PCS & Military Moves

Military life means moving. Your VA benefit is built to move with you.

Buying on orders

• Lenders can generally use your PCS orders to verify income and the upcoming move, even before you report.
• You must intend to occupy the home as your primary residence, generally within about 60 days of closing. If you're deployed or away on duty, a spouse can satisfy occupancy, and VA allows later occupancy in some cases.
• Many buyers shop remotely. Ask about virtual tours, remote closings, and power of attorney if you'll be deployed.

Keeping your home as a rental

You can usually keep a VA-financed home and rent it after you move, because the occupancy requirement applies when you buy. Entitlement tied to that loan stays in use until the loan is paid off or assumed by an eligible Veteran who substitutes their entitlement.

Buying again: remaining entitlement

With remaining entitlement you may be able to buy at your next duty station with little or no down payment, depending on the county loan limit and how much entitlement is tied up. Your lender can calculate this from your COE.

Restoring entitlement

You can restore entitlement after selling and paying off the loan, or once with a one-time restoration if you paid off the loan but still own the home.

Email Aaron your orders timeline

Sources: Purchase loan · Restoration of entitlement · Loan limits & remaining entitlement