Giving Back to Military Homebuyers

The rewards of giving usually outweigh the satisfaction of receiving; as a real estate agent, making the dream of home ownership come true is the ultimate in giving. With both the holiday giving season and Veteran's Day right around the corner, we've compiled the top ways you can work with your local military veterans, to make their home ownership dreams come true.

1.) Homes for Heroes® is a network that works with real estate agents, lenders and other real estate-related service providers who offer substantial rebates and discounts to those who serve our nation every day. Military personnel (firefighters, law enforcement officers and others who make our communities a better place to live) who are looking for the home buying and selling savings, can register with a Homes for Heroes® Affiliate in their area. If you are looking to give back to those who serve, register your real estate business to become an Affiliate with Homes for Heroes®.

2.) Heroes Welcome Home is a program to prepare real estate agents to help returning U.S. soldiers and their families with their housing needs. The program takes a comprehensive approach to educating agents and provides them with the tools and resources they need to effectively counsel veterans on their real estate options, including their legal rights under the Americans with Disabilities and Fair Housing acts; home-lending programs; adapting homes to accommodate disabilities; and locating community rehabilitation and other veteran services. Educational topics include: importance of veteran housing, veteran property ownership, credit management, finance lending, and VA Loans.

3.) Veteran's United Realty is a coast-to-coast network of military-friendly real estate agents ready to help military personnel and their families find a new home. In addition to connecting military homebuyers with specialized real estate agents, the network provides military homebuyers relocation assistance, up to $250 cash at closing and the inside scoop on VA loans in the real estate market. Veteran's United Realty has a nationwide network of over 2,500 real estate agents, each with experience serving the unique needs of military families. Real estate agents are advocates for the buyer from start to finish, and Veterans United is always looking to help talented real estate agents be a resource to the many military men and women hoping to purchase a home.

When representing military homebuyers/sellers, keep the below tips in mind to facilitate a positive real estate experience for your military clients.

1.) Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Military homeowners can be quickly uprooted from their homes due to PCS. When working with military homebuyers, keep this in mind and direct them to homes that are good resale options.

2.) Understand the military lifestyle: Know that the military community is usually in need of a speedy home purchase or sale. Be flexible and accommodating to these tight deadlines.

3.) VA Appraisal Criteria: VA appraisals differ from conventional appraisals and include specific criteria that can quickly hinder a purchase. Familiarize yourself with VA appraisal standards, and keep military homebuyers focused on VA-eligible homes.

4.) VA Loan guidelines and process: Most military homebuyers will probably choose a VA loan, so know the VA loan guidelines, to help military buyers find homes that will easily pass the VA appraisal.

To view the original article, visit the HomeFinder.com blog.