How Military Relocation Professionals Can Help Ensure a Smooth PCS

If you're PCSing, you might be wondering how to find the right home near your new base, especially if you’re facing a tight deadline. Working with the right support team can make all the difference as you plan your move. In these situations, a military relocation professional (MRP) can be an invaluable member of that team.

MRPs are certified real estate agents who have a unique understanding of military life and the challenges that come with it. They can use their specialized knowledge to help your relocation go smoothly.

What is a military relocation professional (MRP)?

An MRP is a real estate agent who has completed special training to help them understand the unique needs that come with military moves. To earn the MRP certification, real estate agents must complete a course approved by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). This course teaches them about:

• The military relocation process
• Military benefits that help with housing
• VA loan options for homebuyers
• Special timelines that military families typically face

This specialized training allows agents to officially use the MRP designation. But MRP certification is more than just a title—it shows a commitment to serving military members throughout the PCS process. 

How are MRPs different from other real estate agents?

When you’re making a military move, working with an MRP can make a big difference. Here are some things that set MRPs apart:

• Specialized training. All real estate agents understand how to buy and sell homes, but MRPs have extra training focused on military markets. They’re familiar with PCS orders, military benefits and the challenges Servicemembers face when moving. As a result, they’re prepared to help solve unique issues that might come up with a PCS.
• Knowledge of military life. MRPs know everything from what Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) means to how deployment schedules can affect housing decisions. They’re familiar with VA loans and typically know how to take full advantage of your military benefits (both elective and non-elective). This means they can speak your language and anticipate your needs.
• PCS experience. Military moves often happen on tight timelines, so you may need to buy a house without seeing it in person or sell quickly when orders arrive. Many MRPs have experience working with these situations.
• No additional fees. MRPs don’t necessarily charge more than other real estate agents. Commissions to MRPs are determined by their individual brokerage and the market. They can be negotiable as any other real estate agent’s fees.

These benefits make MRPs some of your best allies in a military relocation journey.

What does an MRP do? 

MRPs do more than offer help buying or selling a home. Here are 6 ways an MRP can make your next PCS easier:

1. Offer expert guidance on VA loans

VA loans offer great benefits like no-down-payment options^{Footnote 1} or private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirements. MRPs understand VA financing, so they can help military buyers navigate applications, find VA-approved properties, work with lenders who specialize in military loans, and understand funding fees and eligibility requirements.

2. Help you explore rental options

Not ready to buy? An MRP can still help. If you need a temporary place to live while you explore your new area or wait for housing, your MRP can help you find suitable rentals. They can help you find places that accept shorter lease terms, are close to base, fit within your BAH and allow for military clause additions to the lease.

3. Provide connections to local resources

Moving to a new area means finding all new services. Fortunately, your MRP can help connect you with military-friendly moving companies, financial advisors who understand military benefits, contractors for home repairs or renovations and support groups for military spouses and families.

4. Ensure an efficient and smooth relocation

MRPs understand that military moves often happen quickly. That’s why they provide specialized real estate services to help military families navigate the relocation process. They can set up virtual home tours when you can’t visit in person, coordinate with your timeline, help with paperwork while you’re handling other moving tasks and use technology to make the process faster and easier.

5. Help you find military-friendly communities

Your MRP can help you find neighborhoods that work well for military families. They typically know which areas have good schools, easy commutes to base, other military families nearby and community resources for Servicemembers.

6. Offer support for the whole family

Moving is about more than just finding house solutions. MRPs understand the emotional side of relocating. They can provide information about local activities for family members, connect military spouses with employment resources, help children transition to new schools and point you toward military support services in your new community.

How to find and choose a certified MRP

There are many MRPs who can assist you with your PCS move. Try these steps to find one that can help you and your family make a successful transition to your new duty station.

Start with official sources

NAR maintains a directory of certified MRPs. You can search by location to find agents near your new duty station who have completed the official MRP certification program.

Ask for recommendations

Your military community is a valuable resource. Ask fellow Servicemembers who have recently PCSed to your new location for referrals for an MRP. Their personal experiences can give you insight into how an agent works with military clients.

Check their military experience

In addition to being trained on military moves, some MRPs have a personal connection to military life. Many MRPs are Veterans or military spouses. Others may have years of experience working with military clients. Ask potential agents about their background and experience with military families.

Review their knowledge of your new area

A good MRP should know the neighborhoods near your duty station. They should also be able to tell you about commute times, school districts and areas popular with military families. This local knowledge is essential in helping you find the right location for your family.

Assess their communication style

Military moves often happen quickly and sometimes across time zones. Make sure your MRP is responsive and communicates in ways that work for you, whether by text, email or phone. Ask about their availability, especially if you’re dealing with a significant time difference.

Interview multiple agents

Don’t feel obligated to work with the first MRP you find. Speak with multiple agents to find one who understands your specific needs and makes you feel comfortable.

Navy Federal Credit Union helps military families navigate their PCS

At Navy Federal, we understand the challenges that come with military moves. We’re dedicated to providing support to military Servicemembers to ensure a smooth transition, and we offer a variety of resources to help make your move easier:

• PCS resources. Our online resource center provides helpful information for planning your PCS move. You’ll find easy access to a moving checklist, related products and tips to help you in your relocation process.
• RealtyPlus®.^{Footnote 2} As a Navy Federal member, you have access to our RealtyPlus program to find experienced real estate agents, including MRPs.
• VA loans. Our mortgage specialists understand VA loans and how they can benefit you. We can help you explore your options, understand the requirements and find the right mortgage for your next home.
• Financial counseling. Our financial counselors can provide personalized guidance to help with all aspects of your financial life. You can get insights on everything from creating a monthly budget to saving up to buy a home.

We’re part of your PCS team, and we’re ready to help make your relocation as stress-free as possible so you can focus on settling yourself and your family into your new home. We’re also here for transitioning Servicemembers to help navigate their end of military service PCS. Whatever your situation, we invite you to connect with our team today!