Samantha is a licensed real estate broker and attorney with a Doctor of Law (JD) degree from the University of Missouri. With over 15 years of experience, she is dedicated to educating Veterans about the VA loan process and realty best practices.
Published on January 30, 2015 Veterans: Check your $0 down eligibility today! Expert ReviewedWhether you work with mostly buyers, sellers or both, becoming the go-to military friendly real estate agent in your community is good business.
The National Association of REALTORS® recently reported that 67 percent of buyers and 70 percent of sellers choose the first real estate agent they interview. It’s more important than ever to create a marketing strategy that puts you at the top of the list.
Here are three ways you can set yourself apart from other agents as the go-to military friendly agent in your community.
Enforce your credibility as a VA-savvy agent by building a team to back you up. This isn’t just limited to people in your office. Look further and pair with other service providers who share your same passion and expertise.
Here’s a list of providers you want in your corner:
When an active duty service member receives permanent change of station orders (PCS) they are allotted 10 days of leave to visit the new community and conduct a home search. With such a short timeframe, they’ll need you to be prepared and ready to educate them on the community, schedule showings and connect them with resources from the moment they arrive.
Active duty service members relocate more frequently than the average homebuyer. Because of their frequent moves, they need a home they can sell quickly and retain its value. Others may choose to keep their property to rent out. If this is the case, they need a home that will rent easily and provide sufficient rental income. It’s important to discuss their plans for the property when looking at homes so that you can better help meet their short term and long term goals.
Every buyer is different; spend time at the outset outlining your buyer’s needs and expectations for their homebuying experience.
Educational certifications can work double duty for your business by providing you with important education and a marketing edge. The Did You Serve? Agent Certification is a great option.
Veterans United Home Loans supports the Did You Serve? pledge initiative as a corporate champion. The Did You Serve? Certification provides you with an in-depth look at military service, the unique requirements of the VA loan and how you can best serve those who serve. It’s simple to get started: Take the pledge to ask every buyer “Did You Serve?” Watch for the Did You Serve? Agent Certification, available in Spring 2015.
A licensed real estate agent and former loan originator and attorney, Samantha has insider experience dealing with VA loans, from the initial application and contracts to loan funding. She has over 15 years of real estate experience, and nearly 300,000 people follow her Veteran Friendly Real Estate Agents community on Facebook.
About Our Editorial Process
Veterans United is recognized as the leading VA lender in the nation, unmatched in our specialization and expertise in VA loans. Our strict adherence to accuracy and the highest editorial standards guarantees our information is based on thoroughly vetted, unbiased research. Committed to excellence, we offer guidance to our nation's Veterans, ensuring their homebuying experience is informed, seamless and secured with integrity.
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