Bob Stanbrough, U.S. Army Veteran and Oklahoma City real estate agent
Meet Bob Stanbrough, Oklahoma City Veteran Real Estate Agent
Our military-friendly real estate agents come from a variety of backgrounds and have boatloads of experience and tested advice to share. We couldn’t resist picking a few of those knowledgeable brains!
Our first subject, Bob Stanbrough, brings his own military experience to the table when working with fellow service members. An Army veteran based in Oklahoma City, Bob understands the unique nature of military life and strives to make home sales easy and beneficial for his military clients.
Bob was kind enough to share his thoughts on the industry, his childhood aspirations and his advice for working with military clients.
Jessi: Tell us a little about yourself.
Bob: I have been selling real estate since 2004. I feel it is one of the most rewarding fields one can be in. I was in the military for years and ended my service as a 1st LT. I was profiled in Oklahoma Magazine in the May 2011 issue and ranked in the top 7 percent of Realtors in the Oklahoma City Metro for customer service. I am also the Top Producer of the Year, 2011 for my brokerage.
Jessi: How did you get into real estate?
Bob: I worked as an investor for years buying and selling homes. I came across so many homes that were right for listing. So I got my real estate license and have been working in this field ever since.
Jessi: What do you enjoy most about working in real estate?
Bob: I have the opportunity to help people make the biggest purchase they will ever make. When I work with a family and help them get a sound home at the best price, I see how it changes lives. I pride my work on the level of customer service I provide. I love to visit with buyers and sellers to educate them on the process. I am a bit of a teacher by nature.
Jessi: What was your dream career as a child?
Bob: I wanted to be an architect.
Jessi: Why is being a “military-friendly real estate agent” important to you?
Bob: Military families have made a great sacrifice for our country. I am honored to make sure they get a home that fits their needs and work hard to make sure they get the very best deal on a new home purchase.
Jessi: What charitable causes are important to you?
Bob: I volunteer every year as the Santa for Easter Seals and the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center. I also donate a portion of every home closing to Easter Seals and ASPCA.
Jessi: Why do you enjoy working with military buyers?
Bob: I find working with military families very rewarding. When a husband is deployed and I work with a wife and children to purchase a home, I make sure their experience is as stress-free as possible. When a family is in their new home and I’m invited to a barbecue once they’re all settled in, I see how that new home changes lives. It’s very rewarding. Plus, I make a lot of new friends.
Jessi: Are there any common misconceptions you see among your military buyers?
Bob: The only misconception I can think of is that VA loans are difficult to do. I don’t think so at all. The majority of loans I handle are VA loans. I think most real estate professionals would love to have the quality customers I am blessed with.
Jessi: How is your local real estate market doing?
Bob: Oklahoma has a very stable market. We were fortunate to not have home prices drastically drop. Our local economy endured the recession and is showing wonderful growth. Home sales in the Oklahoma City Metro were up by over 8 percent in 2011. Sales are brisk and I stay extremely busy.
Jessi: What advice would you offer to other agents who want to work with military buyers?
Bob: Jump in. Military families are wonderful to work with. They are dedicated, driven people, and closings are usually very smooth.
Jessi: Can you describe your experience with our partner, Veterans United Home Loans?
Bob: I have worked with a great number of the loan officers at Veterans United Home Loans. They are detail-oriented, and I have never had a bad experience with any loan officers. Very professional and we enjoy a very high success rate. I know the customers that I work with through Veterans United Home Loans finish their homebuying experience knowing they were very well taken care of.
Thanks for your service and dedication, Bob!
Photo courtesy of Bob Stanbrough
Disclaimer: Bob is a member of the Veterans United Realty network, a Veterans United Home Loans affiliate.