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Finding a Realtor Who Knows What a Military Family Needs

Tips to finding a realtor for your PCS move

By Mellanie Kibbel April 3, 2015
It’s that time again, you’re PCSing. There’s a multitude of things that must be done. If you own a home, you have to get it on the market. If you're thinking about buying a home at your next duty station, there’s the search and a whirlwind short few days of house hunting leave. Give yourself a bit of breathing room and work with a REALTOR®. "How do find said REALTOR®?" Glad you asked.

First, these recommendations aren’t like all the others you read on Trulia or Bankrate, because I am a military wife and veteran, not a company. I've been where you are.

You can go with an agent who has a bunch of listings, but will they have the time to devote to you? Don't rule out new agents to find a house for you. They have the time to see to your housing needs, a desire to prove themselves, an enthusiasm for helping, and a managing broker watching over their shoulder to be sure everything is done correctly. It’s a bit like getting two agents in one.

Beyond all of that, active duty families need an agent who knows HOW to work with them. If you need to explain what BAH or PCS means to the agent, that is not the agent for you. Here’s a quick way to spot the ones who speak your lingo.

  • Every agent must meet the minimum requirements for the state they are licensed. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has developed several designations. MRP stands for Military Relocation Professional. The agent with this designation has taken the time and expense of taking additional course work and has passed a test. 
  • Certified Military Residential Specialist (CMRS) is NOT a REALTOR® designation, but is a class available to agents so that they may gain the knowledge needed to work with military clients.
  • If you still can't find an agent who understands military speak, look for one on the Rosie Network. Better yet, you might want to start your search there. The Rosie Network is a network of military family-owned businesses across America. Military affiliation is verified before allowing businesses to be added. The agents there have been in your shoes. What better way to know how to help the military family than being/having been a member of a military family.
You can find out more about Mellanie in her online profile on The Rosie Network.