PCS Timeline for Fort Hood: A Month-by-Month Home Buying Calendar

PCS orders come with a report date, and everything else has to fit in front of it: selling or renting your current home, buying near Fort Hood, scheduling the movers and getting the family settled. Buying a home takes about 30 to 45 days from contract to closing, so the timing matters. Here's the calendar I walk my military clients through, counting back from your report date.

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.

As soon as you have orders (90+ days out): Set the plan

• Decide whether you want to buy or rent at Fort Hood. If you're buying, talk to a VA-approved lender and get pre-approved now, since that tells you your real budget.
• Look up your 2026 BAH and see what it buys. My Fort Hood BAH guide has the table.
• If you own a home now, decide whether to sell it or keep it as a rental. My post on keeping or selling when you PCS walks through the numbers.
• Ask your sponsor which gate you will use most, then read where to live near Fort Hood by gate.
• Call me so I can start sending you homes and video walk-throughs.

60 to 90 days out: Prepare and list your current home

• If you're selling, get your home ready and listed. A home priced right usually goes under contract within a few weeks, and closing takes another month or so.
• If you're renting it out, line up a property manager or tenant and handle repairs before you leave.
• Start touring Fort Hood homes online, and plan a house-hunting trip if your leave and budget allow it. I can also do live video tours for you.
• Schedule your household goods move or plan your PPM (personally procured move) through the transportation office.

45 to 60 days out: Get under contract near Fort Hood

• Make an offer on your Fort Hood home. In Texas, you'll usually negotiate an option period, a short window to do inspections and back out if something big turns up.
• Order the inspection and review the results with me. Ask for repairs or a credit during the option period.
• Your lender orders the VA appraisal. Keep your pay stubs, LES and orders handy for underwriting.
• Avoid new credit, big purchases or job changes until after closing.

30 days out: Lock in the details

• Set your closing date close to your arrival, and leave a few days of cushion for travel delays.
• Set up utilities, internet and trash service at the new address.
• Get homeowner's insurance in place. Your lender needs it before closing.
• Confirm your movers' delivery window, and plan for temporary lodging if the house won't be ready when you arrive. Ask your finance office what lodging allowances you qualify for.

Closing week: Sign and get the keys

• Do a final walk-through to make sure repairs were made and the home is in the condition you expect.
• Sign closing documents. If you can't be there in person, ask the title company early about remote signing or a power of attorney. Not every lender or title company handles these the same way.
• Get the keys and schedule your household goods delivery.

After you arrive: Settle in

• VA loans require you to move in as your primary home, usually within about 60 days of closing. Talk to your lender if a deployment or training affects that.
• Apply for your Texas homestead exemption with the Bell County Appraisal District (or Coryell County if you're in Copperas Cove or Gatesville). It can lower your property taxes.
• Disabled veterans may qualify for additional Texas property tax exemptions, so ask the appraisal district about those too.
• Enroll the kids in school and register your vehicles in Texas.

What if the timeline is shorter?

It happens. If you get orders on short notice, I can start the search the same day, tour homes for you on video and help you write an offer from wherever you are. Some families rent for a few months first and buy once they know the area, and that's a smart option too. If you're selling at the same time, my sell as-is page explains how I can bring you cash offers from investors in my network when speed matters more than top dollar.

For the big picture on buying, selling and renting around post, see my PCS guide for Fort Hood.

Trina Heinmiller
Team Lead | Southern Luxe Group | eXp Realty

This timeline is general guidance, not legal, tax or financial advice. Allowances and VA loan rules can change, so confirm the details with your transportation office, finance office and lender.