By Jamie Swann, Contributing Writer
Navy veteran Michele Holmes is no stranger to moving.
Having served 12 years in the military and being married to a man who retired after 20 years, Holmes is familiar with the struggles of packing up a family and relocating every few years.
“We moved a lot, at least 10 times,” said Holmes, when discussing what brought her to Jacksonville. “It’s hard on a family, especially when dealing with more than just the move, like deployments or transitioning to civilian life.”
That’s why, when deciding her next career, she knew she wanted to be in a position where she could help military personnel find a place to call home.
Becoming a real estate agent was a natural fit for the vibrant Navy vet. While there is no comparison of life in the military to that of life as an agent, Holmes is determined to unite the two by using her experience to help others.
“I understand the military life, I lived that life,” said Holmes. “I want to make sure the person standing behind our military veterans when they are buying or selling a home is a person with integrity, honor, commitment and courage.”
Holmes, a Realtor at Premier Coast Realty, shared her expertise with military personnel and veterans at the 2016 Military and Veterans HomeBuyer Expo.
The expo welcomed nearly 300 veterans and active-duty military, all in search of information to purchase their next home.
It was sponsored by the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors, the Northeast Florida Builders Association and the Mortgage Bankers Association of Jacksonville.
Aisha Jefferson and her fiancé, Kenneth Thrasher, were at the event “looking for a place to call home,” she said. Thrasher retired from the Army.
“Knowing there are people who are experienced working with military veterans, or are veterans themselves, makes us feel more comfortable with our decisions,” she said.
Military families face distinct hardships, such moving frequently often without much notice or being separated for extended periods.
Holmes knows the difficulties many families can face and has lived many of them firsthand, which she believes allows them to feel more comfortable with her. She knows what it’s like to uproot a family.
“I’m a little more sensitive to those needs,” said Holmes. “... Unless you’ve actually lived it, you don’t understand.”