Fort Belvoir Realtor

Your trusted real estate specialist for Fort Belvoir military families. Expert in PCS relocations, VA loans, and finding the perfect home near base with easy commute access.

From Active Duty Army to Your Trusted Realtor

As a U.S. Army veteran who has lived in Northern Virginia for over a decade, I've walked the same path you're on right now. I've experienced the challenges of PCS orders, the stress of finding housing in an unfamiliar area, and the complexity of navigating the VA loan process while on active duty. My years of living and working in this area give me intimate knowledge of every neighborhood, school district, and commute route around Fort Belvoir.

When I bought my own home, I used my VA loan benefit and went through every step of the process—from getting pre-approved, to finding the right property, to closing while managing military responsibilities. That personal experience gave me insights that no classroom training ever could.

Today, as an MRP (Military Relocation Professional) certified realtor, I work alongside a team with over 20 years of market expertise. Together, we combine my lived military experience with deep local knowledge and a trusted network of VA loan specialists, inspectors, and contractors who understand military timelines.

I'm not just your realtor—I'm a fellow veteran who's been where you are and knows how to get you where you need to be.

Fort Belvoir Off-Base Housing Market Guide

Fort Belvoir is home to over 50,000 military personnel, civilians, and family members. As a premier military installation in Northern Virginia, Fort Belvoir ranks 11th highest among all Army bases for 2025 BAH rates, which increased by 2.9% from 2024. Finding the right home near base requires local expertise and current market knowledge.

Home Buying for Fort Belvoir Personnel

Expert guidance through the home buying process with deep knowledge of Fort Belvoir area neighborhoods and military-friendly communities.

VA Loan Expertise

Maximize your VA loan benefits with zero down payment options and competitive rates specifically for Fort Belvoir military families.

PCS Timeline Coordination

Seamless coordination of your real estate transaction with PCS orders, report dates, and military timelines.

Local Area Expertise

Intimate knowledge of Fort Belvoir area schools, amenities, and military-friendly neighborhoods within your BAH range.

Fort Belvoir Commute Times

Strategic location planning for your daily commute to Fort Belvoir. Find homes with convenient access to base.

Fairfax Station

10 min to Fort Belvoir
8 miles

Springfield

15 min to Fort Belvoir
12 miles

Burke

20 min to Fort Belvoir
15 miles

Lorton

8 min to Fort Belvoir
6 miles

Woodbridge

25 min to Fort Belvoir
18 miles

Alexandria

30 min to Fort Belvoir
22 miles

Free Fort Belvoir Area Home Buyer Guide

Get your comprehensive guide to buying a home near Fort Belvoir. Includes neighborhood insights, school ratings, commute information, and VA loan tips specific to Fort Belvoir personnel.

On-Base vs Off-Base Housing at Fort Belvoir: Complete 2025 Guide

Having lived in Northern Virginia for over a decade and helped hundreds of military families, here's my honest assessment of on-base versus off-base housing options.

On-Base Housing

Advantages

  • • Zero commute - Walk or bike to work
  • • No BAH out-of-pocket - Housing automatically deducted
  • • Built-in military community - Neighbors understand the lifestyle
  • • Close to base services - Commissary, PX, medical facilities
  • • Utilities often included - No surprise electric/gas bills
  • • Maintenance covered - Call for repairs, no landlord hassles

Disadvantages

  • • Waitlists (3-6 months typical) - Not immediate availability
  • • No equity building - Paying rent, not building wealth
  • • Limited housing styles - Based on rank, not preference
  • • Less privacy - Living among coworkers
  • • Work-life boundary blur - Always "at work" mentally
  • • Quality varies - Some units are older, maintenance issues reported

Off-Base Housing

RECOMMENDED

Advantages

  • • Build equity with VA loan - Own your home, build wealth
  • • Keep BAH difference - Profit $200-800/month if you spend less
  • • Choose your neighborhood - Schools, commute, lifestyle fit
  • • Work-life separation - Leave work at work
  • • More space options - Larger homes, yards, modern amenities
  • • Better schools access - Fairfax County top-rated school districts
  • • Investment for future - Sell or rent when you PCS

Disadvantages

  • • Commute required - 10-30 min drive to base
  • • Upfront costs - VA loan has $0 down, but closing costs apply
  • • Maintenance responsibility - You handle repairs (or hire contractors)
  • • Utilities not included - Budget for electric, gas, water
  • • Requires planning - House hunting, PCS coordination

My Honest Recommendation (As a Veteran Who's Done Both)

If you're staying at Fort Belvoir 3+ years: Buy off-base. Here's why:

  • • With 2025 median prices around $450K-$650K and Fort Belvoir BAH at $2,643+ (E-5 with dependents), you can afford quality homes in Fairfax Station, Springfield, or Burke
  • • VA loans require $0 down and have no PMI - use your earned benefit
  • • If you spend $2,400/month instead of your full $2,643 BAH, you pocket $243/month ($2,916/year)
  • • Northern Virginia real estate appreciates 3-5% annually - build wealth while you serve
  • • When you PCS, rent it out or sell - either way, you've built equity

If you're only here 1-2 years or have immediate assignment: On-base might be easier for short-term. But financially, off-base wins for most military families with 3+ year assignments.

