Do You Have a Move to the Fort Meade Coming Up?

Good Day, if you have a PCS move to the Fort Meade area, I have two great houses for you to see. The first is nestled in Glen Burnie in the Fox Chase are, here take a look at www.55foxwellbendroad.com, the second one is in Linthicum and you can find that one at www.6841BABlvd.com. Of course if neither one of these works for you, please contact me here at the Military Relocation Connection Network, I am sure I can find you a house that you like.  

NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S DINING ROOM TABLE

Thought I would post a helpful fun article today. We all know how we get some ugly old furniture from a relative. Here are some tips to help you pretty it up. These also aren't bad ideas for changing the way your furniture looks, we all know sometimes it gets tired looking. If you would like any more information or need any help for your next PCS move contact us here at www.MilitaryRelocationConnection.com

Written by Jaymi Naciri on Monday, 26 May 2014 10:16 am

That heirloom piece your grandmother or your great aunt or your godparents left to holds special memories. But let's face it: it's ugly.

It is. It's Ugly.

It's not your style, it doesn't match your stuff, and you can't possibly figure out how to incorporate it into your home without it looking like exactly what it is: the thing someone important gave to you that has no business in your home in its current state. Before you stuff that old dining room table or sideboard or settee up in the attic, check out these tips for making it new again.

Stain it.

An older piece of furniture that has a dated oak or pickled finish can be brought up into this century with a new stain. A mahogany stain can bring out contemporary lines and a black stain can make a dated piece feel modern again. You can also make your own DIY stain if you're looking for ways to keep the toxicity down.

Paint it.

Whether you go for something super bold, aged, fancy, or neutral, panting a piece of furniture can breathe new life into it and help it to fit in to a more modern space.

See more ideas here.

Embellish it.

Two words: gold leaf. Yes, you could get a similar look with gold spray paint and stencils, but it wouldn't be nearly as rich.

If you're planning to use gold leaf, or any leaf for that matter, remember that it is fragile, and a little goes a long way. Check out this video for more info.

Upholster it

No one said you have to live with that tired, dusty old pattern on the dining room chairs you inherited. Give them an easy update by reupholstering them in a fresh fabric.

This is an easy DIY project depending the construction of the chair. This video will help.

Decoupage it

For a fun look - and a fun family project - try this ancient art whose origin is "thought to be East Siberian tomb art" from the 12th century, according to Wikipedia. A project that includes gluing and layering strips of paper, fabric, or other textiles, and varnish to a table or other object is something the kids can get in on too as long as you take precautions. Another benefit is that the finished product will be unique to you. You can get some more decoupage ideas on HGTV.

Change the height

That old sofa table your grandmother decorated with her collection of old crystal candy dishes would be ideal as a desk, if only it wasn't so tall.

Have the legs cut down, and now you have a beautiful piece that is also functional.

Repurpose it.

You love that old fancy sideboard your husband's great-grandmother left to your family. But you're all set in that area. So, turn it into something totally new.

A sturdy dresser, cabinet, or sideboard can be turned into a one-of-a-kind bathroom vanity with a little ingenuity and a good power saw. You get to keep the memories, and you get a fab bathroom too.

Bill Fitzgerald not only a Realtor, but a celebrity as well....

We've been highlighting some Realtor's lately on our blog, but one of the Realtor's that belongs to the Military Relocation Connection Network seems to be a celebrity... That would be our own Bill Fitzgerald. Bill services Tyndall AFB and Navy Station Panama Beach. 

Bill is the "Neighborhood Expert" in Bay County Community and you can catch on on 94.5 WFLA New Talk Radio or his show is also available via the web on iHeart Radio.

Little more about Bill he has been licensed in Real Estate since 1998 and he has also earned his GRI, CRS and is a Broker. Bill also served in the Air Force for 24 years as an radio operator. 

So if you are looking for a Realtor in Bay County Community give Bill a call, not only is he a experienced Realtor but, he knows about the military.

Thanks so much to all of our Soldiers and Veterans

We here at Military Relocation Connection Network would like to thank all of our active  soldiers and all of our Veterans for the freedom that we enjoy everyday....We salute you and may God Bless You.

Tips for a Smooth PCS Move

Good Day, we found this great article on Military.com and thought we would share it. If you ever have any questions or if we can be of any help,  please feel free to contact us at Military Relocation Connection Network.

Air Force News | by Mitch Chandran, Headquarters Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Each year, about 225,000 Department of Defense and U.S. Coast Guard household good shipments are slated for movement during the summer months. These shipments compete with private sector moves creating a phenomenon in the transportation industry called the "peak moving season."

Peak moving season runs May through August each year with the peak of the peak between Memorial Day and July 4.

The Army's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Personal Property Directorate manages the Defense Personal Property Program, or DP3, for DOD.

