PCS to Little Rock AFB Checklist 2026 | Step-by-Step Military Moving Guide

As Soon as You Receive PCS Orders (90–120 Days Out)

• ✅ Request VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — Apply at VA.gov or ask your lender to pull it. Takes 1–3 business days online.
• ✅ Contact Ashley Watters — Call (501) 951-9200 for a free virtual consultation. She’ll brief you on all neighborhoods, schools, and current inventory near LRAFB.
• ✅ Get VA loan pre-approval — Takes 1–5 days with a VA-approved lender. Know your buying power before touring homes.
• ✅ Research 2026 BAH rates — E-5: $1,479/mo | E-6: $1,575 | O-3: $1,872 | O-4: $2,007 (with dependents). Compare to area home prices.
• ✅ Run buy vs. rent analysis — Ashley will help you compare a VA loan payment to BAH and local rent rates.
• ✅ Research school districts — Cabot (A-rated, 20 min), Conway (excellent, 35 min), Sherwood (good, 10 min).

60–90 Days Out: Begin Your Home Search

• ✅ Virtual home tours — Ashley provides FaceTime/Zoom walkthroughs, 3D Matterport tours, and neighborhood videos so you can shop from anywhere.
• ✅ Choose your target cities — Jacksonville (5 min, $160K–$235K), Cabot (20 min, $190K–$320K), Sherwood (10 min, $185K–$280K), Conway (35 min, $200K–$350K), North Little Rock (12 min, $155K–$290K).
• ✅ Consider new construction — Active builders in Cabot and Conway offer $220K–$380K new homes that easily pass VA appraisal.
• ✅ Submit an offer — Ashley negotiates seller-paid closing costs, VA-friendly terms, and a closing date aligned with your report date.

30–60 Days Out: Under Contract

• ✅ VA appraisal ordered immediately — Ashley requests the VA appraisal as soon as you’re under contract (typically 5–10 business days turnaround in Arkansas).
• ✅ Home inspection completed — Even though VA requires MPR compliance, a full inspection protects you. Ashley coordinates everything.
• ✅ Loan processing — Submit all lender documents promptly. Ashley tracks the timeline and keeps all parties moving.
• ✅ Research utilities, internet, and services — Set up Entergy Arkansas (electric), CenterPoint Energy (gas), local internet providers, and water service at your new address.

14–30 Days Out: Closing Prep

• ✅ Final loan approval (Clear to Close) — Lender issues final approval, typically 5–10 days before closing.
• ✅ Schedule closing — Coordinate closing date with your report date. Arkansas allows remote e-signing — you can close before arriving.
• ✅ Wire closing funds (if any) — VA loans often close with $0 from the buyer if seller concessions cover closing costs.
• ✅ Final walkthrough — Ashley conducts an in-person walkthrough on your behalf if you haven’t arrived yet.
• ✅ Receive keys — If buying remotely, Ashley can receive keys and coordinate access with your movers.

Moving Day & After

• ✅ Update your address — USPS forward mail, update DEERS, MyPay, and all financial accounts.
• ✅ Register vehicles in Arkansas — 30 days from establishing residence. Military exempt from some fees.
• ✅ Enroll children in school — Cabot, Conway, and Sherwood schools all have military family enrollment coordinators.
• ✅ Connect with LRAFB resources — Airman & Family Readiness Center, school liaison, and Installation Support Services.
• ✅ Consider converting home to rental later — If you PCS out, Ashley can help you manage or sell your Central Arkansas home remotely.

2026 BAH Rates for Little Rock AFB Quick Reference