PCS to Fort Cavazos | Moving Checklist & Timeline

Moving can be an overwhelming experience, especially for military families preparing for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood. This blog post serves as your ultimate guide to navigating the relocation process with a comprehensive moving checklist and timeline to ensure a smooth transition to Central Texas. Drawing from my personal experience and the strategies I've developed as a REALTOR ® , I'll share insights to help you plan your move with confidence and ease.

Table of Contents

• Timeline and Checklist for Relocating to Central Texas
• How to Coordinate Closing Dates for Your New Home
• Securing Financing: VA Loans and Local Lender Options
• Finding the Right Home: Home Sizes, Locations, and Budgets
• Submit an Offer, Setting Up Movers and Finalizing Documentation
• Final Tips for Military Families Navigating the Homebuying Process
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Timeline and Checklist for Relocating to Central Texas

When planning your move, the first step is to establish a clear timeline. Let’s assume your report date is August 10th, and you plan to arrive in Central Texas on July 27th. This gives us almost 60 days to coordinate everything from finding a home to closing the deal.

Here’s a general timeline breakdown:

• 60 Days Before Move: Start gathering information about the Central Texas area and potential neighborhoods that suit your family’s needs.
• End of June: Aim to be under contract by June 27th or 28th. Most lenders can close within 20 to 27 days, so this timeline allows for a little wiggle room.
• July 27th: Arrive in Central Texas with your family and belongings.
• Closing Date: Ideally, you should close on your new home around July 28th or 29th.

Setting this timeline is crucial as it helps in organizing your move and ensuring that you meet your deadlines.

How to Coordinate Closing Dates for Your New Home

Next, you’ll need to decide on the closing date for your new home. You can either close before you arrive with a mobile notary or wait until you get to Central Texas. Each option has its pros and cons.

Closing before your arrival has the advantage of allowing you to move in immediately, as utilities will already be set up. However, if you close after you arrive, you have the chance to do a final walkthrough and ensure everything is in order before moving in.

Pros and Cons of Closing Before or After Arrival

• Closing Before Arrival:
  • Immediate move-in potential.
  • Utilities turned on and ready for use.
• Closing After Arrival:
  • Opportunity for final walkthrough.
  • More time to prepare for the move.

Ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal circumstances and preferences.

Securing Financing: VA Loans and Local Lender Options

Once you have your timeline set, the next step is securing your financing. Whether you choose a bank, a national lender, or a local lender, it’s essential to work with someone you trust. Local lenders often provide better communication and personalized service, which can be invaluable during this process.

After getting pre-approved, you can start looking at home sizes and prices. This step is crucial because it helps narrow down your options to what fits within your budget.

Understanding Your Budget

If you’re pre-approved for $400,000, but you’ve been looking at homes priced at $500,000, it can lead to disappointment. Make sure to clarify your budget and the features you're looking for in a home, such as:

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Square footage
• Lot size
• Preferred location

For example, I currently have a client looking for a five-bedroom home with at least 2.5 bathrooms and a lot size of a third of an acre, ideally located within 45 minutes of Fort Cavazos.

Finding the Right Home: Home Sizes, Locations, and Budgets

When searching for best neighborhoods near Fort Cavazos for military families, consider your family's needs and lifestyle. In Central Texas, neighborhoods like Temple, Belton, Nolanville, and Harker Heights are popular among military families due to their proximity to Fort Cavazos and essential amenities.

After identifying potential neighborhoods, I recommend sending clients a list of homes that meet their criteria. This may include 15 to 20 options, which they can then narrow down based on their preferences.

Virtual Home Tours and How to Narrow Down Your Choices

To make the process easier, I offer video walkthroughs of the homes. These videos range from 8 to 15 minutes, allowing clients to view properties at their convenience. Once they’ve narrowed it down to a few homes, I can conduct a FaceTime or Zoom walkthrough to address any discrepancies or concerns they may have.

This method saves time and helps families make informed decisions without needing to visit every property in person, which can be challenging during a busy moving period.

Submit an Offer, Setting Up Movers and Finalizing Documentation

Once you’ve found the home you want, the next step is to submit an offer. This is where negotiation comes into play. The goal is to ensure you get the best deal possible, including getting your earnest and option money back if you’re using a VA loan.

For those using FHA or conventional loans, the aim is to minimize out-of-pocket expenses at closing. Ideally, you want to negotiate for the seller to cover your closing costs, obtain a home warranty, and ensure that the seller pays for the title policy and survey.

Setting Up Movers

During the option period, you should also start arranging for movers. I recommend scheduling the movers for about two weeks before your closing date. This gives you ample time to prepare and ensures that your belongings arrive at your new home promptly.

Final Tips for Military Families Navigating the Homebuying Process

Throughout the entire process, it’s essential to keep communication open between yourself, your realtor, and your lender. Make sure all documentation is in order and that everyone is on the same page regarding timelines and expectations.

Once the appraisal is complete and you’re clear to close, you can finally celebrate the successful purchase of your new home!

PCS'ing to Fort Cavazos?

PCS'ing to Fort Cavazos or moving anywhere in Central Texas can be a seamless process if you plan correctly and utilize the right resources. My experience as a military veteran and realtor allows me to help families navigate the complexities of the PCS process effectively.

Whether you have questions about financing, neighborhoods, or home features, I’m here to assist you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out via phone, email, or through my website for more information.

FORT CAVAZOS MILITARY HOMES FOR SALE

FAQs 

What is the best time to start planning my PCS move?

Start planning at least 60 days before your report date to ensure you have ample time for all necessary arrangements.

How can I find a reliable local lender?

Ask for recommendations from friends or fellow service members. If you don’t have an agent yet, I help military families PCS'ing to Fort Cavazos, feel free to reach out.

What are the benefits of using a REALTOR ® during my PCS move?

A REALTOR ® can provide valuable local insights, help with negotiations, and ensure that the entire process runs smoothly from start to finish.

What should I do if my closing date is delayed?

If your closing date is delayed, stay in close contact with your realtor and lender to understand the reasons and adjust your moving plans accordingly.

In conclusion, moving to Fort Cavazos can be a rewarding experience when approached with the right planning and resources. Let’s make your next PCS a successful and stress-free transition!