Need Advice Please!

[Sabrina&Bill]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?

[Boilerman]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?

Exactly. MLS listings cannot be purchased through the Villages sales people.

[retiredguy123]

If you find an experienced and good Villages agent, they should be able to recommend an MLS agent. Then, you can shop for all pre-owned houses in The Vliiages at the same time, and you won't feel like you are being disloyal to anyone. You have the right to view and buy any house you want.

[TimeForChange]

If you use MLS call this guy. We have purchased 3 homes from him in 8 years here in The Villages. Great person, extremely knowledgeable. No one either VLS or MLS knows The market better than him.

352-446-6001

[dewilson58]

Look at what The Villages has to offer thru their website. If nothing rings your bell, explain to TV Broker and move forward.

[Sabrina&Bill]

Look at what The Villages has to offer thru their website. If nothing rings your bell, explain to TV Broker and move forward.

That was my plan, just didn’t know if I was under any obligation to our VLS.

[retiredguy123]

That was my plan, just didn’t know if I was under any obligation to our VLS.
Absolutely not. It is The Villages decision to not sell MLS listed houses. And, in any case, the real estate agent is always working for the seller, not the buyer.

[asianthree]

We have used both at the same time, whoever came up with the best house won

[jet10s]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?
you will find many more greater options with a loved and pre-owned home -- all the village realtors want to sell is new homes south of 44 == honestly don't do it -- your best homes are south of 466 and north of 466a -- between morse and buenavista -- the most available amenities and location location location -- say goodbye and good riddance to your villages VLS -- and call any MLS agent right away -- you will get much more for your money -- good luck

[chuckandbernice]

Are you aware of the bond? Previously loved homes may have little or no bond.

[Kgcetm]

I would continue to work with both. An outside realtor brings something to the table that a Village Realtor Sales Rep cannot bring. So, my advice is to work with both before you make your decision to purchase.

[Ruggiero56]

Work with two agents from the start and don’t worry about it. Both Villages agents and MLS Realtors are used to it and have no hard feelings. It’s an odd way of doing things but that’s just the way it is here if you want to see everything that’s available.

[Tomptomp]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?

Surely use both. New homes IN THE VILLAGES come from the VLS ONLY. I found that the villages generally asked for a higher price than the MLS services on resales. If you buy south of 466a be prepared for long rides in your golf cart to all the great amenities. Between 466 and 466a and between Buena Vista and Morse is very central. Between 44 and 466a is not bad but south of 44 has a long way to go. I’d be skeptical of purchasing there.

[rmd2]

Rent for at least 3 months first. I rented for a year and it was very helpful in deciding where to live. I bought a turn key, pre-owned home in an area I knew I wanted. Ten years later I still like my location. I live near 466.

[Wandamae]

You need two realtors here in the villages. Since the villages does not co broke or cooperate with other realtors or the MLS. I am a realtor not working here but this is sad truth here.

[Bkosloski]

I agree that the best homes are not the new ones. There are no stores for shopping and few amenities that the ones near 466A and up tp 466 have to offer!

[woderfulwendy1]

FYI, in Florida they don't use acranims quite as much. We are just not in that big of a hurry.
PS, I'm from CA 2.
Either invest money in a new house to make it the way you want including the yard or buy one you like that is used.

[egmcaninch]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?

My wife & I have been in the Village of Fenney for almost 2 yrs, and highly recommend it. However, there are many new villages hat are being built in the Southern part that look to be outstanding. If you need a real estate person to help, let me know (ernest.mcaninch@gmail.com). The one we worked with was exceptional!

[edmarco]

ADD the price of the BOND to every house you are considering. Obviously the selling price plus the BOND equals the True selling price of the house.

[davem4616]

rent for a good 3 months and get to really know TV...there are plenty of homes both new and previously loved (as you put it) that will continue to come on the market

you may not be aware that many residents are on their 3rd home in TV....why? well some percentage has to be that they originally bought in an area that didn't work for them

[dewilson58]

That was my plan, just didn’t know if I was under any obligation to our VLS.




No obligation. Since The Villages established the ground rules.....TV Brokers understand (may not like it, but understand).


Good Luck and enjoy the journey.

[Rwirish]

IMO, don’t look south of 44.

