Military homebuyers have complex needs compared to your average buyer. They may be dealing with a quick timeline due to a Permanent Change of Station, moving to a far-off place with little on-the-ground connections, or using the VA loan program, which comes with unique nuances that must be handled expertly and efficiently in order to see success.

For these reasons, it’s important that military buyers choose their real estate agents carefully, focusing only on agents who are experienced and knowledgeable with military clientele.

Are you preparing to buy a home as a veteran or military member? Here’s how to find the right agent for your journey.

What is a Military-Friendly Real Estate Agent?

Military-friendly real estate agents don’t necessarily need any specific designation or certification. Instead, they have deep experience in military purchases. They’ve helped countless clients through PCS moves, VA loan applications, VA appraisals, moves between bases, and all the other steps a military purchase requires. In many cases, they may even specialize solely in military purchases or be a Veteran or military spouse themselves.

Your typical real estate agent won’t have this level of experience, and it can lead to more challenges along the way, including delays, failed appraisals, rejected offers, and more, all of which can complicate your military-related move.

Why Military Families Need a Military-Friendly Real Estate Agent

While you can technically use any licensed real estate agent to buy a home — even as a military family — a military-focused one is usually your best bet.

For one, if you’re going through a PCS, you will likely be on a tight timeline, and an agent with military experience can help streamline the process and keep it moving.

Not only will they be familiar with the neighborhoods surrounding your new military base, allowing them to point you toward the best-fitting homes for your budget and needs quickly, but they’ll also understand the VA loan process, including the strict property standards that VA loans come with. This can help you avoid issues with the VA appraisal that can throw off your loan approval and delay your purchase.

A military-friendly agent will also understand Basic Allowances for Housing (BAH) and military pay structures — and how those factor into your homebuying budget — and know how to package and sell a VA loan offer. This is important, as some sellers may have reservations about offers with VA loans attached to them, assuming they’re slower or less likely to close than other loan types. (In reality, only about 4% of denied mortgage applications were VA loans last year, according to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data.)

Steps to Find a Military-Friendly Real Estate Agent

If you’re a military member preparing for a PCS or just looking to buy a house, finding a military-friendly real estate agent in the area you’re heading to is critical. Here’s how to do it:

1. Ask for Referrals From Fellow Service Members

The best place to start is your military community. Ask other military families at your station what agent they have used for past moves, or contact families at the base you’re moving to for recommendations. Your base housing office will also likely have a list of vetted providers you can use as a starting point.

These sorts of personal recommendations are the best way to ensure you’re getting an agent who’s not only well-versed in military purchases and the unique needs of military buyers, but that they deliver great customer service, too.

2. Look for Organizations Serving Veterans and Military Members

There are several organizations and networks that you can leverage as well. These connect service members with real estate agents who have proven experience in military home purchases and PCS moves.

Veterans United Realty, for example, is a network of more than 7,000 U.S. real estate agents who understand VA loans, Permanent Changes of Station, BAH, and the other unique nuances and challenges of buying a home as a military family.

You can also look for real estate agents in your area with the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification. This is given to members of the National Association of Realtors who have completed the group’s one-day MRP Certification Course either online or in-person.

3. Search Online and Read Reviews

Once you have a few real estate agents you’re considering, do your research. Find them online, look up their certifications, and read past customer reviews, looking specifically for mentions of their experience in serving military buyers.

To get an even better feel for an agent’s capabilities, you can also schedule a phone or in-person interview with agents you’ve shortlisted. Ask them about their experiences helping military families and how they can help you buy a home with a VA loan successfully. You may also want to ask for the contact information for a few past clients to get a feel for what kind of service they deliver.

FAQs About Military-Friendly Real Estate Agents

Do I need a VA loan to work with a military-friendly agent?

While a military-friendly real estate agent can certainly help you traverse the VA loan process, they also have experience with other types of mortgage loans, too, including FHA, conventional, jumbo, and non-QM loans. Talk to a mortgage professional about what type of mortgage is best for your home purchase and goals.

How can a military-friendly agent help with PCS moves?

A military-friendly real estate agent can ensure your PCS goes smoothly and avoids delays. They’ll know the best neighborhoods to consider for housing near your new base, understand the unique nuances and challenges that the VA loan process comes with, and have local, on-the-ground connections that can make your move a success.

What questions should I ask before choosing an agent?

Before selecting a real estate agent for your military move, ask them about their experience with other military buyers, as well as their knowledge of the VA loan process, Basic Allowances for Housing, Permanent Changes of Station, and other military-specific nuances. You should also ask for contact information for a past client or two who can vouch for their customer service.

What happens after I find a real estate agent?

After you find a real estate agent, you will likely sign a contract with them. Then, you can start the home search and tour properties (often virtually or through your real estate agent if you’re buying from far away.) Once you find a property you like, your agent will help you make an offer.