Following the withdrawal of all active duty U.S. military from Iraq, many service personnel are returning to their lives in Florida and throughout the nation – and a Realtor often can help them navigate some of the unique challenges they face.
“Realtors that understand military issues will get this market and be able to better serve those who served us,” said Buddy West, a Delaware Realtor who discussed how to meet the challenges facing the military when it comes to real estate transactions during Florida Realtors® Mid-Winter Business Meetings in Orlando last Friday.
From dealing with upside-down mortgages to helping a serviceman or woman find a first home, working with veterans presents unique circumstances for a Realtor. When West began working with military personnel years ago, he found a market niche that truly appreciated a Realtor who took the time to understand its needs.
West asked, “Why should Realtors – particularly in Florida where you have military all over the place – care about this market? No. 1, it’s underserved. They need our expertise and help; and, it’s one of the few growth areas in the housing market right now.”
How big is the military market? While the numbers vary greatly from survey to survey, according to veteran statistics presented by West, there currently are 22.3 million veterans: 1,445,000 active military, 833,000 reservists and 1,325,000 families connected with the military. West cited statistics sourced from NPR or National Public Radio.
Florida has the second largest per capita veteran population in the nation, he said.
Key to working with the military is getting to know them and understanding who they are, their circumstances and their needs, West said. Volunteering is a good way to begin. For example, he often hosts a mixer for military families and outside sponsors help cover the costs of the event.
“I believe it’s OK to do well, but you have to do good,” West said. “And working with the military, helping those who have served us – that’s the ‘do good’ part.”
Source: Florida Realtors Reprinted with permission. Florida Realtors® All Rights Reserved