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 »
The True Cost of a PCS Move Every military family knows that Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders are part of life. While the government covers major moving expenses, hidden costs can quickly add up. From utility deposits and temporary housing to meals on the road and pet care, a PCS often stretches budgets more
Moving on a Budget: Cost-Savings Tips to Consider Before a PCS Read More »
Potential Benefits of Flipping Equity Growth Buying a home below market value and renovating it can create equity quickly. Even if you don’t sell right away, you may have a valuable asset for the future. Income Opportunity If sold after improvements, a flipped home can generate a profit. Some military families use this strategy to
Flipping a Home: Smart Strategy or PCS Headache? Read More »
Why Home Safety Matters for Military Families The back-to-school season is a busy time, especially for military families adjusting to new duty stations and new homes. Between unpacking, school supply shopping, and community transitions, home safety can get overlooked. Yet small steps now can prevent big problems later. Here are 10 safety tips to help
Back to School, Back to Basics: 10 Home Safety Tips Read More »
