Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® Guide for Military Homebuyers

Owning your own home is the American dream, right? For active-duty servicemen and women, home ownership can have a few extra challenges. The constant reality that you may have to move at any moment makes it difficult to really settle down. But it can also offer some unique advantages—the opportunity to build equity while using a tax-free Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), for example. If you want to experience homeownership, here are some tips to help you make wise choices, while embracing military living.

Work with a REALTOR®

If you decide that buying a home makes sense for you, the next step is to choose a REALTOR®. Your agent is going to be a key player in helping you find and negotiate the purchase of the home that best meets your needs.

When searching for a REALTOR® with experience working with military buyers and sellers, look for those with the MRP certification which stands for Military Relocation Professional. REALTORS® with the MRP certification have taken the coursework to better understand the unique needs of active and retired military personnel and made a commitment to serving this community. Recently over 50 San Diego Association of REALTORS® members earned their MRP certification and have the tools and resources to help you meet your homeownership goals.

Determine where you want to buy

Relocating from established friends and familiar places can be stressful. Many developments near military bases recognize that challenge and go the extra mile to create a sense of community among their residents. Let your REALTOR® know what your priorities are including anything specific to your military service needs. Your REALTOR® can give you guidance on price ranges, neighborhoods, and local amenities. The reality of military life means that you are probably going to receive PCS orders at some point. And no matter how much you love your home, chances are high that, at some point, you are going to sell it. So, when shopping for a home, make sure you keep resellability in mind.

Know your financing options

There are several financing options available specifically for military. Most of the time, military personnel use VA loans and a REALTOR® can help recommend local lenders to explain the process. There are also programs available through the California Veterans Board for both active duty and retired military. Consult with your REALTOR® to make sure you are aware of all your options.

For more information on buying, selling, or leasing your home visit SDAR.COM and use a San Diego area REALTOR® with an MRP certification. And if you are serving, have served or support someone who has served, we thank you for your service.