Choose wisely, when selecting realtors near Camp Humphreys

By Sandra Hill, USAG Humphreys Public Affairs VolunteerNovember 4, 2019

Choose wisely, when selecting realtors near Camp Humphreys
USAG Humphreys Housing Management Assistant Yun Hyon Kyu, assists Spc. Kurth Blackett on his final housing inspection paperwork, Oct 30. Housing Office Hours of Operation: Monday -- Friday, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and closed for lunch from 12:30 - 1:30... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea -- House hunting in Korea can be a challenge; however, a registered realtor can help reduce some of the stress.

Generally, after attending the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys Housing Office in-processing brief, many families will be notified that they are eligible to live off post, in the local communities surrounding the installation.

"Briefings are held daily for accompanied and unaccompanied personnel," said Linda Slotosch, USAG Humphreys Housing Services chief. "The Housing Office will provide a list of registered realtors, in order to begin the house hunting process. Do not start the house hunting process off post before checking in with the Housing Office first."

Since the realtors have their own home listings that they can show prospective tenants, the Housing Office recommends visiting with more than one realtor, to see the multiple listings available.

"I felt it was really important to go to more than one realtor's office, when I arrived in Korea," said Kristi Haskins, a military spouse. "I did not want to rush the process and I knew that I had to connect with a realtor I could work with for the duration of our tour here."

Once a home or apartment has been selected, the realtor will act as the liaison between the landlord and the sponsor. The realtor will also accompany the sponsor to the Housing Office to review the lease agreement and assist in the necessary paperwork to finalize the rental process.

"Realtors in Korea are here to serve the Camp Humphreys community," said Slotosch. "Be sure and take the time to get to know your landlord/realtor. They are eager to make your tour in Korea a memorable experience and there are no fees incurred by the service members or civilians to use the service."

Within seven days of moving into a property off post, tenants should do a very thorough inspection of the home or apartment. If there are any discrepancies, they should be discussed and documented (with photos, when possible) with the landlord and realtor present. This protects the renter and serves as documentation of the condition of the unit, when moving in and moving out.

"We took pictures and videos when we moved into our new apartment," said Rachel Spore, an off post resident. "Our realtor communicated our damages to our landlord, and it was documented that these [damages] were there at move in."

"We had no problems with the lease or the signing process," said Kristi Haskins, a military spouse. "Our realtor set up an appointment with the Housing Office and told us when we needed to be there. The housing representative went over the lease with us, made sure we understood and had no additional questions."

"Honestly, it could not have been any easier," she added. "We have formed a working relationship with our realtor, and they respond quickly.

To receive housing availability, incoming accompanied service members (all ranks) and unaccompanied service members (E7 and above), will need to attend the in-processing brief at the Housing Office, located on the third floor of Maude Hall (Bldg. 6400). The brief is offered every day, at 11 a.m., except for the second Thursday of each month, when Housing Office is closed for training. Service members will need to bring their PCS orders and Pin Point Orders to the brief.

Housing Office Hours of Operation: Monday -- Friday, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and closed for lunch from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. The office is closed on the weekends, Federal holidays, and every second Thursday from 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

For more information or questions, please call DSN 754-2647 or 050-3354-2647.