Realtor^® John Waas: Bringing a Military Legacy to Real Estate

But John Waas, a retired Navy pilot and broker-owner of John Waas Realty in Pensacola, knew how to help. He found the perfect off-base housing for the officer, his wife and their two kids. His expertise and professionalism paved the way for the military family to have a smooth and stress-free relocation to Pensacola.

As time went on, Waas and the commanding officer developed a genuine friendship. Grateful for Waas’s assistance, the officer volunteered with him at various community events.

With a distinguished military career spanning over three decades, Waas brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his role as a real estate professional. As a former Navy pilot, he honed his leadership skills, learned discipline and developed a strategic mindset – invaluable qualities that seamlessly translate into his real estate practice today.

Waas is one of 20 Realtors® in the first class of Florida Realtors® Board Certified Professionals, a new endorsement for Realtors who have reached the pinnacle of their profession and fulfilled leadership, education and skill-based achievements over the life of their real estate careers.

Having personally experienced the complexities and uncertainties associated with permanent change of station (PCS) moves, Waas decided to focus his real estate business on the unique housing needs and concerns of service members. His extensive network within the military community and comprehensive knowledge of military housing programs makes him an invaluable resource for clients navigating the intricacies of relocation.

“Professionalism is key to me,” says Waas. “I’ve been in the real estate industry for 31 years, and it can be frustrating to see how some transactions are handled by agents with other firms. I always try to share with them or their brokers information that can help us present a professional image to the public.”

Supporting the military community

Beyond his professional pursuits, Waas has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment in supporting the military community.

“I’m a retired Navy pilot and my contacts are useful in helping others find housing,” he says. “I’ve been a volunteer out at the Navy housing office for 30 years.” There, he assists numerous military families in finding suitable housing solutions and facilitating a seamless transition to the area.

“I really enjoy working with military families, looking to purchase or rent, as well as those who are being transferred out and aren’t sure whether they should keep their property or put into a rental program,” he explains.

Through his efforts, Waas has earned the respect and gratitude of those he has worked with, solidifying his reputation as a compassionate and reliable advocate for military families.

Always learning

Driven by a philosophy of continuous learning, Waas remains at the forefront of industry trends and advancements. He seeks out educational opportunities and diligently stays updated on market conditions, ensuring he can provide his clients with insightful guidance and sound advice.

“I think the biggest thing is to understand the stress military families go through,” he says. “Moves all over the world can be stressful, especially if you're young and inexperienced or it’s your first move and you show up in a community you know nothing about.”

John is a member of the Pensacola Association of Realtors® military housing committee. “We coordinate volunteer Realtors to help out of the local housing office,” he says. “We don’t solicit business. We’re there to provide answers to questions and to access the MLS to help them find rentals. We also help them with questions about financing and help them settle in the area. We have the only program like this in the U.S.”

Community is important to John, who also is on the board of directors for Water and Youth Safety Pensacola, a water safety group that provides training to second grade students in Escambia County.

“We teach kids the basics of water safety, how to stay out of trouble and how to help one of their friends if they are in trouble,” says Waas. “There are so many bodies of water around us, from retention ponds and pools to lakes and rivers, it’s important for children to know how to swim and the basics of water safety.”

He is active in his local and state Realtor associations, including serving on Florida Realtors Board of Directors. “I want to improve professionalism in our industry and share the benefits of community involvement and association involvement,” he says.

From helping military families with housing and rentals to teaching children water safety, Waas is a role model for what real estate professionals mean to the community.