A special Memorial Day edition of the Illinois REALTORS® podcast features a conversation with two association members who hold the Military Relocation Specialist designation which helps them with families moving in and out of Scott Air Force Base.

Angie Zahn, managing broker with Strano & Associates in New Baden and Steve Ellerbrake RE/MAX Preferred in O’Fallon, discuss how experience and obtaining the MRP designation from NAR has helped them better understand how to serve military families when it comes to making quick moves which require coordination and knowledge about financing.

“When a military family relocates, they can really benefit from a real estate professional who understands their special situation with regard to the timing of the move and the logistics which are specific to the military,” Ellerbrake said.

Working with military families extends beyond just finding a home. Because they may be transferring in from across the nation or the globe, these families may have lots of questions about a community.

“Our training for the MRP designation reminds us that the veteran will depend on us for not only their housing needs, but also to provide resources outside of the base once they are here,” Zahn said.

Segment 2: Crime-free ordinances can infringe on property rights

The podcast also features a discussion on crime-free ordinances, some of which have been implemented in southern Illinois.

Illinois REALTORS® Local Government Affairs Director Ron Deedrick and Doug Hartman Jr. talk about why there are dangers for property owners and what the association and its members do to make sure the ordinances don’t unnecessarily infringe on private property rights.