MLS vs VLS for selling house

[drstevens]

Plan to sell 2B/2B courtyard villa near Mallory Country Club and trying to decide between a Villages' Realtor or Multiple listing agent. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

[John_W]

That has been discussed many times on TOTV. After ten years of reading posts about the subject, I personally would go with an MLS outside agency. You find out the MLS primary job is to sell resale homes. A Villages Agent primary job is to sell new homes and resales second.

I had neighbor a couple of years ago wanted to list their villa for $279K, TV agent said he wouldn't take it for more than $259K, they want to get a low price so they don't have to work it as much. He called an MLS agent and they listed for $279K and had multiple offers in the first week.

Here are some past threads.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/buying-pre-owned-properties-villages-313918/?highlight=villages+realtors

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/fsbo-flat-fee-service-313229/?highlight=villages+realtors

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/mls-villages-sell-house-312162/?highlight=villages+realtors

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/villages-real-estate-sales-people-310564/?highlight=villages+realtors

[Cobh521]

I would suggest and MLS agent. Call Katy Kelly from Re/Max Premier realty 352-355-7982

[vintageogauge]

In the month of November The Villages agents sold 202 re-sale homes, nearly 7 every day. I don't know how many the MLS agents move in a month. If you're not in a hurry try selling it yourself first, you can always list later with whomever you want.

[Papa_lecki]

I’m looking to buy, and got tired of the VMS houses. Their app is terrible, they don’t tell you days on market. I’m sure they sell a lot of houses, just not for this buyer.

[starflyte1]

MLS. I think that TV is interested in the newer areas and homes. The Mallory area is not convenient to show listings.

We have had much success with Sally Love. Her listings are nice and photos are beautiful. She will get it sold!

[vintageogauge]

MLS. I think that TV is interested in the newer areas and homes. The Mallory area is not convenient to show listings.

We have had much success with Sally Love. Her listings are nice and photos are beautiful. She will get it sold!

TV has agents that specialize in the older areas and they sell a lot of homes up there. In November the "average" home they listed sold in 40 days.

[John_W]

MLS. I think that TV is interested in the newer areas and homes. The Mallory area is not convenient to show listings.

We have had much success with Sally Love. Her listings are nice and photos are beautiful. She will get it sold!

I see Sally Love all over the internet and the classified ads. I just got home and Sally was having an open house at a villa 4 doors away.

SALLY LOVE - Wildwood, FL Real Estate Agent | realtor.com(R) (https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/sally-love_the-villages_fl_971584_700894937)

https://www.sallyloverealestate.com/

https://p.rdcpix.com/v04/a40d30e00-c0l.jpg

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Our observations based on neighbors who've moved out/moved in:

VLS agents move homes MUCH quicker on average (with a few rare exceptions) than MLS agents. I've also seen a few MLS-listed homes switch to VLS homes after a few months being on the market, and then selling within a week or two.

So - if you're really wanting to just move out - I'd go with VLS. We've heard that the commission for a VLS home is higher, so we'd get less if we listed with them as opposed to an MLS agent. But it seems that the "savings" is offset by however many months you're stuck paying amenity fees, lawn care fees, utilities, and taxes on two properties, if you just want to unload the home and get to your next home.

[Stu from NYC]

I think it depends upon the agent.

Ask for recommendations speak to a couple and decide.

[retiredguy123]

I’m looking to buy, and got tired of the VMS houses. Their app is terrible, they don’t tell you days on market. I’m sure they sell a lot of houses, just not for this buyer.
The days on market data is often bogus and sometimes fraudulent.

[Stu from NYC]

The days on market data is often bogus and sometimes fraudulent.

They are salesmen they cannot help themselves

[J1ceasar]

It doesn't matter whether you use MLS VLS or BS. What really matters is the salesperson, what their record is, and how you get along with them, you have to have faith in your salesperson and be a meaningful to what they ask that said do your own homework check out the comparables near you not in different areas and stand up for what you feel is the correct price to list and to sell

[Northerner52]

The Villages has 300 agents selling your home. Ads galore. Their website and app make it easy to find what one is looking for. What matters most are the upgrades and price.

[egmcaninch]

Plan to sell 2B/2B courtyard villa near Mallory Country Club and trying to decide between a Villages' Realtor or Multiple listing agent. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

Nanette gives 110% to each & every listing she is entrusted with. I have seen her personally clean & scrub homes when the owner was not able to do it. Having 20 years of experience in The Villages real estate is a tremendous asset.

