So you've received your PCS orders, you know where you're headed, and now the clock is ticking before it's time to make your move. Whether you're moving across the state, across the country, or across the globe, selling a house as a military member comes with its share of unique challenges. The time limitations of a military move mean that planning is more important than ever. Our real estate agents are here to help you get started, with a guide to selling your home as a military member.

Moving Time: Tips for Selling Your House as a Military Member

1. Create a Moving Checklist
   Since you are working with a limited time-frame, it helps to have a strategy in place as soon as you receive your PCS orders. Create a checklist with key dates for your move, and cover each step leading to your ideal move-out date. Be sure to include key milestones for each household member, whether that means finding a school for the kids or helping your spouse hunt for jobs in your new location.
   
   
2. Find the Right Real Estate Agent
   Working with a veteran-friendly real estate agent can make life much easier when it's time to sell your home, so shop around until you find an agent who truly understands your needs. Your real estate agent can help you scout the market, arrange open houses, market your home, choose the right price, and of course, answer any questions you have along the way.
   
   
3. Prepare Your Home for Market
   No matter when you're selling a house or where it's located, you want potential buyers to be impressed from the moment they arrive at the curb. Make sure that your property is clean, both inside and out, your yard is looking great, and any maintenance items on your to-do list have been addressed. When it's time for an open house, your real estate agent can help with staging tips that will allow buyers to imagine their life in your home.
   
   
4. What to Do If Your Home Won't Sell
   In ideal circumstances, you'll have enough time before your ideal move-out date to plan your strategy, find the right real estate agent, prepare your home, and find a buyer who's willing to pay a fair price. But what do you do if the clock is still ticking, and your home won't sell? There are a number of options to consider, including:
   
   - Lowering Your Asking Price – Choosing the right price to list your home can be a challenge, and sometimes lowering the asking price is the key to generating interest when your home won't sell. It may not always be ideal, but sometimes it's easiest to sell at a slight loss and move on to your next home.
   
   - Consider Becoming a Landlord – Don't want to settle for less than the home is worth? Consider becoming a landlord, in order to cover mortgage payments on the home and generate cash flow. Speak with a financial expert and tax professional to learn all of the necessary financial details of being a landlord.
   
   - Let Your Family Stay Behind, Temporarily – Having your family hang back until the house sells may not be the most appealing option, but if you're truly pressed for time it may be the best way to get your home sold without lowering your asking price or becoming a landlord.

Are you searching for a team that truly understands the needs of military members, and their families? Contact Wright-Patt Realty to buy and sell homes throughout the Beavercreek, OH area, with help from our veteran-friendly team.