Preowned homes for sale

[andercat]

We have our home for sale listed with the Properties of The Villages. I tend to be skeptical by nature and was wondering if anyone has experienced what we have experienced. During high season we had very few showings on our house. Now that high season is over, we are seeing 4 to 5 showings a week. How is this possible? We have fewer people in town yet more showings. Does anyone know if The Villages sales representatives are given incentives to show new homes during high season? New homes continue to have a discount so that has not changed. Just seems odd to me. I'm interested in your thoughts.

[Carla B]

Don't know if they're given incentives. In April of the year we bought, the salesperson discouraged looking at pre-owned homes by saying they cost as much as new houses. It was while the market was on the way down.

[Cobh521]

I don't believe that is the case. When we were looking two years ago, we wanted to see preowned properties with bond paid. Our sales rep showed us whatever we wanted. While most were very nice, the owners of the preowned wanted the same amount as the new construction. The preowned also needed some decor modifications. When we sat down and thought about it we decided not to go with preowned and bought new instead.

[shcisamax]

I think the above means went with new due to the warranty rather than went with preowned.
What we discovered after purchasing a new home (we built) was there was a boat load of money that needed to be spent on top of the price of the house. If I were to do it again, I would only buy preowned. A couple years old with everything done even if you have to repaint because of colors is a whole lot easier and far less expensive after purchase than buying new.

[shcisamax]

As for the OP's question as to whether the agents are working to sell new first. I would have to agree. There are two houses nearby that have been for sale for several months. They have had several people come but none had been brought by Village agents until last week. Curious.

[CFrance]

Our neighbor's house sold in a week through TV, in high season. Our neighbor on the other side sold in one day last fall through TV.

Lots of different equations go into the time it takes to sell a house--the condition of the house, the location, the lot, the price...

[shcisamax]

Lots of different equations go into the time it takes to sell a house--the condition of the house, the location, the lot, the price...

Very true and pricing of the house is paramount. I wonder if the agents for these houses over priced them.

[Jayhawk]

Our neighbor's house sold in a week through TV, in high season. Our neighbor on the other side sold in one day last fall through TV.

Lots of different equations go into the time it takes to sell a house--the condition of the house, the location, the lot, the price...

Exactly. Our friends sold in less than a week and had several lookers because the house (villa) was pristine, in a good location, and priced right. Very little negotiation needed. Handled by The Villages sales rep.

:coolsmiley:

[capecoralbill]

I had a Prop of the Villages listing that finally sold after 2 months this April 2015, I asked the Village person for more open houses ....she practically laughed at me. All they do is list, then sit back and let the system/web do their work for them. I am not impressed, but they have you captive. And they only allow such a small sign on the house that no one driving by would hardly notice it, outside MLS realtors at least put up signs you can see and conduct open houses. Not sure what i'd do the next time, maybe FSBO, as the 6 percent commission can really add up.

[T-325]

First though I had was -- is it time for the sales contract renewal? Maybe they were trying to create some excitement so that you would renew with them.

Probably off base..but

[NYGUY]

Let us not forget, season is not over at the end of March, many stay through April and some into and through May.

[JoMar]

I had a Prop of the Villages listing that finally sold after 2 months this April 2015, I asked the Village person for more open houses ....she practically laughed at me. All they do is list, then sit back and let the system/web do their work for them. I am not impressed, but they have you captive. And they only allow such a small sign on the house that no one driving by would hardly notice it, outside MLS realtors at least put up signs you can see and conduct open houses. Not sure what i'd do the next time, maybe FSBO, as the 6 percent commission can really add up.

At this end of the world no signs are permitted by either TV, MLS or owners. You can put them out until someone calls Community Standards and then deal with it. Not sure what the rules are farther north. It would be interesting to know the success rate of MLS sales compared to TV but somehow I doubt we will ever know.

