4 Tips for a Quick and Efficient Military Move

Getting new orders that require a move is not uncommon in the military. And when that happens, you likely will need to act fast and transition efficiently. To help you on your move, here are four tips.

1. Find an experienced military REALTOR® and lender

Although any real estate agent can help you with a military move, it helps to work with someone who has experience working with these types of purchases. VA Loans often have different property requirements and regulations. You also will probably want your agent to be familiar with your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), which is specific to different areas. If they are used to working with military clients, your REALTOR® also might be willing to do video tours of the house with you while you are still in your current location (before you move).

If you’re financing your home with a VA Loan, you will want to find a lender who not only offers these but has experience with these transactions. VA Loans are slightly different than your average Conventional Loan, and you will want a lender who is familiar with the specificities. You will also want to make sure that your lender has quick and reliable closings, since military moves are often fast. As a direct lender, we close quicker with our in-house origination, processing, underwriting, and closing.

2. Have your paperwork in order

As soon as you get your orders, make sure that you apply for a mortgage preapproval. This allows you to focus your home search on places that you can actually afford, rather than estimating your budget. It also will give you a stronger offer on houses. If you’re financing with a VA Loan, you also want to make sure that you have your certificate of eligibility (COE) handy.

3. Make good use of technology

If you’re not physically in the area where you’ll be purchasing a home, it can be difficult to find the perfect place. This is where online searches and a military-savvy real estate agent will come in hand. With easy, online searches you can explore different houses in the area to find what features you like and don’t like, as well as what neighborhoods are best for your needs. You can use our Around the Neighborhood tool to get a better understanding of the areas that pique your interest.

4. Factor in time to sell your current home

If you’re not selling in a red-hot market, then it may take some time. It’s smart to put your home on the market as soon as you get your new orders. Again, working with an experienced real estate agent can help, since you’ll likely be dealing with work and other tasks. “While selling a home is no easy task for anyone, it can be even harder when you add the stress of being active-duty and ordered to relocate to a new area within a very short timeline,” says Twila Lukavich, real estate agent with ProSmart Realty. “You can note in the listing that the sale is contingent upon the sellers receiving the actual PCS orders,” she says.

As an experienced VA lender, we are ready to help you with all of your transitional needs. You can get started on your preapproval by clicking “Get Started” above or reach out to talk more.