[B-flat]

We recently sold a CYV and used MLS because a neighbor was a realtor. In retrospect we should have used a Village’s realtor for a number or reasons. We were less than satisfied with the results of the MLS agent. If we were to use and MLS realtor to sell again we would use Sally Love or maybe Karla Mason.

[Skunky1]

Call a Realtor! Village sales agents are not Realtors.

[jwonycr]

[QUOTE=John_W;1881196]That has been discussed many times on TOTV. After ten years of reading posts about the subject, I personally would go with an MLS outside agency. You find out the MLS primary job is to sell resale homes. A Villages Agent primary job is to sell new homes and resales second.

I had neighbor a couple of years ago wanted to list their villa for $279K, TV agent said he wouldn't take it for more than $259K, they want to get a low price so they don't have to work it as much. He called an MLS agent and they listed for $279K and had multiple offers in the first week.

Exactly why you should try first to sell it yourself. The transaction details can be handled by a title company for a few hundred dollars, saving you thousands in real estate commissions. I have used Advantage Title for this twice in the past and been completely satisfied.

[merrymini]

People who work for the Villages are licensed in the state of Florida and can sell houses. The “realtor” title is a trademark of people who are members of the National Association of Realtors. I do not know how many times this has been repeated here! I used Tammy Freilich of RE/MAX and she did a great job. The pictures of the house were fabulous! I think it is more getting the right agent who is competent than what agency you use.

[jonathanb]

It’s a no brainer. Properties of The Villages is the way to go. Especially now since their commission is 5%. And don’t listen to the false narrative that they push the developers new homes. It is simply not true. Did you know that in the month of November they closed 248 pre owned homes. No one else can even come close. Call Brian Arango

[zuidemab]

Plan to sell 2B/2B courtyard villa near Mallory Country Club and trying to decide between a Villages' Realtor or Multiple listing agent. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

I tried VLS for e relatively new property. It is NOT their priority. Do not sign with them. Kerry Hanson will get the job done at Sally Love.

[jbrown132]

Plan to sell 2B/2B courtyard villa near Mallory Country Club and trying to decide between a Villages' Realtor or Multiple listing agent. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

It probably does not make a difference. Either of them will sell it quickly. You might be able to get a better deal with MLS agent. But if I were you I might try to sell it yourself first. You can list it on Zillow and a number of other sites. I did about five years ago and sold it in less than a week. You can also have open houses as often as you like. Doing it way you might save $15-$20 grand.

[Wandamae]

The local MLS has 1042 REALTORS working for it. We know most people look at the internet to search for a new home first. The MLS has over 80 websites for people to search on such as Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, Realty Trac, Homes.com, nextdoor, and more. The benefits of using a REALTOR are great. I work for Sally Love and would highly recommend the MLS. Hope this helps.

[Rzepecki]

Two houses on our street were listed with TV a month after 2 houses on the street behind them with MLS. The 2 TV houses sold in 2 days and 1 week, respectively. The two MLS houses are still on the market. They are comparable homes. I’d call Darlene D’Andrea with TV in a heartbeat. (352) 446-0955

[jerseyjoy]

We have bought and sold recently more than my husband cares to remember! However, our experience in The Villages was that TV realty is so much more professional and buttoned up, and has the inside info that you may need to buy or sell. I have found that the location, condition and decoration inside the home sells it before the realtor does. We tried bidding on a Villages property with an outside realtor – she tried to steer me to other homes outside the Villages. The Villages agent actually knew of a house that was coming on the market in the near future – gave us the advanced info and that was the one we bought. When we sold it, we used the same Villages agent. One of her colleagues saw the listing and had a buyer for us before it hit the website.

[Pbthrockm@msn.com]

Sell with MLS. They may even negotiate the fee. The Villages does not and they are not quick to respond to concerns. MLS does and honest on value and follow through on all needs.

[PennyAnn]

The Villages are not a very good way to go.... they lead buyers over to Villages new properties while your listing gets stale.
MLS all the way. We listed ours with Tammy Freilich of Re/Max and she was great. Professional. Sold our 2/2 cyv in one week.

[Mfrench]

When you catch your Villages saleswoman directing potential buyers to her new home listing, instead of promoting your property you know you made a very bad choice of a salesperson!! Allegedly the Village salespeople are told to make the sales of the developers new homes their priority over the resales. Therefore, The MLS realtors , or Fir Sale by Owner, is the only way to go!!

[Ithreeputtoo]

We needed to sell my father's house and listed with Chris Day at Next Home KD Premier Realty. The house sold in 48 hours! We have used Chris 4 times and have been extremely pleased every time. I would not use TV realty.

