Moving off-base comes as a big decision for both military personnel as well as their families. While moving off-base means more relaxation and freedom in terms of what property you want to buy and in what area, it comes with a sense of added responsibility. Now you must learn to manage your budget carefully, find a house in a safe location that also has a military-friendly lease, and manage a daily commute to the base. Here are 5 things you should know before you make the move.
BAH, or Basic Allowance for Housing, is a set amount given to you by the military. It is different for everyone, as it varies because of your rank, the location you are stationed in, and your dependents' status. If you are living on the base, you will basically be using up all your BAH. While BAH covers a lot of utilities and other expenses, you will have to pay for something yourself, and this is why staying off-base can help you save money.
You can use your BAH to buy whatever type of house you like, even a smaller one, which helps you save a lot of money and gives you a check on how you can control your money flow. So, you should fully understand your BAH by checking the rates for your location and rank. Calculate it using a BAH calculator and ensure that the amount is enough to cover all other utilities, bills, and repairs in the house, and still stay within budget.
There are many things you would like to consider when researching a neighborhood that is not on base, especially if you have children in your family. First, you would want the area to be close to the base, so it is convenient for you to reach there, especially in case of an emergency. You would also want to give the best education to your children, so look for options that have good schools nearby. You would want to consider public and private options, and if the area also offers extracurricular activities, and is easily accessible.
You would also want to elevate your family's quality of life, so look for a neighborhood that is peaceful and doesn't have crime. It should have other amenities like hospitals, parks, and shopping malls nearby so that your family can have a good time. For example, if you are relocated to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, consider looking for a residential property management in Thurston County, to find a home with a close commute.
After you decide to live off base, you must begin your search with diligence and planning. List the items you and your family desire that you can afford. As good homes sell rapidly, you should begin your property search as soon as possible. Find real estate brokers who can help you and look for houses on reliable websites.
Once you decide on a house, check what the insurance covers. Also, read the lease attentively before signing it. You should see the rent collection schedule, issues with maintenance, and the security deposit amount. You should also include a military clause according to which you may have to leave the house and should not be charged a penalty for doing so.
There is a chance that you will have to move into a place because your move-in and move-out dates don't align. For this, you can reside in Airbnbs or in on or off-base military quarters or have long hotel stays. You can also consider short-term rentals or corporate housing options.
There are many things you must consider before moving from base to off-base, and you may not even find a house that exactly matches your expectations. But that is okay, and you do not have to be overly strict with your standards either. If the essentials are covered and your family is satisfied with it, you can think about making the move.
