How to become a military relocation professional

How to become a Military Relocation Professional

Becoming a military relocation professional (MRP) involves several steps, primarily focusing on obtaining a real estate license and completing specialized training. Here’s a snapshot of the pathway to the career:

Meet Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 18 or 19 years old, depending on your state or country. In addition, most regions require that aspiring real estate agents have at least a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.

Bachelor’s Degree (Optional)
While not required, some agents may opt to pursue a degree in real estate, or a related field such as business administration, marketing, or finance.

Pre-Licensing Education
After meeting the basic education requirement, prospective agents must complete an accredited pre-licensing course from a real estate school or institution. The number of required hours varies depending on the US state or country, but typically ranges from 60 to 180 hours.

The course curriculum generally covers key topics such as:

• Real estate principles and practices
• Property ownership and land use
• Contracts and agency relationships
• Property valuation and appraisal
• Real estate finance and mortgage laws
• Real estate ethics and professional conduct
• State-specific real estate laws and regulations

Licensing Exam
To operate as a military relocation professional, candidates must pass the real estate licensing exam. To qualify for the exam, they must usually provide proof of completing the pre-licensing education.

The exam usually has two parts:

• A national section that covers general real estate laws and principles and practices
• A state or regional section that focuses on specific laws and regulations in your state or jurisdiction (if in a country other than the United States)

License Application
Once you pass the exam, you’ll need to apply for your real estate license through your state’s or country’s real estate regulatory agency. You may be required to submit a background check and fingerprinting as part of the application process.

Gain Real Estate Experience
Work as a real estate agent to build foundational knowledge and experience in the industry. This experience is crucial for understanding the home-buying and home-selling processes.

Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification
After becoming a licensed real estate agent, enroll in the MRP certification course offered by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). The course curriculum focuses on the military relocation process, including Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, understanding VA (Veterans Affairs) loan benefits and financial options, and navigating military relocations and the challenges associated with frequent moves.

After completing this training, you’ll need to pass the MRP certification exam to demonstrate your understanding of the material and earn your designation.

Market Your Services
Once certified, promote your MRP services through various marketing channels, building relationships with local military communities, organizations, and resources, and highlighting your specialization in assisting military families with relocations.

Continuing Education
Many states require real estate agents to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licenses. Engaging in ongoing training related to military relocations and real estate trends and best practices is also beneficial for MRPs. This can often be achieved by attending workshops, webinars, and conferences.

Additional Certifications
In addition to the specialized MRP certification, military relocation professionals may also pursue other credentials or training, which are aimed at the broader real estate community. Here are some examples:

• Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) – Offered by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and its affiliate, the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council (REBAC), this certification focuses on improving skills in serving buyers and understanding their needs.
• Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) – This designation, also offered by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), focuses on skills specific to working with sellers. It covers topics like listing and marketing strategies, seller representation, and negotiation techniques.
• Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) – Awarded by the Residential Real Estate Council (RRC), this designation is for agents who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience in residential real estate transactions. It requires completing advanced coursework and meeting transaction experience requirements.
• Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) – This designation is provided by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and covers advanced education in real estate practices, ethics, and laws. It requires completing coursework and passing an exam.
• Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) – This certification, awarded by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM), is for agents who specialize in luxury properties. It focuses on advanced marketing strategies and understanding the luxury real estate market.
• Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) – This certification, offered by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI), focuses on negotiation techniques, helping agents become more effective in negotiating terms and prices on behalf of their clients.
• Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE) – This advanced certification is for agents who want to deepen their negotiation skills beyond the basics, focusing on complex and high-stakes negotiations.
• EcoBroker Certified – This certification is for agents who are knowledgeable about eco-friendly and sustainable real estate practices. It covers green building practices, energy efficiency, and environmentally conscious real estate practices.
• e-PRO® – This is another certification administered by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). It focuses on using digital tools and strategies to enhance online marketing and client communication.

Professional Organizations
These are organizations that are particularly relevant for military relocation professionals:

• Veterans Affairs (VA) – The VA offers various programs and resources for military personnel, veterans, and their families, including information about VA loans and housing benefits, which MRPs can utilize to better assist their clients.
• National Military Family Association (NMFA) – This non-profit organization advocates for military families and offers resources, information, and networking opportunities for professionals who work with military families, including MRPs.

Like the National Association of REALTORS®, these entities support the wider realtor profession with access to resources, support, and professional development opportunities:

• American Real Estate Society (ARES) – ARES provides academic research and professional development opportunities in the real estate field, including access to industry journals and conferences.
• National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) – Founded in 1947, NAREB focuses on promoting equal housing opportunities and improving the real estate profession, particularly among minority communities. It provides professional development and advocacy for its members.
• National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA) – Focused on buyer agents, NAEBA provides resources and training that can be beneficial for all real estate professionals, including MRPs.
• International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) – FIABCI, the global real estate association, connects real estate professionals across borders, offering international market insights and networking opportunities.