Why You Should Use a Military Relocation Professional

Buying or selling a home is stressful enough for civilians, but military personnel face additional challenges. They may have to take quick action when closing a deal. If they are buyers, they may be unfamiliar with their new town. They have no idea how long they will be in their new home before the next PCS.

Taking it a step further, if the person is on active duty, they won’t even be in town for inspections, open houses, and the many other components and steps of the sale of the home. This is more than enough of a reason that hiring a Military Relocation Professional is one of the most important decisions that can be made. Continue reading while we share how MRPs are a huge asset for military homebuyers.

Military Relocation Professional: Defined

A Military Relocation Professional is a real estate agent who is a member of, and in good standing with the NAR (National Association of Realtors). First, these professionals must complete an MRP certification program that teaches them how to work with servicemembers, their families, and veterans to find housing options and utilize available benefits. Then they must pass an exam at the end of the course. 

Many MRPs are military spouses, family members, or veterans themselves. Whether they share a personal military connection or not, all are devoted enough to military clients to invest the time and money necessary for certification.

What are the Benefits of Working with an MRP?

When it comes to military home buying and home selling, an MRP just gets it. They understand and expect that the process is different than your everyday real estate transaction. Here are some of the many benefits of working with an MRP:

Local Knowledge

An MPR that is native to the area will most importantly be familiar with the local market trends. They will also know all about the nearby amenities, and schools, and have connections and relationships with other real estate professionals. 

Experts with Short Timeframes

An MPR knows that their buyer or seller needs to act quickly, and doesn’t have time to waste. Their skills and discipline allow them to find a home, write a purchase agreement, and negotiate the final terms in a short period of time.

Assistance in Utilizing Benefits

In most situations, VA loans are available, and they can increase purchasing power. Using an MRP can help you determine what the terms are and suggest VA lenders.

Present for the Process

It isn’t out of the ordinary for military buyers to be forced to commit to a home they've only viewed online, and sellers may not even wrap up the transaction before shipping out. This is where the MRP is invaluable. When the buyer/seller is not available, they can attend inspections, repairs, and closings in their place.

Are you Thinking You Need a Military Relocation Professional?

Buying or selling a home while serving in the military is challenging, but there's no reason to go it alone. A good MRP has been through many PCSs and can help anyone buy a home while serving in the military. Our Realtors with 316 Realty Group are well-versed in assisting military members and their families, and we would love to help you next! Give us a call today!


3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Real Estate Broker

It seems everyone knows someone who is a realtor, whether a friend or family member and most will choose someone they already have a personal connection with when it comes to choosing an agent to sell their home. But what if you don’t already know someone in the real estate industry?

That’s where the homework comes in for you. Selecting the ideal agent is essential to a successful real estate transaction, after all, around 89 percent of homeowners employ a real estate agent or broker when buying or selling a house.

Before you make a decision on the real estate broker you will hire, it is in your best interest to consider many aspects we will cover including availability, expertise, and likeability. 

Find a Broker who is Flexible and Available

Though there are capable part-time agents who sell homes, you should work with someone who can show your house at different times or, if you're a buyer, who can take you out to see homes at a convenient time. Asking upfront what their availability is will save you time. Find out if they are willing to be flexible when holding showings, and with showing you properties. 

It is also very important to work with a realtor who is dependable when it comes to answering their phone and returning calls and messages. After all, you won’t get much accomplished together if you can’t communicate well!

Find a Broker Who is a Local Expert

You need a realtor working for you who is familiar with and better yet, a native to the area. Real estate professionals who know the area are better aware of the most desired neighborhoods, local spots, and amenities, and know the current trends in the area and average market price. 

Having a realtor with local knowledge also gives you the upper hand because they have the inside scoop on homes not yet on the market, and an ongoing relationship with other realtors in the area that they regularly network with.

Find a Broker You Actually Like and Trust

In the industry of real estate, personality and likeability are key factors. Yes, experience matters, but it shouldn’t be the sole determinant of who you choose to work for you. Of course, you don’t want a realtor working for you who has such a large number of other clients that they can’t give you the proper focus and attention that you need. You should never have to compete for your realtor’s time. 

You want a realtor who you can get to know, who you can actually get along and mesh with, and who is trustworthy and honest. Whether you are selling or buying a home, having an agent who can stay on the same page and understands you intuitively will always work in your favor. 

We’re Ready to Work for You!

At 316 Realty Group, we are a full-service real estate brokerage that is confident we can serve you best. Between our biblically-rooted principles, integrity, and work ethic, our real estate agents bring a high level of expertise and professionalism to the table, and we pride ourselves on building genuine relationships with our clients. We want your trust and we want to achieve your goals with you! Reach out to us today and allow us to exceed your expectations!