Finding a place to live can be a stressful and tedious process when you PCS to a new duty station.
You and your family have to decide if you want to buy or rent a house, what town you want to live in, whether or not you want to live in a rural or urban area, and you have to figure out what amenities you need and want.
However, there are several things you can do to make this process an easier one.
First, do your homework on the housing market. Begin looking for a home several weeks before you leave. Chances are others are PCS'ing at the same time as you, especially in the summer months. Plan ahead. Have houses waiting to be seen upon your arrival. The military only pays for ten days of temporary living allowance to allow families to find a place to live.
Second, look for a local real estate rental agent who knows the area well. Tell them what you want and let them do all the legwork.
Third, ask questions about neighborhoods and schools before you select a house.
Finally, research homes in the area and determine what amenities you want. Tell your agent your needs and wants. If you know that you have an elderly family member who needs ADA accessible accommodations, be sure to let the agent know. Also be sure to tell them must haves for your home. For example, you may have asthma and you need air-conditioning. Make sure you ask for a home with central air, as a large portion of local homes in the area do not have air-conditioning. Let the agent know if you have pets. Be sure to tell the agent if you have canopy beds, or large shelving units that will require high ceilings.
Be prepared and your PCS move will be a smooth one.
Below is a list of real estate and rental agencies to check out:
Family Real Estate Service, 475-1884 3808 Yakima Ave, Tacoma
www.familyrealestate.net/steven_weinman.htm.
Park 52 Property Management, 473-5200 5210 S Puget Sound Ave, Tacoma
www.park52.com.
Parkwood Property Management, 6219 Mt.TacomaDriveSW Tacoma,588-2266,
www.parkwoodrentals.com.
Kalles Properties, Inc., 2702 E. Main #A Puyallup, 848-9393
www.kallesproperties.com.
Coldwell Banker Hawkins-Poe, P. O. Box 64550 Tacoma, 274-9190, www.cbhrentals.com.
Northwest Properties Agency, 9527 Bridgeport Way SW Lakewood, 584-3633 http://www.nwp2.com.
Willow Properties, Inc., 6514 Steilacoom Blvd. SW Lakewood, 581-5199
www.willowproperties.com.
Compass Property Management, 6314 So. 19th Street - Suite 3, Tacoma, 566-8388, www.cpmwa.com. (Second location in Gig Harbor).
Double Z Inc. Property Management, 14401 Pacific Ave. S. Tacoma, 531-9431 www.doublez.net
NWHomes4You, LLC, 103 W. Meeker, PO Box 116, Puyallup, 770-5280, www.nwhomes4you.com
Evergreen Residential (Property) Management, Inc., 2601 70th Avenue West, Suite B., University Place, 589-2413, www.evergreenresidential.com
MGM Property Management, LLC, 5775 Soundview Dr, Ste 102 A, Gig Harbor, 851-8189,
www.mgmnw.com
Prudential Contact Corp., 507 31st Avenue SW Puyallup, 604-0492 http://www.contactrentals.com
Windermere Real Estate, (253) 671-8900, 6221 Tacoma Mall Blvd, Tacoma. Visit the Web site at www.windermere.com, to get a list of office locations.
Other sites to check out:
Comments for "Rental Agencies" (2)
Northwest Military is not responsible for the content of these comments. Northwest Military reserves the right to remove comments at their discretion.
Jason Bartley said on Sep. 24, 2010 at 3:18pm
MILITARY FAMILIES STAY AWAY FROM PARKWOOD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT! I had the worse experience with this company and I hate to know that another military family would make the same mistake I did. I rented from the company after returning home from a deployment and it was a NIGHTMARE! They did not help me with problems I had with the property and they had the worst customer service. They made me felt like I was always burdening them. I was even asked one time what I suggested they do to a problem I sent them. It was their job choice, not mine, they are called PROPERTY MANAGEMENT! They are rude and are NOT MILITARY FRIENDLY! Please do not make the same mistake I did in using this company. I have also heard the same opinions and troubles about this company from other military service men. PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM PARKWOOD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT MILITARY SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES!!!!!!
Vicki McLellan said on May. 30, 2011 at 8:12pm
I agree, finding a place to live can be a stressful and tedious process when you PCS to a new duty station. I am a relocation specialist and truly enjoy helping military personnel find a new home. The rental market around JBLM can move at a very quick pace, so it helps to have someone in your corner early on in the process. I am happy to help with rental and purchasing needs, if you would like to give me a call or visit me on the web.
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