Real Estate for Military Buyers: A How-To Guide

Buying real estate can be a stressful experience for the average person, but when you're also in the military, there are a number of concerns your family may have and complications that can arise. If you have been given orders for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), you could have a very short period of time to prepare to move to a city or town you've never been before. There are military benefits and moving expenses to consider, as well as your family's welfare to think about. All of these things can make a PCS an overwhelming experience.

In order to make your buying experience easier, start planning as early as possible. Sometimes you may only have a couple of months' notice before having to uproot your family and start anew somewhere else. One of the best ways to start preparing is to get pre-approval for a home loan as soon as you get your PCS orders.

Getting pre-approved for a home loan will take away a lot of the guesswork and stress that comes with shopping for a new home. By knowing right away what your price range will be, you can save a great deal of time that would be otherwise spent looking at homes that don't meet your financial requirements. In addition, closing on a home will be quicker and less stressful for both you and the seller because both of you will already know that the financing is in place.

Once you have your home loan approval, you need to create a budget for the move. Military personnel are eligible for a number of benefits that can assist with moving costs, but not everything will be covered. To find out what your Base Housing Allowance will be in the area you're moving to, visit the website of your new military base for more information. With the facts about your military benefits in hand, you can go ahead and make a relocation budget.

While you are in the process of gathering and analyzing your financial data, you need to find a real estate agent. A professional real estate agent can make something stressful like a Permanent Change of Station a much easier process than if you go it alone.

A good agent will be able to advise you of your options, tell you about the best schools in the area and which neighborhoods are hot markets right now, plus negotiate the best purchase price for you. An agent can also provide much needed support when you and your family are going through a difficult transition. If possible, hire an agent that has experience working with military personnel. They will be able to handle the unique concerns that come with military transfers.

Be sure to find an agent who knows the area you're moving to, inside and out. Because you won't have much time to research the neighborhood yourself, you need someone on your side that has that information already. Your real estate agent may also be able to provide referrals for moving companies that are professional, affordable, and will be gentle with your belongings.

Once you find a house that you love, you and your family can get on with the process of making your new station a true home. If you receive transfer papers again in the future, you can relax because you will already have a professional real estate agent on your team who can help you sell or rent out your home while you're away.

Carolyn Capalbo is an expert military relocation specialist and real estate agent serving Prince William VA real estate. Visit Just4Real.com to find updated market information about areas in Prince William, including Fairfax real estate.