Working with Villages Sales Reps

[mherzberg]

We've sold our house and are living out of a suitcase at our daughter's house (PAYBACK!!!). We have enlisted an MLS agent for pre-owned but we "think" we've decided to go with new construction. We took advantage of the "lifestyles" visit earlier this year and were "assigned" a sales rep. At that time we weren't seriously looking - we just wanted to experience "the life style" to see if TV was where we wanted to live. Since then we decided that we ARE going to live in TV! Anyway, I have sent a couple emails to the Villages sales rep we were assigned when we visited and have not received any reply. Can you tell me if I am "ethically" locked in to dealing with that agent, or should I just call and be "assigned" another? We did like the original sales rep, although she may have been put out because we didn't ask to see any specific properties - we just wanted to experience the area. Any suggestions or insights welcome!! Look out TV.....

Mike

[jflynn1]

Yes find a realtor to work with NOt a sales REP.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I don't have an answer to your question, but I worked with Nitin Khirbat of Properties of the Villages and he was great. He answered every phone call and e-mail, even when I was living overseas.

[Birdie Dreamer]

You should definitely find someone you are comfortable working with for this important decision. I am sure you can get many recommendations from current residents. We just worked with Jason Kranz and the house is about halfway finished. He was great to work with and you could not go wrong if you contact him. 352-446-6001.

We are also living out of the car moving from relative to relative until we become villagers.

[ilovetv]

Yes find a realtor to work with NOt a sales REP.

The o.p. said they are leaning toward new construction, which means that purchase has to be with a Villages sales representative, not an outside MLS realtor.

And yes, mherzberg, you can ask TV for another sales rep. It's up to the customer. They probably still have your lifestyle preview account and number linked to the rep you had for that visit, but you can ask for a different one if you want.

[dgammon6]

We used Justin Wilson. Very educated on The Villages. He will answer your email, Justin.wilson@thevillages.com, or his cell, 352 406 7256

[mherzberg]

ilovetv - Thanks, and your are certainly correct! When I called for a "second" preview (for serious house hunting) they knew exactly who I was (from my phone number) and that I had already visited! They apparently had to contact the original sales rep to see if they could authorize a second visit (which I found strange). Anyway, If I do not hear from that sales rep tomorrow I will call and find someonw who may be interested in making some money!

Thanks - hope to be your neighbor soon!!

Mike

[Houselover]

We've sold our house and are living out of a suitcase at our daughter's house (PAYBACK!!!). We have enlisted an MLS agent for pre-owned but we "think" we've decided to go with new construction. We took advantage of the "lifestyles" visit earlier this year and were "assigned" a sales rep. At that time we weren't seriously looking - we just wanted to experience "the life style" to see if TV was where we wanted to live. Since then we decided that we ARE going to live in TV! Anyway, I have sent a couple emails to the Villages sales rep we were assigned when we visited and have not received any reply. Can you tell me if I am "ethically" locked in to dealing with that agent, or should I just call and be "assigned" another? We did like the original sales rep, although she may have been put out because we didn't ask to see any specific properties - we just wanted to experience the area. Any suggestions or insights welcome!! Look out TV.....

Mike

You are under no obligation to the original rep.. We went through 2 assigned us by the Villages before we requested and got a rep who we felt comfortable with. Her name is Angie Stokes and I'm certain she will take good care of you.. Just call the Villages sales office and request her..

[DianeM]

I worked with Vinny Guarino and was patient with me for the almost year it took me to commit to TV. He answered every phone call and email and showed me a bunch of houses when the time was right. Don't settle for being unhappy with your current agent. Ask for Vinny or someone else.

[susieq31]

We worked with Kathy Actis of Properties of the Villages. She is not at all "hard sell" but she really listens and will not try to shoehorn you into something you don't want. At least, that's our experience.

[tag460]

We fired our first sales rep we were not happy with her at all. If you are building new we used Brain Arango very knowledgeable on new builds.

[ugotme]

Had our LSV 2 weeks ago.

Worked with Jason Kranz. He and his team were VERY helpful and knowledgeable. Bought a house in 3 days.

Highly rec. him.

:pepper2: :pepper2:

[Indy-Guy]

The Villages has several sales managers have more than one there during the day. I would suggest that you call in ask for the sales manager and tell them what is happening and what you want to do.

[queasy27]

We've sold our house and are living out of a suitcase at our daughter's house (PAYBACK!!!).

Thanks, mherzberg, that cracked me up. And welcome in advance!

I have nothing by way of helping you on this, but must ask -- is there pixie dust in the sales office ventilation system? Are the agents trained in hypnotism? Maybe I should book me one of those LSVs and see if I can be convinced to buy a new place. It sure seems to work for everyone else! :laugh:

[Maiercab]

Want the best.... I suggest Ron Delk. He was never pushy, extremely knowledgable, honest and just fun to be with - we went pre owned - we recommended him to friends who were 'just looking' - they purchased new construction.