[sunnyatlast]

As for the OP's question as to whether the agents are working to sell new first. I would have to agree. There are two houses nearby that have been for sale for several months. They have had several people come but none had been brought by Village agents until last week. Curious.

I was told by a TV sales rep that one reason new homes are shown to newcomers and preview people is that it's to give them an idea of the various home series (villas, ranch/cottage, designer, premier) and floor plans. Then, after narrowing down the type/price of home, a more serious buyer is looking at the resale listings.

With 300+ lifestyle preview people/couples here at any given time, it would be a madhouse for sellers if TV sales reps were to set up showings for all the lookers here who aren't ready yet or aren't serious about buying yet.

I know when we've listed our past homes for sale, it is maddening to get it all ready and perfected for showings when you're living in it, and have to take the pets away during the showings. Sellers want serious buyers coming for showings, and all the lifestyle preview people here by the dozens shouldn't go traipsing thru pre-owned sellers' homes when they're not remotely ready to buy.

[skipalong]

Don't kid yourself. The villages Real Estate's MAIN job is to sell NEW homes. Sure they sell used homes but ask anyone that has bought a new home that started by looking at used homes and I'll bet ya they were heavily encouraged to buy a new one. They sure do sell used homes the one's that are priced right and look great but I'd love to see some stats on how many used buyers bought new houses. I'm on my third house and I can tell you buying new costs a lot more in the long run than a nice used home.....

[sunnyatlast]

Don't kid yourself. The villages Real Estate's MAIN job is to sell NEW homes. Sure they sell used homes but ask anyone that has bought a new home that started by looking at used homes and I'll bet ya they were heavily encouraged to buy a new one. They sure do sell used homes the one's that are priced right and look great but I'd love to see some stats on how many used buyers bought new houses. I'm on my third house and I can tell you buying new costs a lot more in the long run than a nice used home.....

I agree, but there is definite joy in buying/building a brand new home having no Granny decor and no smells from other people or pets in it.

Many people here have never had a brand new home before, and now they finally get to experience that and seeing all their decades of hard work and saving/investing turn into a joyful new home.

If most buyers coming in wanted used homes, TV certainly wouldn't be building 2,000 more new ones in Fruitland Park and 800 more new ones along 466-A and several hundred in Marion County along 42.

[Barefoot]

Don't kid yourself. The villages Real Estate's MAIN job is to sell NEW homes. Sure they sell used homes but ask anyone that has bought a new home that started by looking at used homes and I'll bet ya they were heavily encouraged to buy a new one. They sure do sell used homes the one's that are priced right and look great but I'd love to see some stats on how many used buyers bought new houses. I'm on my third house and I can tell you buying new costs a lot more in the long run than a nice used home.....
Both times we purchased a home in The Villages, we specified a pre-owned home on a view lot in mid Villages.
We were never heavily encouraged to buy new.
A good agent will ask the right questions to find out your needs and wants.
And then the agent will only show you homes that fit that criteria.

[graciegirl]

We have our home for sale listed with the Properties of The Villages. I tend to be skeptical by nature and was wondering if anyone has experienced what we have experienced. During high season we had very few showings on our house. Now that high season is over, we are seeing 4 to 5 showings a week. How is this possible? We have fewer people in town yet more showings. Does anyone know if The Villages sales representatives are given incentives to show new homes during high season? New homes continue to have a discount so that has not changed. Just seems odd to me. I'm interested in your thoughts.

There is a very simple explanation. Sales peak at this time of year. We bought our first home here at this time. Jim McLaughlin, our rep said that this time, going into summer was the busiest season for lookers and buyers.. The potential buyers and lookers and short term renters had gone home and are missing the place. And traditionally all over the country this is the time real estate really MOVES. They have to sell the one back home, usually.

The price breaks and discounts happen more before...this time of the year. Think about it.

If your house is priced right, staged right, is clean and doesn't smell of smoke, it will sell soon. You watch.

