🪖 Is It Better to Buy Now or Wait Until After Deployment/PCS?

If you’re military and stationed around Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), you’ve probably asked yourself this classic question: “Should I buy a home now, or wait until after my next deployment or PCS?”

It’s a smart question — and the answer depends on your goals, your timeline, and your comfort level with the market.

Let’s break it down.

🏠 The Case for Buying Now

Buying now can make strong financial and logistical sense for many service members — especially in Fayetteville, Raeford, Hope Mills, and Spring Lake, where housing demand remains steady and prices are still affordable compared to national averages.

Here’s when buying now makes sense:

• You’ll be stationed here for 2+ years. Even with a future PCS, you’ll likely build equity and can convert your home into a rental when you move.

• Interest rates are stable, and rents are rising. Locking in your monthly payment can be smarter than paying rising rent prices.

• You have access to VA loan benefits.VA loans allow zero down payment, no PMI, and flexible qualification — making homeownership attainable even while active duty.

• You can close fast. With my preferred lender, we can close in as little as 15 days, which helps you move in before deployment timelines tighten.

💡 Pro Tip: Many of my military clients buy before deployment, rent out the home while they’re away, and come back to find it’s appreciated — often earning a profit or rental income.

⏳ The Case for Waiting Until After Deployment or PCS

Sometimes, it makes more sense to hold off. Here’s when waiting is the wiser move:

• You’re leaving within the next 6–9 months. It may not be worth the short-term purchase and resale costs.

• You’re unsure about your next duty station. If your orders are pending, flexibility matters more than ownership.

• You need time to improve credit or pay down debt. Waiting a few months to boost your financial profile can earn you a better rate and lower monthly payment.

If that’s you, I recommend getting pre-approved now and monitoring the market while you wait — so you’re ready to move quickly when orders drop.

📈 What’s Happening in Fayetteville’s Market Right Now (Fall 2025)

• Average sale price: ~$240,000

• Days on market: 26–34 days

• Strong rental demand: Military renters are keeping vacancies low

• Home values: Growing at 3–5% per year

That means whether you buy now or later, your property is likely to hold value or appreciate modestly, making it a stable investment.

💬 Cassie’s Take

If you’re confident you’ll be stationed in the Fort Liberty area for two or more years, buying now is often the smarter long-term move — especially using your VA benefits. But if you’re on short orders or feeling uncertain, don’t rush it. We can prep your financing, explore neighborhoods, and time the purchase to fit your PCS window perfectly.

I work closely with military families every week who need flexible timelines and quick closings — and my goal is always to make your next move your best one.

📞 Call or text me at 910-916-9315📧 cassie@birchandbeamrealty.com🌐 Visit CloseWithCassieNC.com for listings, lender connections, and relocation resources.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I buy before deployment, can I rent out my home while I’m away? Absolutely! Many service members turn their Fayetteville homes into rentals. I can help you connect with local property managers who handle everything while you’re deployed.

2. What if I get PCS orders shortly after buying? No problem — you can keep the home and rent it, or sell it. With current appreciation and strong rental demand, most sellers break even or profit even after a short ownership period.

3. Is it harder to buy a home while deployed? Not with the right team. We can handle nearly everything remotely — from e-signatures to virtual tours and digital closings.

4. Can I use my VA loan more than once? Yes! You can reuse your VA entitlement as long as the previous loan is paid off or you have remaining entitlement available.

5. What if I want to buy right after deployment? That’s a great time, too. You’ll have a clear timeline, possibly extra savings, and we can move fast when you’re back stateside.

✨ Close with Cassie — because every military move deserves a smart, stress-free plan.