[John_W]

We were assigned Tony Trussler and he turned out to be great. I'll give you some details. When we took our 7 day LSV in April 2011, I had requested to look at CYV's and cottages. Upon arrival Tony met us in the lobby of the LSL sales office. The next day, Tony took us to Amberjack Villas in Buttonwood and we went through every model that was available. He then took us across St. Charles to a street of cottages and we went through cottage model. Then I played two rounds of golf arranged by Tony, and we drove around TV's. I then contacted Tony to see Patio Villas. The next day he took us to Southwood Villas in Buttonwood and we saw both models and both versions with the regular ceiling and the vaulted ceiling.

We returned to Maryland and three weeks later we listed our home and sold it the next day. I called Tony and told him we had sold our home and I was between a Patio Villa and a masonry CYV and we wanted to put a deposit on a home. My budget was about $160,000 and Tony found us a masonry CYV of the model we wanted, in our price range. It was priced at $169,000 and just been reduced to $162,400. While we were talking on the phone, and I was looking at the home online, the price dropped again to $156,995. I don't know what Tony did, but I ended buying that CYV sight-unseen that very moment.

Just before closing, Tony met us at our new home and was with us for the walk through. About a month after we moved in, Tony invited us along with about 50 other customers to take a trolley ride to see the 7 new furnished models in Sanibel. Even though we were no longer in the market, it was interesting to walk through the homes and we had wine and cheese waiting at the end. The following January, Tony invited us and about 150 of his other customers to the Lake Miona Rec Center for a nice sit down dinner and musical entertainment. This past January, Tony invited us once again with many of his other customers to the Sea Breeze Rec Center for a buffet dinner and music.

Tony's assistant is his wife, who previously was a nurse for 35 years. Anytime I called Tony I almost always got his wife and she could answer just about any question or find out the answer. If I left a message, she usually returned the call in a short amount of time.

I would highly recommend Tony Trussler and for those who are coming from across the pond, Tony speaks with a British accent. To show you how he goes above the average. When we bought our home sight-unseen, there was no photos on the website, just the construction cartoon. Tony and his wife drove out that night to the home and took photos inside and out and emailed them to me that very night.


/

[Phanatic Luvr]

ilovetv - Thanks, and your are certainly correct! When I called for a "second" preview (for serious house hunting) they knew exactly who I was (from my phone number) and that I had already visited! They apparently had to contact the original sales rep to see if they could authorize a second visit (which I found strange). Anyway, If I do not hear from that sales rep tomorrow I will call and find someonw who may be interested in making some money!

Thanks - hope to be your neighbor soon!!

Mike

It could be that your original rep is just away for a few days on vacation. You may want to ask that question before discarding them completely, especially if you liked that agent.

[laceylady]

We didn't like Nitin Khirbat at all. He was way too pushy and wanted us to buy a house on the spit. Ron Kehr was later recommended to us and he was great. He was "fun" and we had lots of laughs during the process. Nitin just wanted to tell us over and over about how many homes he had sold that month. Just not our kind of guy.

[graciegirl]

ilovetv - Thanks, and your are certainly correct! When I called for a "second" preview (for serious house hunting) they knew exactly who I was (from my phone number) and that I had already visited! They apparently had to contact the original sales rep to see if they could authorize a second visit (which I found strange). Anyway, If I do not hear from that sales rep tomorrow I will call and find someonw who may be interested in making some money!

Thanks - hope to be your neighbor soon!!

Mike

Mike.

I am not sure why your rep didn't call you back.

People sometimes abuse the Lifestyle visit option just for inexpensive vacations but that shouldn't be even a thought in your case. Ask to speak to the director of sales AND get another rep. We loved Jim McLaughlin who sold us both our new homes here.

[asianthree]

i have to say i loved our first sales rep now is a manager and does not have the time of day....our last sales rep was top sales person over extended and would look for someone else..i would take a look at the post here to see who was happy

[Bobcuse]

I recommend you call Darlene D'Andrea 753-2270 or cell 266-0135. She helped us built three homes here and is excellent and very responsive.

[cquick]

We had Cindy Hughes when we built here in Sanibel. She had been showing us preowned and new construction. She knew what we wanted and helped us get the handicapped accessible home we needed.

[billethkid]

Cathy Webb is a very detailed, knowledgeable agent. We had her 10 years ago and she still communicates with us.

She WILL find you what you want where you want it.

btk

[cgalloway6]

We bought one, sold it, built one with Laurie Briggs. Low key, good knowledge about estimated prices for options if you choose to build, very patient. 352-753-2270W 352-217-9066C

[2AFRetSNCOs]

We worked with Kathy Actis of Properties of the Villages. She is not at all "hard sell" but she really listens and will not try to shoehorn you into something you don't want. At least, that's our experience.
Kathie Actis was our rep, too, and she was great to work with. We were very happy with her and her assistant, Linda. Highly recommend Kathie!

[Portia]

We worked with Todd Pope in the villages realty ..excellent.. answers all questions ..plus his phone and email is always available.. terrific person!!!!

[Big47moe]

We fired our first sales rep we were not happy with her at all. If you are building new we used Brain Arango very knowledgeable on new builds.

Brian was our guy as well. Followed-up was great, knowledgeable and was very patient we while looking at The Villages and searching to build.

