Serving Those Who Served: Real Stories From Our Veteran and Military Clients in Tampa Bay

by Sunny Alexander & Mike Beum

Serving Those Who Served: Real Stories From Our Veteran and Military Clients in Tampa Bay

At Red Sash Realty, helping veterans and military families buy and sell homes in Tampa Bay is personal.

We are veterans ourselves. We understand PCS moves, VA loans, buying from another state or another country, choosing a home during a short house-hunting trip, and considering whether today's home could become tomorrow's investment property.

Sometimes we are helping a young service member use a VA loan for the first time.

Sometimes we are helping a family PCS to MacDill AFB.

Sometimes we are helping a veteran who spent 30 years being told where to live finally choose the place they want to call home.

And sometimes we are helping military families use real estate to begin building wealth that will follow them long after their next set of orders.

These are some of their stories.

Cindy | Veteran Seller

We loved helping Cindy sell her home. In a market where the average days on market were approximately 63, we were able to get her home sold in just five days. This sale was complex since it was in a Condo community that was undergoing repairs, and their HVAC went out right after we went under contract. We closed and they got to move closer to family, and a new buyer got an AMAZING condo on Harbour Island.

What Cindy Said

"Sunny and Mike were outstanding to work with throughout the entire process of selling our home. From start to finish, they were excellent communicators, keeping us informed every step of the way and always making themselves available to answer our questions. Their honest advice and guidance gave us confidence in every decision we made, and we always felt they had our best interests at heart. Sunny and Mike made the experience smooth and manageable with their professionalism and knowledge. We couldn't have asked for a better team and highly recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell a home!"

First-Time VA Buyer | Buying Sight Unseen From San Diego

This was a first-time homebuyer using his VA loan, and we negotiated $5,000 in seller assistance toward his closing costs.

Jeremy bought his Florida condo from San Diego, sight unseen. We were in constant communication with him, knew what he was looking for, and, best of all, we found it. Jeremy, has a wicked sense of humor, and most of our communications did involve funny GIFs.

What I really love about his plan is that this home is just the beginning. When he eventually PCSs, he plans to keep it as a rental and continue building his real estate portfolio throughout his military career.

What Jeremy Said

"Phenomenal team! Made the property acquisition process super smooth. They remained consistently involved throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend Sunny and Michael for home buying needs in Tampa."

Rich & Steph’s “someday home”| West Point Classmate

This one was incredibly personal for me.

After 31 years of being told where to live and when to move, this retired Army family was finally choosing their forever home.

I have known Rich for more than 30 years. We went to West Point together. Helping a fellow West Point graduate and friend navigate the transition from military life into the next chapter was an honor.

And the best part?

Now our families have monthly Sunday Suppers together.

What Rich and Stephanie Said

"Purchasing a home after thirty-one years in uniform - being told when and where to move - presented significant unexpected challenges for my wife and me. We lacked confidence in selecting our forever home. So we called upon those who tout 'Veteran Leadership' with the core values of 'Faith, Family, and Community.' We called Red Sash Realty. And they delivered.

Our experience is worthy of sharing. It was the first major milestone after concluding a career in the Army. And the Winning Strategy was executed with friends from the Army…from West Point…and from time in combat.

Sunny from Red Sash Realty mentored us. She told us when to wait, rent, look, plan and when to take advantage of an opportunity. She listened, gave advice. She focused on the right fit for our family, not her business. She guided us with Understanding… of the market, of our concerns, of our short and long term goals, and how she could help convert our dreams to reality.

Sunny assembled a team of winning professionals, and she managed the potential chaos at every turn. Through their actions, they reinforced Trust with us. What they said was true, and they did what they said they would. Period. The relationships were not contractual. They were a partnership and the team was in this with us.

We've now been in our home four months since closing and this team still supports us. Our appreciation for them is not surface-level or temporary - the home buying process served simply as a catalyst to continuing our relationships with people we value and trust. Those that really do live their core values of 'Faith, Family, and Community.'"

Colonel (Retired) Rich and Stephanie Tucker

Newlywed Military Couple | Seminole Heights

These two had just gotten married and wanted a home with personality in Seminole Heights.

We found them the cutest house.

And yes, it even had a pink front door. AND it less than 1 mile from Sunny.

