Planning a military move

A permanent change of station (PCS) involves several schedules at once: orders, travel, household goods, and housing. Put them on one calendar and identify which dates can move. Military OneSource’s Plan My Move can help organize the tasks.¹

Keep temporary lodging available until you know when you can take possession. A signed purchase contract does not guarantee that movers can unload on your preferred day.

Ask your sponsor or installation newcomer office about arrival procedures and access. Test travel at your reporting hours, including time between the gate and workplace.⁵⁶⁷

Set aside money for lodging, storage, pets, duplicate housing, and expenses that arrive before reimbursement. Keep that separate from your down payment, closing costs, and repair savings.

Use the housing allowance applicable to your circumstances as one budget input. Compare the actual payment, taxes, insurance, dues, utilities, and commute costs.

Ask your lender to confirm your Certificate of Eligibility, available entitlement, occupancy requirements, and any lender-specific conditions. A VA-backed purchase loan may require no down payment, but that does not mean there are no purchase costs.²

Review funding-fee treatment and any exemption with your lender. Also get a written explanation of buyer-broker compensation and which charges you may pay under current VA rules.⁴

The VA appraisal evaluates value and minimum property requirements. It is not a full inspection. Arrange an independent home inspection and ask your lender how any required repairs could affect closing.³

If the appraised value is below the price, review your contractual options with your agent and lender before committing more cash.

Coordinate loan, inspection, appraisal, and signing deadlines with travel and duty commitments. If you need a power of attorney, have the lender and settlement provider approve the arrangement early.

Confirm the possession date, utilities, keys, and mover access. Verify wiring instructions through an independently confirmed phone number.

Think about how an earlier-than-expected move would affect you. Selling has costs, and renting a home later may involve association restrictions, insurance changes, and management expenses. Neither resale value nor rental income is guaranteed.

Choose a home you can comfortably own now. Review future rental or occupancy plans with your lender rather than assuming the loan permits them.