Orders to Camp Lejeune often come with a short window to find a place to live. The good news is you don't have to be in Jacksonville to buy a home here. Here's how I walk military families through buying before they arrive.
1. Get pre-approved with a lender who knows VA loans
Start here, before you tour anything. A pre-approval tells you your price range and makes your offer stronger. If you're using a VA loan, your lender can usually get your Certificate of Eligibility for you. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains entitlement, the funding fee and who's exempt on its home loan pages, and it's worth a read before you talk to a lender.
2. Know your BAH and set your own budget
The Defense Travel Management Office publishes BAH rates by duty station and rank. Use it as a guide, not a rule. Add up the full monthly cost, including taxes, homeowners insurance, any flood insurance and HOA dues, and pick a payment you're comfortable with.
3. Pick a town based on where you'll report
Camp Lejeune is big, and MCAS New River is a separate air station across the river. The right town depends on your gate and your daily drive. Jacksonville, Hubert, Sneads Ferry, Swansboro and Richlands are all common choices. Compare them on my homes for sale near Camp Lejeune page.
4. Tour homes remotely
I tour homes live on video and point out what photos don't show: road noise, smells, water stains, the yard, the neighbors' upkeep. If you or a spouse can come down for a house-hunting trip, I'll line up the best options ahead of time so you can see them in a day or two.
5. Write an offer that fits your report date
In North Carolina, the standard Offer to Purchase and Contract includes a due diligence period, when you do inspections, the appraisal and insurance quotes, and can back out for any reason (though you may lose the due diligence fee). We'll set the due diligence period and closing date around your PCS timeline, and I'll explain the due diligence fee and earnest money before you sign anything.
6. Inspect and check the flood zone
Always get a home inspection, and usually a termite (wood-destroying insect) report. VA loans also require a VA appraisal. Near the water, look up the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and get flood insurance quotes early.
7. Close remotely if you need to
North Carolina home closings are handled by attorneys. Many can help arrange remote signing or a power of attorney if you can't be here. Tell me early so we can plan it with your lender.
8. Think ahead to your next orders
Military families move again. Before you buy, think about whether you'd sell or keep the home as an investment property later, and choose a home with good resale appeal either way.
Ready to start?
I'm Aaron Dominguez, Broker/Realtor with RE/MAX Elite Realty Group, a Realtor.com Premier Agent, and the 2023 and 2024 RE/MAX Elite Top Buyer's Agent. Browse homes for sale near Camp Lejeune, read my military relocation guide, or call or text 919.793.4090.