Interview with Jachele Pfeifle, REALTOR®
What does it mean to be military friendly?
We are aware of what military lifestyle is like for the whole family. It's not just the member, but it's the spouse, it's the kids, it's the transition, it's the move. We also have a military relocation specialist. That means we think through things like:
Are they getting a VA loan? And if so, where is that coming from?
Walking them through the process of if it's their first house or it's their fifth house
Is the military going to have an assumable loan? And is that beneficiary to our client?
We make sure that on the buying side and on the selling side you know to ask the right questions.
What are some common challenges that military service members face when buying or selling a home, and how can a military-friendly real estate agent help them overcome that problem?
The biggest issue that they face when buying is that they’re “homeless”. They're staying on housing or a hotel. Wherever it is, they have a certain timeframe they need a home by. Another problem is that not everyone understands their needs as buyers, as a family unit. We’ve closed on homes in 12 days because the family really needed the house, but others can use up the entire 60 days of housing and aren’t in such a huge rush. It really has to do with listening to what their specific needs are. When it comes to selling, we help minimize their fears about preparing and getting their house ready, and whatever that might include. Ultimately, it’s really about understanding the process that the military has and respecting their process. If you don't know their process, you can't support the member in buying or selling.
How can a military-friendly real estate agent help service members who are relocating to a new duty station?
We teach them about the climate of where they're moving. That includes: grocery stores, schools, restaurants, nightlife, hospitals, etc. What does their spouse do? They might be close to the base, but does their spouse also need to be close to something else? We try to give them that information. If we know the community we’re able to guide them to what fits their family best.
How can military service members find a military-friendly real estate agent?
Probably, the best way is to look up people that have a military relocation specialist. You can also always ask for referrals.
What are some questions a military service member should ask a potential real estate agent to determine if they're actually military-friendly?
The number one thing to look for is somebody that's going to advocate for you, not somebody that will advocate for themselves. You need to see if the agent really understands what you’re going through.
What are some common mistakes you see military service members making when choosing a real estate agent and how can they avoid them?
The biggest mistake we’ve seen is they feel like they need to rush, so they don't interview. They just find somebody somewhere, and they just go for it versus actually taking the time to investigate the agent or agency. They need somebody to talk them through the options so they make the right choice for themselves.
How can a military-friendly real estate agent help military members take advantage of programs and benefits available to them, such as VA loans?
Making sure that somebody is knowledgeable will line everything up the best way possible. If the agent/agency knows what programs are offered to you, or how to get you in the house the cheapest way possible, or how to write a loan based off of what you need, it makes it easier.
What should a service member look for in an agent/agency to navigate the housing market?
Make sure they have an understanding of the area that you're going into and that maybe the agent/agency has good referral partners as well.
On the hunt for an investment property in Colorado Springs or the surrounding areas, contact Jachele Pfeifle of the Dream Property Team here.