Introduction
Working in real estate is exciting and competitive, especially in today’s market. Are you looking for something that can give you a competitive edge? Then you have come to the right place. Working in military real estate can be even more exciting and rewarding. Not to mention that military members are always on the move.
Did you know that military families move on average every 2-3 years?
If you’ve ever thought about going into military real estate, you’ll need to become a certified military relocation professional. If you don’t know what that is, keep on reading and we’ll lay it out for you. If you’re ready to take the next step into becoming a military agent, go to that section to learn about who can become one and what you’ll need to do.
- Overview
- Why We Need Military Relocation Professionals
- Who Can Become a Military Relocation Professional?
Military Relocation Professional: An Overview
A military relocation professional is a specialized military real estate agent. Military relocation professionals help people looking for homes at a new base or trying to figure out the world of military real estate for the first time. They have in-depth knowledge of military real estate listings and practices.
A military relocation specialist needs to be uniquely trained and certified in the military home search process. They will also need to know new regulations and processes that are unique to military moves.
Why We Need Military Relocation Professionals
There is a lot about military relocation that is different from civilian relocation. There are different processes, regulations, listings, questions, and barriers. Let’s look at why military relocation professionals are so valued.
1. They Have In-Depth Knowledge of Military Moves
Current or future military members need the expertise of military relocation professionals because they will ideally understand their thought processes and concerns (whether it’s through direct experience or dedicated research).
This is why many milspouses end up becoming military relocation professionals. This is a great career for someone who has intimate knowledge of military moves and how they can affect military members and their families. This way, they can help with both logistics and support.
Want to get a heads start on what types of military moves there are? Head on over to our blog where we break them down for you.
2. They Can Answer Military-Specific Relocation Questions
People who need military real estate help will be asking different questions than civilians.
Questions like, “Does the military pay for relocation?” will often arise, and they can’t always be answered by your everyday real estate agent.
If you’re just beginning your journey to becoming a military relocator, you might want to pocket the following information.
If people are up for a partial-DITY move, the military can reimburse them for up to 95% of the associated costs with moving (until the weight limit is reached, that is). A Dislocation Allowance can also reimburse some of the costs for relocation during a PCS.
This is one question in a pile of dozens that will be unique to people who are looking for the help of a military relocation professional.
3. They Can Help With the Extra Paperwork
When it comes to military relocation, there are a lot of rules regarding weight, reimbursement, items people are or are not allowed to bring, and more. With these rules comes more paperwork than there is with civilian relocation. Let’s look at just a few of the many forms that are unique to military members during a move.
PPM Submission Checklist
PPM stands for Personally Procured Move. This will help potential future clients make sure that they have all the required documentation to submit to the personal property office before going into the logistics of the move.
ATF Form 6
If a military member needs to import firearms, ammo, or other weapons into the U.S., this form will have to be filled out and submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
DD1351-2 Travel Voucher
The Travel Voucher must be filled out in order for someone to receive reimbursement for expenses related to their military move. This form must be delivered to the finance office. Some installations now have virtual forms to make the process easier, but clients still may need help making sure everything is properly completed.
SF1038 Advance of Funds Application (PPM)
If a client is looking for funds to help them with part of their move, this form will need to be completed and delivered to the finance office before the move.
4. They Know the Market Inside and Out
This one is a given. However, it’s something that not everyone thinks about during a military move. Unlike civilian real estate, people can’t just visit an open house every other week to see if they like the place they may be moving into.
Military moves often happen across the country, and military members may be placed in temporary lodging. They’re often given a very short amount of time before they must find more permanent housing. These people will need someone who has a lot of knowledge about what’s available in the area.
A military relocation professional can quickly match up the needs of the family or military member to what is currently available on their new installation.
5. They Know Military Real Estate Jargon
Real estate jargon isn’t easy on its own. When you try to get into the world of military real estate, there are tons more acronyms and phrases that you’ll need to be able to keep up with. Things like LES (leave and earnings statement), BAH (basic allowance for housing), and DLA (dislocation allowance) will be imperative for clients to be informed about in layman’s terms.
Who Can Become a Military Relocation Professional?
If you’ve made it this far, you might be ready to jump right to it. Becoming a military relocation professional is pretty straightforward once you know the requirements and steps involved.
In short, anyone who is currently a realtor can take a certification course to become a military relocation professional. Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the requirements.
Related read: Military Real Estate Agent Partnership Proves Success
How To Become a Military Relocation Professional
- Be in good standing with the National Association of REALTORS®.
- Pay for and complete the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification Core Course.
- Complete two webinars: “Bringing Military Families Home With MILLIE” and “Understanding VA Home Loans With David Piatek.”
- Score 80% or higher on the end-of-course exam.
- Submit the online application for certification and pay the $195 application fee.
Designation vs. Certification
You may have seen the terms “designation” and “certification” being used. There is a slight difference between the two, but both will get you where you want to be.
A designation is a longer, more intensive process that is held in slightly higher esteem. It also costs a bit more, as you have to attend extra courses and webinars. An MRP designation is great for people who are newer to the industry.
A certification usually takes less time to complete and does not cost as much as a designation. They are often seen as supplements to existing knowledge bases. In most cases, an MRP certification is all you will need to become a military relocation professional if you are already a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.
HOT TIP: You can become an AHRN.com Certified Military Agent right here on our site. You will receive real-time inbound leads from our military audience, a real estate agent marketing resource page, and more. You can learn more by reaching out to Caroline at cschmitz@ahrn.com or by clicking here.
Conclusion
Congrats! Now, you’re well on your way to becoming a military relocation professional and helping hundreds of military members and their families during hectic military moves. With the help of AHRN.com’s expansive military real estate listings, you can place your focus where it really matters and let us do the heavy lifting.
Last Updated: 10/7/2021
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