There’s always this moment of recognition when Jeff Caroon’s clients realize he knows what they’re going through. He can hear their comfort level in their voices and see it in their body language.
The San Antonio-based agent with Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS® works with many military families. As a retired Air Force master sergeant, he understands the unique circumstances active duty and veteran families face in real estate.
Summer is a busy time in the San Antonio market because that’s when the military transfers personnel between bases, called a permanent change of station. Caroon helps clients find new homes near their base or connect with property management to rent out their homes if they have to leave before closing.
“It’s its own tight-knit community. There’s definitely a connection, a common denominator that breaks the ice,” he says. “Even if they’re from a different branch of the service. They know we’ll get through this and find them the right spot. I know how to do the paperwork. I know about the benefits and the VA loan processes.”
Caroon’s experience as a double amputee informs how he works with clients with disabilities. Clients appreciate that he can spot potential accessibility issues, such as bathrooms and kitchens that are too narrow for wheelchairs. “They might be self-conscious about what they’ve got going on. I’m not looking down at them,” he says. “They know I’ve been there. I deal with this myself.”
Caroon and his wife, Holly, moved to San Antonio six years ago. After retiring from the military, he followed her into real estate. “My wife is the outgoing, bubbly, talk-to-everybody type of person. I’m more reserved, especially after my injury. Real estate helped me come out of my shell.”
Now he loves talking with clients, hearing their stories, and sharing his own. Caroon likes showing people that recovery and giving back are possible.
He found community and inspiration in sports following his injury. “I got into the pool and thought, ‘How am I going to swim without legs?’ I was petrified. I wasn’t a great swimmer to begin with, but I still floated. I realized I could swim better than I thought I could.”
He started seriously training. In December 2022, Caroon was named among the 59 athletes to represent the United States at the Invictus Games, an international competition for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and servicewomen. In September he traveled to Germany to compete in swimming, archery, rowing, and track and field. He won two silver and two bronze medals.
Caroon loved being there in Düsseldorf, surrounded by military athletes who could relate to his story. People with similar experiences had supported him in his most difficult moments. “In the military, we help each other out,” he says. “It’s a family.”
Back home, Caroon is still training and competing. He’s better managing his time now and can focus more on real estate, especially earning his Military Relocation Professional certification. “It’s my way to continue to serve,” he says. “I want to help out as much as I can with my background.”
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