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  • Writer's picturek8realtor

Virtual House Hunting for Military Families: A Guide to Finding Your Dream Home During a PCS

As a veteran, I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to move from one military base to another during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). One of the most daunting tasks during a PCS is finding a new home in a new location. Fortunately, advancements in technology have made it possible to purchase a home virtually, making the process much more manageable. In this article, I'll share my expertise on how to purchase a home virtually during military PCS, especially for those interested in the Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi or the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, MS.

Step 1: Determine Your Budget and Requirements: The first step to buying a home virtually during military PCS is to determine your budget and requirements. Consider the size of the home, the number of bedrooms, location, and other requirements. Having a clear idea of what you want and what you can afford will help you save time and narrow down your search.

Step 2: Set Up a Virtual Meeting With Me: Look on websites such as Realtor.com or Zillow and start to view some homes online. This should get you some idea of the size and quality of home your budget can get you in the Coastal Mississippi region. When we virtually meet, you can communicate what you're looking for in a home, your must-haves, and your would-like-to-haves. Having lived here since 2002 I'll also be able to answer any questions you may have about each town and share other information based on my local expertise. If I cannot answer a question I will find the answer for you all! I am always learning with each new client.

Step 3: Review Searches of Properties: At this step we can both work together! I will set you up for a daily email on properties meeting your requirements and send to your inbox each morning. It has been my experience that the Homes Best Suited for Virtual Buying are properties that are move-in ready, such as newly constructed homes or homes that have undergone recent renovations. These homes are less likely to have hidden issues that may not be apparent in virtual viewings. Simultaneously you can continue to browse homes online in the areas around Keesler Air Force Base or the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, MS and send me addresses you see that interest you. These sites offer high-resolution photos and often virtual tours, allowing you to get a good sense of the property before scheduling a virtual viewing.


Step 4: Obtain a Pre-Approval: If you don’t already have one, now would be a good time to get your pre-approval letter form a mortgage company. A pre-approval will help me get into all this homes with ease (some sellers require one to show their properties) and will also help with your bargaining power when it comes down submitting an offer. If you are using your VA certificate refer to my blog post "Your guide to Purchasing a Home with a VA loan" found at the bottom of this page.

Step 5: Schedule Virtual Viewings: Once you have found a few homes that meet your requirements, it's time to schedule virtual viewings. Virtual viewings can be conducted via video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, Google Meets or Facetime (whatever meets your needs). I will give you a virtual tour of the property, answering any questions you may have.


Step 6: Make an Offer and Close the Deal once you have found the perfect home it is time to make an offer! I will provide you with a comprehensive list of comparables. This helps you to see what similar homes have sold for and use solid data to come up with a fair and competitive offer. The offer can be made virtually through email or electronic signature software. If the offer is accepted, the next step is to close the deal.


Step 7: Close the Deal: The closing process can be done remotely. I will work with your mortgage broker and a local real estate attorney. The attorney will FED EX you the paperwork for signing and get you in touch with a local notary. I can perform your final walk thru to make sure everything is good with the property (you can join me virtually for this as well). The last step is for you to sign, send back for archive purposes and the home will be yours! I can mail you the keys to the property or meet you on your first day in town!


In conclusion, purchasing a home virtually during military PCS is an option that can make the process of finding a new home more manageable. By following the steps outlined above and working with a knowledgeable realtor like myself, you can purchase your dream home without physically being in town.



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