Every job has its challenges. In the last few weeks, for many, remaining employed is becoming a primary challenge. That, of course, is one of the many reasons I pursued self-employment; I may not have control of many external things, but at least I’m in good with the boss, and I know what I’ve got to do to keep food on the table.
Another of my key reasons for being a Realtor is the knowledge that I am in a position to help good people who are frequently making decisions that will have a huge impact on the futures of themselves and their families. It’s a weighty responsibility that I take very seriously, and that incurs some sleepless nights, frequently long hours, and a challenging schedule, but the satisfaction that I get from being a part of their lives at this vital juncture keeps me striving to be at the top of my game.
A prime example of this is the young couple I’m currently working with on their first home purchase. I’m going to call them Ted and Jennifer, for the sake of privacy. Ted is a graduate of West Point and has spent the last 9 years in service to our country as a member of the Army Rangers, Special Forces, including tours in Iraq & Afghanistan. Continuing their record of selfless service, he will be soon serving our area when he becomes a member of the local police force.
Their young family has made immense sacrifices that I will never be able to fully acknowledge. The connection I have made with them has provided an insight into my own motivations that I’d never given much consideration before; they have refreshed my sense of purpose in doing a job that I’ve always felt has an element of community service, but that I now see in a more gut-level way, as they prepare to put down roots in our area, and become contributors to the fabric of our community. Their exemplary character and sacrifices have put an urgency in my desire to provide the best possible service to them, as they’ve served us.
Additionally, they’ve helped me to recognize yet another opportunity our current real estate market offers, that was all but lost in the go-go Real Estate days gone by; the opportunity for our veterans to realize home ownership using the VA housing benefits promised them. Just 2 years ago, it was virtually impossible for a VA loan to compete in the marketplace, due to the Veteran’s Administration requirement stipulating that the seller pay closing costs. In a seller’s market, it’s challenging enough to just secure a property, not to mention making a significant demand that dramatically impacts their bottom line. This made it at least highly unlikely, if not impossible, for Veterans to utilize the programs that were intended to help compensate them for their service, on return to civilian life.
Our new reality, the Buyer’s Market, in addition to providing affordability, has finally returned this VA benefit to ‘benefit’ status, rather than the ‘liability’ it had become. As the saying goes, “Every cloud has a silver lining”, and I am thrilled to be in a position to help put that ‘lining’ to good use.