[Dennis and Rose]

Wife and I coming in Sept for a week, hoping to purchase. Is it better to work with the Villages reality staff, or go with an MLS agent. I have heard that Village reality, does not have as many homes to show as MLS. Do not know if this is true. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. Rose and Dennis

[philnpat]

It would definitely be to your advantage to use both.
Do yourself a favor and see what both have to offer.

[OBXNana]

Agree with both. Different inventory of houses and will allow you to see everything available.

[raynan]

Use both but if you do contact The Villages sales team ask for Tony Trussler. Nice guy, not pushy and very thorough.
Nancy

[2BNTV]

You need both to see all the homes available.

MLS agent is Linda Sears, 352.205.0713

[John_W]

You didn't say if you wanted to buy new or resale. If it's a new home, you'll need a villages agent since the new homes are only sold by them, they are not on MLS. Tony Trussler was recommended above, and he was our agent and he is really good. All the new and resale homes and villas by the villages agents are listed on their website The Villages New Homes and Resales

If you're buying a resale, besides those listed on the villages website, Realtor Lyle Grant lists on his website all the MLS listings ALL Homes for sale by Realtors should list all the homes on MLS and he has them broken down to type, price, size, etc.

Most of the homes available you can browse from the comfort of your home in New York. That's why it's not uncommon that many have bought their home here sight-unseen. The only listings you won't have are for sale by owner, but you can find many on this website The Villages FSBO, For Sale By Owner in The Villages

[gomoho]

If you are looking for resale inventory will be much better in the winter months; however, prices may be higher as well.

[Allegiance]

Originally Posted by raynan

Use both but if you do contact The Villages sales team ask for Tony Trussler. Nice guy, not pushy and very thorough.
Nancy

2nd Tony, a real gentleman.

[Medtrans]

Joining in to cast my vote for Tony Trussler. He went above and beyond on a home we just closed on last month, sight unseen.

[Dennis and Rose]

Do appreciate all the advice. Very Informative. We are coming for the VLS tour, and apparently have been ""assigned"" to Nikki Perry.

[JGVillages]

Carefully consider where (geographically>North>Center>South) before you get serious. All new homes will be considerably south. Resales you can find anywhere. Eight and a half years ago we purchased a resale far north, in Calumet Grove. Initially I wished we had been more centrally located, but as time has passed we are very comfortable "up north". To some location may not be a huge issue but get comfortable with your desires prior to making your decision. Only other recommendation - get a gas cart (250ish mi. range) with ultimate seats if you plan to enjoy exploring The Villages in comfort. A battery cart is quieter but your daily range is limited and after a couple years the driving distance will decrease as the batteries age.

[llaran]

if you want new you have to go with the Villages; they are not in the MLS, they also have resales but you need another Realtor if you want to see the rest of what is for sale. don't forget to ask about the bond.

[Dennis and Rose]

Thank you all. We most likely will be looking at pre owned homes. At this stage of our lives don't want the stress of building. ( Just personal preference ) We have pretty much ruled out anything else but the villages. After Sandy, we are gun shy about being on or near the water anymore, and the activities in TV seem endless.

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by Dennis and Rose

Thank you all. We most likely will be looking at pre owned homes. At this stage of our lives don't want the stress of building. ( Just personal preference ) We have pretty much ruled out anything else but the villages. After Sandy, we are gun shy about being on or near the water anymore, and the activities in TV seem endless.

No worries for buying new, you can only buy from inventory. Walk in see it buy it

[Dennis and Rose]

Saw a few on the site that looked nice near ponds. Are ponds stagnant water?
Is there a mosquito problem near the ponds? I understand Florida and the bugs of course, just wanted to know if it is more of a problem near these small ponds. Thanks again