Virginia Beach & Norfolk

About Virginia Beach & Norfolk

Welcome to Hampton Roads — home of the fleet and one of the largest, proudest military communities in the world. Anchored by Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base on the planet, and NAS Oceana, the Navy's East Coast master jet base, this stretch of the Virginia coast lives and breathes service.

From the fighter jets of Oceana to the carriers of Norfolk and the forces at JEB Little Creek–Fort Story, the region brings together every corner of the sea services. Add miles of Atlantic shoreline, a vibrant local culture, and a cost of living that works for military families, and it's easy to see why so many choose to stay.

Whether you're receiving orders to the area, preparing for your next PCS, or planning life after service, Virginia Beach and Norfolk offer the community, opportunity, and coastal quality of life to make your move a success.

Welcome to Hampton Roads!

Virginia Beach and Norfolk aren't just home to the world's largest naval community — they're a vibrant coastal region where service meets sunshine, surf, and Southern hospitality. Whether you're a service member, a family member, or just exploring, there's something here for everyone.

From world-class healthcare and education to the beaches, boardwalks, and career opportunities that make Hampton Roads special, this community is built to support those who serve. Get ready to dive into resources that make your move easier and your next chapter brighter.

So settle in and get ready for life in Hampton Roads — where the strength of the fleet meets the warmth of the Virginia coast!

This could be the start of a beautiful partnership…

Rene Bagne – Realtor® | MRP® | Agent Owner, Creed Realty | Hampton Roads

Rene Bagne is a Realtor®, MRP®, and Agent Owner at Creed Realty who has helped buyers and sellers navigate the Hampton Roads market with confidence and clarity for nearly two decades. Licensed since 2006, she built her business around one principle: serve people exceptionally well, and the results will follow.

As the daughter of an Army veteran and a Military Relocation Professional (MRP®), Rene has deep experience guiding active-duty members, veterans, and military families through the unique challenges of military life. About half of her business comes from military clients — many referred by past clients who continue to trust her with their friends, family, and fellow service members.

She specializes in PCS moves, VA financing, remote transactions, and long-term relocation planning. From quickly changing PCS timelines and long-distance purchases to coordinating repairs and move-in readiness before arrival, Rene becomes a trusted local resource — connecting families with lenders, contractors, schools, and community resources that make settling in easier.

A Minnesota native who has called Chesapeake home since 2002, Rene serves buyers and sellers across Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, and Newport News. A multi-year Five Star Professional and Hampton Roads Circle of Excellence recipient, she's guided by her brokerage's mission — "We Exist to Serve."

Rene Bagne

Email: renebagne757@gmail.com
Direct: 757-753-1360
Office: 757-502-4070
Website: PerfectHomeForYou.com
Creed Realty, 600 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 106, Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Excellence Is The Key To Her & Your Success...

Soraya Forest Midgett – Military Relocation Specialist, Triumph Realty | Hampton Roads

For Soraya Forest Midgett, real estate is about helping people find the right place to call home. Born in Rota, Spain, and raised in a military family, she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with relocation. A longtime Virginia Beach resident and Real Estate Agent with Triumph Realty since 2013, she has dedicated her career to helping military members, veterans, first-time homebuyers, and families successfully navigate the Hampton Roads real estate market — making the buying and selling process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Before beginning her real estate career, Soraya worked in the Navy Housing Office, supporting military members and their families relocating to Hampton Roads. That experience gave her valuable insight into the relocation process, local communities, housing resources, and the unique challenges military families face when moving to a new duty station. Today she combines that knowledge with more than a decade of real estate experience to help clients make informed decisions — whether relocating under PCS orders, buying a first home, preparing for retirement, or investing in real estate.

Over the past 30 years, Soraya has personally purchased and sold homes and investment properties, managed rental properties, and overseen the construction of two homes. Because of this, she understands real estate from multiple perspectives — not only as an agent, but also as a homeowner, investor, landlord, and parent. Her clients appreciate her practical advice, honest communication, her ability to assist Spanish-speaking clients, and her talent for simplifying what can often feel like an overwhelming process.

