Comprehensive guides and resources specifically designed for military families navigating real estate in Northern Virginia. From VA loans to PCS timelines.
Everything you need to make informed real estate decisions as a military family.
Everything you need to know about using your VA loan benefits for home purchases in Northern Virginia.
Step-by-step real estate timeline for military moves, coordinated with PCS orders and requirements.
Maximizing your Basic Allowance for Housing to find the perfect home within your budget.
Detailed information about military-friendly neighborhoods and communities in Northern Virginia.
Complete guide for military personnel buying their first home, from pre-approval to closing.
Strategies for selling your home when PCSing, including timing, pricing, and remote management.
Frequently used resources and calculators for military families.
Calculate your housing allowance for Fort Belvoir, Pentagon, and Quantico
Access Tool →Visual map showing neighborhoods and their proximity to military bases
Access Tool →Factual information about military real estate processes in Northern Virginia
The Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification is a designation awarded by the National Association of Realtors to real estate professionals who complete specialized training. The program covers military relocation processes, VA loan benefits, PCS timeline considerations, and military family housing needs. MRP-certified agents have demonstrated knowledge of military-specific real estate challenges.
As of 2020, most veterans with full entitlement (including first-time VA loan users) have no loan limits and can purchase homes of any price with no down payment, subject to lender approval. VA loan limits only apply to borrowers with partial entitlement from previous VA loan use: Fairfax County - $1,209,750, Loudoun County - $1,209,750, Arlington County - $1,209,750, Prince William County - $1,209,750, Stafford County - $1,209,750.
Full entitlement means you have never used your VA loan benefit or have fully restored your entitlement from a previous VA loan. With full entitlement, there are no loan limits - you can purchase homes of any price with no down payment. Partial entitlement occurs when you have previously used your VA loan benefit and have remaining entitlement. Only borrowers with partial entitlement are subject to VA loan limits.
Northern Virginia hosts several major military installations: Fort Belvoir (Army installation in Fairfax County), The Pentagon (Department of Defense headquarters in Arlington), Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (Army installation in Arlington), Marine Corps Base Quantico (located in Prince William County), and various smaller facilities. Each installation serves different military branches and functions.
BAH rates in Northern Virginia increased by 5.4% in 2025. Rates vary by military grade, dependency status, and duty station. Fort Belvoir ranks 11th highest among all Army bases for BAH rates. The rates are determined by the Department of Defense and adjusted annually based on local housing costs. BAH is intended to offset housing costs for service members living off-base. Current rates can be found on the official Defense Finance and Accounting Service website.
A typical PCS (Permanent Change of Station) timeline begins 4-6 months before the move date with official orders. Service members generally receive 30-60 days advance notice. The actual relocation process includes household goods shipment, travel arrangements, and housing transitions. Timelines can vary based on military branch, destination, and individual circumstances.
Real estate services for deployed personnel may include remote consultation, power of attorney coordination, property management referrals, and virtual property tours. Service members can utilize technology for remote transactions while following all applicable laws and military regulations. Each situation is unique and may require different approaches.
VA loan eligibility is primarily based on military service requirements, not state residency. Veterans, active duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses may qualify regardless of their current state of residence. Specific eligibility criteria are established by the Department of Veterans Affairs and include minimum service requirements and discharge status.
Military families commonly consider factors such as commute time to base, school district quality, base proximity, BAH coverage, and military community presence. Popular resources include military housing offices, online military community groups, and MRP-certified real estate professionals. Each family's priorities and circumstances are unique.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Military personnel should verify current regulations, benefits, and procedures with official military sources. Real estate transactions should be conducted in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
While these resources provide comprehensive information, every military family's situation is unique. Let's discuss your specific needs and goals.