How does USMilitaryMoves work?

USMilitaryMoves connects military families with verified veteran and military-spouse real estate agents. Families browse agents for free, submit referrals, and get matched with agents who understand VA loans, BAH, and PCS timelines. The platform is completely free, no fees, no commissions, no catch.

Is USMilitaryMoves free for military families?

Yes, completely free for military families and for agents. There are no fees, no subscriptions, no commissions, and no obligations. This platform exists solely to serve the military community.

What is BAH and how is it calculated?

BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly tax-free housing stipend paid to service members who live off base. It is calculated based on three factors: your paygrade (rank), your duty station zip code, and whether you have dependents. BAH is set annually by the Department of Defense and is designed to cover median housing costs in each local market. Use the free BAH Calculator at usmilitarymoves.com/bah-calculator to look up rates by rank and installation.

What is a VA loan and can I use it more than once?

A VA loan is a mortgage benefit for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Key benefits include no down payment required, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), competitive interest rates, and no prepayment penalties. Yes, you can use your VA loan benefit multiple times as long as you have remaining entitlement or have paid off and restored a previous VA loan.

What is PCS and how long does a PCS move take to plan?

PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, the military's process of ordering a service member to relocate to a new duty assignment. Ideally, PCS planning begins 6 months before your report date. Key milestones include receiving orders, submitting housing applications, completing a house-hunting trip, locking in housing, coordinating TMO or DITY move logistics, and in-processing at the gaining unit. Use the free PCS Mission Planner at usmilitarymoves.com/pcs-planner to generate a personalized T-minus timeline.

How do I find a military-friendly real estate agent at my new duty station?

Browse our verified agent directory at usmilitarymoves.com/agents. Every agent in the network has been identity-verified as a veteran or military spouse. You can filter by state, installation, branch of service, and VA loan experience. Each agent profile shows their military background, transaction history, and reviews from military families they have served.

What military installations have base guides on USMilitaryMoves?

USMilitaryMoves publishes comprehensive PCS guides for major military installations including Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg) NC, Camp Pendleton CA, Joint Base Lewis-McChord WA, Fort Campbell KY, Joint Base San Antonio TX, Naval Station Norfolk VA, Joint Base Charleston SC, Fort Carson CO, and MacDill AFB FL. Each guide covers neighborhoods, school ratings, BAH rates, housing intel, commute tips, and insider advice from military families. Find all base guides at usmilitarymoves.com/bases.

What is the difference between a DITY move and a government move (TMO)?

A government move (TMO or Transportation Management Office move) means the military contracts and pays movers to pack and transport your household goods. A DITY move (Do-It-Yourself, now called PPM, Personally Procured Move) means you move your own belongings and the military reimburses you based on the weight you move. A hybrid move combines both: the government ships large items and you move the rest for additional reimbursement. DITY moves can result in profit if you move efficiently, but require more planning and effort.

Can military families use their BAH to pay a mortgage?

Yes, many military families use their BAH allowance to cover their mortgage payment. With a VA loan, you can purchase a home with zero down payment and no PMI, which often results in a monthly payment comparable to or lower than local rents. A verified military real estate agent can help you determine whether your BAH will cover a mortgage payment in your new duty station market.

Who can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves?

Anyone can submit a referral on USMilitaryMoves, no real estate license required. Military family members, command spouse leaders, chaplains, VA loan officers, out-of-area agents, and community members are all eligible. It's free to submit and free for the family. Submit a referral at usmilitarymoves.com/refer.

Air Force5,500 active duty

Fairchild AFB

Fairchild Air Force Base · Spokane, Washington

Fairchild AFB is home to the KC-135 Stratotanker air refueling mission and the Air Force's SERE school, where personnel train for survival, evasion, resistance, and escape. Located on the west side of Spokane in eastern Washington, the base offers full access to a mid-sized city with outstanding outdoor recreation in the Inland Northwest. Spokane's four seasons, affordable cost of living, and vibrant arts and food scene make it a highly regarded assignment.

E-5 BAH: $1,410
O-3 BAH: $1,830
Avg Home Price: $310,000
Branch: Air Force

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Neighborhoods

West Spokane

Suburban

$1,100 to $1,500/mo

Neighborhoods closest to base with convenient commutes and good family housing options.

Spokane Valley

Suburban

$1,200 to $1,600/mo

Eastern Spokane suburb with newer housing stock and access to all city amenities.

Downtown Spokane

Urban

$1,200 to $1,700/mo

Vibrant downtown with walkable restaurants, the Riverfront Park, and cultural venues.

Liberty Lake

Suburban

$1,300 to $1,800/mo

Upscale suburb on the Idaho border popular with families for its schools and lake access.

Schools

Cheney High School

Grades 9-12

Primary high school for students in the Cheney School District near the base.

Eastern Washington University proximity

Grades Higher Ed

EWU in nearby Cheney provides dual enrollment and community partnership opportunities.

Westview Elementary

Grades K-5

Serves families in west Spokane neighborhoods convenient to the installation.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing is managed by Lend Lease and offers family homes; availability varies by season.

Off-Post Rental Market

Spokane is considerably more affordable than Western Washington with excellent options in west Spokane and Cheney.

Commute

West Spokane neighborhoods are 10 to 15 minutes from the gate. Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake are 20 to 30 minutes east.

Installation Highlights

KC-135 tanker mission with frequent global deployment rotations
Full access to Spokane metro with dining, arts, and a thriving food scene
Exceptional skiing at nearby Mount Spokane and Stevens Pass
Four full seasons with beautiful summers and snowy winters
Spokane River whitewater, Riverside State Park, and extensive outdoor recreation

Insider Tips

Spokane has a surprisingly great food and craft beer scene; explore the South Perry and Kendall Yards neighborhoods.
Buy snow tires or chains before your first winter; eastern Washington winters can be icy.
Mount Spokane Ski Resort is about an hour away and affordable for families compared to destination ski resorts.
Cheney is a small college town adjacent to base with affordable rentals and a quiet atmosphere.
No state income tax in Washington makes Spokane even more financially attractive than its low sticker price suggests.

Nearby Attractions

Riverfront Park and the Spokane River Gorge
Mount Spokane State Park and ski area
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Manito Park and Japanese Garden
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Lake and Resort, 35 miles east

School Liaison Officer

Free support for military families navigating school enrollment, records transfers, and education options near Fairchild Air Force Base.

Phone: 509-247-5308
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moving to Spokane?

Find a verified veteran or military spouse Realtor who knows Fairchild Air Force Base and the local VA loan market.

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