PCS to Texas? Here’s Your Military Family Home Buying Guide

PCS to Texas? Here’s Your Military Family Home Buying Guide

As a military family, receiving a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) order can be both an exciting and stressful experience. One of the major decisions you’ll need to make is whether to rent or buy a home in your new location. If you’ve received PCS orders to Texas, this guide will walk you through the home-buying process so you can make the best decision for your family.

Texas is home to several military bases and boasts a diverse range of housing options, making it a popular destination for military families. Whether you're headed to San Antonio, Fort Hood, or any of the state’s other military communities, here’s what you need to know about buying a home in Texas.

Step 1: Understand Your VA Loan Benefits

As a service member or veteran, you’re eligible for a VA loan, which offers significant advantages over conventional home loans. These benefits include:

• No Down Payment: One of the biggest benefits of a VA loan is that it doesn’t require a down payment. This is particularly helpful for military families who may have limited savings due to frequent moves and other financial demands.

• No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Unlike conventional loans, VA loans don’t require PMI, which can significantly reduce your monthly mortgage payments.

• Lower Interest Rates: VA loans often come with lower interest rates, saving you money over the life of your loan.

• Easier Qualification: VA loans have more flexible qualification standards, including relaxed credit score requirements, which may make it easier to qualify compared to conventional loans.

If you’re PCS’ing to Texas, this is a great time to take advantage of your VA loan benefits, especially since you can use them multiple times throughout your career.

Step 2: Research Your New Location in Texas

Texas is a large state with a wide variety of housing markets, so it’s important to research the area you’ll be moving to. Some popular areas for military families in Texas include:

• San Antonio: Home to Joint Base San Antonio, this vibrant city offers a variety of neighborhoods, from suburban areas with top-rated schools to more urban locations with a rich cultural scene.

• Fort Hood Area: Located near Killeen, this area offers affordable housing and a close-knit military community. If you’re stationed at Fort Hood, this could be a great place to buy.

• Dallas-Fort Worth: The DFW metroplex offers a robust housing market with options for every budget. While prices can vary depending on the neighborhood, the area is home to several military families.

• El Paso: Located in West Texas, El Paso offers more affordable housing options and is home to Fort Bliss, a major military base.

When choosing a location, consider factors like proximity to your military base, available amenities, schools, and your family’s lifestyle preferences.

Step 3: Start the Home Search Early

It’s important to begin your home search early, especially since military families often need to relocate quickly. Many PCS orders are issued months in advance, giving you time to research your options and find the right home.

Here are some tips to help with your search:

• Know Your Budget: Consider your BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) rate when determining your budget. Keep in mind that while a VA loan doesn’t require a down payment, you’ll still need to account for closing costs, moving expenses, and any home repairs or upgrades.

• Use Online Resources: Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and VA-approved lender sites can help you find homes that meet your criteria. You can filter by location, price, size, and more to narrow down your options.

• Virtual Tours: If you can’t visit Texas before your PCS move, many agents and sellers offer virtual tours of homes. This can give you a good idea of the property without having to travel in advance.

Step 4: Work with a Military-Savvy Real Estate Agent

One of the best things you can do when buying a home during a PCS is to work with a real estate agent who understands the unique needs of military families. A military-friendly agent will help you navigate the VA loan process, advise you on areas near your base, and negotiate on your behalf.

Additionally, an experienced agent can help you:

• Understand Texas’s Local Market: Texas has a variety of real estate markets, and an agent will know the ins and outs of the area you're moving to. They can provide insight into the best neighborhoods, schools, and amenities in the area.

• Coordinate with Your PCS Timeline: Since PCS moves often happen on a strict timeline, your agent can help you line up everything from house showings to the closing process, ensuring your move goes smoothly.

• Maximize Your VA Loan Benefits: A VA-savvy agent can help you take full advantage of the benefits available to you through the VA loan program, making sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Step 5: Consider Schools and Family Needs

For families with children, one of the most important factors when choosing a home is proximity to good schools. Texas has a wide variety of public and private schools, so research the best school districts in the area you're moving to.

If you have young children, you’ll also want to consider amenities like parks, community centers, and other family-friendly spaces. Additionally, Texas has a hot climate, so make sure your new home has air conditioning, especially if you’re moving to the southern part of the state.

Step 6: Understand the Closing Process

Once you've found the right home, the closing process in Texas is similar to most states but with a few nuances. VA loans typically require a VA appraisal to ensure the property meets specific standards, and Texas has its own set of disclosure laws that you’ll need to review during the process.

Be prepared to sign documents, pay closing costs (though they are often limited for VA loans), and finalize your loan approval.

Step 7: Make Your Move to Texas!

After closing, it’s time to get settled in your new home. Texas is a beautiful state with plenty to offer military families, from vibrant cities to peaceful suburbs. Take advantage of all the local activities, outdoor events, and cultural experiences that make Texas a great place to live.

Contact Realtor Daniel Salazar

If you’re PCS’ing to Texas and need help navigating the home-buying process, I’m here to assist! With experience working with military families, I’ll help you find the perfect home that fits your needs and guide you through the VA loan process.

Realtor: Daniel Salazar
Company: REAL Broker LLC
Phone: 210-701-3880
Email: dansalre11@gmail.com

Let’s make your PCS move to Texas a smooth and successful one! Contact me today!