Fort Belvoir Off-Base Housing: Your Questions Answered

Real answers from an Army veteran and MRP realtor who's helped hundreds of military families find homes around Fort Belvoir.

What are the best areas for off-base housing near Fort Belvoir?

The most popular areas for Fort Belvoir military personnel are Fairfax Station (8 miles, 10-15 min commute),Springfield (12 miles, 15-20 min), Burke (15 miles, 20-25 min), and Lorton (6 miles, 8-12 min). Each area offers quality schools, convenient base access, and housing options within BAH range. Fairfax Station and Burke tend to have larger single-family homes, while Springfield offers more townhomes and condos at lower price points.

How does the Fort Belvoir local real estate market work for military families?

The Fort Belvoir housing market is very competitive, with homes typically receiving multiple offers within days.As of 2025, median home prices range from $450K-$650K depending on the area and property type. Military buyers should:

  • Get VA loan pre-approval before house hunting (I can connect you with VA specialists)
  • Act quickly when you find the right property—waiting even 24 hours can mean losing out
  • Work with an MRP realtor who understands PCS timelines and can negotiate military-specific contingencies
  • Consider properties slightly below your BAH to build equity and have a financial cushion

What should I know about using my VA loan at Fort Belvoir?

I used my own VA loan to buy my primary home, so I know this process inside and out. Here's what Fort Belvoir military personnel should know:

  • Zero down payment - You can buy with $0 down if the property appraises
  • No PMI - Unlike conventional loans, VA loans don't require private mortgage insurance
  • Competitive rates - VA loans typically offer lower interest rates than conventional loans
  • 2025 loan limits - For Northern Virginia, there is no loan limit for eligible veterans with full entitlement
  • VA appraisal requirements - Properties must meet minimum property requirements (MPRs), which I'll help you navigate
  • Funding fee - Usually 2.15% for first-time use (can be rolled into the loan), waived for disabled veterans

I work with lenders who specialize in VA loans and understand military timelines. They can pre-approve you quickly and close on your schedule.

How do I coordinate buying a home with my PCS orders to Fort Belvoir?

Having gone through PCS moves myself, I know timing is everything. Here's the realistic timeline and process:

  • 60-90 days before report date - Get VA loan pre-approval and start your home search
  • 45-60 days out - Identify target neighborhoods and submit offers
  • 30-45 days out - Under contract, complete inspections and appraisal
  • Report date - Ideally close 1-2 weeks before or use temporary lodging

I can coordinate virtual tours, remote closings, and POA arrangements if you can't be here in person. Many of my clients have successfully closed while still at their previous duty station.

What is the current BAH for Fort Belvoir and what can I afford?

2025 Fort Belvoir BAH rates increased 2.9% from 2024. Here are current rates (with dependents):

  • E-4: $2,310/month - Can afford homes around $350K-$400K
  • E-5: $2,643/month - Can afford homes around $400K-$475K
  • E-6: $2,805/month - Can afford homes around $425K-$500K
  • E-7: $3,216/month - Can afford homes around $500K-$575K
  • O-3: $3,840/month - Can afford homes around $575K-$675K
  • O-4: $4,281/month - Can afford homes around $650K-$750K

Use my BAH Calculator for your specific rank and situation. Remember: you keep the difference if you spend less than your BAH, so finding a home slightly below your allowance can provide extra monthly income.

What are the school options near Fort Belvoir?

Fort Belvoir families have access to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), one of the top-rated school systems in the nation. Popular school zones include South County High School area, Lake Braddock Secondary School area, and Robinson Secondary School area. Many military families choose Fairfax Station and Burke specifically for school quality. I provide detailed school information and ratings for every property, helping you make informed decisions for your children's education while staying within your housing budget.

How can I find a trusted VA loan lender and real estate team?

As an MRP realtor working with a team of over 20 years market expertise, we've built a comprehensive network of VA loan specialists, home inspectors, and contractors who understand military timelines and challenges. All our lender partners specialize in VA loans, offer competitive rates, and can work with your PCS schedule. Our team has helped hundreds of military families navigate the home buying process, from pre-approval to closing and beyond. When you work with us, you get access to this entire network of military-friendly professionals who will treat you with the respect and urgency you deserve.

Popular Areas Near Fort Belvoir

Explore military-friendly neighborhoods within commuting distance of Fort Belvoir.

Fairfax Station
Springfield
Burke
Lorton
Woodbridge
Alexandria
Mount Vernon
Newington