It’s that time of year again! PCS season is well underway even if you don’t physically move until June or July. Any experienced military spouse will tell you PCS prep starts many months before the movers come, possibly as early as when the duty station wish list is turned in. I remember when even a whisper of the possibility of a new base sent me online, scrounging for details.
One of the most important pre-move tasks is finding a trustworthy real estate agent to help you rent or buy a home. When we found out we were headed to the National Capital Region, one of the best pieces of advice we heard was to find a real estate agent to help us with our search. I’m so glad we did. It’s a tough area to move to due to the expense, traffic and the sheer size of the region.
How To Find a Real Estate Agent
If you feel overwhelmed finding an agent in an unfamiliar area, don’t worry; there are ways to connect with experienced professionals. Since it’s a semi-portable career, chances are you’ll meet a veteran or military spouse agent who knows exactly what you’re going through.
- Always use your network to crowdsource. Whether it’s your best friend, a friend of a friend or a desperate call on your personal social media, ask if anyone knows a real estate agent in the area you’re headed. You’ll be surprised by the number of passionate responses you’ll get because many people consider their agent family.
- Join online military family groups. If you’re unhappy with the personal recommendations, it’s time to widen your scope and join online groups dedicated to a PCS, your duty station or your new city. Your inbound base’s newcomers or housing (not the private housing company) office might have a list of local real estate agents to share.
- Research websites and reviews. After you’ve narrowed your search, it’s time for an informal background check on your favorites. Head to their websites and read everything they share, from experience working with military families (look for their Military Relocation Professional credentials) to their philosophy on real estate transactions in general. You also want to ensure they’re up for finding a rental house if needed; not all agents do.
- Interview Your Top Real Estate Agent Picks. Like dating, finding a real estate agent you click with is an essential part of the search. Take time to interview multiple people. It might take a few tries to find one who “gets you.” Prepare questions in advance to make sure everyone is on the same page. It’s a big red flag if the agent seems uninterested or annoyed by your questions.
Questions To Ask During the Interview
- First, ask general questions about their experience and business. For example, if they’ve worked with military members and how they’re compensated for their services. This gives you a feel for their style, especially if you’re buying a home. If you’re a first-time buyer, make sure you’ll feel comfortable asking A LOT of questions during the process.
- Discuss your priorities, like your budget, home size, location or a short timeline. You also might be concerned about their ability to work with you while living overseas. Ask if they’re experienced with your most important priorities. If not, it’s time to talk to another.
- Customize the following questions to help you decide if the agent is right for you:
- Do you work alone, or will I meet your partner or teammates?
- How much experience do you have working with VA loans and VA loan assumptions?
- Renting is very competitive. How have you helped military members beat the competition?
- Do you offer special programs (like rebates) for military buyers or renters?
Real estate agents with a heart for serving military members will make your relocation less stressful and scary, so invest the time into finding one that’s your perfect match. Your investment won’t end after moving in, though. Remember, they may also help you sell your house or take on your property management when it’s time to leave.
Blog Brigade unites military spouses by creating a community built on shared experiences and mutual support. Navigating the complexities of military life can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Military OneSource offers valuable resources focused on well-being, readiness, and connection. Explore a range of moving and housing resources and tools tailored to your needs.
