[LvmyPug2]

I know that MLS agents can't show/sell houses listed by TV and I assume the reverse is also true (TV agents won't show/sell MLS listed homes). Are there any advantages/disadvantages to purchasing a home through one or the other? We've decided to buy a preowned home, and have found some we like on both listings. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by LvmyPug2

I know that MLS agents can't show/sell houses listed by TV and I assume the reverse is also true (TV agents won't show/sell MLS listed homes). Are there any advantages/disadvantages to purchasing a home through one or the other? We've decided to buy a preowned home, and have found some we like on both listings. Any advice would be appreciated.

There are two distinct and separate real estate systems, VHS and MLS. Some home owners choose to list with VHS thinking the Villages Sales Office and Trolley and Daily Open House exposure is better. Some owners choose to list with MLS, and sometimes the commission fee is negotiable. The systems do NOT cooperate with each other. (Due to previous problems long ago, but that is another story.)

We've bought a home through MLS and one through VLS. Virtually no difference. Great agents with both systems. Easy Peasy and effortless. MLS and VLS both have it down to a science!

[misky]

I have just been through the process, closing on a pre-owned home in Woodbury on 6/30/10. Besides the obvious differences like MLS and VLS realtors cannot show each other's listings, I worked with an MLS realtor that was a "buyer agent". My MLS realtor could recommend an asking price. She was not representing the seller (unless the listing is hers). The VLS realtor worked for the seller. It wasn't a big deal. But I was careful in talking to the VLS realtor about my offer. I did buy a VLS listed property. I found both the VLS and MLS realtors to be very professional. PM me if you want their names.

[TEShaw]

MLS agents and/or "Realtors" can list, show and sell MLS resale listings. They do not represent the buyer or seller unless they specifically tell you upfront. Most do not specialize in the Villages as they show and sell property all over Central Florida.

"Properties of the Villages" agents can list, show and sell "Properties of the Villages" resale listings and all new homes. This is about 75% of the available market. They always represent the seller. However, they only show and sell property in the Villages and tend to be more knowledgeable than MLS agents when it comes to the details of buying and owning a home here.

Good Luck!

[bkcunningham1]

I used a MLS licensed real estate agent as my buyer's agent. She is a
longtime resident of TV and was very knowledgeable of the area and homes. The seller's agent was also a resident of TV for many, many years. Also knowledgeable and professional.

The sales agent TV assigned to us during our Lifestyle Preview Plan visit was not a resident of TV. She was nice. Had worked for TV as a sales agent for more than a decade. But she was more interested in selling us a new construction. It was very obvious.

Both the MLS agents we encountered specialize in TV properties.

[Pturner]

Hi LvmyPug2,

Welcome to TOTV. You ask a good question.

We also worked with an MLS agent who lives in TV and represented us as a "buyer's agent". If you do not ask for and get a signed "buyer's agent" agreement from your MLS agent, then he/she is not obligated to represent your interests only in the transaction.

That said, if you are considering the purchase of a resale, it makes sense to work with both a TV agent and an MLS Realtor (with a buyer's agent agreement). Otherwise, you will miss seeing a significant percentage of resales available.

Hope you find a dream home in TV and live happily ever after.

[LvmyPug2]

Thank you for you comments. This is very helpful info.

We worked with an MLS and it was a very good experience. The villages rep I worked with only showed us new homes. That could have been because I was not clear enough with her about what I was looking for. The MLS agent we worked with did an excellent job and all went well.

[scrapple]

I am trying to find an answer to a specific piece of the buying process.
I think I recall reading that TV agents will not make any "deals" on new homes; they set they price and you take it or leave it. Is that right?

Does the same apply for pre-owned? I know that you can make an offer on a MLS house; will TV agents consider an offer for less than asking price? Or are all their sales "take it or leave it"?

Thanks for the help,
Dan

[BogeyBoy]

Originally Posted by scrapple

I am trying to find an answer to a specific piece of the buying process.
I think I recall reading that TV agents will not make any "deals" on new homes; they set they price and you take it or leave it. Is that right?

Does the same apply for pre-owned? I know that you can make an offer on a MLS house; will TV agents consider an offer for less than asking price? Or are all their sales "take it or leave it"?

Thanks for the help,
Dan

Lower price offers will be considered on resales - remember the owner decides what he/she will accept. On new homes the owner is the developer and they have set prices with occasional incentives.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by scrapple

I am trying to find an answer to a specific piece of the buying process.
I think I recall reading that TV agents will not make any "deals" on new homes; they set they price and you take it or leave it. Is that right?

Does the same apply for pre-owned? I know that you can make an offer on a MLS house; will TV agents consider an offer for less than asking price? Or are all their sales "take it or leave it"?

Thanks for the help,
Dan

We've purchased a pre-owned home using MLS and another using VLS. In both cases, we offered less than the list price and negotiated with the owners. Ultimately the final deal is up to how motivated the Sellers are.

We found the MLS agents are more flexible about encouraging negotiation. The VLS agents will tell you
that most houses sell for around 97 percent of list price. But remember, it's a slow market, most Sellers are motivated, and you're in the driver's seat!

[784caroline]

Let me tell a story of something that just happened. A friend using a VLS agent was placing an offer on a resale home listed by another VLS agent...lets say sales price was $220K..buyer offered $210..contract agreed to price was $215....contigent on obtaining financing and apraisal. Went to get financing and the buying VLS agent suggested Citizens Bank to meet closing date. Buyer decidied to go with her own bank. Gets down to 10 days prior to settlement date and the Appraisal comes in at $210K (and after the selling VLS agent had a chance to support the higher price) but now buyer balks at the contract. Selling VLS agent reviewed the appraisal and said this apprisal is no good for according to the contract the appraiser MUST be located in Sumter County Florida (not Lake). The seller would not come down in price, Buyer wanted out of the contract ....... After some back and forth, the VLS Broker (who both agents worked for)got involved and all earnest monies were eventually returned to prospective buyer.

Lesson learned is if the buyer used Citizens bank for a VLS listed reasale..I can almost guarantee you the Appraisal would have met the contract sales price!!