American Veteran Properties recently welcomed new agent Phillip Smith to its team of seasoned real estate professionals. Like AVP’s other agents and staffers, Smith’s military connection makes him a great fit for the agency.

Before becoming a realtor, Smith was a U.S. Army soldier whose last duty station was Fort Stewart in Hinesville. He and his family are no strangers to moving, having relocated four times over the course of his military career when Smith was assigned to posts in Tennessee, California, Hawaii and, finally, in Coastal Georgia. Given his decades of service, Smith is very familiar with the ways in which VA benefits – such as Basic Housing Allowance and VA loans – can be successfully utilized to maximize returns. He’s ready to put his knowledge in both sectors to work for AVP’s clients and looks forward to continuing to serve the community.

“Rest assured, as your realtor, I will strive to ensure you not only have a fulfilling experience, but I’ll also help educate you on your military benefits so you can make the best possible decisions. This is the way for me to continue my service and dedication to the military,” Smith said. “I have all the resources to help ease families into their new community. I also have the knowledge and resources to help you as a service member, past or present, utilize your military benefits when buying your home. I look forward to helping our clients find their next home! We’ve got you covered.”

AVP owner and CEO Eric Lukkarinen was a soldier himself in the U.S. Army until 2001. After completing his service, he was a Realtor for 20 years, amassing sales experience with a concentration in buyer and seller residential transactions. Like Smith, Lukkarinen loved serving his country, but always had an eye on the future and an entrepreneurial inclination, which drove him to officially launch AVP last year.