The only way you can maybe, possibly get them a bit interested in helping you is to work with the listing agent. Then the agent has double the commission to lose if the deal doesn't go through. (no big deal if they lose $4500, but you might get their attention if $9000 is at stake)
One way to beat The Villages' system is to determine who the listing agent is for the house you want to see and make a specific appointment or do open houses and don't give out your name so the "host" agent can't "claim" you. The specific agent deal works especially well with all the non-Villages companies. At least those people are much better to work with on pre-owned because they aren't being pressured to sell new housing by their Masters.
In general, not only is the agent working for the seller but is also working for his/her own best interest. A lower price is a lower commission. Their incentive is to get the higest price possible. That's not the buyer's goal. The system is stacked against you.
