Every PCS season I meet families who arrive in Colorado Springs with a report date, a spreadsheet, and a lot of questions. After living the military life myself and helping families land here for years, these are the five things I wish every family knew before their move.
1. Start the conversation 60 to 90 days out
The Colorado Springs market moves quickly, and the best homes near Fort Carson, Peterson, and the Academy do not sit for long. If we start early, you can get pre-approved, learn the neighborhoods, and be ready to make a strong offer the week you arrive, instead of scrambling from a hotel.
2. Your BAH can build equity instead of paying rent
With a VA loan, many families qualify for zero down. I work with local lenders who specialize in VA loans and can show you exactly what your housing allowance supports in today's market. For a lot of families, the mortgage payment on a home they own is close to what they would pay to rent one.
3. Pick the neighborhood by your commute first
Fountain and Security-Widefield are favorites for Fort Carson. Briargate and Monument are popular for the Academy. Falcon and the east side make sense for Schriever and Peterson. Colorado Springs is bigger than it looks on a map, and Powers Boulevard traffic at 7 a.m. is real.
4. Buying sight unseen is normal here, and it can work beautifully
I do detailed video walkthroughs, neighborhood drive-throughs, and honest assessments so families stationed overseas or across the country can buy with confidence. A specific Power of Attorney makes it possible to close even while a spouse is deployed.
5. Think about the next PCS before you buy this one
Resale matters. A home in a strong school district with a reasonable commute to more than one base will serve you well when orders come again, whether you sell or keep it as a rental.
If you are headed to the Springs, I would love to help you make it home. Reach out any time, in English or Spanish.
Brenda