When purchasing a resale in TV....

[kp11364]

Hi all,

I know when looking to buy in TV you need a MLS and a VLS agent (and check out the FSBO listings).

But the question is - do you need more than one MLS agent? My assumption here is that if the MLS (or VLS) agent is doing a poor job, you get rid of them and get another.

Thanks.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Hi all,

I know when looking to buy in TV you need a MLS and a VLS agent (and check out the FSBO listings).

But the question is - do you need more than one MLS agent? My assumption here is that if the MLS (or VLS) agent is doing a poor job, you get rid of them and get another.

Thanks.

When looking to /buy/ you don't need any agent at all.
However, if you are looking to buy from a seller who has their property listed with The Villages, then you will be doing business with the VLS agent that listed the property on behalf of the owner.

Also, if you are interested in buying from a seller who has their property listed with a Realtor or non-Villages agent (or from FSBO) then you accept that a Villages agent representing you will have a limited scope on what they can and cannot do to help you buy the property.

[BrianL99]

When looking to /buy/ you don't need any agent at all.
However, if you are looking to buy from a seller who has their property listed with The Villages, then you will be doing business with the VLS agent that listed the property on behalf of the owner.

Also, if you are interested in buying from a seller who has their property listed with a Realtor or non-Villages agent (or from FSBO) then you accept that a Villages agent representing you will have a limited scope on what they can and cannot do to help you buy the property.

That's just plain wrong.

There are 2 Listing Services for pre-owned TV homes. One is the The Villages Listing Service and the other is MLS.

The 2 services do not, in any way, work together.

If you chose to use VLS, you won't necessary be dealing with the Listing Agent. You'll be dealing with a VLS Sales Agent. If that Agent is also the Listing Agent, it's simply coincidence.

If you want to see all pre-owned homes that are available in TV, you'll need 2 agents. One from VLS and one from a local real estate company that subscribes to the MLS system.

A VLS agent won't sell you a home on MLS. An MLS Broker won't sell you a home on VLS.

FSBO is a horse of a different color. Some MLS agents will help with buying a FSBO home, some won't. There's no central listing service that has all FSBO's.

The OP asked if they needed "more than one". Dealing with one Broker is a big enough PITA, dealing with more than one at a time is even worse and you'll most likely end up with issues. Talk to a few, get recommendations and choose one. If you don't like that Broker after a while, switch to another. That same advice goes for both VLS & MLS properties.

[frayedends]

If you have an MLS agent working for you as a buyer's agent, then you don't need 2 agents. The buyer's agent can show you all MLS properties and their commission is paid by the seller with proceeds from the sale of the home.

Now, that may change in the future based on a recent lawsuit. No need to debate that issue here as there is already a long thread on it.

I would suggest that you don't sign a contract with the buyer's agent. They can ask you to, but many won't require it. Then if they suck you can just find another buyer's agent. Keep in mind any buyer's agent that shows you a home you buy will have procuring cause to get the buyer's agent commission even if you didn't buy it then but came back to it later. Usually that's not an issue.

VLS agents don't cooperate with MLS agents. So really no benefit to have a buyer's agent for that. Just go to the listing agent. But do get informed on home values by someone that isn't selling the home.

[kp11364]

I was speaking of needing more than one MLS agent - sadly I know I have to deal with MLS and VLS agents when looking to buy a resale.

Sorry I wasn't clear enough, but thank you all for the quick responses!

[JMintzer]

I was speaking of needing more than one MLS agent - sadly I know I have to deal with MLS and VLS agents when looking to buy a resale.

Sorry I wasn't clear enough, but thank you all for the quick responses!

I would find one MLS agent I'm comfortable with. If that changes, find another one.

Having two at the same time could cause friction between the agents...

[margaretmattson]

I was speaking of needing more than one MLS agent - sadly I know I have to deal with MLS and VLS agents when looking to buy a resale.

Sorry I wasn't clear enough, but thank you all for the quick responses!
All homes that are currently for sale are available online. Browse the villages website and the MLS lisings. Go out and look at homes that interest you. Pay attention to the neighborhood, noise level, and location. Is there a lot of traffic? Power lines? Easy access to amenities and shopping?

