If you're PCSing to MacDill AFB, start with your commute: the base sits at the southern tip of South Tampa, so where you live decides how many bridges and highways you'll drive each day. Many service members buy before they arrive using virtual tours, a trusted local agent and a lender who handles VA loans. With planning, you can often close near your report date.
MacDill has about 16,800 personnel and hosts CENTCOM and SOCOM, and Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater sits near St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport. Here's my plan for incoming members.
How long is the commute to MacDill?
MacDill's main gates are reached through South Tampa, often via Dale Mabry Highway or Bayshore Boulevard. Commute times vary a lot by time of day:
- South Tampa offers the shortest drives, with mostly older homes and higher prices for the area.
- Brandon, Riverview and Apollo Beach are east and south, with newer neighborhoods and new construction, usually using I-75 and the Selmon Expressway.
- Westchase and Town 'n' Country are northwest, using the Veterans Expressway and local roads.
- St. Petersburg and mid-Pinellas usually mean crossing the Gandy or Howard Frankland bridge.
Test drive your route at rush hour if you can, or ask me to run it for you on a weekday morning.
What about Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater?
The air station is in mid-Pinellas near the airport. Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor and Palm Harbor are common search areas because they avoid the bridges. Pinellas homes tend to be older, so plan for insurance and flood checks. My flood zone and insurance guide covers what to look for.
Can I buy a home before I arrive?
Yes, many service members do. A typical remote purchase looks like this:
- Get pre-approved with a licensed lender who works with VA loans and has your orders.
- Tell me your must-haves, budget comfort zone and commute limits.
- Tour homes by live video, and I'll show you the street, noise and drive, not just the rooms.
- Make an offer with inspection and appraisal protections.
- Sign electronically, or use a power of attorney if needed. Talk to a legal office or attorney about POA.
Do I have to move in right away with a VA loan?
VA loans are for a home you'll live in. VA generally expects you to occupy the home within a reasonable time after closing, and there are provisions for deployed service members. Your lender explains the occupancy rules for your situation. Want to learn the basics first? Read VA home loans in Tampa Bay explained.
Should I rent first or buy right away?
Both can be smart. Renting first gives you time to learn the area. Buying right away can save a second move and let you build equity. If your next orders may come in a few years, ask about keeping the home as a rental or how buyers could later assume your VA loan. See assumable VA loans.
When should I start planning a spring PCS?
Many orders arrive between January and April, and spring is a busy season for Tampa Bay housing. Starting 60 to 90 days before your report date gives you time to compare areas and get pre-approved. Check school zones at the district's site for any address you're considering.
What should I look for in a home when I'm buying from out of state?
When you can't walk the home yourself, the details matter more. I suggest:
- Ask for a video walk-through that includes the roof line, AC unit, water heater, electrical panel and any signs of past water.
- Hire an inspector who sends photos and video, and add a wind mitigation and four-point inspection for older homes.
- Check the flood zone, insurance quotes and HOA rules before your inspection period ends.
- Look at the street at different times of day for traffic and noise.
I also use a showing-day route planner, so if you can fly in for a weekend house-hunting trip, we can see the most homes in the least time.
How do I time my closing with my move?
Line up your closing with your report date, travel and household goods delivery. Build in a little cushion in case a step takes longer. If your goods arrive before closing, ask your transportation office about temporary storage. If you close first, plan for utilities, internet and insurance to start on your closing day.
Quick checklist
- Share your orders and timeline with a licensed lender
- Request your COE
- Pick your top commute limits for MacDill or Air Station Clearwater
- Tour homes virtually with your agent
- Get flood and insurance quotes early
- Plan your closing date around your report date
- Ask a legal office about power of attorney if you'll be away
FAQ
Where do most people live when stationed at MacDill?
Members live all over Tampa Bay, from South Tampa to Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Westchase and Pinellas. The best fit depends on your commute limits, budget and home preferences.
Can I buy a house in Tampa without seeing it in person?
Yes. Many buyers use live video tours, electronic signatures and a trusted inspector. I'll show you the home and the street in real time.
How early should I contact an agent before a PCS?
About 60 to 90 days before your report date is a good start, and earlier is fine if you want to learn the area.
Can I keep my Tampa home as a rental when I PCS again?
Many owners do. Lender occupancy rules apply at purchase, so talk to your lender, and consider landlord and insurance costs before you decide.
Is Krystal a VA agent?
I'm an independent real estate agent with eXp Realty who works with many military buyers. I'm not affiliated with the VA or the military.
Get my free PCS kit for MacDill and Air Station Clearwater at the PCS Tampa Bay page, or call or text (727) 291-7001. My assistant replies within about 60 seconds, any time zone.
Sources
Krystal Crichlow | eXp Realty · Palm Harbor, FL · (727) 291-7001 · Equal Housing Opportunity
Not affiliated with the VA, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Air Force or the U.S. Coast Guard. Krystal Crichlow is not a lender. Talk to a licensed lender about loan terms. This is not legal advice.
