“Babe, I just got orders, we are officially moving!” Your response may be an “Eeeeek!” or an “Ughhhhh” – either way it’s time to get some things in order! If buying a home is in your near future, this post is for YOU!
Buying a house can be a daunting experience for any family. Before you start making any major decisions, you will need to select a real estate agent at your new duty location. Typically you’ll see a million “I need agent recs!” posts in local spouse groups this time of year, but we highly suggest digging a bit deeper than FB! Spouses pages are great for things like a new hair stylist, daycare choices, or the deets on local sporting organizations. BUT we highly recommend getting a professional recommendation when finding a real estate agent…because in the end you shouldn’t make six figure, non-refundable purchases based on unqualified strangers opinions!
If you are wanting to tackle this task on your own, here are a few characteristics to keep in mind when selecting an agent to work with!
1. Responsiveness
Many showings are during business hours, but if you can’t get away from work, this means evenings and weekend appointments. Does the agent answer you when you ask a question? Do they respond to you via your preferred method of contact? Are they prompt in returning your calls or updating your MLS listings? In some housing markets, timing is everything. If you wait too long, you’ll miss the opportunity to put in an offer. It is vital that your agent responds promptly to your questions. Remember, if they are not responding to YOU, then they are not responding to other agents either…and that could be trouble!
2. Willingness to Educate and Explain
Home buying is a new world, and you’ll ask a lot of questions, especially if you’re not super confident in the process. Find an agent who will answer your questions patiently and promptly…and to your satisfaction. There’s nothing worse than working with someone who says “just trust me.” Purchasing a home is a big deal, and there should be no situations your agent is unwilling to walk you through. Helpful reminders to calculate the insurance and taxes on every home (especially important on those at the higher end of your budget) before you put in an offer, is something small your agent (and lender) can help with to make sure there are no surprises.
3. Honesty and Transparency
Find someone who tells you the truth ALL of the time, even if this means being the bearer of bad news. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of home buying and getting emotionally attached to a home. You need a level headed agent to be realistic by showing your affordable homes, or one that will need significant repairs that don’t work with your move-in ready stipulations. A good realtor won’t be focused on making a sale at all costs but finding the right home for their client. We avoid agents who prey on military families, and aim to replace them with agents who tell the truth, even if it guides you to renting or living on post!!
4. Knowledgeable
Not only does the agent have to be knowledgeable in their local market (and surrounding areas), they need to have a strong support system (a mentor or broker) that will answer any questions THEY may have if necessary. Does your agent have a solid strategy for placing offers? Do they know reputable and responsible lenders? Do they have good contacts in the industry? Can they recommend home inspectors, insurance providers, etc for when you need? Knowledge is key for both agents and homebuyers.
5. Good Work Ethic
Does your agent actually WANT your business? Are they working hard for you or are you just a number? Do they work to make you happy or just satisfied? Are they willing to show you houses outside of business hours to accommodate your schedule for showings? Working outside of normal business houses is fairly common in the industry – especially when you are close to writing a contract on a home! Find an agent who won’t settle for less than your happiness and satisfaction. You shouldn’t feel like you’re inconveniencing your agent, at any point in the process!
Manage Your Expectations..and Good Luck!
This may seem like a big list, but there are plenty of great agents available. Also remember, that choosing a realtor is a personal decision. Your friend may have had an amazing realtor, but if their focus is outside of the area you’ve chosen, or maybe they have no experience with a VA Loan, then they aren’t your best fit. Military moves can be challenging for a ton of reasons, so we recommend hiring military spouses and veterans as they’ve experienced first hand the ins and outs of PCSing! This is the time to be picky and make sure your real estate agent’s area of expertise matches what you’re looking for. Never feel bad for choosing the real estate agent that meets YOUR needs. Before we go, we ALWAYS mention that connecting with an agent is only half the battle. It’s up to YOU to educate yourself as much as possible about this huge and rewarding decision you’re about to make!
Looking for a military-friendly agent in your area to buy or sell a home? Click here to fill out our Military Real Estate Agent Questionnaire and we will help find you an agent that is a great fit for you! If you’re interested in more free resources, visit us at The PCS Homegirls!
Meet The PCS Homegirls: Tracey + Annie
We are Tracey Greene and Annie Pepoon, co founders of The PCS Homegirls service and community. The Army brought us together in 2016 when our families were stationed at Ft. Carson (and then again at Ft. Benning a few years later) and we’ve been friends ever since! We are both licensed and professional realtors in our current duty station states, and our goal with The PCS Homegirls is to serve the military community with a genuine calling to protect, support, and educate military families in the home buying process. Visit our website and see all we have to offer The PCS Homegirls.
