S
am Haberlach’s real‑estate journey began in 1997 when she bought a fixer‑up in Omaha at 23, living rent‑free with roommates while completing ROTC. A 26‑year Air Force career kept her mobile, but she used VA loans to acquire eight rental properties. After retiring as a lieutenant colonel, she turned to real‑estate as a service outlet.
She earned the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) designation from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), covering military relocation, VA financing, and veterans’ needs. As a Century 21 associate, she highlights “MRP®” in emails and her website to signal expertise for clients who relocate frequently or have families spread across the globe.
The MRP credential also benefits other agents. Oakland broker Tia Hunnicutt, owner of Proxima Realty, recently closed a deal with a sailor needing a home within 20 minutes of his naval base. The sailor’s mother saw Hunnicutt’s MRP on the NAR directory and reached out. Hunnicutt’s experience shows how certifications open doors.
During the early COVID‑19 lockdowns, Hunnicutt earned ten NAR designations—ABR, SFR, SRES, and e‑PRO—covering digital marketing. Specialized education enhances service to niche clients.
