Best VA Loan Strategies for Military Families PCSing to San Diego in 2026

As a military family facing PCS orders to San Diego, navigating the housing market with your VA loan benefits can feel overwhelming. With rising interest rates and competitive inventory in areas like Coronado and Imperial Beach, it's crucial to partner with a VA realtor who understands the nuances of military relocation. That's where Dane Crosby of the Crosby Home Team comes in. As a certified Military Relocation Professional (MRP), Dane brings a unique perspective shaped by his deep San Diego roots and family legacy in the Navy.

Dane grew up in Coronado, attending Coronado Junior High and Coronado High School, where he developed a strong connection to the local military community. His grandfather was a UDT SEAL (Underwater Demolition Team, the precursors to today's Navy SEALs), pioneering special operations during World War II and beyond. Adding to this heritage, Dane's brother is a decorated Navy SEAL, having served multiple tours with distinction. This family history isn't just background—it's what drives Dane's commitment to serving military clients with empathy and expertise.

Understanding VA Loans for PCS Moves

VA loans offer zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive rates, making them ideal for military homebuyers. However, during a PCS to San Diego, timing is everything. Orders often come with short notice, and you might need to buy before selling your current home. Dane advises starting with a pre-approval from a VA-savvy lender to strengthen your offers in a hot market.

One common challenge is the VA funding fee, which ranges from 1.25% to 3.3% depending on your usage history. For first-time users, it's 2.15%—but Dane can connect you with lenders who roll this into the loan, minimizing upfront costs. In San Diego, where median home prices hover around $900,000, maximizing your entitlement (up to $1,149,825 in high-cost areas) is key. Dane's team has helped over 100 families leverage full entitlements without hitting caps.

Neighborhoods Perfect for Military Families

San Diego's duty stations, like Naval Base Coronado and NAS North Island, make areas like Imperial Beach and Chula Vista prime spots. Coronado offers waterfront views and top schools, but inventory is tight—expect condos starting at $800,000. Dane, with his local schooling background, recommends Eastlake for families seeking affordable single-family homes under $700,000 with VA eligibility.

For those stationed at MCAS Miramar, Otay Ranch provides modern amenities and quick commutes. Dane's insider tip: Look for homes with solar panels to offset high utility bills, a common VA loan add-on.

Overcoming PCS Hurdles with MRP Guidance

Relocation stress includes coordinating movers via the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) and handling BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) calculations. San Diego's BAH for an E-5 with dependents is about $3,500 monthly—enough for a modest home, but Dane helps stretch it further through negotiation strategies.

A real-life example: A Navy family PCSing from Virginia sold their home remotely with Dane's virtual staging and got 5% over asking, funding their San Diego down payment. As an MRP, Dane ensures compliance with VA appraisal processes, which can delay closings if repairs are needed.

Investment Opportunities Post-PCS

Thinking long-term? Use your VA loan for multi-unit properties in areas like National City. Dane's brother, the SEAL, invested in a duplex during his service, providing rental income during deployments. Dane can guide you on IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans) for future refinances.

Ready to Start Your PCS Move?

Contact Dane Crosby at the Crosby Home Team for a free VA loan consultation. With his Coronado upbringing and SEAL family ties, he's not just a realtor—he's your ally in military relocation.