In the Military? Moving? 4 Tips for a Smooth Transition

People in the military move quite a bit. Over time, they perfect the art of finding a new Falcon home, settling down, and making the best of it. If you're a member of the military and you're moving, whether it's for the first time or for the fifth time, these tips can help you have a smooth transition. Here's what you need to know.

1. Do Your Research

Before moving to a new town, city or state, it's important to do research. Home buyers should find out everything they can about the place where they're hoping to move, from the average cost to buy a home to the cost of living and local cultural events. The more the home buyer knows about the place where they'll be living, the easier it will be for them to choose a neighborhood where they can live, and choose a home to buy. Information can guide the home buyer to help them get started with their home purchase.

2. Decide: House or Condo?

Many members of the military appreciate condo life because condos are easy to maintain and often smaller than houses, which can make them easier to move into and out of. Some condos can also be leased when the time comes to move out of the condo.

By contrast, moving into a new house can be more challenging. Homes need a lot of maintenance, and unlike a condo, homes must be fully maintained by the homeowner. In a situation where the homeowner or even one of the homeowners is away on active duty, this can leave a lot of responsibility up to the remaining homeowner. Sometimes, homeownership can become too much.

Still, owning a home does have its benefits. Homes are often larger, roomier and have more yard space compared to condos. People who have children, pets and large families often prefer a home over a condo.

3. VA Loan: Know Your Options

VA loans are a benefit that many people in the military have access to. VA loans require no money down and also have no mortgage insurance. For a buyer who is on a budget and who would like to purchase a house, VA loans make all that possible. These loans are available to most active duty military and retired veterans. Home buyers who want to know more about VA loans can talk to a certified lender or their local VA office for more information.

4. Work With an Experienced Real Estate Professional

Experienced real estate professionals who are aware of the issues facing service members can be very helpful throughout the home buying process. A good real estate agent can raise issues that may concern service members (such as the burden of maintaining a home versus a condo), which can help the home buyer decide which property is right for them.

A good real estate agent can also make purchasing a home simpler, which can be very helpful if the person purchasing a home is trying to do the work remotely. Overall, working with an experienced real estate professional can be very useful.

Contact Your Real Estate Professional

If you're an active duty military or a veteran, contact a real estate professional who has experience helping service members purchase their homes. By working with an experienced real estate agent, you can make the experience of buying a more satisfying and better experience overall.