog post do I say there are condo’s in OTOW. There are single family homes and Villas. A Villa is not a condo. A condo is a form of ownership and has nothing to do with the number of stories.

          Reply
          • Liz Baldwin says:

            On the subject of the villas, can you give me any idea of how sound proof they are? Ex: would music at a high volume be heard in the neighboring villas?

          • Joe Dallorso says:

            That’s one of those questions I can’t answer. I think only someone who has lived in a Villa with a noisy neighbor could answer your question.

  7. Ruth Krotz says:

    So is the land lease payment in addition to the HOA fees, or is it included? I would think because you don’t own the land itself, the values should be less; thus property taxes less. Am I correct in that?

    Also wondering what golfing costs there.

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      There is no land lease payment. The land just reverts to the builder after 100 years. The HOA fees are just to pay for the expenses like amenities and maintenance. The home prices are lower IMO as a result of it being a lease hold property. Taxes are only less because the home value is less.

      Reply
  8. Deborah says:

    What happens to the home after the 99 year lease is up, do they pay again, people ask this everyday, and I do not have the answer other than it reverts back to the owner, they want to know if they have to buy again or loose the home?

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      Hi Deb

      I emailed OTOTW and below is their response

      Joe,
      There is no “official” answer, I have been advised to say that a new 99 year lease will be signed by the current owners of the home at that time. We have not gotten to that point yet, still have about another 75 years before then.

      I agree that at this point anyone buying a home in OTOTW has nothing to worry about. In the distant future I wonder if a bank will want to give a 30 yr mortgage on a home with only 25 years left on the lease but I won’t be around then to find out.

      I do think there are some great deals in OTOTW right now. I especially like some of the larger homes built after 2004. A real steal right now.

      Reply
  9. Angel B. Bates says:

    Hello Joe, I would like information regarding homes for sale in Top of World, Pine Run, and Palm Cay. My price point is 40K up to but not higher than 60K. 1600 SQ FT or more if possible. Also, is the 55 age restriction pertain to just one individual? My 54 year old son plans to live with me. Thank you and best regards, Angel

    Reply
  10. Marge Prutzman says:

    Are fences allowed in OTOTW…if so, will the gardener maintain inside the fence? What questions should we be sure to ask when visiting OTOTW for a sales presentation?
    Marge Prutzman

    Reply
  11. Will Luz says:

    Joe, could you please send me a list of the sales since 2009 in Hardwood Trails? Also, any recent news about the news the purchasers have had with their litigation? Thanks….

    Reply
  12. Cindy Klopfer says:

    Over a period of 5 to 10 years approximately how much are villa properties esculating in price verses stand alone houses? Verses houses outside of OTOW in same general area?

    Reply
  13. Michael Kinney says:

    Hello Joe!

    I am considering a resale in OTOW but I too have an issue with them being on a 99 year lease. What happens if the current/future owners go bankrupt? Will everyone be evicted from there home? Will the new owner honor the remaining years on the lease? What security does the homeowner really have? Thanks

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      A lot of buyers have concerns about the land lease. In my opinion it is partly the reason for lower resale prices in OTOTW.

      I can’t predict what might happen in the future. You might want to consult an attorney about any legal concerns that you have. You might also try the new homes sales center to see what they have to say.

      Reply
  14. Bobbiejo Henn says:

    What about sinkholes? Does the developer do testing before building on a site, or is it “buyer beware”? E7LN

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      I don’t know and can’t speak for the developer. Sink holes do exist in this area. It is like your house getting hit by lightning. Very hit or miss. Just because one house gets one does not mean the house across the street will too. I have heard of testing for sink holes but it is very expensive.

      Reply
  15. joe patrissi says:

    Joe
    My wife and I are planning a trip to Ocala in Nov and are staying OTOTW but I would like to meet with you to discuss my plans and possibilities for when we make the move to Fla. naturally I have many questions. should I wait for then or should we speak now? the big question is new vs resale
    Thanks
    Joe

    Reply
  16. Gail says:

    You say fencing is allowed at OTOW, but are you restricted to only a 4 foot chain link like some developments, or can you put up a nice privacy fence?

    Also, what developments in the area do allow for privacy fencing (not the 4 foot chain link type).

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      You might have misunderstood fencing in OTOTW. The attached Villas you can have a fence up close to the house. By that a 10 x something spot up against the house. You cannot fence the yard. The single detached homes you could fence your yard but they would no longer maintain the lawn but would still charge you the full HOA fee.

      There are no 55+ communities that allow a privacy fence at all in the Ocala area.

      Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      I don’t do rentals at all. I don’t know of seasonal rentals. They don’t make sense for the home owner. Who wants to look for a new tenant every month or two. There is also no market at all for summer rentals so the house sits vacant with the $385- month OTOTW HOA fees

      Reply
  17. tom mccormack says:

    I see some units that do not include water and sewer. What would be the costs ?
    also would you have to pay for lawn watering?

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      Only the attached Villas have sewer and water included in the HOA fees.
      I don’t know what to expect for water fees in the detached homes
      It would mostly depend on how much you watered your lawn

      Reply
  18. Rhonda Winsor says:

    I’m looking for a condo, villa or townhouse in a retirement community for my father. Besides OTOW what other communities are not just single family homes?

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      Almst all 55+ here are single family homes. This is not an area for townhomes or condo’s like further south in Florida. There are homes in Oak Run with lawn care but if your AC breaks or your roof leaks you call a contractor.

      Reply
  19. diane crowder says:

    Hi, if we purchase a resale villa and want to finance it is there a fixed % we can finance? ie, 70%, 80%, 90% financing

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      I’m not sure about a VA loan in OTOTW. I don’t see many VA loans here. You can only finance 70% of the purchase price so no 100% financing in OTOTW.

      Reply
  20. Patti says:

    We are in the initial stages of researching retirement areas and one of the areas we are considering is the central Florida, Ocala area. I found The Villages first, but do not like the “bond” issues and I’ve heard it can be very crowded. Then I found Stonecrest which is nearby and also a Del Webb just north of the Villages. Today I am looking at On Top of the World and couldn’t believe the great home prices…and understand thru your blog this is in part due to leased land vs owned land. I also like what the HOA includes. You mentioned golf is extra. Do you know if the courses within OTOTW offer an annual membership fee and what that fee might be. Golf is a “must have” for hubby. Thanks for all the great information posted here

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      On Top of the World does not have CDD bonds but resales in the Candler Hills and Indigo East communities do.All 55+ in Ocala are considerably less expensive than the Villages. I think you pay a huge premium for that golf cart lifestyle.In my opinion resales in OTOTW central do have lower resale prices than other communities here and that a]has something to do with the land lease which many people do not like.

      Stonecrest is not a Del Webb community. Spruce Creek CC just to the north is a Del Webb.

      Only the Villages have free golf if you can get a tee time. Many people in golf communities do not golf and do not want to subsidise others golf.

      2016 Annual Golf Membership Fees ON TOP OF THE WORLD (not Candler)
      Greens Fees – Single $2800 | Couple $4150
      Trail Fees (Available to residents only) – Single $1075 | Couple $1350

      Reply
      • Patti says:

        Yes, I knew that Stonecreek is not one of the deal webbs. I couldn’t remember the name of the del Webb so thank you for letting me know it is spruce creek. The 4 places we are interested in are The Villages, OTOTW, Stonecrest and Spruce Creek CC deal Webb. We also have to decide if we can handle the humidity of Florida. Will continue use watching the posts. So much great information.

        Reply
        • Joe Dallorso says:

          Stone Creek just north of OTOTW is a Del Webb. Stonecrest just north of the Villages is not Del Webb.You should visit the area and see how ou like the heat and humidity this summer. The heat is a small price to pay or no winter

          Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      I don’t think I have seen a private pools in OTOTW. I have seen a couple in Candler Hills. Generally there aren’t many private pools in 55+ because you are already paying for the outdoor and indoor pools as part of your fees.

      Reply
  21. Lawrence Gater says:

    We are looking to rent on a long term basis.Our home in ocala palms is on the market.Does a renter have to pay any or all of the HOA fees?

    Reply
  22. LILLIAN Bass says:

    HI Joe I’m a little worried about the BEARS in Ocala So far I’m liking TOP OF THE WORLD the villas but since you are surrounded by woods and I’m hearing about more bears showing up Also is there cable included in hoa fee and what about my WiFi? See you soon LILY & NEIL BASS

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      HI Lily and Neil

      There are no bears in On Top of the World. There are bears in the Ocala National Forest but that is quite a ways to the east. You really have to visit the area ! Cable TV and WiFi are not included in the HOA fee but are available at an extra fee which will vary depending on the plan you select.

      Reply
  23. Cherie says:

    How many dogs are you allowed to have? I have 3 dogs, but 2 of them only weigh 3 lbs and 4 lbs each. The 3rd one is a shih tzu who weighs 14 lbs. He’s already 15 yrs old. Would this be allowed in the villas? We also have a parrot, but it’s very quiet. Thank you so much for your help.

