5 Quick Tips for Active Duty Military Buying Homes While Overseas

Military members often wonder if it's possible to buy a home while on active duty. There are some challenges of remote home buying, especially when the military member is stationed overseas. Finding the right home in the right place can be difficult. Fortunately, buying a home while overseas on military orders doesn't have to be as hard as it may seem at first. Keep reading to find five tips to make it easier for active-duty military members to purchase a home while abroad.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Hire a Real Estate Pro Experienced with Military Home Buyers

A real estate professional in the intended area of purchase can serve as the boots on the ground for active servicepersons looking for a new home. The best options for military homebuyers are real estate agents with a Military Relocation Certification from NAR.

These certified agents are highly knowledgeable about the needs of active military buyers and are well versed concerning benefits and loans offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. There's no need to undertake this effort alone. There are several good reasons to work with a military real estate agent, and buyers are likely to be far more satisfied with a military-minded agent on their side.

Narrow Down Possible Neighborhoods

Thanks to the internet, current military members looking for homes can do specific searches in neighborhoods of possible interest from any location. Using Google Earth, one can view images of the community's areas near the houses under consideration.

The city's official website can be helpful to explore local schools, parks, attractions, events, and tax rates. This research can prove invaluable when determining budgets, the desirability of homes in the area, and either cementing a neighborhood or removing it from the list of possibilities.

Tour Homes Virtually

Again, the worldwide web can be a remarkable home buying tool, as it allows many homes to be viewed inside and out virtually. Virtual home tours may include 360-degree views of the interiors and exteriors, and some sellers use drone technology to offer aerial views of the property.

If a professional agent, spouse, or trusted friend is local to the home, they can be a secondary source for measurements and other specifics that the internet might not reveal. Using a video chat app, the buyer can even travel alongside this representative for a better view and answer any questions.

Look Into VA Loans and Lenders

It just makes good sense for those who qualify to look into their options for a VA loan and lenders who specifically offer mortgages for military members. Such loans are insured by the Department of Veteran's Affairs and are made by private lenders.

The perks of choosing VA loans and lenders are typically no down payment required, and interest rates are generally lower than conventional mortgages. VA lenders also factor in any residual income for military buyers needing to boost monthly income for loan qualification purposes.

Take Advantage of Special Military Homeowner Benefits

There are some key tax homeownership benefits for active servicepersons. Should a move be due to a military-ordered relocation, certain moving expenses that aren't reimbursed can be used as a tax deduction. Those under a VA loan may be able to deduct any interest paid on the loan. Be sure to work with a tax professional or the VA benefits department to identify other perks of buying a home, whether serving locally or overseas.

Buying a Home While Overseas Is Feasible for Active-Duty Military

While it's not advised to go through this process alone, finding the home dreams are made of while living overseas and before a transfer abroad is possible. Just reach out to a certified agent with experience dealing with the unique needs of active servicepersons buying a home.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.