PCS to or from Fort Hood? A Military Family’s Guide to Buying, Selling and Renting

Few things move faster than PCS orders. One week you're settled, and the next you're trying to sell or rent one home and find another, sometimes from a few hundred miles away. I'm a Military Relocation Professional (MRP), and I help service members and their families buy, sell and lease homes around Fort Hood, Killeen and the rest of the Greater Austin Area to Bryan College Station. Here's how I'd approach a PCS move to or from Fort Hood.

A quick note on the name: the post was renamed Fort Cavazos in 2023 and returned to the Fort Hood name in July 2025, so you'll still see both on maps and paperwork. For more on the area, see my guide to living in Killeen and Fort Hood.

PCSing to Fort Hood? Start with these steps

• Get pre-approved early. If you plan to use your VA home loan benefit, a pre-approval tells you your real budget and lets you move fast when the right home comes up. See how VA home loans work.
• Decide whether to rent first or buy right away. Some families rent for a few months to learn the area. Others buy before they arrive so they only move once. Both can work; it depends on your timeline and how long you expect to stay.
• Think about the commute and the gates. Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, Nolanville, Belton, Temple and Salado all have easy access to post, but drive times vary by gate and by time of day.
• Plan to buy from a distance. I do live video walkthroughs, send detailed notes on each home, and use e-signatures, so you can make a confident decision before you arrive.
• Know the VA occupancy rule. With a VA loan, you certify that you intend to live in the home as your primary residence, usually within about 60 days of closing. There's some flexibility for deployments and PCS timing, so talk with your lender about your dates.

PCSing away? Sell, rent it out or keep it empty?

This is the biggest decision most families face when orders come in. Here's how I help you think it through:

• Selling gives you a clean break and puts your equity to work at the next duty station. I'll give you a written value range based on recent sales nearby, so you know what you'd walk away with.
• Renting it out can make sense if the rent covers the mortgage, taxes, insurance and repairs, and you might come back. Once you've met the VA occupancy requirement, renting out a VA-financed home is generally allowed. Check with your loan servicer before you do. My Landlord's Guide walks through pricing, screening and leases, and a property manager can handle things while you're away. See how property management protects owners.
• Not sure yet? Read Should You Rent or Sell Your Home in Texas? and we'll run the numbers together.

Breaking a lease because of PCS orders

If you're renting, the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) generally lets you end a residential lease after you receive PCS orders. You give your landlord written notice with a copy of your orders (or a letter from your commanding officer). For monthly rent, the lease usually ends 30 days after the next rent due date. Your installation's legal assistance office can help you write the letter.

Texas tax benefits worth knowing

• No state income tax in Texas.
• Homestead exemption: if the home is your primary residence, file for the homestead exemption with the county appraisal district (Bell CAD for most Fort Hood-area homes).
• Disabled veteran exemptions: Texas offers property tax exemptions for veterans with a service-connected disability rating, up to a full homestead exemption for those who qualify. Your appraisal district can confirm what applies to you.

How I help military families

• Plan the sale, lease or purchase around your report date, not the other way around
• Video tours, e-signatures and updates by text or email when you can't be here in person
• Pricing based on real comparable sales, plus honest rent estimates if you're deciding whether to keep the home
• Coordination with VA-approved lenders, inspectors and property managers
• Help on both ends when you're selling here and buying at the next station

Download my free military move home buying guide for a checklist you can work through as your orders firm up.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my VA loan if I'm PCSing to Fort Hood?

Yes. PCS orders don't keep you from using a VA loan. You'll certify that you intend to live in the home as your primary residence, and lenders can work with your report date. Get pre-approved as soon as you have orders.

Can I buy a home before I arrive?

Often, yes. Many of my military clients tour by live video, review inspection reports remotely and sign electronically. I'll make sure you see the things photos don't show, like road noise, drainage and what's next door.

Can I rent out my home when I PCS?

Generally, yes, once you've met the VA occupancy requirement. Talk with your loan servicer first, budget for repairs and vacancy, and consider a property manager if you'll be far away.

Can I break my lease if I get PCS orders?

Under the SCRA, you can generally end a residential lease with written notice and a copy of your orders. For monthly rent, the lease usually ends 30 days after the next rent due date.

What areas are close to Fort Hood?

Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, Nolanville, Belton, Temple, Salado and Kempner are all within commuting distance. I'll help you compare them by commute, home age, price and school district for the specific addresses you're considering.

Have orders? Let's make a plan

Whether you're arriving at Fort Hood or heading out, I'd be glad to help you sort out your options around your timeline, with no pressure. Book a time to talk or call or text me at (512) 629-9050.

Trina Heinmiller, REALTOR®
ABR® | GRI | SRS | MRP | SFR | CPE | C2EX
Southern Luxe Group | eXp Realty
trina@southernluxegroup.com · southernluxegroup.com

This is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice. Please confirm VA loan, lease and tax questions with your lender, your installation's legal assistance office or a tax professional.