Sometimes a house just feels like it was waiting for the right people.

What They Said

"The Red Sash Realty team were amazing! Sunny and Mike are extremely personable, reliable, and knowledgeable. They went above and beyond with helping us find the perfect home. I cannot recommend them enough. This was the smoothest buying experience I've ever had and it was because of them!"

Retired Major General | South Tampa

After 36 years in the Army, this West Point alum found a beautiful retirement home in South Tampa.

The transaction came with its share of hurdles, including repairs and some complicated generator issues, but those are the transactions where experience, communication, and problem-solving really matter. And not going to lie, a bit intimidating helping out a 2-star. The very best part is we became fast friends, and we have monthly lunches with Patty.

What He Said

"Phenomenal home buying experience with Red Sash Realty team. Sunny and Mike made the process of finding our retirement home smooth and efficient. What a fantastic duo they are. I never had to wait for a response to any of my questions (since I was long distance, I pestered them with any question that came to mind) once we found our home, made an offer and went under contract. We closed in a little under 30 days. We love the house! Home buying is stressful enough, Sunny and Mike steered us straight and I highly recommend them to anyone looking to buy in Tampa. I cannot love them more!"

First-Time Veteran Homebuyers

This veteran couple came to us as first-time homebuyers looking for more than someone to simply open doors.

They wanted a team who would educate them, guide them and stay beside them through the entire process.

By the end, the relationship had grown well beyond a transaction, which is always one of my favorite parts of this business.

What They Said

"My Wife and I reached out to Red Sash Realty in November of 2025. We are both proud Veterans and proud parents. We were both first time home buyers. We saw a video of Sunny and Mike advertising Red Sash Realty as a company that takes care of their own! I called immediately.

Spoke with Mike, then that same week, spoke to both Sonny and Mike. Their follow up was punctual, not pushy. They were extremely warm and sincere about helping us. My wife and I were looking for a full service Realty company that would hold our hand through the entire home Selection process, and then the entire purchasing process.

When we found Red Sash Realty, we found all of that and more. We instantly felt like we were being treated as family not just clients. They spent hours upon hours helping us select a home and not only that when we did finally select the Home of our dreams, they also connected us with the financing.

Mike and Sunny of Red Sash Realty aren't just our real estate agents. They have become advisors and Friends that we can call about anything. Mike and Sonny, thank you so much for helping us make our dreams come true!!"

They later added:

"Mike and Sunny at Red Sash Realty made all the difference to our first time veterans home buying experience. They were professional, knowledgeable, efficient, timely and assisted us in every step of the way. They anticipated any problems and with their vast experience made us feel at ease dealing with VA home loan. Strongly recommend them for any realtor needs. Thank you. You made our dream home possible!!!! Our family will forever be grateful!!!!!"

West Point Referral Partner | Dallas to Tampa

There is something special about receiving a referral from someone who already knows how you operate.

This fellow West Point graduate and real estate colleague in Dallas trusts us with the people he sends to Tampa, and we never take that responsibility lightly.

What He Said

"Sunny and Red Sash Realty are my go-to referral partners in Tampa and the surrounding areas. Their team always gets great reviews from clients and friends that I send her way. She and the team are responsive, honest, professional, and hardworking. This team is the best in the business!"

Veteran Seller | Strategy in a Slower Market

This veteran seller trusted us during a market where homes around them were sitting for months.

We built a strong marketing strategy, generated significant online exposure and secured an offer within three weeks.

But what I love most about this review is that they recognized the communication and care behind the strategy, not just the result.

What They Said

"Sunny and Mike are the most talented real estate agents we have ever met; they are problem solvers who seek creative solutions to all the real estate challenges that inevitably arise.

We were extremely impressed with their ability to leverage social media and real estate listing sites to advertise our property. While other houses in our neighborhood languished on the market for months, we received an offer within three weeks--during which time over 11,000 people viewed our home virtually.

Red Sash Realty is comprised of honest people with strong ethical convictions; they guided us through every step of the selling process and offered sage advice through detailed market analysis. Their communication with us was fantastic; even if there were no events scheduled, they reached out just to see how we were doing--recognizing that the process is stressful.

If Google allowed us to give six stars, we certainly would."

Retired Veteran | Repeat Client

There may be no bigger compliment than a client choosing to work with us again.

