we are also in the process of attempting to buy in the villages. as a broward county florida realtor I know the rules when dealing with buyers and sellers.
when I take a listing I get all the info myself, excluding insurance, and have that prepared before the listing appointment with the sellers, so I can verify the actual with the sellers reality.
but as a buyer, working with the VLS or MLS realtors, I get a lot of possibly, probably and the best...we won't know that till just before closing when you get the HUD statement, need the info when you make an offer and a counter......Hud is way too late.....
guess what, I want to be a smart, prepared buyer, and I also need all the facts on everything, new or resale so I can compare bond, no bond and amouts and go with my best house value.
I am a informed buyer......BUT, most realtors VLS or MLS are Salespeople
and push the "lifestyle" so high that even I, sometimes get lost and forget to stop and look at the reality of the financials.
Remember, realtors are salesman/woman, and we only get paid $$ if you buy......from us....so naturally we push, but I do believe that some agents who sell in the villages push really hard on the lifestyle and slide thru the money issues. I mean really, 3 city centers, music ever day, free golf.....I'm sold...Bonds, IRS, ect.....who cares...where do I sign...
My best advise, go in with your eyes Wide Open, and if you don't get the answers you feel you need, or the answers are all vague, you are Never locked into working with a realtor, switch to someone you think your can trust.
The internet county tax appraiser records should be your best friend when your buying a resale and access is available to anyone with a street address. New homes are tricky, tax records can't help there, but thats when neighbors may be able to help, plus realtors have all access you could ever need. Never accept probably....or around......
Just the Facts....Mam.....and only the facts.....