David Schlagel - Roy Group at Keller Williams Hometown Partners

06/15/2026

When you receive PCS orders to McConnell AFB, your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) becomes one of your most critical strategic assets. The immediate decision comes down to a clear framework: do you deploy that monthly capital into a short-term rental, or do you channel it into purchasing a home in the South-Central Kansas market?

Renting offers temporary convenience and eliminates immediate maintenance responsibilities, but it ultimately results in a 100% loss of your housing allowance to a landlord's equity with zero long-term return. Conversely, purchasing a property allows you to execute a long-term investment strategy, transforming a monthly allowance into a wealth-building vehicle that generates equity and tax advantages long after your tour here is complete. Balancing finance metrics against your operational timeline is the only way to ensure your BAH is maximized rather than misallocated. Let's look at the financial data for the Wichita area so you can deploy your allowance with tactical precision.

05/25/2026

05/07/2026

Your 2026 VA Buying Power Just Hit a New Peak
If you’re tracking the McConnell AFB housing market, you need to update your spreadsheets. As of May 2026, the baseline VA loan limit for Sedgwick, Butler, and surrounding counties has increased to $832,750.

The Tactical Breakdown:

Zero Down Payment: For veterans with Full Entitlement, there is no loan limit. You can purchase a high-tier property in Andover or a sprawling homestead in Rose Hill at $1M+ with $0 down, provided you qualify financially.

The "Bonus Entitlement" Win: If you have Partial Entitlement (meaning you’re keeping your first home as a rental), this limit increase is your best friend. The higher the baseline ($832k+), the more "Zero-Down" room you have left for your second home.

Why $832,750? This 3.26% increase reflects the rising home values we’re seeing across the Wichita metro. The system is adjusting to ensure you can still secure a top-tier "Base of Operations" without touching your savings.

The "Operator" Advantage:
Most lenders see a number; I see a strategic asset. Whether you’re looking for a luxury build or a property with homestead potential, we deploy these limits to maximize your wealth-building while you’re stationed at McConnell.

Built on Service. Focused on Family. Grounded in Home.

Don't let outdated intel limit your search. Let’s run the math on your 2026 entitlement.

📞 316-402-2379
🌐 david.calljoshroy.com

05/04/2026

Great update for Derby!

04/30/2026

VA buyers just gained a meaningful advantage starting May 1.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has updated appraisal guidance, reducing strict enforcement of certain property condition requirements and bringing VA loans closer in alignment with Federal Housing Administration (FHA) standards.
What does that mean in real terms?
Less impact from minor issues like peeling paint or small repairs. Fewer delays tied to appraisal conditions. A smoother path from contract to closing.
For years, VA offers have been misunderstood or avoided in competitive situations due to perceived repair hurdles. These updates are designed to reduce that friction
Not every agent has caught up to this yet, but it is already influencing how offers perform.
If you are planning to use your VA benefit, or want to understand how to structure a stronger offer in today’s market, reach out and I will walk you through how this applies to your situation.

04/20/2026

🎖️ Mission Intel: The "90-Day Rule" for 2026
If you just touched down at McConnell AFB, don't assume you’re stuck in a rental cycle. In 2026, the pathway to homeownership for active-duty members is faster than the "generalist" realtors realize.

The Tactical Breakdown:
Current active-duty service members generally qualify for their VA Home Loan benefit after only 90 continuous days of active service.

Why this is a 2026 Game-Changer:

Maximum Buying Power: In 2026, the standard VA loan limit for Wichita has increased to $832,750+. With full entitlement, you can secure a home at this level with $0 down.

Immediate Equity: Why pay a landlord’s mortgage when you can deploy your BAH into a strategic homestead or a high-appreciating Wichita asset?

Operational Readiness: As an MRP (Military Relocation Professional) and Army Vet, I don’t just pull a COE; I analyze your "Full-Spectrum" eligibility to ensure your move is executed with zero friction.

Stop waiting on a civilian timeline. Your mission started on Day 1; your homeownership can start on Day 91.

Built on Service. Focused on Family. Grounded in Home.

