PCS Orders and Homeownership – What Do You Need to Know?

Manage Permanent Change of Station Orders Without Compromising Your Investment

Imagine you’ve finally unpacked the last box, the kids are loving their new rooms, and your garden’s just starting to bloom. Then—bam!—PCS orders show up in your inbox. For military families, it’s a familiar plot twist.

But here’s the good news! With a little planning and some smart choices, you can handle a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) without tossing your homeownership goals out the window.

As fellow military members often say, “Home is where the orders send you.”

It’s a simple truth that defines military life—one filled with flexibility, resilience, and a whole lot of quick decision-making.

🎯 What Are PCS Orders, Anyway?

PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders mean you’re being reassigned to a new location—sometimes nearby, sometimes across the country. And while moving is part of the deal, it gets tricky when you own a home.

Should you sell? Should you rent? Can you do either without losing your mind?

Let’s break it down together.

🧭 Knowing Your Options Is Step One

Before making any big decisions, take a breath and assess where you stand. Do you have equity in your home? What’s the local market like? How soon do you need to move? These questions will help shape your next move—pun fully intended.

As a real estate agent who’s walked this road with many military families, I can tell you: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is a right answer for you.

🏠 Option One

Selling Your Home

If you’re relocating far or don’t want to deal with managing a property from a distance, selling might be the best route. Just remember—timing is key.

✔️ Partner with a local real estate expert who understands the military lifestyle and the housing market

✔️ Price your home strategically so it doesn’t sit on the market

✔️ Prepare your home for a quick, clean sale (I can help with that too!)

Selling can give you a clean slate and, if the market’s right, a nice financial boost.

🔑 Option Two

Renting It Out

Don’t want to sell? You can always rent your home out and turn it into an investment property. This can be a great way to build long-term wealth, but it does come with responsibilities.

✔️ Consider hiring a trusted property management company

✔️ Screen tenants carefully

✔️ Set aside a reserve fund for maintenance and unexpected repairs

Think of it like owning a golden retriever. It can be awesome—but you’ve got to be ready to feed it, walk it, and clean up a few messes.

💵 Financial Moves to Consider

Don’t forget to explore your financing options. VA loans, for example, offer low-interest rates, zero down payment, and no private mortgage insurance. They’re built with military families in mind and can help you buy again at your next duty station.

And if you’re unsure how this move fits into your long-term financial goals? A quick chat with a financial advisor can help make sense of it all.

The Right Support for a Smooth Move

Navigating the housing market near military bases is just one piece of the puzzle. However, having the right support system in place can make all the difference when it comes to financing and moving. Whether you’re buying, selling, or relocating due to a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), partnering with trusted professionals ensures a stress-free experience.

Charlene Finnegan offers specialized lending services for military families, helping you optimize VA loan benefits, obtain competitive rates, and simplify the home-buying process. She recognizes the distinct financial requirements of military personnel and their families, helping to make homeownership easier and more affordable. Learn more at www.loansbycharlene.com.

Once you’ve secured the perfect home, the next challenge is getting there smoothly. Tony Wilson at MG Moving Services specializes in stress-free, military-friendly relocations, ensuring your move is efficient and hassle-free. Whether you’re relocating across the country or simply down the street, his team offers professional packing, transportation, and storage solutions tailored to meet your needs. Schedule your move today at www.myguysmoving.com.

The right home, the right loan, and the right move. Let’s make your transition seamless!

Final Thoughts

It’s all about the plan. PCS orders can feel like they pull the rug out from under you, but with the right plan in place, you’ll land on your feet. Whether you’re ready to sell, thinking about renting, or just want someone to talk things through with, I’m here to help you make confident, informed decisions.

📞 Have questions or need guidance? Let’s talk. I’ve helped dozens of military families just like yours turn PCS chaos into a smart, smooth move.

👉 Contact Michael Brannon REALTOR® – Visit Website

📅 Schedule a Virtual Visit

You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s make your next duty station feel like home before you even get there.