[lorilorilori]

Buy from the Villages
Sell with MLS
Would suggest RE MAX or Sally Love

[AnnieDotz]

The Villages are not a very good way to go.... they lead buyers over to Villages new properties while your listing gets stale.
MLS all the way. We listed ours with Tammy Freilich of Re/Max and she was great. Professional. Sold our 2/2 cyv in one week.
We went with REMAX -Mark Sevegny. He is a former contractor and was able to help with issues dealing with the home we were selling and the home we bought. Outside realtors are very motivated. The Villages have a clunky website and Stearing potential buyers to newly built homes. We sold our home in three days.

[Gunny2403]

Ok , I’m a buyer. Who/where do I go?

[sallyg]

Kent Merchant at Realty Executives did a great job for us. Good luck.

[mikeritz53]

Plan to sell 2B/2B courtyard villa near Mallory Country Club and trying to decide between a Villages' Realtor or Multiple listing agent. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

Keep in mind the only way an Out of Area Buyer can find a VLS listed home is knowing about the Villages website. Most Buyers are out of area and they are more familiar with the Zillows. Realtor.com. Homes.com, etc. and since only MLS listed homes appear on those sites as well as hundreds of others, the Villages listed home will not be seen.

[drstevens]

Are you interested in 2B/2B CYV near Mallory Country club? If PM me.
Thanks.

[arbajeda]

IMO, people in Florida looking to move to The Villages (the largest single state for new Villagers) would use MLS. Other state residents would be more inclined to use The Villages real estate because they have little access to MLS companies. And the overwhelming majority of new Villagers come from outside Florida. You will hear stories from both sides, one that sold in a week and one that has been listed for months. It all comes down to someone who likes your house and the terms. The Villages real estate will get you more exposure to potential buyers.

[OhioBuckeye]

That has been discussed many times on TOTV. After ten years of reading posts about the subject, I personally would go with an MLS outside agency. You find out the MLS primary job is to sell resale homes. A Villages Agent primary job is to sell new homes and resales second.

I had neighbor a couple of years ago wanted to list their villa for $279K, TV agent said he wouldn't take it for more than $259K, they want to get a low price so they don't have to work it as much. He called an MLS agent and they listed for $279K and had multiple offers in the first week.

Here are some past threads.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/buying-pre-owned-properties-villages-313918/?highlight=villages+realtors

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/fsbo-flat-fee-service-313229/?highlight=villages+realtors

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/mls-villages-sell-house-312162/?highlight=villages+realtors

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/villages-real-estate-sales-people-310564/?highlight=villages+realtors
John when we put our home up for sale in Oct of 2018 our realator priced our home at $310,000. they said the home market would be slow in Nov. & Dec. because of the holidays. When we did get an offer from our realator it was $269,000. that was $41,000. less than they original price they said it was worth, we counter offer in the 280,000. range & they took it. Don’t take me wrong we were happy. The same new model home (designer) was selling for $297,000. I’m not complaining we made money but just agreeing with what you said! PS: Just in case someone says our original price was higher than the new price, the new price home wasn’t in a place where people were dying to live, it’s location, location, location!
I totally agree, John!

[msilagy]

Since TV realty dropped their commission fee to 5% for sales they now match the MLS realtor fee of 5%. The villages gets a lot more traffic. MLS realtors unfortunately do not. With things "even" now as far as commissions go I would chose the Villages to sell my property. I am assuming that the villages was losing sales to MLS because their fee was formerly 6%. I compared the listings at that time and MLS had a lot more for sale listings in comparison to the present time. Good Luck!

[edbmac]

Plan to sell 2B/2B courtyard villa near Mallory Country Club and trying to decide between a Villages' Realtor or Multiple listing agent. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.
We just sold our Courtyard Villa in McClure thru ReMax (Kim Aschman) on CR44. The home had been listed by the Villages Real Estate for 4 months and we had very little
activity and no offers (although there was someone who wanted to make an offer at the end of our contract but couldn't get out of their lease).
We listed it with ReMax and had an open house on the 15th of Dec. and an offer on the 16th. We did come to an agreement and are scheduled to close on the 15th of Jan.
Kim did a great job for us. And ReMax did bring multiple potential buyers quickly. Based on our experience, I would encourage you to go MLS.

[massachusettskid]

My opinion is check with the Villages. If you are looking for an agent I suggest Beth Pope. She was my salesperson when I purchased last March.

She was very knowledgeable on both new and resales. She also was very good on the history of the villages and where I lived in Massachusetts she kept great communications with me updating me of new listings. Very personable sales person.