Once you have narrowed your search, this is the time to get an agent. Newly constructed homes require a Villages agent. MLS homes are outside agents. They can take a video or pictures of the homes if you live out-of-town. Find a home and want to deal direct with the seller? Call the listing agent .

Once YOU know what you want, getting the appropriate agent is easy. Do not allow the agent to show you homes that do not interest you. Most are trying to get a higher commission and are hoping you will bite. At all times, be clear and specific. Let the agent know you have no patience for games.

[Papa_lecki]

I was speaking of needing more than one MLS agent - sadly I know I have to deal with MLS and VLS agents when looking to buy a resale.

Sorry I wasn't clear enough, but thank you all for the quick responses!

No, only if you don’t like the first MLS agent, then switch.
No need to actively use TWO at the same time. You won’t get any different listings, if you do, one of the agents is a bad agent - dump them

[Laker14]

I had a "buyer's" agent for my MLS searches, and a VLS agent. As it turned out, the house we decided on was an MLS listing, so my MLS agent did the leg work for us.

I was pleased enough with the VLS agent, however, I was uneasy with the one-sidedness of the VLS system, so that may have been a factor in why we wound up pursuing an MLS listing.

I was very happy with my MLS agent. He was the best real estate agent I ever worked with. Before relocating to TV, he worked in the business for many years in the midwest. If you are interested in his name, I would gladly refer you to him. PM me if interested.

BTW, he is not a personal friend, nor is he a relative. My only dealings with him were professional, in the purchase of our one home in TV.

Good luck!

[frayedends]

I was speaking of needing more than one MLS agent - sadly I know I have to deal with MLS and VLS agents when looking to buy a resale.

Sorry I wasn't clear enough, but thank you all for the quick responses!

My response just above this post was mostly about MLS agents.

[Kelevision]

Hi all,

I know when looking to buy in TV you need a MLS and a VLS agent (and check out the FSBO listings).

But the question is - do you need more than one MLS agent? My assumption here is that if the MLS (or VLS) agent is doing a poor job, you get rid of them and get another.

Thanks.

If you were buying a house anywhere else, would you get 2 realtors? Whatever your answer is to this question will answer your current question. The Villages sales are for new homes and MLS will have existing homes. ( as will TV sales people just not access to all of them but MLS has access to all that TV doesn’t)

[melpetezrinski]

All homes that are currently for sale are available online. Browse the villages website and the MLS lisings. Go out and look at homes that interest you. Pay attention to the neighborhood, noise level, and location. Is there a lot of traffic? Power lines? Easy access to amenities and shopping?

Once you have narrowed your search, this is the time to get an agent. Newly constructed homes require a Villages agent. MLS homes are outside agents. They can take a video or pictures of the homes if you live out-of-town. Find a home and want to deal direct with the seller? Call the listing agent .

Once YOU know what you want, getting the appropriate agent is easy. Do not allow the agent to show you homes that do not interest you. Most are trying to get a higher commission and are hoping you will bite. At all times, be clear and specific. Let the agent know you have no patience for games.

"Once you have narrowed your search, this is the time to get an agent." Unfortunately, by this time, you might have missed your dream home because an MLS realtor sold it to another buyer already. Really good deals sometimes never make it to market.

[margaretmattson]

"Once you have narrowed your search, this is the time to get an agent." Unfortunately, by this time, you might have missed your dream home because an MLS realtor sold it to another buyer already. Really good deals sometimes never make it to market.How do you miss your dream home when all the models in the villages are the same? Lose one dream house and another one shows up. (maybe better than the one before)

[Boffin]

Hi all,

I know when looking to buy in TV you need a MLS and a VLS agent (and check out the FSBO listings).

But the question is - do you need more than one MLS agent? My assumption here is that if the MLS (or VLS) agent is doing a poor job, you get rid of them and get another.

Thanks.

No.

[BrianL99]

If you were buying a house anywhere else, would you get 2 realtors? Whatever your answer is to this question will answer your current question. The Villages sales are for new homes and MLS will have existing homes. ( as will TV sales people just not access to all of them but MLS has access to all that TV doesn’t)

That is incorrect.