SDDC officials want servicemembers, federal employees and their families to know a smooth move for household goods is possible during peak moving season with proper planning and attention to detail.

"As soon as you receive your permanent change of station orders, you should start your move process," said John Johnson, branch chief for SDDC's Personal Property Directorate Quality Assurance Division. "Requesting your pickup and delivery dates as soon as possible will ensure a better chance of getting the dates you want."

All DOD servicemembers and civilians, including their families, have two avenues to manage their move based on local policies.

The first is the traditional visit to the local installation transportation office or personal property shipping office to receive a relocation briefing and start the move process.

The alternative is to use the Defense Personal Property System, or DPS, which is accessed through the website, www.move.mil. This website is the portal for DPS and the one-stop shop where members can completely manage their move process.

Members using move.mil for the first time will find online training videos and presentations explaining how to navigate through the move process.

SDDC provided moving tips
- Create a personal moving calendar with checklists, phone numbers and links to critical moving processes and information

- Your Transportation Office (TO) or Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) is the primary point of contact for customer service. It is never too early to ask questions.

- Once you get your orders and know the dates you want to move, immediately start the moving process. Contact your TO/PPSO to learn all options available to you, including a Personally Procured Move. The sooner you start the better chance you have to lock in your preferred move date.

- Moving in the summer months (May through August) is extremely busy with Memorial Day to July 4 being the busiest moving time of the year. Since requested pickup and delivery dates may not be available during this time, flexibility is important and building extra time into your schedule for unforeseen circumstances is recommended.

- Once your move dates are requested, don't assume they are set. Move dates are not confirmed until you coordinate with your Transportation Service Provider (the company contracted to do your move).

- Pack, pickup and delivery dates are usually scheduled on weekdays. You or your designated representative must be available between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. You don't want to miss your move dates as this will cause unnecessary hardship on everyone and possibly extra expenses for you.

VA Home Loans-Do you qualify???

Today I wanted to post about VA Loans, so many Veterans do not realize they qualify, so please look at the chart below, you maybe surprised. If you have any questions and if Military Relocation Connection can be of any service, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Eligibility

You must have suitable credit, sufficient income, and a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to be eligible for a VA-guaranteed home loan. The home must be for your own personal occupancy. The eligibility requirements to obtain a COE are listed below for Service members and Veterans, spouses, and other eligible beneficiaries.

VA home loans can be used to:

• Buy a home, a condominium unit in a VA-approved project
• Build a home
• Simultaneously purchase and improve a home
• Improve a home by installing energy-related features or making energy efficient improvements
• Buy a manufactured home and/or lot.

Eligibility Requirements for VA Home Loans

Service member’s and Veterans

To obtain a COE, you must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and meet the service requirements below:

Status	Qualifying Wartime & Peacetime Periods	Qualifying Active Duty Dates	Minimum Active Duty Service Requirement
Veteran	WWII	9/16/1940 - 7/25/1947	90 total days
	Post-WWII	7/26/1947 - 6/26/1950	181 continuous days
	Korean War	6/27/1950 - 1/31/1955	90 total days
	Post-Korean War	2/1/1955 - 8/4/1964	181 continuous days
	Vietnam War	8/5/1964 - 5/7/1975 *For Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam, the beginning date is 2/28/1961	90 total days
	Post-Vietnam War	5/8/1975 - 9/7/1980 *The ending date for officers is 10/16/1981	181 continuous days
	24-month rule	9/8/1980 - 8/1/1990 *The beginning date for officers is 10/17/1981	24 continuous months, OR The full period (at least 181 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty
	Gulf War	8/2/1990 - Present	24 continuous months, OR The full period (at least 90 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty
Currently On Active Duty	Any	Any	90 continuous days
National Guard & Reserve Member	Gulf War	8/2/1990 - Present	90 days of active service
	Six years of service in the Selected Reserve or National Guard, AND Were discharged honorably, OR Were placed on the retired list, OR Were transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable, OR Continue to serve in the Selected Reserve

*If you do not meet the minimum service requirements, you may still be eligible if you were discharged due to (1) hardship, (2) the convenience of the government, (3) reduction-in-force, (4) certain medical conditions, or (5) a service-connected disability.

