[Ken Nelson]

When looking for a home here, do you use VLS or MLS, or both?
Leaning toward VLS but open to both.

[Papa_lecki]

When Buying, use BOTH. You will need two realtors - a Villages (VLS) realtor AND an MLS realtor.

[npwalters]

yes, both. Neither can show the other's properties.

[kkingston57]

Made the mistake of not using MLS when we bought. A lot less choices. VLS agent could not sell MLS listed homes.

[Stu from NYC]

Both for sure

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

When Buying, use BOTH. You will need two realtors - a Villages (VLS) realtor AND an MLS realtor.

The Villages salespeople are NOT Realtors; they are only agents. There is a difference.

Those affiliated with the MLS ARE Realtors. They belong to the local association of Realtors, are members of the National Association of Realtors, and MUST follow a strict Code of Ethics.

The Villages does not permit Realtors to show any of their listings. Villages agents could show Realtors' listings but The Villages does not permit their agents to do that.

[Catalina36]

Originally Posted by Ken Nelson

When looking for a home here, do you use VLS or MLS, or both?
Leaning toward VLS but open to both.

I believe the VLS is more knowledgeable and know more about The Villages then the MLS Realtors. I purchased my home through the VLS and the entire process was very professional and easy. The VLS agent was excellent. He answered every phone call and email. I highly recommend using a VLS agent.

[Miekies]

Originally Posted by Catalina36

I believe the VLS is more knowledgeable and know more about The Villages then the MLS Realtors. I purchased my home through the VLS and the entire process was very professional and easy. The VLS agent was excellent. He answered every phone call and email. I highly recommend using a VLS agent.

Not necessarily true. My MLS agent has lived in the Villages and sold & bought properties here for 20+years. She was extremely knowledgeable and gave us important details about problems in certain areas that the VLS didn't offer up to us but only answered questions when specifically asked about it. She also didn't push us only towards the new homes that our VLS only wanted to show ushe did show us so pre owned homes but you could tell he didn't want to and they weren't honest about the time line of the social areas opening down south. It's important to have both agents that are knowledgeable on the Villages so you can see all the homes and get a different perspective from each

[manaboutown]

I recommend you use both as MLS and VLS are mutually exclusive. Homes listed in one are not listed in the other. MLS Realtors can only show preowned homes; VLS agents can show both preowned and new. Beware of any VLS agent who evades showing you preowned homes and steers you to new homes. That was my experience with my first VLS agent so I switched.

[eweissenbach]

I agree, use both, but also look on Zillow for FSBO properties that neither salesperson will likely be able to show you.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Catalina36

I believe the VLS is more knowledgeable and know more about The Villages then the MLS Realtors. I purchased my home through the VLS and the entire process was very professional and easy. The VLS agent was excellent. He answered every phone call and email. I highly recommend using a VLS agent.

Definitely NOT true!

Most Realtors (MLS agents) actually live in The Villages and they know Villages products very well.

[justjim]

Originally Posted by eweissenbach

I agree, use both, but also look on Zillow for FSBO properties that neither salesperson will likely be able to show you.

You are spot on. When you are a buyer use all the resources available and always due diligence.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

Definitely NOT true!

Most Realtors (MLS agents) actually live in The Villages and they know Villages products very well.

Think it depends on the actual realtor

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

The Villages salespeople are NOT Realtors; they are only agents. There is a difference.

Those affiliated with the MLS ARE Realtors. They belong to the local association of Realtors, are members of the National Association of Realtors, and MUST follow a strict Code of Ethics.

The Villages does not permit Realtors to show any of their listings. Villages agents could show Realtors' listings but The Villages does not permit their agents to do that.

After reading the "Code of Ethics", it seems to be more like the "Boy Scout Pledge" than legally binding rules...

Understanding the Real Estate Agent Code of Ethics