Dual Military stationed out of FT Lee and Fort Eustis (Norfolk: renting, loft)

[prtybrneyes]

I will be moving to FT. Eustis (Newport News/Hampton) area next week. I've been in Germany for the past 7 years, so this home buyer thing is all new for me. I have been looking online for the past couple of months. One of my main problems is that my fiance is going to FT Lee (Hopewell/Petersburg/Richmond). We had originally decided to buy a house somewhere in the middle of both places (Surry, Providence Forge, Charles City), which didn't give us too many choices that we could afford or had everything we wanted. It seems that a lot of those houses are priced high for the land; 3br trailers are actually going for 180,000 in that area. Right now the best we saw was a 4br in Surry listed around 140,000, but it only has 1500 sq/ft. My second choice was a 3br brand new town home in Providence Forged/Charles City for 193,000 with almost 2,000 sq/ft. It has a loft that could be turned into an additional bedroom. With those as my only top choices I start thinking about maybe moving to Hopewell or Richmond. I can easily get a 4br there for under 200,000 with 2,000+ sq/ft. Of course the downside of that would be a 40+ minute drive both ways everyday for me. If that means that I get to have a nice, comfy home that I love; the drive will be worth it.
I have 2 elementary aged girls (I just got back from deployment so they've been with my Mom in New Orleans). With the exception of 1 school year with their Dad in Texas, after I first deployed, they've been attending DOD schools. I didn't realize that they would not be able to attend school on post in Virginia. So not only do I have to think about where to live, but I also have to make sure that it's in a decent school district, or be ready to pay for a private school. I don't know if there are any other military members on here; does anyone else have any experience with all of this? Oh, and of course I forgot that it seems to be nearly impossible for me to find a Realtor whom has experience with dealing with military clients. Sorry for the overly long post, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. It just seems that the closer I get to leaving Germany; the more overwhelmed I start to feel. My girls will be staying with my Mom until the end of the school year so that will give me a few months to get a house.

[Rita Mordio]

Personally, I know a number of people who have larger commutes so that they can enjoy a decent sized home. One gentleman travels from Tappahannock over to Norfolk and back!

If you're dead set on purchasing a home, outside of Richmond would be your best bet for pricing. If you don't mind renting a home, you should be able to get a little closer to Ft. Eustis without breaking the bank.

[onevthoki]

Hi Pretty! Welcome back to the US. My husband is retired Army and current GS employee stationed at Ft. Lee, so I feel your pain! We relocated here ourselves a little over a year ago, but I grew up about an hour from here, so I know quite a bit about the Richmond area.

My first question would be what is your MOS? Tranportation will be heading up to Ft. Lee soon with the BRAC movement, so it may be worth it to live closer to Ft. Lee. As to schools, Chesterfield County is great (mine had to do a mid-year move last year and it was a very easy transition). The Enon area would put you right at I295, giving you quick access to Ft. Lee and a hop over to I64 to head to Eustis. I am assuming you will both be pulling BAH, so it should be no problem to get a nice 3BR/2BA home (at the minimum) for a good price.

If you give us an idea of the price range you are looking for the forum can probably send out some more specific recomendations.

Again, welcome back to the states and thanks for your service!

[prtybrneyes]

Yes, we both will be pulling BAH. I was thinking the same thing about the commute myself as far as Trans moving over to FT Lee in the future. My price max is $200,000. I prefer not to spend more then $150,000. I started looking at some of the private schools in that area also. Actually looking for a 4br with at 1800 sq/ft. Want the extra room because I'm going to bring down an nanny from Germany once I get settled. From what I've seen on line (realtor.com), Hopewell and Richmond seems to be the cheapest option. Figured on really tiring days, I can catch the ferry over to Williamsburg, and sleep while I wait and on the ride over....I know it'll take longer, but seemed like if I'm extra tired on a certain day it'll not only save me on gas but let me get a couple of extra ZZZs in. Thank you for all of the suggestions. Can anyone suggest a realtor to use, and some of the best schools private or public for 2nd and 4th grade?

[onevthoki]

I just sent you a direct message. Let me know if you have trouble viewing it.

[prtybrneyes]

Unless something comes up dirt cheap and nice in the in-between-area (Surry, Charles City, Providence Forge); I pretty much have my mind set on either Richmond or Hopewell. At least Hopewell is a little closer. What are the best middle class neighborhood's in these two areas? I apologize early for all of the questions, but I'm really excited about this move. After being in Germany for so many years; Virginia seems like a great place to not only to make my first stateside move, but to also make my first home purchase.

[djplourd]

Are you a USAA member? They have a very good realtor referral program called Movers Advantage that you should look into. They will put you in touch with a realtor who is familiar with dealing with the military, and you can get some $$ for using the service (buying and selling). They will also follow up periodically to ensure the realtor is meeting your needs.
Its definitely worth checking out if you're a USAA member.

DJP

[prtybrneyes]

Thank you for the info DJP.