In this episode, Mike and Amy speak with Tracy Crawford, a realtor in Jacksonville, Florida, who shares her journey from being an Army nurse to a real estate professional. Tracy discusses the importance of education in the home buying process, especially for military families navigating VA loans and the complexities of closing costs. She highlights recent changes in real estate practices, the roles of buyer and seller agents, and offers insights on how to find the right realtor. Tracy also addresses the decision-making process between renting and selling a home, emphasizing the importance of connecting with trustworthy professionals in the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Real Estate and Military Transitions

06:36 Understanding the Home Buying Process

11:27 Navigating Changes in Real Estate Practices

16:31 The Role of Buyer and Seller Agents

21:40 Preparing for a Move: Timing and Research

21:43 Understanding Home Buying Timelines

22:48 Choosing the Right Realtor

25:49 Virtual Home Buying Experience

28:18 Criteria for Selecting a Realtor

29:00 Sell vs Rent: Making the Right Decision

32:08 The Value of a Realtor's Network

34:05 Final Thoughts on Real Estate Transactions

Takeaways

• Tracy emphasizes the importance of education in the home buying process.

• Military families often overlook closing costs when using VA loans.

• Recent changes in real estate practices focus on transparency.

• Buyers can negotiate the commission for their agents.

• The relationship between a realtor and client is crucial for a successful transaction.

• Timing is key for transitioning service members to start their home search.

• Finding a military-friendly realtor can ease the home buying process.

• Renting may be a better option for some military families than selling.

• Realtors can provide valuable connections to other professionals in the industry.

• Knowledge is power, and sharing it helps military families make informed decisions.

You can reach Traci at her website https://newlifetimememories.com/ or email her at tracicrawford@newlifetimememories.com

Operation Retirement Readiness: www.operationretirementreadiness.com

Schedule a consultation with Mike: https://nextmissionfinancialplanning.com/contact/

Schedule a consultation with Amy: https://www.instarfp.com/contact

Disclaimer: This podcast represents the views of the hosts and any guests. It is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, financial, or legal advice. All information is regarded to be from reliable sources. The hosts are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional, individualized advice.