Moving from Great Lakes to Hampton Roads
Great Lakes is home to Recruit Training Command, and many junior sailors' first PCS after boot camp lands at a Norfolk-area command. If you're about to make that move, it's a big step, and you may have questions you haven't had to think about before.
Many junior sailors will rent first, or live aboard ship or in barracks at the start, and that's completely normal. But some, especially those with families, are ready to buy. This guide is for both.
One important note: PCS timelines, entitlements and rules can change, and every set of orders is a little different. Treat this as general guidance, and confirm the specifics with your orders, your command and your installation's transportation and housing offices.
Renting now or buying your first home
If you're renting first, that's a smart way to learn the area. Take a few months to see which neighborhoods you like and how long your commute really is. When you're ready to buy, I'll be here, and my First-Time Homebuyers page is a good place to start learning.
If you want to buy now, a VA loan can make it possible with little or no money down for eligible service members. Talk with a lender early about your eligibility, your budget and what your BAH may cover. Don't stretch your budget just because you can.
Where you might want to live
Junior sailors at Naval Station Norfolk often look at Norfolk, Portsmouth and Chesapeake for more affordable homes within a reasonable commute. We'll focus on safe, practical neighborhoods that would be easy to rent out if you move again.
If you want a closer look before you choose, my city guides for Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth break down neighborhoods, commutes and schools. You can also read my overview of relocating to Hampton Roads.
Buying remotely while you're still in Great Lakes
You don't have to wait until you arrive to start shopping. Most of the military families I work with pick out their home while they're still at their current duty station, and I set things up so that feels less like a gamble.
I do live video showings, walking through each home with you on FaceTime, Zoom or whatever works for your schedule, including evenings and weekends for different time zones. I open closets, run the faucets, point the camera at the ceilings and the water heater, and step outside so you can see the street, the neighbors' yards and how close the house sits to traffic. I'll also tell you honestly what I don't like about a home, because you can't smell a basement or hear road noise through a phone.
Once you find the right home, we write the offer electronically, and I attend the inspection and appraisal on your behalf and send you photos, video and my notes the same day.
Signing closing documents without being here
Many closings today can be handled remotely through a mobile notary or online notarization, so you don't have to fly in just to sign. I'll walk you through exactly what's needed for your specific closing, because the options depend on your lender, the title company and sometimes the state where you're signing.
When a remote closing works, I coordinate with the title company and a mobile notary near your current base, or set up an online signing, so the documents are done before you leave. The goal is simple: when your orders are executed and you pull into town, the house is already yours and ready for your household goods delivery. If a remote option isn't available for your loan, we can plan around a power of attorney or a quick in-person signing instead.
Lining up VA financing before you move
I'll connect you with local Hampton Roads lenders who close VA loans all the time and understand PCS timelines, including how to work with orders when your report date is still weeks away. Getting pre-approved early tells you your real budget and makes your offer stronger. For the basics, read my guide to VA loans in Hampton Roads, and compare it with FHA loans or a conventional loan if you're weighing options.
To see what a monthly payment might look like with your BAH in mind, try my Hampton Roads mortgage calculator. Your lender will give you exact numbers, but it's a good place to start.
Tips for your first PCS
Keep copies of your orders handy, because lenders and landlords will ask for them. Talk with your installation's housing office about your options. And don't sign anything you don't understand. Ask me, your lender or your command's financial counselor first. There are no silly questions on a first move.
Selling your home in Great Lakes at the same time
Most sailors leaving Great Lakes won't have a home to sell, but if you or your family do own one somewhere, the same help applies.
Through my referral network, I can connect you with a trusted local agent in that area who understands military timelines, so both sides of your move are handled by someone who knows what a report-no-later-than date means. I stay in touch with that agent so your sale and your purchase here line up as closely as possible.
How I help you PCS with less stress
I've helped a lot of military families through this exact move, and I know the pressure: an orders date, a report-no-later-than date, a household goods pickup and delivery window, and a family who needs a place to land. My job is to take as much of that off your plate as I can.
Here's how I handle it. I tour homes with you live on video until you're confident. I coordinate the inspection, appraisal, title work and the mobile or online notary so you can sign from Great Lakes. I connect you with local lenders who know VA loans and PCS timing. And if you're selling where you are now, I'll refer you to an agent there I trust. For a first move, I also take the time to explain every step so you know what to expect.
When you get your orders, reach out to me and we'll build your plan around your dates. You can read more on my PCS and military move page.
