What IS a Military Relocation Specialist? AM I?

A Military Relocation Specialist is a real estate agent that specializes in handling the real estate issues of the military community, is well informed on military real estate moves, benefits, and anticipates your needs and concerns.

I have seen “Military Relocation Specialist” designations. Is there an official nationally or military accepted designation?

NO - Keep in mind that there is “NO” nationally nor internationally accepted designation, since there are neither common accepted standards nor requirements. Agents that identify themselves as a Military Relocation Specialist are ones that will in one way or another explain why? Some real estate firms have a class that informs it’s agents on military requirements, acronyms, benefits and other military issues that they deem important, others do not.
Also, there are independent internet sites that agents can join for a fee that will advertise such a benefit, create a logo, and an advertising plan (after all, people are starting to see the military as big business). Those agents that join will then reflect their opinion that they are a military relocation specialist.  Usually military members desire a full time professional local agent with a “been there and done that” experience and understanding of military relocation and real estate issues.

Why is a Military Relocation Specialist so important?

When military orders come down range the military member may have never been in that area, city nor neighborhood. They may have quite a bit of time or no time at all to make arrangements! They have many questions, needs and concerns. Concerns such as:

How and where are the schools?
Are there military on/off base clinics, commissaries, exchange, and other services? And where are they?
Will my BHA cover my housing bills?
How is TMO timeline and coordination going to work especially if there was no prior housing TDY/TAD trips to purchase or rent a home?
Commuting time to and from bases with alternative routes and with or without tunnels and/or bridges? (Extremely important in a few MOS’s)?

What should the Military Family do to protect themselves?

It is the responsibility of the military member and their family to use due diligence! Most relocation packages are an assortment of house / tourist magazines, advertisements and many with little or no real tangible benefits.
These relocation packages were fine at the time without the internet, however most military find that a well organized relevant “Military Relocation” local web site, without the massive advertising is the best method. They want to know what the place and their life would be like as if they have lived there all their life and reduce the surprises and rip-offs!

Ask your agent what qualifies them to be a “Military Relocation Specialist”?

Was it just a class?
Did they experience it themselves?
Do they understand the issues concerning household moves, supplementary shipments, BHA, COLA, and other issues and timelines?
Will they be able to assist you with other questions even after the sale?
The majority of my military clients call me throughout their tour for local information, local services get-togethers, and other information and advice.
Remember: If an agent is confident that they CAN provide such services, they will not be defensive, rather they are more than happy to go into detail and explain what it is that qualifies them to be so. Read their bio, then email and call them. There is a lot you can learn from a spontaneous answer!
– This is YOUR responsibility as a Military Family!