Free Guide from Karen Mofford, REALTOR®

The Military Buyer's IRP Checklist

Your Step-by-Step Integrated Relocation Program Guide — Entitlements, Timelines & Coordination for a Stress-Free Posting

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