[HawkinsGuy]

I highly recommend Dave Mercadante as a VLS agent. He helped us a few years ago and was patient, honest, and always returned calls and emails promptly. We purchased our home during a time when there were many prospective purchasers for each home and he secured the exact one we were hoping for. We were in Virginia and he went above and beyond by visiting the home and sending many photos. If we ever decide to sell our home and purchase elsewhere in The Villages, we would only work again with Dave. Good luck and welcome.

[JGiles336]

[QUOTE=azcindy;2359901]Lots of great answers here. Really appreciate it. The Open House introductions sound great and a couple of folks recommended their agents. I want make sure I click with my agent.

We visited 3 times (over a 10 year period)
before we bought our home.

Colleen Wotring was our agent each visit. She was so personable, informative, patient and no pressure. We highly recommend her.

[Susan1717]

Definately interview several but also interview several MLS agents. It’s best to work with both. The Villages agent won’t show you pre existing homes. They want to only steer you towards their listings and new builds. They won’t show you MLS listed homes. Alan and Any Lauder are both MLS agents and fabulous! Professional, a wealth of knowledge and a pleasure to work with.

[Remembergoldenrule]

If you want a patio home in great location, this one on our street is a sleeper. You have to have an MLS agent.
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[Laurawilcox]

We moved away from 2 different agents that we met during our visits and went with the Pope Family. Todd and Beth. We appreciated the candor of Todd in answering any of the questions that would impact the final cost of our home. Todd.pope@thevillages.com. We found out why they were in the top ranks of performers through working with them. Quick response, consistent and clear insight from years of hundreds of deals.

[RON S]

We have used a few but were very happy with Rolynn Nguyen.
352-913-1080

Originally Posted by azcindy

Hello,

I had a Lifestyle visit the end of May and fell in love with The Villages. I plan to move there in early 2025. In my prior real estate dealings, I interviewed real estate agents and selected the one I wanted to work with. In my Lifestyle visit, I was assigned a VLS agent but was wondering if I am allowed to interview VLS agents when I come back and find the one I most want to work with, or do I continue with the one I was assigned? BTW, my VLS agent I was assigned to was perfectly fine, it is just that I am used to interviewing a few agents before making a huge purchase. Thanks!

[GoneFishing]

We also selected our agent after attending several open houses and asking lots of questions. Some agents were helpful while others were not. We ended up using Beth Sunderman and had a great buying experience.

[D&BSmith]

Originally Posted by azcindy

Hello,

I had a Lifestyle visit the end of May and fell in love with The Villages. I plan to move there in early 2025. In my prior real estate dealings, I interviewed real estate agents and selected the one I wanted to work with. In my Lifestyle visit, I was assigned a VLS agent but was wondering if I am allowed to interview VLS agents when I come back and find the one I most want to work with, or do I continue with the one I was assigned? BTW, my VLS agent I was assigned to was perfectly fine, it is just that I am used to interviewing a few agents before making a huge purchase. Thanks!

Yes you can. You may also need to interview a MLS agent, and you will also be required to sign a Buyers Agreement. VLS agents depending on whether they are licensed may not be able to sell you a MLS home.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by D&BSmith

Yes you can. You may also need to interview a MLS agent, and you will also be required to sign a Buyers Agreement. VLS agents depending on whether they are licensed may not be able to sell you a MLS home.

All VLS agents are licensed as sales agents by Florida, but they cannot sell MLS houses. They can only sell new houses and resales that are listed by The Villages. That is why you need an MLS agent to purchase a non-Villages listing.

[Villager1234]

Originally Posted by D&BSmith

Yes you can. You may also need to interview a MLS agent, and you will also be required to sign a Buyers Agreement. VLS agents depending on whether they are licensed may not be able to sell you a MLS home.

I believe that you are mistaken
I went to an open house
Made an offer
They countered
I signed
The only thing that I signed is the sales contract
No one mentioned a buyers agreement

[Emkay56]

Originally Posted by azcindy

Hello,

I had a Lifestyle visit the end of May and fell in love with The Villages. I plan to move there in early 2025. In my prior real estate dealings, I interviewed real estate agents and selected the one I wanted to work with. In my Lifestyle visit, I was assigned a VLS agent but was wondering if I am allowed to interview VLS agents when I come back and find the one I most want to work with, or do I continue with the one I was assigned? BTW, my VLS agent I was assigned to was perfectly fine, it is just that I am used to interviewing a few agents before making a huge purchase. Thanks!

Whoever you pick through VLS, they will try and steer you to the new area down south. Make sure you have them show you other homes for sale just north of 44. It’s a great area, close to Sawgrass, Brownwood Square and Lake Sumter, shopping, lots of restaurants and plenty of golf. The new area is nice but not much to do down there for several years. And I’ve heard that the bonds are much higher down there. Just my opinion….

[sallyg]

Tony Phillips, with the Villages, is professional, knowledgeable and great to work with. Recommend him highly.

[azcindy]

Originally Posted by Lynnesail

Buying new?

Either new or a house less than 8 years old. I will be renting when I come back to TV to give me a chance to look around and take my time to make the right decision.

[azcindy]

Originally Posted by Rwirish

Just had a LS visit and ready to buy? Look around, come multiple times and in 2-3 years make your selection.

I will be renting when I come back to give me time to look around and make the best decision. (EDIT - sorry, duplicate post)

[tedquick]

I was a realtor in Omaha, NE for 41 years. It is critical that you get along well with whomever you work with as this will probably be one of the biggest purchases of your life. The good realtors will never mind that you want to check them out. And best of luck to you.