What do you consider to be the most important feature when selecting a new home during a PCS?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 May 2018 12:33:39 -0400

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 11 at 2018 12:34 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 11 May 2018 12:34:34 -0400

1:Schools as we had kids
2:The garage
3:Fenced outside area for our dogs

While the phrase, If wife is not happy, no one is happy is a truism. Its also true in our family at least, If I did not have a place to work on the things I enjoy, I was not going to be happy, and an unhappy Me is not a good thing.

Response by SFC Regina Boyd made May 11 at 2018 12:38 PM

SFC Regina Boyd — Fri, 11 May 2018 12:38:38 -0400

Affordability and location ...

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 1:27 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 May 2018 13:27:57 -0400

Distance to work. Only factor I look for. But of course final decision was made - in our case, the highest ranking officer in the House.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 2:00 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 May 2018 14:00:45 -0400

I'd add looking at property tax and comparables. We looked at our house as an investment. So with that in mind you are making an investment decision. How do you see X house/ property in 10 years and then factor in the surrounding area.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 11 at 2018 3:24 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 11 May 2018 15:24:45 -0400

Size, distance, rent, security, schools.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 11 at 2018 4:29 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 11 May 2018 16:29:43 -0400

We all have our lists. One thing I didn't see is "3-5 years and then what?" Sell at a loss? Sell at a profit? Rent it? Don't buy and then rent? Before you select a home, select how you will live and what baggage do you want to carry. Realtors will slant for buying as they want their 3% for themselves and 3% for the other guy. If you're headed for a twilight tour and it's a place you want to retire, then the retirement parameters should prevail.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made May 11 at 2018 4:46 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Fri, 11 May 2018 16:46:09 -0400

Schools, schools and schools, then location and price, but frankly, using http://www.greatschools.org has dictated where we've bought since 1994.

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Response by Capt George Kent Brashear made May 11 at 2018 5:00 PM

Capt George Kent Brashear — Fri, 11 May 2018 17:00:27 -0400

We were at Minot AFB for five and a half years and lived in base housing. The town was 17 miles away. Many times we were snowed in, but I could walk to work; I always made it. So, I'm with Colonel Victor Harris, distance to work.

Say, why is this place so top heavy with Army types? You can tell me.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made May 11 at 2018 5:19 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Fri, 11 May 2018 17:19:08 -0400

Always rented if I couldn't get on post housing. For me, finding something I could afford we felt safe in was the challenge.

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 11 at 2018 6:57 PM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 11 May 2018 18:57:10 -0400

Curb appeal, space and overall if it fits your family

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 7:29 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 May 2018 19:29:04 -0400

(1) Cost vs budget. (2) Neighborhood and schools. (3) Overall market for real estate values. If there are a lot of for sale signs in one neighborhood, ask why. Don't be the last to find out about a pending rezoning or something that will devalue your home. For rural it sucks to find out they're putting a pig farm upwind of you. (4) Commute to base. (5) This one could even be first - quality of dwelling. Get an independent inspection during the negotiation process. Your personal situation dictates importance, and there are more factors.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made May 11 at 2018 8:10 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Fri, 11 May 2018 20:10:03 -0400

MSG Shannon Leathers, since I have traveled more than other relatives that been in the military and friends, I told with small children.

1. Area.
2. school or education quality
3. Neighborhoods

That would be my three tops on my list, besides of GOOGLING the area, if their RANK does not provide them a HEADSUP advantage as a SNCO or Officer.

Response by SGT Carl Watson made Sep 16 at 2021 7:05 PM

SGT Carl Watson — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 19:05:54 -0400

Look at homes not built by developers on lots already purchased because the prices may be lower than compared to real estate agents. A lot may be purchased from a property owner selling with their own prices at lower rates. Learn about all of the fees that will be charged with a loan then learn the warranties with a new house.