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.

Naval Station Everett PCS Guide, Housing, Schools & BAH

Naval Station Everett

Naval Station Everett · Everett, Washington

Naval Station Everett is the homeport for surface warfare ships including destroyers and was previously the homeport for carrier strike groups. Located in Snohomish County north of Seattle, the installation sits on Port Gardner Bay with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound. The surrounding area is growing rapidly due to Boeing and tech sector expansion.

Neighborhoods

Mukilteo

Suburban/waterfront

$1,900 to $2,500/mo

Charming waterfront community south of Everett with ferry access to Whidbey Island. Top-rated Mukilteo School District, beautiful views, and a short commute to base.

South Everett / Eastmont

Suburban

$1,600 to $2,100/mo

Most affordable option close to base. Improving neighborhoods with easy freeway access. Growing retail and dining scene.

Mill Creek

Suburban

$2,000 to $2,600/mo

Upscale Snohomish County suburb with excellent schools, trails, and a town center. 20 to 25 minutes to base. Popular with officer families.

Lynnwood / Mountlake Terrace

Suburban

$1,800 to $2,300/mo

Snohomish/King County border communities with Link Light Rail access to Seattle, improving amenities, and moderate prices.

Schools

Kamiak High School

Grades 9-12

Mukilteo School District flagship high school with strong academics, IB program, and excellent graduation rates.

Mill Creek High School (Henry M. Jackson HS)

Grades 9-12

Well-regarded Everett School District school in the desirable Mill Creek corridor.

Harbour Pointe Middle School

Grades 6-8

Mukilteo School District middle school with strong STEM programs and community involvement.

Housing Intel

On-Post Housing

On-base housing available through Lincoln Military Housing. Limited inventory, apply early.

Off-Post Rental Market

Rental market is competitive and prices have risen with tech sector growth. BAH at O3 covers most options in South Everett and Mukilteo.

Commute

South Everett neighborhoods are 5 to 10 minutes from base. Mukilteo is 10 to 15 minutes. Mill Creek is 20 to 25 minutes. Lynnwood is 25 to 35 minutes. I-5 congestion heading south toward Seattle is significant during rush hours.

Installation Highlights

Pacific Northwest lifestyle with mountains, water, and outdoor recreation
Growing Snohomish County tech corridor with Boeing and Amazon facilities nearby
No state income tax in Washington
Ferry access to Whidbey Island and Puget Sound islands from Mukilteo
Proximity to Seattle for culture, dining, and professional sports

Insider Tips

Mukilteo School District is consistently rated among the top in Washington state. Worth the slightly higher rent for families with kids.

Washington has no state income tax, which is a significant financial advantage.

Invest in rain gear and embrace Pacific Northwest outdoor culture. Hiking, skiing, and kayaking are all within easy reach.

Seattle traffic on I-5 can be brutal. If commuting or going to Seattle, use the HOV lanes or consider the Sounder Train from Everett.