3 Reasons to Work With a Military Real Estate Agent

Homebuying is exciting but can get complicated, especially for military service members who have unique needs and circumstances when purchasing a property. The buying process for military members is quite different than it is for the average homebuyer. Working with a knowledgeable military real estate agent can differentiate between a rocky experience and a seamless one. Are you an active-duty military member or a veteran seeking to buy real estate? Keep reading to find three reasons to work with a military real estate agent.

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

Military Real Estate Agents Understand Active Duty Timelines

Active duty service members are often in a time crunch for various reasons. They may have to PCS quickly and unexpectedly, or they learn there is a shortage of on-base housing at their new duty station and can only offer to add their name to a waiting list. Due to scheduling, sometimes military members must buy a house sight unseen. A knowledgeable agent will not only be efficient in the house-hunting process, but they can also stand in for them and make sure they get a suitable property at a fair market (or better) price. Skilled professional agents who routinely work with military members are equipped to work with the strict time constraints that often emerge and, if needed, have the right skills required to accelerate the buying timeline.

A good agent can also manage the sale for service members who already own homes but need to move quickly. Alternatively, they can also manage the property as a rental for a secondary source of income until the service member decides what they want to do with it. This is ideal for homeowners who would prefer not to be forced into an impulsive decision resulting in a financial disadvantage or loss.

Military Real Estate Agents Know the VA Loan Process

Experienced military real estate agents recognize all of the nuances that come with the process of receiving VA loans. The Veterans Administration loan process works a bit differently than it does for conventional loans. Those agents who don't have experience essentially go in blind to the process can negatively impact their clients. The VA has specific criteria that must be met before they approve a loan—and those agents who have worked extensively with VA lenders are familiarized with all of them. For instance, they understand the specific minimum property requirements, how the appraisal process works, and what type of documentation is needed. Even the most beautiful home might have issues triggering a VA loan denial.

Working with agents who don't thoroughly understand VA Loans can delay the home buying process, or worse, end up denying a loan during the closing. On the other hand, agents who routinely represent service members typically have a go-to list of VA lenders, which helps the process go much more smoothly. Agents with military knowledge can also assist in deciding between 15- or 30-year military mortgage amortization.

Military Real Estate Agents Help Find Housing Grants

Veterans often face circumstances non-military members don't have to think about when selecting a home. VA-savvy real estate agents know how to help disabled veterans find the right home that meets their needs. They are also skilled at identifying potential housing grants that will enable them to buy a house that contains the adaptations or renovations needed to allow them to live independently. This can be expensive, especially for veterans living on fixed incomes and limited budgets. Grants could help pay for things, such as the installation of ramps or the widening of doorways.

Military Real Estate Agents Match the Needs of Active Duty Buyers

The bottom line is, any real estate agent can technically represent an active duty military member or a veteran. Still, they may not have the experience or knowledge to navigate the process. An agent with military homebuying experience already knows what to expect, will eliminate (or at least reduce) any obstacles, and can ensure the buying or selling process goes as seamlessly as possible.