Military Buyer
Military Transfers To The Comox Valley
Military and RCMP transfers can be especially hectic. Fortunately, I understand the process and know how to make your move to the Comox Valley easier and what steps you can take to make your move as smooth as possible.
I'm registered with Brookfield Global Relocation Services and for thirteen years I've been helping military and RCMP families relocate to the Comox Valley as an approved service provider of the Integrated Relocation Program.
Step 1: Get started right away
You will receive plenty of information regarding all aspects of your transfer through your relocation advisor. It can seem overwhelming, but it’s important that you get the ball rolling right away. From doing paperwork to gathering moving boxes, keeping on top of things will make you feel more organized and in control.
Step 2: Choose the right Realtor
Having the right Comox Valley Realtor will make your military or RCMP transfer much easier. Most importantly, make sure you find a realtor that has relocation experience. It’s a busy time so you want to ensure your needs will be well looked after.
You may want to interview a few real estate agents before settling on a final choice. Things to keep in mind while selecting your realtor:
- Are they listening to your thoughts and concerns?
- Do they respond in a timely manner?
- Are they well versed in the process and knowledgeable about the community?
- Are they someone who works well with your family?
Make sure your Comox Valley Realtor will be available during your house hunting trip and establish what days you have available to look so that your Realtor can block off as much time as possible for you. The earlier you inform your Realtor the better prepared they can be to help you.
Step 3: Choose the right Mortgage Broker
A mortgage broker can help you determine what price range you can afford and qualify for. They can also save you a lot of money vs. going directly to the bank. Getting fully approved before starting your search will remove one of the most stressful steps and save you a lot of time on your house hunting trip.
Step 4: Start educating yourself about the Comox Valley real estate market
Having chosen your Comox Valley Realtor, make sure they set you up on the Private Client System (PCS) as soon as possible. The PCS gives you the full information on all listings in the Comox Valley so that you can start to understand the market value of homes in the Comox Valley and what you can expect within your budget.
Step 5: Do your homework about your new community
A little knowledge is a good thing, a lot is even better. Don’t wait until your house hunting trip to find out about your new community. By learning about all that your new location has to offer, you can feel less overwhelmed upon your arrival and focus on homes located close to the amenities that matter to you.
Step 6: Start looking
Being as prepared as possible it's time to start looking at homes. Your Realtor will be able to guide you though the rest of the process from selecting the best homes to righting a successful offer.
Military Testimonials
Cori Lee & Jay Clarion
"Corey was recommended to me by a good friend who has many ties to the community and is one of the most genuine people I know who truly wants to help people. I can’t find strong enough words to recommend him - he went above and beyond in every single aspect of our search and purchase. I was a first time home buyer with a spouse deployed overseas, and Corey put my mind at ease by thoroughly checking every place we looked at and promptly addressed any concerns or questions I had. He always made time for me and my spouse despite both of us having irregular and busy schedules. I could not be happier working with Corey. He is extremely knowledgeable in knowing what to look out for with no pressure - just endless knowledge and support. Thank you Corey, we will always be grateful for your help and would not hesitate to recommend you to our friends as we already have!"
Rod Carroll
"As a newly posted in member to 19 Wing I used Corey back in 2012 to search for my house. He is a dedicated realtor that will not stop till he finds the perfect house for you to be able to call it a home. With his knowledge he knows the in's and outs of the Comox Valley's market. He has the experience to allow him to see issues in a place. When he does he has no problem being upfront and honest even if you have your heart set on a place. I would recommend him to everyone."
Dustin & Tina Francis
"We were stationed to 19 Wing Comox from 2012-2015. Corey listed our house when we left the Comox Valley in 2015. We met Corey through his wife Tara, who we used for family portraits every year (she’s phenomenal). When we went with Corey for listing our house, he was a very professional and dedicated real estate agent. He held several Open Houses at our home to garner attention with potential buyers and fellow realtors. He always kept us in the loop on how active the market was, and advise us accordingly. We were able to sell our home quickly and at a price very close to our asking, because of Corey’s knowledge of real estate in the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island. My family and I were able to pack our home and move to Newfoundland on schedule and budget without any stress from the housing market, because of Corey’s expertise. Thank you, Corey!"
Ben & Samantha Wilcox
"Great to work with and always there for our many calls and questions.... Highly recommend!"
Testimonials
"
First Time Home Buyer. Corey was great at reading our pace and comfort level in the home buying process. As a first time home buyer it was great having Corey help coach us through the process.
"
- Sam MacIsaac
"
Home Seller. Very professional, knowledgeable and truly felt my best interests were put first. Made the process completely painless. Thanks for the hard work and late nights. Great job Corey!
"
- Dustin Booth
"
First Time Military Buyer. As first time home-buyers, my wife and I had a lot of questions and concerns about buying our first home. Corey was available to help us and answer our questions any time we had a concern. He made buying our first home as easy and as stress-free as possible, and has been extremely helpful throughout the entire process. We'd definitely recommend him to anyone looking to buy in the Comox Valley.
"
- Brad Harding
"
First Time Home Buyer. Corey was super helpful with my wife and I as first time home buyers. He was very knowledgeable with the places and areas he showed us in the Comox Valley. He was really flexible with meeting us and help us through the whole process. When we sell our place in the future we will definitely use Corey again! 10/10 great realtor.
