Buying a Home During a PCS Move
The 60-day occupancy rule, remote closings, and how active-duty families actually make a PCS home purchase work.
The 60-day occupancy rule
VA occupancy generally requires you to move in within 60 days of closing. For PCS families, the VA accepts up to 12 months when the delay is due to military orders or a spouse's occupancy first.
Get a signed intent-to-occupy statement into the file early to avoid last-minute underwriter questions.
Remote closings for deployed borrowers
Power of Attorney (POA) closings are common on VA files. A specific-transaction POA — naming the address and dates — is the cleanest path.
E-notary is allowed in most states. If you're OCONUS, we route to a base legal office for notarization.
Timing your offer with your report date
Start prequal 90 days before your report date. Write offers 45 days out. Close 2 weeks before you PCS.
House-hunting leave is fine for tours but not required — we can run inspection and appraisal without you present.
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