[Dgizzi]

you will find many more greater options with a loved and pre-owned home -- all the village realtors want to sell is new homes south of 44 == honestly don't do it -- your best homes are south of 466 and north of 466a -- between morse and buenavista -- the most available amenities and location location location -- say goodbye and good riddance to your villages VLS -- and call any MLS agent right away -- you will get much more for your money -- good luck
Well that isn’t good advice. We just bought new in Monarch Village. I would go new all the time. More modern options and colors. I love this area and it will grow. People have to look everywhere.

[rockandroller]

You need two realtors here in the villages. Since the villages does not co broke or cooperate with other realtors or the MLS. I am a realtor not working here but this is sad truth here.

exactly

and

"your best homes are south of 466 and north of 466a -- between morse and buenavista"

best how?

We bought a pre-owned home just north of 466, almost exactly half the distance between Spanish Springs and Sumter.

[Dgizzi]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?

My best Advice is not to ask for advice cause you will get twenty million answers. You have to look and buy where and what you like. This is my second 55 and older community and I signed up for this stuff and also a facebook one for my neighborhood and am getting off them both. Too negative I don’t take people’s opinion too serious cause you have to go with your gut feeling and just cause some people don’t like one thing doesn’t mean you won’t. Good Luck and just buy what you want and like.

[Spec1620]

We had both VLS and MLS. Our VLS was able to show us MLS homes we found and liked she just contacted the other agent. Weird way of doing it but you need to see as many homes as possible. Location may not be everything if you like new. Lots of choices. Good luck.

[SacDQ]

VLS also sell previous own homes. They would rather sell new. TELL YOUR VLS to start sending you listings. Ther are two home for sale in my neighborhood right now. One with a VLS and the other. Multiple listing.

[kenoc7]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?

Go north, not south.

[Fred2016]

better think twice before you move here. It has lots of problems.

[jonathanb]

So if you want to see all the pre owned market you should look at pre owned homes with both your MLS realtor and listings with your real estate rep from The Villages. When it come to pre owned The Villages holds about 62% of the market. But if you find a pre owned listed with the MLS yes thank your Villages rep for everything and let them know that you would also refer any family and friends to them in the future. That’s if you liked them. I am a retired Villages sales rep and we know loosing customers to MLS is always a possibility But if you give them a chance to show you new as well as pre owned and you like the MLS better then they should be happy for you.

[CarrieOn]

name please..

[Mikee1]

The posters that offered the best advice or info is to rent before you buy. There are plenty of rentals, so that is easy. Then spend some time looking around and getting a feel for TV lifestyle and decide if it is for you and what area best fits your desires.

[fredandtrish1]

Everything that involves The Village owned companies or services will cost MORE than using outside--regular--companies. And Villages realtors are to be avoided to be shown all available homes.

[diva1]

Go resale with paid off bond. For the price of the bond they will shackle you with these days, you can re-do anything in a resale in the new colors or styles and still be money ahead. Also, location of the new is out in nowhere as far as stores, restaurants, etc.

[crash]

I agree that the best homes are not the new ones. There are no stores for shopping and few amenities that the ones near 466A and up tp 466 have to offer!

We are from California and bought pre owned. Used Angie Taylor a Village agent now selling MLS. She is from California (San Diego) and gets the differences of what someone from California wants versus someone from the Midwest. She has worked both sides and can point out benefits of both. 352-446-5477 AngieT@usa.com

There is a California club that you can check out meets the first Thursday at the Hibiscus rec center at 6. You can pm me and would be happy to talk to you about your move here.

Other things to consider on new homes is the distance to the prison, turnpike (toll road to California’s) and connectivity by golf cart and distance to current amenities. 15 years from now the new area may be ok but you want them to be good now.

Good luck with your move.

[CarrieOn]

If you use MLS call this guy. We have purchased 3 homes from him in 8 years here in The Villages. Great person, extremely knowledgeable. No one either VLS or MLS knows The market better than him.

352-446-6001
name please of this awesome realtor

[jonathanb]

Just another note. Being a former Villages rep and a realtor from Pa forever consider this. In The Villages you will get a new home usually for less money than a pre owned. We’ve been here for ten years and are on our 4th new home. The profit made from the first three put me over the top to be able to retire. You usually will make more money buying new than pre owned if you are looking at it from a monetary point of view. Just don’t over improve and sell within 2-5 years. As far as commission. Your villages rep makes the same commission whether they sell you a new or pre owned home so it really doesn’t matter to them. The reason people have the impression that Villages reps only like to sell new is because there is so much more new inventory. For example if you are looking for an Iris. In pre owned there might be 3 -7 in new we could have 30. So when you see your 3 pre owned and 15 new it gives that appearance but it IS NOT true. My business was always 50/50 between new and pre owned.