[Justus]

We have our home for sale listed with the Properties of The Villages. I tend to be skeptical by nature and was wondering if anyone has experienced what we have experienced. During high season we had very few showings on our house. Now that high season is over, we are seeing 4 to 5 showings a week. How is this possible? We have fewer people in town yet more showings. Does anyone know if The Villages sales representatives are given incentives to show new homes during high season? New homes continue to have a discount so that has not changed. Just seems odd to me. I'm interested in your thoughts.

Perhaps in the high season, visitors are more likely to be vacationers, focused on enjoying Villages amenities, rather than on real estate. As Gracie suggested, once they leave and realize how wonderful TV is, they then become serious about buying. Good luck on selling your home! Remember, all it takes is one serious buyer. We purchased pre-owned and have been grateful for all the beautiful upgrades the previous owner provided.

[OBXNana]

There is a very simple explanation. Sales peak at this time of year. We bought our first home here at this time. Jim McLaughlin, our rep said that this time, going into summer was the busiest season for lookers and buyers.. The potential buyers and lookers and short term renters had gone home and are missing the place.

The price breaks and discounts happen more before...this time of the year. Think about it.

If your house is priced right, staged right, is clean and doesn't smell of smoke, it will sell soon. You watch.

This is spot on. If I were buying property in The Villages it would not be during the high season of January through March. From the OP I think you will find the people renting during the winter months are there to enjoy what The Villages has to offer. Those after the season are looking to buy. We opened our house for rentals 4/14. 50% renting during the summer months were also looking to make a purchase. Four have purchased, two are still looking, and all 6 want pre-owned. The number one complaint I have heard from those looking at property is the clutter in houses. So many homes have the houses jammed with what the owners brought from where they lived for 30 years. It's hard for them to see past "stuff".

Gracie's final thought is very accurate. A house is only worth what someone is willing to pay.

[asianthree]

we purchased our first two Homes new, because that's what we wanted. Our sales rep was happy to show us the pre owned and new to compair. Our third house we purchased was pre owned it was about location not about what was new not about warranty it was where we wanted to live in the style of house. We sold our first house in 36 hours. use the villages rep quick and easy done deal if you asked only see pre-owned that's what they will show you

[looneycat]

We have our home for sale listed with the Properties of The Villages. I tend to be skeptical by nature and was wondering if anyone has experienced what we have experienced. During high season we had very few showings on our house. Now that high season is over, we are seeing 4 to 5 showings a week. How is this possible? We have fewer people in town yet more showings. Does anyone know if The Villages sales representatives are given incentives to show new homes during high season? New homes continue to have a discount so that has not changed. Just seems odd to me. I'm interested in your thoughts.

it is commissioned sales work, of course they are offered incentives.

[Jayhawk]

It would be interesting to know the success rate of MLS sales compared to TV but somehow I doubt we will ever know.

Well, The Villages shows several times every week in the paper how may new homes and how many re-sales they have handled over the past 12 months.

For MLS, Lyle Gant, one of the TOTV sponsors posts statistics frequently. Easy math will show that TV agents sell far more re-sales than MLS agents. At least 2-to-1.

http://lylesellsthevillages.com/Villages-Homes-for-Sale/Sales-Statistics/2015-Sales

[sunnyatlast]

There is a very simple explanation. Sales peak at this time of year. We bought our first home here at this time. Jim McLaughlin, our rep said that this time, going into summer was the busiest season for lookers and buyers.. The potential buyers and lookers and short term renters had gone home and are missing the place. And traditionally all over the country this is the time real estate really MOVES. They have to sell the one back home, usually.

The price breaks and discounts happen more before...this time of the year. Think about it.

If your house is priced right, staged right, is clean and doesn't smell of smoke, it will sell soon. You watch.

Perhaps in the high season, visitors are more likely to be vacationers, focused on enjoying Villages amenities, rather than on real estate. As Gracie suggested, once they leave and realize how wonderful TV is, they then become serious about buying. Good luck on selling your home! Remember, all it takes is one serious buyer. We purchased pre-owned and have been grateful for all the beautiful upgrades the previous owner provided.