Spouses

The spouse of a Veteran can also apply for home loan eligibility under one of the following conditions:

• Unremarried spouse of a Veteran who died while in service or from a service connected disability, or
• Spouse of a Servicemember missing in action or a prisoner of war
• Surviving spouse who remarries on or after attaining age 57, and on or after December 16, 2003
  (Note: a surviving spouse who remarried before December 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, must have applied no later than December 15, 2004, to establish home loan eligibility. VA must deny applications from surviving spouses who remarried before December 6, 2003 that are received after December 15, 2004.)
• Surviving Spouses of certain totally disabled veterans whose disability may not have been the cause of death

Other Eligible Beneficiaries

You may also apply for eligibility if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Certain U.S. citizens who served in the armed forces of a government allied with the United States in World War II
• Individuals with service as members in certain organizations, such as Public Health Service officers, cadets at the United States Military, Air Force, or Coast Guard Academy, midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy, officers of National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, merchant seaman with World War II service, and others

Restoration of Entitlement

Veterans can have previously-used entitlement "restored" to purchase another home with a VA loan if:

• The property purchased with the prior VA loan has been sold and the loan paid in full, or
• A qualified Veteran-transferee (buyer) agrees to assume the VA loan and substitute his or her entitlement for the same amount of entitlement originally used by the Veteran seller. The entitlement may also be restored one time only if the Veteran has repaid the prior VA loan in full, but has not disposed of the property purchased with the prior VA loan. Remaining entitlement and restoration of entitlement can be requested through the VA Eligibility Center by completing VA Form 26-1880.

Thanks for stopping by today and again if we can be of service to you in any Real Estate needs please contact us at www.MilitaryRelocationConnection.com

New Listing in San Diego, CA

One of our Realtor's, Claudia Diaz from San Diego, CA has two listings that she just put in the market. Please take a look at them and if you are moving to that area of the country I am sure they will be worth a look...

If you have any questions please contact Claudia or you can contact us at www.MiltaryRelocationConnection.com

Let Me Introduce...

I'd like to introduce one of our Realtor's from San Diego, CA. Danita Pruitt-McWhorter, she is with Keller Williams in Chula Vista and serves the bases Naval Station 32^nd Street and Naval Amphibious Coronadon. She has been with us for about two weeks and have already helped us so much with bringing on several Realtor's. To see all of our agents go to www.MilitaryRelocationConnection.com, take a look at her video. 

We Are Growing

The Military Relocation Connection Network is growing. In the last two weeks we added close to 15 new Realtor's to serve you better with your PCS move. We have added them in California, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Kentucky and we have an Realtor coming on board from Utah. Please if you have a need for our Real Estate Services contact us, if we don't have a Realtor in your area we will find you one. Have a great day and come back and visit us soon.

Let Me Introduce.....

Good Day and I would like to introduce one of our members Susan Cuddeback. Susan has been with us since the beginning of the Military Relocation Connection Network.  I find her to be a great person and a great Realtor, very caring about her clients. So if you ever have a PCS move to Fort Carson, USAF Academy, Schriever AFB, Peterson AFB, Norad, near Colorado Springs she is your Realtor.

 It’s more than a house; it’s your home!  I understand the emotions associated with selling your home and will endeavor to provide the professional experience needed to make your home reach maximum marketability.

 As a full time, top producing, broker associate for the most respected real estate company in Colorado Springs, I am committed to serving my clients with the utmost professionalism, integrity, honesty and dedication. I am determined to be the best in my field through continued education and  the utilization of  the latest cutting-edge technology and marketing strategies. Thus providing my clients with the tools they need for selling a home, and the highest level of service the industry has to offer.  I am fully qualified to handle all aspects of residential, sales and relocations.

 I will walk you through every step of the process.  My expertise in marketing , promoting and staging has enabled me to maintain a 97%+ success rate for all listings sold which include single family homes, luxury homes, town homes condominiums, land and new   construction.  I will create a marketing plan specific to your needs. Assuring that your home sells in the shortest amount of time, while bringing top dollar.

 Your total satisfaction is my number one priority!

Selling your home is one of the most important decisions you will make.  I offer experience, personal service and exceptional commitment to you.

 Susan Cuddeback – Colorado Springs, CO

And like Susan we have so many good Realtors in our network, so please get in touch with us at www.MilitaryRelocationConnection.com

Military Relocation Connection Network

Welcome to the blog of the Military Relocation Connection Network let me tell you a little about us.

It is all in our name…

Military Relocation Connection Network: Realtor's Joining Forces to Serve

We are over forty Realtors strong that are spread out over the United States, from coast to coast, and also in Alaska and Hawaii. We have come together to help Military and other government agencies with their moves. We are very committed on making your PCS move as smooth and worry free as we can, no matter which part of the United States you are relocating to,  after all it is the least we can do while you defend our country.

What makes us different is that we are made up of Soldiers that served, spouses,, those who came from military families, so we know about the emotions and challenges of a PCS move. Many of our Realtor's have put together packages with different vendors  that give  great Military discounts, knowing the needs of the move.

Our Realtor's in this network have worked with many a military personal, many of them have earned the MRP (military Relocation Professional) which is a certification of the National Association of Realtor's. So we are more than qualified to sell your house at the station you are at now and then get you in touch with someone for your next move. 

With all you do and go through for this country please let us help you and take  stress out of your next PCS and best of all it is a free service to you.

Thanks for stopping by and you can visit us at www.MilitaryRelocationConnection.com