Keller Williams
VA Loans & PCS

Your Service. Your Benefits.
Your New Home.

I've PCS'd five times in 19 years of active duty — three of them coast-to-coast. This page is what I wish I'd had during every single move.

0%

Down Payment

No down payment required for qualified veterans

None

PMI

No private mortgage insurance — ever

30–45 Days

Typical Timeline

Flexible based on your PCS orders

$165K–$500K

Avg. Home Price

Gulf Coast range for most buyers

Why VA Loans Are a Game-Changer

You earned these benefits through your service. Let's make sure you actually use them.

Zero Down Payment

Buy a home without saving tens of thousands for a down payment. Keep your cash for moving costs, repairs, and emergencies.

No PMI — Ever

Unlike conventional loans, VA loans never charge private mortgage insurance. That's hundreds saved every month.

Competitive Interest Rates

VA loans typically offer lower interest rates than conventional mortgages, saving you thousands over the life of the loan.

Flexible Credit Requirements

VA loans are more forgiving on credit scores. If you've had some bumps, you may still qualify.

VA IRRRL Refinancing

Already have a VA loan? The Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan lets you lower your rate with minimal paperwork.

Adapted Housing Grants

Veterans with service-related disabilities may qualify for grants to modify or purchase an adapted home.

PCS Checklist

From Orders to Keys

A step-by-step timeline so you know exactly what to do and when.

6 Months Out

Get Your Financial House in Order

  • Pull your credit report (all three bureaus)
  • Pay down high-interest debt to improve DTI ratio
  • Avoid opening new credit lines or large purchases
  • Research your BAH rate for the gaining duty station
  • Start saving for closing costs (~$8,000 typical)
  • Connect with a VA loan-experienced lender for pre-approval

Eric's Tip: Pre-approval isn't a commitment — it's your power move. Sellers take you seriously, and you'll know exactly what you can afford.

3 Months Out

Start Your Home Search

  • Contact a local REALTOR® who specializes in military relocations
  • Define must-haves vs. nice-to-haves (commute, schools, yard)
  • Research neighborhoods near your duty station
  • Schedule virtual tours if you can't visit in person
  • Understand BAH vs. actual housing costs (insurance, HOA, flood zones)
  • Research VA loan entitlement — especially if you've used it before

Eric's Tip: On the Gulf Coast, flood zone designation matters. I'll walk you through what it means for insurance costs before you make an offer — no surprises.

6 Weeks Out

Make Your Move

  • Submit offers on your top choices
  • Get a home inspection (always, even on new construction)
  • Review the seller's disclosure carefully
  • Lock in your interest rate with your lender
  • Confirm your VA appraisal is ordered promptly
  • Review all closing cost estimates — nothing should be a surprise

Eric's Tip: VA appraisals can take longer than conventional ones. We'll build that into the timeline from day one so it doesn't slow us down.

2 Weeks Out

Final Stretch

  • Complete your final walkthrough — verify all agreed repairs
  • Confirm closing date, time, and location
  • Arrange wire transfer or cashier's check for closing costs
  • Notify your BAH office of your new housing situation
  • Set up utilities at your new address
  • Update your mailing address with USPS, bank, and DEERS

Eric's Tip: Don't skip the final walkthrough — even if you're short on time. It protects you.

Move-In Week

You Made It

  • Receive your keys and do a full walk of the property
  • Document any new damage immediately (photos + timestamps)
  • Introduce yourself to neighbors
  • Save all closing documents (digital + physical)
  • Update your address with your command and benefits programs
  • Reach out to Eric with any questions — the relationship doesn't end at closing

Eric's Tip: I'm still your resource after you move in. Questions about the neighborhood, contractors, schools — just ask.

Ready to Start Your Move?

Whether you just got orders or you're planning ahead, let's talk through your timeline and build a game plan that works for your family.