Both posts quoted are exactly right. Many people are here in winter to try out the whole idea of wintering in TV and just enjoying the freedom that comes with being able to just walk outdoors every day without a snow shovel, pick-axe to break up the ice at the doorways, and getting all bundled up to just go out.

When they leave, the cold, stark reality sets in and people say to each other, "What were we THINKING? We need to go back there and buy a place so it's ready for us next Dec.-Jan.

[Rango]

If it is priced right it will sell. No one is going to view a house if it is over priced.

My house sold last year, full price in 2 days.

[GrandmaP]

We have sold twice thru Prop of the V - used same realtor with fabulous results. Open houses, lots of advertising, many showings to interested buyers. 1st property sold in 10 days, 2nd property sold in 16 days. Very pleased

[wudda1955]

I'm wondering if I should feel slighted because our Villages agent never suggested we look at or buy anything in particular. We told him what we wanted and he showed us. Three different times.

We did end up buying new, but that was because I'd done a tone of research and price comparisons. We decided that, for us, new was the best way to go.

[Barefoot]

If it is priced right it will sell. No one is going to view a house if it is over priced.

Exactly. It's surprising how people will blame the agent, time of the year, lack of open houses, etc.
A Villages home will sell if it's priced right.

Sellers who smoke inside the home, who resist de-cluttering , who have multiple pets that create pet odor ---
they will receive lower offers than a sparkling clean home.

[manaboutown]

In the past when I was looking for homes I refused to even enter smoked in homes or where the owners kept cats and informed agents of this. A few agents tried to fool me or did not realize a house had a smoker or a cat but in each case I could detect the smell(s) as soon as I entered the front door so I immediately turned around and left.

[liere]

When we bought four years ago, we went to the sales office and said we wanted to look at new and resale homes. When the agent came to talk to us, he said he was reluctant to show us resales since we were just starting our search and he said if he took us to a resale, the home owner would get their hopes up, and maybe we were just looking. I said, "What?!!" I then went on to the Villages website and found a resale that was what we wanted at a great price and called the agent to ask to see it...he was amazed that I found a house at the price listed and he showed it to us and we bought it the next day. Just recently we started to look at larger resale homes and the Villages' agent was willing to show us anything that we requested to see, and knowing what we were looking for he contacted us several times with information on homes that would be to our liking. In our recent search of homes, we have gone to many open houses and I have to say that quite often the agent is on the phone, or the computer and not very attentive to those looking at the house. Of course, we have encountered other agents who are very personable, attentive and these are the agents we remember and contact.

[vlm790]

Well, The Villages shows several times every week in the paper how may new homes and how many re-sales they have handled over the past 12 months.

For MLS, Lyle Gant, one of the TOTV sponsors posts statistics frequently. Easy math will show that TV agents sell far more re-sales than MLS agents. At least 2-to-1.

2015 Sales (http://lylesellsthevillages.com/Villages-Homes-for-Sale/Sales-Statistics/2015-Sales)

Are these statistics for Villages Sales People or Private Real Estate People??

[graciegirl]

Are these statistics for Villages Sales People or Private Real Estate People??

Both. If you read the post you responded to, Lyle Gant is a real estate person NOT employed by The Villages.

They both show the same statistics. The Villages do sell more resales and of course ALL new homes..

And many are sold by owner. We did and used McLin and Burnsed to close. Cost $750. (Three years ago)

[gardeniagirl]

My Ranch home in Summerhill, bond paid, with many upgrades, listed for sale with the Villages from June, 2014 until December, 2014(require 6 month listing). If you want out of contract due to non performance, you are required to pay all
"costs"--trips to the home, advertising, and anything they do regarding your home. I had a very negative "sales agent", sold new homes almost exclusively. I was assigned another agent, who was also busy selling the new 2,000 homes released by the Villages in August--- so few showings. I just spoke with one MLS agent, lists herself as a "Top Buyer's Agent" and is very insistent on me lowering my price by $9,000 from last price, after installing laminate floors, whole house water filter, and having all concrete done with painted finish, so that amounts to about $4,000 more reduction, for $13,000 plus @ $12,000 real estate fees, so maybe I'll go the FSBO route.

