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John Laney – Military Realtor | Salems Oregon & Beyond
Hello, I’m John Laney, a retired Navy Commander and now your dedicated Salem military realtor. After serving 20 years in the U.S. Navy, where I specialized in explosive ordnance disposal and emergency response, I’ve transitioned to a fulfilling career in real estate here in Salem, Oregon. My journey has taken me from leading high-stakes military operations to helping military families like yours find the perfect homes in the Salem area.
After retiring from the Navy, my family and I spent four years abroad in Mexico, immersing ourselves in a new culture while giving back to the community through volunteer work. But despite the incredible experience, we felt the call to return to Oregon — the place we consider home. I’ve now channeled my passion for service into helping fellow service members, veterans, and their families navigate the complexities of real estate in the Salem market.
Salem is a fantastic place to live, and as a Salem military realtor, I’m here to help you make the most of your time here. Whether you’re stationed in the area temporarily, buying your first home, or looking to invest in real estate, I’m here to ensure your experience is as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Having personally navigated the challenges of military relocations, I understand the pressures that come with frequent moves, tight timelines, and the unique needs of military families. My mission is to make the home-buying process simpler for you while leveraging all the resources available — including your VA benefits — to get you into a home you’ll love.
In addition to helping families find their perfect homes, I also work closely with investors. Whether you’re interested in single-family homes, multi-unit properties, or other real estate investments in Salem, I have the expertise to guide you. I manage my own portfolio of rental properties, and I have hands-on experience transforming fixer-uppers into beautiful, functional spaces.
You want a realtor who understands the intricacies of military life and how it affects home buying decisions. Having been through numerous moves myself, I know firsthand the challenges of buying a home while balancing military duties. My military background equips me with a strong sense of discipline, a commitment to your best interests, and the ability to move quickly when necessary.
I’m here to offer you the kind of personal attention and local knowledge you won’t find with a traditional realtor. Whether you’re considering buying your first home, exploring investment options, or leveraging your VA loan benefits, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.


My 20 years of military service taught me the value of precision, adaptability, and strong leadership. Throughout my career, I served in various roles — from overseeing ship operations in Japan to leading bomb squad teams in high-risk environments. These experiences shaped my ability to handle complex situations with confidence and strategic insight.
As I transitioned into real estate after retiring from the Navy, I brought that same dedication to my work. Today, I use my skills to help service members, veterans, and their families find the right properties in Salem, whether that’s a primary residence, investment property, or a home to suit their unique needs.
Navigating the VA loan process can be confusing, but as someone who has personally used a VA loan to purchase multiple properties, I’m here to simplify the experience for you. VA loans offer incredible advantages, such as no down payment, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirement. These benefits make it one of the best options for military families looking to buy a home.
Salem, and Oregon as a whole, offer even more resources to veterans, such as tax exemptions for disabled veterans and specialized support programs. I’m here to ensure you take full advantage of all the available benefits and that your real estate journey is as rewarding as possible.


Salem isn’t just a place to live; it’s a community that supports military families and veterans. From scenic parks and outdoor activities to a rich cultural history and strong local economy, Salem offers everything you need to build a life. Whether you’re stationed here for a short time or making it your permanent home, the area has something for everyone.
As your Salem military realtor, I’m committed to helping you not only find a home but also settle into a community where you feel supported and at home.

Whether you’re moving to Salem, buying your first home, or exploring investment opportunities, I’m ready to help. Let’s discuss your real estate goals and make sure you get the most out of your VA benefits while finding the perfect property. Reach out today to begin your journey with someone who truly understands the military lifestyle and the Salem real estate market.
I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your real estate goals here in Salem.

Here are some other ways you can track me down online:
Realtor.com / Home.com / my eXp Website / Zillow.com / DODReads.com / Assuranceteamrealestate.com / FB / LI / IG / YouTube