Ashley Atwell, DC Lifestyle Consultant

10/07/2024

First of all, our hearts go out to all those affected by Hurricane Helene.
♥️
May your families and homes recover swiftly

•You’ve probably heard the big news in the economic sector -
Feds cut interest rates by .5%. What does that mean for military families?
We’ve had a serious shortage of inventory, and a lot of it is due to home owners being locked into a lower rate. They’ve been hesitant to sell because rates were steadily climbing.
Now, homeowners may be more willing to move on, which means more supply for military families to choose from during their PCS.
*It may also be a good time for you to refinance if you’ve bought in the past couple of years when the rates have been at their highest.* Reach out if you need to be connected to a lender that’s well-versed in the VA loan.

•BAH news: the NDAA has a bill that’s currently in congress that is asking for restoration BAH.
In the 5 year period of 2014-2019, the DoD cut their BAH budget to pay about 90-95% of BAH, making the servicemember come out of pocket on that last 5-10% of housing costs.
With home prices skyrocketing in the past few years, military families have been really struggling.
This bill is pushing to get BAH back up to that 100%.

•DoD housing feedback system -
Fam, the DoD has heard your outcry over the issues from privatized housing on installations. We’re starting to see some improvements from that focused DoD attention, and now they’ve created the Housing Feedback System.
Families and servicemembers can now provide feedback directly to the DoD on quality of on-post housing.

Ok so those are the latest updates on the state of military housing. If you’re interested in discussing more or have questions, send me a dm!

Ready to get started? Talk to advisors today and feel ready to tackle your next move!

09/03/2024

Tips for Military Families Buying Foreclosed Properties:

For potential buyers, especially military families, accessing accurate info on foreclosures is crucial.
Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and foreclosure.com provide comprehensive listings. Additionally, local county records and real estate agents specializing in foreclosures can be invaluable resources.

Here are some tips for making sure you’re well-informed:
- research the neighborhood
- Secure financing early
- Hire a real estate agent with foreclosure experience
- Have a thorough home inspection
- Consider renovation costs
- Understand the legal aspects
- Be prepared for a lengthy process

For additional details , check out my blog post. Link in bio.

08/14/2024

Please tell me I’m not the only one that struggles with voice to text. I know for a fact that my accent is light 😂 iPhone over here making me think I can’t be understood when I speak 😒😭

07/23/2024

Check out my newest listing! 😍 The owner paid close attention to every detail during the renovation, and it's got the BEST backyard space, waiting for you to make it the ultimate hangout.

Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Congress Heights, one of DC's most dynamic neighborhoods. This stunning semi-detached 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence has been meticulously renovated to offer modern comforts while maintaining its classic charm. No detail has been overlooked during the pr...

06/12/2024

Check out my newest listing! 😍😍
Situated on a large corner lot, this spacious 3 bed 2.5 bath home boasts a dual door 2-car garage. Inside you’ll be greeted by a sunny and freshly painted interior, hardwood flooring spanning the main level, recessed lighting in the family room and kitchen, and new carpet throughout the upper level. An inviting living area features a wood-burning fireplace, while the well-equipped kitchen includes stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The spacious primary bedroom offers a generous walk-in closet, with the adjoining primary bath featuring a garden tub and separate shower. Both the primary and upper hall full baths showcase dual vanities. You'll find the laundry conveniently located on the main level off the garage entrance. Additionally, the large unfinished basement presents great potential. Located in a sidewalk-lined neighborhood, this lovely home is close to shopping, schools, and various amenities, offering comfort and convenience in a vibrant community.

Welcome to Whitson Ridge! Situated on a large corner lot, this spacious 3 bed 2.5 bath home boasts a dual door 2-car garage. Inside you’ll be greeted by a sunny and freshly painted interior, hardwood flooring spanning the main level, recessed lighting in the family room and kitchen, and new carpet...

