09/18/2026
🏡 HEARTHSTONE ACADEMY — LESSON TWO
PCS Orders Don’t Automatically Mean You Should Sell
Military families around Cannon Air Force Base often purchase a home using a VA loan. Then, two or three years later, PCS orders arrive.
The natural reaction may be: “We’re moving, so we need to sell.”
But selling too quickly could consume most—or even all—of the equity you have started building.
Here is a simplified example:
• Original purchase price: $200,000
• Estimated value after two years: $212,000
• Approximate mortgage balance: $195,000
• Gross equity: approximately $17,000
That sounds encouraging until selling expenses are considered. Brokerage compensation, closing costs, repairs, buyer concessions and other expenses could consume much of that $17,000.
The home increased in value and the mortgage balance decreased, but the owner could still leave closing with very little—or possibly have to bring money to the table.
That is why keeping the property as a rental may deserve serious consideration.
Rental income can help pay the mortgage while the property has additional time to build equity. A professional property manager can handle advertising, tenant screening, rent collection, inspections, maintenance coordination and emergencies while the owner is stationed elsewhere.
Renting is not automatically the right choice for every owner. Before deciding, compare these three things:
1. A realistic sales net sheet
2. A complete rental and cash-flow analysis
3. A VA entitlement review with an experienced lender
Sometimes selling is the right answer. Sometimes renting is the better answer. And sometimes the smartest decision is simply giving the property more time.
A PCS may move you—but it does not mean you must leave your investment behind.
Contact Hearthstone to discuss whether selling or professional property management makes the most sense for your property.
Hearthstone Property Management & Real Estate, LLC
Safeguarding your investment.
This post provides general educational information and is not individualized legal, tax, lending or financial advice.
