Working with your PCS timeline
PCS orders can come with tight or shifting dates. A cash sale can give you more control over when you close.
Many investors can close before you leave, or set a date after you have moved. Share your report date on the first call so they can plan around it.
If your report date changes, let the investor and closing company know right away. Many timelines can be adjusted in writing.
Some families close before moving out. Others move first and leave the house vacant until closing. Both can work.
Selling before you leave also means one less thing to manage from your new duty station. Many families find that a relief.
Selling while you are away
You do not always need to be in town to sell. Much of the process can happen by phone, email and video call.
The walkthrough can often be arranged with a family member, a friend or a property manager present. Some investors can also start with photos or video.
A trusted person nearby can also help with keys, utilities and any final checks before closing.
Utilities, mail forwarding and insurance can all be handled from a distance too. A short checklist helps you track each one.
Many sellers set up a shared folder or email thread with the investor and closing company. That keeps documents in one place.
Remote and mobile notary options
Signing closing documents usually requires a notary. A mobile notary can meet you where you are, including near a new duty station.
Many states now allow remote online notarization by video. The rules vary by state, so ask the closing company what works for your sale.
If you are overseas, ask the closing company early. Some documents may need a specific type of notarization.
Ask early, since some options take time to schedule. The closing company can tell you which documents need a notary.
Power of attorney basics
A power of attorney lets someone you trust sign on your behalf. A general power of attorney covers many actions. A special one is limited to a specific transaction, such as selling one property.
Some institutions may not accept a general power of attorney for every transaction. A special power of attorney for the sale is often simpler. Ask the closing company what they require before you sign one.
Military legal assistance offices can prepare powers of attorney for service members at no cost.
If you plan to use one, share a copy with the closing company early. They can confirm it meets their needs before closing day.
Your rights under the SCRA
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides a range of protections for service members. One example lets you end a residential lease early with qualifying PCS or deployment orders.
How the SCRA applies depends on your situation. Your installation legal office or JAG office can explain your options. This is general information, not legal advice.
If you rent a home now and are moving because of orders, the lease protections may be especially relevant. Military OneSource also has helpful plain language guides.
A simple plan before you go
A little planning makes selling from a distance easier.
Keep copies of your orders, closing documents and any power of attorney together. That makes it easy to share them when asked.
- Request an offer as soon as you have a likely move date
- Decide who can attend the walkthrough if you cannot
- Talk with your legal office about a power of attorney if needed
- Ask the closing company about remote or mobile signing
- Leave keys and codes with someone you trust
General information, not legal or tax advice.