If you are looking to find a “Deal,” the first thing (Very Important) to understand in the Florida Real Estate Market is Agency Relationship. In many states you have Real Estate Agents acting either as a Buyer’s Agent or a Seller’s Agent, representing one or the other in a fiduciary relationship, in other words tasked with seeing to your best interests - working for you. Not So in Florida.
In Florida, 99% of Real Estate Agents designate themselves as “Transaction Brokers.” In other words, they Do Not represent the Buyer nor the Seller. They only “facilitate” the transaction. In this way, Any and All Agent Liability is eliminated. As a “Transaction Broker,” Florida Real Estate Agents are not responsible/liable for anything they tell you, anything they don’t tell you, nor even anything they put it writing to you - read the contract, it is blatantly stated.
As a result, the Florida Real Estate Market is Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware. So, if you want a “Deal” you are going to have to find it. It’s not hard, all Real Estate transactions are public record - so learn the history of the property.
For MLS properties it is as easy as scrolling down on Zillow to see the date listed (Days on Market) and any price changes since listed. Most also have the last date purchased and the amount. Did they buy it in 2023 and are looking to make $150k on it or did they buy it in 2006 and are the original owners? Much different motivation to sell and price they will probably entertain.
For VLS properties a little more work is involved. Start online at the respective County Clerk’s website. Look at the Tax Card for history and prior purchases. From there you can click on the deeds (who owns it) and mortgages - see how much they paid and what if anything was/is financed. You can do this for MLS properties, too. Once you get used to it, you can find your info in minutes.
I mentioned ownership above because many times pre-owned sales in the Villages are the result of owners “aging out.” Many retirees in Florida put their homes in a Trust so it goes immediately to the kids avoiding probate. In these cases, many times the kids just want to get rid of it - be done with it (because they now have to pay taxes, utilities and Amenity Fees until sold). This is why you see a number of “Turn-Key” properties offered for sale (includes all furnishings, etc. and maybe even the golf cart).
Lastly is Cash. If you have the Cash to buy, be ready to jump on a deal quickly. Make the offer and have your Agent tell the other Agent, “It’s a cash deal and they can close in 5-7 days or as fast as the Title Company can prepare the closing.” When Seller’s (especially the kids) see the potential of Cash-In-Hand in 7 days, thinking changes.
Good Luck!
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