The Villages sales operation sells approximately 40% of the pre-owned homes in TV. MLS does not have access to sell those homes.

You indeed need TWO real estate agents, if you want to see all the pre-owned homes in TV.

Why post answers to legitimate questions, when you don't know the correct answer?

[frayedends]

How do you miss your dream home when all the models in the villages are the same? Lose one dream house and another one shows up. (maybe better than the one before)

Location location location. That’s how.

[Topspinmo]

When I buy house I’m not committed to any agent. I’m looking at house not the agent. Once I’ve found property I like, the time to deal with agent. Agent is go between, buyer owns them nothing other than negotiating.

[melpetezrinski]

How do you miss your dream home when all the models in the villages are the same? Lose one dream house and another one shows up. (maybe better than the one before)

Uh, check your original post!

"neighborhood, noise level, and location. Is there a lot of traffic? Power lines? Easy access to amenities and shopping?"

[cjrjck]

I find the two systems (VLS and MLS) a bit challenging to get used. to. Clearly they are separate systems and for that reason you need an agent with each. The VLS will list all new homes and I think nearly half the existing homes. The MLS will be the remaining existing homes unless it is for sale by owner. As for more than one agent with each system, I guess that is up to you. I have enough trouble with two. I am not 100 percent comfortable with the VLS since the person you use to represent you is an employee of that system, just like the person who listed the property. But in reality, it is not much different than your MLS agent showing you a house listed by someone in his/her office.

[Tom&Vicki]

Long to Short:
Look up a lady named Katie Crane. She works out of the Lake Sumter VLS office in TV.
We came down in 2019 om a lifestyle visit and went house with the deed for our house.
She listens to what you save. respects your budget and seems to know the whole scene.

And if you buy through her and her team you get to go to the annual St. Pat's party,

I think this is the first time I have posted out here, except to buy tools.

Best of luck.

Tom O'D.

[seecapecod]

"Once you have narrowed your search, this is the time to get an agent." Unfortunately, by this time, you might have missed your dream home because an MLS realtor sold it to another buyer already. Really good deals sometimes never make it to market.

Exactly! Which is why, as a buyer, you want an agent- I bought my pre-owned home through a VLS agent before it hit the market- they knew what I was looking for, and called me the day the seller had contacted them to list it. It’s called a “pocket listing”. MLS and VLS agents are typically aware of homes that are coming on the market. If you go it alone you’ll never be aware of these opportunities.

[Dlbonivich]

A Villages agent will not help you at all with a FSBO or a MLS listing. If you do not have your own agent in any situation you do not have your own advocate and representation in a purchase. For now, the sellers agent is still compensating the buyers agent, whoever you use. You should take advantage of it.

[Bilyclub]

That is incorrect.

The Villages sales operation sells approximately 40% of the pre-owned homes in TV. MLS does not have access to sell those homes.

You indeed need TWO real estate agents, if you want to see all the pre-owned homes in TV.

Why post answers to legitimate questions, when you don't know the correct answer?

That number seems very low. My guess would be in the seventies. Do you have the actual listing numbers ?

[Janie123]

If you were buying a house anywhere else, would you get 2 realtors? Whatever your answer is to this question will answer your current question. The Villages sales are for new homes and MLS will have existing homes. ( as will TV sales people just not access to all of them but MLS has access to all that TV doesn’t)
Wrong… VLS agents sell both new homes and resales. MLS sells resales. I bought my home from a VLS agent from original owners (house was built in 2001). Another response was to look for an area. Well, again, that area might have both “Fords (MLS) and Chevys (VLS)” and 2 different people/agencies sell both.

Now I’ve heard there are agents that do both but I never found one. I find it hard to believe that the Village real estate would allow you to work for an MLS agency.. Luckily my MLS agent was a daughter of a friend and was understanding when we looked and bought a VLS home and we only looked for a weekend as houses were selling fast at the time. We sent her a gift card for her troubles. As a buyer, we also seemed to have more continuity on the entire process as we were new to TV. We bank at Citizens First, the title company was Villages owned… so I really had to do nothing except wire money into my CF bank account.

