The Military Family’s Guide to Selling a Home Before a PCS Move

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move brings big changes, and if you own a home, one of your biggest decisions is whether to sell or rent it out. Selling a home before a PCS move can feel overwhelming, especially with tight timelines and the stress of relocating.

To make the process smooth and stress-free, here’s a step-by-step guide to selling your home before your next duty station move.

Step 1: Decide If Selling Is the Right Move

Before listing your home, consider whether selling is the best option or if renting it out makes more sense.

✔️ Sell Your Home If:

• You don’t want to manage a rental property from afar.
• You need the home equity to fund your next home purchase.
• The local market is strong, making it a great time to sell.

✔️ Rent Your Home If:

• You plan to return to the area in the future.
• The rental market is hot, and you can earn passive income.
• You have the time and resources to manage a rental or hire a property manager.

If selling is the best choice, it’s time to move forward!

Step 2: Find a Military-Savvy Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent who understands PCS timelines and military families can make all the difference. Look for an agent who:

🔹 Knows how to sell a home quickly in a competitive market.
🔹 Understands VA loans (in case a buyer is using one).
🔹 Has experience working with out-of-state and remote sellers.

Having the right agent can help you sell fast and get the best possible offer before your move.

Step 3: Prepare Your Home for Sale

✅ Declutter & Stage

PCS moves come with military timelines, so it’s important to get your home market-ready quickly.

✔️ Declutter rooms to make spaces feel bigger.
✔️ Depersonalize by removing family photos and military memorabilia.
✔️ Stage the home with neutral décor to appeal to buyers.

📸 Pro Tip: Invest in professional photography—homes with high-quality photos sell faster and for more money!

🔧 Tackle Repairs & Maintenance

Fixing minor issues upfront can prevent delays in the home sale process. Focus on:

✔️ Touch-up paint and minor drywall fixes.
✔️ Replacing outdated fixtures for a modern look.
✔️ Checking HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems to avoid inspection issues.

A well-maintained home gives buyers confidence and can increase your home’s value.

Step 4: Set the Right Price

Pricing your home correctly is key to selling quickly. Overpricing can lead to your home sitting on the market, while underpricing leaves money on the table.

💡 How to Price Smartly:
✔️ Work with your agent to analyze comparable sales in your area.
✔️ Consider pricing competitively if you need a quick sale.
✔️ Be prepared for buyer negotiations and potential VA loan appraisals.

In a seller’s market, you may receive multiple offers, while in a buyer’s market, pricing aggressively can help attract buyers faster.

Step 5: Market Your Home to Military Buyers

Military buyers often PCS just like you, making them great potential buyers. To appeal to them:

🏡 Highlight VA Loan Eligibility – Many military buyers will use a VA loan, so make sure your listing mentions VA loan-friendly features.
📍 Showcase Proximity to Base – Emphasize commute times, schools, and military-friendly communities.
📸 Use Virtual Tours – Many military buyers can’t visit in person before moving, so high-quality virtual tours and video walkthroughs can attract long-distance buyers.

Step 6: Plan for a Smooth Closing Process

Once you accept an offer, you’ll enter the closing process, which typically takes 30-45 days. To avoid delays:

✔️ Be flexible with buyer requests and timeline adjustments.
✔️ Stay in communication with your agent, lender, and title company.
✔️ Plan your move-out date carefully to avoid last-minute stress.

If you need to leave before closing, you can sign documents remotely or assign a power of attorney to handle the sale in your absence.

Step 7: Prepare for Your PCS Move

Selling a home and moving at the same time is a lot to manage, so start planning early!

📦 PCS Moving Tips:
✔️ Schedule movers ASAP – Military moving companies book up fast!
✔️ Set aside important documents (closing papers, orders, passports).
✔️ Plan temporary housing at your new duty station if needed.

Once your home sale is finalized, you can focus on settling into your next home with peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Selling Before a PCS Move Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

Selling your home before a PCS move can be a smooth process with the right plan and real estate support. Whether you need to sell quickly or want to maximize your home’s value, I’m here to help every step of the way.

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

Let’s make your PCS home sale quick, seamless, and profitable! 🚀