I just look at all the people I personally know that have sold houses in the Villages. Without exception, every house listed with a Villages Realtor sold within 3 weeks of listing and one even sold prior to the listing being released! Granted, all were very well maintained and attractive designer or veranda homes. I know there are exceptions, but I feel the well maintained homes that are priced right sell quickly. I am sure the Villages initially push new homes but bottom line, they just want the sales commission! I also feel that well maintained homes that are priced right sell quickly with MLS also! I also feel most of the complainers about either service are the ones overpricing thier homes. Appearance and well maintained homes matter!

As long as the buyer has enough knowledge about the process then that is ok but trusting the listing agent in a transaction is very risky. The ins and outs of a real estate sale can be much more complicated than you make it sound

conversation with both VLS/MLS both are slow but plenty of houses on both sides of the market

Commissions have always been negotiable, technically speaking. However, agents can decide what they are willing to work for.

If you use an MLS agent to represent you as a buyer and you want to buy a VLS listed home, the MLS agent will not get paid any commission by the seller as The Villages does not "co-broke" with outside agencies. However, your MLS agent will most likely ask you to sign a buyer agreement that specifies how that agent will be compensated. Might be you paying their commission, but that is known upfront.

I second using Ira Miller