[2BNTV]

There is a very simple explanation. Sales peak at this time of year. We bought our first home here at this time. Jim McLaughlin, our rep said that this time, going into summer was the busiest season for lookers and buyers.. The potential buyers and lookers and short term renters had gone home and are missing the place. And traditionally all over the country this is the time real estate really MOVES. They have to sell the one back home, usually.

The price breaks and discounts happen more before...this time of the year. Think about it.

If your house is priced right, staged right, is clean and doesn't smell of smoke, it will sell soon. You watch.

Bingo!!!

[Fred R]

I certainly have little experience in this matter, since I only purchased in March of this year, but when I met with the mortgage guy he said they sell as many homes in the Summer than in the high season of Winter. He said folks come in the Winter, look decide and many come back in the Summer and buy. When I was looking I set the parameters for my salesman and he showed me exactly what I wanted to see.

[paulat585]

When we bought four years ago, we went to the sales office and said we wanted to look at new and resale homes. When the agent came to talk to us, he said he was reluctant to show us resales since we were just starting our search and he said if he took us to a resale, the home owner would get their hopes up, and maybe we were just looking. I said, "What?!!" I then went on to the Villages website and found a resale that was what we wanted at a great price and called the agent to ask to see it...he was amazed that I found a house at the price listed and he showed it to us and we bought it the next day. Just recently we started to look at larger resale homes and the Villages' agent was willing to show us anything that we requested to see, and knowing what we were looking for he contacted us several times with information on homes that would be to our liking. In our recent search of homes, we have gone to many open houses and I have to say that quite often the agent is on the phone, or the computer and not very attentive to those looking at the house. Of course, we have encountered other agents who are very personable, attentive and these are the agents we remember and contact.

I had the same experience with Villages "sales" people. I looked at 100 houses before buying in March. Most of the VLS open houses I went to were hosted by "agents" who were either on the phone or the computer or were visiting with friends who had dropped by and completely ignored me as I went through the house they were "showing." All I can say to sellers is beware and be aware of who your agent is.

[JoMar]

We purchased our home in July of last year. Our sales rep never pressured one way or the other and we viewed almost 20 homes,both new and pre-owned. We settled on a new home because of our personal preferences. There are a bazillion real estate sales folks here with various skill levels and work focus. If we had a rep that tried to pressure us or lead us one way or the other we would find another rep.

[mgcsooner]

My advice would be to make sure your Village Sales Agent is working for you! In reality they work for the villages first of course, but those with experience here realize that if they make a good sale with you, you will drive more business back to them personally either by recommendation or when you choose you want to do it again!!! I know--you find the perfect house, but then decide for one reason or another you want to move again. What is it they say--the average is 3 times here, and it's not because they don't like TV. Start off slowing, and new homes are good for establishing value since they do drive many of the prices here.

I'd keep looking at the new ones until you find out what is important to you, how big, #bdrms, etc. No real hurry with the new homes, although sometimes they have deals! Once you understand what you can get for your value, and
how locations matter to you, THEN be prepared to look at used homes--but be careful, since many of them get snapped up pronto. Get both a Village sales and outside MLS rep to show you since they are mutually exclusive listings --meaning they can't show you the others product. TV Sales sells 60-70% of all the used homes here and of course 100% of the new ones. There are many wonderful, updated used homes that have many improvements so you need to do homework. Homes built during the 2000s and more recently are built to more stringent building codes.

