PCS Relocation Guide

PCS Tips for Military Families

Turn Your Next Move Into a Financial Win

✓Veteran-Owned

✓Top 1% Nationwide

✓2,500+ Families Served

Understanding PCS

What Is a PCS Move?

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is one of the most significant events in military life. Whether you're moving to a new base, deploying, or transitioning out of service, it's a time filled with logistics, emotions, and big decisions—including where you'll live.

For many service members, the default is renting or living on base. But what if your next PCS could be a financial win instead of just another expense?

Plan ahead before receiving official orders

Research your new duty station thoroughly

Understand your housing options and entitlements

Make Your PCS Count

Every PCS is an opportunity to build wealth through homeownership. With your VA loan benefit, you can turn your housing allowance into equity instead of rent receipts.

Your Benefits

Know Your PCS Entitlements

Understanding your benefits helps you maximize your PCS budget

Travel Allowance (MALT)

Mileage reimbursement for your PCS move, typically based on the official distance between duty stations.

Dislocation Allowance (DLA)

Partial reimbursement for expenses incurred when relocating your household on a PCS move.

Temporary Lodging (TLE)

Reimbursement for temporary lodging expenses during your PCS transition period.

Your VA Loan Advantage

Make a smart housing decision with your VA loan benefit. Stop throwing away your BAH on rent and start building equity.

Turn your BAH into an investment, not an expense.

VA Loan Benefits

Why Use Your VA Loan During a PCS

$0 Down Payment

Buy a home without draining your savings

No PMI Required

Save hundreds per month compared to conventional loans

Competitive Interest Rates

VA loans typically offer lower rates than conventional loans

Build Equity, Not Rent Receipts

Your monthly payment builds wealth instead of paying someone else's mortgage

Reusable Benefit

Use your VA loan multiple times throughout your career

Rental Income Potential

When you PCS again, rent the property for passive income

Side-by-Side

The Real Cost: Renting vs. Owning

See how your BAH works for you when you own versus rent

Renting / Base Housing

Monthly BAH$2,200

Duration3 Years

Total Spent$79,200

Money gone – no return

Buying with VA Loan

Monthly BAH$2,200

Duration3 Years

Total Spent$79,200

~$10,000 equity + appreciation

Be Prepared

PCS Home Buying Checklist

Get organized before your move with this step-by-step guide

Get Prequalified Early

Know your budget before you start house hunting

Research the Local Market

Compare home prices, neighborhoods, and schools

Connect with a Local Realtor

Find an agent experienced with military relocations

Gather Your Documents

LES, tax returns, bank statements, and COE

Consider Your Timeline

Plan for a 30-45 day closing process

Think Long-Term

Consider rental potential if you PCS again

Family Support

Supporting Your Whole Family

For Your Kids

Research schools and extracurricular activities in advance
Maintain routines to provide stability during transition
Involve them in the house-hunting process when possible
Connect with local military family support groups

For Your Pets

Update vaccinations and obtain health certificates
Research pet-friendly housing options and restrictions
Find veterinarians at your new duty station
Plan for safe pet travel arrangements

Our Commitment

How Valor Supports You

You serve. We handle the details.

VA Loan Experts

Specialized knowledge of military benefits

Fast PCS-Friendly Closings

21 days or less average to close

Nationwide Network

Serving military families across the country

Virtual Process

Complete your loan from anywhere

From prequalification to closing, even while you're on the move—we're with you every step of the way.

Helpful Links

Additional PCS Resources

Helpful links for your military move

Military OneSource PCS Guide

Comprehensive moving assistance and resources

Defense Personal Property System

Manage your household goods shipment

Military Family Readiness

Connect with support at your new base

Free Tools

Military-Friendly Tools & Resources

Explore our free tools designed specifically for military families

BAH Calculator

Calculate your buying power based on your BAH and duty station

Home Search

Search homes near your new duty station

PCS Checklist

Download our comprehensive PCS planning guide

Common Questions

PCS & VA Loan FAQ

Absolutely! Your VA loan benefit can be used multiple times throughout your military career. Each PCS is an opportunity to purchase a home with $0 down payment and no PMI.

We recommend starting 60-90 days before your PCS date. Getting prequalified early gives you the strongest position when house hunting at your new duty station.

Yes! With our virtual process, you can get prequalified, find a home, and begin the closing process before you even arrive. We work with local agents nationwide to make this seamless.

You have several options: sell the property, rent it out for passive income, or keep it as an investment. Many military families build significant wealth by renting out properties at previous duty stations.

In many markets, your BAH can cover or nearly cover your mortgage payment. We'll help you calculate exactly what you can afford based on your rank and duty station BAH rate.

Ready to Make Your PCS Your Smartest Move Yet?

Use your VA loan benefit to buy your next home and turn your BAH into long-term wealth.

Proudly Serving Military Families Since 2019