Your Nevada PCS Timeline: VA Loan Step-by-Step

1

Get Pre-Approved (Do This NOW - Before Orders)

PCS -90 days

Start your VA loan pre-approval as soon as you know Nevada is a possibility, even before official orders. Takes 24-48 hours remotely.

  • Obtain VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) - Get online at VA.gov or we can pull it (instant with your service details)
  • Gather documents: 30 days pay stubs, 2 years W-2s, 2 months bank statements, PCS orders (when received)
  • Submit application remotely - We handle everything online/phone, no Nevada visit required yet
  • Receive pre-approval letter - Full underwritten approval showing you're ready to buy (not just pre-qualified)
2

Receive PCS Orders & Connect with Nevada Realtor

PCS -60 days

Once orders are official, activate your house hunt. We can refer military-friendly Nevada realtors who understand VA loans and PCS timelines.

  • Update pre-approval with orders - Send copy of PCS orders to lender for file
  • Connect with realtor - Find agent experienced with Nellis/Fallon military buyers and VA loans
  • Define search criteria - Budget, commute, school districts, move-in date aligned with report date
  • Start virtual tours - Many Vegas/Reno realtors do FaceTime walkthroughs if you can't visit yet
3

House Hunt & Make Offer (HHT or Remote)

PCS -30 days

Use House Hunting Trip (HHT) leave if available, or buy remotely (many military do this successfully). Nevada market moves fast - be ready to act.

  • Schedule HHT - Typically 7-10 days, coordinate with realtor in advance to line up showings
  • Make competitive offer - Include pre-approval letter. VA loans are strong (no appraisal gap with right terms)
  • Negotiate - Request seller pay closing costs (VA allows up to 4% concessions, huge benefit)
  • Go under contract - Typically 30-45 day close for VA purchase in Nevada
4

Loan Processing & VA Appraisal

Days 1-21

Lender processes your file and orders VA appraisal. This is where VA loan takes slightly longer than conventional, but worth it for $0 down.

  • Submit final docs - Any updated pay stubs, bank statements as requested by underwriter
  • VA appraisal ordered - Takes 7-14 days in Nevada (can be longer in rural areas like Fallon)
  • Inspection period - Highly recommend home inspection even though VA appraisal checks safety/habitability
  • Address appraisal issues - If VA appraisal calls for repairs, negotiate with seller to fix or credit
5

Final Underwriting & Clear to Close

Days 22-35

Underwriter reviews complete file including appraisal and issues final approval ("Clear to Close"). You're almost there.

  • Respond to conditions - Underwriter may request clarification on income, assets, or credit inquiries
  • Final verification - Lender verifies employment 24-48 hrs before closing (don't job hop or buy big items!)
  • Receive Clear to Close - Official green light from underwriter
  • Review Closing Disclosure - Exact costs and loan terms, must be provided 3 days before closing
6

Closing Day & Move to Nevada

Day 35-45

Sign papers, get keys, you're a Nevada homeowner! Coordinate closing with your PCS report date so you're not paying for temporary housing long.

  • Wire closing costs - Typically $0 down + $3K-8K closing costs (can be $0 if seller pays all costs)
  • Attend closing - 1-2 hours signing docs at title company (can be done remotely/POA if you're still deployed)
  • Receive keys - Title company records deed, you officially own the home
  • Move in - Coordinate household goods delivery, update address with DEERS, register vehicles in NV (30 days), etc.

Nevada Military Presence & Housing Markets

Nevada hosts major military installations with thousands of active-duty service members and their families. Understanding each area's housing market is crucial for your PCS move.

Nellis Air Force Base
(Las Vegas)

Northeast Las Vegas Valley
~10,000 active-duty personnel
Median home: $420,000

Popular areas: North Las Vegas, Aliante, Summerlin (northwest), Henderson (southeast)

Commute: 15-30 min to base from north areas. Most service members buy near North Las Vegas for shorter commute and lower prices ($350K-400K).

Naval Air Station Fallon
(Fallon)

60 miles east of Reno
~3,000 active-duty personnel
Median home: $310,000

Popular areas: Fallon city, Churchill County. Small rural town with lower cost of living.

Market: More affordable than Vegas/Reno. Limited inventory but excellent VA loan opportunity. Most buy in Fallon proper ($280K-350K range).

Other NV Military
(Hawthorne, Reno Area)

Hawthorne Army Depot, others
Smaller installations
Reno median: $500,000

Reno/Sparks area: Growing tech hub, higher prices but strong market. Popular with Guard/Reserve and contractors.

Strategy: Reno buyers often go south to Fernley or Dayton for affordability ($400K range) vs Reno proper ($500K+).

PCS to Nevada VA Loan FAQs

Answers to common questions military families have when relocating to Nevada with a VA home loan.

Can I get pre-approved for a VA loan before receiving PCS orders to Nevada?

Do I need to put any money down on a home in Nevada with a VA loan?

How long does it take to close on a VA loan in Nevada?

Can I buy a home in Nevada if I'm currently deployed or stationed overseas?

Are VA loans competitive in the Nevada housing market? Will sellers accept my offer?

What documents do I need for VA loan pre-approval for a Nevada PCS move?

Should I buy or rent when PCSing to Nevada?