There's few if any new homes here that are probably "must buy now" since you can replicate any of them on other lots. Used homes on the other hand might be more difficult to replicate the value as easily, hence if you find it-grab it. The more time you have to put into it the better selection and probability of finding the right match.

But to be able to do it this way, you need to be in more control of the viewing schedule and approach, otherwise the sales staff--MLS or VLS may be tempted to show you fewer opportunities. So there, it's a matter of your time available, your patience, endurance and ability to jump if you find the right one.

[Fraugoofy]

We bought a pre owned twice each exactly one year apart in the same neighborhood! Couldn't be happier!

[vlm790]

I'm convinced the village sales people are too focused on selling new. I see the advantage to them. It's easier to show a bunch of new homes on one street rather than having to drive from one area to another for a pre-owned home. I listed with the village sales and am now sorry I did. After buying 2 new homes I thought they would work harder to sell mine. Very, very disappointed :(

[Vernster]

Both. If you read the post you responded to, Lyle Gant is a real estate person NOT employed by The Villages.

They both show the same statistics. The Villages do sell more resales and of course ALL new homes..

And many are sold by owner. We did and used McLin and Burnsed to close. Cost $750. (Three years ago)

I've sold 2 homes using FSBO. Both were sold during the 1st open house. Easy to do. No sales commission to pay and closing cost are so much less.
Try to sell it yourself.

[kstew43]

MLS realtors.....not village salespeople.

[outlaw]

We have our home for sale listed with the Properties of The Villages. I tend to be skeptical by nature and was wondering if anyone has experienced what we have experienced. During high season we had very few showings on our house. Now that high season is over, we are seeing 4 to 5 showings a week. How is this possible? We have fewer people in town yet more showings. Does anyone know if The Villages sales representatives are given incentives to show new homes during high season? New homes continue to have a discount so that has not changed. Just seems odd to me. I'm interested in your thoughts.

The developer owns the real estate company. Of course they are going to push new homes before they show yours. You should have listed with an independent. Knowing the developer, the contract you signed is ironclad. When it's time for renewal, run.

[Barefoot]

The developer owns the real estate company. Of course they are going to push new homes before they show yours. You should have listed with an independent. Knowing the developer, the contract you signed is ironclad. When it's time for renewal, run.

Are you speaking from personal experience?
Twice we've bought pre-owned homes. New homes were never pushed on us.
We listed our CYV with The Villages in 2010, and it sold for more than we expected.
Perhaps things have changed.

[hulahips]

Yes they are given a bonus to sell new. Our friends are R E agents

[beachx4me]

For those who listed with MLS agents how many open houses did you average in a month??

[Barefoot]

For those who listed with MLS agents how many open houses did you average in a month??
Open Houses can occasionally attract genuine buyers.
However often it's just a chance for tire kickers to drop by.
When we had our home listed, I asked the agent to show it only to prequalified buyers, no open houses.

Beachie, I seem to remember you were going to try a FSBO.
Did you ever try to market your home yourself, or did you decide to list it?

[beachx4me]

I did try it by myself for a little while, had quite a few lookers but no offers. Because we are back and forth to our home state due to husbands work, we decided to list it. It is listed with the Villages. They will only do six month contracts. It has been up for a little less than two months. We have had some Lookers, lots of oos and ahs but no offers as of yet.

If it doesn't sell in this time period, we will probably stay and figure out other options re husbands work.

[Go-Bucks!]

Sellers want serious buyers coming for showings, and all the lifestyle preview people here by the dozens shouldn't go traipsing thru pre-owned sellers' homes when they're not remotely ready to buy.


As someone who just recently did a LPP, I needed to see more than just new homes in order to have a balanced view of TV. All on my own I attended about 12 open houses for resale homes. I certainly wasn't "traipsing" through someone's home or hurting their chance of selling it by me attending their open house. How am I supposed to decide what style of home or which neighborhood I like if I don't visit some?? And just because I'm on a LPP doesn't mean I'm not serious about buying something asap! You really don't have any idea whether LPP visitors are serious about moving to TV or not - but each of us has the right to visit any open house that we want to. I'm really glad I did visit several styles because now I have it narrowed down to 2 and I can focus my search.

