The Military Family’s Guide to Home Buying in Texas

Relocating. Uprooting kids. Juggling checklists, paperwork, and PCS timelines. Buying a home while serving in the military isn’t easy — but it can be worth it. Especially in a place like Texas, where homeownership builds real long-term value for your family.

If you're PCSing to San Antonio or just exploring your options, here’s a straightforward guide to help you understand what it takes to buy a home as a military family in Texas, how to use your VA loan benefits, and why it’s often a smarter move than renting.

🪖 Why Texas Is a Great Place for Military Families to Buy

Texas isn’t just home to some of the largest military installations in the U.S. — including Joint Base San Antonio — it’s also one of the most military-friendly housing markets:

• No state income tax = more money stays in your pocket

• Strong VA loan lender network familiar with PCS timelines

• Affordable cost of living compared to national averages

• Growing home equity in cities like San Antonio, New Braunfels, and surrounding areas

🏡 Step-by-Step: Buying a Home While on Active Duty

1. Connect with a military-friendly agent and lender.
Work with someone who understands PCS orders, BAH rates, and VA loan timelines. That’s not every agent — but it should be yours.

2. Get pre-approved for a VA loan.
No down payment. No PMI. Competitive rates. Most military families qualify — even with average credit — and it’s one of the best mortgage products available.

3. Know your BAH.
Your Basic Allowance for Housing is your buying power. In San Antonio, for example, a married E-6 with dependents gets over $2,000/month in BAH — that can cover your mortgage, and then some.

4. House hunt smart.
Look near your duty station, but also consider commute, schools, resale value, and rental potential if you get re-stationed.

5. Negotiate, inspect, and close.
You don’t need to be physically present to close — many service members buy remotely or close early when on leave.

💰 VA Loan Facts Military Families Should Know

• Zero down – No need to save up 20%

• No PMI – Saves hundreds per month

• Reusable benefit – You can use it again on your next PCS

• Can be used for multi-family (up to 4 units) if you occupy one

• Minimum credit scores vary – many lenders approve 580+

✈️ PCS-Proofing Your Home Purchase

Worried about buying and then getting orders? You’re not alone. Here’s how military families protect their investment:

• Buy in a high-demand area — easier to rent or sell later

• Consider future rental income potential (your BAH today = someone else’s rent tomorrow)

• Work with a local property manager if you’re stationed elsewhere

• Know your exit strategies — VA loans are assumable, meaning someone else could take over your mortgage later

👨‍👩‍👧 Final Thought: You Deserve to Build Equity, Too

Military life is full of uncertainty — but your housing situation doesn’t have to be. Owning a home in Texas gives you more than stability. It builds wealth, provides tax benefits, and offers a sense of place — even when the mission calls you elsewhere.

Need a boots-on-the-ground agent who understands military life?
Whether you're arriving on orders, prepping for a PCS, or just weighing your options — I’ll guide you through every step of the process and connect you with lenders who actually get it.

📩 Reach out today and let’s build a plan that works for your family and your timeline.