I think the problem with both types of homes is if an agency wants you to sign a contract. Most contracts I have seen over the years talk about buying from someone else in the next XX days/months and they still get the commission. Maybe if you are upfront with both agents saying you will be looking at both models of “cars” they still might work with you.

[GizmoWhiskers]

Whichever route you take, if using a Villages realtor find an outside inspector. I would not go with any Village recommendation.

Bought a new house and went with my Village realtor recommended inspector thinking he would do a good job. Wrong.

The two V realtors and inspector all knew each other and were a well oiled machine. While I was in the home asking questions they acted like I was ignorant on found issues and dismissed my questions and concerns. It was a top to bottom inspection that lasted about 30 min. It was a 3:1 frustrating gas-lighting event.

My realtor actually said it was time to go that the seller was waiting to come home at the 20 min mark. I got there about 10 min after the scheduled start time. I'm still finding things an inspector should have noted.

I highly recommend finding your own inspector outside of T V... if that is even possible as the Bubble is pretty big lol. I have seen threads on totv recommending them. Sadly I trusted my realtor.

[BrianL99]

That number seems very low. My guess would be in the seventies. Do you have the actual listing numbers ?

I've been told by Brokers, the ratio was about 50/50. That said, I've been watching listings for a year or so, in a specific area of TV, as I'm looking for another one. Anecdotally, it seems about 60/40.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

That's just plain wrong.

There are 2 Listing Services for pre-owned TV homes. One is the The Villages Listing Service and the other is MLS.

The 2 services do not, in any way, work together.

If you chose to use VLS, you won't necessary be dealing with the Listing Agent. You'll be dealing with a VLS Sales Agent. If that Agent is also the Listing Agent, it's simply coincidence.

If you want to see all pre-owned homes that are available in TV, you'll need 2 agents. One from VLS and one from a local real estate company that subscribes to the MLS system.

A VLS agent won't sell you a home on MLS. An MLS Broker won't sell you a home on VLS.

FSBO is a horse of a different color. Some MLS agents will help with buying a FSBO home, some won't. There's no central listing service that has all FSBO's.

The OP asked if they needed "more than one". Dealing with one Broker is a big enough PITA, dealing with more than one at a time is even worse and you'll most likely end up with issues. Talk to a few, get recommendations and choose one. If you don't like that Broker after a while, switch to another. That same advice goes for both VLS & MLS properties.

The BUYER doesn't need any agent at all. Look up homes in realtor or zillow or fsbo or any number of other sales websites, pick out a few that you like. Look up homes in villages.com homefinder site, pick out a few you like.

Get in touch with the listing agent for each of those homes, have them show you the property. They are not YOUR agent. They are the agent representing the SELLER. You don't need any agent at all.

If you want an agent, you can use whatever agent floats your boat. HOWEVER - if you choose a Villages sales agent, THEY cannot get access to a non-Villages (VLS) home. They can arrange with the listing agent to meet with you, and that listing agent can show you around. VLS agents are not permitted to sell MLS homes. And vice versa.

If you see a VLS home you like, you -cannot- have a non-Villages agent show you the house.

It's what I said in my first post in different words. I can reword it a few dozen times but I'll always mean the same thing.

You don't need an agent to BUY a home in the Villages. Full stop.

[RRGuyNJ]

Whichever route you take, if using a Villages realtor find an outside inspector. I would not go with any Village recommendation.

Bought a new house and went with my Village realtor recommended inspector thinking he would do a good job. Wrong.

The two V realtors and inspector all knew each other and were a well oiled machine. While I was in the home asking questions they acted like I was ignorant on found issues and dismissed my questions and concerns. It was a top to bottom inspection that lasted about 30 min. It was a 3:1 frustrating gas-lighting event.

My realtor actually said it was time to go that the seller was waiting to come home at the 20 min mark. I got there about 10 min after the scheduled start time. I'm still finding things an inspector should have noted.

I highly recommend finding your own inspector outside of T V... if that is even possible as the Bubble is pretty big lol. I have seen threads on totv recommending them. Sadly I trusted my realtor.

My realtor actually said it was time to go that the seller was waiting to come home at the 20 min mark.

