Getting orders for a PCS to Jacksonville, FL? Congratulations — you’re headed to one of the best military towns in the country. Whether you’re reporting to NAS Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, or commuting from the Kings Bay area, you can have keys in hand shortly after you arrive — if you start the mortgage process before you leave your current duty station.

After 25+ years helping military families land in Northeast Florida — and as a VA-approved lender since 2002 — here’s the timeline we walk PCS families through.

90 Days Out: Get Pre-Qualified From Anywhere

You don’t need to be in Florida to start. We handle everything remotely:

1. Soft pre-qualification first — no SSN required at this stage. We’ll talk credit score, gross income (including BAH), target purchase price, and down payment.
2. VA loan basics: 100% financing for eligible borrowers — no down payment required, and no monthly mortgage insurance.
3. Get your COE (Certificate of Eligibility). We can pull it for you in most cases.

All rates and payments we discuss are estimates based on the information provided and subject to credit approval.

60 Days Out: Pick Your Area Around Base

Where you buy in Jacksonville, FL, depends heavily on where you’ll report:

• NAS Jacksonville: Mandarin, Fruit Cove, Ortega, Fleming Island — commutes of 10–25 minutes
• NS Mayport: The Beaches (Atlantic, Neptune, Jacksonville Beach), Intracoastal West, Nocatee
• NSB Kings Bay: Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, Yulee, and Nassau County

Things a local broker flags that out-of-town lenders miss: CDD fees in newer communities, flood zones near the water, and St. Johns County’s school-driven price premiums.

30 Days Out: Shop With a Full Pre-Approval

By now, you should have a full pre-approval letter — not just a pre-qual. In this market, listing agents take a local broker’s pre-approval seriously. Tour homes virtually with your agent, or plan a house-hunting trip if the timing works.

Arrival: Close Fast

Through our wholesale lending partners, we can close in as few as 8 days with a complete file. For a PCS family living out of suitcases in temporary lodging, that speed matters.

Common PCS Questions

Can I use BAH to qualify? Yes — BAH counts as qualifying income on a VA loan.

Can I buy before I physically arrive? Yes. With orders in hand, most everything can be done remotely, including closing in many cases.

What if I’m not sure I’ll stay past this tour? Jacksonville, FL, has a strong rental market near all three installations. Many military families keep their home as a rental at their next PCS — and we can talk DSCR loans when that day comes.

Do I need perfect credit for a VA loan? No. VA guidelines are more flexible than conventional. Start with the soft pre-qual, and we’ll map your real options.

Start Before You Pack

The families who close smoothly are the ones who call 90 days out. No pressure, no obligation — just a plan.

Get a free rate quote: Request a Quote Ready to apply: Start Your Application Or call: (904) 880-6741

North Star Mortgage Network, Inc. | NMLS #356789 | VA-approved lender since 2002 12058 San Jose Blvd, Suite 404, Jacksonville, FL 32223 Your best interest is my principal concern.

All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and payments are estimates based on information provided and are not guaranteed. Closing timelines depend on a complete file and individual loan circumstances.