I hope this clears up the "Are TV Real Estate Agents Licensed" confusion...
 

From TV Website:

"In addition to being licensed Florida real estate agents, our team of over 280 agents receives frequent, professional education beyond the state's continuing education requirements on customer care, product knowledge, and the latest information pertaining to the lifestyle we all enjoy."

I will now sit back and await the "but they're not realtors" replies...

Okay, here goes:

People use the terms Realtor and real estate agent interchangeably, but they aren't the same thing. Both must be licensed to sell real estate, but there are some important distinctions. Not every real estate agent is a Realtor.
What's the Difference Between a Realtor and an Agent?

Real Estate Agents:
Must pass agent licensing requirements in their state
Aren't subject to additional requirements
Are not NAR members

Realtors:
Must pass agent licensing requirements in their state
Must additionally pass the NAR Code of Ethics course
Are members of the National Association of Realtors members

A real estate agent has obtained a state license to assist consumers in buying or selling properties. Realtors are agents who have gone one step further—they've also become members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

A realtor can be a real estate agent, a broker-associate, a managing broker, or an exclusive buyer's agent, and this is just the beginning of the list. What sets them apart is that they must subscribe to the Realtor Code of Ethics for membership, and this includes 17 separate articles that contain various underlying Standards of Practice.

The NAR is the largest trade association in the U.S., and "Realtor" is actually a trademarked term.
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Source: thebalancemoney.com May 17, 2022

I would add that, in order for an agent to be a Realtor, the broker they work under must be a member of the NAR.

"Properties of The Villages" is not a member.

.......but a lot of the agents are members of the NRA!:icon_wink:

Huh? I don't understand how this relates to the original post.

That is due to their employment agreement with TV, NOT due to State Law...

She seems to think because they don't show MLS listings, they are NOT "real estate agents"...

But she is wrong.

And if they fail to live up to those "super special" guidelines, they still have their real estate license, but can be kicked out of the "Realtors Association", which they have to pay for in order to be a member...

Just like a doctor can have a state license to practice without being a member of the state or local medical association...

It is important to remember that any group of people have a spectrum of talent, work ethic, and integrity. Over the years, I have seen realtors and real estate agents who span the spectrum of these values. Having someone who is at the top end of those values is most important. What is not obvious to most people coming into The Villages for the first time is that there are two mutually exclusive pools of homes to consider. Therefore, an agent for each pool (MLS and TV) allows you to see the entire picture.

doesn't matter. they sell "lifestyles" not houses.. i think that's how they are trained..

Irrelevant to the discussion...

Now THAT is clear, excellent advice ! Hope those who are confused will let it "sink in" just how important it really is to have an agent from each "pool" (as you call it). After all, you have to admit it is a very strange and different circumstance than most people have ever encountered. When people are looking for a retirement community, they are used to making contact with ONE person they trust who will show them MANY retirement communities in the area. We did that with an agent in Arizona, didn't have to have a "special" agent to show us this or that particular community !

you would know

You're not in Arizona anymore Toto :)