PCS and Purchase: Your Step-by-Step Home Buying Game Plan

By Kevin and Karyn Thomas | Level 10 Real Estate Group

When PCS orders drop, the countdown to your next chapter begins. For many military families, this next move includes a big decision: Should we buy a home at our next duty station?

The idea of purchasing a home while coordinating a move — especially from out of state — can feel overwhelming. But with a clear strategy, the right team, and a game plan built around military life and timelines, buying a home during a PCS doesn't just become doable — it becomes empowering.

At Level 10 Real Estate Group, we specialize in helping military families just like yours relocate to Coastal Georgia with confidence. Here’s your step-by-step guide to making that mission a success.

 Step 1: Lock in Your Timeline

The first thing we do is map out your timeline. Every PCS is different — some families have months to plan, others only weeks.

Ask yourself:

• When are you required to report?

• Do you need to house-hunt remotely?

• Will you arrive before your family?

We help you understand the urgency vs. flexibility in your specific situation so we can plan accordingly — including whether buying or renting is the better option short-term.

 Step 2: Choose the Right Agent

(Preferably a Military Relocation Professional — like us )

Not all agents understand military moves — we do.

We’ll guide you through:

• A strategic buyer consultation (in-person or virtual)

• Explaining how VA loans work in our market

• Creating a custom plan based on your BAH, timeline, and home wish list

We also preview homes, record personalized video walkthroughs, and offer live FaceTime showings to help you buy even when you’re not here yet.

 Step 3: Get Pre-Approved (Especially for VA Loans)

Getting pre-approved isn’t just step 3 — it’s a power move.

We connect you with military-friendly lenders who:

• Understand BAH income

• Know the nuances of VA loans

• Work fast to meet tight timelines

You'll also get clarity on your monthly budget and closing costs upfront, so there are no surprises down the road.

 Step 4: Start the Home Search – Even If You’re Not Here Yet

We make the home search remote-friendly and mission-ready.

You’ll get:

• A custom list of homes tailored to your must-haves

• Full video walkthroughs of top picks

• Local insight into schools, commute times, and resale potential

We’ve helped dozens of clients buy their homes before they even arrived — and we’ll make sure you feel just as confident.

 Step 5: Make Your Offer Mission Ready

When it’s time to submit your offer, we go in strong.

Here’s what that means:

• Pricing strategy based on current comps

• VA-friendly offer structure sellers will seriously consider

• Contingencies to protect you during inspection, appraisal, and financing

We advocate hard for our clients — especially when you're not physically here to negotiate.

 Step 6: Inspection, Appraisal, and Closing – From a Distance

Buying while on the move? No problem.

We:

• Schedule and attend your home inspection

• Keep you updated throughout the appraisal and underwriting process

• Coordinate remote closings or early arrival options so your transition is seamless

You’ll never feel out of the loop — we communicate every step and make sure you’re supported from offer to closing.

 Final Thoughts

Buying a home during a PCS doesn’t have to be stressful — not when you have a team that understands the urgency, flexibility, and service mindset required to make it happen.

If you’re planning a move to Hinesville, Richmond Hill, Savannah, Fort Stewart, or the surrounding Coastal Georgia area — let’s get mission ready together.

 Call Kevin and Karyn Thomas at Level 10 Real Estate Group
 Schedule your free Buyer Strategy Session today
 912-980-6153