This retired veteran came back to Red Sash for a second transaction, and we had the privilege of once again helping their family navigate the process.

What They Said

"This is our second time working with Sunny. The Red Sash group is amazing. They really get to know the needs and wants of the family and help curate the entire process for that family. They took all the stress out of the process for us and kept it exciting. They are Trustworthy, accessible, transparent, and problem solvers. True advocates for their clients!"

Jon | Building Wealth During His Army Career

Jon approached this purchase with both his current needs and his long-term future in mind.

We helped him find a home in an up-and-coming area that works for his family today, with the plan to convert it into a rental when he eventually PCSs.

His goal is to continue doing that throughout his Army career and steadily build a real estate portfolio along the way.

I love helping service members think beyond one transaction and see what their VA benefit can potentially help them build over time.

What Jon Said

"Michael and Sunny helped us find the perfect home for what we were looking for. They performed a search using our wants and needs and then guided us throughout the process. They were conscious of our budget, detail oriented, kind, and professional. I highly highly recommend their team for anyone looking to purchase in Tampa. Thanks Sunny and Michael!"

Veteran Buying in St. Petersburg From Out of State

She was making the move to St. Petersburg ahead of her husband, who still had a little more time before retirement.

She handled a home purchase from several states away while we became her eyes and ears here in Florida.

And if you ask her, her husband needs to hurry up and retire already.

What She Said

"From the beginning of my search until it was time to close Sunny and Mike were on it. I was buying from a few states away and they accommodated me in every way.

From the short weekend I had to look at inventory, to the offer and through 2 major storms that hit the area I was always supported and the concern for my purchase was the most important.

First time ever buying a home where I could not physically be there for every step but they were there. Nothing left unanswered and no surprises. If you are looking for a seamless and honest way to purchase in the Tampa area then I would highly recommend Red Sash."

PCS to MacDill AFB

This military family was PCSing to MacDill and had a very specific priority: finding the right community and school fit for their family.

Their time was limited, so we built the search around what mattered most to them and helped make a potentially stressful PCS as streamlined as possible.

What They Said

"Sunny and Mike at Red Sash Realty were beyond professional. They were extremely accommodating to our limited schedule and arranged everything to fit our needs.

Best of all, they worked as a team to strike the perfect balance of listening to our desires and providing professional feedback and recommendations. We cut our house hunt short after Mike showed us the perfect house.

They worked closely with our mortgage broker to put together an offer that was accepted within hours. One month to the day later, we had the keys to our new home.

We've never had a more seamless and painless house buying process and it was largely due to Sunny and Mike. They are truly realtors you can trust!"

Retired Special Forces Family | Tampa to Huntsville

This retired Special Forces family was leaving Tampa for Huntsville, Alabama, which meant helping them close one chapter before starting the next.

We sold their home in less than a week and above asking price.

Military moves come with enough stress already, so our goal was to make the real estate part of their transition one less thing to worry about.

What They Said

"We cannot say enough good things about Sunny & Mike at Red Sash Realty! From the very beginning they were very communicative and honest. They laid out the plan and eased my nerves and mind about the stressful process of selling a home. I would choose them all over again and highly recommend them for anyone buying or selling!"

From England to Tampa, Then Into Investing

We absolutely adored helping this family.

They first trusted us to purchase a Tampa home sight unseen while living in England. Later, they came back to us to purchase another Tampa property as an investment.

Eventually, we also helped them sell as their family relocated again.

One of the hardest parts of working with military families is that eventually orders or opportunities can take some really wonderful people somewhere else.

What They Said

"Sunny and Mike were excellent in every aspect! My wife and I purchased and sold two homes with them in our three years in Tampa. Sunny and Mike did a great job in taking the stress off of our backs and providing a wealth of information on the whole process.

I don't feel like there is a better real estate team in Tampa. They have transparent pricing when selling and give great value for their cost. They are not only excellent real estate professionals but great people too. I always felt like they had our best interest in mind. I recommend them to everyone."

They also shared:

"Sunny and Mike both went above and beyond to ensure both our buying and selling experience was smooth and easy. From buying site unseen from England to navigating all the realestate jargon and figure out 'the numbers', you want them on your team.

Because of Sunny we have the financial freedom we thought was never possible. She was more than a realtor that showed you the four walls of a house, she helped you understand the ROI for a short and long term buy.