"
- Kyle Van Kleek
"
First Time Home Buyer. We had the pleasure of working with Corey in the fall of 2018, to secure the purchase of our first home (Feb 2019). Being first time home buyers, this presented its own set of challenges for us however Corey was easily able to make all the moving parts of the process flow with ease, and confidently provided some much needed guidance. Corey’s communication skills are on point. He rapidly returns phone calls, texts, and when needed…easily provides clarification with regards to contracts and the insane amount of administration that comes with buying a home. Corey brings his own skills & experiences with renovations/upgrades to the table when it comes to the selection process involved with buying a home.
As you would hope and expect from your realtor, he was able to steer us away from homes that we considered “good to go”, but in reality… the place was a train wreck. Having someone help point out deficiencies in a potential home as they relate to construction, upgrades, shoddy plumbing, electrical and the consequences of purchasing with emotion…spoke volumes to us. Corey really did have our best interests in mind and because of that, we looked at a wide range of places both in Comox and Campbell River in a relatively short amount of time. He was always on time and also had his own list of potential homes to view, in case we exhausted our list.
I definitely recommend Corey, no question.
"
- Rene Addicott
"
Repeat Client. Corey is a super nice guy who always has your best interest in mind! He is honest, easy to work with and dedicated to his clients! Highly recommend him!!
"
- Nicole Cahoon
"
Military Buyer and Sellers. Corey was recommended to me by a good friend who has many ties to the community and is one of the most genuine people I know who truly wants to help people. I can’t find strong enough words to recommend him - he went above and beyond in every single aspect of our search and purchase. I was a first time home buyer with a spouse deployed overseas, and Corey put my mind at ease by thoroughly checking every place we looked at and promptly addressed any concerns or questions I had. He always made time for me and my spouse despite both of us having irregular and busy schedules. I could not be happier working with Corey. He is extremely knowledgeable in knowing what to look out for with no pressure - just endless knowledge and support. Thank you Corey, we will always be grateful for your help and would not hesitate to recommend you to our friends as we already have!
"
- Corri Lee & Jay Clarion
"
We have bought two properties with Corey's help. Corey is very knowledgeable of the the market, buildings, types of housing and districts. He took time to discern our objectives and budget. He really goes above and beyond, and shares his considerable experience.
We did not feel pressured, and Corey put our best interests first and foremost. We really appreciated his professionalism, honesty, and systematic approach. He was a pleasure to work with, and we highly recommend him! 10/10
"
- Angelika and Neil
"
First Time Home Buyer. Got in touch with him on a recommendation from a friend for our first time buying a home, very professional and skilled realtor I would recommend to anyone new or experienced. Gave us all the info we needed and more with anything we asked, definitely a realtor we will go back to.
"
- Kris Tewinkel
"
Repeat Clients. We could not have done this with out Corey Zaal and his assistant Paisley. You have both made the process extremely easy. They went over and above in every aspect imaginable. Corey’s vast knowledge of not only the market but his expertise about homes and properties and detail to make sure we were not getting in over our heads. He shared many tips and tricks and is still open to a call anytime to assist. He has earn our lifetime business and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. Thank you for working with us to buy our first family home.
"
- Sydney Wood & Garrett French
"
Repeat Client. Corey is phenomenal to work with, he listens to what you are looking for and respects your budget. I have now bought two homes through him. I will continue to refer him to my family and friends as I know they will be in good hands with an honest realtor who genuinely cares. You rock, Corey!
"
- Camille Douglas
"
Military Seller. Great to work with and always there for our many calls and questions.... Highly recommend
"
- Ben & Sam Wilcox
"
Military Buyer. As a newly posted in member to 19 Wing I used Corey back in 2012 to search for my house. He is a dedicated realtor that will not stop till he finds the perfect house for you to be able to call it a home. With his knowledge he knows the in's and outs of the Comox Valley's market. He has the experience to allow him to see issues in a place. When he does he has no problem being upfront and honest even if you have your heart set on a place. I would recommend him to everyone.
"
- Rodd Carroll
"
Military Seller. We were stationed to 19 Wing Comox from 2012-2015. Corey listed our house when we left the Comox Valley in 2015. We met Corey through his wife Tara, who we used for family portraits every year (she’s phenomenal). When we went with Corey for listing our house, he was a very professional and dedicated real estate agent. He held several Open Houses at our home to garner attention with potential buyers and fellow realtors. He always kept us in the loop on how active the market was, and advise us accordingly. We were able to sell our home quickly and at a price very close to our asking because of Corey’s knowledge of real estate in the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island. My family and I were able to pack our home and move to Newfoundland on schedule and budget without any stress from the housing market because of Corey’s expertise. Thank you, Corey!
"
- Dustin & Tina Francis
"
First Time Home Buyer. Corey was very professional yet friendly at the same time. He listened to our needs and gave us our all our options and let us make all the final decisions based on the good, the bad, or whatever we were comfortable to compromise with given our budget. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to my friends and would definitely use him again for our next home purchase...when we trade up!
"
- Thu Robertson
"
Repeat Client. Corey is phenomenal to work with, he listens to what you are looking for and respects your budget. I have now bought two homes through him. I will continue to refer him to my family and friends as I know they will be in good hands with an honest realtor who genuinely cares. You rock, Corey!
"
- Brianne Clarre
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