Home BuyersHome SellersWindermere November 10, 2020

Why We Love Working with Military Families

We proudly support our armed forces and their families, not just today on Veterans Day, but every day. Many of our real estate agents possess a wealth of experience working with those who serve. We are well-versed in helping families who are about to PCS (Permanent Change of Station, for our non-military readers). And, we enjoy helping newcomers find their ideal home here in Kitsap County. A number of our Realtors are either veterans themselves or have family members who are.

We greatly appreciate the sacrifices that our military families make and wanted to share a bit about why we love working with them, sharing experiences from three of our local experts: Nick Blickhan, Summer Davy, and Adam Moon.

Our Military Connections

“I am a Navy Veteran from the Surface Navy, with a couple of years stationed at SUBASE Bangor,” explains Realtor Nick Blickhan. “I understand the military language and the process that they go through. As a landlord for 25 years, I preferred to rent to active duty submariners. I would even rent to groups of single guys. We made arrangements for their deployments. Some of these single sailors also became clients down the road.”

“My husband proudly served four years in the Navy and I am a lifelong resident of Kitsap County,” says Realtor Summer Davy. “So many of my friends and family served in the armed forces. The presence of the bases has always played a factor in employment and the fabric of our community here.”

“Both of my grandpas served in the military – Marine Corps and the Navy,” says Realtor Adam Moon. “My wife’s grandfather served in the Marine Corps. My best friend’s father served in the Navy and was Georgia Blues Submarine Captain. They’re all heroes!”

We Enjoy the Interesting Challenges and Stories

“Timelines are critical when you work with military families that are buying or selling,” says Davy. “We need to work within the timelines given for a PCS, their reporting date, and whether or not the whole family is moving together or separately. I am especially proud of a recent experience helping a military family find the perfect home for their large family on a tight deadline – 6 kids, one with special needs requiring her own private living space, bedroom/bath. The house we found fit their family perfectly, was within budget and closed in 30 days. The sellers were also a military family relocating to Japan. Happy families all around!”

“I represented some first-time VA buyers about five years ago. In the next two years, while living in Washington, Mr. Buyer got orders to Hawaii and didn’t want to sell as they could possibly be moving back,” explains Moon.  “So, they were referred to Windermere Property Management to get a tenant. About three months ago, Mrs. Seller called me and told me they weren’t coming back to the PNW as he just got orders to NY for school.  So, we prepped it for the market strategically when the tenants’ lease was up. Work orders had to get done to make it market-ready.  Thankfully, we were able to list the weekend after the tenants vacated. We received multiple offers and closed within 30 days and $30K over list price.  In that time frame when my sellers bought, then rented, then sold, they made over $100K in the sale of their home, all being done while they were in Hawaii and getting ready to move to NY. Seamless.”

We’re Ready to Provide Guidance and Support

Windermere equips each agent with the local and global resources needed to ensure that every military family is in excellent hands. “The local lenders I work with specialize in VA loans and programs that benefit military families,” says Davy. “I feel very comfortable answering any questions from the military families that I assist with their relocation to Kitsap. I think about the questions I would have as a wife and as a mom and can provide answers and info on communities, potential commutes, activities, and shopping that will affect the daily lives of these families.”

“In my experience with military buyers, they have come to appreciate my honesty and communication throughout the buying and selling process,” says Adam Moon.

“As a Realtor/Windermere Agent for 27 Years,  I have helped many active duty and veteran clients reach their real estate goals,” says Blickhan.

Every time we get to connect with a military family, we are grateful for the opportunity and even more appreciative of their service. It often becomes second nature for these families to adapt on the go and regularly make sacrifices. We admire their commitment, dedication, and selflessness. And, whenever our expertise is needed, we are ready to assist.