[TNGary]

I was current on the various testimonies by the plaintiff and defendants of a couple weeks ago but have not heard any news since.
Case still active? Settlement? Judgment?
Thank you

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

One of the people named in the suit settled before the trial date. She had to pay $5000 in attorney fees to the Villages, and promise not to "engage in competitive activities" with regards to Villages properties. Of course there's zero competition when a seller doesn't WANT the Villages Properties to represent them in the sale of their home. My next door neighbor refused. She wanted an outside realtor, period. So this settlement doesn't seem like it was all that hurtful, if you take it on face value. As long as the seller doesn't try and get a quote from the Villages Properties, then an outside realtor wouldn't be competing against them.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

One of the people named in the suit settled before the trial date. She had to pay $5000 in attorney fees to the Villages, and promise not to "engage in competitive activities" with regards to Villages properties. Of course there's zero competition when a seller doesn't WANT the Villages Properties to represent them in the sale of their home. My next door neighbor refused. She wanted an outside realtor, period. So this settlement doesn't seem like it was all that hurtful, if you take it on face value. As long as the seller doesn't try and get a quote from the Villages Properties, then an outside realtor wouldn't be competing against them.

I think either you have it wrong or I have it wrong or I misunderstood. Anyone can use anybody to sell their resale in The Villages. The Villages only uses THEIR STAFF to sell NEW homes. This is only about NEW homes.

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

One of the people named in the suit settled before the trial date. She had to pay $5000 in attorney fees to the Villages, and promise not to "engage in competitive activities" with regards to Villages properties. Of course there's zero competition when a seller doesn't WANT the Villages Properties to represent them in the sale of their home. My next door neighbor refused. She wanted an outside realtor, period. So this settlement doesn't seem like it was all that hurtful, if you take it on face value. As long as the seller doesn't try and get a quote from the Villages Properties, then an outside realtor wouldn't be competing against them.

I don't think that's how "non compete" works.

[pqrstar]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I think either you have it wrong or I have it wrong or I misunderstood. Anyone can use anybody to sell their resale in The Villages. The Villages only uses THEIR STAFF to sell NEW homes. This is only about NEW homes.

The Villages STAFF also sells PRE-owned homes.

The lawsuit is about 2 former Property of the Villages salespersons who left and started their own company.

NextHome KD Premier Realty
Agents and Staff | NextHome KD Premier Realty

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I think either you have it wrong or I have it wrong or I misunderstood. Anyone can use anybody to sell their resale in The Villages. The Villages only uses THEIR STAFF to sell NEW homes. This is only about NEW homes.

It's not about new homes at all. Outside realtors are not allowed to sell new construction in the Villages. The Villages sells their own properties. Once those properties are sold, they are the property of the buyer. The buyer can choose anyone they want (or no one at all) to sell their property, if and when that buyer chooses to sell their home. They can choose an independent realtor, a ReMax realtor, a Fox Realty realtor, their second cousin the realtor, the 4SaleByOwner website with no realtor at all, and the Villages Properties agents. That's why you see so many "Properties of the Villages" signs in the windows of garages of homes that are NOT new, but are for sale.

In fact, if you check out the Daily Sun, you will see an entire section of the paper, every single day, featuring pre-owned homes that are NOT new, being sold through Properties of the Villages.

[vintageogauge]

And have you noticed how many of the MLS realtors don't follow the regulations regarding placement of for sale signs having to be on the inside of a window and a specific size. KD Premier plasters signs all over the place, they had one for sale in our neighborhood and I counted 5 open house signs every time it was open, the large for sale sign was stuck on the garage door, and now it has not only the for sale sign but a pending sign stuck to the garage door. If a company cannot follow deed restrictions what else are they doing wrong, I would not use them or any MLS company that does the same. I would stick with The Villages agents if I were to put our home up for sale.

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

And have you noticed how many of the MLS realtors don't follow the regulations regarding placement of for sale signs having to be on the inside of a window and a specific size. KD Premier plasters signs all over the place, they had one for sale in our neighborhood and I counted 5 open house signs every time it was open, the large for sale sign was stuck on the garage door, and now it has not only the for sale sign but a pending sign stuck to the garage door. If a company cannot follow deed restrictions what else are they doing wrong, I would not use them or any MLS company that does the same. I would stick with The Villages agents if I were to put our home up for sale.

FSBO folks also don't follow the rules. Lots of FSBO signs on lawns that are not their property with arrows on several other lawns directing people to their homes. The Villages agents can also put up very large flags in front of their open houses, FSBO folks aren't allowed to do that (but they do).

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by JoMar

FSBO folks also don't follow the rules. Lots of FSBO signs on lawns that are not their property with arrows on several other lawns directing people to their homes. The Villages agents can also put up very large flags in front of their open houses, FSBO folks aren't allowed to do that (but they do).

Not exactly a level playing field is it?

[vintageogauge]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Not exactly a level playing field is it?

It shows their desperation.

[BaylorBear]

If some of you dislike The Villages Real Estate people so much, why did you ever buy a house from them?? Why are you here at all? There are myriad retirement communities in this nation. Why be here if you hate the management so much? Just wondering.....

[coconutmama]

Originally Posted by BaylorBear

If some of you dislike The Villages Real Estate people so much, why did you ever buy a house from them?? Why are you here at all? There are myriad retirement communities in this nation. Why be here if you hate the management so much? Just wondering.....

I presume it is like a marriage. Most enter into one with stars in their eyes. Later, after you learn more, the blinders come off.

Some marriages work out & some do not.

[Skunky1]

Well that’s wrong! The villages real estate staff can sell new homes and resales!

[GolfGirl122]

Originally Posted by BaylorBear

If some of you dislike The Villages Real Estate people so much, why did you ever buy a house from them?? Why are you here at all? There are myriad retirement communities in this nation. Why be here if you hate the management so much? Just wondering.....

I don’t think it’s that people “dislike” The Village Real Estate Sales people - but when selling your home or purchasing a resale home, people would like a choice, competition, free enterprise. This isn’t a “company town”, MLS Realtors provide a service that is needed. Residents should be able to choose who they would like to work with and represent them when buying (resale) or selling.

[justjim]

The Village Developer hires their own contractors to build new homes with the stipulation that all new homes will be sold through The Property of The villages which they own. They do the marketing on new homes, have “lifestyle visits” and are the only ones allowed to sell new homes in The villages. Sales people of the villages are employed as private contractors but that is where the issue gets “muddy”. Village sales agents were required to sign a two year non-competitive agreement should they leave to sell re-sales on their own or with a MLS Realtor. The law suit is all about the non-competitive agreement and if it was “legal” under the type of employment rules required by the Property of The villages. It’s above my pay grade and legal knowledge. The courts will decide.