Before a PCS, what are the best tips for home buying in a new location?

RallyPoint News — Thu, 17 May 2018 11:05:28 -0400

Outprocessing and house hunting at the same time is no easy task. The decision to buy a home shouldn’t overwhelm, it should excite. Let’s take a look at how PenFed can help.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 17 at 2018 4:30 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 17 May 2018 16:30:42 -0400

Try to have a mortgage that pays half at the middle of the month and half at the end of the month. Pay an extra payment per a year. You will knock off several years of payments.

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made May 20 at 2018 3:35 PM

MSG Louis Alexander — Sun, 20 May 2018 15:35:22 -0400

Unless you plan to live wherever you buy a house after retirement, I wouldn’t buy, I’d rent. After all, if you still have ten or more years to go before retiring, it wouldn’t be prudent to buy just to be up rooted and assigned to another duty station.

Response by SGT Michael Hamrac, MBA, MRP, GRI, REALTOR® made May 22 at 2018 11:34 AM

SGT Michael Hamrac, MBA, MRP, GRI, REALTOR® — Tue, 22 May 2018 11:34:45 -0400

Work with a local professional who will patiently help to locate a home you would like to purchase. A professional who will help to evaluate the home's condition and market value. A professional who will accurately prepare contract offer documents, engage negotiations, and work with you through and beyond the date of closing.

Response by MSgt Alejandro Hernandez (RETIRED) made May 22 at 2018 12:18 PM

MSgt Alejandro Hernandez (RETIRED) — Tue, 22 May 2018 12:18:25 -0400

Looks like Scott AFB Housing.

Response by SGM Jeffrey Hall made May 24 at 2018 8:49 PM

SGM Jeffrey Hall — Thu, 24 May 2018 20:49:43 -0400

I would request advice from my sponsor at the gaining installation. Barring that, I would contact a real estate agent and ask specific questions relating to my housing needs. On top of that, I would become familiar with the local area of my new assignment. I would focus on where good schools are; good commute routes and times; high crime areas to avoid.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made May 26 at 2018 11:41 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sat, 26 May 2018 11:41:16 -0400

Take permisdive TDY and explore the area. Do your homework/research on neighbors, schools, transportation, etc