This episode is a real transaction story from June 2022, and it's a perfect example of what most of Brittney's career actually looks like. A military family was moving cross country from the West Coast to Shaw Air Force Base for their next duty station, and they were ready to buy their very first home. Brittney found them a one story, three bedroom, two bath home with an attached two car garage on a half acre lot for $185,000, in a year when interest rates were climbing and everyone assumed the market had no deals left. The home had been a rental and needed cosmetic work, paint, updated flooring, some cleanup, but it was solid enough to pass a VA appraisal. That's the whole philosophy in one sentence: a house can be ugly and still pass for VA, it just has to be solid. The best part of this story isn't the price tag, it's what happened next. Brittney helped this family buy the home sight unseen and close on it before they ever set foot in it, so that when they finished their cross country drive with two small kids in the car, a home was already waiting for them. No hotel stay, no unpacking and repacking, just keys in hand. If you've ever wondered what it actually looks like to buy a first home during a PCS, or what it means to trust a realtor enough to close on a house you've never walked through, this episode walks you through exactly how it happened, and how it turned out years later. Key Takeaways: A home doesn't need to be move in ready to qualify for a VA loan. It needs to be solid. Cosmetic issues like paint, flooring, and clutter don't disqualify a property.This family bought a one story, 3 bed, 2 bath home on a half acre lot for $185,000 in 2022, even with interest rates rising and the market supposedly picking over.Buying and closing sight unseen meant this family drove cross country with two young children and arrived to a home that was already theirs, instead of a hotel room.Staying in hotels during a PCS transition adds up fast, and military reimbursement rarely covers the full cost of an extended stay.The wife on this transaction repainted and updated the home herself after closing, turning a rental grade property into exactly what they wanted.Years later, Brittney helped this same family sell the house, and despite buying near the top of the market and not living there long term, they still came out okay.🎧If this story gave you a clearer picture of what buying a first home during a PCS can look like, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a military family or fellow agent who needs to hear it. It helps this show reach more of the people it was built for. Want more real, unfiltered stories behind the transactions? Join Brittney's newsletter for behind the scenes breakdowns, practical tips for buyers and sellers, and strategies built specifically for military families. Sign up at homeswithbrittney.com. Closing Chapters Podcast: Where Every Mission Has A Story Thanks for listening. We talk all things military real estate, my transactions, the mistakes, the wins, and simple plays you can use right now. Work With Me: Buying or selling near Fort Bragg & Moore CountyAgents, partner with me Connect With Brittney: 🌐 Website 📚 Training Platform 📺 YouTube 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 📧 Email: brittney@homeswithbrittney.com If this episode helped, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend in PCS season. Disclaimer: This podcast education only & is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Talk with your own pros about your situation. Opinions are my own. © 2025 Brittney Frye. All rights reserved. Realtor, license # 352197 in NC. Brokerage: REAL Broker l Military Division