Service has been a common thread throughout Soraya's life. She holds an MBA from Regent University and founded SoonTooBee.com, a platform focused on helping people navigate life's transitions and milestones. She also volunteered for nearly 18 years with the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad as a certified Paramedic — experiences that strengthened her ability to stay calm under pressure and guide people through important decisions with professionalism and compassion. Whether you're buying your first home, relocating across the country, preparing for retirement, or investing for the future, her goal is simple: to lead you the way home.

Soraya Forest Midgett

Email: leadinguhomeva@gmail.com
Phone: 757-715-5879
Website: SorayaHomeFront.com | SoonTooBee.com
Triumph Realty, 2135 General Booth Blvd., Suite 146, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Kerry Tanner – Military Relocation Specialist | REALTOR® |

Hampton Roads & NE North Carolina
For more than a decade, Kerry Tanner has helped military families, veterans, and young professionals throughout Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina make confident real estate decisions. A Military Relocation Specialist and REALTOR® with AtCoastal Realty, she built her business around one simple philosophy: serve first, and put people before transactions. Whether you're preparing for a PCS move, buying your first home, relocating across the country, or investing in your future, Kerry treats every move as the major life transition it is.

Military life has always been close to Kerry's heart. As the daughter of a servicemember who gave more than 25 years to the military, she grew up understanding the sacrifices, uncertainty, and frequent moves that come with it. Today, military and veteran clients make up a significant part of her business — from first-time enlisted buyers and officers on PCS orders to veterans transitioning to civilian life. As a VA Loan Certified REALTOR®, she helps clients make the most of the benefits they've earned through their service.

Having relocated herself — originally from Belize, and later from California to Virginia — Kerry understands firsthand that a move is about far more than finding a house; it's about building stability, confidence, and community. She specializes in military and PCS relocations, offering virtual consultations and video tours before arrival, long-distance and overseas purchases, VA loan guidance, remote closings, and trusted connections to lenders, inspectors, and contractors. She is equally passionate about helping young professionals build long-term wealth through homeownership.

Licensed in both Virginia and North Carolina, Kerry holds numerous designations — including ABR®, CNE®, SFR®, and VA Loan Certified — and has been recognized among the top 5% of Hampton Roads agents for four consecutive years. Clients describe her as responsive, honest, and dedicated long after closing day. Guided by four core values — Service, Integrity, Excellence, and Continuous Improvement — she is committed to making every move feel less overwhelming and more exciting, because home isn't just where you live; it's where your future begins.

Kerry Tanner

Email: Kerry@AtCoastal.com
Phone: (757) 909-5459
Website: KerryTannerVA.com
AtCoastal Realty, 582 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 400, Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Ben Batiste*
Marine & Army Veteran /
Financial Services Professional

Ben Batiste is a proud veteran of both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army, bringing a mission-first mindset and years of service-driven experience to his work as a financial services professional. With a deep understanding of the unique financial challenges facing service members, Ben specializes in helping active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families build long-term financial security, minimize taxes, and protect what they’ve earned.

Ben's approach centers on education, clarity, and support. He works closely with each client to guide them through a clear and intentional process that includes:

Financial Needs Assessments – Establishing a clear understanding of where you are today and where you want to go.

Protection Strategies – Safeguarding income, loved ones, and long-term goals from life’s uncertainties.

Tax Diversification Guidance – Structuring assets for greater flexibility and reduced tax exposure.

Wealth Building & Legacy Planning – Growing financial resources with intention and purpose.

Retirement Preparation – Designing personalized retirement strategies for lifelong financial independence.

Military-Specific Financial Guidance – Helping with navigating PCS transitions, military pensions, and VA benefits with confidence.

Ben is supported by New York Life, one of the most respected financial institutions in the country, backed by more than 180 years of stability and trust. As a Financial Services Professional, Ben offers a wide array of tailored solutions designed to fit each client’s unique journey.

From young families focused on education funding, individuals preparing for deployment, or veterans transitioning to civilian life, Ben ensures every client receives personalized attention and solutions that align with their values and goals. He recently helped a military family with two young children create a long-term wealth strategy, implement a tax-efficient college savings strategy, and establish strong protections during deployment, all with peace of mind at the center.