[Greg Nelson]

We were shown new construction by the rep. We then visited some open houses on our own. The whole process helped in determining what we DIDN"T want. A home that is completely encircled and no view.

[l2ridehd]

There are Villages agents who focus on new and agents who focus on pre-owned. Try to identify one who focuses on pre-owned for more effective results. I have always found pre-owned to be a better value than new. Once you buy a new home you have to spend a whole lot of money to add required items. Depending on the home, that can be washer and dryer, blinds, attic stairs, landscaping, garage floor painting, crown molding, lighting, pavers, and many other expensive items. Try the best way possible to compare those items you want to pre-owned vs new and most times new is more expensive. Not if you feel you need to change all those things, however if you find a home with most of things done and you like them, pre-owned wins.

As for open houses, most markets just provide the agent with potential clients. In the Villages, open houses seem to have a higher rate of success. I have personally bought two homes I saw through open houses. And in talking with folks have found many others that first saw their new home at an open house. So for this market I would recommend them.

Also I believe FSBO has a higher success rate here than most markets. It is still hard work and be prepared to spend a lot of time and money to make it work. Still cheaper than the 6% the agents charge. Plan on doing at least 3 or 4 open houses every week for 3 to 4 hours a day for 6 to 8 weeks. Advertise in the Daily Sun every day. Paint the entire home inside with neutral color. Have it professionally cleaned. Spruce up the landscaping. Do lots of high quality brochures. Get a professional photographer to take lots of pictures. Get contracts ready. Buy good quality signs and balloons. Remember that it's work and do a quality job. Price it correctly.

[graciegirl]

Yes they are given a bonus to sell new. Our friends are R E agents

They may make MORE selling new homes because of the price, but are not given a bonus or incentive. I think the sales people for The Villages have a relatively easy job.

We too worked with a sales agent for The Villages when we were looking for a larger home to live in full time and he showed us many resales.

The developer can run his business anyway he wants to. NO one is doing it better. This is the fastest growing metropolitan area in THE COUNTRY. No one has to do anything to sell any homes here. IF the resales are clean and reasonably priced, they will sell. You can't gouge smart and experienced buyers, they do their homework. Most are pretty sure of market value.

[CFrance]

There are Villages agents who focus on new and agents who focus on pre-owned. Try to identify one who focuses on pre-owned for more effective results. I have always found pre-owned to be a better value than new. Once you buy a new home you have to spend a whole lot of money to add required items. Depending on the home, that can be washer and dryer, blinds, attic stairs, landscaping, garage floor painting, crown molding, lighting, pavers, and many other expensive items. Try the best way possible to compare those items you want to pre-owned vs new and most times new is more expensive. Not if you feel you need to change all those things, however if you find a home with most of things done and you like them, pre-owned wins.

As for open houses, most markets just provide the agent with potential clients. In the Villages, open houses seem to have a higher rate of success. I have personally bought two homes I saw through open houses. And in talking with folks have found many others that first saw their new home at an open house. So for this market I would recommend them.

Also I believe FSBO has a higher success rate here than most markets. It is still hard work and be prepared to spend a lot of time and money to make it work. Still cheaper than the 6% the agents charge. Plan on doing at least 3 or 4 open houses every week for 3 to 4 hours a day for 6 to 8 weeks. Advertise in the Daily Sun every day. Paint the entire home inside with neutral color. Have it professionally cleaned. Spruce up the landscaping. Do lots of high quality brochures. Get a professional photographer to take lots of pictures. Get contracts ready. Buy good quality signs and balloons. Remember that it's work and do a quality job. Price it correctly.
Thank you for your excellent advice, l2ridehd. I'm saving your post in case we ever decide to move to a different TV location.