[Cobh521]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?

If you see a home listed by the MLS, you will need to have an MLS agent show you that home. The VLS agents can sell new and preowned homes in the Villages listed by the Villages agents only. If you do find a home on the MLS and are interested in purchasing, then do so. Thank you VLS agent. They should understand, just an an MLS agent understands when you select a VLS Agent. If looking for an MLS Agent, I highly recommend Katy Kelly from RE/MAX Premier Realty 352-355-7982. Visit her website at katykellyhomes.com

[CS0711]

I strongly suggest you have Two realtors. One MLS who holds different licenses and can show homes in T.V. that you otherwise will not see; plus your current Village realtor. We are very happy that we chose that path.

[Mikeodonnell73]

I did both and brought through a MLS. I also helped a friend and we did the same with him and he finally brought from the MLS. TV person were pushing new homes and not resale homes. I also found it go to go to Zillow.Com and there are 100's of homes for sale that you can look at with all the info you need to buy a home.

[ficoguy]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?
You live in a free society. Most Villages “realtors” are no more than sales associates - like the ones that come up to you in furniture stores. They have a quota and a pipeline to fill. If not you it’s next in line.

[Diverdave]

You are a good person for wanting to be honorable to the Villages realtor. Just remember they work with dozens of prospects and will.sell the house you are looking for to the first person that will buy it. It's just business. We did the same thing 2 years ago and found our perfect pre owned home with everything we wanted and more by using a MLS realtor, she was amazing. We looked at 8 homes in 2 days and signed a contract just before driving home to Ohio.

[retiredguy123]

I would just point out the "Properties of The Villages" could put all of their pre-owned houses on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). That would allow any MLS agent with a State license to show and sell any house listed by any agent. But, they don't do that because they want The Villages agents to have the exclusive right to sell the company's pre-owned house listings. It is a business decision to exclude outside real estate agents from their pre-owned house listings. So, that is why you need two agents to have access to all of the pre-owned listings. And, it is also why you shouldn't feel any obligation to buy from a Villages agent.

[vayssie1]

Use one of both. They expect it and I have never had a problem. If you’d don’t you will have missed so many properties. If you are golfers or love the squares or easy golf cart access, definitely buy north of 44. Remember when you see the beautiful pre-owned, they have probably put another 10-50K in it. Plus consider the size of the bond on both.

[Tsalla Apopka]

In Florida new homes can be sold by a salesperson, employee of the seller. While MLS homes are sold by a real estate agent that is licensed by the State of Florida and operates under very strict rules. The VLS works for the builder/developer while the MLS works for either the seller or the buyer. Most are sellers agents but a few will be buyer agents if you contract that way.

[juscause]

Contact Mark at Black Tie Realty. Great guy, very knowledgable.

[erojohn]

Please bring toilet paper!!!

[merrymini]

Use one with the villages and one outside since a new house cannot be sold with anyone other than a villages sales rep. The outside realtor will give you a better view of what is available with resales. I believe, but have no proof, that the villages sales want to sell new more than resales. Just my opinion. Look at every place and everything you can. You may have a preconceived notion about what you may want to do but change your mind after shopping around. Many times you come full circle but you owe it to yourself to examine everything.

[mikeritz53]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?

You should hook up with a Realtor and work with both sides, there are currently more than 300+ Homes a Villages Salesperson cannot show or sell. am a realtor and would be glad to help or at least be available to answer questions. Keep in mind as to the New section it is really far from the nearest Town Square and there is limited shopping, Restaurant and Grocery options.

[jojo]

We had two realtors and ended up buying with the MLS realtor. I have friends who want to move here and they quickly decided they wanted location between 466 and 466a. Obviously if you want new you need to be south. We like being closer to Lake Sumter Landing which is our favorite square. The choice of the options of nearby recreation centers and golf courses work for us.

