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Military Relocation Made Simple
Start With Your Relocation Priorities
Before you begin looking at homes, take some time to think about what matters most to you and your household.
Consider your commute to Dyess AFB, preferred communities, home size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, outdoor space, nearby amenities, and your overall housing budget. If you're relocating with children, you may also want to research schools and activities that are important to your family.
Military moves often come with firm timelines, so creating a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves can help you focus your search and make decisions more efficiently.
Get to Know Abilene and the Surrounding Communities
Abilene offers a variety of communities and housing options, and the right fit can depend on your assignment, lifestyle, commute, and long-term plans.
Some buyers prefer to stay close to Dyess AFB for a shorter commute, while others may want more space or a particular neighborhood farther from the base.
Take time to explore different parts of the Abilene area and consider more than just the home itself. Look at commute times, schools, parks, shopping, restaurants, recreation, and the everyday conveniences that will make your new community feel like home.
Decide Whether to Buy or Rent
One of the first decisions during a PCS is whether buying or renting makes the most sense for your situation.
Your assignment length, expected time in Abilene, budget, future plans, and comfort with homeownership can all play a role. Renting may provide flexibility if you're expecting another move in the near future, while buying may make sense for those planning to stay longer or looking to build equity.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. The important thing is to understand the costs, responsibilities, and potential benefits of each option before making your decision.
Understand Your Housing Budget
Before falling in love with a home, establish a realistic budget.
Look beyond the purchase price or monthly rent. If you're buying, consider your down payment, closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, maintenance, and other ongoing expenses.
If you're using a VA loan, talk with your lender about your financing options and how your available benefits may affect your purchase. Your lender can help you understand the numbers, while your real estate agent can help you evaluate homes and neighborhoods within your budget.
Find a Local Real Estate Team
A military relocation often requires decisions to be made quickly and sometimes from a distance.
Working with a local real estate team can give you someone on the ground who understands the Abilene market and can help you navigate the process from your first questions through closing.
The Glidden Real Estate Group can help you learn about local communities, identify homes that fit your priorities, coordinate showings, evaluate properties, negotiate an offer, and keep the transaction moving forward.
If you can't visit Abilene before your move, ask your agent about options for virtual tours and remote home-buying assistance.
Build a Home Search Around Your Assignment
Once you know your priorities and budget, you can create a more focused home search.
Think about:
Proximity to Dyess AFB
Commute time
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Home size and layout
Garage and parking needs
Outdoor space
Neighborhood amenities
Schools and family activities
Shopping, dining, and recreation
Your anticipated length of stay
Having these criteria established ahead of time can help you quickly identify homes worth considering when new properties hit the market.
Make Your PCS Move Feel More Manageable
A military relocation can involve a lot of decisions, but you don't have to figure everything out on your own.
From your first questions about Abilene to finding a home, negotiating the purchase, and getting to closing, having a knowledgeable local team by your side can make the process easier to navigate.
The Glidden Real Estate Group is here to help you understand your options, learn the Abilene area, and find a home that fits your assignment and your life.
Ready to Start Planning Your Move?
Tell us about your PCS, your housing needs, and what you're looking for in the Abilene area. We'll help you take the next step toward finding your place in West Texas.