I could never understand why it is taboo for a buyer and seller meet during a house purchase. Our current house (in NC) was For Sale By Owner and I loved dealing with the owners directly. They know things that the realator will not know and may have no way of knowing unless they ask the owner. Even if a home is listed on any listing I would ask if the current owners could be available during the viewing. Just my opinion.

[BrianL99]

You don't need an agent to BUY a home in the Villages. Full stop.

There you go again.

Somewhere approaching 90% of all home in The Villages or anywhere in the USA, have a real estate agent involved. If the home is listing with an MLS (or VLS), the owner has signed an agreement with a Broker, that gives them an exclusive (in 98% of the cases) to sell their house.

You can surely elect to deal with only the Selling Broker, in which case, you're doing yourself a disservice in most cases, because YOUR (the Buyer's) interest is not protected in any way, shape or form. Buyer's agents are FREE and by law, they represent the Buyer's interests.

[BrianL99]

My realtor actually said it was time to go that the seller was waiting to come home at the 20 min mark.

I could never understand why it is taboo for a buyer and seller meet during a house purchase. Our current house (in NC) was For Sale By Owner and I loved dealing with the owners directly. They know things that the realator will not know and may have no way of knowing unless they ask the owner. Even if a home is listed on any listing I would ask if the current owners could be available during the viewing. Just my opinion.

When I looked at the home I bought in The Villages, I saw a woman siting on the porch of the house, directly across the street from the one I was looking at. I simply walked over to her and asked her about her "neighbor's home". She admitted that it was actually her home and the Broker had told her to leave for an hour, so she could show the house (to me).

The woman told me her husband was on her way home from playing golf. I said, "oh great, let's wait for him and make a deal". We did. I thought the Broker that was showing me the house, was going to have a heart attack on the spot. It ended up being a very contentious sale, as the Broker insisted on putting her 10¢ into every discussion point ... all of which, I had already hammered out with the actual owner.

I bought my home in New Hampshire, the same way. As I was about to leave the house I was looking at, the Seller drove up and was parked at the end of the driveway. I simply stopped, rolled down my window and made a deal directly ... much to the consternation of the Broker.

Having owned a Real Estate Office, I understand why Brokers/Agents don't want a Buyer to meet a Seller. That said, it's usually beneficial to a Buyer, in my opinion.

[BobnBev]

Seems like people are as confused on this issue, as they are about roundabouts.:crap2:

[BrianL99]

Seems like people are as confused on this issue, as they are about roundabouts.:crap2:

It's amazing how such simple things can be made so much more complicated than they are, once crowd sourcing raises its ugly head.

[BrianNotFromNYC]

That's just plain wrong.

There are 2 Listing Services for pre-owned TV homes. One is the The Villages Listing Service and the other is MLS.

The 2 services do not, in any way, work together.

If you chose to use VLS, you won't necessary be dealing with the Listing Agent. You'll be dealing with a VLS Sales Agent. If that Agent is also the Listing Agent, it's simply coincidence.

If you want to see all pre-owned homes that are available in TV, you'll need 2 agents. One from VLS and one from a local real estate company that subscribes to the MLS system.

A VLS agent won't sell you a home on MLS. An MLS Broker won't sell you a home on VLS.

FSBO is a horse of a different color. Some MLS agents will help with buying a FSBO home, some won't. There's no central listing service that has all FSBO's.

The OP asked if they needed "more than one". Dealing with one Broker is a big enough PITA, dealing with more than one at a time is even worse and you'll most likely end up with issues. Talk to a few, get recommendations and choose one. If you don't like that Broker after a while, switch to another. That same advice goes for both VLS & MLS properties.

Correct. And the more people you "employ" cause that is what you are doing behind the scenes, the less room to negotiate a lower price as everyone wants money from the seller, and the seller wants their highest payout.

Some FSBO refuse to deal with an agent on your behalf because the agent will want to be paid. That often results in a haggle ending in 2% or so to bring you to the table. Having an agent is just really having a person arrange everything you can do for yourself. So it all boils down to this. Do you, as a buyer of a FSBO want to pay someone to keep track of everything needed to do a sale and pay this person (indirectly) $5,000 or more.