[ALadysMom]

I strongly suggest you have Two realtors. One MLS who holds different licenses and can show homes in T.V. that you otherwise will not see; plus your current Village realtor. We are very happy that we chose that path.
I agree. I had both. Let the best home win. One caution: the MLS realtor kept feeding me listings that were not actually within the boundaries of TV. But I wanted “the keys to the Kingdom” so I could join clubs, play sports, access cart paths and feel like I really belong. Location and pre-loved or new is personal taste and might vary a lot based on inventory of homes in your price range at the time. A friend advised me to first choose an area since there are great homes everywhere. If I looked at that area & didn’t find anything, then I’d change to another area. It seemed overwhelming and confusing to look all over because the lifestyles were as different As the homes were. Come on in! The lifestyle is even better than it looks.

[James2nd]

Green fees are rising and will rise more. Simple supply and demand. As expansion continues to the south fewer championship courses have been added. So if you are a golfer you need to locate close to the championship courses. I live in Santo Domingo and am within 20 minutes by golf cart from seven championship courses. Look at the map, there are no courses south of 44.

[dewilson58]

Green fees are rising and will rise more. Simple supply and demand. As expansion continues to the south fewer championship courses have been added. So if you are a golfer you need to locate close to the championship courses. I live in Santo Domingo and am within 20 minutes by golf cart from seven championship courses. Look at the map, there are no courses south of 44.




:eek:

[jxm473]

When I was going through the purchase process, I had both a VLS and an MLS agent. I did not hide that from either one. They understand. I looked at both, but ended up purchasing new.

[jimjamuser]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?
Wait till the stock market and the real estate market crashes. Then come here and get a smoking hot deal.:welcome:

[Cranford61]

Stay north of 44 to avoid feral hogs, Zika deaths, skeeters, lack of restaurants, contaminated food trucks, long commute for services, tiny lots, nearby penitentiary, Turnpike hum and fumes, quarry blasting, loudspeaker announcements from Coleman, constant construction and commotion and disillusioned neighbors hoping to resell their homes to move north of 44 where all the action is. Recommend between 466 and 466A. Avoid houses with large oak trees and defoliating magnolia trees. Avoid the drunkards too.

[rsibole]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?


Regardless of the Agent you use, you must do your own due diligence on matters such as:

Is the house near a busy street or cart path, noise can be a factor

Is the house near one of the sewage processing plants, obvious concern

Which County is the house located within, different taxes & ordinances

Neighborhood & neighbors, knock on some doors

North, south, east & west facing rooms, can be a very annoying sunrise or sunset

Privacy, yours & the neighbors, sight & sound

Landscaping & trees, both can take a lot of work you may not want to do but you will come to appreciate shade

Age of the HVAC, roof, plumbing, hot water tank, etc, things don’t last as long in Florida as in some other areas

Agents can’t, or more often won’t, tell you about these things.

[alanbrite]

Although all the village square's are great, if you are looking for a resale, Brownwood is becoming the center.
Great location!
Good Luck...

[retiredguy123]

Regardless of the Agent you use, you must do your own due diligence on matters such as:

Is the house near a busy street or cart path, noise can be a factor

Is the house near one of the sewage processing plants, obvious concern

Which County is the house located within, different taxes & ordinances

Neighborhood & neighbors, knock on some doors

North, south, east & west facing rooms, can be a very annoying sunrise or sunset

Privacy, yours & the neighbors, sight & sound

Landscaping & trees, both can take a lot of work you may not want to do but you will come to appreciate shade

Age of the HVAC, roof, plumbing, hot water tank, etc, things don’t last as long in Florida as in some other areas

Agents can’t, or more often won’t, tell you about these things.
Good points. I am always suspicious about noise when I attend an open house and the agent has music playing. Also, a pool pump located near the master bedroom will be noisy. Also, they are now building a lot of new houses that are very close to the Florida Turnpike.

Some houses are located in Fruitland Park (Lake County) or in Wildwood (Sumter County). If so, your taxes will be higher.

Most people consider a west facing lanai to be a bad thing.

Some buyers seem to think that the agent is working for them, so they ask for opinions and advice. But, the agent is working for the seller, not the buyer. Almost anything they tell you is designed to sell the house.

[Bowtorc]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?

I would stay north of 44. Nice homes south of 44 but close to prison , not very close to lots of amenities and also close to blasting area. Just my opinion . Might worth just what it cost you to get it.

[Neil Parkhurst]

Hi,
I believe the Village sales agent can only show you New Homes and (PLH) that are listed with the Villages real estate office.
You can use any of the MLS agents for (PLH). doubt you will find many of the (PBL) south of Rt 44. But worth a try. The new area Chitty Chitty is about to open shortly. good luck with you search

[spike36]

Go to TOP OF THE WORLD in Ocala..........Better homes for the money

[Topspinmo]

Well that isn’t good advice. We just bought new in Monarch Village. I would go new all the time. More modern options and colors. I love this area and it will grow. People have to look everywhere.

