Military Home Buying Guide: 10 Essential Tips for Service Members in 2025 | The Listing Team

Military Home Buying: 10 Must-Know Tips for Service Members (2025 Update)

May 10, 2025

Scott Lehr, PA

Licensed Realtor & Military Relocation Specialist
The Listing Team at RESF
Phone: 954-342-6180 | Email: scott@reallistingagent.com

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Military life brings unique challenges to homeownership – from PCS moves to VA loan specifics. After helping 87 service members buy homes last year in Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Weston, and Pembroke Pines, here’s what every military buyer should know in 2025.

1. Understand Your VA Loan Benefits

Many don’t realize these powerful advantages:

$0 down payment options (even for multiple uses)
No private mortgage insurance (PMI) required
Competitive interest rates (often lower than conventional loans)

Pro Tip:

Our VA loan guide breaks down entitlement amounts and how to calculate your purchasing power.

2. Time Your Purchase With PCS Orders

Strategic timing matters:

Closing windows around move dates
Tax implications of buying vs. renting during short assignments
VA loan occupancy requirements (must occupy within 60 days)

3. Choose Locations Wisely

Consider these for South Florida bases:

Fort Lauderdale: Best for Coast Guard families near Sector Miami
Weston: Top schools for Army Reserve at Miramar
Pembroke Pines: Quick access to Homestead AFB

Did You Know?

Homes within 15 minutes of military installations in Broward County retain value better during market shifts.

4. Get Pre-Approved Early

VA loans require extra steps:

Obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Find a VA-approved lender (we recommend local specialists)
Account for the VA funding fee (unless exempt)

5. Budget for Military-Specific Costs

Beyond the mortgage:

Potential rental management fees during deployments
Higher insurance in flood zones (common in South Florida)
Hurricane protection upgrades

6. Research Base Proximity

Key distances in our area:

Fort Lauderdale to USCG Sector Miami: 25 miles
Weston to Army Reserve Miramar: 18 miles
Pembroke Pines to Homestead AFB: 45 miles

7. Consider Future Rental Potential

Smart strategies for military landlords:

Choose homes near popular rental areas
Opt for durable materials (hurricane-resistant features)
Understand SCRA protections for military landlords

8. Prepare for VA Appraisal Process

Unique requirements include:

Safety hazards must be repaired
Working HVAC in Florida is mandatory
No peeling paint (even for older homes)

9. Know Your SCRA Protections

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act benefits:

6% interest rate cap during active duty
Eviction protection
Mortgage foreclosure safeguards

10. Work With a Military-Savvy Agent

Why it matters:

Understands VA paperwork and timelines
Knows military-friendly neighborhoods
Helps navigate PCS-related sales

Military Families Deserve Specialized Service

Whether you’re being stationed in South Florida or planning for retirement here, we’ve helped hundreds of service members navigate the market. Call me directly at 954-342-6180 or schedule a consultation.

– Scott Lehr, PA
Military Relocation Specialist, The Listing Team at RESF