Military Relocation to Murrieta & Temecula
Your service and sacrifice mean everything to us. When it is time for your next move — whether across the country or across town — we are here to make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.
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A Personal Note from Our Team
Laura and Cheryl have close family members who are currently serving in the military, so the military community is deeply personal to them. They have seen firsthand what it looks like to receive PCS orders, to plan a move around deployment schedules, and to uproot a family and start over in a new city. That personal, family-level understanding is a big part of why they are so committed to serving military clients with the care and attention they deserve.
That connection to the military community is also why Laura and Cheryl became Certified Military Relocation Professionals (MRP). As dedicated real estate agents and Brokers, they did not just want to understand the relocation process from a textbook — they wanted to be the kind of Realtors® that military families can truly count on. The kind who answer the phone, who explain things clearly and patiently, and who take the time to understand what your family actually needs rather than rushing you into a decision.
Laura and Cheryl are deeply honored every time a military family trusts them with one of the biggest decisions of their lives. They do not take that lightly. Their goal is simple: to give you honest guidance, clear communication, and unwavering support from the moment you reach out until well after you have settled into your new home.
"Laura and Cheryl are here for you — not just as your agents, but as advocates who understand what your family is going through."
Who We Serve
Whether you are active duty, a veteran, a military spouse, or a family member navigating a life transition, we are here to help. Our door is open to everyone who has served or is currently serving.
Active Duty Service Members
PCS orders, BAH planning, and finding the right home before or after your move to Southwest Riverside County.
Veterans & Retirees
Transitioning out of the service? We help you find a home that fits your lifestyle, goals, and budget in a community you will love.
Military Spouses & Families
We understand the unique challenges of military family life — frequent moves, deployments, and starting over in new places.
Gold Star Families
Handled with the utmost care, sensitivity, and respect. We are here to guide you through every step with compassion.
Military Home Buyers
From understanding VA loan benefits to navigating BAH, we make sure you get the most out of your home-buying experience.
Out-of-State Military Buyers
Buying from across the country? We specialize in remote purchases and will be your eyes, ears, and trusted guide on the ground.
How We Help Military Buyers
As Realtors® and real estate brokers, we know the military buying process inside and out. From VA loan benefits to BAH planning to remote purchases from across the country, we handle every detail so you can focus on what matters — your family and your mission.
VA Loan Benefits & Guidance
One of the greatest benefits of military service is access to VA home loans — and we want to make sure you use them to their fullest advantage. We help you understand:
- No down payment required on VA loans — yes, you can buy a home with $0 down
- Competitive interest rates that are often lower than conventional loans
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI) — saving you hundreds each month
- VA funding fee exemptions for veterans with service-connected disabilities
- How your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) works and how to obtain it
- The appraisal process and how VA appraisals differ from conventional ones
We also connect you with VA-experienced lenders who understand the unique aspects of military income, BAH, and deployment scenarios — so your loan process goes smoothly.
Understanding BAH & Budgeting
Your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) plays a critical role in what you can afford. We help you make sense of it all:
- How to calculate your purchasing power based on BAH, base pay, and other income
- The difference between your BAH rate and actual mortgage payments in each neighborhood
- How BAH changes with rank, dependents, and duty station location
- Whether buying makes more financial sense than renting given your BAH and timeline
- How to budget for the months between PCS and when your BAH starts covering housing
- Strategies for maximizing your housing allowance in a competitive market
We sit down with you and walk through the numbers so you feel completely confident before making an offer — no surprises, no pressure.
Remote Buying Assistance
Buying a home from another state — or even another country — is one of the biggest challenges military families face. We make it manageable:
- Virtual video tours of homes, neighborhoods, and community amenities
- Detailed neighborhood reports with commute times, school info, and local insights
- Photo and video documentation of every property you are considering
- Coordination with your lender, inspector, and title company on your behalf
- FaceTime and Zoom consultations on your schedule — we work around your time zone
- Digital document signing so you never have to be physically present for paperwork
- Hands-on guidance when you arrive for your house-hunting trip so every minute counts
We have helped families buy homes from thousands of miles away — before they ever set foot in California. We become your trusted eyes and ears on the ground.
