Finding a Home Between Deployments: How to Spot a Realtor Who Really Gets Military Life

Why military families need a realtor who understands service life

Moving when you serve in the military is not the same as moving for a civilian job. Families face sudden orders, tight windows for selling or buying, and the need to coordinate with bases and schools. That creates stress that ordinary real estate agents do not always know how to handle.

Dietchi Thomas, a military relocation expert with HelloNation, started working with service members after watching too many families struggle with timing, paperwork and getting fair offers. She and others in her field say the best agents for military clients combine real estate skill with practical knowledge about military rules, VA loans and the logistics of frequent moves.

That mix matters because a bad handoff can cost weeks, damage credit with lenders, or leave a family temporarily without housing. A realtor who understands service life can smooth those rough edges and keep a move from turning into a crisis.

Checklist: Traits that mark a veteran-friendly real estate agent

Not every agent who says they “work with military families” actually knows the specific needs of service members. Look for these concrete traits and services when you assess a realtor:

• Experience with PCS timelines: A veteran-friendly agent knows what a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) means in practice. They can plan around orders that arrive with little notice and offer flexible scheduling for inspections, showings and closings.
• Familiarity with VA loans: VA loans have different appraisal rules and paperwork than conventional mortgages. An agent who has closed VA deals before can anticipate appraisal issues and work with lenders familiar with VA underwriting.
• Relocation network: Agents connected to local military communities, movers, and base support offices can shorten delays. They often know which neighborhoods are friendly to military families and which schools generally welcome transfers.
• Flexible commission and timing options: Military moves can break typical timelines. Veteran-friendly agents often offer contingency plans—like contract clauses that reflect PCS moves—or know how to negotiate short settlements when needed.
• Proactive communication: Military families need clear, predictable updates. Look for agents who use multiple communication channels and who set expectations up front about response times.
• Understanding of tenant issues: For families who need to lease out a home rather than sell it, the right agent can arrange property management or connect owners with trustworthy local managers experienced with military tenants.
• Sensitivity to emotional strain: Frequent moves, deployments and uncertain housing can be hard on families. A good agent listens, keeps things simple, and protects clients from unnecessary pressure during emotional moments.

How to vet agents: certifications, references and red flags

Once you have a short list of agents, take practical steps to verify their credentials and experience.

Ask direct questions in an interview: How many PCS clients did you work with last year? Can you describe a recent VA loan closing you handled? Who are your local military contacts? How do you handle tight closing dates?

Request documentation: a list of recent closings with military clients, references from past military buyers or sellers, and examples of contract language they use for PCS situations. Agents who balk at sharing this information may lack real experience.

Look for formal signs of training: certifications in military relocation or affiliations with organizations that support military homebuyers are useful. Also check online reviews carefully. Red flags include vague answers about VA loans, an unwillingness to work around orders, and promising unrealistic timelines without contingency plans.

VA programs and local resources for military homebuyers

The VA and local military installations offer practical support beyond a realtor. The VA loan program itself provides a mortgage option with no down payment for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. Local base housing offices and family support centers can help with move coordination, point you to trusted lenders, and supply lists of local service providers.

Relocation assistance programs at the service member’s command often maintain lists of preferred agents and movers. These lists aren’t endorsements, but they are a good starting point because they reflect firms that have worked with military families before.

Dietchi Thomas on Fayetteville’s housing needs and what works there

“Fayetteville moves fast because of the base. Agents who win here know the schools, the neighborhoods families want, and how to close a deal when the clock starts ticking,” Thomas says.

Fayetteville’s market is shaped by Fort Liberty and a steady flow of arrivals and departures. That means short windows for home tours and a premium on local knowledge. According to Thomas, agents who partner with school officials and local lenders tend to ease transitions the most.

Next steps: how to search, interview and move with confidence

Start your search by asking the base housing office, your command’s relocation coordinator, or friends on post for agent names. Narrow the list to two or three and schedule a short interview—10 to 15 minutes is usually enough.

Sample questions to ask: How many military clients have you served in the past 12 months? Can you provide references from service members? Have you handled VA loans and appraisals here? What contingency plans do you use for PCS orders?

Before signing, request a clear timeline, written explanations of any fees or contingencies, and contact details for local partners like lenders and movers. If you’re leaving on short notice, inform the agent immediately and ask how they would speed up inspections and closing steps.

Finding the right realtor won’t erase the stress of a military move, but the right agent will make the process steady and predictable. For families in places like Fayetteville, that stability is the practical help that matters most.

Sources

• prnewswire.com