What does a military relocation professional do?

What is a Military Relocation Professional?

Military relocation professionals (MRPs) are real estate agents who have received specialized training to support military service members, veterans, and their families in buying, selling, or renting homes. They understand the unique needs and challenges associated with military relocations, streamlining the real estate process for military clients and ensuring they find suitable housing quickly and efficiently, regardless of location or timing.

What does a Military Relocation Professional do?

Duties and Responsibilities
Military relocation professionals perform a range of tasks to help military clients relocate, alleviating many of the common stressors involved in the process:

• Understanding Military Relocation Needs – Become familiar with the challenges and nuances of military moves, such as Permanent Change of Station (PCS) requirements, frequent relocations, and deployments. Unlike temporary duty assignments, permanent change of station orders are a longer-term assignment, generally two to four years.
• Assisting with VA Loan Process – Guide clients through Veterans Affairs loan eligibility, application, and approval processes, ensuring they make the most of this benefit.
• Time-Sensitive Planning – Work with tight relocation timelines, helping clients find or sell homes quickly to meet PCS orders and avoid extended temporary housing.
• Market Analysis and Pricing – Conduct comparative market analyses to help clients price homes competitively or negotiate effectively in the buying process.
• Community Knowledge – Provide insights into military-friendly neighborhoods, schools, healthcare facilities, and other amenities that may suit military families.
• Facilitating Home-Buying and Home-Selling – Coordinate each step of the home-buying or home-selling process, from viewings and inspections to closing, making the transaction as smooth as possible.
• Resource Connection – Connect clients with local resources, such as moving companies, temporary housing options, financial advisors, and military support networks.
• Effective Communication – Maintain clear and proactive communication to keep clients informed of progress and next steps, especially when clients are stationed away from the area.
• Legal and Financial Guidance – Educate clients on real estate laws, relocation allowances, tax implications, and other financial aspects relevant to military families.
• Support in Rental Property Transactions – Assist military families seeking rental properties, which is often necessary for short-term or temporary relocations.

Types of Military Relocation Professionals
All military relocation professionals share the same certification and general expertise, but they may specialize in different areas depending on the unique needs of their clients or the nature of their local market. Here are some distinctions that can exist among MRPs:

• VA Loan Specialists – Some MRPs focus specifically on the VA loan process, guiding clients through the process and leveraging VA benefits in purchasing homes.
• PCS Move Specialists – These MRPs are experts in managing the logistics of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocations, which often require quick turnaround times and in-depth knowledge of specific military bases and nearby housing.
• Rental Relocation Experts – MRPs may focus on assisting military clients with finding rental properties.
• Overseas Relocation Advisors – These are MRPs who specialize in international moves, helping clients understand housing options and resources when relocating to or from overseas assignments.
• Retirement and Transition Experts – For military members transitioning out of active duty or retiring, these MRPs focus on helping clients find stable housing options and adjust to civilian life.

What is the workplace of a Military Relocation Professional like?

Military relocation professionals (MRPs) can work for or with a variety of organizations that cater to military families and their unique housing needs. These are among their most common employers:

• Real Estate Brokerages – Large national firms like Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, and RE/MAX, as well as local real estate agencies, often employ MRPs to assist military clients in military-heavy areas.
• Military Housing Offices (MHOs) – Located on or near military bases, MHOs help service members find suitable housing, and MRPs can be valuable liaisons within these offices.
• Relocation Companies – Companies specializing in corporate or government relocation services, like SIRVA and Cartus, employ MRPs to assist with military and veteran relocations.
• Government Contractors – Some government contractors involved with military housing projects or base housing may employ MRPs for on-site support.
• Department of Defense (DoD) Relocation Programs – Certain DoD programs, such as the Defense Travel Management Office’s relocation support, may work with MRPs to help military members transition smoothly.
• Independent Real Estate Consultants – Some MRPs work independently, contracting their services to military families or partnering with veteran support organizations.
• Veteran Support Organizations – Non-profits like the USO (United Service Organizations) or the Armed Services YMCA may partner with or employ MRPs to provide relocation assistance as part of broader military family support.
• Property Management Companies – Companies that manage rental properties near military installations may employ MRPs to help connect military renters with available housing.

Here’s what the work environment of a military relocation professional might look like:

• Real Estate Offices – MRPs often work out of traditional real estate offices where they meet clients, hold consultations, and complete paperwork. These offices may be part of large brokerages, smaller agencies, or independent consultancies.
• Military Base Locations – In some cases, MRPs work on or near military bases.
• Client Homes and Field Visits – MRPs frequently travel to meet clients at their homes, conduct property tours, attend inspections, and oversee staging and other preparatory steps for buying or selling homes.
• Virtual Workspaces – Many MRPs use virtual meeting platforms and digital tools to connect with clients who may be stationed remotely or overseas. They often handle paperwork electronically and use real estate software to facilitate communication and transaction processes.
• Local Communities – MRPs spend time building local community knowledge to better inform clients about schools, healthcare facilities, amenities, and military-friendly neighborhoods, often involving field visits to various areas.