[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by MSGirl

To clarify between a REALTOR and a sales agent, all real estate agents are sales agents: includes both MLS and VLS agents.

The term REALTOR® has one, and only one, meaning: REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
A VLS agent cannot be a REALTOR. But they can and do sell Villages homes. Only a Villages agent can sell new in The Villages.

Per the NAR, their "code of ethics" is simply a guideline...

[Remembergoldenrule]

You should look at both mls and the villages. You will only see half the homes otherwise. The villages also get more for pushing below 44.

For convenience you want above 44.

When looking at price, think how much you will have to pay to pay and the trouble you will go through to “save” money when in reality you will have to pay $30 -40k for repaint (6k) landscaping (10-20 k) , solar tubes with night lights ($800 each) plantation shutters (4-6k), cornices (700 each), epoxy garage (2k), enclosed lanai 10-20k., new floors (15 -20 k), insulation over attic (800) attic fans (800) you get the idea.

Neighbor just did all this then had to move due to family problem back home.

We live in Dunedin. Our fee is $177.

If you are quiet with no loud music or motorcycles come check us out great neighbors with occasional whole neighborhood block parties and our own quiet street get togethers. Ewing Ave
Their house is on Zillow or Realtor.com use realtor of choice.

3526 Ewing Ave, The Villages, FL 32163 | MLS #G5057350 | Zillow

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by manaboutown

When I asked about the bond when my first Villages agent was showing me a new spec home he looked at me as if he had never heard of such a thing! Lol. He was disingenuous. I never really got much of an answer or even a ballpark figure on how much the bond would be.

Villages agents represent the seller of new homes, The Villages, not the buyer!

Was your 2nd agent better? Sounds like you got a bad one. Just like there are bad realtors...

I had none of those issues with my agent...

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by sbedell

Like most posts, there is a lot of good information but also a lot of misinformation. I'm an MLS Realtor so I'm going to address some of the comments.

Properties of The Villages: If you want a new home, they are the only choice. They can also buy/sell pre-owned but ONLY in The Villages. They do NOT work with MLS agents at all, there are not 'some' that will. They are not Realtors, but that does not make them evil. They currently sell all new properties and about 50% of the pre-owned properties in The Villages. Since they are not in MLS, they are also not listed in Zillow, Redfin, etc online, only in The Daily Sun, their website and radio station. They have about 300 agents.

MLS: MLS agents and POV agents do NOT cooperate with each other, so if you see a property listed on MLS, Zillow, etc, you CANNOT use a POV agent. There are about 1,000 MLS agents in the greater TV area. MLS agents can buy/sell anywhere in Florida. About 50% of pre-owned properties are sold by MLS Realtors.

As you can see by the above, things work a little bit differently in TV compared to other places. That's why many people choose both a POV agent and an MLS Realtor when looking to buy. I hope this clears things up for you!

Well, our agent took us to see several "MLS" listed homes, even though she knew she would not make a commission on the sale. She did everything she could do to make sure WE were happy. She now has a customer for life...

We already contacted her on a home we saw listed in Dunedin (it had an in-law suite with a kitchenette, making it a 4 BR, 3BA that would have been perfect as a media room/"man-cave"), but alas, the timing was wrong...

It's all about building relationships...

[Dburesh]

Glad to hear that you coming to The Villages for a visit! It will take you 1 day to know that this is where you want to live...it's Paradise! I'm NOT a realtor, but have sold homes on my own before, since we have been in 3 different ones since we moved here, so I'm very knowledgeable on what goes on around here. If you are going to purchase a pre-owned home, you need to pay attention to the balance on the bond initially so you are aware of your situation. My parents built here 22 years ago, so they have seen many changes take place, some good & some bad! There are many things to consider so feel free to give me a call @ 513-222-2981 @ your convenience. I can also tell you the positives & negatives of each area. Good Luck, Doreen

[Vegasvee]

We’re considering moving to The Villages, but have concerns regarding the weather there, primarily hurricanes and damage they can cause. We live in the desert and barely have rain, mosquitoes, flea. Any input is appreciated.

