Serving Military, First Responders, and Neighbors — Now with Sotheby’s Power

 

After years of proudly serving clients with Vista Real Estate, I’m excited to share that I’ve joined Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty. This move isn’t just a change in name—it’s an investment in my clients’ future.

Sotheby’s carries a legacy of excellence, global reach, and a standard of service that mirrors the dedication I brought to the military and now bring to every real estate transaction. As a retired Army veteran and Military Relocation Professional, my mission has always been to take care of my people—whether that’s helping a soldier’s family find a home near base, guiding a first responder through a fast relocation, or assisting a civilian buyer on their very first purchase.

What excites me most about this transition is the teamwork. Behind every deal, I now have an incredible network of experts—marketing specialists, transaction coordinators, legal advisors, and industry connections—all working behind the scenes to make my clients’ experience as seamless and successful as possible. It’s the same “all hands on deck” mentality I trusted in uniform, now applied to real estate.

Making this move was also about holding the line on my integrity. I knew I needed the very best tools, resources, and support systems to represent my clients at the highest level—and I wasn’t willing to compromise on that. Sotheby’s offered exactly what I was looking for, ensuring I can deliver exceptional service without cutting corners or settling for less than my clients deserve.

Military families and first responders will always be at the heart of my work. I know what it’s like to get orders and have only weeks to find the right home. I know the stress of packing up between shifts or deployments. At Sotheby’s, I have more tools, resources, and support than ever before to ensure those transitions happen smoothly and with dignity.

But my commitment extends to everyone—whether you wear a uniform or not. Every client deserves clear communication, strategic negotiation, and a trusted advocate in their corner. That’s what I do, and at Sotheby’s, I’m better equipped than ever to do it well.

This move is about more than real estate—it’s about raising the bar for the level of service my clients receive. I’m proud of my past work at Vista Real Estate, but I’m even more energized for what’s ahead with Sotheby’s.

If you’re buying, selling, or just thinking about your next move, let’s connect. My mission hasn’t changed, it’s just gained more firepower.

Real Estate for Veterans, by Veterans: Why it matters.

For many veterans, buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction—it’s a mission. After years of service, structure, and brotherhood, transitioning into civilian life comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest? Navigating the real estate market without someone you trust in your corner.

Veterans know the value of trust. We’ve lived it, leaned on it, and sometimes bled for it. That’s why when it comes to something as personal and high-stakes as real estate, you need someone who gets it—someone who understands your background, respects your needs, and isn’t just chasing a commission.

You Need an Agent Who Has Your Six

There are good agents out there, but not all of them put you first. Veterans need an honest, no-nonsense real estate professional who listens, advises, and advocates with integrity. That means:

• Protecting your bottom line, not inflating numbers just to close a deal.

• Understanding VA loans and how to use them strategically.

• Being direct about potential pitfalls in a transaction.

• Fighting for fair terms during negotiations—not just chasing a fast closing.

Why Veteran Agents Make a Difference

Veteran agents bring the same mindset from service into their business: mission focus, clear communication, and loyalty. They know the pressure of moving your family across the country on a deadline. They’ve navigated VA appraisals, BAH budgets, and last-minute PCS orders. They’ve lived it.

And perhaps most importantly, they still live by the rule that we look out for our own. If you're not a veteran yourself, we will still fight for your real estate interests the same way. We have a warrior spirit, and for me personally that means doing everything I can to get you and your family exactly what you want.

A Change in Direction—Built on Principle

Over time, I’ve realized that doing the job right means doing it with full commitment to the people I serve. That means not compromising the service I offer, cutting into my commission if necessary to make sure my clients get the best deal. That means staying true to core values, for me that means complete honesty, accountability, and service above self, even when that means making tough decisions behind the scenes.

So, in keeping with those values, I’ll soon be introducing a change behind the scenes, this will be a calculated move from my current brokerage to another location, all with the interests of providing the best for my clients without compromising my beliefs. These changes are designed to strengthen the support I offer all clients and ensure every client experience is grounded in advocacy—not agenda.

There’s more to come, but here’s what I can promise right now: I’ll continue to operate with the same mission-first mindset, the same dedication to the veteran community, and the same refusal to compromise on what’s right.

If you're a veteran looking to buy or sell, especially in today’s market, don’t go it alone. The wrong agent can cost you. The right one will fight for you, guide you, and make sure you land on your feet.

We take care of our own.
That’s not just business.
That’s brotherhood.