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      This is from OTOTW and other 55+ are very similar
      3. Animals. No livestock, birds, poultry, reptiles or other animals of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept in the Community by any Occupant of any Residential Unit except for a reasonable number of dogs, cats, birds or other usual and customary household pets kept or maintained solely as domestic pets and not for any commercial purpose. For the purposes hereof, numbers in excess of two (2) of each such type of usual and customary household pet (other than aquarium-kept tropical fish) per Residential Unit shall be presumed unreasonable, but the Board shall have the authority in its sole and absolute discretion, and upon such terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the Board, to grant permission for a larger number of animals in any Residential Unit. No animal shall be allowed to make an unreasonable amount of noise or otherwise to become a nuisance. Any breed or variety of dog, cat or other animal deemed too noisy, aggressive, offensive, threatening, disruptive or otherwise an actual or potential nuisance, as determined by the Association in its sole and absolute discretion, may be excluded from the Community by the Association. In addition, upon the written request of any Occupant, the Board may conclusively determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether or not, for purposes of this section, a particular animal is a usual and customary household pet and/or whether or not a particular animal is too noisy, aggressive, offensive, threatening, disruptive or otherwise an actual or potential nuisance. The Board shall have the right to require the owner of any animal deemed by the Association to be too noisy, aggressive, offensive, threatening, disruptive or otherwise an actual or potential nuisance to remove such animal from the Community. All animals shall be kept inside Residential Units and no exterior structure for the care, housing or confinement of any animal shall be constructed or maintained in the Community. While outside Residential Units, all animals must be kept on a leash or other restraint and must be accompanied at all times by the owner or custodian. Animal feces must be picked up immediately and disposed of properly by the owner or custodian of the animal. Each Owner shall be liable to the Association for the cost of repair of any damage to the Common Property caused by any animal belonging to such Owner or to any Occupant of such Owner’s Residential Unit.

      Reply
        • Joe Dallorso says:

          Hi below are the OTOW pet rules as given me by OTOW customer service :
          3. Animals. No livestock, birds, poultry, reptiles or other animals of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept in the Community by any Occupant of any Residential Unit except for a reasonable number of dogs, cats, birds or other usual and customary household pets kept or maintained solely as domestic pets and not for any commercial purpose. For the purposes hereof, numbers in excess of two (2) of each such type of usual and customary household pet (other than aquarium-kept tropical fish) per Residential Unit shall be presumed unreasonable, but the Board shall have the authority in its sole and absolute discretion, and upon such terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the Board, to grant permission for a larger number of animals in any Residential Unit. No animal shall be allowed to make an unreasonable amount of noise or otherwise to become a nuisance. Any breed or variety of dog, cat or other animal deemed too noisy, aggressive, offensive, threatening, disruptive or otherwise an actual or potential nuisance, as determined by the Association in its sole and absolute discretion, may be excluded from the Community by the Association. In addition, upon the written request of any Occupant, the Board may conclusively determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether or not, for purposes of this section, a particular animal is a usual and customary household pet and/or whether or not a particular animal is too noisy, aggressive, offensive, threatening, disruptive or otherwise an actual or potential nuisance. The Board shall have the right to require the owner of any animal deemed by the Association to be too noisy, aggressive, offensive, threatening, disruptive or otherwise an actual or potential nuisance to remove such animal from the Community. All animals shall be kept inside Residential Units and no exterior structure for the care, housing or confinement of any animal shall be constructed or maintained in the Community. While outside Residential Units, all animals must be kept on a leash or other restraint and must be accompanied at all times by the owner or custodian. Animal feces must be picked up immediately and disposed of properly by the owner or custodian of the animal. Each Owner shall be liable to the Association for the cost of repair of any damage to the Common Property caused by any animal belonging to such Owner or to any Occupant of such Owner’s Residential Unit.

          Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      Villas are currently $404- month, There is a dog park, you can also walk your dog down the street and in common areas but you of course have to pick up after them in all cases

      Reply
  24. Pam Jones says:

    Joe
    What is the difference between HOA fees in OTOW and Candler Hills? I thought Candler Hills community was in OTOW?

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      On Top of the World is large and has different areas. OTOW Central is a leasehold community where the land is on a 99 yr lease. The exterior of the homes are maintained as part of the HOA fees. There are also older Villas that include water and sewer in the fees. Candler Hills is a more upscale part of OTOW. You own the land and maintain the home like a single family house. Indigo East is another area where you own the land and the homes are designed to be more affordable than Candler.

      Reply
  25. Charles says:

    Hello Joe,
    I’m looking in the Indigo East properties for on top of the world and I was wondering if you could tell me if you know what the tax assessment for on homes in the Indigo area of top of the world.

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      I’m not sure what you mean exactly. Taxes vary by the value of the home and if you qualify for a homestead deduction.

      Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      The Villas are all electric. The single family homes have natural gas. If you are from up north and worried about electric heat that is not an issue in Florida.

