Your Complete PCS Guide
PCS orders change everything overnight. Whether you're selling your Fort Leonard Wood home, figuring out your moving entitlements, or looking for a trusted agent at your next duty station — this guide has you covered.
Just Got Orders?
The moment PCS orders land in your inbox, the clock starts. Most families have 30–90 days to report to their new duty station — which means every day you wait is a day of leverage lost.
The good news: Fort Leonard Wood area homes are in demand year-round. The military community creates a steady flow of buyers, and a well-priced, well-marketed home moves fast.
The first call you make should be to us. We will assess your home's value, walk you through your options, and build a plan around your actual DEROS date — not a generic timeline.
And if you need help finding a quality agent at your destination, we handle that too. We've built relationships with veteran-friendly agents across the country and can connect you within 24 hours.
Selling Your Fort Leonard Wood Area Home
Selling while PCSing is different from a typical home sale. The timeline is compressed, the stakes are higher, and you often can't be present for showings. Oakhaus has helped many military families navigate this process — here's what you need to know.
List Early
As soon as you have orders in hand, contact us. The Fort Leonard Wood market moves quickly. Every week of earlier listing is leverage — buyers want to close before your DEROS.
Price It Right the First Time
Overpricing when you're on a PCS clock is the most common and costly mistake. A home priced right from day one sells faster and for more net proceeds than one that sits and requires reductions.
Request a Free CMA First
Before you do anything else, know what your home is worth in today's market. Our Comparative Market Analysis is free, fast, and gives you real data to make informed decisions.
Understand SCRA
If your home is your primary residence and you received orders after purchasing, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may allow you to break a lease or exit a mortgage obligation. Know your rights.
Your PCS Selling Timeline
Every PCS is different, but this timeline gives most families a clear path from orders to close.
Notify Oakhaus Immediately
The moment you have orders, call us. We will assess your home value, discuss timing, and build a selling strategy around your DEROS date. Time is your most valuable asset.
Request free CMAList Your Home
Listing 90–120 days before your report date gives you the best chance of a smooth sale. We'll handle professional photography, MLS syndication, and active marketing so you can focus on the move.
Negotiate and Execute
Most Fort Leonard Wood area homes go under contract within 30–60 days if priced correctly. We negotiate hard on your behalf — including closing cost assistance, lease-back provisions, and flexible possession dates.
Coordinate Closing with Your Move
We work with your title company, the buyer's lender, and your moving timeline to align closing with your pack-out. Many PCS sellers close remotely — we handle the details.
Close and Go
Proceeds wired to your account. Keys handed over. You focus on your family and your next chapter — we handle everything else through to the end.
PCS Entitlements & Allowances
Military PCS moves come with significant financial support that many families leave on the table because they don't know what they're entitled to. Here's a breakdown of the most important ones.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
BAH is paid based on your duty station, pay grade, and dependency status. When you PCS, your BAH transitions to your new duty station's rate. Check current FLW BAH rates at the link below.
BAH CalculatorDislocation Allowance (DLA)
DLA is a one-time payment to help cover the costs of moving your household. It's based on pay grade and dependency status, and is separate from your moving weight allowance.
DLA Rates (DFAS)Household Goods (HHG) Weight Allowance
The government will move your household goods up to a certain weight limit based on your pay grade. Excess weight is your responsibility. Book your move through DPS (Defense Personal Property System).
DPS — Book Your MoveTemporary Lodging Expense (TLE)
TLE reimburses temporary lodging costs (hotel, extended stay) for up to 10 days when you are between your old and new housing. Keep all receipts.
PPM / DITY Move
A Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly called DITY, lets you move yourself and keep a portion of what the government would have paid a mover. Many families come out ahead — especially for local moves.
PPM Calculator (move.mil)Advance Pay
You may be eligible for up to 3 months of advance base pay to cover PCS costs. Repaid via payroll deduction over 12 months. Talk to your finance office about eligibility.
SCRA — Know Your Rights
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides significant legal and financial protections for active-duty service members. Many of these rights apply directly to your housing situation when PCSing.
SCRA protections are powerful but have specific requirements — written notice, documentation of orders, and proper timing. Always consult a JAG attorney or legal assistance office before invoking SCRA rights. It's free, it's available to you, and it's worth the appointment.
The FLW Legal Assistance Office can advise you on SCRA applicability to your specific situation at no cost.
Buying at Your New Duty Station
We don't just help you leave — we help you land. Whether you're headed to JBLM, Bragg, Hood, Benning, or anywhere else, we can connect you with a trusted, veteran-friendly agent who will treat you the way you deserve to be treated.
Start Your VA Loan Pre-Approval Early
VA loans have no down payment requirement and competitive rates, but pre-approval takes time. Get started before you arrive so you can move fast when you find the right home.
Request a Housing Referral
We maintain relationships with trusted, veteran-friendly agents across the country. When you tell us where you're headed, we connect you with an agent who knows your destination market, understands military timelines, and will treat you right.
Research On-Post vs Off-Post Housing
Every duty station has different on-post availability and waitlist times. Research both options before you arrive. Off-post often provides more space and flexibility at competitive cost with your BAH.
Budget for Overlap and Gaps
There will almost always be a gap between your old home closing and your new home being ready. TLE helps, but budget for out-of-pocket costs for hotels, storage, and meals during the transition.
Connect With a Trusted Agent at Your Destination
We personally vet every agent we refer to military families. Our network spans all 50 states, and every referral agent understands VA loans, military timelines, and the unique needs of service members and their families.
Our referral is free to you. Oakhaus receives a referral fee from the destination agent when your transaction closes. This does not affect the service you receive or any costs to you — it simply lets us provide this service at no charge.
PCS Resource Directory
Moving & Entitlements
VA Loan & Housing
Questions? We've Been Through This.
Military PCS moves are one of our core specialties. If you have a question not covered here, we have the answer.