04/08/2024

Military families often face unique challenges when it comes to relocating due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. Amidst the stress of moving, finding a new home can be overwhelming. That’s where a knowledgeable real estate agent specializing in military PCS relocations can make all the difference.
I’ve personally moved with the military as the service member and the spouse, and I know how staggering moving to a completely new area can be!
With my personal and professional knowledge, I’m uniquely positioned to guide military families through the transition.
Read more about it on my blog! (Link in highlights)

04/04/2024

Spring updates to your home inside and out: As the winter frost begins to thaw and the flowers bloom, it’s time to spruce up your home for the vibrant days ahead. Spring presents the perfect opportunity to give your home a fresh look, both inside and out. Whether you’re prepping to sell or simply wanting to enhance your living space, here are ten budget-friendly tips to revitalize your home this season.

Exterior:

-Liven Up Your Front Door
-Upgrade Your Outdoor Lighting
-Add Curb Appeal with Landscaping
-Power Wash Your Siding and Driveway

Interior:

-Freshen Up Walls with Paint
-Declutter and Organize
-Update Hardware and Fixtures

Link 🔗 in bio to read the full blog post

Ready to get started? Talk to advisors today and feel ready to tackle your next move!

 

04/02/2024

Here's a bit of for you today:
Among single homeowners in the US, 58% are owned by women.
In Washington, DC, our she-conomy is booming.
Women own 47.4% of the city's businesses according to the U.S. Small Business Administration last year.
Share your favorite local women-owned business in the comments.

03/01/2024

Very excited to welcome my Ft Meade based clients to their new home! They had been living on post for the past few years and were SO tired of dealing with the issues that come with base housing, so they decided to become homeowners!
When you buy a home at a duty station, you’re not only getting control of your own home, you’re also gaining an asset that can produce income for you later.
This was the first home they’d seen in MONTHS that fit all of their criteria, so they knew it was the one. With a little strategy and good negotiation, were able to put together the winning offer in a competitive situation. 🙌

01/09/2024

Here are 4 easy home maintenance tasks for military homeowners that were in our recent newsletter. If you’d like to see the breakdown and the remaining tasks, DM us your email address and we’ll send the full article!

Looking for a new house when you PCS? No need to search for hours!

Discover the local-expert service that’s designed to make your house-hunting journey easier. With experienced agents and qualified advisors, we can help you find a home that suits your needs in no time.

 

12/29/2023

3 Bed/4bath home for rent
$2700/mo

Welcome to this beautiful, meticulously maintained luxury townhome just seconds from Washington, DC. Nestled in a serene neighborhood and adjacent to a lovely park, this home offers the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. This home boasts new upgrades, quartz countertops, private driveway, lots of natural light, energy efficient appliances, and private outdoor space. Conveniently located minutes from highway 295, are also three nearby metro stations (Deanwood, Minnesota Ave, and Cheverly), making this the perfect spot for a commute to anywhere in the DMV. Owner prefers applicants with 650 or better credit score and good rental history.
There is a 20 lb pet weight limit, $500 pet fee, and $50/mo pet rent.

12/18/2023

Don’t know where to start?
Here are 5 FREE resources for your PCS:
1. Military OneSource. This awesome website has everything you need to know about military life. There’s a whole section on moving and PCSing, along with resources for each base.
2. GoMillie.com this website has a ton of resources and it’s dedicated solely to supporting your PCS journey. You can find an agent explore different bases and download various tool kits.
3. Your local military relocation certified real estate agent. your local real estate agent will know the ins and outs of the market, the area you’re relocating to, and they’ve likely got community connections that will be super beneficial to you and your family. If you haven’t already picked an agent, message us at PCShousing and we will connect you with someone who has been vetted and is experienced in military moves.
4. Your new base’s military family support center. Each installation has a support center that is there to educate and support you through community programs and resources. You should be able to find out where they are located and how to contact them from your base’s MWR page.
5. Military Sponsorship. Getting a sponsor at your new installation is going to go above and beyond the briefing memo. Sponsors are assigned through your unit, so talk to your POC to see if you have one.
As always, reach out with any questions you may have.
Message PCShousing
Or email at [email protected]