As a military family, you’re accustomed to moving every few years. But even if you’re a seasoned mover, navigating a last-minute PCS order can be chaotic. With just weeks, or sometimes days, to relocate, the pressure to pack up and transition to a new city quickly is real. And if you’re a homeowner, there’s an added layer: getting your property ready to sell fast and finding a qualified agent who can help move things along swiftly and smoothly. 

Even on a tight deadline, selling your home during a last-minute PCS move is possible. A local real estate agent can help you gather all the necessary paperwork, give you tips on staging your home, and set you up for a successful sale. But on top of working with an agent, there are a few strategies you can implement to get your home sold as quickly as possible. 

Focus on First Impressions With Curb Appeal

Have you ever driven past a home and admired its garden or been struck by a perfectly chosen paint color? Some homes just catch your eye and make you look twice. It’s why 97% of NAR (National Association of Realtors) members say curb appeal is important in attracting a buyer. 

So, when it comes to selling your home, making a strong first impression matters, and the exterior is the first place buyers will look. 

Potential buyers will be judging your home from the moment they step onto your lawn. Ensure your grass is cut frequently, your plants are watered and healthy, and your trees are pruned and well-maintained. Don’t have a garden? Consider adding a few potted plants to your patio. This can add a pop of color to your entryway and make buyers feel more welcome. 

If it’s been a while since you painted your front door, consider adding a fresh coat of paint or experimenting with a brand-new color. This quick and simple weekend project can instantly refresh your home’s appearance. With time limited during a last-minute PCS move, it’s smart to focus on improvements that can be done in just a few hours.

Here are a few other outdoor upgrades that can make a big impact in just one weekend:

• Pressure wash your home: While there may not be time to repaint the entire exterior, pressure washing can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal by making it look cleaner and more cared for.
• Add a welcome mat and decorative touches: A well-placed welcome mat and a few pieces of front porch decor can make your home feel warm and inviting. Small details help buyers imagine themselves living there—whereas a completely bare porch can feel cold or forgettable.
• Replace your house numbers: Swapping outdated house numbers for ones in a modern font is a quick upgrade that adds a clean, contemporary touch. 
• Paint your mailbox: If you’re keeping your front door neutral, the mailbox is a great spot to add a pop of personality. A bold color here can make your home stand out without overwhelming the overall look. 

Declutter and Pack in One Go

Just like your home’s exterior sets the tone for first impressions, the interior plays a key role in helping buyers picture themselves living there. But during a PCS move, you’re in a unique situation: you need to pack quickly and keep your home presentable for showings. So how do you strike the right balance? 

Too many personal items—like family photos or overflowing bookshelves—can make it hard for buyers to connect with the space. On the other hand, an empty home can feel cold and uninviting. The goal is to create a neutral, welcoming environment while still making progress on your move.

Since time is limited, it helps to pack and stage at the same time. Start by making a strategic list: What items can stay out a little longer to help with staging? What should be packed up and shipped out right away?

Here are some items to pack up as soon as you receive PCS orders:

• Family photos
• Kids’ artwork and toys
• Pet supplies not used daily
• Excess lamps or storage bins
• Personal collections (e.g., figurines, sports memorabilia)
• Out-of-season clothing or extra wardrobe items
• Unused kitchen utensils and drawer clutter
• TV and electronics 

To create a warm, inviting space that appeals to buyers, you’ll also want to leave out a few carefully chosen items that highlight your home’s best features. Here are some items that are worth keeping out during staging:

• Neutral throw pillows and blankets
• Candles or framed art
• Fresh bathroom towels
• Simple kitchen appliances
• A few well-placed rugs
• Plants and greenery

Get Your Pricing Right From the Start

In a time-sensitive situation like a last-minute PCS move, your pricing strategy can make or break your sale. You might assume that a lower price will attract more buyers, but that’s not always the case. 

In fact, an unusually low price can raise red flags. Some buyers may assume there’s something wrong with your home, that you’re hiding an expensive repair, or that the neighborhood isn’t desirable.

That’s why it’s crucial to understand your local market before listing. Knowing what comparable homes are selling for will help you avoid both underpricing and overpricing your home. If you work with a local real estate agent, you can request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This will give you a clear baseline to price your home confidently and realistically. 

Partner With a Military Move Expert

No one understands your situation quite like a real estate agent who has been there themselves. At eXp, we have agents who specialize in military relocations, many of whom are retired military personnel or military spouses. Their firsthand experience allows them to guide you through the process with empathy, efficiency, and insight.

Whether you need guidance on VA home loan eligibility or advice on how to time your sale with PCS orders, they’re equipped with the experience to help. They also recognize how hectic a PCS move can be, and they’re well-versed in remote support. They can help you coordinate virtual tours, electronic document signings, and even remote closings when you’re already en route to your next post. With a military move expert on your side, you won’t have to go it alone.

What If No One Buys Your Home in Time? 

Unlike regular home sellers, who can monitor the real estate market and time their move to align with peak selling times, active-duty military personnel often don’t have the luxury of time. This could result in your home sitting on the market longer than you’d like. 

But PCS orders mean you have to move whether your home sells or not. So what are your options if it doesn’t sell in time? One approach is to rent out your property until local market conditions improve. Since spring is typically the busiest season for homebuyers, getting last-minute PCS orders in the winter could mean fewer buyers are looking. In this case, renting your home for a few months and relisting in the spring might be a strategic move.

While traditional leases often last a year, there’s demand for short-term rentals in some markets, too. Depending on your home’s location, potential renters could include students, vacationers, retirees, or even fellow military families. 

You can even hire a property manager to handle rent collection and oversee your tenants while you’re away. While you might not see a profit right away, each rent payment helps chip away at your mortgage. Over time, you may decide not to sell at all. Instead, you can continue to rent out the property until the mortgage is paid off. At that point, you’ll have a fully owned home that can provide steady, passive rental income.

If you’re unsure what path is best for you and your family, speaking with a real estate professional is a smart next step. An experienced agent can provide up-to-date insights on your local market, help you weigh your options, and guide you in deciding when—and how—to sell your home in a way that aligns with your timeline and goals.