Navigating Military Timelines
Military moves do not wait for anyone. PCS orders come with hard deadlines, and we build our strategy around your timeline:
- We start searching for homes as soon as you receive your orders — or even before
- Coordinating purchase and sale of homes simultaneously when you are relocating
- Understanding PCS travel entitlements and how they affect your moving timeline
- Aligning closing dates with your report date so you are not scrambling
- Working with your installation housing office and TMO when needed
- Having backup plans for backup plans — because military life is unpredictable
We understand that deployment can change everything overnight. We are flexible, responsive, and ready to adjust at a moment's notice.
Proximity to Military Installations
Southwest Riverside County has a sizeable military community. Murrieta and Temecula are within driving distance of several major installations, and buyers compare locations based on their duty station, commute route, budget and housing priorities.
Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base
~35 minutes from Murrieta
A large Marine Corps installation on the West Coast. Many service members assigned there compare housing in Murrieta, Temecula and Menifee based on their specific gate, commute route and budget.
March Air Reserve Base
Air Force / Army Reserve
~25 minutes from Murrieta
Home to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing. March ARB is a practical option for reservists and active guard members comparing housing in the Murrieta area.
Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach
Naval Facility
~45 minutes from Temecula
A Navy installation supporting fleet operations. Sailors and civilian employees compare Southwest Riverside County housing costs and property types against coastal Orange County.
Edwards Air Force Base
Air Force Test Center
~2 hours from Murrieta
A longer drive. Some Edwards personnel still consider Southwest Riverside County, and we help clients weigh the commute trade-offs before deciding.
Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow
Marine Corps
~1.5 hours from Murrieta
A logistics hub for the Marine Corps. Some MCLB Barstow personnel consider the Temecula Valley, weighing a longer commute against the housing options available.
Twentynine Palms
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
~1.5 hours from Murrieta
The largest Marine Corps base by area. Some personnel compare the Temecula Valley for housing, accounting for the commute distance involved.
Drive times are approximate and can vary substantially by destination, gate, route, day and traffic. Buyers should test the commute to their specific duty location at the times they expect to travel.
Why Military Buyers Consider Murrieta
Military buyers relocating to Southwest Riverside County often compare Murrieta with Temecula, Menifee and surrounding communities based on housing cost, property type, commute route, HOA structure, lot size, available inventory and proximity to the places they travel most often.
Murrieta offers established and newer neighborhoods, single-family homes, townhomes, gated communities, larger properties and access to I-15 and I-215. The right location depends on the buyer's duty station, specific gate or workplace, schedule, budget and housing priorities.
Our Step-by-Step Process for Military Moves
From the moment you reach out to the moment you receive your keys, we are with you every step of the way. Here is how we make your PCS as smooth as possible.
Initial Consultation
We start with a conversation. We want to understand your timeline, your family's needs, your budget, and what matters most in your new home. No pressure — just a genuine listening session so we can serve you well.
Financial Preparation
We review your BAH, VA loan eligibility, and purchasing power. If you need help connecting with a VA-experienced lender, we have trusted partners who understand military income and benefits.
Neighborhood & Area Tour
We walk you through the communities that best match your needs — commute times to your installation, school quality, neighborhood feel, and home styles. We make sure you know exactly where you are buying.
Home Search
Whether you are searching in person or from across the country, we tailor the search to your exact criteria. Virtual tours, detailed photos, video walk-throughs — whatever it takes to help you find the right home.
Offer & Negotiation
When you find the right home, we prepare a strong offer and negotiate on your behalf. Our Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) designation means we advocate fiercely for your best interests.
Escrow & Closing
We coordinate with your lender, the title company, and all parties involved. We keep you informed every step of the way and handle any issues that arise — so you can focus on your move.
Welcome Home
We are not done when the papers are signed. We help you get settled — connect you with local resources, introduce you to the community, and make sure you feel at home in Southwest Riverside County.