And you pay more, not everybody can or wants to pay way above what the get.

[Topspinmo]

Go to TOP OF THE WORLD in Ocala..........Better homes for the money

With little/ few amenities

[Topspinmo]

Reading your other 22 posts, you've apparently hated life since the day you got here. Why do you suffer the on-going pain? And no, I'm not saying move away if you hate it.

Well, maybe I am.

One man’s rainbow 🌈 could be another man’s He$$ hole.

[Bosoxfan]

That is your opinion. We are on our 3rd newly built home and wouldn't do it any other way. We pick the lot we want then design it to our liking. We've never been disappointed and don't have to worry about replacing the roof the air conditioner etc..
Oh and by the way the 2 homes we've sold...one sold in 24 hours and the second during our first open house 6 days after putting it on the market.

[Bosoxfan]

Surely use both. New homes IN THE VILLAGES come from the VLS ONLY. I found that the villages generally asked for a higher price than the MLS services on resales. If you buy south of 466a be prepared for long rides in your golf cart to all the great amenities. Between 466 and 466a and between Buena Vista and Morse is very central. Between 44 and 466a is not bad but south of 44 has a long way to go. I’d be skeptical of purchasing there.


Been south of 44 for the past 1 1/2 years and love it.

[clwahlstrom]

We moved from California about 18 months ago. Went with an MLS agent, and she was wonderful. Open to many more options.

[jmcica@aol.com]

You need two realtors here in the villages. Since the villages does not co broke or cooperate with other realtors or the MLS. I am a realtor not working here but this is sad truth here.

My understanding ( and I could be wrong) is that VLS are not real estate agents-they are salespeople working for the builder.
I found that out also- use both to find the perfect home

[coastalnh]

We worked with a realtor (Steve Andleman) from Century21. They took care of everything. Still had to go to The Villages Realty after closing to take care of their paperwork. No problems at all. We enjoyed a previously owned home with Bond Paid especially since new homes are coming with over $25000 Bonds.

[donatk42]

We have bought and sold two homes here in TV. Bought one through VLS and two through Dottie Wise who works for Fox Fire. We sold one with Dottie and I sold one by owner. Your choice but I liked the results going through the MLD agent best.

[vickiesimpson]

Or home for sell by owner. Gorgeous 4 year old EXPANDED GARDINIA salt water pool on golf course

[Cranford61]

Regardless of the Agent you use, you must do your own due diligence on matters such as:

Is the house near a busy street or cart path, noise can be a factor

Is the house near one of the sewage processing plants, obvious concern

Which County is the house located within, different taxes & ordinances

Neighborhood & neighbors, knock on some doors

North, south, east & west facing rooms, can be a very annoying sunrise or sunset

Privacy, yours & the neighbors, sight & sound

Landscaping & trees, both can take a lot of work you may not want to do but you will come to appreciate shade

Age of the HVAC, roof, plumbing, hot water tank, etc, things don’t last as long in Florida as in some other areas

Agents can’t, or more often won’t, tell you about these things.

And when you have it all figured out on your slide rule, make a contemplated, rational,wise decision, your quiet neighbor sells out to landlord who rents out to a helicopter couple named “Murphy”with their 50 yo unemployed thrice divorced druggie son who has part time custody of his confused sons and a lot of similar friends. Yikes!

[72lions]

I would encourage a pre-owned home, preferably between 466A and SR-44, especially if golf is in your blood. There are also many available homes for sale by owner. Most are viewable on Zillow or other internet sites.

[Barborv]

When looking to purchase a home in TV you must work with a Village Realtor and a MLS realtor. You can get new and pre-owned homes with the Village realtor and only pre-owned with MLS realtor. The reason is some people are listing their home only with the Villages and it doesnt go out into the multiple listing. So thats why you need both. Also, make sure you really research the areas in the Villages. I have bought several homes in TV over the course of 8 years. I am not retired yet so I come down to TV whenever I can. I usually rented from various people because my homes are rented long term. I know TV like the back of my hand and knew exactly the areas where I wanted to buy MY home that I will live in when I retire in 2 years. The first 2 homes were new builds. Better priced for the most part.
We just bought our PRE_OWNED house last month. I knew exactly the model I wanted and location. I knew I wanted to be between 466 and 466A on the Buena Vista side and not too far from Sumter. It took some time till I found the home. Would of liked being slightly closer to Sumter, but my dream home was priced right. I was working with my Villages realtor who I know for the past 8 years, and a MLS who happens to be one of my tenants. They both knew I was working with both. It just so happens that my Village realtor called me before the house came out and we grabbed it before the listing came out. If you need names I would be very happy to give you their names. If you have any questions please feel free to message me.

