Relocating is stressful, but it can be even more overwhelming as a military member. Military members and their families who need to relocate can benefit from using a military relocation professional to assist with their move.
Military relocation professionals better understand the needs and timelines of those in the military, making them the best kind of realtors to use for military families.
What is a Military Relocation Professional?
A military relocation professional is a certified real estate professional who works with current and prior military service members to find the best housing solutions to suit their needs. Essentially, they are specialized military real estate agents.
They can help military members help find homes at a new base and help you figure out the world of military real estate. Military relocation specialists are uniquely trained and certified in the military home search process, which is why they are best to use when relocating to the military.
Benefits of Using a Military Relocation Professional
There are many benefits of using military relocation specialists. Here are some of the most valuable:
Can Answer Questions Specific to the Military
Military members looking for real estate help will ask different questions than civilians looking to move. Luckily, military relocation professionals can answer military-specific questions regarding relocation. For example, a military relocation professional can answer questions like:
- Does the military pay for relocation?
- Will the military move a spouse after a divorce?
- What are PCS weight limits or what’s the best way to use a DITY calculator?
They can help explain that with a partial-DITY move, the military can reimburse you up to 95 percent of the costs associated with moving until you reach the weight limit. For relocation during a PCS, you can get a dislocation allowance to reimburse some costs.
In-Depth Knowledge of Military Moves
Having a military relocation specialist designation can help you in many ways since they better understand military processes and concerns involved with moving.
Many military relocation specialists have this in-depth knowledge due to direct experience or research. They can actively explain the military market, broker’s market analysis, military relocation, VA financing for active duty vets, and more.
Have Extensive Knowledge of the Military Market
Unlike civilian real estate, you cannot just visit open houses whenever you feel like a military move. Frequently, military moves happen across the county, and you may need to be placed in temporary housing.
A military relocation professional can be helpful in this situation, as you need someone who has a lot of knowledge about what is available in the area. They can quickly match your and your family’s needs to what is currently available on the market.
Understanding Military Terminology
Many realtors without military knowledge are not helpful regarding military acronyms and phrases. A military relocation professional will understand terms like BAH (basic housing allowance), LED (leave and earnings statement), and DLA (dislocation allowance).
Having a realtor who understands these military terms is essential for you to be informed appropriately.
Military Relocation Professional Designation Vs. Certification
You may have noticed that there are MRP designations and certifications. While there is a slight difference between the two, both will get you where you need to be. A military relocation professional designation takes more time and money for the specialist to reach that point.
It is almost like having a master’s degree instead of a bachelor’s degree. An MRP certification is like any other professional development opportunity. Both designations and certifications will be efficient for you to gain the knowledge and help you need regarding your military move.
How to Find a Military Relocation Professional
There are a few ways to find a qualified military relocation professional:
- Contact ARC Relocation to find quality realtors that specialize in military relocations
- Ask for referrals from friends or family in the military who have recently moved
- Search online listings and profiles specifically for real estate agents specializing in military moves
- Contact your base housing office for recommendations
When looking for a military relocation pro, be sure to ask about their specific experience helping military families move. Having an understanding of military culture and processes will make a big difference.
Military Relocation Professionals: FAQs
How much does a military relocation specialist cost?
A military relocation specialist’s fees are typically the same as a regular real estate agent’s commission. Military specialists do not usually charge extra fees specifically for their military expertise – you just pay their standard real estate commission.
The exact percentage depends on your state and situation. Since they provide specialized services tailored to military moves, their commissions are well worth the investment for most military families.
Can veterans use a military relocation professional too if they are moving after active duty?
Yes, military relocation professionals are able to assist veterans as well. Their knowledge of VA loans, military terminologies, working with bases, and experience with service members applies to veterans too.
So whether you are active duty, retiring soon, or have already separated, a military relocation specialist can help any military member or veteran who is moving to a new home. They understand the unique needs and timelines of military life, even after active service.
Do I have to use a military relocation professional?
No, using a military relocation specialist is completely optional. Some military members prefer to handle the moving process on their own or with a regular real estate agent.
However, specialists have extensive expertise specifically with military relocations that can simplify the process and help avoid any pitfalls unique to PCS moves. Their familiarity with military terminology, base housing, working with the DOD, and other factors can make the move much smoother.
How ARC Supports Military Members
Before it was discontinued, the USAA Movers Advantage Program offered cash rewards for military customers and their families to help them save money during a move.
The goal of this program was to put money back into your pocket, have a wider variety of real estate agents, and increase your profit. ARC helps support military members by pairing you with a relocation specialist to help make your move easier.
ARC offers a home buying or selling rebate to anyone buying or selling their homes, not just in the military. They will help you find a realtor or military relocation professional, help plan your move, and provide options for moving companies to move your belongings safely.
They can help find insured van lines and moving companies that help with various factors like packing, unpacking, moving furniture, disposing of packing materials, providing packing supplies, assembling and disassembling furniture, and transporting your belongings.
Planning a military move can be complicated. However, using a military relocation professional can be less complicated.
If you are planning on relocating, fill out the form below to claim your real estate rebate, and put $1,000’s of dollars back in your pocket.