📞 [316-402-2379]
🌐 [david.calljoshroy.com]

04/15/2026

🌆 The Wichita "Sweet Spot": Big-City Edge with a Homestead Heart 🚜
When my clients receive orders for McConnell AFB, the first question is usually: "What is there to do in Kansas?" As a Strategic Relocation Specialist, I don't just look at maps—I look at lifestyle ROI. Wichita in 2026 has opportunity that most people miss. It’s a place where you can manage a high-level mission by day and be Grounded in Home by sunset.

The "Big-City" Amenities:

Premium Entertainment: Work on your drive at Topgolf Wichita or head over to The Sandbox (locations in both Derby and Goddard) for sand volleyball, pickleball, and a massive rooftop vibe. It’s the ultimate "off-duty" destination for the active-duty community.

Family Adventures: We have a top-10 national zoo (Sedgwick County) and the brand-new Adventure Playscape at Exploration Place.

The Air Capital Advantage: A booming aviation and healthcare sector means incredible long-term economic stability for your home investment.

The "Small-Town" Charm:

Affordability: Our cost of living sits nearly 10% below the national average. Your BAH goes further here, period.

Room to Roam: In 20 minutes, you can go from Top Golf to a 5-acre hobby farm in Derby, Rose Hill, or Andover.

The Community: This is a place where people still remember your name, and "Service" isn't just a buzzword—it's the culture.

Whether you want a modern loft near the Arkansas River or a homestead where you can finally get those chickens, Wichita delivers the logistics for both.

Built on Service. Focused on Family. Grounded in Home.

Thinking of making the move? Let’s find your Wichita "Sweet Spot."

04/06/2026

🚜 Myth-Busting: Can You Buy a Hobby Farm with a VA Loan?
There is a massive misconception that VA loans are only for "cookie-cutter" suburban homes. As an MRP (Military Relocation Professional) and a hobby farmer myself, I’m here to set the record straight:
The answer is a resounding YES. But here’s the intel you need to know to make it happen in the Wichita area:
Residential First: The VA’s primary mission is to ensure you have a safe, sound place to live. As long as there is a primary residence on the property that you intend to occupy, the acreage is secondary.
No Acreage Limit: Unlike some conventional products, the VA doesn't have a hard cap on acreage. Whether it’s 5 acres in Derby or 40 acres outside Wichita, if the value is supported by "comparable" properties, you’re in the clear.
The "Non-Commercial" Rule: This is the big one. The VA won't finance a commercial business. Your hobby farm is for your family's sustainability—not a full-scale industrial operation. Think "Family Farm," not "Agri-Corporation."
Value of Outbuildings: Barns, sheds, and stables can be included in the appraisal value! The key is finding a Tactical Negotiator who knows how to ensure the appraiser sees the "residential value" of your homestead improvements.
Built on Service. Focused on Family. Grounded in Home.
Stop letting "generalist" advice keep you from the land you want. If your mission involves fresh eggs, room to roam, and a VA loan, let’s talk logistics.

03/31/2026

If you’re headed to McConnell AFB, your housing plan shouldn’t be an afterthought.

You don’t have to show up, scramble, and settle for whatever’s left.

👉 You can land with a clear plan, a home lined up, and money working in your favor from day one.

📲 Let’s build your 90-Day PCS Home Buying Plan

Text “MISSION” to 316-402-2379
and I’ll help you:

Map out your timeline
Run your BAH vs. Buy numbers
Get you fully prepared BEFORE you arrive

PCS moves are already stressful—your housing doesn’t have to be.

Built on Service. Focused on Family. Grounded in Home.

02/03/2026

🌱 Planning takes time—whether it’s your garden or your next move.

Spring and summer moves don’t just happen. The best results come from planning ahead—getting your finances, timeline, and options lined up before the busy season hits.

If owning your own dirt is on your goals list this year, now is the time to start the conversation. The earlier you plan, the more choices and leverage you’ll have when the market heats up.

📞 Thinking about buying this spring or summer? Let’s plan it the right way.
Call or text me at 316-402-2379 and let’s map out your next move.

Built on Service. Focused on Family. Grounded in Home.