Karen Mofford · REALTOR®
A Complimentary Guide
Military Buyer's IRP Checklist
Free Guide from Karen Mofford, REALTOR®
Karen
Karen Mofford
Your Annapolis Valley REALTOR® for Life
1. What Is IRP?
The Integrated Relocation Program (IRP) is the Canadian Armed Forces' relocation benefit package managed through Sirva (formerly BGRS). It covers costs related to your move — from selling your current home to buying in your new posting location.
Understanding your entitlements before your posting is critical. The families who know what they're owed are the ones who maximize every dollar.
2. Key Entitlements for Buyers
Mobility Allowance (as of April 1, 2026)
- Moves 1–3: $13,500
- Moves 4–6: $20,250
- Moves 7+: $27,000
- Service couples moving together: 50% of the applicable tier
- Requires completion of the DND 6129 attestation form
House Hunting Trip (HHT)
- Up to 5 business days to search for a home at destination
- Covered expenses: accommodation, meals (at Treasury Board rates), and mileage/airfare
- Keep all receipts — you'll need them for reimbursement
Home Purchase Costs (Destination)
- Legal fees for your purchase — covered
- Home inspection fee — covered (and always worth getting)
- Deed Transfer Tax — in Annapolis/Kings County this is 1.5% of the purchase price
- Title insurance or property survey — covered
Karen's Tip: Many military families don't realize the home inspection is covered by IRP. Always get one — it's the best $400 you'll never have to pay.
3. Before Your Posting: Pre-Move Checklist
- Contact your Sirva consultant as soon as you receive your posting message
- Review your IRP benefits package and understand your tier
- Complete the DND 6129 attestation form
- Get mortgage pre-approval (talk to a lender who understands military income)
- Connect with me so I can start your property search early
- Research neighbourhoods using my Valley Neighbourhood Guide
- Create your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves list
- Request your HHT dates through your chain of command
4. During Your HHT: Coordination Checklist
- Track all expenses — meals, fuel, accommodation, parking
- Take photos of receipts (backups in case originals are lost)
- Stay within Treasury Board meal rates
- Note mileage from your origin to destination (or keep boarding passes for flights)
- Visit 8–12 pre-screened properties (quality over quantity)
- Score each property against your must-haves list
- Discuss offer strategy with me before Day 5
5. After Your Offer: Closing Coordination
- Home inspection scheduled (covered by IRP)
- Mortgage financing confirmed with your lender
- Real estate lawyer retained (I'll recommend one familiar with military purchases)
- Submit all HHT receipts to Sirva within required timeline
- Coordinate your Report For Duty date with closing date
- Arrange temporary accommodation if needed (covered by IRP for initial period)
- Submit household goods & effects (HG&E) move request through Sirva
6. Common IRP Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing reimbursement deadlines. Sirva has submission windows — mark them in your calendar.
- Not understanding what's covered vs. out-of-pocket. Ask your Sirva consultant to walk through every line item.
- Skipping the home inspection. It's covered. There's no reason not to get one.
- Assuming PMQs are the only option. Private housing builds equity and is often the smarter financial move.
- Not coordinating closing with your Report For Duty date. Misalignment here causes stress — plan early.
Karen's Tip: I coordinate directly with Sirva consultants regularly. When you work with me, I make sure your real estate timeline aligns with your IRP timelines — so nothing falls through the cracks.
7. Quick Reference: Key Contacts
- Sirva Canada (IRP): 1-800-267-7701
- CFHA (Housing): 1-800-903-2342
- Karen Mofford: (902) 840-3599 / karenmacpheemofford@gmail.com