Orders to closing

Do lenders count BAH as income for a VA loan?

How VA lenders treat Basic Allowance for Housing: it counts in full, it is non-taxable and can be grossed up, which rate is used on a PCS, what happens to it on separation, and why the gross-up mechanics matter more than the rate table.

Is it worth buying a house for a three-year military assignment?

An honest framework for buying versus renting on a three-year tour: the exit costs that decide it, the break-even structure, the cases where renting clearly wins, the cases where buying does, and the keep-it-as-a-rental option that changes the math.

Should I buy a house at my first duty station?

An honest answer for a junior service member at a first duty station: why the default is to rent, the specific conditions under which buying works, what a VA loan does and does not solve, and how to use the first tour to set up a purchase at the second.

I just got orders — should I buy a house at my next duty station?

A loan officer's guide to buying on PCS orders: when it makes sense, the timeline from orders to keys, how lenders treat orders and BAH, and the base-by-base guides for where to buy.

How do I buy a house during house-hunting leave?

How to go under contract during permissive TDY house-hunting leave: what has to be done before the trip, a day-by-day structure for ten days, what can be finished remotely after you leave, and the mistakes that waste the leave.

How do I buy a house in the States while stationed overseas?

How to buy a home at a stateside duty station while stationed overseas: the pre-approval on orders across time zones, the COE, sight-unseen due diligence, the power of attorney and remote closing options, and lining up the closing date against the household-goods and travel timeline.

Should I live on base or buy a house?

The on-base versus buying decision framed around what actually changes: BAH goes to the privatized housing company on base or to your mortgage off base, and the trade is convenience and zero maintenance against equity, choice and a commute.

Can I get a mortgage with PCS orders before I start at the new base?

How a VA lender qualifies a service member on PCS orders before the report date: what the orders document, which BAH rate is used, how the LES and statement of service fit, what changes if you are separating or retiring, and the timing that trips people up.

Should I sell or rent out my house when I PCS?

A decision framework for the house you are leaving on PCS: sell and restore entitlement, rent it and buy again on remaining entitlement, or refinance it out of the VA loan and restore entitlement once — with the cash-flow, entitlement and management tests that decide it.