The 2026 Mortgage Landscape The real estate market of 2026 has brought a welcome sense of stability for military families. With national mortgage rates settling into the low 6% range, the “wait and see” approach of previous years is fading. However, as a service member or veteran, you face a unique choice: should you leverage […]
VA Loan vs. Conventional: Which Wins in 2026? Read More »
The Importance of Credit in the PCS Cycle A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is often a whirlwind of orders, packing, and goodbyes. However, if your goal is to buy a home at your next duty station, your credit score is your most important asset. A higher score unlocks lower interest rates. For a
Pre-PCS Credit Score Boost: The 90-Day Plan Read More »
The Modern Haven for Military Families A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move brings a long to-do list. You find a house, enroll the kids in school, and unpack endless boxes. However, your first priority should be safety. In 2026, home security has moved far beyond simple door locks. For military families, smart technology is
Home Security & Smart Tech for Your Next Duty Station Read More »
Understanding the 2026 BAH Increase The calendar has turned to 2026, and for nearly one million service members, that means a change in their monthly housing allowance. The Department of Defense recently implemented a national average increase of 4.2% for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). This change took effect on January 1, 2026. For military
New Year, New BAH: Maximizing Your 2026 Rates Read More »
The holidays are over, and PCS season is approaching. Learn how to reset your finances and prepare for a mortgage in the 2026 market. Focus on credit health, debt-to-income ratios, and maximizing your VA loan benefits. The New Year Mortgage Mindset The holiday season often leaves even the most disciplined military families with a “financial
Post-Holiday Financial Reset: Getting Mortgage-Ready Read More »
A Return to Market Stability The real estate market is finally finding its footing. After years of “frozen” inventory and high interest rates, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of the “Great Housing Reset.” For military families, this means a shift away from the chaotic bidding wars of the past toward a steadier,
Looking Ahead to Real Estate Trends for 2026 Read More »
The Homeowner’s Tax Advantage Owning a home is a cornerstone of building financial security. It also comes with significant tax benefits. For many taxpayers, the federal deduction for homeownership expenses is a major reason to itemize their deductions. If your itemized deductions are greater than the standard deduction, you should itemize. The core homeowner deductions
2025 Tax Deductions for Military Homeowners: What to Prepare Now Read More »
The Unique Challenges of a Holiday Home Search Military life rarely follows the traditional real estate calendar. PCS orders can arrive at any time. This means you may find yourself house hunting during the busy holiday season. This timing presents real challenges for military families. First, you will find less inventory. Many sellers pull their
Home Search During the Holidays: A Buyer’s Advantage Read More »
The Federal Reserve and Mortgage Rates For the first time in several years, we are seeing mortgage rates come down. This is a direct result of the Federal Reserve (The Fed) easing its monetary policy. The Fed sets the Federal Funds Rate. This is the rate banks use to lend to each other overnight. While
Refinancing and Interest Savings Explained Read More »
Get Ready for Winter: Why Winterizing Matters As a military family, you know that moving—a Permanent Change of Station (PCS)—happens fast. You buy a home, and suddenly, winter is around the corner. If you are new to a house, you need to prepare for the season. Winterizing your home is essential. It protects your investment
10 Ways to Winterize Your Home After a PCS Read More »