What We Want Military Families to Know
We understand the military lifestyle
With close family members currently serving in the military, we understand the PCS process, the uncertainty of deployment, and the challenge of building a new life in an unfamiliar place. That personal connection shapes everything we do.
Your timeline is our timeline
We move when you move. Whether your orders come with 60 days or 6 months notice, we adapt our process to fit your schedule. We have never missed a closing deadline and we are not about to start.
Communication is everything
We respond quickly, explain clearly, and never leave you wondering what is happening. You will always know the status of your transaction — no matter what time zone you are in.
We do more than find houses
We help you find a community — schools, neighbors, local resources, military family groups. We want you to love where you live, not just live there.
Military Families Frequently Ask
Do I need to be pre-approved before looking at homes?
Yes — and especially for military buyers, pre-approval with a VA-experienced lender is one of the first things we recommend. It tells you exactly what you can afford based on your BAH, pay, and benefits, and it makes your offer much stronger in a competitive market. We can connect you with trusted VA lenders who understand military income.
Can I buy a home before I physically move to the area?
Absolutely. In fact, many of our military clients buy homes before they arrive. We provide virtual tours, video walk-throughs, detailed neighborhood reports, and hands-on guidance so you can make a confident decision from anywhere in the world. When you do come for a house-hunting trip, we make every minute count.
How does the VA loan work and is it really worth using?
VA loans are one of the best benefits of military service. They offer $0 down payment, competitive interest rates, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and flexible credit requirements. For most military buyers, a VA loan is the most affordable path to homeownership. We walk you through the entire process and connect you with lenders who specialize in VA financing.
What is BAH and how does it affect what I can afford?
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a tax-free monthly allowance that offsets the cost of housing. Your BAH rate depends on your rank, duty station, and dependency status, and it can change over time. How a lender treats BAH depends on your individual income and debts, so a VA-experienced lender should evaluate your situation before you set a purchase budget. We can help you understand what the monthly payment picture looks like across different price ranges and neighborhoods.
What if I need to buy and sell at the same time?
This is very common with PCS moves. We coordinate both transactions simultaneously — timing the sale of your current home with the purchase of your new one so you are not left without a place to live or carrying two mortgages unnecessarily. We plan the details carefully so the transition is as seamless as possible.
How do I compare neighborhoods for a military move?
Start with your duty station, household size, budget and housing priorities. Buyers commonly compare Murrieta, Temecula and Menifee communities by home price, property type, lot size, HOA structure, commute route and amenities. Drive times are approximate and can vary substantially by destination, gate, route, day and traffic, so test the commute to your specific duty location at the times you expect to travel. We can help you compare specific neighborhoods based on the factors that matter to your household.
What happens if my orders change after we start the process?
We understand that military life is unpredictable. If your orders change, we adjust. We have experience working with shifting timelines and changing circumstances. We will re-evaluate your options and make sure you are in the best possible position no matter what happens.
Do you only work with buyers, or can you help me sell too?
We do both. If you are PCS-ing out of the area and need to sell your home in Murrieta or Temecula before your move, we can handle that too. We price your home strategically, market it effectively, and manage the entire sale so you can focus on your transition.
"Her response time is unmatched as is her dedication to every client she assists. She listens to you, she doesn't push you into something you do not want or unsure of. With Laura you secure the added benefit of working with a truly passionate person that absolutely loves what she does."
— Verified Client Review
Ready to Start Your Next Chapter?
Whether your orders just came in or you are planning ahead, we would love to hear from you. Let us help you find the right home and make your move to Southwest Riverside County as smooth as possible.
We proudly serve active duty, veterans, military families, and Gold Star families.
Laura Holbert · CA DRE# 01932682 · Cheryl Shadden · CA DRE# 01932888
Contact Laura & Cheryl
Have questions about buying or selling in Murrieta, Temecula, or the surrounding areas? Call or schedule a consultation. We are here to help.
Laura Holbert, Real Estate Broker, REALTOR® · CA DRE# 01932682 · Cheryl Shadden, Real Estate Broker, REALTOR® · CA DRE# 01932888
Team Integrity Realty