As to the long running issue of VLS versus MLS, the main advantage, IMHO, of a VLS sale is they close on 12-15 homes EVERY day except Sunday. So it is a well oiled machine. And if you want the home ASAP, then there's a much better chance of closing faster on a VLS property. Once inspection is done, if you push, you can close in 2 weeks. Try that with a MLS. I imagine the 2 weeks (we did it) requires a cash deal or a very willing bank loan officer.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

There you go again.

Somewhere approaching 90% of all home in The Villages or anywhere in the USA, have a real estate agent involved. If the home is listing with an MLS (or VLS), the owner has signed an agreement with a Broker, that gives them an exclusive (in 98% of the cases) to sell their house.

You can surely elect to deal with only the Selling Broker, in which case, you're doing yourself a disservice in most cases, because YOUR (the Buyer's) interest is not protected in any way, shape or form. Buyer's agents are FREE and by law, they represent the Buyer's interests.

The OP asked if you "need" multiple agents to buy property in the Villages.

The answer to the question he asked is - no. You don't need ANY agent to BUY property in the VIllages. You don't need one, you don't need multiple. You don't need any at all.

I'm sorry this doesn't fit your narrative, but it doesn't change the answer to the question he asked.

[jjombrello]

Also, based on several recent cases, I would require the seller to verify that the property is in compliance with the deed restrictions that apply to the particular villages. A number of people have been burned on this and the boards of each district seem to be totally unforgiving on any relief. The MLS/VLS should be required to verify this, as well.

[HJBeck]

Hi all,

I know when looking to buy in TV you need a MLS and a VLS agent (and check out the FSBO listings).

But the question is - do you need more than one MLS agent? My assumption here is that if the MLS (or VLS) agent is doing a poor job, you get rid of them and get another.

Thanks.


Sometimes the Realtor only wants to show you the houses they get the most commission on, so I believe one should review the multi listing book yourself before you agree to buy anything.

[frayedends]

Sometimes the Realtor only wants to show you the houses they get the most commission on, so I believe one should review the multi listing book yourself before you agree to buy anything.

Absurd comment. First off they have an ethical duty to show you everything that may fit your needs. Secondly not showing everything they risk you buy nothing. Lastly the commission is almost always going to be exactly the same in the same area.

[manaboutown]

Sometimes the Realtor only wants to show you the houses they get the most commission on, so I believe one should review the multi listing book yourself before you agree to buy anything.

Absolutely! Close friends of mine have bought and sold many homes in CA, HI and most recently FL. They told me of sitting in the back seat of a Realtor's car. The Realtor was driving and her daughter was in the front passenger seat. The daughter was directing her mother which house to show next from a list. The husband is tall and he was looking over the daughter's shoulder at the list. It showed incentives such as $10K - $20K bonuses on certain houses as well as commission rates. The daughter did not go through the list from top to bottom but started with the highest commission/bonus house and worked her way down from there. These were highly experienced buyers so they recognized immediately what was going on.

[BrianL99]

Absolutely! Close friends of mine have bought and sold many homes in CA, HI and most recently FL. They told me of sitting in the back seat of a Realtor's car. The Realtor was driving and her daughter was in the front passenger seat. The daughter was directing her mother which house to show next from a list. The husband is tall and he was looking over the daughter's shoulder at the list. It showed incentives such as $10K - $20K bonuses on certain houses as well as commission rates. The daughter did not go through the list from top to bottom but started with the highest commission/bonus house and worked her way down from there. These were highly experienced buyers so they recognized immediately what was going on.


I have a cousin once removed, who has a friend, whose husband's step-brother had that same problem. It's everywhere. 😂😂

[frayedends]

Absolutely! Close friends of mine have bought and sold many homes in CA, HI and most recently FL. They told me of sitting in the back seat of a Realtor's car. The Realtor was driving and her daughter was in the front passenger seat. The daughter was directing her mother which house to show next from a list. The husband is tall and he was looking over the daughter's shoulder at the list. It showed incentives such as $10K - $20K bonuses on certain houses as well as commission rates. The daughter did not go through the list from top to bottom but started with the highest commission/bonus house and worked her way down from there. These were highly experienced buyers so they recognized immediately what was going on.

