[Rickg]

Originally Posted by TCULBERSON

As someone who is actually in the process of finding a home, we started with Village realtor on 10/17/24 for a pre-owned and had 3 for us to see. Then they really pushed the new section and drove us way down to Middleton. The following day, wife and I happen to go to an open-house by ourselves on Saturday and met an outside realtor.

After her open-house, she showed us 5 pre-owned, then emailed me 12 more on Sunday that met my criteria. Five more on Tuesday. Monday she called to hear my thoughts and again this morning at 10am to let me know upcoming decreases and to hear my thoughts. Never heard from Village realtor after that first day.

Of course it all depends on who you get and how many houses you are willing to see. We are open for anything. So Zillow has a ton in that area as long as you know the actual boundaries of the village. Don't go by google or zillow map. Also zillow doesn't usually mention bond and roof year since they are not village people. And I don't mean the band, although I would like for them to play at the village. That's my two pennies worth.

I’m getting ready to list in the near future. Who was your “outside realtor”?. Thanks

[msilagy]

VLS sales people have the seller provide a limited policy to cover (with a deductible) appliances, water heater, etc for a certain timeframe. MLS agents do not have the seller do that. I've bought from both and used it to replace a leaky water heater. (VLS sale)

[EatthMama]

When you list a home for sale through The Villages, you are limiting the exposure to ads on their radio station, the Daily Sun, and TV website. About 80% of people who are looking for a new home start on Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, Redfin, etc. your house will not show up on these sites if you list with TV. Sell through MLS - exposure gets homes sold.

[gmdds]

Originally Posted by Rickg

I’m getting ready to list in the near future. Who was your “outside realtor”?. Thanks

MLS…Matt Roberts
VLS…Rene Webster

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by EatthMama

When you list a home for sale through The Villages, you are limiting the exposure to ads on their radio station, the Daily Sun, and TV website. About 80% of people who are looking for a new home start on Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, Redfin, etc. your house will not show up on these sites if you list with TV. Sell through MLS - exposure gets homes sold.

I don't agree with that. 80% start with Google - "homes for sale in The Villages".

[Craig Vernon]

Originally Posted by msilagy

VLS sales people have the seller provide a limited policy to cover (with a deductible) appliances, water heater, etc for a certain timeframe. MLS agents do not have the seller do that. I've bought from both and used it to replace a leaky water heater. (VLS sale)

This is interesting I have never heard about a warranty offered on VLS sales.

[Craig Vernon]

I am actively watching listings and will call MLS if on Zillow and VLS if it on their site. If you are waiting for the right preowned listing at the right location, price with updates to pounce you must have both.

[mbene]

Originally Posted by msilagy

VLS sales people have the seller provide a limited policy to cover (with a deductible) appliances, water heater, etc for a certain timeframe. MLS agents do not have the seller do that. I've bought from both and used it to replace a leaky water heater. (VLS sale)

If you ask the MLS agent can do the same thing. Was told the cost of a one year warranty is about $500-$600. Pretty cheap if it helps sell the house.

[JMintzer]

When we were buying, the only new homes were in Chitty Chatty, Bradford and they were just opening St Catherine.

We decided we wanted to be above 44 and below 466A, and made that clear to our realtor.

The homes below 44 were never mentioned again.

We wound up buying in the Osceola Hills area...

[Mcnuke]

Pertaining to resale homes: I was shown data that VLS sells about 3 times the resold homes than those sold by ‘ALL’ the area MLS ‘combined’.
My VLS realtor has sold more resales in TV than new homes.

My resale home sold in 10 days using VLS. Out of state Buyers used the Villages App and made me a cash offer.
My experience, You simply cannot beat the Villages application.

BTW: the Villages take 5% of sales price.

[kburr]

MLS gives you more options. We liked Carrie Wenzel. Don't use VLS unless they are listing the house you want. They will try to sell you a new house. Most of them are poorly constructed.

[MrLonzo]

If you use an MLS agent to buy a pre-owned home at the Villages, make sure they are very experienced and knowledgeable about the Villages. Personally, I'd stick with a VLS agent if I had to do it again.

[mkjelenbaas]

Originally Posted by MplsPete

Advantages? Disadvantages? Thanks in advance.

Google Chris Day - he is MLS but use to work for The Villages and is well known and does a great job - give him a call and you won’t be disappointed!!

[mkjelenbaas]

Originally Posted by justjim

It’s been my experience that most VLS agents “push” the new homes. It could be because new homes, as a general rule, are less time consuming for the agent and an easier sale. Most prospects come to The Villages looking for a new house. VLS agents have a monopoly on new house sales and the Villages lifestyle program. It is what it is.

The reality is they push the new homes as the developer gives the sales person a greater incentive to do so - plus they are graded on how many new homes they sell.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by msilagy

VLS sales people have the seller provide a limited policy to cover (with a deductible) appliances, water heater, etc for a certain timeframe. MLS agents do not have the seller do that. I've bought from both and used it to replace a leaky water heater. (VLS sale)

My MLS realtor bought us 1 year coverage of all our appliances as a thank you gift.