[Worldseries27]

Originally Posted by katiern

my husband and i are coming for a lifestyle visit in october. I have 3 questions about realtors. 1)why would someone list with mls rather than a villages realtor? 2)if i'm looking for a preowned home should i look at both? 3)someone on this forum said a friend of theirs was paying 500.00 in amenity fees. Doesn't everyone pay the same? Thanks in advance for the info and advice. Excited to see all the villages offers!

straight from my financials
1 amenity. 172. 08
2 sanitation. 21.41
3 lawn irrigation. Large lot. 92.47 (3x wk)
4. Residental water 70.73
good luck

[MrChip72]

Originally Posted by Remembergoldenrule

in reality you will have to pay $30 -40k for repaint (6k) landscaping (10-20 k) , solar tubes with night lights ($800 each) plantation shutters (4-6k), cornices (700 each), epoxy garage (2k), enclosed lanai 10-20k., new floors (15 -20 k), insulation over attic (800) attic fans (800)

You just listed many of the extras that I never plan to get done to my existing home in TV at least in the next forseeable 10+ years, and certainly not for those prices.

[Carol Fiore]

I think the Senior discount is for residence only. Call Sumter County.

[barbielusby]

Originally Posted by KatieRN

My husband and I are coming for a lifestyle visit in October. I have 3 questions about realtors. 1)Why would someone list with MLS rather than a Villages realtor? 2)If I'm looking for a preowned home should I look at both? 3)Someone on this forum said a friend of theirs was paying 500.00 in amenity fees. Doesn't everyone pay the same? Thanks in advance for the info and advice. Excited to see all the Villages offers!

I have a great realtor Cindy Foster {Cindy Foster} 352-460-2260} she does all the work looking for homes for you. Barbara

[defrey12]

…or her daughter, Kelley. The best! Caveat to buying a “previously owned” home: it’s probably going to need work…least of all, a new roof. Get a GOOD inspection/inspector. We were in the “rehab” business for a long time…you can easily hit $50k in upgrades and rehab. We chose a NEW build. Just sayin’…

[merled]

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale

Originally Posted by KatieRN

My husband and I are coming for a lifestyle visit in October. I have 3 questions about realtors. 1)Why would someone list with MLS rather than a Villages realtor? 2)If I'm looking for a preowned home should I look at both? 3)Someone on this forum said a friend of theirs was paying 500.00 in amenity fees. Doesn't everyone pay the same? Thanks in advance for the info and advice. Excited to see all the Villages offers!

[merled]

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale

[bimmertl]

The first thing our MLS agent did was pull out a map of the Villages and show us where the water treatment plants were and also where the train tracks were. Most likely don't want to be close to either one of them and the Villages agent we used never mentioned them.

Probably don't want to be close to pickleball courts either.

[Bellavita]

amenity fees are not $500 and yes all residents pay the same. Ours is like $160 as far as new vs existing. It depends on what you want to do and if you want to pay the bond? I am not sure what the bond is but I am assuming it is quite high. Be mindful of the Turnpike and get a good Villages person to show you around.

Its not rocket science if you have bought real estate before. Do you have a dog? Check out the neighbors first. I would not buy anywhere if I didn't meet the neighbors on either side. It can be a total nightmare if you get the wrong person.

We are so lucky with neighbors it is a blessing, There are horror stories about others so buyer beware.

Originally Posted by KatieRN

My husband and I are coming for a lifestyle visit in October. I have 3 questions about realtors. 1)Why would someone list with MLS rather than a Villages realtor? 2)If I'm looking for a preowned home should I look at both? 3)Someone on this forum said a friend of theirs was paying 500.00 in amenity fees. Doesn't everyone pay the same? Thanks in advance for the info and advice. Excited to see all the Villages offers!