She helped us see beyond our wants in a house and understand what the whole purchase could mean for our financial future. She supported us beyond her basic responsibilities and became a true partner.

Hire her to be apart of your home buying or selling future and you will have a partner that puts you first and helps you see possibilities that you didn't know existed!!"

Veteran Investment Condo Buyer | Purchasing From Out of State

We helped this veteran purchase an investment condo from out of state in 2024.

I especially love that this wasn't simply about buying a property. She purchased it with an investment mindset, and that condo continues to generate income for her today.

What She Said

"Sunny is a phenomenal realtor! Her honesty, accessibility, expertise, and professionalism are beyond reproach. She truly works for the client to get them the best deal.

My husband and I purchased a condo in Tampa from out of state and working with Sunny was a godsend. From doing virtual walk throughs to providing recommendations for specialists such as our broker and HVAC company, she made the process extremely easy and seamless.

Making big purchases such as real estate can be an extremely stressful undertaking, especially if you don't have a good realtor. Anyone who is looking to purchase in the Tampa area or anywhere Sunny operates MUST seek her out! You will not be disappointed.

We will absolutely continue to work with Sunny and highly recommend her to anyone! Thank you so much!"

Last Duty Assignment at MacDill

We helped this military family find their South Tampa home when Scott reported to MacDill for his final duty assignment.

They are now happily retired and plan to stay in the home at least until their youngest graduates from high school.

Of course, we're quietly hoping Tampa convinces them to stay even longer.

What They Said

"One of Sunny's best qualities is the level of TRUST she creates with her customers. This trust is based upon her high level of competence in the real estate profession, the commitment she brings to her clients, and her strong character and professional integrity.

We were moving to FL from out-of-state and had a limited amount of time to purchase a house. Sunny helped us find a house to meet both the personal and professional needs of our family. She is absolutely AWESOME!!!"

Finding the Retirement Home in a Crazy Market

We helped this family find their retirement home at the absolute peak of the market craziness.

I am not going to lie, I cried for them.

We lost multiple homes in competitive situations, but they stayed patient. Eventually the right house showed up, and after everything they had been through, they didn't even have to pay over list price.

Sometimes the house you lose really is making room for the one you were supposed to find.

What They Said

VA Buyer During the Peak of COVID Competition

Helping VA buyers compete in 2022 was not easy.

We worked with Jason and his girls during one of the most competitive markets I have experienced, when VA offers often faced an uphill battle.

We stayed after it until we found the right home for their family, and later had the privilege of helping them sell as well.

What Jason and Robyn Said

"I cannot recommend enough Sunny and her team. They are relentless in pursuing a home for their clients. Especially in today's market, it's nice to have highly knowledgable and determined realtors.

I highly recommend using her and her team for finding a home. The communication was superb. Also, it's nice to have a veteran assisting other veterans and their families.

We would definitely use her for any future listings or purchases. Thanks!"

VA Home Buying in Tampa Bay Is More Than a Loan Program

A VA loan is an incredible benefit, but successfully buying a home with it requires more than simply finding a lender who offers VA financing.

The property matters.

The offer strategy matters.

The appraisal matters.

Insurance matters.

Inspections matter.

Your long-term plans matter.

And when you are active duty, your next PCS can matter too.

At Red Sash Realty, we help VA buyers, veterans, active-duty service members and military families navigate the entire Tampa Bay home-buying process, including MacDill AFB relocations, VA financing, appraisals, inspections, entitlement, competitive offers, Florida insurance, flood zones and long-distance purchases.

We serve military and veteran buyers throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Manatee counties.

We are veterans serving veterans, and for us, that means something.

Whether this is your first VA purchase, your retirement home, a PCS move or the beginning of a long-term real estate investment strategy, our goal is simple:

Help you make a good decision today while protecting what you are building for tomorrow.

Thinking About Buying With Your VA Benefit?

Start with a conversation.

We'll help you understand your VA home-buying options, the Tampa Bay market and what your next move could look like before you ever feel pressured to buy a house.

Red Sash Realty Veteran-Owned. Tampa Bay Based. Built to Serve.

GET MORE INFORMATION

Sunny Alexander & Mike Beum

Broker-Owner

admin@redsashgroup.com

+1(931) 237-6592