Why 2026 Is the Year Military Buyers Should Plan Early

A new year usually brings a sense of a fresh start. For military families, 2026 is already looking like a year of big transitions. If you are wearing the uniform or supporting someone who does, you know that housing is often the most stressful part of the move. While it is tempting to wait until you have orders in hand to start looking at houses, that approach often leads to unnecessary stress and rushed decisions.

We have seen this play out many times. A family gets their PCS orders, realizes they only have a few weeks to find a place, and ends up settling for a home that does not quite fit their needs. Or worse, they miss out on using their VA loan benefits effectively because they did not have time to get their paperwork in order. That is why we are big advocates for starting the process now. Planning early in 2026 gives you a massive advantage in any real estate market, but especially in a busy hub like Chicago.

The Reality of the 2026 Market

The real estate market is always changing, and 2026 is no different. We are seeing a landscape where being prepared is the only way to win. If you wait until the peak summer moving season to start your search, you are competing with everyone else who waited. By starting your research and financial prep in the winter or early spring, you get a head start on understanding what is available and what you can actually afford.

As a veteran led team, we understand the specific pressures of military life. We know that your timeline is often dictated by the needs of the service. However, your preparation does not have to be. Our group is currently the only MIL-estate affiliated team in Chicagoland. This means we have a specific set of tools and a network designed to help military members move in and out of the Chicago area without the typical headaches.

Getting Your Finances Ready for the VA Loan

One of the biggest reasons to plan early is your financing. The VA loan is arguably the best mortgage product on the market, but it does require some legwork. You need your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and you need to make sure your credit score is where it needs to be to get the best possible rates.

Sometimes there are errors on a credit report that take a few months to fix. If you start this process in January or February, you have plenty of time to clean up any issues before you need to make an offer on a house in May or June. We also recommend talking to a lender who truly understands VA loans. Not all lenders are created equal when it comes to military benefits. Some might try to push you toward a conventional loan because they find VA appraisals too strict. We can help connect you with people who know how to navigate the VA process effectively.

The Benefit of Local Knowledge in Chicago

If you are PCSing to Naval Station Great Lakes or any of the recruiting and support commands in the Chicago area, you quickly realize how big this region is. Choosing a neighborhood is about more than just the house. You have to think about commute times, school districts, and property taxes.

Chicago is a unique beast when it comes to real estate. Property taxes can vary significantly from one county to the next. If you start your research early, you can spend time looking at different suburbs or city neighborhoods to see where your BAH goes the furthest. We take pride in helping our clients navigate these local nuances. Whether you want to be near the lake or further out in the suburbs for more space, having a plan helps you narrow down those choices long before you actually set foot in Illinois.

Our Referral Network Works Both Ways

Our team handles a high volume of incoming and outgoing referrals. If you are leaving the Chicago area for a new duty station, we do more than just list your house. We use our position as a MIL-estate affiliate to connect you with vetted, high quality agents at your next destination. This ensures that you are working with someone who understands the military lifestyle just as well as we do.

On the flip side, if you are moving to Chicago from another state, we can start working with you months in advance. We can do virtual tours, send you market reports, and help you get a feel for the area before you even arrive for your house hunting leave. This "inbound" flow is a huge part of what we do. Because several members of our team are veterans ourselves, we speak the language.

Avoiding the Panic Buy

The most dangerous thing a buyer can do is buy out of desperation. When you have ten days to find a home before you have to report for duty, you might ignore red flags. You might overlook a basement that smells a bit damp or a roof that looks like it has seen better days.

Early planning allows you to be picky. If a house does not feel right, you can walk away because you know you have time to find another one. This is especially important in 2026 as inventory levels remain a challenge in many parts of the country. By being ready to go early in the year, you can jump on a great listing the moment it hits the market, rather than waiting until the "scramble" begins in the late spring and summer months.

Why Experience Matters

Real estate is a professional service, but for military families, it is also a personal one. You want to work with someone who has actually been in your boots. When we talk to a client about a move, we are not just looking at a transaction. We are looking at a fellow service member or veteran.

Our team is built on that foundation of service. We have the experience to spot potential issues with VA appraisals before they happen. We know how to negotiate for repairs that might be required by a VA inspector. And because we are deeply embedded in the Chicagoland community, we have the connections to get things done quickly.

Taking the First Step

So, what does planning early actually look like? It starts with a simple conversation. You do not need to have your orders in hand to call us. In fact, it is better if you do not. We can start by discussing your goals for 2026. Do you want to buy a "forever home," or are you looking for a property that will make a good rental in three years?

We can help you analyze the numbers and see if buying even makes sense for your specific situation. Sometimes, the best advice we can give a client is to wait or to rent, and we are not afraid to say that. Our goal is your long term financial health, not just a quick sale.

2026 is going to be a fast year. The best way to handle it is to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you are moving across the country or just across town, let us get a head start on your strategy. Reach out to the team here at Dorazio Real Estate and let’s talk about how we can make your 2026 move the easiest one yet.