I would (and might) go to Brian again for a new home!

[raynan]

I agree with JOHNW. We had Tony Trussler and we had a wonderful experience. He's a great guy and a real professional. He hired a professional photographer who took pictures every week while our house was being built and emailed them to us. He continues to be in touch with the get-togethers that JohnW mentioned and it's a nice way for newbies to talk and meet other villagers who are new and not so new. Not a hard-sell person but truly listens to what you want. Go with Tony. You will not be disappointed.

[Cateca]

We worked withn Marsella Fabre of The Villages. Excellent.

[shotgun233]

I think the best way to find a TV sale agent you are comfortable with is to go to the 12 open houses TV has everyday. Talk with the agents. While they are selling you, you are actually interviewing and evaluating them. If one doesn’t meet your fancy, there will be 12 more the next day.

[Joanned]

I also had an assigned agent,but after researching wanted an experienced top agent and found him, especially since we were building and the lot you find is so important
Our agent worked at finding us some of the best lots available. We are so lucky we found him
His name is Craig heron
3525726803.
Good luck

[vj1213]

I too had Justin Wilson, absolutely loved him. He also has the customer appreciation events and stays in touch with his clients. Just got an anniversary card in the mail from him today. Judy, his assistant, is the sweetest most helpful lady around.
But I will add that since I do work in the sales office, the representatives are all great. What might be right for one person, might drive someone else crazy. They are busy, they average over 400 homes sold each month. So between showing homes and properties, closings, showcases, and of course their own personal lives, maybe sometimes calls aren't made as timely as one might expect they should be. I don't think anyone intentionally avoids their people.
If you aren't happy with your rep, all you have to do is request someone else.

[upstate]

We have been working with Tim Harding, he listens to what you are looking for and has always been available to answer our questions or concerns. We were referred to him by a former client and have been satisfied in our decision to go with him.

[need2no]

We've sold our house and are living out of a suitcase at our daughter's house (PAYBACK!!!). We have enlisted an MLS agent for pre-owned but we "think" we've decided to go with new construction. We took advantage of the "lifestyles" visit earlier this year and were "assigned" a sales rep. At that time we weren't seriously looking - we just wanted to experience "the life style" to see if TV was where we wanted to live. Since then we decided that we ARE going to live in TV! Anyway, I have sent a couple emails to the Villages sales rep we were assigned when we visited and have not received any reply. Can you tell me if I am "ethically" locked in to dealing with that agent, or should I just call and be "assigned" another? We did like the original sales rep, although she may have been put out because we didn't ask to see any specific properties - we just wanted to experience the area. Any suggestions or insights welcome!! Look out TV.....

Mike

the one I had was not ethical. had asked questions I already had answers to and was told another story. some would call it lies I call it stupidity

[ghazen0001]

we have used Angie stokes and she was just great and you can call and ask for any realtor you know and they will work with you

[Cedwards38]

If she doesn't communicate with you, promptly and accurately, ask for someone else, and tell them why. But inquire a little bit first. Maybe she is sick, or has a family emergency, or faulty email.

[smcgirl]

May I suggest you rent in The Villages for a month or two so you can take you time and not rush.The are so many choices, we changed our minds so many times.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

We had a great experience with Steve & Barbra Lightbody... In any case if you are not getting what you want or need by all means find a different realtor!

[dbanks50]

RJ Albritton found our home for us. He took pictures and e-mailed them. We could not have been happier. He knew our budget, and never tried to push us over it. We closed on our anniversary, and he handed us a bottle of champagne. Two weeks after we moved in, he stopped by just to make sure all was going well. He sat and talked for about an hour. He's a delight, and I'd recommend him to anyone!!!

[mherzberg]

I'm happy to report that 3 weeks after my original post, we returned to TV, met with our sales agent, and signed a contract on our first day. We closed the following month (August) and moved in the same day. We are now happy Frogs in Sanibel and Lovin' The Lifestyle every day. Best decision we ever made!? Our initial concerns, like several poster have mentioned, we're no fault of our sales rep!

[Bogie Shooter]

the one I had was not ethical. had asked questions I already had answers to and was told another story. some would call it lies I call it stupidity

June 2013 thread......................

[jrandall]

Lynn Peterson is a good man to deal with. I would suggest asking for him.

[Author Cindy]

My villages sales agent was Chris Hallmark. We came to the villages three times. Each time he showed us around and returned phone calls promptly. What we really liked was that he wasn't trying to up-sell us. We had a rather large list of things we were looking for in a bungalow villa. Upgrades, location, etc. When we were ready to buy he started hunting because bungalow villas with corner lots and two car garages are hard to find. It wasn't until later, after we had moved into our home, that we found out what a challenge we had given him. Thanks Chris for making it look so effortless and really listening to our needs. It couldn't have worked out better. We love our home.

[villagetinker]

We worked with Priscilla Hart, kept us informed, and reliably answered her phone and e-mail. Was great to work with.

[judy&ken]

We worked with Tony as well and we also bought over the internet. He FaceTimed us while walking around the property. Love our home and our experience with Tony was seamless.