Renting vs. Buying: Pros and Cons for the Service Member

Exploring the choice:

One of the critical decisions that active duty military personnel often face is whether to rent or buy a home. With the transient nature of military life, coupled with the desire for stability and investment opportunities, weighing the pros and cons of each option becomes as essential as overwhelming. In this blog post, we'll delve into the some of the considerations the service member and their families should take into account when deciding between renting and buying a home at their current or next duty station.

Pros of Renting for Military Personnel:

1. Flexibility: Renting provides flexibility, allowing military families to easily relocate with minimal financial and logistical burdens. Given the nature of military assignments, the ability to move without the hassle of selling a property can take a load of stress off during your PCS season.

2. Maintenance Responsibilities: Renting typically means that the landlord is responsible for maintenance and repairs, relieving the service member and their family of the financial burden and time commitment associated with upkeep. This can be particularly beneficial for military personnel with demanding schedules or frequent deployments. Less work to do outside of work is a big incentive for most service members.

3. Lower Upfront Costs: Renting often requires less upfront costs compared to buying a home. While purchasing a home may involve a down payment if you decide to use something outside of your VA loan, closing costs, and other expenses, renting typically requires a security deposit and possibly first and last month's rent.

Cons of Renting for Military Personnel:

1. Lack of Equity Building: Renting does not offer the same opportunity to build equity in a property versus owning a property. Instead of investing in an asset that may appreciate over time, renters essentially pay for temporary housing without accruing ownership benefits. You are paying somebody else's mortgage and getting nothing out of it when you leave.

2. Limited Control and Stability: Renting means living in a property subject to the landlord's rules and decisions. This lack of control can lead to uncertainty regarding lease renewals, rent increases, and potential changes in living arrangements that may not align with the preferences or needs of military families.

3. Potential for Rent Increases: While renting can initially seem more affordable than buying, renters are susceptible to rent increases imposed by landlords, especially in competitive rental markets. These increases can impact budgeting and financial stability over time. If you go to renew a lease and you are expected to pay an increased monthly rent, you are backed into paying it or immediately figuring out where you have to move within a short window of time.

Pros of Buying for Military Personnel:

1. Long-Term Investment: Buying a home allows military personnel to build equity over time, potentially leading to financial gains when selling the property. This can serve as a long-term investment strategy and provide a sense of stability and security for military families. Bell county home prices appreciate 2-3% every year, over the span of a typical 3 year assignment that can be a quite profitable and almost passive investment. If you can swing a stabilization because you like where you are, you're talking even more potential for profit.

2. Personalization and Control: Home ownership offers the opportunity to personalize living spaces, make renovations, and establish roots in a community. Military families can have greater control over their living environment and enjoy the pride of home ownership, making a home for the duration of your assignment

3. Utilization of VA Home Loan Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers eligible service members access to VA home loans, which often feature competitive interest rates, no down payment or private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirements, and flexible qualification criteria. These benefits can make home ownership more accessible for military personnel. Getting into a house without a down payment will save you thousands up front.

Cons of Buying for Military Personnel:

1. Potential for Financial Risk: Buying a home involves financial commitments such as mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Military personnel facing frequent relocations or uncertain deployment schedules may encounter challenges in selling or renting out a property, potentially leading to financial strain. I want to hit on buying your house at what it's actually worth and not what the seller thinks it's worth, overpaying can lead to a huge issue down the road on a short term investment.

2. Market Volatility and Appreciation: The real estate market is subject to fluctuations, and home values may not always appreciate as anticipated. Military families purchasing a home in a volatile market or during a period of economic uncertainty may face challenges in realizing returns on their investment. I want to add that purchasing next to a base can completely counteract this, the service members will always need a house and the base housing is usually on a back log, and rent increases well above BAH.

3. Limited Time for Research and Decision-Making: Military assignments often come with tight timelines for relocation, leaving little time for thorough research and decision-making when purchasing a home. Rushed decisions may lead to regrets or unforeseen complications down the line. You have to find an agent who is going to work with you and give you a no bullshit answer to the hard questions.

Conclusion:

Deciding whether to rent or buy a home is a significant consideration for military personnel, with implications for financial stability, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals. While renting offers flexibility and lower upfront costs, home ownership provides the opportunity for equity building, stability, and personalization. Military families should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option in light of their unique circumstances and priorities, seeking guidance from financial advisors, real estate professionals, and fellow service members to make informed decisions that align with their needs and aspirations. Do your research, ask the hard questions to knowledgeable agents, lenders, and trusted friends who've been in this world before.