PCS and Relocation Moves Made Simple: Mastering Virtual Home Tours from Afar
PCS moves are part of military life, but that doesn't make them any easier. Suddenly, you're asked to pick up your life, relocate across the country, and somehow choose a home in a city you’ve never stepped foot in. Add a tight timeline and limited house-hunting leave, and it’s clear why virtual tours have become a lifeline for military families.
If you're a first-time homebuyer navigating a PCS move, you don't have to settle for guesswork. With the right plan and the right agent, you can find a home that fits your life and your mission. Here’s how to make virtual tours work for you, step by step.
1. Choose the Right Agent
The most important decision you will make early on is selecting the right real estate agent. You need someone who knows the ins and outs of military relocations and remote homebuying. A MIL-Estate agent is your best bet, and our team here at Dorazio Real Estate is part of the MIL-Estate network. Agents like us specialize in working with military families. We understand PCS timelines, VA loan intricacies, and the challenges of buying from a distance.
Your agent should be experienced in virtual tours and remote closings. They should also be highly responsive, clear in their communication, and able to walk you through everything without overwhelming you. At Dorazio Real Estate, we have worked with countless military families and we know how to make the process smooth, even if you’re thousands of miles away.
2. Request Live Video Tours
Listing photos can only show you so much. They’re designed to highlight the best parts of a property, but they rarely tell the whole story. That’s why live video tours are essential. Ask your agent to walk through the home in real time using FaceTime, Zoom, or another live platform, or have a detailed recording made of the entire property along with all the nooks, crannies, and nuances that aren’t shown in listing photos.
During the tour, you can ask questions on the spot. You can have the agent open cabinets, test water pressure, walk through the garage, and show how one room flows into the next. These details give you a much better sense of how it would feel to actually live in the space. You are not just buying a layout. You are buying comfort, convenience, and peace of mind.
3. Look Beyond the House
A beautiful house in the wrong area is still the wrong home. That’s why you need a full picture of the neighborhood. Ask your agent to go beyond the property itself. Have them record a drive through the community so you can see the condition of nearby homes and the overall vibe of the area.
If you have kids, ask for videos of local parks and nearby schools. If commuting is part of your daily life, ask for footage of the drive to base during peak hours. Ask to see local amenities like grocery stores, gas stations, gyms, and coffee shops. You need to know not only what the home looks like, but what daily life there would feel like.
4. Ask About Small Details
When touring in person, you naturally notice things like ceiling height, closet space, or how much sunlight pours into the kitchen. On a virtual tour, those details are easy to miss unless you ask.
Request close-up shots of things like the pantry, laundry room, hallway widths, and storage nooks. Ask for dimensions of rooms so you can map out your furniture layout. Have the agent stand in different corners of each room to give you multiple perspectives. Ask about the backyard size and condition. Does the fence look sturdy? Is there enough space for your dog or kids to run around?
At Dorazio Real Estate, we encourage buyers to make a checklist ahead of time so nothing gets overlooked during virtual tours. We know these small features often make a big difference in your decision.
5. Don’t Skip the Inspection
No matter how confident you feel after a virtual tour, never skip the home inspection. This is your protection against unseen problems. A licensed home inspector will evaluate the property’s structure, major systems, and overall condition. They look at everything from the roof and plumbing to the foundation and electrical panels.
Many inspectors are willing to do video summaries or join you on a live video call during the inspection. Your agent can also attend in person and share notes or videos afterward. Just because you are buying remotely does not mean you have to sacrifice diligence. A thorough inspection is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Final Thoughts
Virtual home tours are no longer a luxury. For military families going through PCS moves, they are a critical part of the homebuying process. When done right, they give you the power to shop smart, feel informed, and make confident decisions without being physically present.
At Dorazio Real Estate, we specialize in serving those who serve. We understand the urgency, the complexity, and the emotional side of finding a home during a PCS move. Whether you are stationed overseas or across the country, we are ready to be your eyes, ears, and boots on the ground.