Another ridiculous scenario. If a seller is able to pay out an extra 10K in commission, they would just lower their price by 10K and sell faster.

[shut the front door]

When looking to /buy/ you don't need any agent at all.
However, if you are looking to buy from a seller who has their property listed with The Villages, then you will be doing business with the VLS agent that listed the property on behalf of the owner.

Also, if you are interested in buying from a seller who has their property listed with a Realtor or non-Villages agent (or from FSBO) then you accept that a Villages agent representing you will have a limited scope on what they can and cannot do to help you buy the property.

It is not limited, it is flat out NO. A villages sales rep will do nothing for a person who is buying a non villages listed property. Nothing but laugh at you.

[manaboutown]

Another ridiculous scenario. If a seller is able to pay out an extra 10K in commission, they would just lower their price by 10K and sell faster.

I've seen $10K - $20K bonus signs attached to for sale signs in yards in Albuquerque, NM. During slow markets it is fairly common. Obviously the bonus signs give notice to buyers and IMHO place stigmata on the houses. The Vaughan Company may have initiated the practice if I recall correctly. Doug Vaughan ended up in prison in Santa Fe for a Ponzi scheme. At one time, considering the size of the city, his MLS company was huge, 150 agents in five offices.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsiwTKYXr1E

https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/albuquerque/press-releases/2012/douglas-f.-vaughan-sentenced-to-12-years-for-federal-wire-and-mail-fraud-charges-involving-ponzi-scheme

New Mexico Mini-Madoff Case Provides Lesson For Investors (https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/0628/investment-guide-new-mexico-ponzi-vaughan-mini-madoff-case.html?sh=3e3ee7fc4f24)

[BrianL99]

I've seen $10K - $20K bonus signs attached to for sale signs in yards in Albuquerque, NM. During down markets it is fairly common. Obviously the bonus signs give notice to buyers and IMHO place stigmata on the houses. The Vaughan Company may have initiated the practice if I recall correctly.

Just talked to my 2nd cousin, who has a cousin on the other side of the family, whose husband's step-sister knew a guy from Santa Fe who saw one of those signs. 😂

[JMintzer]

The OP asked if you "need" multiple agents to buy property in the Villages.

The answer to the question he asked is - no. You don't need ANY agent to BUY property in the VIllages. You don't need one, you don't need multiple. You don't need any at all.

I'm sorry this doesn't fit your narrative, but it doesn't change the answer to the question he asked.

So you're saying that you can purchase a NEW home in TV w/o dealing with a Villages Sales Agent?

Can anyone else verify this? I've never heard of this happening...

[Kelevision]

That is incorrect.

The Villages sales operation sells approximately 40% of the pre-owned homes in TV. MLS does not have access to sell those homes.

You indeed need TWO real estate agents, if you want to see all the pre-owned homes in TV.

Why post answers to legitimate questions, when you don't know the correct answer?
Actually, the question was do you need two MLS agents. The answer is NO. You need to read more carefully. You need one TV agent and one MLS. My answer is correct. I’ll explain to you how it works as a realtor myself. IF you only want a new home, you’d go through the villages sales agent. IF you want a pre owned home, you’d need a TV sales agent AND an MLS but you certainly don’t need 2 MLS agents.

[BrianL99]

Actually, the question was do you need two MLS agents. The answer is NO. You need to read more carefully. You need one TV agent and one MLS. My answer is correct. I’ll explain to you how it works as a realtor myself. IF you only want a new home, you’d go through the villages sales agent. IF you want a pre owned home, you’d need a TV sales agent AND an MLS but you certainly don’t need 2 MLS agents.

I think you need to re-read the thread and you'd understand better. I don't think anyone has suggested 2 MLS agents are necessary.

1 MLS
1 VLS

Then again, it's possible to get an agent without a clue, in which case, it might be prudent to switch to another.

[JMintzer]

I think you need to re-read the thread and you'd understand better. I don't think anyone has suggested 2 MLS agents are necessary.

1 MLS
1 VLS

Then again, it's possible to get an agent without a clue, in which case, it might be prudent to switch to another.

This was the initial question in the very first post of this thread...

"But the question is - do you need more than one MLS agent"

How much clearer can they be?