Q & A with REALTOR Tim

How did you get started as a real estate agent?

When transitioning after 26 years of military service in the U.S. Army, which included over two decades as a Special Forces Green Beret,’ I wanted a career that would allow me to be present as a husband and father and continue serving others at the local level; the meaningful relationships. My family and I handled Permanent Change of Station relocation challenges throughout my military career. I wanted to help other military families navigate this process more smoothly. Real estate was the perfect fit due to its complex problem-solving and service-oriented nature. The industry is so broad and complex that real estate professionals can spend a lifetime learning and will never have all the most up-to-date answers. Real estate is a team sport. Plus, being a real estate agent includes an active lifestyle. It’s difficult for me to sit around all day. Becoming a REALTOR® with certifications as a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) and Florida Military Specialist (FMS) has enabled me to leverage my unique experiences to guide service members, veterans, and other homebuyers and sellers through some of life’s most significant decisions.

I took the required classroom hours and passed the school exam in Pensacola, FL, first-time pass on the Florida State exam a few days later, spoke with some friends in the industry, and joined Coldwell Banker Realty the following week. I had my first listing agreement in my initial week and haven’t looked back. My family has many relationships in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties, so I became a real estate agent in Navarre, FL, for the central location. It’s close to my daughter’s school, so I can make time to start enjoying her arts and sports events after being away from home so much.

As a real estate agent in Northwest Florida, what types of customers do you work with?

I worked with a diverse range of customers, including active-duty service members, veterans, and those relocating to or from the area. While I have experience in these areas, every transaction is unique. I avoid labeling customers, as I take a personal approach, tailoring every experience to fit the buyer’s or seller’s needs. I’m dedicated to understanding each customer’s situation and offering the support they need to achieve their real estate goals.

Can you share a recent transaction that stands out to you? What was the experience like?

I connect with people from all walks of life. Each transaction I handle or interaction with a customer is meaningful. I approach every relationship with the mindset of winning hearts and minds; that’s one of the most significant aspects of serving in the Army Special Forces. Residential real estate is about gaining trust and working diligently to achieve the customer’s goals. Helping others navigate the challenges of buying or selling a home and making a positive impact in their lives is deeply rewarding. I want to build long-term friendships and networks beyond a customer’s immediate residential real estate needs. I find it equally satisfying when I can broker an introduction that benefits two other individuals, and no real estate transaction is involved. For me, it’s not about competition or compensation but collaboration and relationships. I enjoy seeing other’s success as much as my own.

Do you have any special training or skills that will benefit your customers?

My 30+ years of military service, including 26 years of active duty, provided me with invaluable communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. These skills translate directly to a calm, solution-oriented approach to real estate that prioritizes the customer’s best interests. Earning certifications as a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) and Florida Military Specialist (FMS) further underscores my commitment to helping service members and veterans with the unique challenges of relocation or leveraging their VA home loan entitlements.

Having personally leveraged the VA home loan process to purchase homes at military duty stations, I understand first-hand the process, challenges, and benefits, which helps me guide customers through the ins and outs of the VA home loan process to make timely decisions and get to closing day sooner.

The brokerage relationship with Coldwell Banker Realty in Navarre, FL, provides me with advanced tools and resources, ensuring I can offer the highest level of service. Also, it’s part of a brand family that consistently ranks high in terms of ethics. As an active member of local, state, and national REALTOR® associations, I stay informed of the latest trends, laws, and best practices, giving my customers a competitive edge in a highly competitive Northwest Florida residential real estate market.

What advice would you give a buyer trying to purchase their dream home?

While most start their real estate journey online with Zillow.com or Trulia.com, these sites are known as third-party data aggregators and don’t always reflect the most up-to-date information or provide private seller information or agent-to-agent notes. When you call an agent to schedule a tour, you may receive a return phone call stating the home is already pending or sold, which is not reflected on the aggregators. When using third-party sites, be cautious about giving up sensitive private or financial information. Contact a REALTOR®. The REALTORS® I work with adhere to the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice concerning our duties to the customer, the public, and other REALTORS®. With recent changes in the real estate industry, buyers must sign an agreement with the agent before touring any homes for sale.

Identify your needs and your wants. Working with your agent to complete a buyer worksheet will help clarify and rank your house-hunting criteria. The buyer worksheet adds efficiency to the buyer’s agent’s property search on our Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which provides coverage in Northwest Florida from Pensacola to Panama City. Agents pay a monthly subscription to access the most up-to-date information on properties listed for sale on the MLS or may have access to private listings not listed publicly.

Before you start touring homes for sale, it is essential to secure mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds if you’re a cash buyer. Shop around for lenders to find the best offer tailored to your goals. Mortgage shopping within a short period minimizes the impact on your credit score, and a pre-approval helps you identify your budget, saving both you and your agent time when house hunting for that dream home. Many agents, including myself, find the home shopping experience more efficient when working with pre-qualified or pre-approved customers before investing time and vehicle mileage into touring homes. That pre-approval letter offers you financial leverage and signals to sellers that you’re serious and financially ready to make that offer.

Also, don’t forget to account for potential costs beyond the closing amount and date—emergency repairs, insurance, and property taxes can impact your long-term budget. Online research of typical year-over-year increases helps you anticipate future costs.

What advice would you give a seller trying to sell their home?

Honesty is key when discussing your motivations for selling. Transparency helps us collaborate on a realistic asking price and manage expectations throughout the process. I conduct thorough due diligence, including a comprehensive market analysis, to ensure your home is priced correctly based on your timeline and current market conditions. Pricing your home appropriately for the market and your motivation is critical for a successful and timely sale. Still, ultimately, the final decision of the asking price is yours; it’s your property.

Curb appeal is a powerful means of attracting buyers. If you’re concerned about the cost of preparing your home to sell, there are budget-friendly ways to improve your home’s presentation inside and out. Enhancing your home’s appeal can make a difference in securing a higher home valuation. Coldwell Banker Realty offers a program called RealVitalize. We can enroll your property into the program and expect approval within 48 hours. An Angi Project Consultant will introduce you to professionals and guide you to stay on budget and on time, and Angi guarantees the work quality. There are no fees, no interest, and no markups. The seller will have the cost of the work deducted on closing day. One limitation of the program is the budget. The budget must be below the agent’s commission amount. If the budget is above, the agent must negotiate a higher commission to cover the higher projected budget costs.

As a real estate agent, you can make a difference in your local community. How do you accomplish this?

I am committed to building meaningful relationships within our community by supporting local organizations, advocating for affordable housing, and offering candid, actionable advice to local, regional, and national officials. My goal is to empower individuals and families as they navigate one of life’s most significant decisions with integrity and purpose: finding a place to call home.

As a member of the Special Forces Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion, I continue to foster camaraderie and serve my fellow veterans through various community initiatives. My involvement with the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS® (ECAR) includes Community and Military Outreach Committee membership and the ECAR Task Forces for Building Homes for Heroes and Soldiers on the Water. Additionally, my wife is a social worker supporting the National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide, and I will attend events with her whenever possible.