[Quixote]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?

In a word, 'YES!' You don't have to say 'goodbye.' The MLS listing may not work out, and the agents are used to potential buyers looking at both new construction or resales. See what appeals to you and go from there.

[Jayhawk]

My understanding ( and I could be wrong) is that VLS are not real estate agents-they are salespeople working for the builder.
I found that out also- use both to find the perfect home

Not accurate.

Meet Our Amazing The Villages(R) Sales Representatives (https://www.thevillages.com/sales-reps/)

Properties of the Villages sales and marketing representatives are happy to serve both current and future Villagers here in our hometown. In addition to being licensed Florida real estate agents, our staff of over 200 agents receives continuous continuing education on customer care, product knowledge and the latest information pertaining to the lifestyle we all enjoy. Most importantly, whether you're purchasing your next dream home, or selling your current one, our agents are trained to put your needs first!

[manaboutown]

My understanding ( and I could be wrong) is that VLS are not real estate agents-they are salespeople working for the builder.
I found that out also- use both to find the perfect home

As stated in post #78 Villages (VLS) agents are indeed real estate agents licensed by the State of Florida.

VLS agents are the only folks who can show and sell developer built new homes within The Villages.

VLS agents are NOT Realtors and therefore not members of the MLS. Hence if one wants to see all existing homes for sale one needs an MLS Realtor. One can look for FSBOs on one's own.

Some MLS Realtors are amenable to acting as buyers agents. I do not know if VLS agents are allowed to act as buyers agents on existing homes. Of course they are seller's agents on new homes.

Real estate agents work on commission as almost everyone knows. Experienced agents know they will win some; lose some. Of course it hurts to spend a lot of time with a potential buyer who ends up buying through another agent but I imagine both VLS agents and MLS Realtors know this is how it works here and accept the situation which of course can go either way..

One caveat: If one is possibly interested in buying a VLS listed existing home from a previous owner be sure your VLS agent is willing to show existing homes. My first agent evaded showing me even one existing home even after I requested he do so several times.

[Stuart Hart]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?

Yes, same thing happened to us 3 years ago...felt bad but location, location, location...

[WEHOWL]

All tv sales associates hold real estate licenses through the state of florida, all have the same credentials as an mls agent. The difference: Tv sales associates work under owner/developer and mls sales associates work under a broker. The advantage of working with tv sales associates, is that they have all of the latest information about our wonderful communities and it's growth.

[yankygrl]

Not true - most tv sales associates do not have realtor licenses, they are strictly sales reps for TV.

[wolffalcon]

Absolutely not. It is The Villages decision to not sell MLS listed houses. And, in any case, the real estate agent is always working for the seller, not the buyer.

It used to be that way, but for several years now buyer representation has been growing.

[Kerry Azz]

Wife and I did a 4 night LV last October. Have to sell our home here in CA before we make the move to TV. Talk with our VLS often. Leaning towards a new home (South of 44) but also open to a “previously loved home” (PLH). If we go that option (PLH), and the sellers are working with a MLS, not a VLS, what are my options? Do I thank my VLS for all her help and contact a MLS?
I worked with both, whoever finds you your home wins your business.

[retiredguy123]

It used to be that way, but for several years now buyer representation has been growing.
My definition of buyer representation would be that the buyer hires an agent to find a house and pays the agent a fee. The agent would only represent the buyer and would not collect any sales commission from the seller at the closing. The agent would only represent the interests of the buyer. I don't know of any licensed agent who will agree to that arrangement in The Villages. It is just not set up that way.

[Debde1]

I had that dilemma also. I was working with an agent from TV and ended up having to use an agent with MLS. I felt bad because she did so much work, so I gave her a gift card for all her help

[bamiller7]

Check out 2400 plus sf Lantana in Pinellas 2077 Vickers Pl - great house