I recommend her to friends back home who maybe looking for information on The Villages

[dkaufnelson]

I suggest listing it yourself on Zillow first. I sold one home and bought two others all on Zillow and had great luck all without paying realtor fees.really have to declutter your home and remove all personal items. Get beautiful photos and read articles on the internet about how to sell your own home so you make sure the home is ready and the potential buyers are secure with financing. You can download free legal Florida contracts online and find local closing companies without using any lawyers but you must do your due diligence to make sure everything is proper and legal. Research prices for similar homes and price your home fairly and it will sell. You can always go with a realtor if it doesn't sell by yourself but I highly recommend trying Zillow first if you do your preparation as mentioned above. Good luck

[Dlbonivich]

How can you know how many resale homes The Villages agents sell? The only way to tell is for them to tell you. Actually MLS agents know that the numbers are about equal every year. It is not easy to count the Villages sold homes. You have to look at tax records. Andrea Bonivich, Sellstate Superior Realty

[gabby1010]

Do yourself a big favor and go with an outside realtor. Speaking from experience. Went with a village realtor and suffered through 6 months with no offer. Put it with Vicki Iverson with Sally Love Realty and had a contract in 2 weeks. MLS is the way to go

[LMBNY]

Maybe a dumb question... On the Villages realty site, what does it mean when a home is CERTIFIED? I see some homes have this classification, but can't find what it means. Thanks!

[LianneMigiano]

Pricing the home in line with others-very-much-like-it will sell the home, as long as the upkeep has been consistently done and it has been updated over the years. The best realtor on earth cannot do anything to sell an overpriced
or dated home priced as if it were equal to new condition.:bigbow:

[rogerall]

Plan to sell 2B/2B courtyard villa near Mallory Country Club and trying to decide between a Villages' Realtor or Multiple listing agent. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.
We used Remax Preimier Matt Roberts. Villages did nothing for 6 Months, and wiill never let you out o the contract; Matt Sold in 21 Days with 2 competing offers. Call Matt today, you'll not be let down!!

[Stu from NYC]

I will tell you our experience.

We rented a house in June of 2019 and spent a bit of time with both a village and an MLS agent.

When we arrived we were given to a Village agent to get the keys and he convinced us to let him show us some houses.

Told him we wanted to see resales but willing to look at Feeney.

After being here a few weeks called him and met him at Feeney. Spent some time and looked at some houses and we decided we wanted to be North of 466A.

Told him that he said ok. Called him several times after that to look at resales and he never called us back. Apparently at the time he was only interested in selling new homes.

When we came to buy January 2020 called an MLS agent we spent time with the end of June and she took us around to look at resales. The one home we wanted we got into a bidding war and the owner took it off the market. No clue why that happened as they would have gotten $ 20,000 over the asking price. At that point the MLS agent had nothing to show us.

The next day called the Villages sales office and a salesman picked us up and that day and we purchased a house in Bonita. He never had such an easy sale but he was extremely helpful thru out the process.

My conclusion is it all depends upon the agent.

[Susan1951]

Hi I am selling a patio villa in The Village of Santiago let me know if you are interested

[Capt_Chris_Pike]

Call a Realtor! Village sales agents are not Realtors.

Your ignorance is showing. Better cover that with some facts. Let me help you... ALL of the Sales Representatives who work for The Villages are licensed real estate sales associates in the State of Florida.

[yankygrl]

Plan to sell 2B/2B courtyard villa near Mallory Country Club and trying to decide between a Villages' Realtor or Multiple listing agent. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.
If you go with village”realtor”, most aren’t realtors they are sales reps. Of course they will show your place but they will also tell the buyers how much better they can do south of 44.

[John_W]

Originally Posted by Skunky1
Call a Realtor! Village sales agents are not Realtors.

Your ignorance is showing. Better cover that with some facts. Let me help you... ALL of the Sales Representatives who work for The Villages are licensed real estate sales associates in the State of Florida.

Technically Skunky1 is correct, they may be licensed with the state of Florida as you say, but they do not belong to the Board of Realtors or adhere to the board's standards and cannot display this emblem. Looks like you joined in October and have 6 posts, it's easier to catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

National Association of REALTORS(R) (https://www.nar.realtor/)

https://www.vhv.rs/dpng/d/414-4146253_realtor-logo-national-association-of-realtors-hd-png.png

[stadry]

the villages sales staff are NOT Realtors ! agree w/mls suggestion

[stadry]

another advantage of bring a Realtor !

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Resale... MLS! You will get a lot more exposure and harder working agents!