More Questions About Your Nevada PCS Move?

Our VA loan specialists understand military relocations and PCS timelines. Get answers specific to your situation.

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VA LOAN BENEFITS

Why Nevada Veterans Choose VA Loans for PCS Moves

The VA home loan is the most powerful benefit available to service members buying in Nevada. Here's why active-duty military and veterans overwhelmingly choose VA financing when relocating to Las Vegas, Reno, or near military bases.

$0 Down Payment Required

Buy a home with no money down. Keep your savings for moving expenses, furniture, or emergencies. Conventional loans require 3-20% down ($12,000-$80,000 on a $400K home).

No PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)

Save $200-400/month that conventional buyers pay in mortgage insurance. Over a 3-year tour at Nellis, that's $7,200-$14,400 in savings.

Lower Interest Rates

VA loans typically have rates 0.25-0.50% lower than conventional loans. On a $400K mortgage, that's $60-120 less per month and thousands saved over the loan term.

Seller Can Pay Closing Costs

VA allows sellers to pay up to 4% toward your closing costs. Many Nevada military buyers close with less than $5,000 out of pocket total.

Appraisal Protects You

VA appraisal ensures the home meets minimum property standards for safety and livability. This protects service members from buying money pits or homes with serious defects.

Reusable Benefit

Your VA loan eligibility restores after selling or paying off the loan. Use it multiple times throughout your career for each PCS move, or keep properties as rentals and use remaining entitlement.

Learn More About VA Loan Requirements
VA LOAN COMPARISON

Nevada Military Buyer Savings

Home Price
$400,000
Las Vegas Average
CONVENTIONAL 5% DOWN
Down Payment $20,000
Closing Costs $6,000
PMI/month $285
Cash to Close $26,000
BEST VALUE
VA LOAN 0% DOWN
Down Payment $0
Closing Costs $4,000*
PMI/month $0
Cash to Close $4,000*
VA Loan Advantage
$22,000 less cash needed to close with VA vs conventional. Plus save $285/month (no PMI) = $10,260 over 3 years at Nellis.

*With seller-paid closing costs. VA funding fee (2.15% first-time) rolled into loan. Disabled veterans exempt from funding fee.

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Military Spouse Employment & Nevada Resources

Supporting your family's transition to Nevada with resources for military spouses, schools, and community connections.

Military Spouse Jobs

Nevada has strong employment protections for military spouses and growing remote work opportunities in Las Vegas and Reno.

  • Nellis AFB: On-base employment through NEX, commissary, child development centers, and base services
  • Las Vegas: Hospitality, healthcare, tech sector (growing), and remote positions
  • Reno: Tech boom (Tesla, Google, Apple nearby), healthcare, gaming/hospitality
  • Military Spouse Preference for federal jobs and USAJobs.gov positions
Military Spouse Career Resources

Schools & Child Care

Clark County (Las Vegas area) and Washoe County (Reno) school districts serve military families with quality options near bases.

  • Clark County Schools: 5th largest district in US, highly-rated schools in Henderson and Summerlin
  • Washoe County Schools: Strong Reno/Sparks schools, smaller class sizes than Vegas
  • Nellis CDC: On-base child development centers, Youth Programs, School Liaison Officer
  • Interstate Compact: Nevada participates, easing school transitions for military kids
Military Child Education Resources

Military Community

Nevada has a strong, tight-knit military community with excellent spouse clubs, support groups, and veteran organizations.

  • Nellis Spouses Club: Active community, newcomers support, monthly events, scholarships
  • Military OneSource: Free counseling, financial planning, relocation assistance
  • Nevada Veterans Services: State benefits, property tax exemptions for disabled vets
  • Facebook Groups: "Nellis AFB Spouses," "Fallon NAS Families," active communities
Nevada Veteran Benefits & Programs
LOCAL MILITARY LENDER

We Understand Military Families

As a Nevada-based lender specializing in VA loans, we've helped hundreds of service members through PCS moves to Nellis, Fallon, and throughout Nevada. We understand tight timelines, remote approvals, deployment challenges, and the unique needs of military families.

  • Remote pre-approval while you're stationed anywhere in the world
  • Flexible documentation for active-duty pay, deployments, BAH
  • Expedited processing to meet your report date
  • Realtor network with military-friendly agents throughout Nevada
  • After-closing support for future PCS moves and rental property management advice

"Got PCS orders to Nellis with 60 days notice. Valley West pre-approved me remotely while I was still in Georgia, connected me with a great realtor, and we closed 2 weeks before my report date. Used my VA benefit for the first time - $0 down and they walked me through everything. Couldn't have done it without their military expertise."

SSgt Michael Torres, USAF
Nellis AFB • Purchased in North Las Vegas
MILITARY RELOCATION

Moving to Nevada with a VA Loan:
PCS & Military Relocation Guide

Complete guide for active-duty military, veterans, and military families relocating to Nevada. Learn how to use your VA home loan benefits, get pre-approved remotely, and smoothly transition to homeownership in Las Vegas, Reno, or near Nellis AFB and Fallon NAS.

$0

Down Payment for Veterans

24-48hr

Remote Pre-Approval

3

Major Military Bases in NV

100%

VA Loan Expertise