PCS to Colorado Springs: Should You Rent or Buy Using Your VA Loan?

Are you PCSing to Colorado Springs and trying to decide whether you should rent or buy?

This is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make during your move—and if you use your VA loan correctly, it could save (or make) you tens of thousands of dollars.

As a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer and Colorado Springs Realtor®, I’ve helped over 500+ military families successfully PCS. What most people don’t realize is this:

Many service members are buying homes with $0 down and paying LESS than rent in today’s market.

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Why Colorado Springs Is a Top PCS Destination

Colorado Springs is one of the most military-friendly housing markets in the country, supporting:

• Fort Carson
• Peterson Space Force Base
• Schriever Space Force Base
• United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)

With strong demand, steady appreciation, and a high military population, this market creates opportunities for both homeownership and long-term wealth building.

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VA Loan Advantage: Why Buying Often Beats Renting

The VA loan is one of the most powerful benefits you’ve earned—but most people don’t fully understand how to leverage it.

Here’s why it matters:

• $0 down payment
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• Competitive interest rates
• Flexible credit guidelines

In many cases, your monthly mortgage payment can be equal to—or even less than—rent in Colorado Springs.

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Real Talk: Buying vs Renting in Colorado Springs

Let’s break it down simply:

Renting

• No equity built
• Rent increases over time
• No control over the property

Buying with a VA Loan

• Build equity with every payment
• Lock in your monthly cost
• Potential appreciation gains
• Ability to convert into a rental later

The biggest mistake PCS families make is assuming renting is the “safe” option.

In reality, buying strategically can position you for long-term financial growth.

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Understanding BAH vs Mortgage Payments

Your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is designed to cover housing costs—but here’s the opportunity:

Many of our clients are:

• Using BAH to cover their mortgage
• Owning instead of renting
• Creating equity while living in the home

In some cases, we’re structuring deals where your out-of-pocket cost is minimal or even lower than renting.

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VA Funding Fee (And How to Avoid It)

One of the biggest questions we get:

“What about the VA funding fee?”

Here’s the truth:

• It can often be rolled into the loan
• Some service members are exempt (disability rating)
• We help structure deals to minimize impact

This is where working with a VA-experienced team matters.

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VA Appraisal & PCS Timelines (What You Need to Know)

Timing is everything during a PCS.

We help you navigate:

• VA appraisal process
• “Tidewater” scenarios
• 21-day (or faster) closings
• Coordinating arrival dates with closing

The goal: smooth transition, no surprises.

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Best Areas to Live Near Colorado Springs Military Bases

Depending on your duty station and lifestyle, we help you identify the right fit:

• Near Fort Carson: Fountain, Security-Widefield, South COS
• Near Peterson SFB: Powers Corridor, 80922, Falcon
• Near Schriever SFB: Falcon, Peyton, East COS
• Near USAFA: Monument, Northgate, Briargate

Each area has different price points, commute times, and long-term investment potential.

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Turning Your PCS Home Into a Rental

Here’s where things get strategic.

Many of our clients:

• Buy during their PCS
• Live in the home
• Turn it into a rental when they move

Colorado Springs has strong rental demand, especially near bases.

This is how military families start building real estate portfolios over time.

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The Bottom Line

If you’re PCSing to Colorado Springs, don’t automatically assume renting is your best option.

With the right strategy, your VA loan can help you:

• Buy with $0 down
• Pay less than rent
• Build long-term wealth

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Watch the Full Breakdown

We break all of this down step-by-step in the video, including real numbers, strategies, and examples specific to Colorado Springs.

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Let’s Build Your PCS Plan

Whether you’re moving in 9 days or 9 months, we’re here to help you make the smartest move possible.

📱 Call or Text: 719-900-6998
📨 Email: info@thepcsteam.com
📅 Free Consultation: https://www.thepcsteam.com