Real Estate Frequently Asked Questions
Buying, Selling, & PCS Moves | Dee Butler
Buying, selling, relocating, or preparing for a PCS move? You’re not alone. Below are answers to some of the most common real estate questions I receive from buyers, sellers, military families, investors, landlords, and renters across North Carolina, California, and Virginia.
Most Asked Question ⭐
Can I still work with Dee if she isn’t licensed where I’m moving?
Absolutely! I can connect you with trusted agents nationwide and help guide your move from beginning to end.
Working With Dee 🤝
Q: I’ve never done this before—where do I start?
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, renting, or preparing for a PCS move, we’ll start with a conversation and create a plan together based on your goals, timeline, and comfort level.
Q: What areas do you serve?
I am a licensed Realtor in North Carolina and California and a licensed Real Estate Agent in Virginia. I work with buyers, sellers, renters, landlords, and investors across these markets, with a strong focus on military and relocation clients. Not moving to one of those states? No problem! I also have a trusted referral network and can help connect you with a great agent anywhere your next move takes you.
Q: What makes working with you different?
Real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all—and neither is my approach. As a military spouse who has experienced 14 moves across the U.S. and overseas, I understand firsthand that moving can feel exciting, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming. My goal is to make the process feel approachable, educational, and strategic. I focus on communication, strong negotiation, and helping clients make informed financial decisions—not just getting to the closing table, but helping you build toward long-term goals. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, renting, or relocating, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Buying a Home 🏡
Q: Do I need a Realtor?
Having a Realtor gives you guidance, market knowledge, negotiation support, contract assistance, and someone advocating for your best interests. Whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or investing, having the right professional beside you can make the process smoother and less stressful.
Q: How much do I need for a down payment with a VA loan?
One of the biggest benefits of a VA loan is that eligible buyers may qualify for a home purchase with little to no down payment. Every situation is different depending on eligibility, financing, closing costs, and lender requirements, so I’ll help connect you with a trusted lender to understand your options and create a plan that works for you.
Q: Can I buy a home with no money out of pocket?
Sometimes—but not always. Certain loan programs, including VA financing for eligible buyers, may offer little to no down payment. However, buyers should still plan for possible closing costs, inspections, earnest money deposits, and other expenses depending on the transaction.
Q: How long does it take to buy a home?
Every transaction is different, but most home purchases take approximately 30–45 days once under contract. Factors like financing, inspections, appraisals, and market conditions can affect timing. Planning ahead can help create a smoother process.
Military & PCS Relocation 🇺🇸
Q: What is a PCS move?
PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station. It means a service member has received orders to move to a new duty station. As a military spouse who has experienced multiple PCS moves, I understand the timelines, stress, and decisions that come with relocating.
Q: How does BAH work when buying a home?
BAH, or Basic Allowance for Housing, can help military buyers determine a comfortable monthly housing budget. While BAH is not a loan by itself, it can be used as part of your income when qualifying for a mortgage. I help military clients understand how to make their BAH work strategically when buying a home.
Q: Can I buy a home with no money out of pocket?
Yes! Many military families purchase homes before arriving at their next duty station. With today’s technology, I can help coordinate virtual tours, video walkthroughs, digital paperwork, inspections, lender communication, and local resources to make the process as smooth as possible. As a military spouse who has personally relocated multiple times, I understand the importance of making informed decisions—even from miles away.
Q: Can you still help if you’re not licensed where I’m moving?
Absolutely! Even if I’m not licensed in the state you’re moving to, I can still help guide you through the process and connect you with a trusted local agent in my referral network. I stay involved to help make sure your transition feels smooth and supported from beginning to end.
Selling Your Home 💰
Q: How much does it cost to sell my home?
Selling costs can vary depending on your location, loan payoff, closing costs, repairs, commissions, and negotiated terms. I can provide an estimated seller net sheet so you have a clearer picture of what you may walk away with after closing.
Q: What happens if my home appraises low?
A low appraisal does not automatically end the deal. Depending on your contract and financing, options may include renegotiating the purchase price, requesting seller concessions, bringing additional funds to closing, or disputing the appraisal if appropriate. I’ll help guide you through your options.
Investing & Property Management 📈
Q: Can I turn my current home into a rental property when I PCS?
Possibly! Many military families keep their homes as investments after relocating. We can discuss rental potential, market conditions, expected expenses, and whether property management may be a good fit for your goals.
Q: Should I rent or buy when I PCS?
It depends on your timeline, goals, local market conditions, and long-term plans. Some families benefit from purchasing and building equity, while others prefer flexibility through renting. We’ll walk through your options together and build a strategy that makes sense for your family and finances.
Still Have Questions?
Buying, selling, relocating, or planning a PCS move? Let’s create a game plan together.
Schedule a consultation!
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