Building Your "Local Team" in a New City
Updated: Oct 5
A PCS means starting over. You leave behind trusted doctors, mechanics and the neighbors you could call in a pinch. As a military spouse for more than 30 years and an Arlington Associate Broker with 560+ transactions, I know how much easier a new duty station feels once you have a local team. Your real estate agent can help you build one.
This article is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Your agent's network
The home purchase ends at closing, but owning a home starts on day one. An experienced local agent knows contractors other clients have used and trusted. Ask for names of:
Major systems: roofers, HVAC technicians, plumbers and electricians.
Move-in help: painters, flooring installers and house cleaners who can work before your household goods arrive.
Emergencies: a plumber or handyman who answers on weekends.
Always check licenses and insurance and get more than one quote for big jobs. In Virginia, you can look up contractor licenses with the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
Plan for a future rental
Many military families keep their home as a rental after the next PCS. Talk to your agent early about what similar homes rent for and which features tenants want, like durable flooring and easy-care yards. My first rental guide and rent or sell guide can help.
Your first 30 days
1. Line up key services. Schedule an HVAC service and check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your first week.
2. Find family resources. Look for doctors, child care, youth sports and the nearest urgent care.
3. Know your rental baseline. Note what similar homes rent for, so you can track it over time.
A safety net during deployments
If your service member deploys soon after you arrive, the spouse at home shouldn't have to guess who to call when a pipe bursts. Keep your list of trusted contacts handy, and share it with a neighbor.
In Northern Virginia
I stay in touch with clients long after closing and am glad to share local names. My community guide and Northern Virginia neighborhoods page can help you settle in.
Sources: Virginia DPOR license lookup.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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