I'm not sure why people have a problem with my preference to stick with a Villages-centric realtor. They work exclusively for the Villages, they are basically specialists. We have specialist realtors here too, we have some agencies that specialize in "vintage" or historical homes, they know more about what's involved in buying, selling, owning, and maintaining them than other agencies.

The comment about Zillow seems trollish to me. If I have a problem with a neuroma on my foot, I would go to a podiatrist, not a general practitioner. If I'm looking specifically for a home in the Villages, I'll go to someone who knows the Villages, not some generic website that exists for no other reason than to list every home in the entire country that has ever been sold or might possibly be on sale.

He wasn't trolling you. He was making a suggestion. You had issues with realtor-specific websites. Zillow is a wealth of information and doesn't spam you afterwards like some agents.

If you only use a Villages realtor you won't know about houses that are only available through MLS agents, one of which might be that perfect house. Obviously, your Villages guy doesn't want you to see MLS properties because ... you know ... he won't make any money if you buy one.

Happy house hunting.

kathy

You really need to come again and see an MLS agent as well. You are leaning toward resales so you should have both. I suggest Lyle who posts on this forum or Mary Grant. We used Jim McLaughlin, a Villages agent, both times we bought. He was just right for us. Low key, white hair, a gentleman and honest.

I think you really should come and rent for a couple of weeks. Use a car and a cart to explore and ask questions of anyone you see. People enjoy telling people of their views about The Villages. You are in the stage of "what's the catch". I remember it well. Been here for more than ten years and there isn't a catch...except I hope you noticed all the old people? ;)

Kathy is right. RIGHT!!! Very right. Super right. When shopping for a home you need to gather facts, facts, facts, before you come to a trial conclusion. Some of the things that really matter can only be perceived after being here for awhile. Every place in The Villages is beautiful and well maintained. They all contain amazing people who are a joy to know. One common mistake that people make is trying to live close to a square. Try to live close to groceries and the hardware store and to doctors. We spend a lot of time at all three places. My husband enjoys hardware stores just for the ambiance...I don't get it exactly but we rarely have to pay for anything to be fixed around here.

There are a lot more pools south of 466 if you are a swimmer. The most beautiful pool in The Villages is in the historical section. The performing arts center, The SHARON is in Spanish Springs. The most comfy seats at a movie theater are in Brownwood. There are bars and churches all around. Some use both. The Synagogue is slightly north of 466. All regional rec centers have art rooms and kilns and work out centers. (Wait, not all have work out centers, someone will tell you where those are) The biggest gym is near Brownwood. The best neighbors are in the Village of the reader of this forum.

OP..........If you are still out there and are still coming in January.............Let us know how it goes and what you would dew differently.

We have a tendency to get off track on ToTV.

Good Luck.

:1rotfl: The funniest humor is that which is closest to the truth and this is hilarious.

Sorry you construed the comment to "go to Zillow" as trollish. It was in direct response to your assertion that you could not get the information you desired by going to MLS agents websites. If you go to Zillow you will find virtually all MLS listings, and fsbo listings without having to deal with an agents parameters. I am trying to be informative and helpful, but if you want to work only with a Villages salesperson, knock yourself out. I am assuming you are not a Villages salesperson or related to one, but your responses would be ones I would expect from those individuals. I am not advocating for VLS or MLS, but if your desire is the best home for you in TV, you should open yourself to all the best options. Some MLS agents are Villages "specialists", and may have more experience selling Villages homes than many, if not most, TV salespeople. Now, if you want a new home, period, only Villages salespeople can sell you one, but you know that. Also, some people also looking for a home in TV look at threads such as this, and whether or not you want this information, they may benefit from it.