Why Clients Work With Ben:

Education-First Approach — Understand every option before making a decision

Tailored Solutions — Built around each client’s goals and circumstances

Veteran Commitment — Discipline, loyalty, and service in every relationship

Outside of work, Ben is deeply involved in community service and veteran advocacy, and he values quality time with his family. He believes financial guidance should go beyond numbers, it should bring clarity, purpose, and peace of mind

Ben Batiste

Email: blbatiste01@ft.newyorklife.com
Website: BenBatiste.nylagents.com
Social Media: Facebook

Office: 2000 S. Colorado Blvd, Tower 2,
Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80222

Benjamin Batiste is an agent of and licensed to sell insurance through New York Life Insurance Company and may be licensed with various other independent unaffiliated insurance companies in the states of CA (CA Insurance License #4392569), CO, LA, MA, MI, NJ, SC, TX, and WA. No insurance business may be conducted outside the states referenced.

Benjamin Batiste is a Registered Representative of and offers securities products & services through NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, a licensed insurance agency, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company, 2000 S Colorado Blvd Ste 1100, Denver, CO, 80222. In this regard, this communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, MA, MI, TX, and WA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

Neither New York Life Insurance Company nor its agents or affiliates provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, or accounting professional before making any decisions.

Michael Hunter
Michael Hunter – Financial Advisor & Team Leader at Compound Planning

Michael Hunter brings a deep, personal understanding of military life and over a decade of financial advising experience to his role as Team Leader at Compound Planning. His path into financial services began by supporting soldiers at Fort Carson through the Warrior Adventure Quest program, helping service members transition back to civilian life after overseas deployments — an experience that shaped his commitment to guiding others through life's most pivotal transitions.

Today, Michael leads a nationwide team of financial professionals united by a passion for exceptional client service. At Compound Planning, he helps individuals and families build long-term financial security by blending personalized guidance with advanced digital tools — empowering clients to make confident decisions whether they're across the U.S. or stationed abroad.

He serves clients at every stage: emerging investors get access to a free, all-in-one financial dashboard; growing households receive a dedicated advisor, personalized investment management, retirement and cash-flow planning, insurance reviews, and tax planning and filing; and high-net-worth families gain comprehensive wealth management with advanced tax strategies and private-market opportunities.

Michael's mission is to create clarity in the complex world of personal finance. Whether you're saving for the future, transitioning out of the military, or building generational wealth, he and his team at Compound Planning serve with integrity, insight, and excellence.

Michael Hunter
Email:
michael.hunter@compoundplanning.com
Phone: (720) 356-0712
Website: CompoundPlanning.com

Explore Our Amenities

Healthcare Hub

Comprehensive care for all service members and families across Hampton Roads. Set up or update your TRICARE East coverage.

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Education and Career Center

Explore career opportunities, spouse employment, and education resources through the Navy's Fleet & Family Support program.

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Recreation Zone

From the Oceanfront and Navy MWR to the 2026 NAS Oceana Air Show, there's no shortage of ways to unwind across Hampton Roads.

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Norfolk & Virginia Beach News!

USS Iwo Jima Homecoming

June 6, 2026

Hampton Roads welcomes home Iwo Jima sailors at Naval Station Norfolk after a historic 10-month deployment.

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Naval Station Norfolk

February 2026

The latest from the world's largest naval base, anchoring the fleet in Hampton Roads.

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2026 NAS Oceana Air Show

September 11, 2026

The Story of America, Told by Those Who Defend It" — NAS Oceana gears up for its 2026 air show.

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Oceana Celebrates Project SEARCH Grads

June 3, 2026

NAS Oceana celebrates its fifth Project SEARCH graduation — a legacy of success for the local community.

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More News & Highlights

USS Gerald R. Ford Returns Home

May 27, 2026

Sailors aboard USS Gerald R. Ford returned to Norfolk after a nearly 11-month deployment — and this summer the carrier will help power the base itself.

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