      Reply
  26. BJ James says:

    Hi Joe, ………..great site!!
    I presently live in a 55+ (Cascades) since 2013 and lived in Timber Pines 1992 to 2000. Now widowed and thinking about a Villa…….maybe in Ocala. No interest in a mate but would like to be where there is a singles club……to assure activities. Don’t have singles club here. I want a
    property with nothing in the back and end unit, if attached. Have 1700 ft but could live with less,
    but require 2 car garage. I’m a Floridian, so not interested in anything other than block construction. I’d like to stay under 175K and HOA is of serious interest. Also, please tell me
    which communities are closer to ‘RICHARDS’ ….. where the Miami HS folks gather.
    Your help is very appreciated.

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      The Villas are all block homes as is all homes in OTOW. Villas are from the 80’s and 90’s attached in rows of 6-8. They are almost all back to back with another row behind. I have seen a couple of Villas with n homes in back but that is not the norm.

      I think every 55+ has singles groups. I am not familiar with Richards so I can’t help. OTOW is on SR 200 in the western side of Marion County.

      I will email you for more info about your home search

      Reply
  27. Nate says:

    Joe, great site and solid info/assistance. Your readers can request a very informative package from https://www.ontopoftheworldcommunities.com website. Plus, OTOW has a lot of “residents-type information (e.g., HOAs, monthly community newspapers, etc.) at http://ontopoftheworldinfo.com/customer-service/ Other than Sun City Center, this is the only community I have seen which allows viewers to see most of what current residents do. After spending past 2.5 years visiting west FL 55+, we are visiting OTW next week. If all goes well, we will relocate from Virginia in Summer 2019. Again, great job.

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      There are very specific questions that I just don’t know the answer to. If bus fees are important to you try contacting customer service fees are important to you I’m sure OTOW customer service can help.
      otowservice@otowfl.com

      Reply
  28. Sharon says:

    I am currently a resident of Cherrywood but I am considering an OTOW villa. I have a n outdoor hottub to bring with me. Can I get mgmt approval prior to putting in a purchase offer?

    Reply
  29. Wayne Foster says:

    My question is on roof replacement on the Villas. How often are the roofs replaced and roughly how much folks paying for the roofs replaced here in 2019?

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      This is from an exchange with OTOW support regarding a villa sale.

      How often are the Villa roofs replaced ?—depends on the villa and vote.

      Is there a ball park per unit cost ?—goes by square footage.

      Is it up to the owner to finance it or pay cash as opposed to an assessment ?—they need to pay in full at the time of invoice

      Is there a way to determine the roofs age ? MCPA )marion county property appraiser) doesn’t show permits for Villas.—yes, call or email me (support) and I will send your request to the person for the current information.

      Are all buildings on a street done at once ? no, only the stretch of villas by age and date.

      Reply
  30. Lucille says:

    Hi, We are considering a move into OTOTW, have the tour set up for next month, my question is I would like to put a hot tub on the liani, is that allowed? We are looking at Indigo East, the Wisteria model

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      I don’t know lot prices for new homes. You’d have to ask new home sales. 20 grand is a high price and it should be a special lot IMO

      Reply
  31. Donna L says:

    Hi Joe,
    someone was asking about Lot pricing..if you build new, are you paying for the lot separate and the house?
    thanks and these are all great questions and very informative..

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      Hi Donna
      In new homes most everything is an option. If you see a “move in ready” or spec home listed on the MLS Zillow or the OTOW website then the list price includes the lot. If you build from scratch I assume but I’m not 100% sure about OTOW there would be a basic lot. A basic lot would back up to another home. Any lot that has privacy in back or a view would be a premium lot and extra cost. If you look at any builder website you’ll see such and such a model “starting” at a given price. That is a basic home and you would expect to add at least another 30% in options.

      Reply
  32. Kat says:

    Hello Joe,
    I looked at your site diligently and see that OTOTW seems to meet my needs best. I want a villa, less personal responsibility is key for me, thus I am willing to accept a high HOA fee.
    I would perfer the HOA to include basic cable TV and internet.
    I like the golf cart to grocery shopping option.
    On a villa, does the HOA demand the owner carry inside home insurance?
    Are there any other 55+ communities that the HOA covers all I care about? By the way, I do not care about golf anymore than a bear cares about shoes.

    Reply
    • Joe Dallorso says:

      There are other communities that include outside maintenance. Stone Creek, any home not just Villas in OTOW, some homes in Oak Run have lawn care, Summerglen has lawn care. It really depends on your budget. A Garden series home in Stone Creek costs $75-$100K more than a OTOW villa but is much newer.

      I don’t know if the HOA makes you insure the inside of a villa but you need it. If the roof blows off the HOA insurance covers that but none of the damage done as a result to the interior walls, ceilings floors ect.

      Reply

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